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أجرى نجم فريق ليفربول، محمد صلاح، حوارًا مع شبكة “سكاي ألمانيا” اليوم الجمعة قبل مباراة الأحد المرتقبة ضد مانشستر سيتي، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويلتقي الفريقان على ملعب “الاتحاد” في قمة منافسات الجولة السادسة والعشرين من الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2024/25.

ويتصدر ليفربول جدول الدوري الإنجليزي برصيد 61 نقطة، في حين أن مانشستر سيتي لديه 44 نقطة في المركز الرابع.

وتُعد تلك المباراة الأولى بين محمد صلاح ومواطنه عمر مرموش، الذي انتقل إلى مانشستر سيتي قادمًا من فرانكفورت في يناير الماضي.

تغيير المدرب والنجاح السريع

قال محمد صلاح: “لم أتوقع حدوث ذلك بهذه السرعة، ومع ذلك لم يغير المدرب الكثير بالنسبة لنا، إنه يحب الضغط عن طريق الهجمات المرتدة، نحن نواصل اللعب على الهجمات المرتدة، لكنه يريد منا الاستحواذ والسيطرة على الكرة بشكل أكبر، لذلك الأمر مختلف بعض الشيء لكنني لا أرى فرقًا كبيرًا”.

التواصل مع يورجن كلوب

أوضح محمد صلاح: “نعم، هناك تواصل مع كلوب أكثر من ذي قبل، التواصل بيننا جيد، لقد تبادلنا الرسائل كثيرًا في الأشهر القليلة الماضية، سألني عن عائلتي، وهنأني على المباريات وعلى الوصول إلى نهائي كأس كاراباو، أشياء من هذا القبيل، وأخبرني متى سيأتي إلى هنا مرة أخرى”.

مواجهة مانشستر سيتي في الدوري الإنجليزي

أشار: “مانشستر سيتي سيبقى دائمًا كما هو، لديهم واحد من أفضل المدربين على مر العصور ولديهم لاعبين رائعين، لقد لعبوا على أعلى مستوى لسنوات عديدة، لقد فازوا بكل شيء في النادي”.

وأضاف: “سيكونون دائمًا فريق قوي ويمكنهم دائمًا الفوز بالمباراة، لذلك أعتقد أن المباراة ستكون صعبة للغاية، لديهم ميزة اللعب على أرضهم ولديهم كذلك لاعبون من ذوي الخبرة، علينا فقط أن نتحلى بالهدوء ونحاول الفوز”.

عمر مرموش

قال محمد صلاح: “نأمل أن يكون هناك قريبًا العديد من اللاعبين (المصريين المحترفين) على أعلى مستوى، لدينا ثقافتنا ولدينا العديد من اللاعبين الموهوبين، يمكنهم اللعب على أعلى مستوى لكننا نحتاج فقط إلى تغيير عقليتنا قليلًا والتكيف مع الثقافة الأوروبية لأنها مختلفة تمامًا عن ثقافتنا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | قمة مصرية.. جوارديولا يتحدث عن محمد صلاح ومرموش قبل مباراة مانشستر سيتي وليفربول

وأكد: “سعيد جدًا من أجل مرموش وآمل أن ينضم إلينا العديد من اللاعبين الآخرين”.

واسترسل: “علاقتنا جيدة، إنه بمثابة الأخ الصغير لي، أخبرته أنني موجود دائمًا إذا احتاج إلى أي شيء، لقد كتبنا لبعضنا عدة مرات وكنا نتحدث دائمًا سويًا في منتخب مصر، علاقتنا جيدة حقًا”.

مقارنته بـ إيرلينج هالاند

قال محمد صلاح: “لا، أنا لا أفكر في هذا الأمر، أنا أحترمه كثيرًا، ربما تحدثنا مرة واحدة فقط بعد المباراة الأخيرة، لكنه مهاجم، لذلك فإن حياته أسهل (على صعيد التسجيل)”.

وأضاف: “أتمنى له كل التوفيق بكل تأكيد، لكن حياته سهلة لأنه يلعب كمهاجم، تحقيق هذه النوعية من الأرقام (السجل التهديفي) كجناح أمر صعب للغاية، يمكن لأي جناح أن يخبرك بذلك، لهذا السبب أرى الأمر بشكل مختلف بيننا، لأنه مهاجم وأنا جناح”.

A Manchester United player who Jurgen Klopp has described as "world-class" is the subject of talks with another huge club this summer, according to a new update.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils have less than a week to do more summer transfer business as Erik ten Tag hopes to see at least one more fresh face added to his squad. There have already been excellent signings made, including Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt, but further quality is needed, particularly in midfield.

United are believed to be in talks to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre, who was once a transfer target for Liverpool and is a Brazil international. He could be viewed as an alternative option to Manuel Ugarte, with the club still pursuing a move for the Paris Saint-Germain ace.

Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has also been linked with a move to United as they look to provide more backup for Luke Shaw, who continues to be a hugely injury-prone player. Granted, the Blues defender has had fitness issues of his own down the years, but less so than Shaw, and the fact that he isn't wanted at Stamford Bridge could mean he would be open to a move to Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Juventus winger Federico Chiesa is reportedly being looked at by the Red Devils in the coming days, potentially arriving as an upgrade on Jadon Sancho, whose time at the club has been far more underwhelming than was expected when he arrived.

Man Utd in talks over "world-class" player's exit

According to a fresh claim from HITC, Juventus "have engaged in talks" with Manchester United over the signing of Sancho, which could mean he heads in the opposite direction to Chiesa this summer.

The Englishman doesn't appear to be part of the Red Devils' plans moving forward, so a switch away from Old Trafford looks on the cards. However, Nico Gonzalez and Francisco Conceicao are also wide targets for Juve, so there is no guarantee that they will sign the United man.

Sancho has been a disappointment for United, given his reputation when he arrived, never getting going and finding himself loaned back to Borussia Dortmund last season. 12 goals and 6 assists in 83 appearances is such a poor return.

Quite why the 24-year-old has struggled so much is up for debate, and only the player himself will know the full reasons behind it, but he has had long enough to prove himself, and it feels like a move away is the best outcome for all concerned.

It is a huge shame that the £250,000-a-week Sancho hasn't been the superstar signing that so many thought he would be back in 2021, with Klopp hailing him as "world-class" and saying he "has all the things you need to become one of the best players in the world in the future," but it simply hasn't worked out.

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United can still receive good money for the winger considering he is relatively young and rated by many, using the funds to sign a superior option in wide areas instead.

Newcastle United are now believed to be considering using the Marc Guehi money to sign a £100m-rated midfielder, according to a recent transfer update.

Newcastle transfer news

The summer transfer window may now be closed, meaning the Magpies can't make new signings until January, but that isn't stopping Paul Mitchell and Co from getting their ducks in a row for 2025, identifying targets after what many fans believed to be a disastrous summer window.

One such figure is Kevin Zenon, with Newcastle linked with a move for the Boca Juniors midfielder, considering him an exciting long-term prospect. They have even made an initial approach for the 23-year-old winger, whose left foot has been described as "magical".

Meanwhile, Barcelona winger Raphinha continues to be touted as a possible target for Newcastle in the coming transfer windows, as they look to snap up an upgrade to Miguel Almiron. The Brazilian has been linked with a switch to St James' Park numerous times in the past, and they are believed to be willing to match Barca's £52m valuation of him.

It is always important for Eddie Howe and Mitchell to be looking into the future and eyeing signings for the summer of 2025, and it looks as though one exciting player has been identified as an ambitious option.

Newcastle interested in "outstanding" midfielder

According to The Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel, Newcastle are interested in signing Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton next summer, with Liverpool and Manchester City also mentioned as being in the mix. The Magpies of course have money in the coffers after failing with a near £70m deal for Wharton's teammate, Marc Guehi, whose position as Palace captain could now stifle a future move as well.

It has been claimed that the Eagles value the young midfielder at over £100m, and while Newcastle's interest is only thought to be "tentative", he would surely be viewed as a long-term successor to Bruno Guimaraes in the middle of the park.

Wharton could be a fantastic signing by Newcastle in 2025, having enjoyed a meteoric rise this year, joining Palace in January and then being named in England's squad for Euro 2024. It would be a shrewd way to use the Guehi money if a deal for the centre-back is indeed dead in the water.

A gifted young midfielder with elegance to his game, the 20-year-old was lauded by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer earlier this year, who said of him after an eye-catching performance away to Liverpool.

In Wharton, Newcastle wouldn't only be signing a player who could mature into something great as the years pass, but they would also be getting a footballer who is ready to shine in the Premier League for them from the off, having proven himself at Palace.

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Granted, the lure of Liverpool and City acts as a real threat to the Magpies' chances of getting their man, but they should be willing to break the bank for him, having averaged 2.3 tackles per game in the league this season, as well as one key pass per match.

There's only so much you can take away from friendly games from the perspective of a fan, with poor results before the season starting never reading well, but the cobwebs could then be blown straight off back in the bread and butter of Championship action.

Leeds United have performed well so far this pre-season, overcoming League Two opponents Harrogate Town 3-0 in comfortable fashion, before venturing out to Germany for a training camp and the opportunity to test themselves against tricky opponents from further afield.

Mateo Joseph has particularly impressed those watching on this off-season, with the young Spanish hotshot potentially now kicking down the door for more first-team chances this campaign to come, after netting two quickfire goals against Hannover 96 last time out.

Joseph's performances so far this pre-season

Away from firing home two second-half goals in that behind closed doors 4-1 win against Leeds' Bundesliga 2 opponents recently, Joseph also shone back in Yorkshire when facing off against Simon Weaver's men.

He wouldn't get on the scoresheet against the lower league hosts, but he would set up Junior Firpo for the opening strike of this contest at the Exercise Stadium, after quick feet from Daniel James played the bright 20-year-old into space, for the ex-Barcelona man to then convert from close-range.

Joseph has very much taken his chance in the spotlight so far, with Patrick Bamford nowhere to be found in and around Daniel Farke's teams picked so far owing to injury concerns, with his impact against Hannover steering the Whites to a second friendly win on the trot.

His positive showing in that behind closed doors friendly even saw Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross reward the tenacious youngster with a 9/10 rating in his post-match thoughts, describing the academy product's performance as 'so impressive' and yet another top display that could see him push for a more prominent first-team spot when competitive football comes into view.

Linking up with new signing Jayden Bogle for the final goal of the afternoon versus Hannover will surely excite Leeds fans, but there might well be less of a need now for the Championship promotion hopefuls to pursue any more lethal finishers in the form of Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szmodics, if Joseph has a breakout campaign to come.

Joseph's importance next season

The in-demand Riversiders attacker could well fancy a move up to the Premier League over another season in the second tier anyway, as Ipswich Town attempt to get the on-fire forward in through the door this summer, having bagged a ridiculous 27 league goals from 44 games last season.

Joseph won't be as prolific in front of goal, you imagine, and that would be an unnecessary expectation to burden the homegrown gem with, but he could still play an important role in Leeds' attacking game going forward, away from Farke and Co having to splash cash lavishly.

Stat

Joseph

Games played

20

Games starting

0

Average minutes played

12

Goals scored

1

Assists

0

Scoring frequency

239 mins

Big chances missed

3

Only averaging 12 minutes on the pitch in the second tier last campaign, there could be some regrets from Farke's end that he didn't chuck Joseph into games more often, over a leggy Bamford who struggled in the latter stages of the season to add to Leeds' firepower.

When Joseph was on the pitch, he looked lively and brave, showcased in his whirlwind showing away at Watford in March, where he needed just a minute of action on the Vicarage Road turf to fire home.

Stating that he hopes this season to come sees him explode even more in the men's game, Leeds fans would love to cheer on another young star straight off their production line, as promotion is eyed up once more.

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Leicester City are in "advanced talks" to complete the signing of an "amazing" player who has been rated highly for many years, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Leicester transfer news

The Foxes are about to start their return to the Premier League, opening their account with a home clash against Tottenham next Monday evening, and they have enjoyed a productive summer transfer window. Steve Cooper has come in as Enzo Maresca's replacement as manager, while the likes of Issahaku Fatawu and Caleb Okoli have arrived, among others.

It is still a tumultuous period at the King Power Stadium, however, with the threat of a points deduction hanging over them, and Cooper will hope that some more new faces will arrive before the end of the month, aiding his squad if they do have a deficit to recover from.

One player who has been linked with a move to Leicester this summer is Wilfried Zaha, with the Foxes looking to hijack Crystal Palace's efforts to bring him back to Selhurst Park, where he enjoyed so many good years before joining Galatasaray.

Tottenham winger Manor Solomon has also emerged as a reported target for the Premier League newcomers, with the 25-year-old told that he can leave north London before the transfer window reaches its conclusion. He made just two league starts in the whole of last season for Spurs, highlighting his squad status.

Leicester in "advanced talks" with "amazing" player

Taking to X on Monday, Romano claimed that Leicester are in "advanced talks" to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Adam Hlozek this summer, just working on personal terms having agreed a loan-to-buy deal with his club.

Hlozek is a player who has been highly-rated for some time, having been such an exciting talent during his Sparta Prague days, bursting onto the scene as a prodigious teenager. The attacking ace scored 40 goals in 132 appearances for the Czech side, not to mention also registering 36 assists, and 25 more goal contributions (14 goals and 11 assists) have come his way in 80 outings for Leverkusen.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has hailed him as "amazing" in the past, pointing out that he was the "youngest player ever to score a hat-trick in the Czech League". With Jamie Vardy not the force he once was, which is understandable considering he is now 37, and Kelechi Iheanacho moving on to pastures new, another striker feels essential for Leicester this summer.

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Hlozek fits the bill perfectly, coming in as a young player who has already achieved so much in the game, and who should only improve further in the coming years. In fact, if the 34-cap Czech Republic international reaches his potential, he could be a magnificent addition to Cooper's squad.

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign another attacking gem alongside Arsenal’s Chido Obi Martin, Fabrizio Romano reports.

Obi Martin chooses Man Utd over Germany

The Red Devils and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have already made two big-money signings this summer, with Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro arriving from Bologna and Lille respectively. Unfortunately, Yoro has already suffered an injury in a United shirt during a pre-season friendly with Arsenal and is expected to miss three months of action.

It’s not the start he or United would have wanted, but Yoro could be joined by more new signings before the transfer deadline at the end of the month.

One teenage gem who is on course to sign for the Red Devils is Arsenal forward Obi Martin. The 16-year-old is set to leave the Gunners and had proposals from Germany, however, he has been convinced by the project at Old Trafford and has accepted Man Utd’s proposal.

The teenager caught the eye last season, scoring 10 goals in one game for Arsenal in a youth game against Liverpool, and by the looks of things, he will soon be joined by another young attacker who is currently at a Premier League club.

Man Utd agree deal for Crystal Palace gem

Romano took to X on Wednesday, revealing that after Obi Martin, Man Utd have also agreed a deal to sign Samuel Lusale from Crystal Palace.

“After Chido Obi Martin, Man United also agree deal to sign Samuel Lusale from Crystal Palace for the Academy. 16 year old winger set for United move after he turned down scholarship deal at Palace, as @MUFC_Youth reports.”

Previously, it was claimed that a deal was close, but it now looks as if a breakthrough has been made over a move for Lusale.

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Lusale is represented by the agency Roc Nation, which was founded by American rapper Jay-Z. On their website for Lusale’s profile, they call the teenager a quick and dynamic winger who is highly regarded in the UK.

“Samuel is a quick, dynamic winger who is regarded as one of the most exciting attacking players in the UK at under-16 level. Comfortable playing off the right or left wing, his electrifying pace and direct running with the ball makes him a constant threat to the opposition defence. He is often the source of goals and assists for his team.”

Palace’s loss could be United’s gain in the long run, and who knows, if things go to plan, we may see Lusale and Obi Martin in attack for the Red Devils on the first-team stage in years to come.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca had a bit of advice for Cole Palmer to become one of the "best players in the world".

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Palmer continues to fire on all cylindersPlayed crucial role in Chelsea's 2-1 win over NewcastleMaresca wants him to keep his composure when man-markedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Palmer has been urged to embrace new challenges if he is to ascend to the elites of world football. Since his transfer from Manchester City, Palmer has taken Chelsea by storm. His debut season exceeded expectations, culminating in prestigious recognitions as both the Men’s PFA Young Player of the Year and the Premier League Young Player of the Season were taken home.

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Palmer is showing that he was not a one-season wonder as he continues to deliver the goods for the Blues in the current campaign. He already has seven goals and five assists to his name across nine Premier League appearances. His recent contributions include a critical goal that sealed Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge and the 22-year-old will hope to replicate his heroics against the Red Devils on Sunday evening.

WHAT MARESCA SAID

In their last encounter with United at Stamford Bridge in April, Palmer lit up the game with a hat-trick, leading Chelsea to a thrilling 4-3 win. However, this time the challenge would be even tougher as defenders are paying more attention to Palmer and Maresca insisted that the young Englishman must adapt his game to this new level of scrutiny.

"The next step for Cole is not to get frustrated when teams mark him man to man because all of the best players in the world are marked man to man," Maresca said.

"After last season, for him it was the first season in terms of arriving at Chelsea, probably it was the opposite – they weren’t too worried about marking Cole. This year, they are now worried because of last year so he has to get used to it. The next step is going to be more difficult but he can do it."

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR PALMER?

As the clash with United looms, the spotlight will inevitably fall on Palmer, who has already shown he can thrive in high-stakes encounters. With guidance from Maresca and support from his team-mates, Palmer’s journey to becoming one of the world’s best players is well underway.

Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor has addressed the potential of Sam Kerr joining up with Australia this month during her recovery from an ACL injury.

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• Kerr still sidelined with ACL injury
• But Australia want her to join October camp
• Chelsea boss Bompastor offers her perspective

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kerr has been sidelined since suffering the long-term knee injury back in January and is currently going through her rehab and recovery at Chelsea. However, ahead of the Matildas' games in Europe against Germany and Switzerland this month, Australia interim coach Tom Sermanni has said he would like Kerr to join the national team on camp.

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  “I have spoken to her about coming into camp for these games we’ve got in Europe, we’re still having that conversation," Sermanni said last week. "Some players will walk across hot coals to come into camp regardless of their condition, some who are injured often don’t like to be in the team environment. It’s always good to have someone of that calibre and someone who’s now a really mature player and a leader in the team. So having those players present around the camp is always a big bonus."

• WHAT BOMPASTOR SAID

  Asked for her perspective on the situation on Wednesday, Chelsea boss Bompastor said: "We always have a close relationship with every national team coach. Communication is really important and we just have to be on the same page. If we feel that's the best for the player, I would be happy to help the national team and the player. These are conversations we are having and if she has to go, she will go. But in my mind, at the moment, this is not the decision we are taking."

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  At the same time, Bompastor was able to offer a positive update on the progress of Kerr's rehab. "Sam is doing good," she said. "I think during the international break, we have a meeting with the staff just to make her home plan and see when she will be able to start to practice individually with the technical staff, which will be a new step for her. But at the moment, she's in a good place. She's in a good form mentally and she just brings some positive things to the team, being around. Even if she's not training collectively with the team, she just brings so much to the squad."

It is fair to say that it has already been a busy summer for Chelsea Football Club. Following the conclusion of last season, they decided to sack Mauricio Pochettino, despite the fact he got the Blues into an FA Cup semi-final, came runners-up in the Carabao Cup and ensured European qualification for his side.

However, the Argentine was removed from his post and was replaced by Leicester City’s Championship-winning manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian signed a five-year deal with the option of a further year at Stamford Bridge. Already, since the appointment, the Blues have been fairly active in the transfer market.

Chelsea have secured two signings already, bringing Tosin Adarabioyo to the club on a free transfer, after his old deal with Fulham expired. They are also set to sign Marc Guiu from Barcelona for just £5m. The young striker has already had a medical in London according to Fabrizio Romano.

Other potential incomings to Stamford Bridge at this moment include Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who could depart Leicester and reunite with Maresca at Chelsea. Not only that, they are also in need of a centre-forward at the club and are thought to be interested in one player who could bolster their front line.

Chelsea target Bundesliga striker

The player in question here is Hoffenheim and Germany striker Maximilian Beier. The 21-year-old has had a very impressive season for the Bundesliga club, and has now been linked with a move away, with clubs including Chelsea thought to be interested in signing him this summer.

According to a report from Christian Falk for CaughtOffisde, the Blues are “interested” in bringing Beier to Stamford Bridge over the summer transfer window. However, Falk confirms that the striker is “not yet convinced” about moving to West London ahead of next season.

Not only that, the Blues will not be the only Premier League side who are vying for the youngster's signature over the summer. Liverpool are thought to be particularly keen on the move, although fellow Merseysiders Everton, as well as relegated Burnley and Chelsea’s fellow London side Brentford are also hopeful of doing a deal this summer.

In terms of price, Beier has a very cheap release clause that makes a deal even more attractive given the quality of the player in conversation here. Interested clubs can activate his £27.5m release clause to sign the striker this summer, a deal which the likes of Chelsea – or rivals Liverpool – would be able to pull off.

Why Beier would be a good signing

Should Chelsea manage to pull off a move for Beier, it would be reminiscent of their move for Kai Havertz in 2020, whom they paid £71m for from Bayer Leverkusen.

It would be a similar switch given Chelsea would be adding the next big thing amongst German centre-forwards to their squad. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig called Beier “the best German striker at the moment” in March 2024.

Whilst it did not work out for Havertz at Stamford Bridge – aside from his Champions League-winning goal against Manchester City – he put up some very similar numbers in his final season in the Bundesliga to what Beier has racked up in 2023/24, with the pair proving their clinical nature in Germany’s top-flight.

Stat

Beier (2023/24)

Havertz (2019/20)

Games

33

30

Minutes

2439

2463

Goals

16

12

Assists

3

6

Of course, Havertz has now left the Blues, instead plying his trade down the road for Arsenal. He did not prove to be the striker Chelsea were searching for in the long run, but perhaps Beier will be that man, instead.

In terms of Beier’s profile, the 21-year-old is a tall striker, who has impressive hold-up play, will run the channels well and has a real eye for goal. In terms of pure goals, he was outscored by only four players last season; Harry Kane scored 36 times, Serhou Guriassy found the back of the net 28 times, Lois Openda scored 24 goals and Deniz Undav scored 18 times.

The 21-year-old is an excellent ball carrier, using his lanky frame to his advantage. The German likes to pick up the ball from a wide area and drive into the penalty area. As per FBref, he averages 1.34 carries into the penalty area per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 11%. Football scout Antonio Mango called the striker “exceptional”, and it is attributes such as his impressive carrying from wide areas such a well-rounded player.

For just £27.5m, the signing of Beier could be ideal for Chelsea. They would be able to bring in another genuine number nine, who can compete for the starting spot with Nicolas Jackson. Whilst the transfer itself would be similar to that of Havertz, the Blues will no doubt be hoping Beier can have a more successful time of things at Stamford Bridge.

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The summer transfer window officially opened for business on Friday and Leeds United are yet to make their first move to bolster their playing squad.

Daniel Farke and his side are preparing for a second season in the Championship after they lost 1-0 to Southampton in the play-off final at Wembley last month.

Bayern Munich have been linked with an interest in Archie Gray, Wilfried Gnonto is said to be eyeing a move to Italy, and Dutch forward Crysencio Summerville has been linked with Premier League giants Liverpool, which suggests that they could lose some key talent after failing to win promotion.

However, TEAMtalk recently reported that Gray is one player who is happy to remain at Elland Road and there could be some great news to come for the teenager as Leeds are eyeing up a gem who could free him up to play in his natural position.

Leeds United's interest in Premier League starlet

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, versatile Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist is one of the players the Whites are eyeing up this summer.

The report claims that the £5.5k-per-week enforcer, whose attitude was hailed as "unbelievable" by John Terry, is on their list of targets but is not one that they are actively pursuing at this moment in time, as loan deals may not be completed until later in the window.

It states that Wales international Connor Roberts is not likely to make a return to Elland Road after his loan spell earlier this year, as Burnley may not want to strengthen a promotion rival following their relegation from the Premier League.

This could open up the door for Farke to bring in another right-back to compete for a starting berth in the defence next season, which could see Gilchrist brought in.

A move for the young Blues defender would be great news for Gray as it could allow him to move into a midfield position, where he has the potential to thrive.

Why Alfie Gilchrist could free up Archie Gray

Gilchrist came up through the youth ranks with the London giants as a central defender but made 13 first-team appearances for Chelsea at right-back this season, in his breakthrough year with the senior side.

This suggests that the 20-year-old gem, who scored one goal in 11 Premier League outings, could line up on the right flank for Leeds in the Championship next term.

That would then free up Gray, who had been deputising at right-back for the Whites in the 2023/24 campaign, to play in his more natural position in the middle of the park, as the majority of his time at academy level was spent as a central or attacking midfielder.

Pass accuracy

90%

84%

Key passes

1

0.4

xA

0.35

0.04

Dribble success rate

100% (1/1)

57%

Duel success rate

100% (4/4)

55%

Tackles

2

2.1

Interceptions

3

0.7

As you can see in the table above, the England U21 international put in a fantastic performance against QPR earlier this year, despite the team's struggles in a loss at Loftus Road, that was more impressive than the average standard of his displays at right-back in the division.

This suggests that Farke could get more out of the 18-year-old star by unleashing him in midfield on a regular basis as it could allow him to flourish in and out of possession.

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The Whites are reportedly ready to join the race to land the talented playmaker.

ByDan Emery Jun 15, 2024

Therefore, the signing of Gilchrist, or at least the news of the club being interested in a new right-back, should come as great news for Gray, as it bodes well for his chances of getting more game time in his favoured role next season.