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Despite Daniel Farke’s Leeds United coasting to many a victory in the Championship as of late, the Whites head into their big promotion clash tonight with Sunderland not perched at the summit of the difficult division.

Instead, Sheffield United are currently sat there admiring the view from top spot, having picked up a mammoth 22 wins themselves in league action, as Chris Wilder’s men eye up an instant glorious return back to the Premier League.

Looking back at their business before a ball was kicked gives you some insight as to how the top-flight’s basement club from the 2023/24 season have managed to bounce back so successfully, rather than being stuck inside that bleak pit.

United's best summer business

Back in the summer, before splashing £10m on new striker Tom Cannon, the South Yorkshire outfit went about their business in a rather shrewd manner.

Indeed, seven of United’s purchases before the hectic second-tier season got underway were either free transfers or loan signings, with both Callum O’Hare and Tyrese Campbell entering the building strokes of genius as EFL experienced heads.

The pair have amassed eight goals between them, surrounded by the likes of fellow attacking talent in the form of Crystal Palace loanee Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who has six league strikes all on his own.

Away from bodies entering the building, the Blades also did a fantastic job in keeping some of the standout personnel from their Premier League journey, with Anel Ahmedhodzic an absolute brute at the back dropping down a level.

Helping himself to 12 clean sheets, he has made the Blades an extremely tough team to break down, with the man behind him in-between the sticks another sterling purchase that did cost United a fee, but has already made that amount look worthwhile.

Michael Cooper's soaring value

A brand new goalkeeper was arguably a must for Wilder and Co when dropping back down to the unforgiving second tier, having leaked a horrendous 104 goals in the top flight.

That’s where former Plymouth Argyle shot-stopper Michael Cooper has come to the rescue, with the 25-year-old now going down as a top £2m find from Devon.

Having made a name for himself at his boyhood employers with 55 clean sheets picked up from 161 appearances, the promotion-chasing Blades gambled on Cooper to be their Championship-ready ‘keeper and that decision has more than paid off with stunning saves such as this penalty stop back in November becoming commonplace.

Across 31 contests in South Yorkshire to date, Cooper has only shipped 21 strikes, with only two goals surrendered all of February so far as his high-flying team hunt down more and more pivotal victories.

Subsequently, his value has shot up and has justified United paying a fee to land the former League One Golden Glove winner, knowing full well that his continued excellence could be the difference-maker between automatic promotion being clinched and a playoff spot having to be regretfully accepted.

At the time of writing, Wilder’s assured number one in goal now has a bumped up value that stands at £5.8m – as per Transfermarkt – with the Exeter-born ‘keeper now wanting the prize of being a Premier League calibre shot-stopper to come his way.

That is a percentage increase of 190% in just a few months, with Wilder even labelling his standout 25-year-old as “class” earlier in the season, which is hard to argue against when looking up at his gleaming second-tier numbers.

Away from Cooper being put under the microscope, the experienced Blades boss will know a full team effort will get this confident group over the line, with this potentially being his third promotion achievement situated in the Bramall Lane dug-out.

Worth even more than Cannon: Sheffield United struck gold on “elite" ace

Sheffield United pulled off a blinder signing this ace when they did.

By
Kelan Sarson

Feb 17, 2025

The captain had one of his poorest games in the crunch moment of the season while the defender's poor form since returning from injury continued

Manchester United's dreams of saving their worst season in half a century with Europa League glory were shattered as they limped to a 1-0 defeat against Tottenham in the final. Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu both defended poorly to allow Brennan Johnson to score the only goal of the game in the 40th minute.

It was a suitably scruffy goal to win a final severely lacking in quality between the two worst English sides not to be relegated this season, and the ragged Red Devils simply had no response to going behind, with Bruno Fernandes failing to inspire his troops.

Harry Maguire and the tricky Amad Diallo were the only bright spots from a drab first half which ended in terrible fashion. Shaw, who had looked unconvincing from the start and has really done so ever since returning from injury, allowed Johnson to get in front of him and diverted the ball towards his goal before the forward got the final touch. Patrick Dorgu had not done his team-mate a favour either as he did not even try to stop Johnson, who should have been his man.

Ruben Amorim took too long to make his changes, although Alejandro Garnacho gave them faint hope with some thrusting runs down the left side. United came closest to scoring when Rasmus Hojlund had a header cleared off the line brilliantly by Micky van de Ven, while Shaw got power on a last-ditch header deep in injury time, but Guglielmo Vicario saved well.

It was too little too late from a United side who never deserved to win the final and, to tell the truth, did not deserve a good ending to this miserable campaign.

GOAL rates United's players from San Mames…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andre Onana (5/10):

  The goal was not totally his fault, but he did not help himself with slow reactions and diving backwards into his own goal. Before then he had left Yoro in the lurch by failing to come out of his area and sweep up Richarlison's pass.

  Leny Yoro (5/10):

  Didn't have the best communication with Onana and did not carry the ball as well as he can. A little rustiness should have been expected given he rushed back from injury for this final.

  Harry Maguire (6/10):

  Gave a strong display, particularly in the first half. Moved the ball well, especially with his defence-splitting pass to Dorgu. But there were no miracles down the other end.

  Luke Shaw (3/10):

  Looked shaky from the off, letting Johnson start a dangerous attack early on. He totally botched his next match-up with the forward, being too weak to get in front of him and then diverting the ball inside the near post. Nearly made amends with his last-gasp header but was denied by Vicario.

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  Midfield

  Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):

  Defended well, clearing a dangerous ball from Porro and then making a superb tackle on Son. Didn't get forward much.

  Casemiro (5/10):

  Made some aggressive tackles but lacked ideas with the ball and didn't cause a nuisance of himself in the box.

  Bruno Fernandes (4/10):

  Uninspiring when it mattered most. His shot at Vicario was one of United's few efforts on target. A loose pass invited a dangerous Spurs break and he couldn't muster any magic at all as the minutes ticked away.

  Patrick Dorgu (4/10):

  Too passive for the goal, standing still and letting Johnson attack the ball. Tried to make up for it with some positive play down the left, but couldn't make a tangible difference.

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  Attack

  Amad Diallo (7/10):

  United's brightest player from start to finish. Fired inches wide, tested Vicario in the first half and tried desperately to get his side back in the game.

  Rasmus Hojlund (5/10):

  A bit unlucky. Got hardly any service and his one good effort was sensationally cleared off the line by Van de Ven. Taken off for Zirkzee.

  Mason Mount (5/10):

  Offered little in the first half, and although he improved in the second, he lost his footing after his best piece of play inside the area. Taken off for Garnacho.

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  Subs & Manager

  Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):

  Instantly created danger, getting at Porro and then forcing Vicario into a fine save.

  Joshua Zirkzee (5/10):

  Offered very little going forward, although he did halt a dangerous counter by taking a booking.

  Diogo Dalot (N/A):

  Replaced Mazraoui in the 85th minute.

  Kobbie Mainoo (N/A):

  A desperate substitution in added time.

  Ruben Amorim (4/10):

  His line-up was risky, fielding Yoro so soon after injury, but more seriously starting Shaw despite his poor form, as well as picking Mount over Garnacho. And now there is no golden ticket after all, the benefit of the doubt he has been getting will disappear.

Kevin De Bruyne will continue his career abroad after deciding against joining another Premier League side this summer after leaving Manchester City

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• De Bruyne hinted at Premier League stay
• Has decided next step will be abroad
• Napoli among clubs linked with playmaker

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  De Bruyne will leave City when his contract expires at the end of the season after being informed by the club he would not be offered an extension.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 33-year-old playmaker suggested he would seek a move to another Premier League team, but reports he has decided to accept an adventure in another country. MLS and Saudi Pro League teams have shown interest in De Bruyne, while Serie A title hopefuls Napoli are also candidates to sign him.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  De Bruyne has spent 10 years with City and made more than 420 appearances. He has won six Premier League titles, five Carabao Cups, two FA Cups and a Champions League crown with the club.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR DE BRUYNE?

  De Bruyne will play his last game for Pep Guardiola's team against Fulham on Sunday. He has already insisted he will not be part of the squad for the Club World Cup, which begins on June 14.

Crystal Palace are sitting 12th in the Premier League after 25 games played, winning seven games, drawing nine, and losing nine. The Eagles are on 30 points, putting them seven points off a top-half spot, and 13 points from the relegation zone.

Oliver Glasner’s side have struggled more on the attacking end this season, scoring just 29 goals in their 25 matches played and averaging 43.8% possession – the fourth lowest in the division – but taking 13.9 shots per match which is the tenth highest in the league.

But, it is the defensive stability that Glasner’s shape gives the Eagles, conceding 13 shots per game, and only shipping 32 goals, that has given them a good base to work from and has allowed them to go on a good run of form.

Crystal Palace's current midfield options

One area the Eagles have struggled for consistency this campaign is in their two central midfield spots.

It’s not as though they lack options, with Cheick Doucoure, Adam Wharton, Jefferson Lerma, Will Hughes, Justin Devenny and Daichi Kamada all playing in the midfield pairing at one point or another this season.

Marc Guehi was even required to play in midfield for one week due to injuries in the squad, which has highlighted the inconsistency in that area due to both fitness concerns and the poor form of certain players.

Due to the all-action role the central midfielders play in Glasner’s system, they have to be able to control the tempo on the ball, go from box to box to provide support in all phases and break up play to protect the defensive line, especially when the wing-backs are flying high.

But the Eagles may well have already had the perfect man for that job on loan back in 2023, who only made nine appearances for the club, totalling 536 minutes.

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.

Crystal Palace had a Doucoure upgrade

Albert Sambi Lokonga joined Crystal Palace on loan in January 2023 from Arsenal but only managed nine appearances for the club.

Since then, the midfielder has taken his game up a level, spending 2023/24 on loan with Luton Town, before making the move to Sevilla on an initial loan deal, with an option to buy.

It’s over the last 18 months or so that the Belgian has developed immensely, with his exploits at Kenilworth Road last term even seeing him be compared to Moises Caicedo, as per FBref.

So, how does he compare to the £115m Chelsea player and Doucoure?

When comparing Lokonga’s underlying numbers this season to Doucoure and Caicedo, you can see the Belgian has demonstrated even better progressive numbers than the latter at Chelsea, both with carries and passing.

As mentioned earlier, Glasner’s midfield two are often all-action, having to win their duels to protect the defence, but also help progress play on the ball.

Lokonga, despite having some lower defensive action numbers than the other two midfielders, demonstrates a good level of balance between the two sides of the game.

Whilst it’s easy to say in hindsight, perhaps the midfielder joining on another loan with an option to buy could have been a good move for Palace, in order to add another midfielder of a similar profile to deal with injuries in that area.

Crystal Palace have hit gold on Eagles star who's worth more than Chilwell

Crystal Palace now have two amazing options at left-back.

By
Connor Holden

Feb 9, 2025

Continuing quite the trend, Chelsea are now reportedly ready to finalise a deal worth over £12m to sign yet another young South American gem, having already previously signed the likes of Aaron Anselmino.

Chelsea transfer news

The more that Todd Boehly’s Chelsea reign goes on, the more it seems as though he’s willing to sacrifice the present day for the sake of potential future dominance. Handing Enzo Maresca one of the youngest squads in the Premier League, the American is yet to see the fruits of his labour, with the Blues once again on course to miss out on a place inside the top four.

Chelsea eyeing "impressive" star in one of three options to replace Sanchez

Sanchez’s position has become untenable…

1

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 1, 2025

He seems to be sticking to his plan nonetheless, however, and is building a batch of future stars. Last summer, it was Anselmino and a year before that it was Deivid Washington and Angelo – who has already swapped Stamford Bridge for Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, in 2022, Andrey Santos came through the door. Now, continuing the South American trend, Chelsea are reportedly about to seal a deal to welcome another gem.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are now ready to finalise their deal to sign Denner Evangelista from Corinthians in a package worth €15m (£12m), including add-ons, which will see the 17-year-old arrive in 2026.

Still just a teenager, the left-back looks destined to reach the very top courtesy of Chelsea when 2026 arrives. Joining the likes of Washington, Anselmino and Santos, Evangelista and his South American teammates could be ready to take the Premier League by storm when he arrives next year.

Evangelista is one to watch

By signing Evangelista, Chelsea would be handing Maresca a fourth South American talent to work with and another who will enter the peak of his powers in years to come. And whilst it may be difficult to see Boehly’s vision in the fog of top four failure once again, the American owner has seemingly set his sights on building a side capable of ending the Blues’ problems for an entire era.

The young left-back is certainly one to watch too, with scouting consultancy Concept Scouting full of praise for the young Brazilian following news of Chelsea’s likely deal.

Whether Evangelista will be ready to play a first-team role when 2026 arrives remains to be seen. Just like Anselmino, Santos and Washington, he could be forced to wait for his opportunity and instead head out on loan elsewhere, before eventually returning to play an integral part at Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho says he is "not happy" with his Fenerbahce team's season as he complained of "strange things" happening in the Super Lig title race.

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• Fenerbahce end season without a trophy
• Mourinho involved in many controversies
• Coach 'not happy' with debut campaign

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  It has been a tumultuous campaign for the Portuguese manager and his team, who finished 11 points behind champions Galatasaray in the battle to win the Turkish top-flight. They were also knocked out of the Europa League at the last-16 stage by Rangers.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As well as disappointing results, there was plenty of controversy surrounding Mourinho off the field throughout the season. He was banned for grabbing the nose of Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk, took legal action against their Istanbul rivals after he was accused of racism, got into a feud with Fenerbahce player Allan Saint-Maximin and made criticised Turkish football and its referees.

• WHAT MOURINHO SAID

  The former Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid coach gave a dismal verdict after his team finished their campaign with a 2-1 win against Konyaspor on Saturday.

  He told reporters: "We finished second in the league, that wasn’t our goal. We actually had a good season until we lost the title. It was difficult to get the team back on track. Strange things happened in the league and also against Rangers. I can’t describe it. Overall, it was a disappointing season. When a new coach arrives, people get hope. If we compare this to the phase when there was no chance of winning the championship, people lose motivation, the stadium is empty and there are reactions.

  "I don’t blame my players, they are human and professional. They are the first to feel sad about the bad results. I am not happy."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MOURINHO?

  Mourinho has a year left on his contract at Fenerbahce but it is unclear if he will still be in charge next season after failing to deliver a trophy this term.

The Gold Cup squad is now official, and despite absences, offers insight into how the coaching staff views the player pool

It's now official. We know the 26 players that will represent the U.S. men's national team at this summer's Gold Cup. So much focus will be on the list of players that have dropped out over the past few weeks – Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Yunus Musah, Folarin Balugun and just Thursday, Sergino Dest – to name a few.

The word seemingly hovering over this squad since the original pre-Gold Cup roster announcement has been "absence." For those that did make the 26, though, the word of the summer is "opportunity."

Just one year out from a World Cup, players are vying for spots on next year's team and, for several, that truly begins at the Gold Cup. The squad is loaded with both new faces and veterans eager to prove themselves to USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino.

The coach's selections already offer some indication of where the player pool stands. He's made some tough calls with this 26-man squad. Pochettino left some familiar faces at home, aside from those out because of injury or Club World Cup commitments, and he's also opted to include some newcomers with legitimate chances of making the USMNT going forward.

With the squad now complete, GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from Pochettino's Gold Cup roster selection.

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  WINNER: The Aaronson brothers

  Brenden Aaronson was the first to know that his younger brother, Paxten, would be joining him in the team. He was sitting right next to him when he got the call. That meant that both brothers would get a major chance this summer. It also meant that the two could make history together, too.

  Should the two Aaronsons see the field together at the Gold Cup, they would be just the second set of brothers in USMNT history to play alongside one another in an official competition. The others? James and Russell Murphy in 1957.

  More importantly, what they can they do as individuals? Brenden heads into this Gold Cup fresh off a Nations League omission, and he'll surely be aware that he's fighting for a place in Pochettino's midfield. So too is his younger brother, who was a late call-up after a standout season at Utrecht. The two aren't just competing against the rest of the player pool – depending on how Pochettino views them positionally, they might just be competing against each other, too.

  It's a brotherly battle that's been brewing since they were kids. Now, their family will be able to watch on as they play at the highest levels alongside one another.

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  LOSER: Sergino Dest and Folarin Balogun

  Heading towards the Gold Cup, there were two USMNT regulars that had yet to feature under Pochettino: Dest and Balogun. That was going to be one of the storylines of the summer: how would these two proven USMNT stars look under the still-new coach?

  Both were initially included. And then both pulled out late due to injury issues. It's a setback, no doubt, for both the players and the team. Pochettino now misses out on a summer of working with two players that will likely be part of his roster for the 2026 World Cup.

  Balogun's exit came first, as the Monaco star injured an ankle. It came after a season full of injuries, with a shoulder issue essentially derailing his club season. After really through with the USMNT last summer at the Copa America, Balogun hasn't been able to build on that momentum – at all. This summer was intended to be that opportunity. Instead, it's more time on the sidelines.

  Same for Dest, who only recently returned from a year-long ACL absence. Ultimately, it was determined that his rehabilitation process would be best served without extensive game action this summer, which is logical but obviously disappointing. Dest has an irreplaceable skillset and presence, and the USMNT will look very different without him than they would with him.

  Pochettino has had the opportunity to work with virtually every player in the pool – except those two. That next chance won't come until at least the fall, roughly a year after Pochettino's arrival.

• Getty
  

  WINNER: Alex Freeman

  The right-back position has suddenly opened up, leaving a wide-open path for a player who has the potential to be the breakout star of the summer.

  Freeman has certainly broken out in MLS. He's emerged as one of the league's best with Orlando City, combining athletic ability with attacking know-how to really impress. His club contributions earned him a USMNT call-up but, with Dest pulling out of the squad, Freeman suddenly has a legitimate chance to make a real impression.

  The only other natural right-back in the team is Nathan Harriel, who was called in as a late injury replacement. That likely means Freeman is the guy at right-back, at least initially. If he starts these games off well, Freeman could certainly play significant minutes before the Gold Cup run is done.

  Will it be easy to catch the likes of Dest and Joe Scally on the depth chart? No, but the only way Freeman would have a chance to do that would be to play meaningful minutes. That opportunity is right there in front of him now – can he seize it?

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  LOSER: Zack Steffen and Patrick Schulte

  One of the intentions this summer was to find some separation in the great USMNT goalkeeper competition. Matt Turner would be defending his title against all comers. His lack of club minutes had ignited this competition and, this summer, others would get an opportunity to show why they, not Turner, could be the guy heading into the World Cup next year.

  That was until the two chief contenders, Zack Steffen and Patrick Schulte, were forced to pull out. Matt Freese is still on the team, and Chris Brady was called-up after Schulte exited. Those two could theoretically push Turner through the Gold Cup, but there's no doubt that this competition has a different complexion than it did a week or so ago.

  Schulte, in particular, will be frustrated to miss out. While both Steffen and Turner have years of USMNT games on their resume, the Columbus Crew shot-stopper could have used this summer to show that he's ready to take that leap. There may be more chances in the fall, sure, but, now, it seems that the Gold Cup will be more about Turner reinforcing his credentials than his competitors trying to prove theirs.

  It's Turner's job to lose and, given how good he has generally been with the USMNT despite his club situation, bet on him putting in some strong shifts this summer. If he does that, he'll get closer to solidifying his place as No. 1.

Manchester United have told a Champions League club that they are planning to make a big bid to sign one of their stars this summer.

Plans for new 100,000-seater Man Utd stadium revealed

The major breaking news coming out of Old Trafford recently has been the Red Devils’ plans to knock down the historic ground and build a new 100,000 capacity stadium.

Man Utd announced the plans in the week for a new arena that will be built close to the existing Old Trafford and is set to cost around £2bn.

Images of the planned new stadium show three masts described as “the trident” and are set to be 200m high and visible from 25 miles away. The club are hoping the stadium can be built in just five years, although it is unclear how it will be financed, with United currently £1bn in debt.

Talking about the plans for the new stadium, chief executive Omar Berrada said: “Our long-term objective as a club is to have the world’s best football team playing in the world’s best stadium. We are grateful for the feasibility work done by the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force exploring options for the future of Old Trafford.

“We have carefully considered its findings, together with the views of thousands of fans and local residents and concluded that a new stadium is the right way forward for Manchester United and our surrounding community. We will now embark on further consultation to ensure that fans and residents continue to be heard as we move towards final decisions.”

The new stadium may also impact spending on the squad, however, a number of players continue to be linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

One of those targets is Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who Man Utd recently made a new approach for after interest in 2024. Now, a fresh update has emerged on the Brazilian and a potential move to England.

Man Utd tell Atalanta they are bidding £50m for Ederson

According to reports from Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Atalanta, who played in this season’s Champions League, are trying to renew Ederson’s contract, however, the player is alerted by interest elsewhere.

One of those clubs is Man Utd, who have told Atalanta that a ‘€60m offer is coming’ and Ederson is fascinated by the idea of playing in the Premier League.

Juventus are also keen on the Serie A star, but it is Man Utd who are best placed to sign the 25-year-old, with the £50m pending bid potentially set to be enough.

Ederson has been among Atalanta’s best performers this season, with a WhoScored average match rating of 6.98/10. No Atalanta player is fouled more than Ederson per game, and by the looks of things, he could be a potential replacement for Christian Eriksen or Casemiro at Old Trafford.

The Americans has retained their No. 1 in the latest FIFA Women's World Ranking despite significant gains from competitors

• Spain and Germany apply mounting pressure on Americans
• South American nations demonstrate growing strength
• France returns to top 10 while Netherlands drops to 11th position

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  WHAT HAPPENED

  FIFA released its latest Women's World Ranking, showing the United States maintaining their top position despite a concerning 2-1 home defeat to Brazil in April. The gap between the Americans and their closest challengers has narrowed significantly, with Spain (second) and Germany (third) applying intense pressure after winning all their matches since the previous ranking update. Brazil's victory over the Emma Hayes-coached U.S. squad has propelled the South Americans to fourth place, representing a substantial four-position climb in the rankings.

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• THE RANKINGS

  Rank	Country
  1st	USA
  2nd	Spain
  3rd	Germany
  4th	Brazil
  5th	England
  6th	Sweden
  7th	Japan
  8th	Canada
  9th	Korea DPR
  10th	France

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  South American women's football has demonstrated remarkable progress, with both Brazil and Argentina securing statement victories against established powers. While Brazil defeated the top-ranked Americans, Argentina's victory over Canada contributed to the dropping one position to eighth. These results represent a significant development in the global women's game, where North American and European nations have traditionally monopolized the upper echelons of the rankings. Meanwhile, England (fifth, down one) and Sweden (sixth) maintain their positions in the top six, while Japan have also experienced setbacks against South American opposition.

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  WHAT’S NEXT?

  The United States women face mounting pressure to address vulnerabilities exposed in recent matches as they prepare for upcoming international competitions under Hayes' leadership. The team recently beat Jamaica 4-0 on June 3 and faces the Republic of Ireland twice on June 26 and June 29, and then Canada on July 2.

Chelsea are already putting their transfer plans in place ahead of the upcoming window and may now be set to make one of their first-team stars available to interested bidders, per a report.

Chelsea make a swift start on summer transfer activity

Enzo Maresca has plenty on his plate with the Blues’ quest to secure a Champions League qualification spot in the Premier League alongside aiming to finish the campaign with a flourish by claiming the Conference League title.

However, Chelsea already have one eye on the summer transfer window regardless of their on-field objectives. Stamford Bridge will see the arrival of Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo after deals were agreed to bring both to west London for around £62m, albeit the former is set to link up with his new teammates in 2026.

Unlikely to touch the sides, the Blues are also in the mix to sign River Plate forward Franco Mastantuono, who has a £35 million release clause at the South American giants.

Admittedly, Chelsea’s approach to bringing young talent through the door at Cobham has drawn plenty of scepticism. Still, BlueCo have made it clear they want to build a portfolio of prodigious stars for the club to develop in years to come.

Whether they manage to make the jump to stardom or not is hard to gauge at this point. Nevertheless, players must also depart to make way for arrivals to stay compliant with PSR regulations.

With that in mind, Maresca appears to have made his mind up on one star who now looks set to leave Stamford Bridge in the near future amid recent developments.

Chelsea set to make a profit on Axel Disasi this summer

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are set to sell Axel Disasi this summer for a profit as he is no longer part of Maresca’s plans at Stamford Bridge.

Sent out on loan to Aston Villa in January, he is one of several high-earners who could be moved on to free up space for new additions this summer – Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and Armando Broja are also set to be placed on the chopping block.

Chelsea must axe “special” star who’s earning more than Quenda & Madueke

Chelsea must get rid of “special” ace who’s earning even more than new signing, Geovany Quenda

By
Connor Holden

Mar 21, 2025

Brought in for £38.3m in August 2023, Disasi has scored five times and registered two assists in 61 appearances for Chelsea. On loan at Aston Villa, he has followed that up with a further six outings under Unai Emery.

Showcasing his firm presence across the backline, the France international has won 33 duels in the Premier League this season. However, that is unlikely to be enough for his parent club to factor him into their future plans.

On the face of it, a deal that allows Disasi regular first-team football and inherits the Blues a tidy profit would be a smart piece of business that would suit all parties.