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Newcastle United need to win in the Premier League today. Eddie Howe has to stop the patchy form and use Leicester City’s trip to Tyneside as a springboard for a fresh run of promising form.

St. James’ Park might have tasted an unwelcome defeat by West Ham United three weeks ago, but that result stands as an outlier, with great spirit shown at the start of December to draw 3-3 with imperious Liverpool.

Luckily, Newcastle boast a pleasing record against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men across the past several seasons, unbeaten in four fixtures across all competitions.

Of course, there are some injuries that Howe is forced to contend with.

Newcastle injury news

Having made four cameos following an injury-ravaged start to the season, Callum Wilson has picked up a hamstring problem and will be out until well into the new year.

The blow is compounded on the other end of the field, with Nick Pope ruled out for about a month with a minor knee ligament problem.

For both to be unavailable throughout the entirety of Newcastle’s busy festive period is concerning, though midfielder Joe Willock and Lewis Miley are making good progress as they target returns from respective injuries, albeit Saturday comes too soon for the pair.

Away from the fitness front, Howe might be wise to ring a few changes anyway, with Tino Livramento perhaps worth moving to the bench for this one, with Kieran Trippier stepping in.

Howe must unleash Kieran Trippier

Livramento has started the past eight Premier League matches in succession for Newcastle, not missing a minute. Unfortunately, the 22-year-old hasn’t always enjoyed the finest performances and has suffered in recent games against Liverpool and Brentford.

While Livramento does have his strengths, the England international has averaged only 0.3 crosses per top-flight game this term, as per Sofascore, with a success rate of 20%.

His defending is indeed leaving something to be desired too. After Brentford won 4-2 last weekend, The Northern Echo chalked him down with a 4/10 score, criticising his weak presence on the right flank and embarrassment in being beaten too easily by Kevin Schade for the Bees’ fourth.

Last season, Trippier fizzed in 2.5 crosses per match, and his absence from the starting line-up has clearly had an adverse effect on the Magpies’ creativity, with Newcastle ranked joint-14th for big chances created in 2024/25 (25) after finishing joint-second with 97 last year.

The 34-year-old might be getting on a bit, but he can still inflict damage on a Leicester backline that has shipped 30 goals this season – Wolves and Southampton are the only teams to have conceded more.

Trippier’s ball-playing ability and experience could see him hold the key to unlocking the shaky Leicester defence and ensuring Howe’s side get back on track. Former England manager Gareth Southgate also called him a “soldier” once, hinting at a determined defensive style that might be called into play against the evergreen Jamie Vardy.

After all, he still ranks among the top 8% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 4% for shot-creating actions and the top 10% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

Though there are claims that he has been transfer-listed and Newcastle will field January enquiries, it isn’t the new year yet, and United can surely make good use of their captain’s qualities. They certainly need a sprinkle of magic.

0 games in 24/25: Howe can ease Wilson blow by unleashing Newcastle teen

Callum Wilson has picked up a new injury and will be sidelined for several months.

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 13, 2024

The young Parisian side have made waves in Europe, but an international club tournament would stamp their credentials

So, Paris Saint-Germain are fun again. Is this a good thing? Are we supposed to enjoy it? Can we enjoy the fact that Ousmane Dembele looks a proper footballer, that Bradley Barcola is ensuring that the loss of Kylian Mbappe doesn't hurt much, that Joao Neves is quickly becoming one of Europe's best midfield talents?

PSG are coached by an excellent-yet-somehow-underrated manager in Luis Enrique, feature a litany of young talent, and play the kind of high-pressing counter-attacking football that captivates fans. Factor in veteran experience of Marquinhos at the back, and there's suddenly a feel-good vibe here.

Their elimination of Liverpool in the Champions League at Anfield was a vindication of it all. Where they go from here is hard to tell. They will certainly wrap up Ligue 1. A Champions League title seems a stretch, but isn't out of the question.

More broadly, this is a young, fun team, complete with really very good footballers that might just be able to make some noise this summer – and for years to come.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played in 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, from the opener on June 14 until the final on July 13. In the U.S., fans can stream or watch matches on DAZN or TNT. Leading up to kickoff, GOAL will provide scouting reports on each of the 32 participating teams in the expanded field.

Next up is PSG, with a look at key players to watch, and expectations for the French stars ahead of this summer's tournament.

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  The Basics

  DOMESTIC LEAGUE: Ligue 1

  CLUB WORLD CUP HISTORY: First appearance

  GROUP: B (Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Seattle Sounders, Botafogo)

  OPENING MATCH: Atletico Madrid – June 15, 3 pm. ET, Pasadena

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  How they got here

  Despite their ultimate failures in the competition, the Parisians qualified for the tournament by virtue of their consistency in the Champions League. They have made the knockout stages in 11 consecutive seasons – losing in the 2020 final – but enough to rack up a sufficient European coefficient to be among the 12 UEFA teams playing in the U.S.

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  The player to watch

  It's hard to pick one. PSG were smart this offseason, letting Mbappe go – they really had no choice in the matter – and replacing him with a series of shrewd younger signings rather than making a big swing. The result is a bunch of 20-goal-per-season players without having one who can bag 60. That works a charm for Luis Enrique, who likes a balanced attack, anyway.

  But the star man is Ousmane Dembele. A teenager standout at Dortmund and flop at Barca, he has been invigorated in Mbappe's absence, serving as the deadly roaming focal point of the attack. He can play either on the right or through the middle, and has found his scoring touch after a few poor years in front of goal.

  To date, he has scored 30 and assisted six in all competitions for the Parisians. It's a remarkable mark for a player once considered "washed" at the age of 27.

  Stop him, and things might get interesting. Then again, there's also Barcola, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue to worry about.

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  Realistic expectation

  PSG should walk this group. Atleti will be a gruesome, gnarly challenge, a 0-0 draw waiting to happen. The other two fixtures, against Botafogo and Seattle Sounders, might be far kinder. Seven points should be enough to top the group.

  After that, it depends. Will the dreaded knockout football woes return? Or will their Champions League form remain? If they stay hot, then they might be one of Real Madrid's most apparent challengers for the whole thing. If not, an early exit could be on the cards. Either way, there will be fans out in droves, and the football should make for fine viewing.

Chelsea star Sam Kerr could return before the end of the season after an ACL injury, but her international call-up does not hint at an early comeback.

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• Kerr called up by Australia
• Is not likely to play for them
• Chelsea hope to have her back before season's end

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kerr's call-up by Australia does not hint at an early return from her ACL injury. While she may well play again before the end of the season, Australia have confirmed that she has not been cleared to return to competitive action, so will not feature in their upcoming double-header against South Korea.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Australia have also confirmed that Kerr will remain captain after being found not guilty of racially aggravated assault after an alleged altercation with a police officer. Kerr has made seven appearances for the Blues this season.

• WHAT AUSTRALIA SAID

  A statement from Australia's football association read: "Football Australia continues to stay in close, supportive communication with Kerr as she works toward full fitness. With the matter now concluded favourably for her in court, Football Australia considers it closed. Kerr’s longstanding record of dedication, professionalism, and leadership has consistently elevated Australian football, ensuring these recent circumstances do not overshadow her significant contributions – and she remains an inspiration to fans worldwide.

  "As part of her return-to-play program, Kerr has now joined the CommBank Matildas training camp for the March/April FIFA Women’s International Window (31 March – 8 April 2025). Granted leave by Chelsea FC Women, she will continue her rehabilitation under the supervision of the CommBank Matildas' Performance Support team.

  "This arrangement, developed in close collaboration between Football Australia and Chelsea FC Women, reflects a shared commitment to providing the best environment for Kerr’s recovery and re-integration into the national team. While she may participate in selected training activities, Kerr has not yet been cleared for competitive football, with her focus remaining on health, progression, and long-term readiness."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Kerr will continue her rehabilitation with the national team. Chelsea are top of the WSL and are in the semi-finals of both the Champions League and the FA Cup. If she is back in time, she could help the Blues challenge for those titles.

It’s been a rather dismal season for Tottenham Hotspur this year.

Ange Postecoglou’s side would have come into the Premier League campaign hoping to do one better than last time and qualify for the Champions League, but as things stand, they find themselves all the way down in 11th place with more losses than wins to their name.

Now, the North Londoners have had to deal with several significant injuries and suspensions that have made life difficult, but even so, the team has been seriously below par.

Moreover, some of the stars of the first team, like Son Heung-min, Pedro Porro and Rodrigo Bentancur, have been particularly poor, and based on recent reports, the club could soon sign the latter’s replacement.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from Spain via Sport Witness, Tottenham are ‘really interested’ in Real Betis star Johnny Cardoso.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that AC Milan, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are keen on the American international, who’s been in fine form this season.

While interest from such European giants isn’t ideal, the North Londoners have an advantage they don’t. When selling Giovani Lo Celso to Betis in the summer, they negotiated an option on the 23-year-old worth €30m – £25m – which will become active in June.

Should the other interested parties start a bidding war, it could still prove to be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but as things stand, Cardoso looks likely to join Spurs in the summer, which is great news for the team but could be very bad news for Bentancur.

How Bentancur compares to Cardoso

So, if Spurs decide to act upon their action to sign Cardoso next year, they’ll likely do so with the intention of giving him plenty of game time to prove himself next season.

However, given his preference for playing in central and defensive midfield, this would undoubtedly put him in competition with Bentancur for a starting berth, so who comes out on top when we compare the pair?

Well, given where they play, raw output is not a significant concern, and given that they have both produced two-goal involvements this season, there isn’t much to differentiate them there anyway.

Instead, the best way to understand which one might have an advantage is to look under the hood, at their underlying numbers, and when we do that, things start to look good for the American “ball-winner,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson.

For example, while he comes out second best in some offensive metrics, he comes out on top in most, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shots and shots on target, key passes, successful take-ons and goal-creating actions, all per 90.

Moreover, and potentially more important given the teams’ performances this year, the “extraordinary” 23-year-old, as dubbed by Betis director Manu Fajardo, has far better defensive numbers.

For example, he comes out ahead in metrics such as tackles, won, blocks, interceptions and clearances, all per 90.

Lastly, on top of all of the above, he’s also considerably younger than the former Juventus ace and could, therefore, be moulded into a key component of Postecoglou’s long-term plans in a way Bentancur could not.

Ultimately, Cardoso may not be a household name among English football fans at the moment, but he looks like he could be in a few years.

Therefore, Spurs must make sure they take advantage of their option next year, as plenty of other teams are keen to sign the American in their stead.

He's like Odegaard & Foden: Spurs want to sign one of Europe's best CMs

Tottenham could be in the market to strengthen their midfield ranks next year.

By
Matt Dawson

Dec 25, 2024

Manchester United’s miserable form continues.

On Boxing Day, the Red Devils were beaten 2-0 by Wolves, meaning they are now down in 14th place, having lost eight of 18 Premier League fixtures thus far, spending Christmas Day in the bottom half for the first time in 35 years.

Rúben Amorim has also become the fastest Man United manager in history to taste four league defeats, doing so in just seven matches, an unwanted record for sure.

Defeat to Newcastle United on Monday night would see them suffer three successive Premier League losses for the first time since Boxing Day 2016, while, given that their first two matches of 2025 are Liverpool (A) on Sunday and then Arsenal (A) a week later, this miserable form is only likely to continue.

So, in a desperate attempt to salvage this season, could Man United dip into the January transfer market, in an attempt to repeat their Bruno Fernandes success?

Bruno Fernandes: Man United's best post-Sir Alex Ferguson signing

It’s common knowledge that doing deals in the January transfer window is difficult.

Pep Guardiola himself this week described the winter window as “not easy”, but Manchester United have proved in recent times that it is possible to snap-up game-changing talent.

Immediately after arriving from Sporting CP in January 2020, for a fee of £46.5m plus up to £21.2m in add-ons, Fernandes made abundantly clear straight-away that he would be an excellent edition.

In his first half-season, which featured a three-month interruption due to Covid-19, the Portuguese midfielder scored eight goals in 14 Premier League appearances, as well as bagging three in five Europa League outings.

Overall, in 260 matches for Man United to date, Fernandes has scored 85 goals and provided 76 assists, winning both the FA Cup and EFL Cup under Erik ten Hag, appointed club captain in July 2023.

James Westwood of Goal labels him as Man United’s best player of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, with Shamoon Hafez of BBC Sport adding Fernandes has “single-handedly changed the fortunes of the club”, claiming he is the best January signing in Premier League history.

So, if the Red Devils are going to attempt to strengthen this January, they’ll hope for a similar impact from their latest target.

Man Utd's January transfer news

As per reports in Spain, Manchester United, as well as Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, are interested in signing Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha, claiming both are prepared to pay €80m (around £66.3m) for his services.

As recently as Boxing Day, Cunha was a key figure in condemning Man United to their freshest defeat, scoring an Olimpico directly from a corner, before teeing up Hwang Hee-chan for Wolves’ second in the 2-0 win at Molineux.

One would assume that there’s no way Wolves will sell their best player in January, considering they sit just two points and one place above the relegation zone.

However, as ownership group Fosun International have scaled back their investment in Wolves in recent seasons, the club’s best assets have been sold; Pedro Neto, Max Kilman, Rúben Neves, Nathan Collins and Matheus Nunes have departed for a combined £170m during the last three transfer windows.

Cunha, currently earning approximately £60k-per-week, would expect a massive pay rise, should he make the move, while the Brazilian has been outstanding this season, teammate Joao Gomes describing him as a “monster” earlier in the campaign.

But how does Cunha compare to the Premier League’s best centre-forwards?

Of the six highest-scoring strikers in the Premier League so far this season, Cunha compares favourably to all of them.

Most impressively, the Brazilian’s ten goals have come from an xG of only four, making him the most clinical player across the entire division.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

He’s also racked up the most shot-creating and goal-creating actions of all six players highlighted, doing so for a struggling side battling against relegation, scoring almost a third of Wolves’ goals thus far, making his form all the more noteworthy.

Given that Wolves paid £44m to sign Cunha from Atlético Madrid two years ago, he won’t come cheap, but he would certainly be an excellent addition, should Man United secure his services next month.

Having reaped the rewards of landing Fernandes in the winter window back in 2020, the Red Devils – who have seen January recruits such as Odion Ighalo and Wout Weghorst come and go in recent years – could repeat that trick with their latest marquee move.

Amorim must drop Man Utd ace who's simply "not good enough" for the PL

Manchester United will be looking to return to winning ways against Newcastle United this evening.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Dec 30, 2024

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has adviced the Reds to make at least six signings this summer despite their expected Premier League glory.

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• Liverpool inch closer to Premier League glory
• Carragher believes Reds need six signings
• Three major stars could leave in the summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool are inching ever closer to the Premier League title this season as Arne Slot's side need just four wins from eight games to clinch their 20th English top-tier league title. However, things haven't been good for the Merseyside clubs in other competitions as they lost the Carabao Cup final, faced defeat in the Champions League last-16, and crashed out of the FA Cup in round four.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Liverpool have a lot of headaches on their hands over the course of the season with Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah's contracts set to run out in the summer. The Reds expect Van Dijk and Salah to stay at the club, however, the deals are yet to be completed, and an exit could still be on the cards. As such, Carragher has urged the Reds to make new signings in the summer to revitalise Slot's options for next season.

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  WHAT CARRAGHER SAID

  In his piece with , Carragher wrote: "In all honesty, when looking at Slot’s squad, it feels like he may need as many as six before next summer. That is a statement you would expect to make about an underperforming team, or one requiring an overhaul. Reinforcements are required independent of whether the big three out-of-contract stars stay.

  "Liverpool need a left-back to compete with Andy Robertson, extending the Scottish captain’s Anfield career by reducing the necessity for him to play every game. They need a centre-back to ensure there is no crisis if Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté are unavailable.

  "Also, a deep central midfielder so that Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are not as overburdened next season as they have been in this one. Add to that an attacking midfielder who will score and create more than Dominik Szoboszlai. And finally a left winger and centre-forward who can win games as often as Mohamed Salah.

  "Such additions would enhance rather than replace those who have inspired Liverpool to the top."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  Slot's side have managed to show some of their class in the Premier League, and Carragher believes they are 'on the brink of greatness' but need recruitments next season. He wrote: "We are watching a very good Liverpool team on the brink of greatness. My suspicion is that during the course of his reign, Arne Slot and the recruitment team above him will have constructed a better squad, regardless of whether they match or eclipse this year’s likely success."

One member of Daniel Farke’s Leeds United squad is set to depart Elland Road this January, it has emerged, as he seeks opportunities elsewhere.

Leeds slip up in Championship

Costly errors from goalkeeper Illan Meslier meant that Leeds were held to a 3-3 draw by Hull City in their most recent outing, allowing Burnley and Sheffield United to close the gap at the top of the Championship to just a single point.

Like last season, it is proving to be a tight affair at the top of England’s second tier, with at least one of the three mentioned sides certain to miss out on automatic promotion come the end of the campaign, a fate that Leeds suffered last season.

However, Farke’s side look better equipped for promotion this season despite their firesale over the summer, with the Whites boasting the third-best defence in the division as well as the best attack.

Despite this, Farke was adamant that his side could not just “cruise” through the Championship for the remainder of the campaign.

“Overall you have to say it’s a sign of what we are – we are not the finished product which cruises through this league. We are one of the youngest sides in the league and we don’t play without making mistakes.

“A more experienced side at 3-1 up would have kept the ball and maybe scored a fourth goal but we allowed ourselves to not be switched on.”

With the January transfer window now here, Farke and the 49ers can add new blood to their ranks if they see fit, but a departure seems the most likely deal to be completed first.

Forward to leave Leeds this January

That comes as journalist Darren Witcoop claimed that forward Joe Gelhardt will be leaving Leeds this month, at least temporarily. The 22-year-old has featured just twice in the Championship so far this campaign, with Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford all preferred to the youngster by Farke.

He has not even been a part of a matchday squad since October, and his two substitute appearances have totalled just nine minutes of action, leaving a move away inevitable.

According to the report, he “will leave Leeds on loan this month”, with Gelhardt still having two and a half years left to run on his £15,000 a week deal at Elland Road.

He has been praised by Farke this season despite his lack of opportunities, with the Leeds boss explaining that he is “a really top-class human being and he’s a quality player”.

Imagine him & Piroe: Leeds lining up move for "huge talent" with 16 goals

Leeds United are reportedly interested in a move for the Premier League starlet.

By
Dan Emery

Jan 5, 2025

Though set to leave, where he will head remains unclear, with Witcoop adding that “several Championship clubs have registered an interest”, while there have been “enquiries also from overseas” in his services.

For his part, Gelhardt is reportedly “weighing his future up” as he looks for regular first-team opportunities in a bid to ignite his career.

Manchester United could rule out selling Andre Onana if they cannot guarantee making a profit amid their continued financial struggles.

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• Onana dropped over weekend
• United face PSR concerns
• May not be able to sanction sale

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Onana was left out of United's squad for their 4-1 defeat to Newcastle after two high-profile errors against Lyon in the Europa League in midweek. Now, though, 's David Ornstein has explained that concerns over Profit and Sustainability Rules could see the Cameroon international stay put, with his wages also proving prohibitive.

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  THE EXPLANATION

  United paid more than £47 million ($62m) to sign Onana from Inter and Ornstein believes that the only way the club can sanction his sale is if they receive a profit, otherwise his exit will be marked as a PSR loss.

  “It does raise questions about the future of Onana,” he explained to NBC Sports. “He joined for £47.2 million in the summer of 2023, signing a five-year contract with the option of a further 12 months. Unless somebody came in with huge money for him, the hopes of United selling him for a profit are almost non-existent, and that would mean a PSR profitability and sustainability loss, which could rule out the possibility of selling him.

  “He has switched agents in recent months. That was meant for a new contract or improved terms. He may now have to look at trying to shift his player, and this would not have been expected for Manchester United.”

• DID YOU KNOW

  Onana has a deal until 2028 but his United team-mates are reportedly "p*ssed off" with his performances, suggesting he may well have to move on eventually. However, United could be forced to simply relegate him to the bench if no suitors come forward.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  United play Lyon in their Europa League quarter-final second leg on Thursday. After Onana's double-error in the first leg, the tie is poised at 2-2.

Enzo Maresca has tried to explain why Chelsea fans must 'trust' his team despite the struggling Blues surrendering a Champions League spot.

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• Maresca urged fans to trust the team
• Chelsea dropped to sixth position in Premier League
• Blues next face Legia Warsaw

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Maresca is under-fire after his team dropped four points in their last two Premier League matches, including a 2-2 draw against relegation-threatened Ipswich Town at the weekend. The consecutive draws meant that the Blues have slipped to sixth in the league and are now at risk of missing out on a top-five finish and securing a place in the 2025-26 Champions League.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  During the club's clash against the Tractor Boys at Stamford Bridge, Maresca and his players were booed off at half-time when they were trailing by two goals. However, despite the clear dissatisfaction among the supporters, the Italian coach has urged them to trust his team.

• WHAT ENZO MARESCA SAID

  Speaking to reporters, the Blues boss said: "In my mind, I think the team is ready [to take two steps forward next season] and the reason why I say that is because of this season. Even from outside, it is difficult to see. In the last two years, Chelsea have been in the top four zero times. This season, we have been in the top four most of the season. This is the reason why fans need to trust us, trust the team and trust the club. This season, we spent almost the whole season top four. It is big proof that the team is improving and doing the right things."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  The west London club will be back in action on Thursday as they take on Legia Warsaw in the second leg of their Conference League quarter-final tie at home.

Chelsea’s season has plateaued in recent weeks, but Enzo Maresca’s start to life in the dugout still stands as a triumph. The crucial bit going forward is taking this exciting progress and hurling it toward even loftier heights.

There’s a general emphasis on offloading certain Blues players this year as Chelsea look to stay compliant with Premier League PSR rules while creating literal and financial space to make well-placed improvements.

But what actually are BlueCo seeking to achieve in the transfer market this month? The west Londoners might not be ready to clinch the top-flight title, but one or two pinpoint signings over the coming weeks could make all the difference in the long term.

Chelsea's winter transfer plans

While outgoings are going to take up more room in the discourse this month, Chelsea will make a first-team signing if they feel the right opportunities come along.

Chelsea are willing to sell Renato Veiga, 21, this January after the player made it known that he wishes to venture off for more first-team football.

It’s a bit of a blow to lose a young talent who only arrived last summer, but Todd Boehly’s enterprise paid out around £12m for the Basel star and he could be handed to Borussia Dortmund, who have a vested interest in his signature, reportedly for as much as £29m.

Ben Chilwell and Cesare Casadei are also expected to be plying their trade elsewhere before the month is up.

If Chelsea are going to bring someone in this month, it’s most likely going to be at centre-back. Paul Winstanley and Co appear to be biding their time, though there is one man who’s firmly at the top of the shopping list.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Maresca eyeing new centre-back for Chelsea

Wesley Fofana is sidelined and may not return until the end of the season, with Benoit Badiashile also out injured. That’s why Chelsea courses have refrained from ruling out bringing another centre-half in before the end of the term.

Selhurst Park seems to be the probable raiding target. Trevoh Chalobah is currently on loan at Crystal Palace and could be recalled, but Marc Guehi is the shinier prize.

As per Caught Offside, Chelsea are leading the race for Guehi, who they sold to Palace for £18m in 2021 after he graduated from Cobham’s academy, with it noted that they are the only ‘serious contenders’ for his signature.

Chelsea are said to be ‘pushing to re-sign’ the centre-back and have received a boost through revelations that Liverpool are not in the race for the England international, They will need to stave off feint interest from Newcastle United, though, who saw a series of bids reaching £65m rejected for Guehi last summer.

Guehi, 24, is in the penultimate year of his Eagles contract and could be dissuaded in extending his deal given the high-profile intrigue in his name.

What Marc Guehi would bring to Chelsea

An established and experienced Premier League defender with his prime years ahead of him? Check. One-time Blues youngster, bearing a connection and love to Stamford Bridge and its denizens? Check once again.

Guehi has the whole gamut, with qualities honed within a steely Palace backline that has weathered its share of adversity over the past few years while also making improvements to his game under Oliver Glasner this term, ostensibly the south Londoners’ most progressive manager in recent seasons.

Chelsea would be welcoming a defensive force to their ranks, for Guehi has won 66% of his ground duels in the Premier League this season, as per Sofascore, making good on his reputation as a “monster” at the rear by Crystal Palace correspondent Bobby Manzi.

He’s also demonstrating the kind of vibrant and dynamic skill set that Maresca covets, averaging 0.4 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game, succeeding with 82% of his ball-carrying attempts.

Who knows, this might even prove to be a deal that echoes Liverpool’s transformational signing of Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk in January 2018, with Jurgen Klopp’s side paying out a record £75m fee for the Netherlands star.

The Reds needed to bolster their defence and in Van Dijk – a Dutch colossus who has become one of the greatest defenders of his generation – he helped revolusionise Liverpool’s team, leading from the back as Europe’s biggest titles were lifted.

Guehi carries himself with the same kind of deceptive nonchalance as Van Dijk. Though deceptive is definitely the key word, the Englishman is an intelligent reader of the game with a kind of prescient awareness of opponent attacks, positioning himself to snuff out or rebuff danger.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has actually praised Guehi for being “one of those versatile CBs who can play both sides equally as comfortably.” That’s certainly in the same vein as Van Dijk, who is right-footed but has plied his art on the left-hand side of Liverpool’s backline throughout his career.

A signing of this calibre might even prove to send the Maresca project to the next level, mirroring Liverpool’s stunning acquisition in being a January move, yes, but also a raid of a divisional rival lower down the ladder, so to speak.

It’s no surprise that Guehi has been described as a “dominant” defender by talent scout Jacek Kulig. He’s still on the fringes of his prime years and, like Van Dijk over on Merseyside, could be the catalyst for an illustrious spell at Chelsea under Maresca’s wing, completing and balancing an immensely talented squad.

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By
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