All posts by n8rngtd.top

Chelsea managed to beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, starting their last push for UEFA Champions League football in the right way. Enzo Fernández scored the only goal of the game, heading it home after a lovely ball was whipped in by Cole Palmer.

Enzo Maresca’s men face Brentford on Sunday, just three days after their clash with Tottenham, where another three points will be key. Their victory against Spurs took the Blues back to fourth in the Premier League, sitting one point ahead of Manchester City in fifth and two points ahead of Newcastle in sixth.

With fifth place believed to be enough for Champions League football this season, Chelsea’s primary focus will be on gaining as many points in their final eight games as possible, in order to qualify.

Maresca will continue to make the tactical tweaks he deems necessary in order to give his side the advantage in games, and this usually stems from his fullback usage.

Tino Livramento's rise after leaving Chelsea

One fullback Chelsea used to have on their books, who is currently smashing it for Newcastle, is Tino Livramento. The English defender was sold by the Blues back in 2021, joining Southampton for a fee of around £5m. Just two years later, Livramento completed a £40m move to Newcastle, where he is now truly showing his class.

Since joining the Magpies, Livramento has made 71 appearances, scoring once, providing one assist and totalling 4,542 minutes played. The 22-year-old has shown versatility to start on both the right and left sides when needed, putting in an exceptional display against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final, playing on his wrong side as a left-back.

Livramento has shown he can be a versatile tool for his managers, playing both sides as a fullback, having the ability to overlap and underlap, tuck inside as a third centre-back when needed and even carry the team forward through central zones.

This is something Maresca wants from his full-backs and something we are starting to see more and more with one man in particular.

Chelsea's answer to Livramento

Alongside captain Reece James, Chelsea have Malo Gusto, who was signed in the 2023 January transfer window, joining from Lyon for around £26.3m and earning around £45k per week.

Since arriving at the club, Gusto has made 67 appearances for the Blues, providing 11 assists and totalling 4,331 minutes played.

When comparing the underlying metrics of both Gusto and Livramento, you can see how both compare, both offering good progressive qualities from fullback areas, both putting up good defensive numbers and both having the ability/athleticism to counter-press effectively, helping to aid the teams’ ball recoveries.

Former England defender, Micah Richards, praised Gusto, labelling him an “outstanding” fullback, specifically pointing out his energy and 1v1 defending. The Frenchman has had to learn some new roles this season under Maresca, which has taken its toll on the 21-year-old’s form.

Whilst Gusto has struggled so far this season, we have seen him play multiple roles under Maresca, overlapping to provide width as both a right back and left back, inverting into midfield from both sides and even playing in the pockets on both sides.

This is the versatility Maresca wants in his fullbacks, allowing for plenty of tactical changes when necessary. And so, while it might sting to see Livramento shining elsewhere, the Blues no doubt have their own sparkling full-back in Gusto.

Maresca's own Drogba: Chelsea plot summer move for "phenomenal" CF

Chelsea could land a player this summer who could be their next Didier Drogba.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 3, 2025

The Argentine coach’s side will kick off Apertura 2025 on July 19 against León

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Álvarez and Ledezma have joined the club
• Ledezma has already scored in preseason
• On Friday, they’ll play another friendly vs. Santos Laguna

• @CHIVAS
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chivas continue their preparations for the Apertura 2025 under new Argentine head coach Gabriel Milito, who has made one message clear: no room for complaints, only collective effort.

  “No sulking faces with me. Everyone must give their best for the team. Believe, believe. We’ll work hard this preseason. Let’s see if by year-end we rewrite history,” he told Chivas TV. “This club is huge. We’re new here but we understand the moment we’re entering. The club’s immediate future depends on us. We came to make that happen—for you and for the institution.”

  Culture has been a concern for Chivas over the past decade, a club looking to rebound after a poor Clausura 2025 season.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Just a month into his tenure, Milito is focused on instilling confidence and reconnecting his players with Chivas’s storied legacy. The squad has responded well so far, winning a preseason tournament with victories over Cruz Azul and León.

  “Our job is to convince the players of what they’re capable of – not just impose ideas,” Milito said. “You are good players. I need you to believe it, have confidence, and be brave.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT GABRIEL MILITO SAID

  The Argentine coach and his staff believe they can help end Chivas’ title drought, which dates back to 2017.
  “Chivas’ immediate future depends on us. That’s why we’re here – to help make it happen. But for that, we have to work really hard, guys,” Milito told his players during preseason.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• @CHIVAS
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR CHIVAS?

  Chivas have stayed busy with three friendlies so far. This Friday, they’ll take part in a quadrangular tournament, facing Santos Laguna and then playing either the final or the third-place match on Sunday. The other bracket features Cruz Azul and a Liga de Expansión side. Next, they meet Fernando Gago’s Necaxa on July 5 in a friendly before their official return on July 19 against León in Matchday 2 – since their original opener vs Tigres was rescheduled due to renovations at Akron Stadium ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Manchester United have pulled out of secret talks over a record-breaking £10 million ($13.6m) Amazon documentary deal following concerns raised by head coach Ruben Amorim. Despite financial pressures and months of negotiations, United decided that the behind-the-scenes series would be an unwelcome distraction for the first team during a critical rebuild under Amorim.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Man Utd reject £10m+ Amazon documentary after Amorim’s objections
• Manager feared distraction amid first-team rebuild and poor form
• Talks ended despite financial appeal and months of negotiations

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Athletic have reported that Manchester United spent several months negotiating a potential 'All or Nothing'-style series with Amazon, which would have been the streaming giant’s biggest-ever deal with a football club. The proposed agreement, worth well over £10 million, would have granted Amazon full behind-the-scenes access for the 2025–26 season. However, the club ultimately withdrew from the talks after receiving strong opposition from Amorim.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As per the report, Amorim voiced concerns that such a project could undermine the first team’s focus during a delicate transitional period, prompting Manchester United’s executive committee to unanimously reject the proposal. Despite financial struggles and no European football next season, United sided with the manager on footballing grounds. The decision highlights Amorim’s growing influence at Old Trafford amid his efforts to reshape the squad.

• TELL ME MORE…

  United’s business department, including INEOS and CEO Omar Berrada, initially backed the idea to ease commercial strain. With players’ cooperation also in doubt, alongside Amorim, the board respected the head coach's stance and ended the discussions early this summer.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  The Red Devils will now explore alternative commercial avenues as they look to boost income following sponsor exits and heavy debt. Amorim will continue steering the club’s sporting rebuild, with player recruitment now aligned to his tactical vision.

Nico Williams has sealed a big pay rise for himself after signing a massive contract extension at Athletic Club and turning down Barcelona.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Williams signs deal with Athletic until 2035
• Snubs Barcelona, Bayern, Chelsea and Arsenal interest
• New release clause rises to over €95m

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Williams has signed a stunning 10-year contract extension with Athletic Club, keeping him at San Mames until 2035. The new deal drastically increases his salary and raises his release clause to over €95 million (£80m/$108m), up from the previous €60m (£50m/$69m). Despite heavy interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Arsenal, the 22-year-old opted to stay in Bilbao.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Athletic’s renewal of Williams marks a major statement of intent. With European giants circling, the Basque club pulled out all the stops to retain their star winger, offering a staggered contract with increasing pay based on performance and team results. He’ll becomethe club’s highest-paid player, ahead of his brother Inaki Williams, Unai Simon, and Oihan Sancet.

  The move also gives Athletic financial protection, raising his release clause by 50 per cent as a barrier against future interest. For Barcelona, who viewed him as a top target for their rebuild, the rejection is a significant blow.

• WHAT WILLIAMS SAID

  In a video filmed at the iconic Lutxana mural, he said: “When decisions have to be made, for me, what weighs most is the heart. I'm where I want to be, with my people, this is my home. Go Athletic!”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  The Spanish winger will remain a key figure in Athletic’s Champions League campaign, continuing to wear the No.10 shirt. Williams is expected to lead the team’s European challenge and stay central to their project for years to come.

Jamal Musiala's national team-mate and former Bayern Munich pal Leroy Sane reacted to the youngster's devastating ankle injury.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Sane heartbroken over Musiala's injury
• Midfielder fractured his fibula against PSG
• Former team-mate hopes for quick recovery

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Sane reflected on Musiala’s unfortunate injury, expressing deep heartbreak upon learning the full extent of the 22-year-old’s setback. He showed genuine sympathy for his German national team-mate and hoped to see him return to action soon.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Bayern Munich sensation broke his left fibula in a collision with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma during their quarter-final defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup. The 22-year-old underwent surgery on Monday and will be out of action for at least four to five months.

• WHAT LEROY SANE SAID

  "I really hope he's fit again soon. Bayern and the national team need him and his moments of genius," Sane told .

  "It's so incredibly bitter, I was stunned at first," emphasised Sane. He said he had "written to Musiala directly on WhatsApp, and we also spoke on the phone later.

  "He was just on his way back to being 100 per cent fit, and then this happened. I feel so sorry for him. It's so frustrating."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• X/Galatasaray
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Sane was recently under contract with Die Roten, joining Turkish giants Galatasaray on July 1 upon the expiry of his contract. As for Musiala, the German international will remain out of action for the foreseeable future. He is expected to return to action in early 2026.

Evan Ferguson made a blistering start at AS Roma, scoring four goals and grabbing an assist a day after joining on loan from Brighton.

• Ferguson scored four goals on debut
• Scored a 24-minute hat-trick in the first half
• Roma thrashed Serie D side UniPomezia 9-0

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ferguson wasted no time announcing himself in Italy, scoring a stunning four goals and providing an assist on his debut for Roma in a 9-0 thrashing of Serie D side UniPomezia. His hat-trick came inside just 24 minutes, and he ended the game with five direct goal involvements. The Irish striker joined Roma on loan from Brighton two days ago, and the deal includes an option to buy worth around €38 million (£32m/$41m).

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The move to Roma offers the 20-year-old a fresh chance to rediscover the form that made him one of the Premier League’s brightest young prospects. Injuries and a loss of confidence saw his progress stall, with just one goal to his name since November 2023. The Yellow and Reds' new head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, has a strong track record of getting the best out of underperforming players, and Ferguson's explosive debut will boost hopes that he can thrive in Serie A.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ferguson made his first-team debut for the Seagulls at just 16 years old and quickly drew attention from top clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea, with his value once soaring above €118m (£100m/$129m). He impressed during the 2022-23 season, scoring 10 goals in 25 appearances and earning his senior debut for Ireland. Although the 2023-24 campaign proved challenging, Ferguson's potential continues to be highly regarded across Europe.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR FERGUSON?

  The young striker will now aim to build on his flying start under Gasperini during Roma’s pre-season fixtures. With expectations rising, he has a chance to cement a regular starting spot and make a strong case for a permanent transfer. If he maintains this form, Roma may be tempted to trigger the €38m buy clause sooner rather than later.

The 19-year-old defender was a standout performer for the Dutch side in the 2024-25 campaign, and will soon be lighting up the Premier League

The unrelenting, unrivalled Ajax academy has produced another gem. Jorrel Hato has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence since graduating to the senior team just two years ago, following in the footsteps of legends like Ruud Krol and Frank de Boer, as well as the club's most recent defensive success stories, Matthijs de Ligt and Jurrien Timber.

At just 19, Hato already has 111 appearances under his belt for Ajax, and has the potential to reach the very top if he stays on his current trajectory. Now, the Netherlands international has taken the next big step in his promising career, with Premier League giants Chelsea confirming his arrival at the club on August 3 in a deal worth an initial £38 million ($50m).

The newly-crowned Club World Cup champions had already spent around £170m ($231m) on Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr in the current window, but it's no exaggeration to say that Hato could be the most important signing of all now that he has also completed his switch to Stamford Bridge.

To explain why, GOAL has taken a deep dive into the defender's development at Johan Cruyff ArenA…

• Where it all began

  On March 7, 2006, Jose Mourinho's Chelsea were 15 points clear of Manchester United at the top of the Premier League, a Liverpool side containing Steve Finnan and Jermaine Pennant had just knocked a young Lionel Messi and Barcelona out of the Champions League and, most crucially for this profile, Jorrel Hato was born in Rotterdam.

  Despite his talent, Hato somehow slipped through Feyenoord's net and instead ended up signing with the city's secondary club, Sparta Rotterdam. He did not stay there long though, switching to Ajax's youth academy in 2018.

  The move required some consideration from Hato, with the defender later reflecting: "At the time, I had to think about it for a while because I was comfortable at Sparta. [At Ajax], fortunately, I was well taken care of and could immediately be myself."

  In 2022, after impressing through the age groups, he was handed his maiden professional contract – a life-changing event that kept him awake with excitement the previous night. "I knew I was going to sign my contract. My sleep was not optimal as a result, but I am super happy," he beamed.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  The big break

  Hato got his first-team breakthrough towards the back end of the 2022-23 season. After enjoying a few cameos off the bench earlier in the campaign, he would end up starting Ajax's final six Eredivisie games. With nothing left to play for – Arne Slot's Feyenoord had the league title sewn up by that point – blooding the youngster made sense, but his position in the first team was far from guaranteed for the following season.

  However, a hectic summer in Amsterdam changed that; chaos is a ladder after all. Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez were sold to West Ham for sizeable sums, with 12 players arriving in the other direction. The key piece of business from Hato's perspective, though, was Timber joining Arsenal.

  This freed up a starting spot in the backline, and Hato made sure he did everything he could during pre-season to secure it. When his side's Eredivisie opener against Heracles rolled around, there he was at the heart of defence. Any doubts over whether he was ready to become such a key piece for Ajax were addressed that afternoon, with Hato seriously impressing. He even chipped in with an assist – albeit only a five-yard sideways pass before Jakov Medic thumped one in from long range.

• AFP
  

  How it's going

  Hato soon became indispensable for Ajax in what was a hugely testing campaign for the Dutch giants. Amid a backdrop of boardroom chaos and controversy over the signings of sporting director Sven Mislintat – who replaced the disgraced Marc Overmars – their horrendous start to the season saw them drop into the relegation zone in October and manager Maurice Steijn paid the price with his job.

  Throughout all of this turmoil, Hato was the one constant. He even became Ajax's youngest-ever captain when interim boss John van 't Schip handed him the armband for a Europa League clash against Brighton in November. "[He's] special in the sense that he has been able to stand his ground for so long and that he continues to reach such a high level," Van 't Schip told reporters. "Of course, he is still a young player, the youngest one, who still has a lot to learn, but if you look at what he brings, the way he defends, the way he can play football forward, he has a great future ahead of him. We don't have to do a lot because he is an exemplary professional."

  In recognition of Hato's prodigious club form, Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman then handed him a maiden senior cap against Gibraltar in November, and praised the defender's "bravado" after the 6-0 European Championship qualifying win. The 2023-24 campaign ultimately ended in major disappointment for Hato, who was powerless to prevent Ajax from slumping to a fifth-placed finish in the Eredivisie and subsequently missed out on a spot in Koeman's Euro 2024 squad, but he bounced back in the best possible fashion last term.

  Hato registered eight goal contributions as Ajax re-emerged as title contenders after the appointment of new permanent head coach Francesco Farioli. The four-time Champions League winners ultimately finished second to PSV after a shocking late collapse, but Hato was named Eredivisie Talent of the Year, which was a fully deserved consolation prize that acknowledged how consistent he had been in both defence and attack for Farioli's side.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  Biggest strengths

  Hato's emergence from the youth academy proves that when it comes to forging the next generation of global stars, few clubs do it better than . The teenager is very much of the Ajax mould.

  Technically sublime and possessing a football IQ that defies his tender years, Hato is the archetypal modern defender. He has no issue breaking the lines with his passes and relishes pushing into midfield to help his side's build-up. This is reflected in the 89 percent passing accuracy he registered in the Eredivisie this past season, while he is also averaged over four progressive passes per 90 minutes.

  Hato's ability to carry the ball is even more impressive. His quick feet and coolness under pressure helped drive Ajax's resurgence under Farioli, who felt the Dutch ace made "great strides" forward in all aspects of his game.

  Indeed, defensively, there is a lot to like about Hato, too. He reads the game brilliantly and boasts impressive powers of recovery due to his turn of pace. Farioli has also described Hato as a "lion" in one-v-one situations because of his bravery, but he does not go out looking for tackles, preferring to choose his moments to dispossess attackers.

Mason Greenwood is set to make his return to international football after being granted citizenship and a new passport by Jamaica.

• Greenwood granted Jamaican passport
• Making international return after five years
• Continuing to impress with Marseille

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Greenwood made just the one appearance for England before he was exiled by Manchester United in 2023 and has since been working on a switch of allegiance that would allow him to make his return on the international stage.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Greenwood being granted citizenship by Jamaica means he is in line to be selected for his country for the first time in five years. Per , the Marseille man has also been issued a new passport to fully complete his switch.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Greenwood's recruitment is part of a drive from Jamaica and head coach Steve McClaren to bring in UK-born players with heritage linked to the Caribbean country. Since charges of attempted rape against him were dropped, the 23-year-old has been firing under Roberto De Zerbi at Marseille and has also been linked with a switch to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR GREENWOOD?

  The ex-Manchester United man is still awaiting clearance from the Jamaica Football Federation before he can be called up for the World Cup qualifiers against Bermuda and Trinidad & Tobago in September.

Rasmus Hojlund's reported suitors have flown to England to explore a move for the Manchester United man amid Benjamin Sesko's impending arrival.

• Hojlund faces uncertain future
• Man Utd close in on Sesko deal
• Dane suitors fly to England

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, AC Milan representatives have flown to London to speak to United about the possibility of signing Hojlund. The report adds that United are interested in sending him out on loan but the Italian giants want a €35 million (£30m) option to buy inserted in a loan deal.

Advertisement

• Getty Images/GOAL
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Hojlund recently stated that he plans to stay at United for the upcoming season, but this may change if Sesko joins from RB Leipzig in the coming days. The Dane is almost certainly going to be second choice to the 6ft 5in striker, so a late summer transfer window move could be on the cards.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The report adds that progress has been made on a loan switch for Hojlund, with the 22-year-old seemingly keen on a Serie A return. Although Milan are said to want Hojlund for €35m, United may try and get as much as €50m (£43m) for the ex-Atalanta forward.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  It remains to be seen if Hojlund, who joined United two years ago for a fee worth up to £72m ($96m), will still be at Old Trafford when the summer window shuts in just over three weeks. If Sesko arrives, speculation over a move for the Denmark international will only increase.

La Liga referees will now be known by their first and last names after over 55 years, in a symbolic move to bring match officials closer to fans.

• Referees drop double-surname naming tradition
• First and last names to be used again
• Change comes after over 50 years

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , the Spanish Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), under new president Fran Soto, has announced that La Liga referees will now be addressed by their first and last names rather than their two surnames. Until now, officials were referred to by both surnames, such as Soto Grado, Hernandez Hernandez and Sanchez Martínez, but will now revert to using their first name and surname. This change reverses a naming style that began in 1969, during Francisco Franco’s dictatorship, when concerns arose that referee criticism could be mistaken for political statements against the leader.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Before the 1970s, referees in Spain were introduced by their first and last names, just like players. However, after the debut of referee Angel Franco Martínez in 1969, political sensitivity led the regime to enforce a two-surname format. The CTA’s decision to revert to the old style is part of a broader initiative to make referees more relatable to the public and to modernise the profession. This change also coincides with new transparency measures, such as revealing match referee appointments 24 hours before kick-off, and welcoming three debutants for the 2025-26 season.

• TELL ME MORE…

  The 20 referees confirmed for the upcoming La Liga campaign are: Jesus Gil (Gil Manzano), Cesar Soto (Soto Grado), Mateo Busquets (Busquets Ferrer), Javier Alberola (Alberola Rojas), Ricardo de Burgos (de Burgos Bengoetxea), Alejandro Jose Hernandez (Hernandez Hernandez), Alejandro Muniz (Muniz Ruiz), Jose Luis Munuera (Munuera Montero), Jose Maria Sanchez (Sanchez Martinez), Adrian Cordero (Cordero Vega), Guillermo Cuadra (Cuadra Fernandez), Isidro Díaz de Mera (Diaz de Mera Escuderos), Iosu Galech (Galech Apezteguía), Victor Garcia (Garcia Verdura), Jose Luis Guzman (Guzman Mansilla), Francisco Hernandez (Hernandez Maeso), Juan Martinez (Martinez Munuera), Miguel Angel Ortiz (Ortiz Arias), Alejandro Quintero (Quintero Gonzalez), and Miguel Sesma (Sesma Espinosa).

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  The change will come into effect from the start of the 2025-26 La Liga season, kicking off this weekend with the opener between Girona and Rayo Vallecano, officiated by Javier Alberola.