Neymar has suffered another setback in his battle for fitness, with Santos president Marcelo Teixeira confirming the Brazil icon will be sidelined until November. The 33-year-old’s recurring injury problems continue to cast doubt over his club’s survival fight and his hopes of leading the Selecao at the 2026 World Cup.
Fresh setback for Neymar at Santos
Santos confirmed earlier that Neymar’s thigh injury will keep him out until November, ruling him out of upcoming fixtures in both league play and international duty. President Marcelo Teixeira explained that the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona forward is targeting a return for the final stretch of the season, as Santos fight to avoid relegation.
AdvertisementGettySantos fighting for survival without Neymar
The Sao Paulo giants are just five points clear of the drop zone after a 2-2 draw with Bragantino, and Neymar’s continued absence leaves them without their talisman in a crucial run of games. The 33-year-old has already missed large chunks of the season and, despite six goals in 21 appearances, his impact has been limited by recurring setbacks.
gettyNeymar’s injury history raises World Cup concerns
This latest blow adds to a worrying trend. Neymar tore his ACL against Uruguay in October 2023 while playing for Brazil, an injury that derailed his short stint at Al-Hilal and sidelined him for a year. Since his return to Santos, he has struggled to string together consistent performances, forcing Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti to leave him out of the squad for recent qualifiers.
Ancelotti recently said of the Brazilian: "I want him to be really well to be able to play. He can participate in the World Cup if he is physically well. From a technical point of view, there is no discussion. His objective must be to be ready in June. It does not matter whether he is in the list in October, November or March."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images SportBrazil’s World Cup hopes hinge on Neymar’s recovery
The Brazilian’s rehabilitation program is set to continue for at least six more weeks, with hopes he can rejoin Santos in December for the final league fixtures. For Brazil, the question is whether he can recover in time to be fully fit for the 2026 World Cup cycle. At 33, with time running out, every setback raises fresh doubts about whether the Selecao’s No.10 will ever reach his old heights again.
Liverpool are set to have an intense end to the 2025 summer transfer window. The Reds have already had a busy few months, signing the likes of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong to strengthen Arne Slot’s title-winning side. Yet, there may still be incomings.
Alexander Isak remains the top target, of course, although long-standing interest remains in Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace captain continues to be linked with the Merseysiders, with a £35m deal reportedly what it would take to prise him away from Selhurst Park. The England international is out of contract at the end of the season.
If a deal for Guehi does not materialise for the Reds, they could pursue an alternative target at centre-back.
Liverpool considering Guehi alternative
It seems clear with ten days or so left in the transfer window that Liverpool are ready to spend again. If they do indeed sign a new centre-back, then Guehi seems to be the ideal choice for Slot. However, it is not a guarantee at this stage.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
If a deal for the Palace star does not come off, then the Reds could turn their attention to Brentford and Ireland international Nathan Collins. Caught Offside report that he is ‘one of the names’ on the list at Anfield this summer if they fail to land Guehi.
This will not be an easy deal to do. Firstly, having already lost Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Norgaard and potentially Yoane Wissa, Brentford are ‘eager not to lose more key players’ before the window slams shut.
On top of that, Liverpool will face competition from Manchester United, although Slot’s side are said to be in a ‘stronger position financially’, while Tottenham Hotspur are the frontrunners. A fee is not yet clear, but surely the Bees would want to make a profit on the £23m they spent on Collins in 2023.
Why Collins would be a good signing
There is no doubt that signing Collins would be a smart move for the Reds. He is a Premier League-proven defender who comes with a great reputation and is already up to speed with the pace of the English top flight.
Brentford'sNathanCollinsin action with Brighton & Hove Albion's Julio Enciso
The 24-year-old, who was named Brentford captain at the start of the season, has played 78 times for the Londoners so far. In that time, he’s played 90 minutes in all but six of those appearances.
The former Wolves star, who has also played for Burnley, is a goal threat in the penalty box, too. He’s bagged four goals for the club and assisted six, which included an impressive five assists last term in the Premier League.
This is certainly a deal that could see Liverpool sign their second coming of Virgil van Dijk. The legendary Dutchman also joined from a Premier League side, signing from Southampton back in 2017 for £75m.
The rest, as they say, is history. Now Liverpool skipper, Van Dijk has featured 321 times for the Reds, helping his side to lift two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Back in 2023, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp called him “the best defender in the world”.
There are certainly similarities between Van Dijk and Collins. Not only would they have both come from fellow Premier League clubs, but the Ireland star could be described as “dominant”, just as football talent scout Jacek Kulig did. You could certainly use the same word to describe Van Dijk after the years of success he’s enjoyed at the top.
Statistically, the pair are similar, too. For example, Collins averaged 3.34 progressive passes and 4.26 ball recoveries per 90 minutes last season. In comparison, Van Dijk chalked up 5.35 progressive passes and 3.11 ball recoveries each game.
Progressive passes
3.34
5.35
Clearances
5.95
5.14
Tackles and interceptions
1.95
2.54
Ball recoveries
4.26
3.11
Aerial duels won
3.08
3.22
Progressive carries
0.84
0.59
Although there is no definitive fee, a move for Collins could be extremely smart for the Reds. There are certainly shades of Van Dijk in the deal and in his game, with the dominance shown off the ball and the quality they have in possession. The pair are also towering figures at 6 foot 4 and 6 foot 5, respectively, while also captaining their current sides.
Liverpool fans would love for him to become the second coming of their club legend.
If they miss out on Guehi, signing Collins instead this summer might be the perfect move to help Slot’s Liverpool side continue their dominance.
He can usurp Gakpo: FSG ready late bid to sign £43m winger for Liverpool
Liverpool still hope to sign a left-sided forward before the end of the transfer window.
Jason Gillespie has resigned as head coach of the Pakistan Test side, according to the PCB. This was officially confirmed after a few days of lingering uncertainty, culminating in Gillespie refusing to board his flight to join the Pakistan Test team in South Africa. Gillespie’s scheduled flight to South Africa was at 6AM Adelaide time on Friday, but he informed the PCB he had no intention of boarding it, deciding instead to walk away as relations between the coach and the board hit an all-time low. Aaqib Javed will take over as Test coach on an interim basis for the series in South Africa; he is currently the interim coach of both white-ball sides.ESPNcricinfo had first reported that Gillespie’s days as head coach of Pakistan were done last month, and that Aaqib would take over across formats. At the time, the PCB responded by refuting that story, insisting Gillespie would be coach for the two Tests against South Africa, while pointedly declining to commit to stating that he would see out his contract. However, the relationship between the board and the coach only went from bad to worse, and Gillespie would not take charge of another Test for Pakistan again.As ESPNcricinfo first reported, Gillespie was left particularly angered after the PCB decided against renewing high-performance red-ball coach Tim Nielsen’s contract, and had been left considering his options. Gillespie was offended he wasn’t consulted, or even told, before that decision was taken, and is understood to have left a lack of respect on part of the PCB. Nielsen told ESPNcricinfo he was happy to continue, and fully available for Pakistan’s Test series in South Africa and at home against the West Indies next month, but he was informed his services would no longer be required.Related
Gillespie: I was 'completely and utterly blindsided' by the PCB
Ramiz on Kirsten's departure: 'Not going to be easy for Pakistan to hire international talent'
Aaqib Javed set to replace Gillespie as Pakistan head coach
Kirsten resigns as Pakistan's white-ball coach
This appears to have been the final straw for Gillespie. ESPNcricinfo understands he communicated his intention not to travel under present circumstances to the board. Whether the PCB have made contact with him to persuade him to travel is unclear; a source close to Gillespie said the PCB had made no contact with him over the past day.Either way, a relationship which has continually fractured over the past few months reached breaking point. Gillespie was hired by the PCB to great fanfare alongside Gary Kirsten in April, with chairman Mohsin Naqvi saying his “stellar track record” preceded him. But since October, the board has cooled on the Australian, initially removing him from the selection panel for the Test side. It left him believing he was merely a “matchday analyst” pointing out it wasn’t what he signed up for. He is believed to have had negligible input on the selection of the Test squad for the tour of South Africa, and was out of the loop for the decision not to extend Nielsen’s contract.There was limited communication between Gillespie and the board since the end of Pakistan’s white-ball series in Australia, where he coached the side on an interim basis after Kirsten quit. The PCB did initially ask Gillespie to take up that position until the Champions Trophy, but without an accompanying financial offer to reflect the increased scope of his role. It was another factor that led to relations between the board and the head coach being strained.Gillespie’s anger is understood to partly stem from what he felt was a great rapport Nielsen had developed with the players, a point he had made more than once in public. It is believed both Gillespie and Nielsen consider the fact that Nielsen is not based in Pakistan as the reason his contract hasn’t been extended, though, as Nielsen confirmed, he would have been available for the upcoming two tours in their entirety.While it is understood the PCB has not yet made a decision on any potential replacement for Nielsen, the current administration has sought to replace overseas coaches it appointed earlier in the year with Pakistan-based ones. Aaqib, who took over the white-ball teams on an interim basis next month, now becomes the all-format coach, and is also on the selection panel.Gillespie resigning potentially spares the PCB from paying out the entirety of the remainder of his contract, as they would have needed to if they had decided to sack him. It was believed to be a consideration in Gillespie’s initial reluctance to quit, even as it became clear the PCB no longer wanted him there.Pakistan play the first Test in Centurion on December 26, with the second in Cape Town starting on January 3.
Leeds United are “in the race” to sign a brand new striker who has loved playing at Elland Road in the past, according to a new update.
Leeds want new striker despite positive Piroe pre-season form
The Whites are on the search to sign another striker this summer after bringing in Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer from Wolfsburg. Daniel Farke has made Patrick Bamford surplus to requirements, whereas Mateo Joseph is looking to force a move away from Yorkshire before the deadline.
One positive in pre-season though has been the form of Joel Piroe, who could be set to lead the line for Leeds against Everton on the opening weekend.
The Dutchman, who won the Championship Golden Boot award last season, has found the back of the net on four occasions in pre-season, including against Villarreal on Saturday. Talking about the impact Piroe could have in the Premier League, Farke said:
“It’s up to him to prove that he’s capable to have a big impact on this level. He has not played so far on this level. It would be a lie if I could give you some guarantees, it’s always up to the player. So he came back – this was important – in a good fitness shape, really good endurance and he has worked hard during the summer break.
“He’s had a really good pre-season so far and has already proved in the games against Man United and Villarreal, two opponents on a top level, that he is competitive.
“He has to show this in this league. Friendlies are friendlies, he has to show this when the real competitive games start. But he has all the chances, all the backing from us, and we hope of course that he has a similar impact to last season. I could do with 20 goals. Not that I will predict this but the sky’s the limit for every one of my players.”
The new Rutter: Leeds submit bid to sign "fascinating" £22.5m star
Leeds United have reportedly submitted a bid to sign a star who could be their new Georginio Rutter.
ByDan Emery Aug 4, 2025
It has been no secret that Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz has been Leeds’ top striker target this summer, however, the Whites are yet to agree a deal with those at Craven Cottage.
Now, they are looking at a former Fulham star as a potential alternative.
Leeds “in the race” to sign £26m Aleksandar Mitrovic
According to reporter Sebastien Vidal, Leeds are well and truly “in the race” to sign £26m Aleksandar Mitrovic from Al-Hilal before the deadline.
The Saudi Pro League side are looking to receive £26m for the powerful striker, who picks up a whopping £22m a season with his current employers.
Leeds fans will know all about Mitrovic during his time in England, finding the back of the net regularly in the Championship and Premier League. In fact, the Serbian has scored five goals against Leeds in his career, three of which have come at Elland Road in the top flight.
Games
129
Goals
38
Assists
11
As can be seen, Mitrovic is an experienced striker in the Premier League, however, the finances involved for the 30-year-old could prove extremely tricky.
Left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera, 38, has been named in Sri Lanka’s women’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad, with 21-year-old seamer Kawya Kavindi making way. Ranaweera had been left out of the squad for the women’s Asia Cup, which Sri Lanka won, in July. She had also been omitted from Sri Lanka’s squads to Ireland, more recently.But with the T20 World Cup likely to be played on pitches that favour spin in the UAE, the experienced Ranaweera has been recalled. Although her bowling has not been especially penetrative in the shortest format this year, she does have 91 T20I wickets from 82 appearances for Sri Lanka, with an economy rate of 5.86.Kavindi’s omission, however, means Sri Lanka have just three main seam-bowling options in their World Cup squad: Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, and Ama Kanchana.Related
Athapaththu and Sri Lanka manifest destiny to become champions
Cricket belongs to Chamari's Champions right now
Athapaththu: Franchise cricket isn't about the money, I learn from them
Their spin cupboard is fuller. Ranaweera joins Inoshi Priyadharshani, Sugandika Kumari, and Kavisha Dilhari, who may all play a role throughout the campaign. There is also always the offspin of captain Chamari Athapaththu.On the batting front, a Sri Lanka squad has never looked stronger. In addition to their talisman Athapaththu, the likes of Harshitha Samarawickrama, and 18-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne have also been among the runs in the last few months. Their triumph in the Asia Cup will give them confidence that they can push for a place in the final four of the T20 World Cup.The World Cup is scheduled to begin on October 3. Sri Lanka are in Group A for the first round, alongside Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, and India.
Norwich City have now reached a £2.1 million agreement to complete their fifth signing of this summer, according to a recent report.
Canaries active early in the summer window
It has been a busy few weeks for the Canaries since their 2024/25 Championship campaign came to an end. Not only have Norwich brought a new manager in, in the form of Liam Manning, but they have also made four new additions in the short time the transfer window has been open.
Nottingham Forest submit bid to sign "brilliant" £13m ace from Norwich
Nottingham Forest have now made an official bid to sign a player from the Championship.
By
Brett Worthington
Jun 12, 2025
Midfielder Jacob Wright became Norwich’s first signing of the summer, as he joined the club on a permanent basis from Manchester City. He was then followed by goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw, who has joined from Plymouth Argyle. Defender Harry Darling joined the Canaries early this week, putting pen to paper on a three-year deal after rejecting a contract offer from Swansea City.
Norwich have since added a fourth signing this week, as they have announced the arrival of another goalkeeper in the form of Louie Moulden. Moulden joins the club on a free transfer after his contract at Crystal Palace expired, and he has signed a two-year deal at Carrow Road. Moulden is “buzzing” to be at Norwich and is “looking forward to getting started”.
He told Norwich’s media team: “Buzzing to be here, really happy. Obviously, it’s a huge club with great fans. And I’m really looking forward to getting started now.
“I want to show my quality to the manager, push the other goalkeepers and see where that takes us.”
Norwich reach £2.1m agreement to complete 5th signing this summer
It could be three signings in a week for the Canaries, as according to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Norwich have reached an agreement with Ajax to sign defender Jakov Medic.
Medic had the option of many Championship clubs this summer, but his preferred destination was Carrow Road. The report states that the Canaries have agreed a 2.5 million euro (£2.1m) fee plus bonuses and a percentage of a resale should Medic leave Norwich.
The 26-year-old has been at Ajax since August 2023, when he joined the club from FC St. Pauli. He spent the 2023/24 campaign with the Dutch side but played just six games in the Eredivisie, as well as three games in the Europa League. His game time with his parent club didn’t improve last term, and he was sent out on loan to German side VfL Bochum, where he played 23 times in the Bundesliga.
Jakov Medic’s 24/25 Bundesliga stats
Apps
23
Starts
17
Goals
1
Touches per game
45.0
Passing accuracy per game
30.1 (88%)
Interceptions per game
1.0
Tackles per game
0.6
Balls recovered per game
3.3
Clearances per game
4.9
Medic, who is a centre-back by trade but can also operate in a defensive midfield role, will join Darling as a defensive signing this summer. The Canaries already have the likes of Shane Duffy, Ruairi McConville and Jose Córdoba as centre-back options, but it is likely Medic and Darling could form a partnership now at the heart of Norwich’s defence.
Celtic ended their season on Saturday and the attention will now turn to the summer transfer window and what they need to improve the squad to go again next term.
The Hoops already know that they might have to bolster their options out wide after Portuguese winger Jota suffered an injury that is set to keep him out for a large chunk of the 2025/26 campaign.
He was forced off with a knee injury during the first half of the 5-0 win over Dundee United and is now set for between six and nine months on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury.
This means that the attacker, who rejoined the Hoops from Rennes on a permanent deal in January, could miss most or all of the first half of next season.
Jota had produced four goals and two assists in seven starts in the Scottish Premiership prior to his injury blow, which illustrates the kind of quality that Brendan Rodgers has lost because of this news.
Celtic may, therefore, be in the market for a new winger in the summer transfer window, which officially opens for business next month, and one forward who is of interest to the club is Sondre Orjasaeter.
Why Sondre Orjasaeter could be a good signing for Celtic
Writing for Sky Sports on Saturday, journalist Anthony Joseph claimed that the club could go back in with a move for the Sarpsborg star this summer.
The reporter added that the Premiership champions had multiple bids turned down for the Norway youth international, before they eventually signed Jota from Rennes.
67HailHail reported during that window that the Hoops had an offer of £4.4m turned down for the 21-year-old starlet because the Norwegian side were holding out for a fee of £7m.
£7m is a significant amount of cash to splash on a young talent who has not proven himself outside of his own country, but his form for Sarpsborg does suggest that the potential is there for him to be an exciting signing for Celtic.
Appearances
28
7
Goals
5
1
Big chances missed
5
2
Big chances created
12
7
Key passes per game
1.9
2.0
Assists
5
2
Dribbles completed per game
2.4
2.7
As you can see in the table above, Orjasaeter has provided quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals, mainly the latter, in the Eliteserien since the start of last year, which is why he could be an excellent signing to fill the void left by Jota’s injury.
However, the £7m price tag could be a sticking point, particularly with Jota due to return at some point next season, and that is why they could look to an alternative option to forget about Orjasaeter.
Celtic could return for Belgian star
In the aforementioned article for Sky Sports, Anthony Joseph also reported that Royal Antwerp attacker Michel-Ange Balikwisha has been a long-term transfer target for Celtic.
The journalist added that the 24-year-old wizard has been highly recommended to the club by their scouts, who have been impressed by his performances in Belgium.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Joseph claimed that the Scottish giants could go in with a swoop for the Pro League star in the upcoming summer transfer window, and he could come cheaper than Orjasaeter would.
The Scottish Sun reported in April that the impressive winger is currently valued at £5m by Royal Antwerp, which means that he could be £2m cheaper than the Norwegian whizkid.
With this in mind, Rodgers could forget all about Orjasaeter and save the club £2m in transfer fees by pushing for the board to sign Balikwisha as an emergency replacement for Jota this summer.
Why Celtic should sign Michel-Ange Balikwisha
As per UEFA, Belgium is currently ranked the eighth best European league based on the coefficient rankings, three places above Norway in 11th. This suggests that the standard in Belgium, at least among the top clubs, is better than the standard in Norway.
You could, therefore, put more weight behind Balikwisha’s performances in the Pro League than Orjasaeter’s in the Eliteserien when judging how effective they could be at making an impact at Celtic, particularly in the Champions League, next season.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha for Royal Antwerp.
Whilst the Norwegian starlet has caught the eye with six goals and seven assists in his last 35 Eliteserien games for Sarpsborg, the Belgian ace has delivered similar levels of quality whilst playing in a more challenging league.
One scout, Emir, on X, described the £5m-rated star as a winger who “wins games on his own” and a “no-brainer” signing for top teams because he is ready to take the step to the next level.
Balikwisha’s performances in the Pro League suggest that he is a player who can be a difference-maker in the final third to win matches for his side, with goals and assists.
Starts
27
11
xG
6.46
2.26
Goals
7
4
Big chances created
6
7
Key passes per game
1.5
1.6
Assists
5
3
As you can see in the table above, the Belgian gem has produced 11 goals and ‘big chances’ created in 11 starts in the Pro League this season since returning from injury, which speaks to the kind of quality he can provide at the top end of the pitch.
Balikwisha, who is a right-footed left-winger, has also outperformed his xG in each of the last two seasons in the Belgian top-flight, which shows that he can be an effective and efficient finisher in front of goal.
The Celtic target also produced one goal and one assist in two Champions League qualifiers to help his side qualify for the group stage in the 2023/24 campaign, before scoring one goal in five matches in the group stage.
This shows that, unlike Orjasaeter, he also has experience on the top stage of European football, which could be useful ahead of Celtic’s qualifiers for the competition later this year.
He'd take Engels to the next level: Celtic expected to move for £10m star
Celtic are expected to make a move to sign a star who could take Arne Engels to the next level.
ByDan Emery May 26, 2025
Therefore, Rodgers must urge Celtic to forget about Orjasaeter by signing Balikwisha, who could provide more quality and experience whilst costing £2m less this summer.
Manchester United have now thundered into the race for a “world-class” £84m forward, having expressed a concrete interest in securing his signature in the summer, according to a report.
Man Utd set sights on winger to replace Garnacho
While Man United managed to sign off the 2024-25 campaign on a high note, securing a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford, the Europa League final defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao will remain fresh in the memory for supporters.
As such, it is difficult to be too positive ahead of the summer, with the Red Devils’ summer transfer plans likely to be affected by the lack of Champions League football, and Gary Neville has expressed concerns they may choose to cash-in on some of their young players to raise funds.
Neville said: “I know it’s become a thing now whereby people sell players from their academy to facilitate PSR and financial fair play, but if Manchester United start to sell academy players to raise funds to bring in other players, I think that’s the thin end of the wedge.
Man Utd also ready to pay £44m release clause for "king of kings" after Cunha
The Red Devils are now willing to trigger the release clause for another striker to partner up with Cunha at Old Trafford.
ByDominic Lund May 26, 2025
Alejandro Garnacho is one of the youth products that could be on his way out, with Arsenal now being contacted over the possibility of signing the Argentine, and if the 20-year-old does end up being sold, it is likely a replacement will be necessary.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Man United may now have just the player in mind, having thundered into the race for AC Milan star Rafael Leao, who is looking increasingly likely to exit the San Siro this summer, with a £84m fee being touted.
AC Milan's RafaelLeaobefore the match
United have now registered a concrete interest in signing Leao, who could be on his way out due to the lack of European football on offer at Milan, with Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Barcelona also keen.
"World-class" Leao could be Garnacho upgrade
It is unclear whether the 25-year-old would be interested in a move to Old Trafford, given that Ruben Amorim’s side will not be playing in Europe next season either, but the allure of playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs could be tempting for the winger.
Should the Red Devils manage to get a deal over the line, there are plenty of signs he could be an upgrade on Garnacho at left-wing, having outperformed the starlet across a number of key statistics for wingers over the past year. Leao also loves current Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes, having called him a “maestro” in the past while on international duty together.
Statistic per 90
Rafael Leao
Alejandro Garnacho
Non-penalty goals
0.32
0.20
Assists
0.26
0.17
Successful take-ons
2.83
1.31
Having also been lauded as “world-class” by football writer Carlo Garganese in the past, Leao could be a fantastic signing for Man United this summer, but a move to Old Trafford could be a tough sell after the Europa League final defeat.
Chelsea stand on the brink of yet more European glory having reached the final of the Conference League in midweek.
If the Blues do go on to defeat Real Betis in the final at the end of the month, they will become the first club to win the Champions League, Europa League, Cup Winners’ Cup and the Conference League.
It would ensure Enzo Maresca ends his debut season with a trophy, the club’s first since 2021.
The Italian will be hoping his side can finish the Premier League campaign well, securing a top five finish which would see them qualify for the Champions League next term.
With games to come against Newcastle United, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, Chelsea have an extremely tough final three fixtures.
If the promised land is to be reached, Maresca will be hoping his key players are firing over the next couple of weeks.
Cole Palmer may not have lived up to his extraordinary debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, but he has still registered 25 goal contributions – 15 goals and ten assists – across 42 games for the Blues so far this season.
Why Chelsea must keep hold of Cole Palmer
The attacking midfielder progressed through the academy at Manchester City before going on to make a total of 41 appearances for the club.
Despite winning the treble during the 2022/23 season and scoring twice for City at the start of the following campaign, Palmer ended up joining Chelsea for just £40m that summer.
Chelsea'sColePalmerreacts
This has turned out to be one of the finest signings the club have made in their recent history. Indeed, across Palmer’s 87 games for the Stamford Bridge side, he has scored 40 goals while recording 25 assists in all competitions.
This works out as a goal involvement every 1.3 games and if it weren’t for his ability in the final third, Chelsea certainly wouldn’t find themselves chasing a Champions League spot, that’s for sure.
Just in the top flight this season, the Englishman has created a staggering 21 big chances, averaged 2.5 key passes and succeeds with 1.5 dribbles per game for the Blues.
While Maresca has brought in plenty of new players via the transfer market, he has also given chances to several Cobham graduates, most notably Tyrique George, Josh Acheampong and Shumaira Mheuka in recent months.
All three could have a bright future in London, but could the manager turn to the transfer market in order to find his next Palmer? As the club are showing interest in someone who could be set for an exit from his current club…
Chelsea plotting move for Premier League sensation
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea are in the market for a new left-winger this summer and have narrowed the search down to three players.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Nico Williams and Alejandro Garnacho are the three standout candidates for the role as Maresca aims to strengthen this area of his team.
Interest in Garnacho dates back to the January transfer window, where Chelsea first began to show their interest, although no move materialised.
Now, according to Bailey, the Blues have tracked the Argentinian winger since then and are still in contact with his agents.
With the Red Devils closing in on a move for Matheus Cunha, this could see Garnacho departing Old Trafford in the summer.
Their asking price remains around the £60m mark and with Maresca keen on moving a few players on during the window, funds should be available for a few new additions.
Garnacho was trained in a Manchester academy and is a highly-rated young talent ready to fulfil his potential.
Just like Palmer was when he left City two years ago.
Why Chelsea must sign Alejandro Garnacho
Maresca has a few options to use on the left wing, although it is clear that this position needs to be bolstered ahead of next season.
Jadon Sancho arrived on loan from United, but has managed to record just 14 goal contributions across 39 games for the Blues.
Elsewhere, Mykhailo Mudryk is currently suspended from playing after testing positive for Meldonium, which is a banned substance, last year. He hasn’t played for Chelsea since November.
Goals
6
1
Assists
2
4
Big chances created
4
3
Successful dribbles per game
0.8
1.4
Key passes per game
1
1.5
These factors heighten the need for a new left-sided forward and Garnacho could be an ideal signing.
The 20-year-old made his debut for the Red Devils during the 2021/22 campaign and has since made over 100 competitive appearances for the club.
A tally of 26 goals and 22 assists is solid enough, but this season, he has struggled under Ruben Amorim. He has scored just three Premier League goals since the former Sporting CP manager took charge of the club in November 2024.
Indeed, he has created just four big chances while averaging one key pass per game in the top flight this term. Compared to last season – six big chances created and 1.3 key passes per game – there is a drop-off in output.
Might a fresh start be required for the youngster this summer? It appears so.
Hailed as “generational” talent by Statman Dave during the 2023/24 campaign, Garnacho has talent in abundance. That’s for sure. He now needs a consistent platform to demonstrate it.
When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, the Argentinian currently ranks in the top 4% for progressive carries (5.87), in the top 2% for total shots (3.7) and in the top 6% for touches in the opposition penalty area (7.58) per 90 over the previous 365 days.
Chelsea could be signing their next Palmer should a move for the United wonderkid go through this summer.
Garnacho
If so, they will have a wonderful option on the left wing who is equally able to create and score at the highest level, while he is superb at moving the ball into key areas in the final third.
A fee of £60m could turn out to be a bargain. Especially if he can replicate Palmer’s impact at the Blues.
Shields pushing Chelsea to sign £90m Villa star amid belief price may drop
The Afghanistan spinner is only 20, a match-winner in his own right, and travelling around the world playing in various T20 leagues with aplomb
Shashank Kishore08-Sep-202515:43
Can Afghanistan make the final of the Asia Cup?
Noor Ahmad lives life on the fast lane. Of late, it’s been a blur of flights, visas, new teams and cricket grounds and hotels. Cricket has kept him so busy that his parents shifted from their hometown, Khost, to Kabul to be able to adjust to their superstar son’s fly-in-fly-out life.”A few years ago, who could have thought I would be here? With talent, hard work and family support, I’m here today,” Noor tells ESPNcricinfo. And “here” for him is everywhere. From Chennai (IPL) to Dallas (MLC) to Manchester (Hundred) to Gqeberha (SA20), Noor has been living out of a suitcase.Noor says he can count the days he has actually not spent on the field – either playing or at training – in the last six months. “CSK, MLC, Shpageeza, back to India for the UK visa, the Hundred,” he ticks off the assignments.Related
Back-to-back games plus travel 'not ideal' – Asalanka, Rashid on gruelling schedules
It's showtime as winless Hong Kong take on wounded Afghanistan to kick off Asia Cup
Noor Ahmad's wristspin is art in fast forward
Cooked in India, reborn in Hong Kong: Anshuman Rath battles his way from tears to triumph
Asia Cup 2025: Politics, passion and a stage for new rivalries
And from the Hundred, he landed in Dubai to link up with the Afghanistan squad for a short preparatory camp. On Sunday night, he finished the tri-series with Pakistan and UAE in Sharjah, and after less than 48 hours, he will line up to play Hong Kong in the Asia Cup opener in Abu Dhabi.Isn’t he tired?”I’m still young, the body can take it, no problems for me,” he says with a smile. “Cricket is what I love. I can’t stay without playing cricket. Yes, travel-wise, it’s been a tough few months. I haven’t got enough rest, but I’m still enjoying it. The body is feeling good.”Noor suddenly remembers he has missed something from the schedule he just went through. He clicks his fingers and adds with a laugh, “Actually, one week off after the IPL at home, no nets, no cricket. After the IPL, I got that time at home. But you see, I can’t stay without cricket for more than one week. I started bowling again.”When he was younger – he is still only 20 – Noor says opportunities were hard-earned. “When my brother first took me to an academy, when I was 12, I remember standing in long lines, getting to bowl just one ball every ten minutes. Because there were so many bowlers. Most of them spinners.””Playing alongside MS Dhoni was the real highlight” – Noor Ahmad on his stint with Chennai Super Kings•AFP/Getty ImagesThen came the moment that made him believe he might be special. Afghanistan batter Noor Ali Zadran happened to face him in one of these sessions and told him, “You are very good, keep going.””That was the indicator for me, maybe I have something,” Noor says. Slowly, more and more national players came to the camp, and Noor bowled to them all. “Some I even got them out,” he says. “Then they all told me, ‘Don’t leave cricket, you have a bright future’. That motivated me so much.”The only problem was that Noor was also a bright student. “First in my class till I was there,” he says. “Then I started to go to the academy, thanks to my brother who also loved cricket but couldn’t take it up professionally.”When I missed class for a few days, the teachers and the principal came to my dad and asked what had happened. They told him I had started playing cricket and should come back to the school as I had a good future. My dad agreed with them. It was hard for my brother to convince my father but he asked him for some time.”Today, Noor’s father watches all his matches without fail. “They even installed a Dish TV connection so that they can watch all matches.”Barely a year into his cricket, Noor was captivated by Rashid Khan, himself a teenage sensation when he broke through. Noor first met him during an Under-16 camp in Kabul, introduced by coach and former captain Raees Ahmadzai.
“I had an arm injury in 2021. I struggled for a year. I could bowl but would always be in pain. That affected my legbreak, my control. It took me a year to recover”
“Rashid came to watch me bowl, and I think he was impressed,” Noor says. These days, Rashid is a mentor, a sounding board. Schedules don’t allow the two to catch up often, but there’s an admiration the younger star has for the 26-year-old veteran.”Whenever I have questions, or want to chat, or need to share with someone, Rashid is the first person for me to go to,” Noor says. “I try not to think too much about bowling, but whenever I have something that I must share, I share with him.”Noor’s eyes twinkle when asked about his maiden IPL season with Chennai Super Kings. “Getting Man of the Match in my first game was special,” he says, “but playing alongside MS Dhoni was the real highlight.”
Could he elaborate?”Of course. He keeps things very simple for everyone. You don’t have to think too much. He just says, ‘Assess the situation, do what is needed’. He had complete trust in what I wanted to do. No pressure. We just had to stick to our strengths.”Noor finished IPL 2025 as the second-highest wicket-taker; his 24 wickets in 14 games were only fewer than Prasidh Krishna’s tally of 25 wickets in 15 games. The change in teams – he had earlier played for Gujarat Titans (GT) – worked wonders.ESPNcricinfo LtdAt GT, Noor bowled in tandem with Rashid. But, over the past two seasons, Noor has consistently outshone his celebrated compatriot, a sign of how quickly he has grown from Rashid’s understudy to a match-winner in his own right. At CSK, he had the opportunity to be the main spinner, with R Ashwin in and out of the XII.Noor’s journey hasn’t been without its fair share of setbacks. In 2021, an arm injury left him bowling through pain for nearly a year. His control wavered, he didn’t feel confident bowling the wrong’un, and was often left frustrated.”The fizz I get on the ball is natural,” he explains. “When I was at my initial stages, I used to bowl a lot of googlies and ended up bowling less of the legspin. Then I had an arm injury in 2021. I struggled for a year. I could bowl but would always be in pain.”That affected my legbreak, my control. It took me a year to recover. Again, I had to work on my legbreak because of the injury. But it’s fine now. I think I have strengthened my arm so much now. Earlier, I used to save myself to be able to bowl with little pain. I was tired of being injured, I was like, why am I not getting better?”
“He [Dhoni] keeps things very simple for everyone… He just says, ‘Assess the situation, do what is needed.’ He had complete trust in what I wanted to do. No pressure”
It took him a year to fully recover. And since then, there’s been no stopping him.Afghanistan’s rise as a cricket force has made him hungrier. “We were in the T20 World Cup semi-final last year. This year we should be in the Asia Cup final. That’s the mindset,” he says. But his ultimate dream is still ahead of him: “Winning a trophy for the country – World Cup, Champions Trophy, any world tournament. It’s something that I’ll remember.”Away from the game – which is rare – Noor enjoys watching Real Madrid and Manchester City play. He loves exploring the best Afghan restaurants in whichever city he is at. At the IPL, off days or travel-day nights were spent playing FIFA with Dewald Brewis and Matheesha Pathirana. As hectic as it may be, there’s a rhythm to his life and he enjoys it.But there is one thing he is waiting to tick off. He hasn’t been back to his hometown in three years, but friends send him videos of crowded academies, which lifts him. “Academies are busier than before, many are coming up. I think they’ll have a better chance to play,” he says with hope. “I can’t wait to go back. Hopefully soon.”For now, there’s another tournament. Another trophy to chase. And Afghanistan’s globe-trotting superstar is as ready as ever to take flight.