As the international break begins, stay up to date on the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Chelsea and Tottenham.
Chelsea and Tottenham enter the international break after disappointing results, with the Blues drawing with Crystal Palace in the Premier League and Spurs losing to Newcastle United.
Both will be seeking for improvement when they return, but there is still plenty of time for the season to unfold, and Ange Postecoglou and Enzo Maresca will be working hard with the non-international players during the break. In the interim, we’ve compiled all of the latest news and transfer rumors about both clubs.
Chelsea received a windfall.
Chelsea has received a transfer windfall with the sale of Angelo Gabriel, who never made a first-team appearance for the Blues. Chelsea paid about £13 million for the winger in 2023, and he has since been sold to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr for £19.1 million.
The club issued the following statement: “We wish Angelo the very best as he begins the next chapter in his career and thank him for his efforts during his time with Chelsea.” The sale will assist Chelsea in their efforts to balance the books in accordance with Profit and Sustainability standards.
Laporta discusses Felix.
Barcelona was connected with re-signing Joao Felix this summer before Chelsea agreed to a deal, and Barca club president Joan Laporta has now reacted to inquiries about why the deal was not completed.
According to Football Espana, he said, “We are satisfied with what we have.” Dani Olmo was the sporting priority, and it was met. We are very pleased with Dani Olmo. La Masia serves as the foundation of our project, as demonstrated by Flick’s inclusion of grassroots players in the first squad. We are excited, but we do not want excessive euphoria to set in. You will allow me not to discuss players who are not ours. I will not comment on topics involving athletes that we do
Gomes ‘eyed’
Tottenham are apparently preparing a move for former Manchester United midfielder Joao Gomes for next summer. According to HITC, Tottenham are interested in the Lille star, who recently received his first England senior call-up. As things stand, the 24-year-old is out of contract next summer and will be available for pre-contract signings by clubs outside of France beginning January 1. “Angel is probably different to what we would have seen in the past (which) would have been a central midfielder that is more robust,” England manager Lee Carsley said after calling up Gomes. “Angel is extremely technical and controls the game with his talent and technique. Very determined, with a good attitude. Technically and strategically outstanding, I believe he is a player.
Tottenham forward undergoes Manchester United medical ahead of transfer.
Celin Bizet has reportedly undergone a medical at Manchester United
The 22-year-old joined Spurs ahead of the 2023/2024 season.
It’s understood that the Red Devils activated her release clause.
Manchester United have activated Tottenham forward Celin Bizet’s release clause, as she prepares to move north before the summer transfer window shuts.
The 22-year-old was important for Spurs last season, helping them make history by reaching the FA Cup final against the Red Devils in May.
According to BBC Sport, both parties hope to agree before United travels to Marbella for a pre-season training camp next week. It’s understood Bizet has already had a medical at United, after the club paid out approximately
Bizet moved from Paris Saint-Germain to the Lilywhites ahead of the 2023/24 season. She began her childhood career at hometown club Skedsmo before making her professional debut in Norway’s third division at the age of 14.
Bizet went on to represent Norway at every youth level, scoring her senior debut goal against Armenia in Yerevan when she was 19 years old.
Tottenham made significant progress last season under head coach Robert Vilahamn and will undoubtedly feel the absence of Bizet. However, the arrival of Australia international Hayley Raso over the weekend may have lessened the blow.
Bizet is young and has a promising career ahead of her, which would have drawn her to United in the first place. Despite being embroiled in scandal this summer, the club has revealed a number of promising new signings, including Simi Awujo, Dominique Janssen, Melvine Malard, Anna Sandberg, and Elisabeth Terland.
Manager Marc Skinner will be hopeful that United’s new signings can help them improve on last season’s poor league performance, which saw the club finish fifth.
Tottenham get a huge boost ahead of their crucial game against Arsenal.
Tottenham have got a significant boost ahead of the highly anticipated North London derby, with recent reports claiming that important defender Micky van de Ven will be available for the crucial match against Arsenal
According to BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella, Van de Ven has avoided significant injury and is confident that he will be available for the derby.
The 23-year-old centre-back, who has become an important component of Tottenham’s defense since his arrival last summer, missed Tottenham’s recent 2-1 loss to Newcastle United, but his likely return is a huge relief for the team.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has downplayed concerns about Van de Ven’s condition, saying the injury is “nothing serious.”
Van de Ven has swiftly established himself as a key member of Tottenham’s defence, demonstrating his outstanding defensive abilities while also scoring three Premier League goals last season.
His consistency was critical to Tottenham’s success, as he started 27 of the 28 league matches for which he was available, earning him the Tottenham Player of the Season title from the Official Supporters’ Club.
As Spurs prepare to play their arch-rivals Arsenal, Van de Ven’s comeback might be critical in strengthening their defense and increasing their chances of a positive outcome in the derby.
‘Got to do better’: Roy Keane severely upset with £40 million Tottenham player in 2-1 Newcastle defeat.
Despite some solid play against Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Ange Postecoglou were eventually unsuccessful on Tyneside
Tottenham dominated possession and created much more chances than their opponents, but they may have missed Dominic Solanke in the box, who was absent due to injury.
The same could be said for Micky van de Ven at the opposite end of the pitch; with the Dutchman’s extra eagerness and quality, Spurs would not have been as clumsy in defence.
Nonetheless, Spurs were disappointed, much like their opening weekend tie at Leicester City, and the approaching north London derby is much more important.
Tottenham will aim to have both Solanke and Van de Ven recovered before then, for a game in which Arsenal will be without Declan Rice due to suspension.
James Maddison failed to make up for the faults of his Tottenham teammates.
During Sky Sports’ half-time broadcast of Spurs’ defeat, Roy Keane criticized James Maddison’s part in Newcastle’s opening goal, scored by Harvey Barnes.
The analyst was mostly unhappy with Tottenham’s center-backs, but he also felt that the £40 million midfielder didn’t do enough to halt Lloyd Kelly’s cross from the left.
Keane said: “The game had really low quality, but the finish is wonderful, with a lovely first touch.
“But the Spurs players, it’s just their body language; they simply switch off for the throw, and you can see they’re taking a breather at the wrong time.
“They bring some bodies back, but they’re all in the same line, and I’m always wondering where your two centre-halves are when the ball comes into the middle of your box.
“Maddison needs to improve, but it’s the two centre-backs; you see a couple of Spurs players throwing their arms in the air – forget about it, fellas; someone get out there.
“They just switch off for a split second.”
Cristian Romero suffers without Micky van de Ven at Tottenham.
Since Postecoglou arrived in north London little over a year ago, the Tottenham boss has been credited with enhancing Cristian Romero’s performance.
While he merits the plaudits, it is also worth noting how frequently Van de Ven compliments his Argentinian partner.
Romero is now able to step out of defence with adequate cover, demonstrating an underappreciated aspect of his game.
On Sunday, however, Romero’s decision to leave Tottenham exposed for Newcastle’s opening goal felt ill-advised.
Watch: What a goal! Alejo Veliz, a Tottenham loanee, scores a thrilling stoppage-time victory for Espanyol.
Alejo Veliz, a Tottenham loanee, scored a thrilling stoppage-time winner to win the game for Espanyol earlier today
Rayo Vallecano took the lead inside 5 minutes, but Espanyol answered nearly immediately with a goal from Carlos Romero.
The game stayed tied until the 96th minute, when Alejo Veliz scored for Espanyol.
Controlling the ball with his back to the goal, he turned and hit an unstoppable shot into the back of the net to win it for his team.
Philippe Clement believes that the Rangers have ‘quality to challenge’ Celtic.
Clement strengthened his squad with deadline-day additions Nedim Bajrami and Neraysho Kasanwirjo
Rangers manager Philippe Clement believes his “young and exciting” group can compete with Celtic’s established side on Sunday, while acknowledging that his “massive rebuild” will take longer than a single transfer window.
Clement strengthened his squad with deadline-day additions Nedim Bajrami and Neraysho Kasanwirjo, claiming that the narrative surrounding his team had been unduly negative.
The Belgian believes many underestimated the club’s task this summer, with six players going for free at the end of their contracts, following the departures of Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent the year before.
“It’s been really busy months and weeks,” he told me. “I mentioned it at the end of last season: it was the end of a cycle at the club. I don’t think everyone understood exactly what I was talking about.
“The squad included many players over the age of 30 who were no longer progressing, as well as players nearing the end of their contracts who were about to leave.
“We have 16 players from last season’s roster who are no longer with us, and those who are not practicing with the squad may potentially leave the club. So that’s a lot; it’s definitely the end of a cycle, and we also have
Clement discussed a four-layered approach to rebuilding: signing experienced players like Vaclav Cerny, Robin Propper, and Bajrami; “high-potential” young players like Connor Barron and Jefte who can make an immediate impact; “young potentials” who will benefit the club in the long run; and giving academy players more opportunities.
He went on to say, “Of course, the more money that comes into a club, the more you can spend.” So it hasn’t been much because of the legacy and contracts of the past.
“So we had to work that way, and we knew. And it is critical to utilize the word ‘we’. That means the board, me, and recruitment. We understood it would take time and was unlikely to be completed in a single transfer window, despite everyone’s best efforts.
“A lot has already been done, but it is not just short-term; it is long-term. If we went short-term, it would have cost more money, which was not feasible. And we must build value for the future.
“I believe everyone together found young, exciting talent and it’s about now working hard to develop them while keeping an experienced core that can guide them on and off the pitch.”
Clement believes a 6-0 victory over Ross County at temporary home Hampden Park last weekend shows that many have been overly gloomy about their chances.
“I think because of a lot of situations there’s been a negative perception around the club, the stadium, elimination from the Champions League,” according to him.
“People tend to forget what is going well. Last week, we won 6-0, although it could have been more. So it isn’t all horrible.
“This is an exciting project with an exciting team right now. It’s not the finished item, and I know we’ll be playing against a team with a lot of experience who’ve been playing together for a long time.
“We are a young, energetic team looking to challenge that right now. But I believe we can contest it and go all in for the three points.”
Albania midfielder Bajrami will not be completely registered in time to face Celtic, and versatile on-loan Feyenoord defender Kasanwirjo is unlikely to play after just one training session. However, except Ridvan Yilmaz, Clement has a fully fit team.
Leave a Reply