Things weren’t looking so great for Chelsea just a couple of weeks ago.

Enzo Maresca’s side were coming off their third loss on the bounce, and there was some frustration among the fans.

However, thanks to an incredible performance against Liverpool and a last-minute goal from Estevao, things at Stamford Bridge are starting to look up.

The Brazilian wonderkid is the man of the moment after that goal, and that, combined with some of his other exciting cameos, all point towards him being a first-team star come the end of the season.

Chelsea look like they’ve struck gold with the former Palmires gem, but had they been able to keep hold of another sensational talent who left for nothing, they’d have two Estevao-level prospects in the squad today.

The youth stars that got away for Chelsea

Cobham is a powerhouse of an academy, and one that has served Chelsea well over the years, whether by producing players for the first team or ones to be sold for big profit.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

However, as with all big clubs, the Blues have also lost several youngsters who went on to be superstars, sometimes due to poor decisions and sometimes through no fault of their own.

Two players that unfortunately fall into the former category are, of course, Declan Rice and Michael Olise.

The Englishman was famously part of the academy side that featured Mason Mount. He was released in 2013 at the age of 14, joined West Ham United, and then moved to Arsenal in 2023, where he could potentially win the league.

Olise, on the other hand, left the club in 2016 in what was reportedly a “mutual decision,” and has since gone on to star for Reading, Crystal Palace, and now Bayern Munich.

A former Cobham gem who left despite the club’s best efforts was Jamal Musiala.

The German international joined the club’s academy system from Southampton in 2011 but moved to Bayern Munich in July 2019, which netted the West Londoners just £180k.

Unfortunately for Chelsea, something similar happened again last September for a player who could end up being as good as Estevao.

The homegrown Estevao Chelsea lost

Unfortunately, the homegrown Estevao Chelsea lost for nothing is none other than Liverpool’s latest wonderkid, Rio Ngumoha.

The 17-year-old joined the Reds’ academy set-up from the West Londoners in September of last year.

Unlike with Rice and Olise, for example, the club made every effort to keep him in the capital, but it just wasn’t enough, and he made his way to the North West for nothing.

However, while the Blues have not yet received anything for the youngster, they will eventually be paid; it’s just that, at the moment, the amount has not been decided upon by a tribunal.

Whatever it ends up being, though, the club would likely prefer the youngster, as he’s already looking like a homegrown Estevao.

Liverpool U18s

10

3

Chelsea U18s

9

2

Liverpool U21s

9

2

Liverpool first team

6

1

Liverpool youth league

6

1

For example, in the game against Newcastle United, he came off the bench late on to score a last-minute winner that would have had a similar impact on the fans as the Brazilian’s did last weekend.

Moreover, the “phenomenal talent” as dubbed by his former youth coach, Saul Isaksson-Hurst, is looked upon as one of the game’s future stars.

According to one analyst, he is “one of the best young wingers in Europe”. At the same time, Ben Mattinson has praised him for being a “technical dribbler with an explosive burst of acceleration,” which makes him “dangerous in 1v1s” and sounds a lot like the Blues’ new young superstar.

Ultimately, it is still early in both their careers, so it’s hard to be completely sure how they will fare going forward. However, as things stand, it looks like Ngumoha could be a genuine rival to Estevao in the coming years.

Value has risen by 228%: Chelsea star looks like "Lampard, Drogba & Hazard"

The world-class Chelsea star could become a legend under Enzo Maresca.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 9, 2025

Vinicius Jr is reportedly considering leaving Real Madrid as the fallout following his angry reaction to being substituted in Sunday’s Clasico looks set to continue. The Brazil international was left seething after manager Xabi Alonso decided to take him off towards the end of the dramatic 2-1 victory over rivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Vinicius believed to have shouted 'I'm leaving' towards Alonso

In a fiery encounter between the two Spanish giants, with a brawl erupting between both sets of players after full time, Vinicius contributed to the tension following his reaction to being withdrawn after 72 minutes. Ranting as he headed towards the touchline, the 25-year-old is believed to have shouted ”Always me” towards Alonso, before saying "I'm leaving the team, it's better if I leave, I'm leaving."

Vinicius then stormed down the tunnel, only to return several minutes later as league leaders Real secured a precious three points which saw them move five clear of Barcelona in La Liga. He was then involved in the post-match fracas which took place after the final whistle, arguing with Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, who was at the centre of the scuffle.

AdvertisementAFPBrazil international is now reportedly weighing up his options

And in a new report from Spanish publication Vinicius is now "seriously considering leaving" due to a perceived lack of trust from Alonso. The report claims that the former Flamengo forward does not believe his past achievements are being respected by the Real head coach, having scored 111 goals in 336 appearances since joining Real in 2018. Vinicius has lifted 14 trophies with Los Blancos, including three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns.

The report also claims that Vinicius’ anger to being substituted has not gone down well with the Real hierarchy, who are believed to be fully supportive of Alonso’s decision. Having played for the club between 2009 and 2014, lifting five major honours including the 2014 Champions League, the 43-year-old returned to the club in the summer after replacing Carlo Ancelotti as manager.

Vinicius willing to stay at Real if Alonso makes one key change

The report concludes by saying that while Vinicius – who is contracted to Real until 2027 – does not want to leave, he feels he will be left with no choice but to seek pastures new if Alonso does not “back” him in the same way he has done with in-form forward Kylian Mbappe. Vinicius has only finished three games in which he has been a starter for Real this season, in addition to not starting in three of the club’s 13 matches in all competitions.

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Getty Images SportWinger explained his angry reaction after full-time

Speaking after the Barcelona game, Vinicius explained his reaction to being substituted, saying: "I have a message to all Madridistas, especially those who came to the Bernabeu and supported us passionately: this is how the Clasico is, there are many things happening on and off the pitch. We try to maintain balance, but that's not always possible. We didn't want to offend anyone, neither the young players nor the fans. We know that when we step onto the pitch, we have to play our role, and that's how it was today. Hala Madrid."

Eberechi Eze's first-half strike proved the difference as Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 1-0 on Sunday. Eze's goal was his first of the season as the Gunners downed the England international's former employers on home turf to go four points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

The Gunners weren't wholly convincing against the Eagles but did just enough to claim another huge three points as Arsenal capitalised on their title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool dropping points over the weekend.

Eze beat Dean Henderson with a fine hit shortly before the break and despite a late Palace push, the Gunners held out to secure all the spoils.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Emirates Stadium…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  David Raya (6/10):

  Had little to make in the way of saves. Distribution was solid, including a calm short pass in the first half between two Palace attackers. 

  Jurrien Timber (7/10):

  Got forward well from right-back again. Dealt with the Palace press with relative ease.

  William Saliba (5/10):

  Struggled against compatriot Mateta and came off at the break due to an apparent injury.

  Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

  Won the Rice free-kick to knock down for Eze to bag the opener. Struck the woodwork shortly after the break. 

  Riccardo Calafiori (6/10):

  Found a team-mate well but not wholly convincing defensively before he was replaced by Hincapie.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Midfield

  Declan Rice (7/10):

  Free-kick in the first half resulted in Eze's goal. Could have had an assist having created three chances. Replaced by Merino late on.

  Martin Zubimendi (6/10):

  Made a crucial clearance in the 85th minute as Palace pushed for an equaliser. Tidy on and off the ball.

  Eberechi Eze (8/10):

  Scored a superb opener against his former club shortly before the break. Came off to a standing ovation in a match-winning display.

• AFP
  

  Attack

  Bukayo Saka (6/10):

  Not the most memorable performance. Worked hard off the ball but struggled against Mitchell. 

  Viktor Gyokeres (6/10):

  Made some good off-the-ball runs to stretch the Palace backline. Failed to follow up his midweek brace with a goal, but his overall display was solid.

  Leandro Trossard (5/10):

  Forced a notable stop from Henderson on the half-hour mark. Kept quiet otherwise. 

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• AFP
  

  Subs & Manager

  Cristhian Mosquera (6/10):

  Come on for Saliba for the second half. Did little wrong to help Arsenal to victory.

  Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):

  Marshalled easily enough having been subbed on for Saka midway through the second half.

  Piero Hincapie (6/10):

  Like Mosquera, was solid enough as Arsenal claimed a narrow win.

  Mikel Merino (5/10):

  Misplaced a simple pass for Trossard shortly after introduction, which angered Arteta.

  Myles Lewis-Skelly (N/A):

  Replaced Eze for the final knockings.

  Mikel Arteta (7/10):

  Got his selection right and managed his subs accordingly to maximise the strength in depth to see out the win.

While Aston Villa finally got their Premier League season off the ground on Sunday with a much-needed win, Newcastle United slipped to another defeat in the tough division at the hands of Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners took over the never-say-die role from Arne Slot’s Liverpool when travelling to Tyneside, with the determined North Londoners grabbing two late goals in the dying stages to leave the hosts empty-handed in a 2-1 defeat.

This all-too-familiar sting of a loss leaves Eddie Howe’s hosts with only a concerning three points next to their name from their opening six league clashes, with Howe now potentially prepared to drop Dan Burn for games to come after his poor individual showing.

Burn's poor performance vs Arsenal

Straight off the bat, it wasn’t a completely shambolic display at the back overall from the Toon, with both Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman managing to win a commanding 12 duels between them to keep opposition attackers such as Viktor Gyokeres at bay.

But, for Burn, it was a rough day at the office, not helped by Howe’s ultimately foolish decision to draft the 6-foot-7 defender out to a position on the left flank, with Thiaw and Botman positioned in the heart of the defence.

Amazingly, despite coming in at that lofty height, Burn would still manage to be beaten in the air by Gabriel for Arsenal’s dramatic winner.

But, it was more his shoddy performance as a full-back that left a lot to be desired, with the likes of Bukayo Saka on the left channel not intimidated one bit by Burn, who looked shaky throughout coming up against the tricky number seven.

Indeed, Burn would be dribbled past an alarming three times when trying to keep close to his marker, with the 33-year-old also giving up possession a costly 26 times to boost Arsenal’s confidence in attack late on.

Having been a regular starter week in week out for Howe this season in the Premier League – with all six of Newcastle’s games this campaign seeing Burn start – it will be intriguing to see if Burn makes the cut for the upcoming Champions League test away at Royal Saint-Gilloise.

He might not be the only Magpies stalwart in danger of losing his grip on a starting position, however, with this other underperformer now in danger of being ditched for Wednesday’s trip to the Belgian Pro League frontrunners.

Not just Burn: Newcastle underperformed could be ditched

Howe isn’t afraid to exclude notable presences for European nights, with Nick Woltemade – who scored Newcastle’s only effort against the Gunners – missing from the start last time out in the esteemed competition against Barcelona.

Joelinton might well fall victim to his manager’s wrath, too, after not looking at his dominant best versus the Gunners, with his overall numbers from the tight clash making for grim reading, notably amassing fewer touches than Pope.

Minutes played

89

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Shots

1

Touches

40

Accurate passes

21/31 (68%)

Possession lost

13x

Total duels won

3/15

Much like Burn was uncharacteristically weak when asserting himself in challenges defensively, Joelinton also struggled to impose himself on the contest, coming up against the likes of Mikel Merino and Declan Rice centrally, with only 23% of his duels being won, despite averaging a 44% success rate across the season.

Moreover, the fiery Brazilian would also find it hard to be an attacking threat with just one effort registered on David Raya’s goal.

With Howe also aware of how difficult a challenge Joelinton found the showdown with Barcelona last month – with the South American lasting just 62 minutes against the La Liga giants after amassing a weak 27 touches – it might well be time for the Toon boss to rethink his midfield positions and go with something fresh for the clash in Belgium.

Handed a low 5/10 rating post-match by the Shields Gazette’s Dominic Scurr, who pinpointed Joelinton’s mistiming of challenges as a glaring weakness of his game against Arsenal, alternative faces such as Joe Willock or Lewis Miley could soon be set for a start, as Howe tries to find the starting XI that sees wins get on the board.

With how much this dramatic loss would have also taken out of Newcastle, it could be for the best to give Joelinton a breather mid-week in a bid to restore him to his usual self down the line.

As well as Miley: Howe must drop "disappointing" 4/10 Newcastle star

Newcastle face a tough test in the Premier League against Mikel Arteta’s title chasers.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 28, 2025

A full-back’s role has changed significantly in recent years, with managers now wanting more than just defensive stability from their right-back.

The best of the best have to be just as good going forward, building attacks and contributing to goals all while stifling wingers coming back the other way… but who is the top right-back around today?

Ranking factors

To help rank the right-backs in order, we have considered the following criteria:

Current form – how well a player has performed in the past few months Importance to their teams – how influential they are to their team’s performances Role – how unique their skillset is Reputation – what others say about them

Rank

Player

Age

Club

Nation

Achraf Hakimi

26

PSG

Morocco

Trent Alexander-Arnold

27

Real Madrid

England

Jules Kounde

26

Barcelona

France

Jurrien Timber

24

Arsenal

Netherlands

Jeremie Frimpong

24

Liverpool

Netherlands

Denzel Dumfries

29

Inter Milan

Netherlands

Pedro Porro

26

Tottenham

Spain

Dani Carvajal

33

Real Madrid

Spain

Giovanni Di Lorenzo

32

Napoli

Italy

Tino Livramento

22

Newcastle

England

Malo Gusto

22

Chelsea

France

Marcos Llorente

30

Atletico Madrid

Spain

Daniel Munoz

29

Crystal Palace

Colombia

Vanderson

24

Monaco

Brazil

Diogo Dalot

26

Man Utd

Portugal

15 Diogo Dalot Man Utd and Portugal

Named Man Utd’s Player of the Year in 2024, Diogo Dalot has impressed at Old Trafford on a personal note. The Portugal international has featured regularly under new manager Ruben Amorim, who has hailed the full-back’s pace and “qualities” at Old Trafford.

Capable of playing on either side, Dalot, who is valued at €30m by Transfermarkt, is under contract until 2028.

Nations League

2025

Liga Portugal

2018

FA Cup

2024

League Cup

2023

14 Vanderson Monaco and Brazil

Brazil have had some brilliant full-backs down the years, and it looks as if Vanderson could be the next star right-back for the Seleção.

Vanderson, who has been compared to iconic right-back Maicon, has starred for Monaco, which saw him become a top transfer target for Barcelona.

Campeao Gaucho

2021

13 Daniel Munoz Crystal Palace and Colombia

Starring under Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace in 2025 has been Daniel Munoz, with the Colombian an ever-present in a 3-4-2-1 system at Selhurst Park.

The 29-year-old really impressed in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season, which resulted in interest from Pep Guardiola and Man City. Munoz has also chipped in with some important goals for Palace, with Glasner calling him “amazing”.

FA Cup

2025

Community Shield

2025

Belgian Cup

2021

12 Marcos Llorente Atletico Madrid and Spain

Marcos Llorente has starred for Atletico Madrid since joining from Real Madrid back in 2019 and has been used regularly as a right-back under Diego Simeone, who has called him “indispensable”.

The Spain international can play in a variety of positions all across the pitch and has been hailed as a ‘modern football machine’ due to his ‘relentless engine’. At 30 years of age, Llorente is showing no signs of slowing up.

Champions League

2018

FIFA Club World Cup

2018, 2019

La Liga

2021

UEFA Super Cup

2016

Spanish Super Cup

2017

11 Malo Gusto Chelsea and France

Malo Gusto has found his feet at Chelsea after moving to Stamford Bridge in 2023 and helped the Blues win the Club World Cup in the USA.

Under contract until 2030 with the Blues, Gusto is into double figures for Chelsea assists and has been called “fantastic” and “top” by Enzo Maresca.

10 Tino Livramento Newcastle and England

Versatile Newcastle star Tino Livramento can play as a right-back or as a left-back at St James’ Park and looks to be Kieran Trippier’s long-term replacement on the right-hand side of the back four.

The Magpies star is going from strength to strength with the Magpies since joining from Southampton and is now valued at a career-high figure by Transfermarkt.

He’s also been called “outstanding” by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer and even pocketed Mohamed Salah in the 2025 EFL Cup final.

9 Giovanni Di Lorenzo Napoli and Italy

Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo has been a consistent performer for the 2025 Serie A winners in recent seasons and will soon close in on 300 appearances for his current employers.

Also a regular for Italy, Di Lorenzo has been hailed for his composure on the ball in the final third alongside his ability to read a game, which has resulted in him being regarded as one of Serie A’s best and most dependable players.

European Championships

2021

Serie A

2023

Coppa Italia

2020

8 Dani Carvajal Real Madrid and Spain

Iconic right-back and Real Madrid legend Dani Carvajal is next on the list. The 33-year-old has made more than 400 appearances for the European giants over the past 12 years and has called himself a “total killer”.

Unfortunately, Carvajal has missed the majority of the 2024/25 season with a cruciate ligament injury, but has vowed to be in his “prime” when he returns.

European Championships

2024

Nations League

2023

Champions League

2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024

FIFA Club World Cup

2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023

La Liga

2017, 2020, 2022, 2024

Copa del Rey

2014, 2023

UEFA Super Cup

2014, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2024

Spanish Super Cup

2017, 2019, 2021, 2023

FIFA Intercontinental Cup

2024

7 Pedro Porro Tottenham and Spain

If an attacking right-back is what you want, then Tottenham’s Pedro Porro is a standout candidate after being labelled as the “best” in the Premier League over the last 18 months.

The “titanic” Spain international is averaging an assist every five games at Spurs and a goal every 10 games, showing his attacking qualities.

Europa League

2025

Liga Portugal

2021

Taca da Liga

2021, 2022

6 Denzel Dumfries Inter Milan and Netherlands

Denzel Dumfries has been described as a “monster” of a right-back, and he has excelled at Inter Milan in an attacking wing-back role.

His “complete” performance against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final highlighted his attacking ability by scoring twice, and it is no surprise to see him in the top 10.

Serie A

2024

Coppa Italia

2022, 2023

Italian Super Cup

2022, 2023, 2024

Eerste Divisie

2016

What’s better than betting on a few players to hit a long ball for the MLB action each day?

That’s the goal of our Daily Dinger column at SI Betting, as we attempt to pick a few players that will go yard, hopefully netting a solid payout in the process. 

On Tuesday, I’m focusing on two third basemen to go deep, as one of them has been arguably the hottest hitter in baseball after smacking two more long balls on Sunday night. 

Best MLB Home Run Picks Today, Tuesday, July 9

• Jose Ramirez to Hit a Home Run (+475)
• Rafael Devers to Hit a Home Run (+190)

Jose Ramirez to Hit a Home Run (+475)

Jose Ramirez has a great matchup against the Detroit Tigers and veteran starter Kenta Maeda on Tuesday night. 

Maeda was rocked in his last start – allowing nine runs – and he’s given up 13 home runs in 15 outings in 2024. His ERA is now 6.71, and I wouldn't be shocked to see him struggle against the Cleveland Guardians and their solid offense – 10th in homers and 12th in OPS. 

Ramirez has nearly hit his home run total from last season (24) already this season, smacking 23 homers, including 15 against right-handed pitching. 

I’ll gladly back him at this price against a struggling righty on Tuesday. 

Rafael Devers to Hit a Home Run (+190)

There may not be a hotter hitter than Rafael Devers, who came through for us in the Daily Dinger column on Sunday night against the New York Yankees. 

The Boston Red Sox star is hitting .405 with a .976 slugging percentage over his last 10 games, smacking seven homers over that stretch. 

He’s now up to 21 homers on the season, and he has a favorable matchup on Tuesday against Joey Estes, who has allowed seven homers in 10 games for the Oakland A’s. 

Estes did pitch a complete game shutout in his last start, but he had allowed five homers in his previous four outings. I’ll take a shot on Devers to stay red hot tonight. 

Manchester United are looking for consistency on the pitch and Ruben Amorim is at the centre of plenty of debate as INEOS aim to build for the future at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim firm on his future as United cruise past Sunderland

The Red Devils are hoping to climb their way up the Premier League table despite suffering an inconsistent start to the campaign, moving into the top half courtesy of a smooth day despite the blustery conditions against Sunderland.

Benjamin Sesko scored his second goal of the season and first at Old Trafford after a fine finish, after Mason Mount had given the hosts the lead on a windy Saturday afternoon.

As expected, the former Sporting boss is adamant that he is the man to take the club forward and won’t leave of his own accord, claiming that he will give ‘everything’ to succeed under the pressure of the job.

He stated before his side took on Sunderland: “No, that is a decision of the board. I cannot do that (resign). Sometimes I have that feeling and losing is hard, not to create the momentum. It’s so frustrating when you create the momentum, go to the next game, something happens. That feeling sometimes hurts me a lot. Also the players and especially the staff here.”

Later, he added: “It’s a dream to be here and I want to continue here and I want to fight for this. But the problem is now what makes me suffer is to lose games, not to lose my job. You fear to lose your job when you have to pay the bills and I don’t have that feeling.”

On the pitch, calls for Kobbie Mainoo to be a regular Manchester United starter moving forward are amplifying, and it remains to be seen if other changes are made to build momentum once the international break concludes.

Nevertheless, contingency planning is an important part of football, and the Red Devils could turn to an internal face who is a renowned name at Old Trafford.

Darren Fletcher could take over at Man Utd

According to The Sun, Manchester United Under-18 coach Darren Fletcher could succeed Amorim on an interim basis after his impressive start to life with the academy outfit.

Making a positive impact with his dynamic style of play, the former Scotland international has internally wowed Old Trafford chiefs and could make a surprise return to the Old Trafford scene, this time in the dugout.

"First class" manager who brings "fun factor" to training speaks about links to Man Utd

Ruben Amorim is under increasing pressure…

By
Ben Goodwin

Oct 3, 2025

Of course, that will only happen if Amorim were to move on. It would cost the Red Devils £12 million to make a change, which isn’t the type of capital they would throw around lightly as they aim to bring in reinforcements once the New Year comes around.

Either way, there appears to be a plan in place if option A is scrapped, albeit it remains to be seen how the situation plays out at Manchester United.

Former Real Madrid youth player Jacobo Ramon wants to return to his boyhood club one day after first meeting with 'football legend' Xabi Alonso. Ramon left Madrid in the summer to join Como to grow under the tutelage of Cesc Fabregas but the 20-year-old is determined to improve his game as he wants to reach the 'Real Madrid level' and return to Santiago Bernabeu someday.

Ramon shining at Como after Madrid exit

Ramon, a graduate of Real Madrid’s famed La Fabrica academy, rose through the youth ranks before earning a call-up from Carlo Ancelotti, featuring in three La Liga matches and one Champions League game in the 2024-25 campaign. Como paid a transfer fee of €2.5 million after coach Fabregas called the youngster and convinced him that the club was the ideal place to continue his career. Though sold to Como, Madrid have retained a buy-back option on the defender.

In the current 2025-26 season, Ramon has appeared in eight Serie A games out of their 10 outings and has started in seven of them. Last weekend, the 20-year-old starred in defence as Como held reigning champions Napoli to a goalless draw. Despite his bright start in Italy, he hinted that he still has a return to Madrid in mind for the future.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'I strive to reach Real Madrid level'

Speaking to , Ramon said: "I strive to reach 'Real Madrid level', which is the highest level. I'm super happy here, I'm doing what I have to do. And in the future, we'll see."

Reminiscing the first time he caught up with current Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, Ramon said: "I remember perfectly when he came into the locker room. It was the first time I'd ever met a football legend like Xabi! It was incredible. He loved the rondos, the small-sided games, he was always involved. And his team always won! He hasn't lost his long-range shooting touch (laughs). Not much, because it was already the first team. But I was very excited; I saw my progress. It was like coming full circle."

When asked if player Alonso is similar to the manager version of the Spaniard, Ramon added: "Yes, even though we were just kids. It shaped us more as people. It instilled values like humility, hard work, and effort. But he already demanded high pressing, good organisation, and personality on the ball. He asked us to play out from the back. A bit like what this Real Madrid team is trying to do."

How Ramon joined Como

Speaking about his transfer to Italy, Ramon had earlier told : "Cesc and I immediately understood each other. The project is ambitious; I found a perfect environment and many friends already in the team. I started straight away with two games as a starter and I couldn't have asked for more. He told me I was perfect for him, and I was thrilled to come. I've already learned a lot [from Fabregas] in just a few weeks. He did a great job last year, and having him as my coach is a privilege. Nico Paz is a close friend; I'm not surprised by what he's showing. I know his talent well and hope he stays with me for a long time at Como."

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Getty ImagesWhen will Ramon play next?

Ramon will be back in action for Como on Sunday as Fabregas' side take on Cagliari in a Serie A clash. Como, who have not lost a game since August 30, will aim to extend their unbeaten streak to 10 games across all competitions with a win at home. 

After missing out on an extra forward in the summer, BlueCo have now reportedly made their first approach to sign a Bundesliga attacker for Chelsea in 2026.

Maresca reveals Marc Guiu warning

Following a strong start on the transfer front in the summer, Liam Delap’s injury threw Chelsea’s final week into chaos. Nicolas Jackson’s move to Bayern Munich was off then back on again, Marc Guiu was recalled from his Sunderland loan before he could truly get going and a number of rumours emerged. Ultimately, however, Enzo Maresca was forced to settle for his current attacking options.

Guiu’s recall caused particular debate. From a likely starter at Sunderland, the young striker has since found himself forced to watch on from the bench at Chelsea in frustrating fashion. What’s more, it’s only in recent weeks that he’s had the chance to impress for the Blues again.

Having his say, Maresca revealed earlier this week that the forward simply was not training well enough to earn the game time that he desires at Stamford Bridge.

There have been rumours that Sunderland could yet return for Guiu in January, but that may depend on Chelsea’s own movements. Ahead of the winter window, a number of names have already been linked with a move to West London.

That includes both Guela Doue and Porto’s Samu Omorodion, who would certainly add more firepower to Maresca’s side. Whether BlueCo will be willing to spend big or look to hijack Barcelona’s move to sign a Bundesliga alternative is the big question ahead of 2026.

Chelsea launch approach to sign Asllani

According to reports in Spain, BlueCo have now launched their first approach to sign Fisnik Asllani for Chelsea in 2026. The deal would see them beat Barcelona to one of the most in-form forwards that the Bundesliga has to offer.

Chelsea offered "world-class" Barcelona player on loan in "fascinating" development

The west Londoners have a chance to bolster a key area.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 25, 2025

In a formal move, the Blues have turned their focus towards the Kosovo international in an attempt to add further depth to their frontline behind one of their most expensive signings, Joao Pedro. After scoring five goals in eight games in all competitions for Hoffenheim so far this season, there’s little doubt that the 23-year-old has the quality to seal a big move.

Dubbed “clinical” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Asllani is certainly one to watch. Whilst his name is not as well-known as Omorodion, his numbers speak for themselves and Chelsea have the chance to get one over on Barcelona by securing his signature. Whether they choose to do so as soon as January remains to be seen, however.

Manchester United have made an enquiry about the signing of a “world-class” player with six league titles and a Champions League win to his name.

Sesko promises more to come at Man Utd

The Red Devils secured a vital 2-0 win at home to Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday, easing some of the pressure on Ruben Amorim in the process.

It was a good day for Benjamin Sesko, who scored his first Old Trafford goal, and speaking after the game, he said there is hopefully much more to come from him at United.

“It feels amazing. It feels even better because I’ve helped the team to come to the end and to win the game. In the end, it’s important to win the game, trying to help the team as much as possible. The goal, the atmosphere afterwards was unbelievable. It’s something that I’ve been dreaming about, jumping high at the stadium like that, and yeah – [my] dreams came true.

“In the end, this is my job; trying to score as many goals as possible, trying to win the games, trying to help the team in every single situation, and hopefully [there are] more moments like this [to come].”

United’s win was a much-needed boost for anyone linked with the club, but that’s not to say that new signings aren’t needed, with one world-renowned player now mentioned as a potential target.

Man Utd make enquiry for "world-class" ace

According to Sport in Spain, Manchester United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have enquired about signing Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Tottenham also in the mix to sign him.

The 33-year-old German is out of favour under Hansi Flick, meaning a move elsewhere is likely, with a loan option to buy possible in the January transfer window.

Ter Stegen has arguably been one of the leading ‘keepers of his generation, winning six La Liga titles and one Champions League crown during his time with Barca, also being lauded by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann.

“We have made the decision (Neuer will start in goal). Unfortunately Manu got injured but it’s just a strain and he will only be out for ten days, so I won’t be changing my decision. I also said in a conversation with Marc [Andre Ter Stegen] that I’m happy that we have two world class goalkeepers. I explained to him that it was important that he was there for the two games.”

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Admittedly, Senne Lammens produced an encouraging performance for United against Sunderland, not least keeping a clean sheet, but if the chance of signing a player of Ter Stegen’s calibre arrives, the Red Devils should take it.

Man Utd's future "£100m plus footballer" could steal the #8 from Fernandes

Manchester United have a player who could reach the very top in the years ahead at Old Trafford.

1 ByEthan Lamb Oct 6, 2025

At 33, he is still far from old for a goalkeeper, and he will be desperate to prove his worth before the 2026 World Cup, having lost his place in Barca’s starting lineup after injury problems.