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Real Madrid centre-back Dean Huijsen has leapt to the defence of his team-mate Vinicius Junior following his temper tantrum during the 2-1 win over Barcelona. The Brazilian was enraged after being asked to come off in the second half by Xabi Alonso, with the reaction drawing significant backlash. Huijsen, however, blamed the media for making a "huge fuss" over the incident.

Vinicius' frustration captured headlines in El Clasico win

Vinicius Junior looked like a man possessed – a player on a mission – as he tore down the left flank in Real Madrid’s 2-1 triumph over Barcelona in last month’s El Clasico. From the opening whistle, the Brazilian was relentless, dazzling with his trademark pace and footwork, and keeping the Catalan defence constantly on edge. But despite his effervescent performance that caused the visitors considerable damage, the night took an unexpected turn. In the 72nd minute, head coach Xabi Alonso called for Rodrygo, signalling for Vini to come off.

“Me? Me? Mister, mister! Me?" Vini Jr. shouted in disbelief as Alonso prepared the substitution. The Madrid No.7 trudged off visibly frustrated before heading straight for the tunnel. "Always me… I am leaving the team. I am leaving. It's better I leave," he reportedly muttered, bypassing the bench and disappearing from view.

His reaction drew immediate attention – and criticism. Cameras captured his visible anger, sparking debate across Spain and in media about the winger’s temperament and professionalism. Vini did eventually return to the dugout before the final whistle, but the incident had already made headlines.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportHuijsen blames media for creating 'huge fuss'

Huijsen spoke to reporters on Monday and provided his thoughts on his team-mate's Clasico substitution controversy. The former Bournemouth centre-back criticised the media for overexaggerating things. His words acted as a shield for his Real Madrid team-mate, who is often in the spotlight for reasons not related to his game.

"There's a lot written in the press, and you've made a huge fuss over something that wasn't such a big deal," said Huijsen. "He apologised, which I thought was fair, but he's an incredible teammate, a really good guy, and it's no big deal. These things happen in football."

Vinicius apologised to Xabi Alonso

In the aftermath of his controversial temper tantrum, the Brazil international issued a public apology, but did not mention Alonso in the statement. "Today I want to apologise to all the Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clasico," he wrote. "Just as I have already done in person during today's training, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, the club, and the president. Sometimes passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive character stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents. I promise to keep fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since the first day."

As if his theatrics after being substituted weren't enough, the apology drew further criticism for not including his head coach in the statement. However, Alonso was quick to quash any speculation, insisting that everything had been cleared up after a frank, face-to-face conversation with the attacker.

"Has Vinicius apologised to me? We had a meeting with everyone on Wednesday, and Vinicius was impeccable," the Madrid manager told reporters last weekend. "He spoke honestly and was very good. For me, that settles the matter.

"It was a very valuable, very positive statement. He demonstrated his honesty; he spoke from the heart. What he said was the most important thing, and I was very satisfied. I've already said it, I was very proud and the matter was settled on Wednesday itself. We trained well yesterday, I see Vini doing well, and we're all in the same boat and rowing in the same direction."

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Getty Images SportAll eyes on Madrid's visit to Liverpool

Real Madrid face a formidable test on Tuesday evening as they prepare to take on Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League. The clash marks the highly anticipated return of Trent Alexander-Arnold to his boyhood club, just months after leaving on a free transfer to join Los Blancos. It will also be a homecoming of sorts for Alonso, who spent five memorable seasons with the Reds during his playing career.

As for Vini, few opponents seem to inspire him quite like Liverpool. The 25-year-old has faced the Premier League giants five times, scoring as many goals – including a stunning brace at Anfield that spearheaded Madrid’s remarkable 5–2 comeback victory in the Champions League knockouts after falling two goals behind in the 2022–23 season. 

Tuesday's encounter also provides Alonso's men an opportunity to avenge last season's 2-0 loss at the same venue. Madrid will be licking their lips at the prospect, as Arne Slot’s men have lost six of their last eight games.

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O Botafogo saiu do gramado do Morumbi neste sábado (19) com uma preocupação. O lateral-esquerdo Marçal deixou a partida na qual empatou em 0 a 0 com o São Paulo aos 21 minutos do primeiro tempo se queixando de dores na panturrilha esquerda. Porém, o jogador indicou depois do jogo que não se tratava de nada grave.

Aos 40 minutos do primeiro tempo, o atleta havia levado uma sola do atacante Michel Araújo, de acordo com a transmissão do canal Premiere. Marçal saiu de campo para a entrada de Hugo e ficou no banco de reservas, aplicando gelo na panturrilha esquerda.

De acordo com o “ge”, o camisa 21 demonstrou tranquilidade ao passar pela zona mista após a partida no Morumbi.

– Estou bem, nada grave não! – disse.

A equipe médica fez uma análise rápida e concluiu que a situação não preocupa. A opção pela saída e aplicação de gelo foi para preservar o jogador.

Marçal passará por uma reavaliação para saber se estará em condições de atuar nos jogos da próxima semana. No dia 23, o Glorioso encara o Defensa Y Justicia, no primeiro jogo das quartas de final da Copa Sul-Americana. No dia 27, os alvinegros encaram o Bahia.

*Atualizada às 20h

Rachel Trenaman backed up her first-innings 77 with an unbeaten 58, as she and Charli Knott stood firm to stumps to hamper England A’s victory hopes in the unofficial women’s Test at Cricket Central.By the close, Australia A led by 115 runs with seven wickets standing, with Trenaman and Knott (40 not out) unbeaten in a 69-run stand for the fourth wicket.Related

• Trenaman anchors Australia A as Wong keeps England competitive

• Scholfield, Capsey centuries make it England A's day

Earlier, England A had been bowled out for 407, a lead of 64, with Paige Scholfield converting her overnight 138 to an innings of 164 before she edged Tess Flintoff to Nicole Faltum midway through the morning session, shortly after overhauling Australia A’s first innings of 343.Jodi Grewcock had already top-edged a pull to fine leg off Maitlan Brown to fall for 32, and England pushed their total past 400 thanks to some handy contributions from the tail, not least Georgia Davis, who was last out for 23 as she drove a return catch to give Lilly Mills her second wicket of the innings.In reply, Australia A started confidently through Tahlia Wilson and Maddy Darke, who added 32 for the first wicket before Darke pulled Alexa Stonehouse to Grace Potts at fine leg for 18.Wilson then fell with Australia still in arrears, as she cut Potts to Scholfield at point, and when Anika Learoyd missed a sweep off Mady Villiers to be pinned lbw for 29, England sensed a chance to turn the screw at 110 for 3.Trenaman and Knott, however, backed up their first-innings efforts, to leave everything to play for going into the final day on Tuesday.

With time running out in the summer transfer window, Manchester City are now reportedly “exploring” a deal to sign a Gianluigi Donnarumma alternative for Pep Guardiola.

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In a late twist to the transfer tale, it looks as though Ederson could be on his way out of Manchester City this summer. The Brazilian missed his side’s opening game victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, as James Trafford made his second debut for the club, and has been the subject of interest from Galatasaray.

Fabrizio Romano has even gone as far as to suggest that the Turkish club have opened negotiations and talks are ongoing between themselves and Manchester City over a deal to sign Ederson. Whether they manage to match City’s reported £22m valuation before the end of the transfer window remains to be seen, however.

Of course, if Ederson does leave the Etihad this month, then it will likely trigger a domino effect of goalkeepers. Whether that sees Donnarumma head to Manchester City to replace the South American is another question entirely, though.

Although the Italian is certainly available after Paris Saint-Germain opted out of negotiations to extend their goalkeeper’s contract before signing Lucas Chevalier, the French giants’ price tag reportedly remains too high for City to consider as deadline day approaches.

Man City set to be offered £303m "best player in the world" in Haaland swap

One of Europe’s top clubs are preparing an audacious swap move for Erling Haaland.

By
Dominic Lund

Aug 21, 2025

That could still change as all parties become more and more desperate to reach a resolution, but for now it seems as though those at the Etihad are ready to shift their focus towards a fresh option.

Man City now "exploring" Lammens deal

Having initially hijacked their move to jump ahead in the race to sign Donnarumma, the Citizens have reportedly set their sights on another Manchester United hijack. According to Sacha Tavolieri, Manchester City are now “exploring” a deal to sign Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp this month after reaching a stand-off in negotiations to sign Donnarumma.

The shot-stopper has been on United’s radar for the majority of the summer as they look to land a much-needed upgrade on Andre Onana. Like their initial pursuit of Donnarumma, however, it looks as though City could now emerge to jump ahead of their rivals in ruthless fashion.

Described as “excellent” and a young talent who’s “like Alisson” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Lammens is still just 23 years old and would push Trafford all the way for a starting place under Guardiola. With a deal to sign the Royal Antwerp star, City would suddenly have two goalkeepers who are full of potential.

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Ruben Amorim's position as boss is hanging firmly in the balance according to former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster, who also says Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner may not be best-suited to take over. United have made a woeful start to the season and the heat is firmly on the beleaguered Portuguese boss, who is desperate for results to improve, despite the win over Chelsea last weekend.

• Amorim on the brink?

  It has been an awful start to the season for Manchester United, coming hot on the heels of a disastrous campaign last term. The Red Devils finished 15th, their worst finish in the Premier League era, and they lost the Europa League final to Tottenham in Bilbao. This season has brought more misery, they were dumped out of the League Cup by League Two Grimsby and below-par performances have turned the heat up on the Portuguese boss.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Foster makes big call on boss

  Foster, who was signed to United for five years believes Amorim is living on borrowed time, but doesn't believe Crystal Palace's highly-rated manager Oliver Glasner will necessarily be the first choice to replace the Portuguese, if United decide to pull the trigger. Glasner led the Eagles to FA Cup glory last year and his side sit fifth in the Premier League, but his team set-up could prove to be a stumbling block.  

• Foster sees bleak future for Amorim

  Foster said on the Fozcast: "I think he has got a couple months left, probably. He'll go through a bad little run of two or three or four games in a row where he loses and eventually they'll go, 'Right, we've had enough now, it's obviously not working'. I just watch them, and I don't really see any kind of cohesion. Somebody who would be good for Man United is Glasner. He's only got nine months left on his contract at Palace. My only worry about it is that Man United are so sick and tired of playing three at the back. If they go and get Glasner and he goes, 'Right, I'm playing three at the back,' they'll go, 'Nah, come on mate. This isn't going to work.' For this guy to have lost five star players though and for Palace still look like they've got better. They're fifth in the league."

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  All eyes on Amorim

  There's a queue round the block to replace Amorim, and while Glasner is a favourite with the bookmakers, Gareth Southgate, Marco Silva and Mauricio Pochettino are named among the other contenders. It's a big one for Amorim away at Brentford at the weekend. 

West Bromwich Albion kicked off the new Ryan Mason era with a victory at the Hawthorns last time out as the former Tottenham Hotspur coach picked up a debut three points as a rookie manager.

The Baggies just about edged past opponents Blackburn Rovers on the intense opening day in the Championship, as Isaac Price proved to be the difference-maker between the two sides with an early first-half effort.

Former West Brom manager Valerien Ismael could only watch on with a grimace from the opposing dug-out as he was undone by the 33-year-old, who was helped by Aune Heggebo putting in a standout performance during his first outing donning Baggies blue and white.

Heggebo's standout debut for West Brom

While Price stole the limelight with the only goal of the day, Heggebo did play a key role in the ex-Everton youngster lapping up the plaudits.

Indeed, the Nordic attacker was alert to the action unfolding around him after a long throw-in from Darnell Furlong caused confusion, leading to West Brom’s £4.7m summer buy laying it off to Price to tap a shot home.

His efforts against the Riversiders didn’t go unnoticed, either, with Heggebo actually winning himself a place in the Championship Team of the Week off the back of the former Brann attacker also winning 11 duels in the hard-fought win, as per Sofascore.

But, there will be a worry that he won’t cut it at the intimidating level when it comes to actually picking up the goals, having only fired two weak efforts at the Blackburn goal on Saturday.

This is where Mason could dip his toes back into the market to win himself an EFL-ready goal machine, with a £7m attacker potentially on his radar.

West Brom could look at signing £3m attacker

Over-relying on Heggebo to deliver the goods does feel as if it could backfire on the Baggies, particularly if the pressure is ramped up on the Scandinavian forward’s shoulders in the intense heat of a promotion race.

This is where Wycombe Wanderers’ Richard Kone could come to the rescue, with the former non-league striker turned EFL gem piquing a lot of interest in the Championship this summer regarding his availability, having been allegedly subject to a £7m bid in recent times from Luton Town.

The 22-year-old striker has experienced quite the rapid rise from the non-league pitches of Essex to leading the line for the Chairboys with some venom.

However, despite his form, he could be available as cheap as £3m now, according to football journalist Ron Walker, which might well even spur the Championship side into making a bid.

His explosive track record in the EFL automatically makes him an upgrade on Heggebo, who is still learning the ropes of the English game, with EFL-oriented pundit Gabriel Sutton even labelling Kone’s heroics in front of goal at Adams Park as “extraordinary.”

Kone at Wycombe vs Heggebo at Brann
Stat	Kone	Heggebo
Games played	74	146
Goals scored	25	51
Assists	9	14
Hat tricks	1x	0
Goals per game	0.33	0.34
Sourced by Transfermarkt

While the table above does look to swing initially in the favour of Heggebo, Kone is only 26 strikes shy of matching his counterpart’s goal tally for Brann, with his exploits last season for Wycombe making him look ready-made for a step-up in quality.

A blistering 21 of those efforts would come near the very top of League One last season, with the brand-new Baggies number 19 only registering 11 goals all of last year in the Nordic top-flight, on the contrary.

Further dubbed as a “mentality monster” by football writer Kai Watson, Kone should be able to take the pressures of the Championship in his stride if his League One prowess is anything to go by.

Heggebo could be forced to take a back seat if Kone were to join, however, but he shone in a more subdued role on the opening day anyway, as West Brom tries to fire in the goals no matter who scores them to seal promotion.

"Extraordinary" West Brom star's camp speaking to new club, they can afford him

Ryan Mason will be sweating over his exit.

By
Henry Jackson

Aug 8, 2025

Bavuma was proactive and Verreynne stable to ensure Sri Lanka’s pacers, who were effective, could not skittle the hosts

Firdose Moonda05-Dec-2024Ryan Rickelton scored a first Test century in his eighth match and became the eighth batter for South Africa to bring up a hundred in 2024 on an evenly shared day at St George’s Park.After choosing to bat first in blustery conditions, South Africa teetered on 44 for 3 in the morning session but a 133-run fourth wicket stand between Rickelton and Temba Bavuma, who brought up his third successive score over fifty, saw them take control. They were rocked again at 186 for 5 but Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne put on 77 for the sixth-wicket to re-steady them. Sri Lanka came back with two late wickets in the day and will eye dismissing South Africa for under 300 and making the most of what are expected to be good batting conditions on day two.Sri Lanka, who wanted to bowl first on a surface with a significant grass covering and got their wish despite losing the toss, will feel fairly pleased with their performance, especially as their seamers asked plenty of questions. Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando found just enough movement upfront while Lahiru Kumara was used effectively in bursts and all three were threatening with the short ball. They were not helped by two chances being put down and a few others falling short. But on what is usually a good batting surface on the first day, they will be pleased with their efforts.Temba Bavuma notched up his third fifty-plus score in as many innings•AFP/Getty ImagesSouth Africa’s decision not only to include an extra batter but to use Rickelton in his preferred position paid off. This was the first time he has batted in Tests at No. 3, a position where he has a domestic average of 60.68, and he showed his suitability to being higher up the order. Called on as early as the second over Rickelton batted for most of the day. He showed restraint upfront and then pounced on any width. He was dismissed with eight minutes left in the day’s play and would have been disappointed to have played at a Kumara ball outside off and edged to gully but that was after he had demonstrated some of South Africa’s batting depth after an early wobble.Asitha, who took the new ball after Vishwa, struck with his first ball when he had Tony de Zorzi given out lbw to an inswinging yorker for a duck. De Zorzi reviewed but both impact and wickets-projection were umpire’s calls and the decision stood. Then, Kumara became the fifth Sri Lankan seamer to reach 100 Test wickets when he bowled Aiden Markram, who tried to drive a delivery that nipped back into him to end what could have become a dangerous innings. Markram struck four fours in his 20 and was unafraid to throw his hands at anything wide. Four overs later, Tristan Stubbs, in his first Test at his home ground, reached for a wide Kumara delivery with hard hands and edged to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, who took a good catch moving to his right.That brought Bavuma, brimming with confidence from his Kingsmead ton, to join Rickelton. Bavuma flicked the fifth ball he faced off Prabath Jayasuriya behind square to bring up South Africa’s fifty. He played some deft strokes including steers between second and third slip and through point. He rode the bounce well and finished the morning session by hitting Jayasuriya over midwicket and out of the ground for six. South Africa got into gear immediately after lunch and took ten runs off the second over of the session. Bavuma was particularly assertive on the drive and in the area through point, where he hit the single that brought up his fifty. It came off 57 balls, his second fastest in Tests after the 52-ball fifty in the innings where he scored his maiden hundred.Asitha Fernando kept South Africa in check•AFP/Getty ImagesRickelton was more cautious and took 122 balls to reach fifty and never got ahead of himself even as things seemed easier against the spinners. As tea approached, Sri Lanka brought on Asitha for a short-ball burst and it worked. Bavuma tried to hook the last ball of Asitha’s 11th over and edged to Kusal.David Bedingham got to tea but was then determined to play as attackingly as possible. He swiped at the fifth ball he faced, from Asitha, and sent it up over the on-side. Three fielders were converging on it and Vishwa, from deep midwicket called for it and caught it momentarily but the chance slipped out of his hands. Two overs later, Bedingham went for it again, this time to a short ball that he top-edged to fine leg. Dinesh Chandimal was the only fielder out there and settled under the ball but it went straight through him. Bedingham’s luck ran out when he tried to take on Jayasuriya, advanced down the track, missed a slog and was bowled.Asitha almost had Verreynne gloving a short ball in the next over but he survived. Runs, however, dried up. South Africa scored 17 runs in 12 overs post tea and Rickelton added only four runs to his total before he broke the shackles by scything Kumara through point for four. Verreynne used the crease well to manufacture scoring opportunities and the pair ran well as the second new ball approached. Rickelton was in the 90s then and got to 98 with a cover drive before being given out lbw off Vishwa. He reviewed, reluctantly it seemed, and Ultra-Edge showed a spike. Two balls later, he hit the ball straight past Verreynne to bring up a 231-ball hundred to much applause.Sri Lanka took the second new ball as soon as it became available and were rewarded with Rickelton’s wicket. Marco Jansen smoked the first ball he faced through the covers for four but was bowled on the last ball of the day as Vishwa, who had toiled without success through the day, broke through his defences.

It was an extremely underwhelming season for West Ham United last time out as a low 14th spot in the Premier League pile had to be stomached.

The Hammers would finish in a far more impressive ninth spot the season before, with a Europa League quarter-final even coming their way. But, this short-term success just couldn’t be sustained, leading to David Moyes losing his job, only for Graham Potter to struggle in equal measure when taking on the London Stadium hot seat.

There will be a hope that Potter can turn around West Ham’s fortunes as he prepares for his first full season at the helm, but he will have to try and add to his meagre five wins in charge of the Iron without Mohammed Kudus at his disposal, with the once popular Ghanaian defecting over to enemy lines to join Tottenham Hotspur for £55m.

That £55m injection to the Hammers’ bank account will no doubt be put to good use, especially as Potter and Co chase down an immediate replacement for Kudus.

West Ham make enquiries over £30m ace

Away from looking for replacements for the ex-Ajax attacker, it looks as if that bumper amount will help the Iron bolster all over the pitch this summer, with a move for Slavia Prague’s El Hadji Malick Diouf to join the East London side edging ever closer to completion.

Moreover, it is also being reported that Harvey Elliott is on West Ham’s radar as a potential midfield option, but there is another move in the pipeline that will seriously excite the Hammers faithful as they attempt to sweep this Kudus saga quickly under the rug.

Transfer Focus

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

As per French outlet L’Equipe, West Ham have now been in contact with Leicester City to make an enquiry concerning the availability of Bilal El Khannous. They are joined by both Sunderland and AS Monaco in the race to sign the promising Foxes gem.

Recently on Arsenal’s shopping list for around the £30m ballpark, this would be a significant move on West Ham’s end in trying to win an ideal replacement for Kudus, with the Moroccan attacker ready to explode into life even more in the Premier League.

Why El Khannous could be a dream Kudus replacement

Whilst Kudus did suffer from an off-season last campaign by his high standards – with only eight of his 32 overall goal contributions for Potter’s men coming across the 2024/25 season – he will still be a big hole for West Ham to fill, considering Lucas Paqueta is now the only recognisable number 10 in the Hammers camp currently.

Moreover, there is only really Jarred Bowen who can cause damage down the right now with Kudus off to Spurs, and whilst El Khannouss might not be the most instantly exciting signing when you view his recent relegation blemish, he could be just the versatile spark West Ham need to stitch up their wounds.

Amazingly, despite Kudus costing £55m to sign, El Khannouss would match his ex-West Ham counterpart when looking at their numbers from last season, as a standout three goals and five assists came the 21-year-old’s way, even as the Foxes fell back down to the EFL in depressing fashion.

On top of that, El Khannouss, when plying his trade in Belgium with Genk, would dazzle fans of the Jupiler Pro League side – much like Kudus managed with Ajax – with his constant creativity and eye for goal.

That was notably seen in his high goals and assist tally of 18 from 94 outings. Kudus would register 21 more goal contributions for the Amsterdam giants, in contrast, but the 21-year-old will hope he can reach these Genk levels again and beyond, lining up next to the likes of Bowen in East London.

El Khannous’ career numbers by position
Position played	Games	Goals scored	Assists
AM	112	6	15
LW	4	0	0
LM	3	1	2
CM	1	0	1
Sourced by Transfermarkt

El Khannouss might not be able to offer another electric body down the right, but he would be able to offer a similar adaptability that Kudus possessed in spades elsewhere, as seen in his promising career haul of three goals and assists when patrolling the left flank.

Once hailed as a “special” talent by football journalist Buchi Laba, on top of also being lauded as having a “killer final ball” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, it does feel as if this could be a sterling deal to secure now, particularly if the likes of Arsenal are also keen.

After all, West Ham were certainly left to feel smug snapping up Kudus when they did, as Liverpool and Newcastle also circled, with El Khannouss the next Kudus-like star who could burst into life at the London Stadium.

West Ham may get Kudus revenge with £35m Spurs target tempted by Irons move

The Hammers have opened negotiations to sign a “phenomenal” player.

1

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 13, 2025

Derby County are in a race with fellow Championship side Wrexham to sign an experienced international defender, according to a reliable reporter.

Derby complete the signing of striker Patrick Agyemang

On Tuesday, the Rams announced they had completed the transfer of striker Patrick Agyemang, who joins the club from MLS side Charlotte FC. According to the BBC, Agyemang has cost Derby £5.8 million, which could rise to £7.3 million with add-ons, as the 24-year-old has signed a four-year contract at Pride Park.

Derby County now keen to sign £30k-a-week star who has won 3 league titles

The Rams are eyeing experience as they prepare for another season in the Championship.

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jul 13, 2025

The forward has just finished playing in the Gold Cup with the USA, where they were beaten in the final by Mexico, and unfortunately for Derby supporters, they may have to wait a bit before they can see their new signing in action, as the club confirmed in their statement that Agyemang has to undergo routine surgery to address a long-standing hernia problem, meaning he could miss the opening matches of the season.

The American is “excited” to join the Rams and was interested in the move to the Championship side as soon as he heard of their interest: “It’s exciting. I have been hearing good things about the club and the fans as well. I always wanted to be a part of something special. To finally be here, it’s amazing.

“I’ve heard about [the move] once I was getting into the national team for the Gold Cup. In the moment, you’re like: “That’s something I’m interested in!” However, you want to focus on what you’re doing.

“As it starts to progress, you start to look more into it. I knew this was a project I’d love to be a part of. I just hoped for it to get across the line. Happily, it did.”

Derby in race with Wrexham for Egan signing

Agyemang becomes the Rams’ fifth signing of the summer, but he could soon be joined by number six, as according to Pete O’Rourke, Derby are interested in signing defender John Egan from Hull City.

The 32-year-old, who has been capped 36 times by the Republic of Ireland, joined the Tigers in February of this year after six months at Burnley, who he joined on a free transfer after leaving Sheffield United. Egan is still under contract with Hull until 2026 but could be on the move this summer, as Wrexham and Stoke City are also keen on him, as well as the Rams.

Apps

18

Started

9

Clean sheets

1

Interceptions per game

0.2

Tackles per game

0.1

Dribbled past per game

0.1

Clearances per game

3.9

Don Goodman has backed Egan to be a great signing for any of his suitors, saying he was “one of the best central defenders in the Championship for Sheffield United”, albeit urging caution due to the injuries which have limited him to just “24 games over the past three years”.

Water is wet, the sky is blue, and Chelsea are incredibly busy in the summer transfer window.

Like they do every year, the Blues are making the most of silly season, already welcoming in Premier League-proven talents like Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

Moreover, they have also reportedly agreed a deal worth around £55m to sign the incredibly exciting Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund.

However, it’s not all about the incomings, as the West Londoners have already made a few sales and are looking to make a few more, although one potential exit could end up being something of a Mohamed Salah repeat.

Chelsea's summer sales

While most of the attention this summer has been on the club’s incomings, and rightly so, Chelsea have already made a few sales.

Transfer Focus

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

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The biggest thus far has been Bashir Humphreys’ move to Burnley, where he spent last season on loan, for a fee supposedly around £10m.

The full-back isn’t the only Blues player who was on loan last season to leave this summer, though, as Kepa Arizabalaga made the incredibly familiar move to Arsenal for around £5m earlier this month.

Interestingly, based on reports, the Spaniard might not even be the only Blues player to move to the Emirates this summer.

According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Noni Madueke could follow Kepa to the red side of North London in the coming weeks or months.

In fact, the Italian journalist claims that the Gunners are in talks with the player’s representatives, and that he’d be “open” to a move.

In terms of the money involved, reports from earlier this month claim that the Englishman could end up costing £55m.

While there are certainly some who would see this as an excellent sale for Chelsea, there are also ways in which it bears a resemblance to Salah’s departure all those years ago.

Why Madueke's move could be Salah 2.0

Okay, so before the pitchforks and torches come out, we are not in any way trying to argue that Madueke is as good a player as Salah is today, as that would be patently absurd.

However, there are some similarities between them and this potential transfer to that of the Liverpool star.

The first is that it could be another example of Chelsea selling a young and exciting right-winger years before they hit their peak.

While he was not indispensable last season, the former PSV Eindhoven star was a useful player to have in the squad and someone who showed glimpses of brilliance.

For example, the “unbelievable” forward, as dubbed by former manager Mauricio Pochettino, racked up a tally of seven goals and four assists in just 32 Premier League appearances, and in Europe, he was even better, scoring three goals and providing one assist in five games.

Madueke’s FBref scout report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

Progressive Carries

6.82

Top 1%

Carries into Penalty Area

4.12

Top 1%

GCA (Defensive Action)

0.04

Top 4%

Touches (Att Pen)

8.15

Top 4%

Non-Penalty xG

0.43

Top 6%

Shots Total

3.54

Top 7%

Progressive Carrying Distance

154.28

Top 7%

Shots on Target

1.33

Top 8%

All Stats via FBref

Moreover, he possesses some genuinely world-class skills, as, according to FBref, he ranked in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and carries into the penalty area per 90 minutes.

In other words, there were almost no players better at getting the ball up the pitch and into seriously dangerous areas than the Englishman.

Don’t just take our word for the potential of the winger though, as coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst has argued that he’s “further along on his journey than Salah was at the same age” and that “if he continues to work hard, then he could and should be recognised as one of the world’s best down the line.”

Additionally, if the Reading-born ace does get to the very top of the game, then he could end up being as much of a thorn in the Pensioners’ side as the Egyptian has been, only this time for an even bigger rival.

Ultimately, while he’s nowhere near Salah today, Madueke has the ability to be something special, and if Chelsea let him go to a rival now, they could end up regretting it in the same way they regret losing the Liverpool star all those years ago.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 4, 2025