Chelsea are on the verge of finalising an “excellent” player’s exit from Stamford Bridge, according to one media source, and it could be a move which seriously suits all parties.

Enzo Maresca has a seriously bloated squad that needs trimming, especially factoring in their recent fine from UEFA for breaking FFP rules.

£52m Chelsea star could now join Barcelona, he's "no longer" unsellable

The La Liga champions have cast their eyes towards Stamford Bridge.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 10, 2025

The likes of Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka are taking home six-figure pay packets each week but are currently nowhere near the first team, with Borussia Dortmund director Sebastian Kehl recently confirming the club’s intention to re-sign the latter.

“We will definitely have some more discussions in the next few days about his situation,” said Kehl.

“We will try to keep him because he’s a very good player.

“It’s always easier to loan a player than to buy one, especially within Carney’s [price] range, but let’s see. We are not that far advanced [in talks] at the moment, but I can tell you that we are pretty close to the player, and he loves Dortmund.

“Everything else will be decided between Chelsea and us. That won’t be tomorrow. That won’t be on Tuesday. I think it will take some more days.”

Sterling’s £325,000-per-week wages are proving a serious drain on Chelsea in particular, with Fulham reportedly considering a move for the 30-year-old if they can navigate the finances involved.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

However, journalist Simon Phillips reports that Sterling’s desire to remain in London is making it difficult for BlueCo to sell him.

Alongside the aforementioned names, Lesley Ugochukwu, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Christopher Nkunku, David Datro Fofana, Armando Broja, Axel Disasi, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson and Djordje Petrovic are other players who could leave Chelsea this summer.

Of course, there are those promising young players who simply need to leave the club on a temporary deal to acquire more game time, with a view to a potential first-team slot in future seasons.

One of them, according to Sky Sports Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri, is goalkeeper Mike Penders.

Chelsea "close" to agreeing Mike Penders loan deal to Strasbourg

Taking to X this lunchtime, Tavolieri reports that Penders’ loan to sister club Strasbourg from Chelsea is now “close” to being finalised.

The 19-year-old, who Chelsea signed from KRC Genk last summer, remained in the Jupiler Pro League for another season before officially linking up with Maresca this summer.

Penders was also named in Maresca’s Club World Cup squad, securing a spot on the bench for Chelsea’s games against Esperance, Benfica, Palmeiras and Fluminense, but the towering 6 foot 7 shot-stopper now appears close to sealing a temporary exit to further his development.

Some reports have previously claimed that BlueCo hold high hopes for Penders, who they privately liken to ex-Chelsea star Thibaut Courtois, with Malmo’s head academy goalkeeping coach, Matt Pyzdrowski, sharing his main strengths.

“Commanding his area is what he’s best at,” Pyzdrowski said to The Athletic.

“He’s really, really excellent at taking an aggressive position and very comfortable coming and taking high balls into his penalty area, even right up to the edge of the box. His timing is very good, and he loves to catch the ball rather than punch.

“That’s why I call him a mix between Ederson and Courtois, because Ederson has that aggressiveness commanding his box but Courtois has the hands to catch and hold the ball.”

Bangladesh’s political and social upheaval has touched its cricketers in several ways. Wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan was directly involved in the protests, even at times chased by the police in Dhaka. Others like Akbar Ali and Kamrul Islam Rabbi have openly supported the students right from the early days of the protests. Anamul Haque, the Bangladesh batter, suffered a more direct loss. His close friend Akram died in the student protest in Dhaka on July 25.Anamul, who will lead Bangladesh A in two four-day games against Pakistan A in Islamabad, spoke to reporters at the Shere Bangla National Stadium ahead of the team’s departure on Friday. He explained how traumatising it was to lose contact with his family during the protests, particularly after his friend died.”I think you have heard that a friend, who was like a brother to me, died in the protests,” Anamul said. “We were very close. I get emotional when I think about him. I wish this tragedy and trauma doesn’t happen to anyone. I was in Chattogram, so I couldn’t reach my family in Dhaka. Everyone was touched by this tragedy in some capacity.”Related

• Bangladesh to approach UN about keeping hosting rights for Women's T20 World Cup

• Bangladesh in turmoil: how will cricket be impacted?

• Bangladesh turmoil: ICC mulls back-up options to host women's T20 World Cup

• Mushfiqur, Mominul to play for Bangladesh A in Pakistan

Like most others in Dhaka, Anamul also spent sleepless nights after the fall of the Awami League government, as uncertainty and disorder gripped the capital. “I was up from 2am to 5am. I was taking care of my child,” he said. “I went down to see what was going on. I saw many people in the streets, guarding their property. I don’t know what these people want. We don’t want to live like this. We want to live in peace. Everyone deserves their fundamental rights. I think we all work honestly.”He also praised the students for handling Dhaka’s traffic in the absence of the police force, which has gone missing for at least three days. “The students are doing extraordinary work in trying to control the traffic. They are maintaining discipline. This is the country that we have always wanted,” he said.Anti-government protestors display Bangladesh’s national flag after storming prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s residence•AFP/Getty Images

Anamul was diplomatic when asked about the silence from Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Mortaza, two of Bangladesh’s biggest icons and Awami League MPs, regarding the protests. One could sense his unease in talking about such a sensitive topic.”I think it is up to the individual, whether they want to talk about it or give a Facebook status. I had a traumatic time. I was concerned about my family, and the family of my friend who died. I spent my time thinking about him,” Anamul said. “I couldn’t meet my family, I couldn’t visit his family. I wrote about him on social media. Someone else probably thought differently. I think they can tell you better. They did what was best for them.”Anamul hopes Bangladesh A’s tour of Pakistan gives the players good preparation ahead of the senior team’s Test series, which gets underway later in the month. He also hopes the cricketers can bring positive news to Bangladesh’s fans in a trying time for many of them.”Cricket is a place of emotion. It unites us,” he said. “This tour will really help us, especially the Test tour that follows in Pakistan. There will be batting-friendly conditions there generally. It gives chance to both sides. We are playing Tests after a long time too. I think we could give everyone something to cheer about.”Bangladesh A will play two four-day and three one-day games against Pakistan A in Islamabad. The senior side will then play a two-Test series which begins on August 21 in Rawalpindi.

It’s nearly a month now until Sunderland kick their Premier League season off on home turf versus West Ham United as the Black Cats’ transfer business continues at a hundred miles per hour.

Six new faces have joined the ever-expanding Stadium of Light ranks so far, with the pick of the recent bunch who have relocated to Wearside being Simon Adingra, as the Premier League-capable attacker left Brighton and Hove Albion behind for a fresh adventure up North.

Don’t be surprised if the number of exciting bodies to join the building rises into the double-digit range very soon, with more and more high-profile signings expected to be made before August arrives.

£9m star now on the Sunderland shopping list

Whilst the cash thrown around to land Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi would have caught the eye of those with connections to Sunderland, as £67m was excessively splashed, the pick up of Adingra will be the most pleasing capture to date, considering his wide knowledge of the top-flight.

Aaron Ramsdale might well add to that if he joins Regis Le Bris’ camp very soon, with new rumours seeming to suggest that the goalkeeper might be the new number one the Black Cats desire when climbing back up to the Premier League.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has even been allegedly on the Sunderland shopping list as well. However, the European markets will no doubt still be tapped into again as Le Bris and Co now enter the race to try and snap up Spezia gem Salvatore Esposito.

As per a report from journalist Graeme Bailey, the one-time Italy international is firmly on Sunderland’s summer radar, with the likes of Brighton, Burnley, Brentford, Everton, and Fulham all also interested in the 24-year-old after Spezia failed to win promotion to Serie A.

Valued at just £9m – as per Transfermarkt – this could well prove to be a great steal on the end of Sunderland if Esposito instantly acclimatises to the demands of the English game and shines, with the Spezia number five perhaps going to be an even better talent than the £30m-rated Diarra down the line.

How Esposito could be even better than Diarra

Of course, Diarra does have plenty of top-flight experience under his belt that will help him when trying to become an instant success on Wearside.

Indeed, the 21-year-old had amassed 94 Ligue 1 appearances for Strasbourg with a hefty tally of nine goals and ten assists also coming his way lining up for Liam Rosenior’s side.

Diarra in Ligue 1 (24/25) vs Esposito in Serie B (24/25)

Stat – per 90 mins*

Diarra

Esposito

Games played

30

34

Goals scored

4

7

Assists

5

10

Touches*

43.5

80.6

Accurate passes*

26.3 (87%)

48.8 (85%)

Big chances created

9

18

Ball recoveries*

3.0

6.3

Total duels won*

3.3

7.3

Stats by Sofascore

Yet, it’s very clear when looking at the above table – even if Esposito has played the majority of his career in the Italian second tier to date – that the 24-year-old definitely has a higher ceiling than the Serie B, with a ridiculous 17 goal contributions next to his name from 34 league clashes last season.

The most exciting takeaway from the table, however, will be how well-rounded Esposito’s game looks as a midfielder who is capable of dazzling crowds with that output, but he is also a talent hungry to battle away for his team’s cause, as seen in his mammoth 7.3 duels being won per game last campaign as Spezia gunned for promotion.

Diarra’s numbers do fall flat in comparison, with the former Inter Milan man even going on to win that solitary Italy call-up when he was known as a rising gem.

Therefore, the “elegant” midfielder – as he’s been lauded in the past by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – should be able to make the first-team cut under Le Bris very soon, even if the jump up in quality is disorientating at first.

Diarra could well find that transition to be even trickier, considering he has that lavish £30m price tag above his head.

Whereas, for only £9m, Esposito – who has also been labelled as a “technical genius” by football analyst Ben Mattinson – won’t have that same level of anxiety on his shoulders, with the 24-year-old hopeful he can be an immediate success story that helps Sunderland to survive.

Related Contact made: Sunderland prepare bid to sign £25m star who is open to move

The Black Cats are making plenty of impressive moves…

Posts 1 BySean Markus Clifford Jul 13, 2025

Allrounder fears he might not ‘fit the mould’ in Brendon McCullum’s England regime

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Oct-2024Sam Curran says he was a “bit gutted” to be overlooked for a Test recall in the wake of Ben Stokes’ hamstring injury this summer, but hopes that a central role on England’s white-ball tour of the Caribbean will restate his credentials across formats.Despite being named Player of the Final and Tournament during England’s T20 World Cup triumph in Australia two years ago, Curran’s international career is at something of a crossroads at the age of 26 – both because he has lacked the role clarity in white-ball cricket that has been a feature of his success on the franchise circuit, but also because he senses he doesn’t quite “fit the mould” of what England are looking for now that Brendon McCullum has taken over as head coach in all formats.Curran struggled to make an impact in England’s disappointing T20 title defence in the Caribbean earlier this year, taking three wickets at 38.33 while batting for a total of 11 balls in five matches, and he hasn’t featured in the ODI format since December 2023, having been a fall-guy for England’s doomed World Cup campaign earlier that winter.In red-ball cricket, meanwhile, Curran’s most Test appearance came against India in August 2021, meaning he hasn’t featured in any of the 30 matches to date of McCullum’s England tenure. This is despite his uncanny knack of contributing to winning causes, with 16 victories in his 24 caps to date, including seven in a row from the start of his breakthrough summer, as a 20-year-old, also against India in 2018.Partly that is a consequence of Stokes’ status as England’s senior allrounder. But Curran also suspects that his physical limitations are not helping his cause. Though his left-arm line is a point of difference, his 5ft9in medium-pacers do not chime with the zeitgeist, as shown when Leicestershire’s 20-year-old left-armer, Josh Hull (6ft7in and high-80s pace) was called up for a surprise Test debut at Curran’s home ground, the Kia Oval, last month.”The way the teams are being set up now, guys are getting picked for certain skills and a bit out of the unknown,” Curran told talkSPORT. “As a county player, it’s an interesting one, because you’ve got to hope that you fit that mould right now. And if you don’t, you’ve just got to crack on and win games for your franchise and your counties, and just hope that that call comes.”There’s actually nothing you can do about it. If you fit what they’re looking for, you’re great. But if you don’t, it actually might not be an ability thing.”That sense that Curran’s face doesn’t currently fit was exacerbated by his omission for the recent Test series against Sri Lanka. When Stokes tore his hamstring during the Hundred in early August – an injury that has also kept him out of the ongoing first Test against Pakistan in Multan – Curran allowed himself to believe his chance for a Test recall had arrived.Curran got the better of Kohli, among others, during his breakthrough Test summer in 2018•Philip Brown/Getty Images”I’ll be totally honest, when Stokesy got injured, I did probably think that was my way back into the Test team,” he said. “A couple of weeks back, I had a meeting with Keysy [Rob Key, director of cricket] just to get a bit of understanding of where the group is, and how I see myself getting back into the Test side.”Being a young player who experienced Test cricket so young, I feel like I had an advantage to know what it’s about, to know what winning a Test match is, and the grind and the grit and attitude that you need … so I was a little bit gutted. Selection is selection, but I thought that was my way back into the side at the minute.”They’ve got their own structure at the minute, and they’re picking the guys that fit that environment, and there’s a big thing going on at the minute about extra pace and stuff like that. And I guess for 12 months’ time, and the Ashes, these are the guys they want, so you can’t question it until the plan comes to an end.”For the time being, however, England’s eight-match tour of the Caribbean offers Curran an opportunity to take centre stage – not least because the timing of the tour, between the end of the Pakistan Test series and the start of the subsequent tour of New Zealand, may give him the chance to bat up the order in the absence of several multi-format stars.”At the Oval Invincibles and Surrey, and a couple of the franchise teams, I feel like my role has been pretty nailed on, whereas with England, there’s been myself, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone … Woakesy [Chris Woakes] as well, all these allrounders at 6, 7, 8 and 9, and it can be confusing.”Sometimes you take the new ball, and then [the selectors] go to four seamers, and you’re the one to lose out, so it’s a frustrating role. My strongest role in most teams is batting in the top six and bowling, but I love playing all sorts of roles.”My goal is always to try and get back into the England sides, and there’s only one way of doing that … scoring runs, taking wickets and winning games for England or the franchises. There’s no doubt I’d love to be on an Ashes tour or in a Champions Trophy victory. I’m someone who likes to prove a point, so fingers crossed the next couple of months go well.”

Prabath Jayasuriya was made to work hard for his wickets in the first Test. Even when he ended up with figures of 4 for 136 in the first innings there, they had at one point been ingloriously perched at 1 for 99. Second time out he got his customary Galle five-for, and that was down to a better showing from his spin colleagues at the other end, who offered much more control than they had in the first innings.But Sri Lanka, acknowledging that Jayasuriya needed more consistent support, made the bold call of replacing the sometimes-wayward Ramesh Mendis, with debutant Nishan Peiris. And on day three of the second Test, Peiris proved that he is a more-than-able foil to Jayasuriya’s sustained excellence.Thirteen New Zealand wickets fell on day three, with Jayasuriya responsible for six of them – five in the first innings, one in the second – while Peiris grabbed six himself. Only Dhananjaya de Silva could separate the pair with his solitary scalp.”When you bowl with him it is very easy,” Jayasuriya said of his younger team-mate at the end of the day’s play. “I didn’t feel he was on debut. He bowled with lot of confidence and he showed his potential in Test match cricket.”Related

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• Peiris, Jayasuriya ravage New Zealand on 13-wicket day

The old adage ‘bowlers work in pairs’ is true in most cases, but on tracks such as Galle, where despite the turn on offer, the first and most important quality for any player – batter or bowler – is patience. Applying pressure from both ends is vital.For New Zealand this meant that during a suffocating morning, replete with oppressing heat, there was little to no respite. While Jayasuriya peppered on nagging lines and lengths at one end, Peiris used the cross-breeze to great effect, getting the ball to drift, dip and turn away sharply from the left-handers in particular.This afforded him a variety of wickets, most notably of Rachin Ravindra, whom he bagged in both innings. The first was a ball that drifted in full, past Ravindra’s attempted sweep, to bowl him around his legs. Then in the second, he got one to grip and turn sharply off a good length as Ravindra could do nothing but watch as the ball zipped past his back-foot defence to clatter into the stumps.Peiris’ consistency provided a foil for Jayasuriya’s excellence•AFP/Getty Images

“He gave me lot of support,” added Jayasuriya. “One bowler usually has to do the holding job, while the other attacks.”In the first innings he kept one end tight, and in the second he was the one that got the wickets. I guess we did our roles right, we’ll have to wait and see how the day turns out tomorrow.”Looking ahead to day four, despite Sri Lanka’s hefty advantage, Jayasuriya isn’t taking anything for granted. He’s aware that New Zealand’s batters are better than what they showcased in the first innings, where they were bowled out for 88.”They were on the field for 600 runs and perhaps they were a bit tired. But I think they are a good side. Their top order has some experienced players, but they tried to defend too much [in the first innings]. We were able to dominate then, but in the second innings their approach was more attacking.”[But] I like if they are attacking. Yes, you will give away a few runs, but you also have a chance of taking wickets.”We cannot take things lightly. What we do in the first hour will be crucial. We just need to bowl good deliveries. They were attacking us towards the end of the day, so need to get the plans right and execute things as well.”

أشاد مايكل أوين، أسطورة الكرة الإنجليزية، بنجم نادي ليفربول، موضحًا أن هذا اللاعب يستحق أن يدفع أكثر من 100 مليون جنيه إسترليني من أجله.

ليفربول واصل سجل انتصاراته خلال هذا الموسم وحقق الفوز أمس السبت على حساب نظيره إيفرتون بهدفين مقابل هدف واحد، ضمن منافسات الجولة الخامسة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وجعل هذا الانتصار ليفربول ينفرد بصدارة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز برصيد 15 نقطة وبالعلامة الكاملة.

وشهدت هذه المباراة تألق ريان جرافنبيرخ، نجم خط وسط ليفربول، حيث سجل الدولي الهولندي هدفًا وصنع آخر.

أقرأ أيضًا.. موقف سانشيز من مباراة تشيلسي وليفربول بعد طرده المباشر أمام مانشستر يونايتد

وتغنى أوين بقدرات جرافنبيرخ وبمستوى اللاعب مع ليفربول، وذلك في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “مترو”.

وقال أوين عن جرافنبيرخ: ”هو لاعب موهوب للغاية ويمكنه القيام بأي شيء على أرض الملعب”.

وأضاف: “أحب تواجده في مركز الارتكاز رقم 6، لكن هذا يظهر أنه يمكنك دفعه للأمام وأن يأخذ مراكز هجومية ولا يزال بإمكانه التأثير بشكل كبير، مثل ديكلان رايس فهو لاعب إرتكاز، لكنه يستطيع اللعب في الهجوم أيضًا”.

وأوضح: “أنظر حول العالم حاليًا وأتساءل من يقدم أداءًا أفضل منه؟ لا أرى الكثير منهم على الإطلاق”.

وأردف أوين: “أعتقد أن جرافنبيرخ من اكتشافات الموسم الماضي تقريبًا، كان من الممكن أن تمنعه ​​ظروف معينة من اللعب، لو حصل ليفربول على مارتن زوبيمندي عندما أرادوه، لما كان يلعب هذا العدد من المباريات”.

وتابع: “حتى عندما لعبوا ضد إيبسويتش تاون في أولى مباريات الموسم الماضي، كنا جميعًا نتساءل من سيلعب كلاعب خط وسط اليوم؟، وترددت أنباء من غرفة الملابس بأنه سيكون جرافنبيرخ. لم ينظر إلى الوراء منذ ذلك الحين وإنه لأمر مذهل”.

وواصل: “بايرن ميونخ لا بد أنهم يتساءلون ويقولون يا إلهي، لماذا تركناه يرحل؟، هو لاعب قادر على فعل أي شيء”.

واختتم: “لو كان يلعب لفريق آخر الآن لسعى الجميع لضمه كلاعب خط وسط جديد، هو يستحق أن يدفع من أجله أكثر من 100 مليون جنيه إسترليني”.

Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta’s transfer plans, after manager Mikel Arteta was handed the major boost of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres’ imminent arrival.

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Gyokeres, according to The Independent, will fly out to Singapore for his medical as he looks to play some part in their pre-season tour of Asia, with Arsenal finally reaching a full breakthrough to sign the 27-year-old earlier this week.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£140m

Gyokeres is poised to join Arsenal in a deal worth £64 million, including add-ons, with a full verbal agreement now struck between all parties as Arteta prepares to welcome the prolific number nine to his squad.

Given Arsenal’s struggles to break teams down last season, Gyokeres has the potential to be a title-winning signing, and people who’ve worked with the Sweden international simply cannot find enough superlatives to describe him.

“He really was incredible,” said Adi Viveash, who coached and mentored Gyokeres at Coventry City, to Sky Sports.

“His power, taking the ball and running with it, bursting through gaps, linking the play, being very good in both boxes set-piece-wise – which wasn’t a strength of his, but he became certainly very good at defensive set-pieces with me through front post defending.”

“If you give Vik half a pitch in behind with a high line and you get the line wrong, you’re never going to catch him. He’s going to keep making the run in behind so you’re wearing down opposition.”

After Gyokeres, who’ll also be joined by defender Cristhian Mosquera in Singapore, the plan for Arsenal is to prioritise a central attacking midfielder (Ben Jacobs).

Arsenal are seriously interested in Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, as they have been for weeks, but more and more noise is surrounding an alternative to the England international in RB Leipzig sensation Xavi Simons.

Arsenal contact Xavi Simons camp amid Barcelona meeting

According to Romano, Arsenal are guaranteed to have made contact with Simons’ camp, with Chelsea also seriously contending for the 22-year-old’s signature as they plan transfer talks with Leipzig this week.

La Liga champions Barcelona, led by their sporting director Deco, also held a meeting with the Netherlands forward’s representatives recently, but a move to the Camp Nou is seen as unlikely for this window and more one for the future.

Right now, it appears Chelsea are the current favourites for Simons. However, Arsenal remain “attentive” to his situation and a north London switch hasn’t been entirely ruled out yet, meaning he’s still one to watch.

Leipzig only signed the player from PSG permanently in January for an initial £43 million, with Simons now preparing to leave the Bundesliga side after spending some significant time there on loan previously.

Called a “difference maker” by ex-Leipzig boss Marco Rose, Simons has racked up an impressive tally of 21 goals and 23 assists during his time in Germany, but the Premier League could now beckon for him.

Interestingly, journalist Buchi Laba is convinced that Simons would be a “better” Arsenal signing than Eze.

A new update has claimed that Sunderland are now thought to be planning a new offer for a player who has been praised for having a “big heart”.

Adingra wants to "achieve greatness" at Sunderland

The Black Cats have completed their latest piece of transfer business this summer, with Brighton winger Simon Adringra arriving at the Stadium of Light.

The 23-year-old has spoken of his excitement about the move, with Manchester United’s Amad Diallo talking Sunderland up after his loan spell there.

“I spoke to the gaffer and the owner, and they showed me interest, so I decided to come and be part of the project. The Premier League was my dream since I was a kid – I am living my dream. Today, I’m here in Sunderland. It’s a big challenge to face big teams and players, and it’s a great league. I’m about dribbling, speed, scoring goals and getting assists.

“I know Amad very well from the national team and he told me how big this club is. Now, I’m looking forward to getting to know my teammates and getting started. It’s a pleasure to be here and I can’t wait to get started – I hope we achieve greatness together.”

Sunderland will still be looking to complete further signings before the window slams shut on September 1st, however, and a new update has now emerged regarding a primary summer target.

Sunderland planning new bid for international star

According to Sky Sports Germany, Sunderland are now set to submit a new offer for Xhaka, who finds a move to the Stadium of Light appealing.

The Black Cats’ opening bid for the 32-year-old was rejected, but the Premier League newcomers’ interest hasn’t gone away, with Fenerbahce also mentioned as an option in the report. Meanwhile, Leverkusen would like to keep hold of him.

Since then, David Ornstein has added that the Black Cats have an agreement with Xhaka, who only wants to move to the north East. Xhaka would be a signing of such intent by Sunderland this summer, so it is extremely encouraging that they are continuing to pursue a move for him.

Adingra will love him: Sunderland in talks to sign "sensational" £22.5m ace

Sunderland is continuing to negotiate a deal to snap up a £22.5m star

ByKelan Sarson Jul 22, 2025

The former Arsenal man has been a key player for Bayer Leverkusen, winning the Bundesliga title in 2023/24 and being hailed by ex-boss Xabi Alonso for the “big heart” that he possesses. The Swiss also has quality on the ball, though, with Joe Cole an admirer of his.

“He’s a good finisher, he’s a lovely technician. We’ve seen him score some worldies in his career. He’s a leader in the dressing room, he’s so important for the team.”

Switzerland

137

14

Switzerland Under-21s

5

0

Switzerland Under-19s

10

3

Switzerland Under-18s

3

2

Switzerland Under-17s

13

1

The experience that Xhaka would add to Sunderland’s team would be invaluable, considering he has won an incredible number of caps for Switzerland, and while his very best days may soon be behind him, there is no reason why he couldn’t enjoy two or three excellent years in a Black Cats shirt.

Leeds United are in the battle to sign a high-earning Premier League player this summer, according to an exciting update from journalist Graeme Bailey.

Leeds eyeing moves for British pair

The Whites have been linked with two different British footballers in recent days, both of whom could prove to be shrewd acquisitions in their own right.

Firstly, Angus Gunn has been mentioned as an option to come in as an upgrade on Illan Meslier, with the Scotland international available on a free transfer after exiting Norwich City at the end of last season.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock has also been mentioned as a Leeds target ahead of their return to the Premier League, with the Englishman potentially in need of joining a club where he can start regularly. That isn’t the case at St James’ Park, with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton keeping him out of the team.

Now, another British player has been linked with a summer switch to Elland Road, and this one could be even more popular than Gunn or Willock heading to Yorkshire.

Leeds in race to seal Kalvin Phillips reunion

Speaking to LeedsUnited.News, Bailey claimed that Leeds are very much in the race to sign Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City, sealing a memorable reunion with him in the process.

Seeing Phillips back in a Leeds shirt would be so heartwarming, considering what a hero the 29-year-old was at the club, becoming a key starter for England in that time.

The midfielder may still have much to offer Daniel Farke, despite years of injury struggles with City and relegation on loan at Ipswich Town last season.

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Granted, Phillips’ £150,000-a-week and £7.8m-a-year wages would be tough to match, but the hope is that a return to Leeds appeals so much that he could be willing to take a pay cut. The fact that Bailey suggests as much can only bode well, making this one to watch.

Last week was very much Alexander Isak vs Hugo Ekitike. Liverpool flexed their muscles by telling Newcastle they were ready to put a £120m offer on the table for the Swede.

The Toon were steadfast, however, once again reiterating that the centre forward isn’t for sale this summer.

Consequently, the Reds raided Eintracht Frankfurt and stole Ekitike from under Newcastle’s noses. Eddie Howe’s men had made their own bid for the Frenchman but had to sit back and watch their Premier League rivals prise him away instead.

Having already signed Florian Wirtz for a club-record £116m, they’ve splashed out a further £79m on Ekitike. But, Liverpool’s efforts to improve the forward line might not be done there.

Does anyone fancy Rodrygo?

Liverpool could sign big-money Rodrygo alternative

While a deal for Ekitike is set to be formally announced in the not-too-distant future, rumours have surfaced suggesting Real Madrid winger, Rodrygo, is also on their radar.

The Brazilian has been the subject of interest from Arsenal this summer but reports last week suggested that the Reds have leapfrogged their title rivals in the race for the winger.

Liverpool have allegedly held their own talks to sign Rodrygo but whether a move is formalised remains to be seen.

Signing a winger is likely to depend on the future of Luis Diaz. Bayern Munich want to sign him but there is a difference in valuation right now.

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If that move does come to fruition, then perhaps Anthony Gordon might come on the radar again. The Anfield outfit have been linked with the Newcastle star religiously, and he’s very keen on the move.

That’s according to journalist Graeme Bailey. Speaking to TBR Football, he played up the chances of Gordon heading to Merseyside in the future.

“If Diaz goes, I wouldn’t rule Gordon out. I think if Diaz — the left-sided player — goes, Liverpool will bring someone in. Obviously, we know they’ve talked to Rodrygo, but Gordon is very much in that conversation for them.”

Bailey continued: “Gordon would walk to Liverpool — it’s his hometown club. He loves them. He wants to play for them. I think it’s inevitable Gordon will join Liverpool at some point — whether it’s this summer, next, or the year after. But I think he will end up at Anfield at some point.”

How Gordon compares to Rodrygo

It must be said that signing Rodrygo this summer, particularly when Arsenal are also interested, would be a phenomenal capture.

This is a player who scored as many as 19 goals in the 2022/23 campaign. He’s shone for Madrid and it’s only as a consequence of Kylian Mbappe and Vini Jr that he’s suffering from a lack of game time.

That’s certainly nothing to be ashamed of. That said, while Rodrygo has put in some fine performances on the continent, he’s not accustomed to life in English football and would no doubt take time to get up to speed. With another raw prospect in the form of Ekitike arriving, it could well be argued that Liverpool will need someone more battle-ready if Diaz leaves.

Well, in Gordon, they’d certainly find their plug-and-play option. The England international has been valued as highly as £100m and has showcased why over the last two campaigns in particular, scoring 21 goals and registering 23 assists.

Gordon is very much a dual threat, possessing elite ball carrying and combining that with the ability to score goals and create.

Rodrygo does feel like a superstar. He plays for Real, after all. Yet, Gordon is a mentality monster. He wants to win at all costs and the fact he actually supports Liverpool will no doubt help him succeed at Anfield if a move happens.

Gordon vs Rodrygo since 2023/24

Stats (per 90 mins)

Gordon

Rodrygo

Goals

0.29

0.33

Assists

0.25

0.21

Touches

45

56

Key passes

1.82

1.98

Progressive passes

3.36

4.13

Successful take-ons

1.55

2.28

Ball recoveries

3.75

2.76

Tackles

1.47

0.77

Stats via FBRef.

Analysing the core metrics above, one thing is clear and that’s Rodrygo looks more explosive.

Yet, an element of context must be applied. The Brazil international has been playing for a more ball-dominant team and in amassing 11 more touches per 90 minutes, it’s understandable why the data is skewed in his favour.

Yet, when it comes to things like progressive passes and key passes, there really isn’t much of a difference between the two.

Interestingly, Gordon will offer you a lot more off the ball. He makes an extra ball recovery per 90 and aids his team’s cause with more tackles. His work rate is exemplary.

While both players could cost over £80m, perhaps it would be wiser to invest the money in a local lad who knows the division inside out.

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