Key events

Will Unwin

Some thoughts from Arne Slot on Stefan Bajcetic’s loan move to Red Bull Salzburg: “I hope it will be a big year for him because he’s a very talented player because he’s been out for 15 months and I think he could become a very important player for us, only if he gets playing time now.

“If you are that young and you’ve been out for so long, the only thing you need is playing time. We think it’s the best for him to play at the moment, instead of maybe play a few times and then be on the bench for a long time. Then for next season, we’ll have a player, if he fulfils his potential, could definitely, definitely play for us in the future.”

“I noticed a lot of goalkeepers have moved on loan this transfer window,” writes Ben Chia. “It seems like the start of a trend where clubs have realised they don’t need a permanent backup keeper on their books, and getting an experienced one temporarily will do given how rarely they are called into action.”

On that theme, Matt Turner looks set for a season at Crystal Palace as backup to Dean Henderson, after Sam Johnstone left for Wolves earlier on. Arsenal are going to bring in Neto from Bournemouth, too – just awaiting official confirmation on that one.

Everton sign Lyon’s Orel Mangala on loan

A Premier League done deal! Everton have sealed a loan move for Orel Mangala. The Belgium midfielder left Nottingham Forest for Lyon in January on a loan which only became permanent earlier this summer. Now he’s heading back to England, to try and plug the gap left by compatriot André Onana’s departure from Goodison.

Jamie Jackson

Jamie Jackson

Manchester United continue to work to complete the signing of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain. The club expect to do so before the 11pm deadline, but the midfielder will not be eligible for Sunday’s visit of Liverpool to Old Trafford if they leave it late.

Newcastle are making a late move for Anthony Elanga – but Forest have turned down their £35m opening offer. In the studio, Curtis Davies suggests Chelsea should have maybe told Raheem Sterling they didn’t want him a bit earlier in the window, which is far too sensible a suggestion.

A couple of Prem-to-Champ moves to mention: Burnley have brought in Jeremy Sarmiento on loan from Brighton, while Preston are borrowing Josh Bowler from Nottingham Forest.

Share

Updated at 

More on Jadon Sancho from Jacob Steinberg – it looks increasingly likely that the former outcast could stay at Old Trafford.

Manchester United happy for Jadon Sancho to stay unless Chelsea meet their terms. Remains a complicated deal with talks ongoing.

— Jacob Steinberg (@JacobSteinberg) August 30, 2024

Ed Aarons

Ed Aarons

Maxwel Cornet is having a medical at Southampton, with the Ivory Coast forward set for a season-long loan that includes an option to buy from West Ham. Cornet is out of favour at West Ham having barely featured since his arrival from Burnley two years ago.

Crystal Palace had been linked with a late swoop for the 27-year-old but it is understood that Southampton have won the race for his signature, having already confirmed the acquisition of Aaron Ramsdale earlier today. Palace are set to announce the signing of Maxence Lacroix imminently and are also expected to confirm Eddie Nketiah’s arrival from Arsenal for £30m before tonight’s deadline.

On Sky Sports, poor Kaveh Solhekol has been assailed outside Stamford Bridge by a man holding what looks like an imitation scrotum. The cameras have to cut away to Dharmesh Sheth, who could talk nervelessly about Chelsea transfer news lines even if a meteor were hurtling directly towards the Earth.

Thanks, Dave – good evening, everyone. Let’s start with a sounding of the DONE DEAL horn, stationed high above Guardian Towers. Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic is off to Red Bull Salzburg on a season-long loan, after a potential Barcelona move fell through.

Stefan Bajcetic has joined Red Bull Salzburg on loan for the rest of the season, subject to international clearance.

Best of luck, Stefan 👊🔴

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 30, 2024

And with five hours to go in this transfer window, I’m going to hand you over to Niall McVeigh to breathe fresh life into this thing. Will there be any dramatic late twists?

Jacob Steinberg

Jacob Steinberg

Some West Ham news this time from Jacob Steinberg although expect more Chelsea updates as the night goes on.

And this surrounds the Hammers’ Moroccan defender, Nayef Aguerd, who is attracting attention from Real Sociedad. The Spaniards are interested in a loan deal for the centre-back, who signed for West Ham in a £30million deal from Rennes in June 2022.

Ivan Toney has been offered a four-year deal in Saudi Arabia worth £300,000 a week, according to our own Ewan Murray.

It’s understood that Al Ahli are now trying to complete the final details with Brentford and the player’s camp following a medical in London.

Share

Updated at 

A quick diversion from transfer news… here’s the latest Football Daily.

Louise Taylor

Louise Taylor

Here’s more from Louise Taylor on the Anthony Elanga to Newcastle link…

Newcastle have made an 11th hour attempt to sign Nottingham Forest’s former Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga but it looks a case of far too late. Eddie Howe has admired Elanga since the Sweden international deconstructed Newcastle’s left back Dan Burn at St James’ Park and Newcastle tried to sign him earlier in the summer but it seems a case of odds against now.

Sky Sports have posted a ‘net spend’ table and it’s not one you could have guessed at the start of the summer.

Top 6 net spenders (so far):

£152m – Brighton
£123m – Ipswich
£100m – West Ham
£86m – Man Utd
£79m – Tottenham
£66m – Chelsea

Manchester City are bottom with a net spend of £-113m. Two more million into the minus would have amused many.

Dan Christmas emails: “Has Ivan Toney actually agreed to the transfer yet? If people are condemning him for greed I assume that’s the case, but I haven’t seen any reports that say anything other than fee agreed. Not that I’ve looked that hard tbf – that’s where you come in…”

Okay, here’s the latest from Fabrizio Romano.

🚨🇸🇦 Al Ahli working on documents to complete Ivan Toney deal with Brentford and player’s camp.

Main part of medical done in London and Al Ahli now proceeding to get it done after issues with Napoli/Osimhen deal.

⏳🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/tfYeP1pnl5

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2024

Jacob Steinberg

Jacob Steinberg

A Jadon Sancho update from Jacob Steinberg who says the winger’s move to Chelsea looks increasingly likely. It would be a loan with an obligation to buy but talks are ongoing.

Meanwhile, there’s been no movement on Raheem Sterling.

Perhaps there is some good news coming down the tracks for Newcastle.

It’s being reported that the Magpies could make a late swoop for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga. The former Manchester United wide man was linked with Newcastle earlier in the summer. A fee of £30million is casually being tossed around as a possible fee.

Here’s Neto signing for Arsenal… and deciding not to dress as a character from Harry Potter. By the way, you could have given me 500 guesses on who Aaron Ramsdale was supposed to be and I wouldn’t have come up Hagrid. Rene Higuita or Linda Lusardi surely better guesses.

In the list of ‘happy with transfer window’ managers, you’ll also find Aston Villa boss Unai Emery.

As Villa prepare for a Champions League campaign, the rough maths is a net spend of just under £20million with seven coming in and seven going out. The incomers include Amadou Onana from Everton for £50m and Ian Maatsen from Chelsea for £37.5m while Moussa Diaby (to Al-Ittihad for £50.5m) and Douglas Luiz (to Juventus for £42.4m) are among those sold for fees.

Emery told a press conference: “Yes, very happy because we did what we planned at the beginning and the squad we have now, with some very important players, like Tyrone Mings and (Boubacar) Kamara, (Emiliano) Buendia, they are coming back progressively.”

All three players are working their way back from serious knee injuries. Mings and Buendia missed the whole of last season, while France midfielder Kamara has been sidelined since February.

“Not yet Kamara and Mings,” Emery said. “But they are getting better and are very important players for us. Last year Jacob Ramsey didn’t play consistently and hopefully this year he’s going to play consistently during the season, with the level he was showing us before and even increasing his level. With other players we have added in the squad this year, I’m very happy.”

And let’s segue from Manchester United to Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth. A boost here for the Pilgrims with their young striker, Morgan Whittaker (30 goals in 85 games), staying put despite advances from Burnley.

Morgan Whittaker will not be sold by Argyle this late in the summer transfer window, Plymouth Live understands, despite late bids from Burnley.
Read More: ⬇️ #pafchttps://t.co/isZUfoYam2

— Chris Errington (@ChrisErrington1) August 30, 2024

Also in the list of transfers that seem a little weird is Scott McTominay’s move to Napoli. And it seems Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag didn’t really want him to go. Still, Napoli’s fans are happy.

“It’s a little bit mixed, I’m very happy for him,” Ten Hag said. “It’s also (a good deal) for us, but it is mixed because I wouldn’t prefer to lose him because he’s Manchester United in everything.

“He was so important for our team, for Manchester United, but unfortunately it’s the rules. We have to discuss the rules, when you have to sell and obviously homegrown and academy players bring more value, that’s not the right thing to do.

“But I think for everyone, for all parts it’s a good deal, for Scott he’s happy with it, for Napoli a very good player, but also for us.”

What’s Ivan Toney playing at? Many observers seem infuriated – “madness”, “he’s giving up his England career”, “he’s only 28”, “it’s pure greed” – but here’s a take from Neil Atkinson of The Anfield Wrap. Toney certainly had plenty of thinking time when sat on the bench at the Euros.

Think Toney going to Saudi makes a ton of sense for him personally given his career to date. I don’t like the reality of that but his career earnings to date versus the rest of the lads in the England squad will probably be around 10%.

— Neil Atkinson (@Knox_Harrington) August 30, 2024

Wolves boss Gary O’Neil admits the summer transfer window has not gone as he expected.

The West Midlands club have lost two key players in the form of Max Kilman and Pedro Neto to West Ham and Chelsea respectively, and are still working to bring some players in before the window shuts.

Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was announced as their latest recruit on Friday after signing on a four-year deal from Crystal Palace but there may also be some outgoings as Fabio Silva and Daniel Podence are expected to be leaving the club.

The Wolves boss told a press conference: “As we progressed through the window we missed ones that we thought would help us for different reasons – sometimes financial, sometimes the fact they have gone before we were ready to do it. We weren’t able to do some bits we hoped we would and then the window became different for us towards the end.

“I did think the group needed some help from the outside and it didn’t go quite as we planned it to go so it falls on me to make sure we are still able to compete. We have more depth, but we’ve lost two top players that we know can perform in the Premier League week in week out – obviously Max and Pedro Neto, who can be one of the best players in world football – so more depth but we’ve lost two really big ones.”

(PA Media)

Share

Updated at 

Here’s Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna on the potential deal for Chelsea striker Armando Broja.

Town have been exploring a loan move with an obligation to buy for Broja, who is carrying an Achilles problem but has still been called into the Albania squad for the upcoming international break.

(Peter Oh emails to say: “The medical news about Armando Broja’s ankle suggests that perhaps Chelsea aren’t quite as well-heeled as they’re made out to be.)

Anyway, those McKenna quotes. “There has been discussions with Armando (Broja), that is not a secret, and it is not a secret that he has got an injury issue. The clubs are ongoing with discussions, it has to be the right thing for all parties.

“It has to be the right thing for us – that he can come and have a positive impact at a point in the season. It has to be the right thing for Armando, as it’s a very important moment for his young career, and the right decision for Chelsea, so those parties are continuing to discuss. We will see what is right and hopefully the best resolution will be found by this evening.

“I think it is less likely than likely at the moment, but it is not impossible. It is a position that we have looked at to strengthen, to be deep and strong in that area and also because we have some injuries in our forward line.

“If it is not possible then we will progress with the squad that we have, which we have a lot of faith in, in all the players we have in the squad and the players that we have in those areas as well.”

Reports are also suggesting the Suffolk club have an interest in Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath.

Jacob Steinberg

Jacob Steinberg

Jacob Steinberg’s latest update features a goalkeeper, flight news and a coveted striker.

Djordje Petrovic has joined Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg on loan. The goalkeeper is the fourth player to make the move this summer, following Andrey Santos, Diego Moreira and Caleb Wiley. Meanwhile my flight is delayed. And Chelsea still haven’t signed Victor Osimhen.

No more incomings at Spurs it seems but Ange Postecoglou believes Tottenham have had a good window with Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Wilson Odobert and Dominic Solanke all coming in to boost the squad.

“Unless something surprising jumps out at us in the last 11 hours or whatever it is, that’s it for us,” the Spurs boss confirmed ahead of Sunday’s trip to Newcastle. “If nothing else happens, there’s a couple probably moving out, I think it’s been another positive window. You want to go into every window and come out the other side of it in a stronger sense and I certainly feel that.

“The players we’ve brought in are already making a short-term impact and even in the longer term, I think they’re going to be really good contributors for us. I certainly think we’ve got a more well-rounded squad to deal with Europe, the extra games and whatever injuries we have. So yeah, I think it’s been a real positive window.

“I’m very happy. We’ve done a hell of a lot of work in 12 months, three windows. No doubts the squad’s changed. The demographic of the squad has changed, the suitability to the football I want to play, we’re much better equipped for that. There’s growth in the team, absolutely.

“We needed to do some fairly major work 12 months ago and since then we’ve gone a long way to getting the team to where we want to. There’s still more work to be done. It was never going to happen quickly. I don’t think it should happen quickly. When it does happen quickly, you’re more fraught to getting it wrong. So I think we’re in a good place.”

Tottenham are ready to sanction moves for out-of-favour duo Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso.

Tony Hughes gets in touch via email.

“As an Aston Villa fan, I’m probably in the minority when I say that I feel bad for Carney Chukwuemeka. When you have people close to you telling you you’re better than the team you’re currently with – at the time lower Premier league level at best – you maybe listen to them. He wasn’t to know the trajectory Villa would take as soon as he left. Most times, the decision he made would have been the correct one for his career.”

For now, Chukwuemeka is staying at Chelsea although Manchester United continue to be linked.

Sheesh. Far from ideal. Still, not as bad as Tony Adams dropping Steve Morrow.

Back to 1993…
Jamie Jackson

Jamie Jackson

Staying with Manchester United, our own Jamie Jackson reports that it now seems too late for any potential loans for Antony or Christian Eriksen

Real Betis were interested in both players but wages proved a problem for the Spanish side.

Jamie also confirms that a loan more for Jadon Sancho remains a possibility.

Will it be red or blue for Jadon Sancho at the end of this window? And let’s not rule out white, black, yellow, purple, green etc.

🚨🔵 EXCL: Chelsea submit official bid to Manchester Utd for Jadon Sancho.

Understand it’s initial loan proposal, similar to terms offered by Juventus but total package higher.

Sancho, OPEN and keen to joining Chelsea so up to the clubs/Man Utd to decide. pic.twitter.com/g7tRFOyzVn

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2024

England’s Guéhi staying at Crystal Palace

It’s official: Marc Guéhi is staying at Crystal Palace. Newcastle’s pursuit is over.

Palace boss Oliver Glasner confirmed the news in his press conference, delivering the hammer blow to Newcastle fans that the 24-year-old England defender will not follow Joachim Andersen out of the Selhurst Park door.

Speaking ahead of the trip to Chelsea, Glasner said: “Yes, I can confirm that. But it was never really in doubt. First of all, congrats to Crystal Palace, the chairman and the everyone that they didn’t give in. Especially after the transfer of Joachim Andersen it was very important that Marc stays.

“Also thank you to Marc. We were always very close and talking a lot. All the rumours didn’t influence his performance, his mood, his personality. He always told me he’s not pushing to leave Crystal Palace and for me that’s the most important thing, that the players tell me that they like to play for Crystal Palace.

“Marc told me very often and acted in the same way and showed his fantastic character again. If the club doesn’t give in and the player doesn’t push too hard then that’s how it is. Marc Guéhi stays as a Crystal Palace player.”

Share

Updated at 

More from Jacob as he clicks in and watches an important safety message.

Manchester United have held talks with Chelsea over Carney Chukwuemeka this week – potential for it to have been part of Jadon Sancho deal or a separate transfer. As it stands talks between the clubs on Chukwuemeka haven’t progressed. Midfielder wants regular football #mufc #cfc

— Jacob Steinberg (@JacobSteinberg) August 30, 2024

And, of course, it’s back to Chelsea again and there are two more links as they search for a striker.

Our very own Jacob Steinberg, just as he boards his flight back to the UK from Geneva, says that as the Blues realise an alternative to Victor Osimhen may be needed, they’ve held dialogue with Brighton over Ireland striker Evan Ferguson.

Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is a target for Chelsea. Photograph: Steven Paston/PA

Other sources suggest Chelsea are also in the ear of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. There are likely more frontmen being assessed. Watch this space.

Ed Aarons

Ed Aarons

Thanks Xaymaca. And we’ll start with some Arsenal news, courtesy of Ed Aarons.

Mikel Arteta refused to comment on a potential loan move for Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling but hinted that there could still be time to do some business before the transfer window closes.

Asked whether the England forward could move across London, the Arsenal manager said: “You know that I cannot talk about another player.” Asked whether there may be any more arrivals before 11pm on Friday night, he added: “There’s still a few hours left so let’s see.”

Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto is having his medical at Arsenal’s training ground in Hertfordshire and is expected to complete a loan move to replace Aaron Ramsdale.

Arteta paid tribute to the England goalkeeper and wished him the best for the future. “Thankyou so much for what he’s done for the club, for the team and for myself,” he said. “He brought a lot of joy and charisma and was really good when he joined. He had a situation that was really good for him. He insisted that he’s really joyful when he plays and we tried to arrange that.”

Arteta refused to comment on Eddie Nketiah, whose £30m move to Crystal Palace is expected to be confirmed imminently. “When that happens we can talk about it,” he said.

Okay, that’s all the Chelsea chat I can manage for today. I’m handing over to David Tindall who will update you this afternoon.

Jacob Steinberg

Jacob Steinberg

Ipswich are back in talks with Chelsea over a loan deal for Armando Broja. Talks collapsed earlier this week after an achilles issue was picked up during the Chelsea striker’s medical.

Armando Broja of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Enzo Fernandez during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Chelsea and Middlesbrough Photograph: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC/Getty Images
Share

Updated at 

David Ankers is back with a response to Ian Batch’s previous comment:

“The company that runs the club is subject to PSR, not the parent or sister company. If the football club bought the hotels back it would reduce funds for new players, so it is unlikely to happen. Any club can sell property assets to improve their financial position, and many have sold their ground or their training facilities for exactly that reason. Chelsea had hotels to sell. Newcastle don’t. This particular “loophole” would be closed if property purchases/sales were outside PSR scope.”

Here are Chelsea’s opening fixtures in the Conference League:

Gent (H); Heidenheim (A); Astana (A); Shamrock Rovers (H); Panathinaikos (A); Noah (H)

UEFA Conference League – Phase Draw 2024 Photograph: Manon Cruz/Reuters
Share

Updated at 

Nick Ames

Nick Ames

Senior executives from England’s top clubs have generally been conspicuous by their absence at this week’s European competition draws in Monte Carlo, with last-gasp transfer business holding sway over gladhanding at Uefa’s extravagant gala event. But Dan Ashworth, the Manchester United sporting director, was on hand to run the rule over their Europa League draw and dangle the tantalising possibility of a late deal or two at Old Trafford. “Let’s see what happens,” he said. “The window is still open for a few hours, we’ve got some conversations going on.” A few of them may have been put on hold while in the draw hall judging by the flood of missed calls to which he emerged. “Quite a few! I kept getting nudged by Sir Dave Brailsford, my phone was vibrating.”

UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League draws
Photograph: Sébastien Nogier/EPA
Share

Updated at 

More bad news for Chelsea.

Deal for Chukwuemeka looking unlikely as it stands. Tim Steidten a huge fan of the Chelsea midfielder but West Ham struggling to get a move agreed. Carlos Soler poised to join instead. https://t.co/5LOXmQ3mpt

— Jacob Steinberg (@JacobSteinberg) August 30, 2024



Source link

By TNB

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *