By their own usual standards, it’s been a very quiet transfer window at Nottingham Forest so far – albeit while having reportedly completed the £10m capture of Botafogo striker, Igor Jesus.

During their first two seasons back in the Premier League, the Garibaldi signed 24 and then 11 more senior players, before just the ten additions were made last season.

So now, with the confirmation of Jesus’ deal seemingly imminent, are they about to ramp up their transfer business even further?

Nottingham Forest chasing defensive reinforcements

Of course, following last season’s seventh-place finish, Nottingham Forest are preparing to feature in European competition for the first time since 1995/96, dumped out by Bayern Munich at the quarter-final stage of the UEFA Cup back then.

This time, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are currently scheduled to feature in the Conference League, although they could be catapulted into the Europa League, if Crystal Palace are thrown out of the competition due to multi-club ownership rules.

Either way, they’re going to have exponentially more matches to content with, so will require a bigger squad, hence why a report by Turkish outlet Fanatik claims Forest are lining up a £13m offer for centre-back Arseniy Batagov, albeit with his club Trabzonspor holding out for closer to £17m.

The 23-year-old Ukrainian began his senior career at Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, before joining Zorya Luhansk, making 63 appearances for them and catching the eye of Trabzonspor, who signed him for around £1.5m a year ago.

Transfer Focus

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

Batagov has earned international recognition too, starting all three of Ukraine’s matches at last summer’s Olympic Games, before also doing the same at last month’s U21 Euros, captaining his country against the Netherlands in Prešov.

So now, could he be on his way to the City Ground?

How Arseniy Batahov would improve Nottingham Forest

Despite their run to the FA Cup semi-finals, Nottingham Forest played just 44 matches across all competitions last season, while there is the potential for them to play 17 in Europe alone this time round, should they get all the way to the final, so more options will be required.

Fair to say, Nuno’s starting centre-backs remained settled throughout the campaign, as the table below outlines.

Appearances

36

37

26

6

Starts

36

37

6

1

Minutes

3,330

3,188

907

150

% of total mins

93.2%

97.4%

26.5%

4.4%

Club rank for mins

3rd

2nd

14th

21st

In short, what the table emphasises is the fact that Nikola Milenković and Murillo played almost every minute of every game last season, which is understandable, given that Adrian Clarke of the Premier League argued that they were the best pairing in the division.

Morato, meantime, was primarily used alongside the aforementioned duo when Nuno switched to a back three, often in-game, while fourth-choice option Willy Boly saw 250 minutes fewer than James Ward-Prowse, despite the fact he returned to West Ham in January, underlining his lack of importance.

This time, however, Milenković and Murillo cannot start, potentially in excess of, 60 games, so a capable deputy will be required.

Well, Batahov appears to have the attributes to be that player, described as “quality” by Hayatımız Futbol, who also praise his “positioning” and “play-making ability” from the back. Like Murillo, the promising left-footer typically operates at left centre-back.

Meantime, he has also been labelled as Ukraine’s next ‘promising prodigy’, making 23 appearances for Trabzonspor this season, most notably starting May’s Türkiye Kupası Final against Galatasaray, as his side were beaten 3-0 in Gaziantep.

Batahov scored en route to the final against İskenderunspor, but his campaign was largely hampered by various injuries, although it says something about his quality that there is still Premier League interest in him.

Like Murillo, when he arrived from Corinthians for a reported £15m two summers ago after making just 27 appearances for the Brazilian side, not too much is known about Batahov.

That said, this wildcard move, in the mould of Murillo’s capture, could lead to a repeat success, as the Ukrainian certainly has the potential to improve and become a star, just as his potential future teammate has done at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest now ready to make £21m offer for "superb" midfielder

The Tricky Trees are now prepared to make an opening bid for a midfielder, having recently made contact over a potential deal.

ByDominic Lund Jul 1, 2025

Harry Kane has been a player who’s been constantly on their radar over recent years and understandably so given his goalscoring ability in England.

The 31-year-old managed to score 213 goals during his spell in the Premier League, sitting second in the all-time list, with Alan Shearer the player who has scored more.

Back in the summer of 2023, the Red Devils were firmly in the race to land his signature, but he chose to join German giants Bayern Munich in an £82m transfer instead.

Despite moving to the Bundesliga, he’s still managed to haunt the club, scoring against them in the Champions League back in his first year in Munich.

However, despite missing out on his signature, Ruben Amorim could be about to land his own version of the England international, with a deal for one player in the pipeline.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

A deal for Bryan Mbeumo appears to be edging ever closer, with journalist Graeme Bailey stating that a deal is expected to be agreed in the coming days for his signature.

He claims that a £65m deal remains on the cards this summer, after Amorim’s side previously had two offers rejected for the forward, who netted 20 league goals last campaign.

However, progress has been made on a deal to sign Juventus talisman Dušan Vlahović, with the Serbian expected to leave the club this summer, according to CaughtOffside.

Their report claims that talks have been held with the Serie A side over a deal for the 25-year-old, which could see current Red Devils outcast Jadon Sancho.

It also states that the forward has rejected approaches from the Saudi league to stay in Europe, after netting 17 goals in his 44 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.

Why United’s latest target would be their answer to Kane

Given United’s measly tally of just 44 league goals last campaign, it’s understandable that Amorim will want to land a forward who can hand him that clinical edge within the final third.

Current strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee only managed to score seven Premier League goals, highlighting the lack of confidence in front of goal.

Undoubtedly, many supporters must wish they had landed Kane when they were originally interested, with the Englishman finding the net on 85 occasions in the last two seasons.

However, despite missing out on his signature, they could be about to land their own version of the talisman this summer, with a potential move for Juve star Vlahovic.

The Serbian has been labelled as a similar player to the former Spurs star, highlighting how much of a superb signing he could be for the Red Devils this summer.

When comparing their respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign, Vlahovic has outperformed Kane in numerous key areas, showcasing the threat he poses within the final third.

Vlahovic, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Matteo Bonetti, has matched the Englishman for shots on target per 90, but won more aerials – handing Amorim the focal point he’s craved since taking the reins.

Games played

29

31

Goals & assists

14

35

Progressive carries

2.4

1.1

Carries into opposition box

0.9

0.7

Aerials won

2

1.1

Shots on target per 90

1.7

1.7

Take-ons completed

1.4

0.8

He’s also completed more progressive carries and more carries into the final third, having the ability to transition the play and carry the ball into more dangerous areas.

The 25-year-old’s dominance doesn’t end there, completing more take-ons per 90, and having the all-round tools to thrive within attacking areas at Old Trafford.

Given the need for a new striker and the availability of Vlahovic, a deal for his signature should be a no-brainer this summer, potentially reaping the rewards of any move this summer.

If he can manage to get anywhere close to the levels produced by Kane in England’s top-flight, it would be an excellent addition and one that could catapult the side to added success in the near future.

Bad news for Mainoo: Man Utd make approach for "strongest DM in the world"

Manchester United continue to pursue top-level talent ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 10, 2025

Leeds United have submitted an enquiry over a deal for a “world-class” player, who could push for a move to Elland Road within days, according to a report.

Leeds set sights on new midfielder

Leeds have already made major improvements to their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League next season, agreeing deals for centre-backs Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw and striker Lukas Nmecha, and they have now turned their attentions towards signing a new midfielder.

Daniel Farke appears to be particularly keen on bringing in an attack-minded midfielder, capable of providing a threat on the front foot, having identified a range of different targets from within the Championship and Ligue 1.

Player	Current club	G/A last season
Himad Abdelli	Angers SCO	7
Habib Diarra	Strasbourg	9
Gustavo Hamer	Sheffield United	18

However, there is also a desire to bring in a more defensive option, with it recently being revealed the Whites are keen on signing Juventus defensive midfielder Douglas Luiz, having doing their “due diligence” on the Brazilian.

There has now been a new update on Leeds’ pursuit of Luiz, with a report from Italy (via MOT Leeds News), revealing they have now submitted an enquiry over a deal for the midfielder, who could push for a move to Elland Road within days.

Leeds leading Fulham in race to sign £8.5m defender alongside Bornauw

Leeds United are now in a race to sign a defender who has been impressing in Germany.

By
Brett Worthington

Jul 1, 2025

Indeed, should the Serie A side be knocked out of the Club World Cup by Real Madrid on Tuesday evening, the maestro could seek a swift move away from Juventus, with his agents currently evaluating potential options.

There is a possibility that a deal could initially be a loan, including an obligation to buy, which may be on the expensive side, given that the 27-year-old arrived at Juventus for a fee of £42m just over a year ago.

"World-class" Luiz could be real coup for Leeds

The Brazil international has featured just once for Juventus at the Club World Cup, indicating he isn’t held in the highest regard by his current employers, but the central midfielder’s previous exploits in England indicate he could be a top-quality signing for Leeds.

The former Aston Villa man flourished during his time in the West Midlands, receiving very high praise from John McGinn, who described his former teammate as “world-class”.

Although most well-known as a defensive midfielder, the ex-Villa star proved himself as a real all-rounder during his stint at Villa Park, capable of making a real impact on the front foot.

As such, Leeds should not pass up the opportunity to sign Luiz, despite failing to kick on since moving to Juventus, and he could be a difference-maker in the battle for survival next season.

كشف مصدر بـ النادي الأهلي، آخر التطورات الخاصة بمصير مشاركة أحمد سيد زيزو لاعب فريق الكرة من التواجد بمباراة القمة أمام الزمالك، في الدوري المصري.

وكان أحمد سيد زيزو قد تعرض للإصابة أمام إنبي، مما اضطر إلى استبداله خلال الشوط الأول من اللقاء الذي انتهى بالتعادل الإيجابي 1-1.

طالع.. رسميًا | لاعب الأهلي يرحل إلى الدوري التشيكي

وتعادل النادي الأهلي مع إنبي، إيجابيًا بنتيجة هدف لمثله، سجل للمارد الأحمر محمود حسن تريزيجيه بضربة رأس من داخل منطقة الجزاء، وأحزر التعادل لـ إنبي أحمد العجوز من ركلة جزاء.

وعلم بطولات، أن أحمد سيد زيزو يخضع لبرنامج تأهيلي مُكثف على فترتين يوميًا، لمحاولة اللحاق بمباراة الزمالك في بطولة الدوري.

ومن المُقرر أن يلتقي الأهلي مع الزمالك يوم 29 من سبتمبر الجاري، ضمن مواجهات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

ويحتل الأهلي المركز الخامس عشر في جدول الترتيب برصيد 6 نقاط فقط، جمعها من فوز وحيد، وثلاثة تعادلات، وهزيمة أمام بيراميدز، في واحدة من أسوأ بداياته في تاريخ المسابقة.

Where is Alexander Isak going to be playing his football next season? The Newcastle United striker is one of two attackers embroiled in a huge transfer saga involving the Magpies and Premier League champions Liverpool. It is fair to say that his future is up in the air right now.

A new report from David Ornstein explains that the Reds have contacted Eintracht Frankfurt over a possible move for Hugo Ekitike, also a key target for Liverpool. However, Arne Slot’s side have also made a move for Isak. Newcastle are hoping to keep their number nine and also sign Ektiike.

At this stage, it is too difficult to predict which striker will end up where next season. A recent development could see Newcastle move for a different striker altogether.

The latest on Newcastle’s striker pursuit

It will be fascinating to follow this transfer saga, which does not seem like it will come to a conclusion anytime soon. Perhaps the Magpies will instead look to pursue a new target up front, and have been linked with someone from within the Premier League.

Transfer Focus

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

According to a report from journalist Graeme Bailey, the North Eastern giants hold a strong interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, and, in the view of Bailey, like the striker ‘an awful lot’.

They are said to be ‘one of several Premier League clubs in talks’ to sign the forward in the 2025 summer window, meaning the competition will be stiff.

Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest are also interested in a deal that could see the striker leave for as little as £40m.

Why Wissa would be a good signing

Perhaps it would be wise for Newcastle to untangle themselves from this Isak and Ekitike saga and focus on someone with a fantastic record in the Premier League, instead. Wissa is certainly that guy, and his top-flight numbers speak for themselves.

The 28-year-old has played 137 Premier League games in his career so far, finding the back of the net 45 times and assisting a further 13 goals. The last two seasons have seen the DR Congo international reach double figures for goals.

The 2024/25 campaign was comfortably Wissa’s best in the Premier League. He featured in 35 games for Brentford, scoring 19 times and grabbing five assists, stepping up in the wake of Ivan Toney’s departure. Impressively, the striker contributed to seven goals in the final seven games of the season.

If Isak is to depart St James’ Park this summer, then replacing him will be no mean feat. Last season, former defender-turned-pundit Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports the Swede is the “best striker in the Premier League”, talking in December 2024.

Well, the stats from last season make it easy to see why the Liverpool legend spoke so highly of Isak. He bagged 23 goals in 34 Premier League appearances, as well as that crucial strike in the Carabao Cup final triumph over Carragher’s former side.

Finding an heir to the throne of Isak will not be easy, but perhaps Wissa, an “exceptional” striker according to Jamie Redknapp, could be the guy they’re looking for. They are actually noted as statistically similar players, as per FBef from the top flight last season and some of the stats stand out.

Of course, one of the most important stats for strikers is their shooting numbers. The Brentford star averaged 0.21 goals per shot per game last season, slightly pipping Isak, who had 0.2. The pair averaged the same number of goals per shot on target, with 0.46, too. Wissa’s 0.59 goals per game is not too far off Isak’s tally of 0.75.

Goals

0.59

0.75

Goals per shot

0.21

0.2

Goals per shot on target

0.46

0.46

Goal-creating actions

0.31

0.46

Ball recoveries

2.5

1.88

Aerial duels won

0.93

0.85

This could be a steal for Newcastle, at a price of just £40m. Wissa is undoubtedly one of the deadliest strikers in the Premier League, and only scored four fewer goals last season than Isak managed.

He has the quality and consistency to become the heir to the Swede’s throne and make the Magpies forget all about signing Ekitike this summer.

Elanga's dream CF: Newcastle exploring move for £50m Ekitike alternative

Following the signing of Anthony Elanga, Newcastle are now exploring a move to sign a Premier League striker worth £50m who has a “nose for goals”.

ByBen Gray Jul 14, 2025

LSG are also keen on giving Zaheer a wider profile, involving scouting and player development

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Aug-2024Zaheer Khan has joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as their mentor, filling the vacancy left by Gautam Gambhir’s exit after IPL 2023. Gambhir had taken up the mentor role at Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2024 and has since become head coach of the India men’s team.Zaheer will also take on bowling coach duties, after Morne Morkel left the franchise to join Gambhir’s coaching staff with the Indian team. During a media interaction after his unveiling, Zaheer did not specify that he would be bowling coach, but said with a smile: “If I am there in the set-up, does the team need another bowling coach?”From 2018 to 2022, Zaheer was involved with the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise, first as director of cricket and then head of global development. Prior to that, he was part of three IPL teams as a player – MI, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Daredevils. In all, he featured in 100 games for the three teams across ten seasons, picking up 102 wickets at an economy of 7.58. He last played in the tournament in 2017, when he led Daredevils, before retiring from all forms of cricket.As reported earlier by ESPNcricinfo, apart from the role of mentor, LSG are keen on giving Zaheer a wider profile that will mean involvement with the scouting and player-development programmes during the off season.Related

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LSG’s coaching set-up is currently headed by Justin Langer, who will continue in the role after having replaced Andy Flower as head coach ahead of IPL 2024, with Lance Klusener and Adam Voges as his assistants. After securing playoff berths in their first two seasons, the KL Rahul-led side was pipped on net run rate for a spot in the top four in 2024.Zaheer’s return to the IPL fold comes at a time when teams are preparing for a mega auction. The IPL is likely to announce the retention rules by early September.

His three wickets make good on decision to bowl first under murky skies

ECB Reporters Network22-Aug-2024

Toby Roland-Jones led the Middlesex attack with three wickets•Getty Images

Toby Roland-Jones led the hunt for wickets as Middlesex had the better of a rain-affected opening day against Northamptonshire at Merchant Taylors’ School.The Seaxes skipper, Middlesex’s leading red-ball wicket-taker this season in this his benefit year, made good on his decision to bowl first under murky skies, returning 3 for 34.Tom Helm , who produced a fiery opening burst backed up his skipper with 2 for 41 as the visitors struggled to 167 for 7 in the 44.4 overs played.Emilio Gay with 42 provided the chief resistance for Northamptonshire, who gave a debut to seamer Dominic Leech, who joined on loan this week from Yorkshire ahead of starting a three-year contract at Wantage Road next season.Morning rain meant no play before lunch and it was 1:25pm before Middlesex’s bowlers got the chance to profit from winning the toss.Indian Test opener Pritvhi Shaw made a positive start against some friendly offerings from Ethan Bamber and Roland-Jones. Two leg-side half-volleys were suitably despatched while two glorious drives fizzed through the covers. An injudicious attempted pull off Roland-Jones ended his fun, the ball skied to Mark Stoneman at point.Tom Helm was next to strike. The quick had played drinks waiter since appearing for Birmingham Phoenix in the opening game of the Hundred last month, but showed no rustiness, luring Ricardo Vasconcelos into a pull shot which ballooned to Roland-Jones at wide mid-on.The 30-year-old then produced the sort of ball pace bowlers dream off, bringing one back from outside off-stump to bowl Northamptonshire skipper Luke Proctor, the stump careering back almost to wicketkeeper Jack Davies.George Bartlett gave Sam Robson the first of three slip catches and while Rob Keogh briefly launched a counter-offensive, twice striking successive boundaries, he also found the hands of the former England opener with an edge off Henry Brookes.Gay had watched all the carnage from the other end. The opener, who departs for Durham at the end of the season, and who made a career-best 261 against the Seaxes at Wantage Road earlier in the campaign, batted with greater control than his teammates, using his height to defend off the back foot, while getting a good stride in when driving through the extra cover region.It was going to take a good ball to dislodge him and Roland-Jones found a brute on the stroke of tea which lifted from around fourth stump causing Gay to edge to slip, Robson again the catcher.Roland-Jones removed Justin Broad for an eight-ball duck soon after the resumption but Lewis McManus and Ben Sanderson stopped the bleeding before rain drove the players from the field.They returned 90 minutes later and 14 deliveries proved enough for the batters to raise a valuable 50-partnership before bad light intervened.

Glasgow Rangers welcome Panathinaikos to Ibrox this evening in the first leg of their second round Champions League qualifier, and one player who will not be involved in Ridvan Yilmaz.

The Turkey international was left out of the squad for the match, with Jefte and Max Aarons preferred in the full-back department, and it remains to be seen if his future is in Scotland.

It was recently reported that the left-back has agreed to return to Besiktas this summer, but it is now down to the clubs to thrash out a deal for the defender.

Yilmaz only started 11 matches in the Scottish Premiership during the 2024/25 campaign and may be looking at a return to his home country to play week-in-week-out.

Rangers in talks to sign new left-back

The Light Blues should sanction an exit for the 24-year-old flop this summer because they are currently pursuing a deal for a player who would be a big upgrade for Russell Martin.

Transfer Focus

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

According to DaveOCKOP, Rangers are in talks over a deal to sign Liverpool left-back Owen Beck to bolster their options at the back for the 2025/26 campaign.

The report claims that the two clubs are locked in negotiations but the Light Blues are progressing in their pursuit of a swoop for the Welsh full-back.

It adds that the Premier League champions are currently holding out for a fee of £10m for their academy graduate, whilst the Gers would like to pay around £7m for him.

However, John Percy has since claimed that Derby County have agreed a deal to sign the defender on loan, which means that the Light Blues will need to step up their pursuit immediately to hijack a move.

Why Rangers should sign Owen Beck

Martin should push for the club to reach an agreement with Liverpool in these talks because he is a proven Scottish Premiership performer who would come in as a big upgrade on Yilmaz this season.

The 22-year-old star, who was once described as a “spectacular” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, spent last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers, playing 24 times in the Championship, but previously shone on loan at Dundee.

Beck played 25 matches in the Premiership whilst on loan at Dundee in the 2023/24 campaign and caught the eye with his impressive displays at left-back, earning a place in the Team of the Year.

Appearances

25

17

Big chances created

6

4

Assists

4

2

Key passes per game

2.3

1.2

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.9

1.8

Ground duel success rate

57%

60%

Dribble success rate

60%

0%

As you can see in the table above, the Liverpool loanee provided quality as both an offensive and defensive force down the left flank that season, as he created goals and prevented them by making tackles and interceptions.

These statistics suggest that the left-footed star has the potential to be a big upgrade on Yilmaz for Rangers, as he could provide more quality as a creator at the top end of the pitch whilst also offering a more well-rounded defensive presence, thanks to his strength in duels on the ground and in the air.

Given that his performances came in the Premiership, as well, the Light Blues would be signing him with almost a guarantee of quality, as Beck has been there and done it at that level.

As dispensable as Nsiala: Teams have major interest in Rangers flop

There are teams eyeing up moves for this flop and Clinton Nsiala from Rangers this summer.

ByDan Emery Jul 21, 2025

This is why the Light Blues should be pushing to sign the ace who was once considered the best left-back in Scotland, because he would improve the team and allow the club to send Yilmaz back to Besiktas, should an acceptable offer come in.

Fast bowler returns from back injury; Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates are set for their ninth T20 World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Sep-2024

Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates will have played each of the T20 World Cups•ICC via Getty Images

New Zealand will be boosted by the return of fast bowler Rosemary Mair for the women’s T20 World Cup 2024, after she suffered a back injury during their home series against England in March. Meanwhile, their captain Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates are set to play their ninth T20 World Cup when the competition begins in the UAE in October.This means the two would have played in every edition of the T20 World Cup.Mair, who has 18 wickets from 24 T20Is, will bolster a pace attack comprising the experienced Lea Tahuhu, Jess Kerr, Hannah Rowe and Molly Penfold, while Brooke Halliday is also an option as a fast-bowling allrounder. The spin-bowling department includes Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Fran Jonas and Eden Carson.It’s a largely experienced squad, with wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze the only player not to have played a T20 World Cup before.New Zealand squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024•ESPNcricinfo

“I’m really pleased with this squad; I think these are our best 15 players to adapt to what will likely be varied conditions,” New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer said. “Soph [Devine] and Suze [Bates] have a huge amount of tournament experience from World Cups to franchise leagues, so we’ll certainly be leaning on that knowledge in what’s going to be a pretty intense competition.”Rosemary’s had an unfortunate run with injury over the past few months, and she’s worked hard to be fit for this tournament. She’s proved herself as one of our key pace options and we’re excited she’s returning.”New Zealand will also tour Australia for three T20Is in the lead-up to the World Cup, with the same squad set to participate in the games on September 19, 22 and 24 in Mackay and Brisbane.They then play warm-up games against South Africa and England on September 29 and October 1, respectively, before the start of the World Cup proper, where they face India in their first match on October 4. Apart from India, those in New Zealand’s group include Australia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.The World Cup will be Devine’s last assignment as New Zealand’s T20I captain.New Zealand squad for women’s T20 World Cup 2024Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu

Chelsea have been on a tear this summer.

Enzo Maresca’s side stunned plenty of fans and pundits alike on the pitch by adding a Club World Cup title to their Conference League title and have been just as active off of it.

For example, the board have been able to shift a number of players they no longer wanted, like Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga, while also bringing in several who could seriously improve the squad, like Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens.

However, they aren’t done there, as they’ve been heavily linked with the mercurial Xavi Simons, and now it would appear as if they are closing in on another player who’d be a dream teammate for the Dutchman.

Chelsea target dream teammate for Simons

While Chelsea continue to be linked with a host of players this summer, one of the more prominent over the last week or so has been Simons.

Transfer Focus

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

Reports from earlier today even claimed that the Blues are actually closing in on a deal for the RB Leipzig ace, which could see him move for around £52m.

While that is no small sum of money, it does feel like fair value for a 22-year-old star who racked up 11 goals and eight assists in just 33 appearances last season.

Interestingly, in addition to signing the Amsterdam-born star, the West Londoners now also seem intent on bringing another player to the club who’d be a dream teammate for him.

At least that is according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has reaffirmed that Chelsea are incredibly interested in Jorrel Hato, suggesting that he is ‘ready to accept personal terms’.

More than that, the Italian journalist has revealed that the Blues are in talks with Ajax and view the defender, who is keen on the move, as their “next top priority.”

Romano makes no mention of the fee required to sign the player, but stories from earlier this month claim it could be around £60m, and while that is a lot, it might be worth paying, especially as Hato could be a perfect teammate for Simons.

Why Hato would be a dream teammate for Simons

So, one of Simons considerable strengths is that he’s comfortable playing in the middle of the park as a ten, or out wide as a winger – and sometimes up top – so when it comes to forming a partnership with full-back, it would be incredibly beneficial if they could overlap and come inside depending on what is needed in that moment.

Fortunately, Hato is such an intelligent and gifted footballer that he can do just that.

While he prefers to come inside and invert, at least that’s what he does more often at Ajax; you can see his ability to overlap in his heat map from last season.

This ability to fulfil both roles without much bother will do two things.

Firstly, it will mean he can avoid getting in Simon’s way, depending on where he is on the pitch.

Secondly, it could also see him get more game time due to his adaptability, which in turn will allow him to develop a more effective partnership with the Leipzig star.

Away from their position, the reason they’d be great teammates at Chelsea is that the “exceptional” talent, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is also a part of the Dutch national team.

Therefore, they’ll have even more time than most to get a proper understanding of one another’s game.

Finally, while the 19-year-old wonderkid’s primary role will be to defend, he’s also shown an ability to create chances for his team, as in 33 league appearances last season, he racked up six assists to go with his two goals, which suggests he could provide a decent number of chances for the former PSV Eindhoven star to score.

Appearances

31

Starts

30

Minutes

2592′

Goals

2

Assists

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.25

Minutes per Goal Involvement

324′

Points per Game

2.23

Ultimately, Simons looks like he’ll be a brilliant signing for Chelsea, but if the Conference League champions want to get even more out of him next season, signing Hato as well would be a good place to start.

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