All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United have received an approach for a "hugely important" player, with the Magpies under threat of losing both him and Kieran Trippier.

Kieran Trippier could leave Newcastle

Eddie Howe is badly in need of some positivity at the moment, but he seems to be consistently handling negative aspects of management, whether it be injuries to endless players or results in the Premier League not improving.

Now, the Newcastle boss has been rocked by the news that Trippier could potentially leave the club during the January transfer window, with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich expressing a strong interest in signing him. The 33-year-old is believed to be keen on the move, according to some reports, but the Magpies are digging their heels in, not wanting to sell one of their most important players by turning down an initial bid.

It looks as though financial reasons could be behind the possible decision to have to eventually sell the Englishman, ensuring that the club adheres to Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. Either way, it is a transfer situation that has come from nowhere, and while Trippier's form recently has been a long way from its best, few supporters, if any, would be happy to see him depart any time soon.

The right-back may not be the only key figure under threat of bringing an end to his time at St James' Park this month, however, with another worrying update now emerging regarding another popular hero.

Newcastle could also sell Callum Wilson

Approach to reliable journalist Craig Hope on X, Newcastle have rejected an approach for Callum Wilson from Atletico Madrid, but a sale is far from ruled out.

"Newcastle REJECT loan offer for Callum Wilson from Atletico Madrid. But striker could be sold if Spanish club (or another) return with permanent offer. Wilson likely to be open to talks if deal accepted."

The report itself in The Daily Mail goes on to state that "in a move similar to Bayern Munich’s approach for Kieran Trippier, European clubs are seeking to take advantage of Newcastle’s financial fair play predicament."

This is a concerning period for Newcastle, whose season has already been a disappointment, but is now threatening to turn into disarray with the potential loss of numerous individuals who have played a massive role in the club getting to where they are currently.

At 31, Wilson admittedly doesn't represent the long-term future for the Magpies – his injury-prone nature is frustrating, too – but Howe values him greatly as a player, once saying:

"He’s a hugely important part of our team, a focal point. We rely not just on his goals but his movement, his work rate. His appearance in the team gave us confidence."

Reliable reporter says Newcastle are eyeing "outstanding" player

Talks have been held over a move to St James’ Park.

ByHenry Jackson Jan 20, 2024

Hopefully, Newcastle hold firm and Wilson decides that staying put is the best option for him, but given Newcastle's financial situation, it may end up being a piece of business that begrudgingly gets over the line.

Manchester United are in the market for deals this window and have now been told how much they will need to pay in order to acquire a key target, according to a report.

Who are Man United's transfer targets?

Despite the excitement surrounding the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and company at Old Trafford, there is a yearning among supporters for new players to be announced at Manchester United to help combat their mixed fortunes in the Premier League.

Erik ten Hag will be eager to ensure capable reinforcements pitch up in the North West and a striking addition is reportedly on his transfer wishlist. Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Red Devils have held tentative conversations regarding Bayern Munich's Eric Choupo-Moting, Stuttgart forward Serhou Guirassy and Borussia Dortmund attacker Donyell Malen.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Romano told the outlet: "To be honest, Manchester United never had the concrete negotiation with RB Leipzig. United had a discussion with Timo Werner's agent just to understand the conditions of the deal. How was the situation around Timo Werner for the January window, but Manchester United.

"United never decided to proceed for the proper negotiation for the transfer of Timo Werner. So they had the same kind of discussion for example with the agents of Choupo-Moting, with the agents of Donyell Malen, with the agents of Serhou Guirassy. All players that could be available on the January transfer market with different conditions."

Queens Park goalkeeper Callan McKenna is believed to be in advanced talks over a move to Old Trafford; nevertheless, he is likely to be one for the future and will take a few years to develop into a senior player. Now, fresh reports suggest that United have been told the price tag of a key target who they have already seen their advances rejected for this month.

Manchester United bid for Morten Hjulmand

According to The Sun, Manchester United offered Facundo Pellistri in exchange for Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand; however, their bid has been knocked back by the Portuguese giants, who have since laid down the law regarding the Denmark international.

Morten Hjulmand key statistics in 2023/24 – Liga Portugal (Sofascore)

Big chances created

2

Tackles per game

2.1

Balls recovered per game

5.7

Clearances per game

1.0

Accurate passes per game

42.8 (87%)

Average match rating

7.06/10

Ruben Amorim's men would require the Red Devils to trigger the 24-year-old's release clause before sanctioning a deal, which is believed to sit at the £69 million mark. United have scouted him in both domestic and European action this term; meanwhile, Christian Eriksen is close friends with the Kastrup-born man and acts as his mentor on international duty.

Hjulmand, who has been praised for his tenacious qualities by Italian journalists, had made 23 appearances in all competitions this campaign, registering one goal and two assists (Hjulmand statistics – Transfermarkt).

The Red Devils have managed to unearth starlet Kobbie Mainoo as a first-team regular and slotting Hjulmand in beside him and Bruno Fernandes could provide Ten Hag with a nicely balanced engine room for years to come.

Arsenal suffered a third consecutive defeat on Sunday as they crashed out of the FA Cup at the third-round stage at the hands of Premier League rivals Liverpool. The Gunners have scored just one goal in that sequence of losses and failed to find the net against the Reds despite firing off 18 shots and creating four big chances (SofaScore). An own goal from Jakub Kiwior and a strike from Luis Diaz punished them at the other end late on.

Arsenal are fourth in the Premier League table but only three teams in the top half – West Ham (33), Manchester United (22) and Chelsea (34) – have scored fewer goals than their 37. They're currently averaging 1.85 goals per game, putting them on course for around 70 at the end of the season, a reduction of 18 from last year.

Even though we've now passed the halfway point of the campaign, no Arsenal player has reached double figures in all competitions, with Bukayo Saka leading the way on nine, and primary centre-forward Gabriel Jesus level with Martin Odegaard on seven (BBC Sport). It's no surprise, then, that Mikel Arteta is considering entering the market for a new striker, with Ivan Toney emerging as a possible target.

Toney the no. 1 option for Arsenal

Writing immediately after Arsenal's elimination from the FA Cup, ESPN's James Olley reported that the Gunners are under "increasing pressure" to bring in a new number nine this month. Toney is Arteta's top target, but the price tag is presenting a problem.

Brentford are reluctant to sell Toney midway through the season and have thus placed an £80m valuation on his head in the hope of warding off interest. As such, it looks unlikely that Arsenal will be landing their primary candidate this month, with such an outlay impossible while abiding by Financial Fair Play regulations.

Toney gamble not worthwhile

This may not be the worst news for Arsenal, because a move for Toney could be slightly problematic. Yes, he was prolific last season – only Erling Haaland (36) and Harry Kane (30) scored more goals in the Premier League – but signing him would be a gamble.

He's due to return for an eight-month ban for breaching gambling rules when Brentford take on Nottingham Forest later this month (Sky Sports), and Arsenal simply don't know what kind of shape he'll be in. For the kind of money being talked about, the Gunners would expect an immediate impact, and Toney may not be able to provide that in the midst of a title race.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Last year, we saw Arsenal priced out of two targets in January, with Brighton rejecting multiple bids for Moises Caicedo, the last of which was worth £70m (Football London), and Chelsea tabling a better £86m offer for Shakhtar's Mykhailo Mudryk (The Athletic).

Arsenal responded by signing Jorginho from their London rivals and Leandro Trossard from the Seagulls for a fraction of the price – a combined £30.5m (Transfermarkt). Perhaps this year we'll see a repeat, where Arteta moves away from the prohibitively expensive Toney to an alternative who offers much better value for money both in the short and long-term.

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has stated that Victor Orta spoke with Raphinha after what appeared to be his final home appearance for the Whites last weekend.   

The Lowdown: Taking it in

Raphinha played the entirety of the 1-1 draw with Brighton on Sunday, with Pascal Struijk’s late header lifting Leeds out of the bottom three.

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The Brazilian, who has now reportedly agreed on personal terms with Barcelona and wants to leave Leeds, came back out to an empty Elland Road shortly after the full-time whistle and sat up against the south stand goal.

He was comforted by Kalvin Phillips, who has also been linked with a summer exit. The holding midfielder picked up a fan’s homemade sign that said ‘Raphinha, make me smile’, with the pair both heading back down the tunnel shortly after, with some believing for the final time.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay shared a story on The Athletic regarding Raphinha on Wednesday after what appeared to be a final home appearance.

The reliable reporter revealed that Orta spoke with the winger, described as a ‘storm’ by Illan Meslier, after he made his way from the pitch.

The Verdict: Exit inevitable

A new contract for Raphinha looked to be on the cards at the beginning of the year, however, it now seems as if a summer exit is inevitable, regardless of what division Leeds find themselves in next season.

The Whites will be desperate to remain in the Premier League, which will also give them a financial boost when it comes to the 25-year-old.

Stay up and Orta and co can be in control of discussions with Barcelona over a fee, however, go down, and Raphinha will have a €25m relegation release clause become active.

In other news: Radz and Orta have had enough of Leeds ‘liability’; now set to be released from Elland Road. 

Club insider ExWHUemployee has now shared some exciting transfer news out of West Ham United involving long-time target and Manchester United playmaker Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: On the radar…

Irons manager David Moyes has been interested in signing the England international on a permanent deal ever since his phenomenal 2020/21 loan spell.

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Lingard shone in east London over the second half of last season, recording nine goals and four assists in just 16 Premier League starts.

The 29-year-old just missed out on a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad despite his fine form under Moyes, but a lack of opportunities at Old Trafford since then has seemingly motivated Lingard to leave as a free agent.

The Latest: Ex shares exciting update…

Speaking in a Q&A on The West Ham Way website, insider Ex has now confirmed that Moyes and GSB ‘will make an offer’ for the out-of-contract Lingard this summer.

He added that West Ham are ‘definitely’ keen on bringing the 29-year-old back to the capital, explaining:

“David Moyes is a huge admirer of Jesse as we all know. He did so well on loan for us and loved his time at West Ham.

“Yes we are definitely keen to bring him back, and I believe we will be making an offer. Lingard though will have many on the table, with a few Italian clubs in for him too.

It’s my understanding that Jesse will weigh up the offers this summer and make a move, and lets remember this is his last part of his career. The door is certainly not closed on us signing Lingard.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

News of the Hammers’ unwavering interest in bringing Lingard back and their intention to make an offer should come as music to the ears of the club’s supporters.

Lauded as a potentially ‘huge’ and ‘massive’ signing by pundit Paul Robinson, the attacker’s sensational spell at West Ham last year is an indicator that he could be a serious snip on a Bosman deal.

West Ham could have an advantage over other teams in the race to sign Lingard given his great relationship with Moyes and the fact that he already knows the club quite well.

We certainly won’t rule out a move this summer, and this Ex update comes as an extremely promising one.

In other news: Report: Moyes now very likely to make big bid for ‘world class’ player after claim he likes West Ham! Find out more here.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher described one Reds player as “really poor” alongside Milos Kerkez during the 1-0 victory away to Burnley.

Liverpool leave it late to stun Burnley

Yet again, the Reds left it late to win a Premier League game on Sunday, with Mohamed Salah’s last-gasp penalty sealing a priceless win at Turf Moor.

Liverpool are yet to get going this season, in terms of performance level, but their ability to go until the very end of matches is proving to be a priceless asset to have, ensuring they top the table with maximum points.

One player who struggled at Burnley was Kerkez, who was booked for a shocking dive and then substituted in place of Andy Robertson before half-time, with Arne Slot admitting he couldn’t trust the Hungarian to avoid getting a second yellow card.

Speaking on commentary for Sky Sports, Carragher made it clear what he thought of Kerkez’s awful attempts to win a penalty, lambasting the left-back.

“I mean it was a dive, no doubt about that. I don’t think anybody in the stadium thought it wasn’t, it was so theatrical. I mean it was absolutely stupid, that. I don’t think there’s any contact there really, and he’s in a good position! I think he can hook his foot around that and get a cross in. As soon as I seen him make that run I thought he’s gonna be in a really good position on the byline.”

Carragher slams "really poor" Liverpool legend

Kerkez wasn’t the only player who felt the wrath of Carragher in the commentary box, however, with Salah also criticised for his current form, despite his match-winning penalty.

“He’s been really poor again. He just hasn’t really hit those heights of last season so far this season. It was always going to be difficult. But he doesn’t look at the races right now.”

In fairness to Carragher, he does have a valid point with Salah, even though the manner in which he buried the spot-kick was emphatic, outlining the strength of mind he possesses in big moments.

The Liverpool superstar has actually made a very disappointing start to the season, in terms of his all-round involvement in matches, and his general decision-making.

Granted, Salah is adjusting to a new system with Florian Wirtz in it, getting used to new teammates such as the German, Kerkez and Hugo Ekitiké, but the Reds need their iconic attacker to up his level in the coming weeks.

Big-money Liverpool star is now in danger of becoming Slot's new Nunez

Arne Slot will already be concerned that this expensive Liverpool attacker is turning into his next Darwin Nunez.

2 ByKelan Sarson Sep 15, 2025

At 33, it is only natural that some may begin to start writing Salah off, with his pace not what it was, but it is more likely that he is simply out of form. It should also never be forgotten that the passing of Diogo Jota could be affecting him, too, with all of Liverpool’s players still in the grieving process.

Chelsea fans have been put through the wringer again this season.

Mauricio Pochettino's side continue to bounce between impressive victories and embarrassing defeats despite the massive sum of money spent in the summer.

However, while much of the squad has failed to step up this year, Cole Palmer has shone.

The 21-year-old has been the club's best performer by a country mile this campaign, although he's being outscored by a former Blues player who just broke a goalscoring record.

Cole Palmer's performances this season

The Pensioners paid around £42.5m to Manchester City last summer for Palmer's services, and while there was an element of risk in paying that much for a somewhat inexperienced youngster, it has to go down as one of the club's best transfers in a very long time.

In just 33 games for the Blues, the Wythenshawe-born ace has already scored 13 goals and provided 11 assists, meaning that he's already averaging a goal involvement every 1.37 games as a new signing in a relatively dysfunctional Premier League team.

Appearances

33

Goals

13

Assists

11

Goals per Match

0.72

All Stats via Transfermarkt

They haven't just been the third goal in a 4-0 hammering or a consolation goal in a defeat; the 6 foot 2 sensation has been putting away important chances.

For example, he scored the first goal in the club's 2-2 draw with Arsenal, the equaliser against Tottenham Hotspur, and the goal that restored the team's lead over Newcastle United.

In all, Palmer has become one of, if not the most important player at Chelsea this season, although his goal tally still falls behind that of a former Blues flop who was released in the summer.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's performances this season

Yes, former Arsenal captain, Borussia Dortmund star and Blues flop Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has outscored Chelsea's new fan favourite this season, and by quite some way at that.

The Gabon international joined the west Londoners in the summer of 2022, but to say his stay at Stamford Bridge was underwhelming would be an understatement.

Appearances

21

Goals

3

Assists

1

Goals per Match

0.19

In all, the former Gooner scored just three goals and provided a solitary assist in 21 appearances in west London, was roundly booed at the club he used to captain and, perhaps most embarrassing of all, was cut from the Pensioners' Champions League squad.

So, the fans weren't particularly bothered when he joined Marseille on a free in July. However, perhaps if they had known just how deadly he was going to be on the French Riviera, they would've been.

In his 37 games for Les Phoceens, the 34-year-old has scored a staggering 23 goals and provided eight assists, meaning that he's currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.19 games for the French giants.

Moreover, the Laval-born goal machine was in the news again recently for scoring his 31st Europa League goal and breaking the record held by Radamel Falcao – he has since added two more.

Ultimately, it's easy to understand why Chelsea opted to part ways with Aubameyang last summer.

Yet, given his dramatic resurgence in France this year, it would have been interesting to see if Pochettino could've coaxed something out of him in England. You do wonder whether there is some regret at how everything worked out.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

Deadline Day is set to be busy for Nottingham Forest.

Giovanni Reyna joined the club last night on loan, but Nuno Espirito Santo has his eye on another transfer.

The boss will hope that the new faces will boost their chances of survival.

Forest's search for a goalkeeper

Last night, Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail announced on X that Forest are set to re-open talks with Sam Johnstone.

Any move for the keeper will be in the region of £15m.

The £40k-per-week star is said to be keen on the move, as he targets a spot in the England squad for the Euros.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024 Johnson would be an upgrade on Matt Turner

The goalkeeper spot for Forest has arguably been their weakest position across the entire squad this season, with neither Matt Turner nor Odysseas Vlachodimos impressing the Tricky Trees faithful.

The USMNT shot-stopper has been the first-choice this season, starting 17 of a possible 22 Premier League games this season. He started the campaign as the number one, but was benched for five consecutive games in November.

The potential signing of Johnstone would be a huge upgrade on the former Arsenal keeper, with Gary Lineker labelling the England star as "sensational." The 30-year-old has started 16 games this season, but he has found himself on the bench since returning from injury.

Over those matches, Johnstone has kept five clean sheets, whereas Turner has only kept two, and the duo have both prevented around 5.40 goals overall this season.

The table below shows Johnstone's clean sheet record over his last five seasons, which proves he is a keeper that can be relied upon behind any defence, whether it be at Palace or West Brom.

PL 2023/24

16

5

PL 2022/23

9

3

Champ 2021/22

36

15

PL 2020/21

37

6

Champ 19/20

46

14

Johnstone is also an experienced player who could provide an important calmness to the backline, especially as Forest will inevitably be in the middle of a relegation scrap until the end of the season.

Furthermore, the frustrating side of Turner's game is his frequent case of giving the ball away cheaply, with his passing being found when the opponent presses. The 29-year-old has made three errors leading to goals this season, but on the other hand, the Palace keeper hasn't even made one, which not only provides much more security but also gives the side confidence in using the keeper as a safety outlet.

Overall, the fact that Nuno Santo is looking to secure a deal for a goalkeeper suggests that he doesn't have full confidence in his keeper's ability to perform at the desired level and standard. A move for Johnstone could be a very smart decision, and although he probably isn't as cheap as the club would want, he would definitely be an upgrade on Turner.

Having agreed a deal to sign Sassuolo’s Armand Lauriente, Sunderland are now reportedly preparing a fresh offer to sign another Serie A star for Regis Le Bris this summer.

Sunderland closing in on Lauriente

To say that Sunderland have made a survival statement this summer would be an understatement. The Black Cats have welcomed as many as six fresh faces and there seems to be more on the way.

According to Fabrizio Romano, next on their list is Lauriente. Those at the Stadium of Light have reportedly agreed a deal worth as much as €20m (£17m) to sign the French winger, who looks set to join the likes of Habib Diarra and Simon Adingra on Sunderland’s list of incomings.

It’s been quite the overhaul for Le Bris’ side as they prepare to become the first side in six promoted teams to survive in their first season back in the top tier.

Lauriente should play an important part in achieving that too. The 26-year-old winger enjoyed an excellent campaign last time out as Sassuolo earned promotion from Serie B. And whilst stepping up to the Premier League will be no easy task, last season’s 19 goals and six assists in all competitions suggest that he’s more than ready for the move.

Sunderland now submit formal bid for £17m "technician" who scores "worldies"

It is a big development at the Stadium of Light.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 18, 2025

Despite already spending as much as €115m (£100m) with €20m (£17m) to come on Lauriente, Sunderland’s spending looks unlikely to end there. Reports are now indicating that the Black Cats are already preparing a fresh offer to sign a third Serie A star ahead of next season.

Sunderland now preparing fresh Lucumi offer

As reported by Corriere di Bologna and relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland are now preparing a fresh €20m (£17m) offer to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer. The newly-promoted side have already seen one offer turned down, but are seemingly set to edge closer to Bologna’s €25m (£22m) valuation in hope of advancing their move.

Minutes

3,934

2,614

Progressive Passes

229

108

Tackles Won

31

30

Ball Recoveries

155

176

Last season’s numbers indicate that Lucumi would push the versatile Luke O’Nien all the way for a starting place in Le Bris’ side, with his experience in Italy’s top flight likely to eventually pay dividends.

Described as “composed” and “ridiculously impressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Lucumi would join a growing list of excellent arrivals at the Stadium of Light if he swapped Bologna for Sunderland in the coming weeks. The club may also have a smooth path to negotiations on the personal side of things, given they already have dealings with the player’s agency through their representation of Dennis Cirkin.

With the Premier League campaign set to get underway in around one month’s time, Sunderland have until then to ensure that Le Bris’ side is perfectly suited to end the trend of promoted sides suffering instant failure. And Lucumi should be among their final priorities as a result.

It has been a strong season for Enzo Fernandez in a Chelsea shirt. The Argentina international, who joined the club in 2023, has largely been a key player under his namesake, Enzo Maresca, this term, despite a period where he was not first choice in midfield at the start of the campaign.

In all competitions, he’s made 44 appearances, scoring seven goals and registering 13 assists. Of those goal involvements, 13 have come in 35 Premier League appearances. He has also been the Blues’ captain this term, leading them in 29 appearances in total.

These impressive performances have clearly been eye-catching, with Fernandez now linked with a shock move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.

The latest on Enzo Fernandez’s future

It will be an interesting couple of weeks for Fernandez, who is reportedly a key target for one of Europe’s biggest clubs Real Madrid.

The former Benfica star was first linked to Los Blancos back in March by TeamTalk, who said they ‘are considering a move’ for him. Fernandez was reportedly ‘very interested in a move to Madrid if the opportunity presents itself’ this summer.

In recent days, there has been more positive news for fans of the West London club to hear. Highly reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano said that Todd Boehly and co are desperate to keep the World Cup winner, after interest from the Santiago Bernabeu.

In a news article from one Spanish outlet, it seems that a potential price tag for Fernandez this summer has been revealed. It is an eye-watering amount that the Blues would ask for, specifically £102m, if Madrid want a deal to get over the line.

Although Romano suggests Chelsea do not want to lose their vice-captain, there could be a ready-made replacement in the pipeline and ready to step if he does depart.

Chelsea’s in-house Fernandez replacement

It is not often midfielders are described as a “complete” midfielder at just 21 years of age, but that is exactly what football analyst Ben Mattinson said about Andrey Santos.

The Brazilian – who signed for a fee in the region of £18m in January 2023 – is still on Chelsea’s books, but is currently on loan at French side Strasbourg.

What a season it has been for the former Vasco da Gama midfielder, who was born in Rio de Janeiro. He has featured in 34 games across all competitions from the middle of the park, scoring 11 times and registering five assists.

In Ligue 1 for a Strasbourg side who impressed throughout the campaign, he managed to hit double-figure goals, one of only two players from his club to do so. The tenth was a special strike in the final game of the season, in a 2-2 draw with Le Havre.

Between Fernandez and Santos, Chelsea have two players of very similar profiles. Just look at the position they have played this season. Fernandez has played as a number eight for the most part, playing 28 times in that role, also playing 11 times as a number six. As for the Strasbourg star, he has played 24 times as an eight and ten as a six.

In fact, when looking at their stats from this season, their profiles seem to align well. They are all-action midfielders who can pop up with a regular goal, create chances and also put in some impressive shifts without the ball.

There are numbers on FBref that reinforce the fact they are so similar, with Santos arguably better. For example, he averages 0.32 goals and 5.93 ball recoveries per 90 minutes compared to 0.19 goals and 4.83 ball recoveries each game for Fernandez.

Goals

0.32

0.19

Passes into final third

4.45

5.24

Progressive carries

0.91

1.86

Tackles and interceptions

4.48

2.46

Ball recoveries

5.93

4.83

Described as a “monster” in that midfield by Mattinson, it certainly seems like Santos could hold his own in the Chelsea side and replace Fernandez, should the need arise. He beats him in several key stats and has more combined goals and assists this season.

If Boehly and co do lose Fernandez, Chelsea fans must surely feel in safe hands, with Santos ready to step in at any given moment and help fill the void of such an important player in their side.

Could be another Sterling: Chelsea lead Arsenal in race for "superstar"

Chelsea are looking to add depth to their side this summer

ByJoe Nuttall May 22, 2025