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The Championship has seen some brilliant youngsters over the years, from Jude Bellingham coming through at Birmingham City to Archie Gray’s breakthrough campaign at Leeds United.

The second tier once again has a plethora of young talents on show, some of whom are plying their trade on loan at clubs in the Championship. Others are permanent members of teams in the division, and here at Football FanCast, we’ve looked at 15 of the most exciting Championship youngsters aged 21 or younger at the time of writing.

The 10 best players in the Championship right now

The second tier is providing great entertainment and drama once again, but which stars are standing out?

1 ByCharlie Smith Feb 14, 2025 1 Jobe Bellingham Sunderland

Looking to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Jobe Bellingham has been making a name for himself at Sunderland in recent years.

Still just 19 years of age, Bellingham swapped Birmingham for Sunderland in 2023, and the attacking midfielder isn’t far away from making 100 appearances for the Black Cats.

To reach that figure, Sunderland may need to be promoted in 2024/25, as this season could be Bellingham’s last in the Championship with Premier League sides previously circling.

2 Chris Rigg Sunderland

Another extremely exciting young Sunderland midfielder catching the eye is Chris Rigg, who will turn 18 in June.

Coming through the Black Cats’ academy, he is attracting serious interest from Manchester United as a result of his starring displays in red and white, with the Red Devils looking to build for the future under INEOS.

Rigg has made already made more than 50 senior Sunderland appearances before his 18th birthday and looks destined for the top.

The 12 highest-paid players in the EFL Championship (2024/25)

Who is earning the most in the second tier?

1 ByRoss Kilvington Feb 27, 2025 3 Tom Fellows West Brom

An exciting right-winger who could go on to play for England is Tom Fellows of West Brom, who has turned into something of an assists machine during the 2024/25 season.

He already had 10 Championship assists before the turn of the year and was wanted by Everton in January as a result. Should West Brom fail to win promotion, Fellows could be a wanted man once again.

4 Shea Charles Sheffield Wednesday

Midfielder Shea Charles signed for Southampton in the Championship in 2023 and helped the Saints win promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

However, the following year, Charles was loaned back to the second tier with Sheffield Wednesday and has been making a big impact at Hillsborough, so much so that rivals Sheffield United were looking at a move in January.

Charles was recalled by Southampton but then loaned back to Wednesday midway through the 2024/25 campaign.

The 15 most expensive signings in EFL Championship history

The second tier has had its fair share of mega-money deals.

ByRoss Kilvington Feb 3, 2025 5 Wilfried Gnonto Leeds United

Wilfried Gnonto made an impact in the Premier League after signing for Leeds United as a teenager back in 2022, when he was already an Italy international.

Now 21 years of age, Gnonto has made more than 100 appearances for the Whites and is into double figures for goal contributions in 2024/25.

6 Ben Doak Middlesbrough

On loan from Liverpool, Ben Doak has impressed in what is his first full season playing senior football at Middlesbrough under Michael Carrick.

The winger has been a regular at the Riverside on the right-hand side, and like Gnonto, he is also into double figures for goal contributions.

Liverpool will surely be enjoying what they have seen from the 19-year-old in the Championship.

7 Luca Koleosho Burnley

Luca Koleosho swapped Espanyol for Burnley in 2023 and was part of the side that suffered relegation from the top flight last season.

He did show his quality in glimpses and scored an early-season winner at Leeds United this term.

Still just 20 years of age, Koleosho can play on either wing and appears to be an exciting attacker at Turf Moor.

Every Championship Golden Boot winner since 2004/05

From King and Ebanks-Blake to Mitrovic and Pukki, these players bossed the second tier.

ByCharlie Smith Feb 19, 2025 8 Callum Doyle Norwich City

Manchester City full-back Callum Doyle is now into his fourth EFL loan spell away from the Etihad, and appears to be going from strength to strength as he looks to become a Premier League regular.

After spells with Sunderland, Coventry City and Leicester City, Doyle is now with Norwich City and has been a regular at left-back at Carrow Road under Johannes Hoff Thorup.

9 Ollie Arblaster Sheffield United

He may be sidelined through injury at this moment in time, but Sheffield United midfielder Ollie Arblaster appears to have a hugely bright future ahead of him.

The Blades ace came through the club’s academy and was a regular under Chris Wilder, making 12 Premier League appearances last season. Arblaster even captained United multiple times in 2024/25 before suffering a serious injury.

10 Alfie Gilchrist Sheffield United

The Blades also have an exciting young defender on their books for 2024/25 in Alfie Gilchrist, winning the race to secure his services on loan from Chelsea last summer.

Since then, Gilchrist has been a regular at right-back at Bramall Lane in what has been his first full season as an ever-present figure at senior level.

Whether or not his long-term future is at Stamford Bridge remains to be seen, though.

Melbourne Stars have confirmed the signing of England batter Sophia Dunkley via the WBBL’s unusual direct nomination pathway with Dunkley one of six players to commit to playing in the tournament without entering the overseas draft.Dunkley was not in the WBBL draft last Sunday where seven of the eight WBBL clubs only chose two overseas players, with each club allowed to take three, and six of them committing to signing the six players who had decided to bypass the draft.The inaugural WBBL overseas draft included a bespoke nomination clause that did not feature in the men’s BBL draft. Players unsure about entering the draft due to the uncertainty of where they might play or being overlooked entirely were given the option of directly nominating themselves to play for a WBBL club without being part of the draft. The option came at a cost with the players only eligible to be paid 95% of the silver category salary – which equates to AU$61,750.Related

• Beaumont signs with Renegades, Adams heads to Strikers in WBBL

• Du Preez takes direct route to Brisbane Heat for WBBL

• WBBL draft: Kapp goes pick one to Thunder, Scorchers retain Devine

Dunkley, Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones, Mignon du Preez, Lizelle Lee and Suzie Bates all took that option. It meant that the WBBL draft did fall a little flat after the first two rounds with seven of the eight clubs passing on their third pick. Sydney Thunder were the only team to draft three players on the day.Dunkley will join Stars under English coach Jonathan Batty alongside England team-mates Alice Capsey and Maia Bouchier.The other five signings are expected to be confirmed in the coming week. Bates looks set to return to Sydney Sixers and Lee is likely to head back to Hobart Hurricanes. Du Preez is expected to join Brisbane Heat, Beaumont Melbourne Renegades and Jones Perth Scorchers.

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da aposte e ganhe： O time feminino do Corinthians anunciou seu primeiro reforço para a próxima temporada. Trata-se da lateral Isabela, que estava no Internacional, e pode atuar tanto na direita quanto pela esquerda.

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+ 12 fotos marcantes que resumem o ano de altos e baixos do Timão

-Fiel, passando para avisar que em 2023 estaremos juntos. Estou ansiosa para conhecer todos vocês e ansiosa para começar esse novo desafio na minha vida. Vai Corinthians! – disse Belinha em vídeo publicado nas redes sociais do clube alvinegro.

+ Veja tabela e simule os jogos do Paulistão 2023

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Até o momento, as Brabas acertaram as renovações de contrato com a zagueira Tarciane, a lateral-esquerda Yasmim, a volante Grazi e da atacante Jheniffer. A única saída foi da atacante Bianca Gomes, que deixou o Corinthians após duas temporadas.

continua após a publicidade

Former ICC umpire says “hypocrisy and lack of consistency from some people and groups is quite interesting”

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jul-20232:08

Has the Bairstow dismissal been blown out of proportion?

Simon Taufel, the former ICC elite umpire who is presently a member of the MCC laws sub-committee, has suggested Australia had not breached the Spirit of Cricket when Alex Carey stumped Jonny Bairstow on the fifth day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.”Was Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal at Lords a breach of the Spirit of Cricket?” Taufel wrote in a post on LinkedIn. “This is a question I have been inundated with, so I thought it best to share my thoughts publicly by asking everyone a question or eight to consider …

• “Have you seen any umpire tell a fielding side that the keeper standing back is not allowed to attempt a stumping?
• “Was there a complaint from anyone when Bairstow tried to stump Marnus exactly the same way in the first innings?
• “What has Jonny Bairstow said about his dismissal? He has been very quiet. Why?
• “My experience is when people don’t like a dismissal under the Laws of Cricket, they cite the Spirit of Cricket to support their view.
• “Which part of the codified Preamble (the Spirit of Cricket) was breached by the fielding side?
• “What did the fielding side do in effecting a legitimate dismissal that unfairly impacted the ability of the batter in their attempt not to be dismissed? (Did they run into him or distract him or prevent him making good his ground?)
• “Should a batter be immune from dismissal as per the Laws by simply being negligent (and leaving his ground too early)?
• “Did England retire Ben Duckett when they disagreed with the Starc catch decision as per the Laws and umpires’ decision?

“The hypocrisy and lack of consistency from some people and groups is quite interesting and concerning for the future of our game. Maybe I am the odd one out here? The good news is that we are actively engaged with Test cricket, the best form of the game,” he ended.

Preamble to the Laws: Spirit of Cricket

Cricket owes much of its appeal and enjoyment to the fact that it should be played not only according to the Laws, but also within the Spirit of Cricket. The major responsibility for ensuring fair play rests with the captains, but extends to all players, match officials and, especially in junior cricket, teachers, coaches and parents.
Respect is central to the Spirit of Cricket.
Respect your captain, team-mates, opponents and the authority of the umpires.
Play hard and play fair.
Accept the umpire’s decision.
Create a positive atmosphere by your own conduct, and encourage others to do likewise.
Show self-discipline, even when things go against you.
Congratulate the opposition on their successes, and enjoy those of your own team.
Thank the officials and your opposition at the end of the match, whatever the result.
Cricket is an exciting game that encourages leadership, friendship and teamwork, which brings together people from different nationalities, cultures and religions, especially when played within the Spirit of Cricket.

Bairstow’s dismissal took place when England were five down and needed a further 178 runs to win at Lord’s. He ducked underneath a short ball from Cameron Green, scratched the crease with his boot and walked down the pitch towards his partner Ben Stokes at the non-striker’s end.Before Bairstow had begun to leave his ground, wicketkeeper Carey had gathered the ball on the bounce and, in one motion, under-armed a throw at stumps at the striker’s end. The on-field umpires referred the decision to TV umpire Marais Erasmus, who gave the batter out – and the dismissal was recorded as stumped. Bairstow glared at the Australian huddle as he walked off and boos rang out around Lord’s. The crowd – who were largely subdued throughout the first four days of this Test – then chanted repeatedly: “Same old Aussies, always cheating.” And as the Australian players walked through the Lord’s Long Room at the lunch interval, they were booed and abused by some MCC members.Australia went on to win the Lord’s Test by 43 runs and took a 2-0 lead in the Ashes, but the furore over Bairstow’s dismissal has only snowballed as the series moves to Headingley on Thursday.While Australia captain Pat Cummins defended his decision to appeal for the wicket, his England counterpart Ben Stokes said he wouldn’t want to win that way. England’s coach Brendon McCullum said the teams wouldn’t be sharing a beer any time soon, and that the nature of the dismissal would galvanise England for the rest of the series.The prime ministers of the two countries – Rishi Sunak and Anthony Albanese – have also got involved, taking their teams’ sides.

Real Madrid defender Ferland Mandy is ready to fight for his place in Real Madrid’s starting XI under new manager Xabi Alonso amid transfer rumours.

• Mendy determined to stay and fight for left-back spot
• 30-year-old will face competition from Carreras and Garcia
• Frenchman under contract at Real Madrid until 2028

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , the French full-back is not looking for any move away from the Santiago Bernabeu this summer and is prepared to fight for his place in the club's starting XI under new manager Xabi Alonso. The 30-year-old underwent surgery in April to repair a rupture in his right quadriceps and hasn’t featured since the Copa del Rey final that month.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mendy joined Real Madrid from Lyon in 2019 for an initial €48 million (£41m/$52m) and last year extended his contract until 2027. However, the Frenchman has struggled with injuries since then. The 30-year-old started just 12 La Liga games last season and scored only one goal. With Madrid completing a €50m (£43m/$58m) transfer for Carreras, Mendy is expected to go down the manager’s pecking order.

  The French defender is also expected to face tough competition from Fran Garcia, who made quite an impression at the Club World Cup. The 25-year-old played every minute of the tournament until their defeat to PSG in the semi-finals.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Madrid’s disappointing 2024-25 campaign saw them finish without a major trophy despite Kylian Mbappe’s blockbuster arrival. They were knocked out in the Champions League quarter-finals and finished behind arch-rivals Barcelona in both La Liga and the Copa del Rey. With Alonso now in charge, the emphasis is on squad depth and competition across every position, including left-back.

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR FERLAND MENDY AND REAL MADRID?

  Mendy, who is currently on vacation, is set to return to the Bernabeu on August 4 as Real Madrid begin their pre-season training. Notably, this will be the first time in many years that Los Blancos will not play any pre-season matches before the start of La Liga. Their opening fixture will be against Osasuna at home on August 19.

Voting body uses own votes to reduce the size of that very body by 59%.

Andrew Fidel Fernando and Madushka Balasuriya20-Dec-2024

Sri Lanka Cricket’s internal politics and administration is set for sweeping change after the board announced a drastic reduction in votes, from 147 to 60. What is remarkable is that this decision was made by the voting members, meaning the voting body has used their own votes to reduce the size of that very body by 59%.These events took place during an extraordinary general meeting of SLC on Friday, during which the SLC membership “approved significant amendments to the Constitution of SLC, reaffirming its commitment to fostering good governance, transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency in its management structure”, according to the board’s own release.Though SLC’s current constitution, which was drafted soon after Sri Lanka’s World Cup win in 1996, has long been criticised as the font of dysfunction in Sri Lankan cricket (because many of the 147 votes belonged to defunct clubs or ineffective district and provincial associations), there has been little political will within the membership to vote for reform, particularly as votes equated to power within the SLC structure.It is likely that broader political changes within Sri Lanka has affected this vote, however. The recent elections centred on issues of good governance, and combating corruption. In the 21st century, SLC has been seen within Sri Lanka as one of the most dysfunctional institutions in the country, as well as one in which substantial wheeling-and-dealing occurred.This fresh amendment aims to optimise SLC’s decision-making, the board release said.”The new voting structure ensures that voting rights are determined solely based on the level of cricket played by each member club, with all qualified clubs and associations being entitled to only one vote. This marks a pivotal step towards equitable representation and streamlined decision-making.”Several sports ministers, past cricketers, and interim heads of SLC had long spoken of the need to change the constitution. In fact a group of concerned citizens, including former players, had petitioned Sri Lanka’s courts in early 2021 to overhaul the SLC constitution. But it was always seen as highly unlikely for the governing body’s membership to vote against their own self interest.A shift in Sri Lanka’s political environment, however, may have made such a vote possible.

The supporters of Tottenham Hotspur will undoubtedly have a sense of excitement building among the fanbase, as they start a new era in the 2025/26 campaign.

Thomas Frank is set to lead the side in North London, hoping to build on the Europa League triumph they achieved at the end of the previous season.

Many may have seen the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou as harsh given the European success, but his side’s lack of quality in the Premier League led to his departure.

The Dane will be looking to avoid suffering a similar fate, needing to strike a balance between success in the league whilst also being competitive in the Champions League.

However, if the new boss is to be a success during his maiden campaign in the role, he will undoubtedly need backing from the hierarchy within the transfer window.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

In the last couple of days, Spurs have made their opening offer to West Ham United for the potential signing of talented forward Mohammed Kudus – but their bid was immediately rejected.

However, they’re set to make another offer in the coming days, with the new boss wanting to accelerate a deal for the Ghanaian attacker this window.

Despite the move for the 24-year-old, another Premier League forward has emerged on their shortlist in recent days in Rodrigo Muniz, according to Brazilian outlet BolaVIP.

They claim that a £32m bid has been made for the Fulham striker after he scored eight times in England’s top flight throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

It also states that the Lilywhites will face stiff competition from Leeds United, after the newly promoted side made an offer for his services earlier this window.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s answer to Haaland

Erling Haaland is a player who’s constantly tormented countless backlines within the Premier League, scoring endless goals for Manchester City over the last few years.

The Norwegian moved to the Etihad back in the summer of 2022 and has since scored 124 times in his 146 appearances – a simply staggering record in the modern day.

He’s registered four goals in his six appearances against the Lilywhites, often causing the club countless issues, with the fanbase undoubtedly wishing they had their own version of the forward.

However, talents like Haaland don’t come around very often, and if they do, they will likely cost a small fortune – especially given the money in the current climate.

They could be about to land their own version of the talisman with Muniz this summer, with the Brazilian labelled as a similar player to the City star by FBref.

Whilst he’s undoubtedly been massively outscored throughout 2024/25, he’s managed to outperform Haaland in numerous key areas, showcasing what an excellent addition he’d be to Frank’s side this summer.

Muniz, who’s been labelled as “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” by teammate Willian, has registered a better goal per shot on target rate – demonstrating his clinical edge in front of goal.

Games played

31

31

Goals & assists

9

25

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Passes into final third

1.2

0.3

Progressive passes

2.5

0.6

Take-ons completed

0.9

0.4

Fouls won

2.9

0.4

Aerials won

6.3

1.8

He’s also registered more progressive passes per 90, with more passes completed into the final third, having the ability to provide others around him with chances in attacking areas.

The Fulham star has also completed more take-ons per 90, whilst also winning more aerial duels, offering Frank an all-round option at the top end of the pitch that he will likely desire.

It’s unclear if Marco Silva’s side will accept the latest offer for Muniz’s signature, but it’s evident that, from the stats produced, he would be an excellent option for Spurs.

If he can replicate the levels produced by Haaland over the last couple of seasons, it would be a superb signing and one that could catapult the club up the table next campaign.

Better signing than Mbeumo: Spurs make enquiry for "world-class" £20m star

Tottenham Hotspur have wasted no time making moves within the summer transfer market.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 5, 2025

Having had sustained success for Australia and CSK, he appears most likely to start the tournament with Starc and Cummins

Deivarayan Muthu19-Oct-2021Do you remember the time when the Champions League T20 was a thing? Do you remember the time when Sydney Sixers won the title in Johannesburg? Do you remember that time when a certain Josh Hazlewood had the best economy rate (4.70) among bowlers who had bowled at least 15 overs in that tournament?In the 2013-14 Big Bash League (BBL), Hazlewood was the joint-second-highest wicket-taker, with 14 strikes in nine matches at an economy rate of 7.88. He could bounce out batters. He could york them. He could also best them with good lengths. Mumbai Indians, who would go on to become the gold standard of T20 cricket, snapped him up at the 2014 IPL auction for INR 50 lakh. He didn’t get a game at Mumbai in 2014 and he opted out of the next season, citing concerns around his workload.Related

• Maxwell confident out-of-form Warner 'is going to turn it around'

• Australia must get the balance right to end T20 trophy drought

• Marsh's No. 3 success could force Smith into middle order

• Inglis receives some Dutch intel

He made it to Australia’s squad in the 2016 T20 World Cup, but for the next four years, he didn’t play any competitive T20 cricket and went on to become a Test-match phenom. After he wasn’t selected in Australia’s 50-over World Cup squad in 2019, a hurt Hazlewood returned to where it all started for him, bowling thrifty spells for Sixers in the BBL. Hazlewood’s accuracy in the BBL attracted the attention of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. In 2021, he became a regular for Australia in T20Is and Super Kings in the IPL, in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup.Sure, hitting heavy lengths with a high-arm action is Hazlewood’s traditional strength, but there’s more to him. He can now bowl slower offcutters into the pitch, cross-seamers, and even has a knuckle-ball in his repertoire.He made a telling contribution for Super Kings in the IPL final against Kolkata Knight Riders last week in Dubai. In his very first over, he found extra bounce and the edge of Venkatesh Iyer’s bat, but MS Dhoni dropped a fairly straightforward catch. In his next over, he drew another mis-hit, this time from Shubman Gill, but Shardul Thakur missed a more difficult chance in the infield.Thakur, however, brought Super Kings back with a double-strike in the 11th over. In the next over, Dhoni matched up Hazlewood with Sunil Narine and the seamer bashed a heavy length, having Narine holing out on the pull. He then had Eoin Morgan holing out with a similar short ball. His 2 for 29 in four overs was also vital to Super Kings pinning down Knight Riders after they had surged to 91 for 0 in the 11th over, chasing 193.Hazlewood had also played his part in the first qualifier against Delhi Capitals, returning identical figures. Earlier against Mumbai Indians, Hazlewood had got a full ball to skid into Kieron Pollard and trapped him lbw.ESPNcricinfo LtdIn the first leg of the IPL in India, Pollard had knocked the living daylights out of Super Kings – and Lungi Ngidi – in Delhi, walloping an unbeaten 87 off 34 balls as Mumbai mowed down 219. Hazlewood, who had opted out of the India leg of the tournament, was specifically picked to counter Pollard in Dubai and he did his job, swinging the game Super Kings’ way.”Working on a range of things [in T20 cricket],” Hazlewood told during the IPL. “Probably it’s about putting it into practice at the right time in these situations and every game throws up something different. They [the opposition] can come hard at the start, through at the middle or in the end. It’s just about reading the play, I think, and I guess what you’re working on training, implementing that at the right time and executing it.”I think it [Test-match] length can work at certain times and the batter is probably going to use his feet or get deep in the crease or try something. You got to sort of be ready for that and try and pre-empt that I guess.”That Test-match length has worked for him in the powerplay, but it will become a slot length in the slog overs, a phase in which Hazlewood has conceded 9.62 runs an over since the 2016 T20 World Cup. Kane Richardson, in comparison, has gone at only 8.81 runs an over in T20 cricket during this phase. Richardson also brings with him more experience and hence could be a more compelling option at the death along with Mitchell Starc, the leader of the pack.It would be a tough call for the team management but having had sustained success for Australia – and Super Kings – in recent times, Hazlewood appears most likely to start the T20 World Cup with Starc and Pat Cummins.

As they continue to chase a deal to sign Benjamin Nygren, Celtic could also reportedly pursue a move to sign a Premier League forward who is “one to keep an eye on”.

Celtic expected to sign Nygren

Following the arrival of Kieran Tierney for his second spell in Scotland, Celtic are now reportedly expected to sign Nygren from Nordsjaelland this summer. The talented winger looks likely to arrive fresh off the back of an impressive season in Denmark, in which he scored 16 goals in all competitions. Another arrival that will boost Celtic’s title defence next season, the Bhoys certainly mean business.

In the space of a few weeks, the Bhoys will have signed both Tierney and the impressive Nygren. Whilst those at Celtic Park already know just how talented the former is, they are set for an exciting suprise when Nygren wears the colours of the Scottish champions for the first time.

That said, Tierney is still one to watch under Brendan Rodgers. The returning left-back told the club’s media channels when asked about his Celtic return: “Honestly, I cannot wait and I can’t describe it. It will be emotional, for sure.

“I’ve already thought about it and it will be emotional for me and my family. It’s been a long time, we’ve had ups and downs in the last few years, so coming back here and walking out at Celtic Park will be just incredible.”

Celtic can land bigger signing than Schlupp in move for "incredible" star

Celtic have progressed in their attempts to sign a left-back who would be even better than Jeffrey Schlupp.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 14, 2025

Seemingly in the mood to welcome fresh faces this summer, Celtic still may not be done after Nygren and Tierney with one reporter now claiming that a Premier League striker is “one to keep an eye on”.

Celtic considering Evan Ferguson swoop

According to transfer reporter Graeme Bailey, Evan Ferguson is now “one to keep an eye on” with Celtic considering a move to sign the Brighton & Hove Albion forward. The Irishman spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham United but was still unable to rediscover his best form. Now, he could on the move away from The Amex once again.

Bailey told 67HailHail: “What better place for him to get his form back, his confidence back than at Celtic? I’m told that it could happen and I think it makes sense for Brighton, makes sense for the player and makes sense for Celtic.”

At just 20 years old, Ferguson is still a player full of potential even if that hasn’t been on show in the last 12 months. If Celtic can land a cut-price deal then he is someone that will be worth taking a gamble on.

Once dubbed “unique” by former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and valued at £60m just last year, Ferguson desperately needs his next move to get his career back on track.

Chelsea have made a winning start to their Club World Cup campaign.

On Monday night, Enzo Maresca’s team easily swatted aside MLS outfit Los Angeles FC 2-0 in Atlanta, with Pedro Neto breaking the deadlock on the cusp of half time, before Enzo Fernández, teed up by debutant Liam Delap, made the points secure.

The major talking point was all the empty seats at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with around 22,000 in attendance, but this is not a good look in a venue that holds up to 75,000; for context, Atlanta United average around 45,000 in Major League Soccer this season.

Nevertheless, Maresca won’t care about that one jot, as his team prepare to take on Flamengo at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday, after the Brazilian outfit were also 2-0 winners on Monday, beating Espérance Sportive de Tunis in Philadelphia.

Back at home, Chelsea continue to be busy in the transfer market, so are they about to land yet another wide-forward?

Chelsea's search for a new winger

Signing new forwards is clearly the order of the day for BlueCo this summer with Delap already in the door and Hugo Ekitike also touted with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Now, the Blues have another target in mind according to the latest reports.

As per David Ornstein of the Athletic, Chelsea ‘have made a verbal enquiry’ as they seek to sign Olympique Lyonnais winger Malick Fofana.

Meantime, French outlet L’Equipe add that Lyon value the forward at around £50m.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The 20-year-old began his senior career at Gent, before joining les Gones for a reported fee of £14.5m in January 2024, making 62 appearances for Lyon to date, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him a “magnificent winger prospect”, so could he be set to swap France for West London?

Why Chelsea should sign Malick Fofana not Jamie Gittens

After deciding not to make Jadon Sancho’s loan from Manchester United permanent, paying a £5m penalty fee as a result, Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian reports that Chelsea are ‘prioritising’ signing a right-footed left-winger this summer.

Well, BBC Sport claimed last week that the Blues had seen a £42m rejected by Borussia Dortmund for 20-year-old Englishman Jamie Gittens, who they claim has already agreed personal terms.

But now, are the Blues turning their attention to Fofana, and who is actually the bigger prospect? Let’s find out.

Appearances

41

48

Minutes

2,280

2,790

Goals

11

12

Assists

6

5

Goals – xG

+5

+6.7

Expected assists

4.4

3.5

Shots on target %

54%

40.3%

Progressive carries

157

161

Attempted take-ons

83

232

Take-on success %

39.8%

44.8%

Shot-creating actions per 90

3.43

3.57

Goal-creating actions per 90

0.61

0.45

Average SofaScore rating

7.24

7.05

As the table outlines, Gittens is much more of a prolific dribbler; in fact, across Europe’s top five leagues, only six players attempted more take-ons, according to FBref.com.

However, Fofana is a significantly more of a direct goal-threat, underlined by the fact he registered more assists and a higher amount of expected assists, as well as goal-creating actions per 90 and a better shots on target percentage.

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Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout believes the Belgian international possesses “enormous potential” and has a “big future ahead”, while Brandon Liss of Total Football Analysis outlines how Fofana likes to hold width on the left side, tasked with taking on opposition full-backs, “working tirelessly” and demonstrating “excellent work rate”.

Meantime, Astorre Cerebróne of Breaking the Lines asserts that Fofana ‘has huge potential’, describing him as an ‘explosive winger​​​​​​​’ who ‘combines well with teammates’ and is a threat in front of goal.

Lyon are currently under pressure to sell and fast because they have been provisionally relegated to Ligue 2 due to financial irregularities, a situation that remains up in the air.

Thus, if Chelsea are able to take advantage of Lyon’s predicament and get a deal done, Fofana is unquestionably a top-class talent.

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3 ByKelan Sarson Jun 17, 2025