Key events
WSL transfer news now and Brighton have completed a deal for Chelsea’s Jelena Cankovic. The 29-year-old was a fringe member for the Blues but won two titles and an FA Cup.
Albion head coach Dario Vidosic said: “We’re delighted to bring a player of Jelena’s pedigree and experience to the club. She has already achieved so much in her career but is ready for a new chapter and excited by this challenge.
“Her experience and knowledge will be important in helping our squad grow and I am looking forward to working with her.”
Just to respond to that, Jack. I fully agreed with Postecoglou’s stance on wanting to beat Manchester City. It was commendable, even if it got up some Tottenham supporters backs up, and showed the level of his ambition. His recent scrapes with journalists, however, seem a little unwarranted.
I’m sure a Spurs win over Everton tomorrow afternoon would have him back in cheery Aussie dad mode again.
Is Ange Postecoglou getting increasingly grumpier? Jack Kirby-Lowe emails me with a few thoughts:
To be honest, I’ve always found Postecoglou to be a bit of an aggy contrarian since he’s joined Spurs. There have been several arguments with journos; the importance (or lack thereof) of Champions League qualification, the importance (or lack thereof) of set piece coaching and the whole debacle about beating or losing to Man City. Far from being the straight-talking, no nonsense guy, I think he’s actually just a bit of a grump. It’s what Spurs will do to a man. I say this as a fan.
England have announced that Ashley Cole will be Lee Carsley’s assistant manager during his interim spell in charge of the Three Lions. Former England defender Joleon Lescott will also join Carsley’s temporary backroom team alongside Tim Dittmer, the FA’s head of coaching.
O’Neil says Wolves cannot predict Chelsea
The Wolves manager, Gary O’Neil, has admitted it’s hard for him to know what Chelsea are going to do, amid the ongoing “transition” period at Stamford Bridge. The two teams meet in what should be a cracking contest at Molineux on Sunday.
“It’s impossible for me to sit here and pick a Chelsea line up,” said O’Neil.
“You can see Chelsea are still in transition. That doesn’t mean they can’t be successful with the amount of talent they have and they have a top coach.
“They have every chance of finishing very high up the league.
“They have signed a lot of good players. Signing good players is helpful, I expect it to help them and expect them to be better than last season.”
Conor Gallagher sounds delighted to be at Atlético after leaving the chaos of Chelsea behind. Sid Lowe was there for Gallagher’s flash unveiling at the Metropolitano.
Philippe Clement says an earlier than expected return to Ibrox for Rangers is ‘a possibility but not a certainty.’
Rangers using Hampden Park as their temporary home due to the delayed refurbishment of one of the Ibrox stands. Chairman John Bennett had targeted the home game against Hibernian on 28 September 28 for a return but, reports claim Rangers could be back home for the Premier Sports Cup tie against Dundee a week earlier.
“Nothing can be confirmed until it’s sure but people are working really hard to make it as fast as possible. So there’s a possibility in that way, but not certainty,” Clement said before Ross County’s visit to Hampden this weekend.
“It’s what I said during recent weeks so maybe people don’t believe me, but everybody’s been working really hard for them to make it as fast as possible.
“And, like I said, you don’t have everything in your own hands, or a lot of things, not in a case like that.
“But all the club have been pushing to make this transformation period as short as possible, that we could go back to Ibrox as fast as possible. And they’re still doing that.” PA
Is it just me, or is Ange Postecoglou becoming more and more spiky in press conferences? The Spurs manager, here, discussing Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma, mate.
“You picking the team for me?” 🤨
Ange Postecoglou says bridges are still being built between himself and Yves Bissouma. pic.twitter.com/zSlq8EdhM9
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 23, 2024
Emi Martinez signed a new contract extension at Aston Villa yesterday, which is very good news if you’re Unai Emery. Martinez has his faults, but he remains one of the world’s better goalkeepers and it’s a sign of Villa’s progress that they’ve managed to tie him down for longer.
“We are very happy because Emiliano Martinez is very important. He’s involved completely in this project,” said Emery.
“When I arrived here, I knew him before because we were working in Arsenal together. I knew his mentality and even now it’s stronger than before because he’s achieving individual objectives with his national team and here with Aston Villa.
“His extension is fantastic for us and very good for every supporter of Aston Villa, we can be proud of him.”
Kieran Trippier doesn’t want to join a Saudi Pro League club, according to the latest reports. I can’t imagine Raheem Sterling is too keen on a move to the Middle East either, given he’s still only 29 and could certainly do a job in the Premier League.
In another deal that has happened, Stoke have completed the signing of Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips, 19, on a season-long loan.
Well this is one way to reveal your mascot, Preston. Methinks a few fans were fooled into believing it was a transfer announcement. Can Deepdale Duck play left-back?
OK let’s play a game. Who should sign Raheem Sterling?
Aston Villa? Crystal Palace? Juventus? It might not be Arsenal, according to recent reports, even if Mikel Arteta did wax lyrical on the player he worked alongside at Manchester City.
My time with Raheem was exceptional. We built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at the time we were together. He taught me a lot as well, about individuals, how they, players think, how we support them. He is someone I have really strong feelings about.
There’s a whole host of Premier League players whose futures seem uncertain right now and, as I said before, many of them are English.
Crystal Palace’s defensive talisman Marc Guehi is among that contingent, but he will definitely play a part for the Eagles against West Ham tomorrow, according to manager Oliver Glasner.
“Marc will play and lead the team tomorrow,” said the Palace boss when asked about Guehi’s future amid interest from Newcastle.
“I expect everyone to be a [Crystal Palace] player until I’m told different. Especially the player because its their decision.”
Championship transfer news.
Burnley have confirmed midfielder Johann Berg Gudmundsson has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Orobah for an undisclosed fee. Elsewhere in the second tier, Jack Clarke is bidding farewell to Sunderland as he joins the Premier League revolution at Ipswich, former Manchester United youngster Largie Ramazani has pitched up at Leeds from Almeira and Will Fish is about to swap Old Trafford for Cardiff. Bristol City have signed midfielder Marcus McGuane on a two-year deal from Oxford.
Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola hopes ‘pure number nine’ Evanilson can help bring a new dimension to his side’s attack.
The 24-year-old Brazil international became the Cherries’ club-record signing when he completed a switch from Porto for around £40m.
Having not been registered in time for the opening Premier League game at Nottingham Forest, Evanilson has trained ahead of Sunday’s home clash against Newcastle.
Iraola is looking to reshape the squad following the departure of last season’s top scorer Dominic Solanke to Tottenham and feels Evanilson has all the attributes needed to make an impact.
“He has trained well this week, normally with the team. I think he will be for sure involved in the game. He has started well, he gets everything,” Iraola said at a press conference.
“It is difficult when someone arrives – especially with the language. We don’t want to give him all the information because probably it is too much, but we give at least the most important things for his position.
“He obviously has a lovely profile. He is a pure number nine, he is comfortable finishing, but also he can help us in the link-up play.
“Technically, he is sharp. He will help the overall offensive game of the team, not only the finishing side.
“He starts combining with his team-mates, because it is not always easy, when you change countries, different languages, but I hope this process goes as smooth as possible.”
Bournemouth have no fresh injury concerns, with striker Enes Unal, David Brooks and Tyler Adams all still continuing their recovery from respective surgeries over the summer. PA
There’s finally a way of watching this Ligue 1 season in the United Kingdom, albeit not on mainstream television and costing a few quid.
Good news for Ligue 1 fans in the UK (and Ireland): a new web service showing every single game. You can watch PSG v Montpellier tonight for free (along with every other game this weekend) and it’s £9.99 per month thereafter. Shame it’s not on TV, but it’s better than nothing https://t.co/ZeyLmBl5ZY
— Tom Williams (@tomwfootball) August 23, 2024
Thomas Frank, here, teasing the media over Ivan Toney’s possible involvement in Brentford’s squad this weekend …
🗣️ “He could be involved, he could not be involved”
Thomas Frank discusses if Ivan Toney will play any part in Brentford’s game with Liverpool this weekend 👇 pic.twitter.com/AbODkVjcPJ
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 23, 2024
Silva has also virtually confirmed Joachim Andersen’s pending arrival from Crystal Palace. The centre-back has been on loan at Fulham in the recent past and, in my personal view, is one of the Premier League’s most underrated defenders.
“It’s very close,” said Silva of the deal. “It’s difficult to be talking about it because it’s not official but it’s close. I think he’s a great signing and a player who is loved by this club.
“I am 100 percent sure he is going bring something important for us. He is going to be important this season and the seasons ahead. I’m hoping it will be official this afternoon. We will be delighted with the signing.”
Thanks Luke. Good to be back.
The manager press conference quotes just keep on coming. Has there been a more honest answer on transfers than this one from Marco Silva on Fulham’s future deals?
We are going to sign a forward player, for sure. You all know that we have lost two wingers and we haven’t signed any players for that position. We will sign a forward.
I think Fulham might be signing a forward.
That’s the lot from me. Back to the capable hands of Dominic Booth.
Barcelona hope to have new signing Dani Olmo available against Athletic Bilbao amid the midfielder’s La Liga registration issues due to Barca’s breach of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, manager Hansi Flick said on Friday.
Barcelona host Bilbao on Saturday after winning 2-1 at Valencia in their league opener. The former Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, one of the top earners at the club, re-signed for Manchester City on Friday, clearing the way for Olmo’s arrival.
“[The registration] is not my job, we have worked well this week, (Olmo) is ready to play and I hope he will be in the team, that will be very positive for us,” Flick said. In training he is amazing and it is important to have him as soon as possible.”
Flick’s side will be missing Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Frenkie De Jong due to injuries but will welcome back midfielder Fermín López, who rejoins the squad after winning the European Championship and Olympic title with Spain.
“From what I see, he will be ready to play. It was important for him to rest after two tournaments,” Flick said of López. (Reuters)
How about a cheeky little recap of all today’s football pieces? Plenty more to come, you understand:
Tom Garry
On an August weekday afternoon at Westleigh Park in Havant, two distinct sounds are most audible. One is the Portsmouth head coach, Jay Sadler, shouting “shape, shape, shape” as he puts his squad through their paces. The other is the whir of an electric drill, coming from the scaffolding tower rising above the east stand on the far side.
“I think overall we were closer to winning than losing,” Andoni Iraola says of Bournemouth’s draw at Forest last week.
“I think we had the most clear chances. I wasn’t fully pleased with the performance.
“We lost rhythm after Danilo’s injury … we didn’t finish strong in the first half.
“We got one point. It’s not the result we wanted. But it’s a difficult place to play.”
Tottenham’s Solanke ruled out of Everton clash
Hot off the press from Ben Bloom:
Spurs’ record signing Dominic Solanke has been ruled out of tomorrow’s match against Everton after picking up an ankle injury on debut earlier this week. Solanke started up front in the 1-1 draw at Leicester City on Monday but Ange Postecoglou confirmed the £65 million signing will not be available to play his first home game tomorrow. “Dom picked up a knock in the last game,” said Postecoglou. “He got through the game but it flared up the day after and he’ll miss tomorrow.” Postecoglou confirmed the injury was “not serious” and he could return to action before the international break.
Brendan Rodgers of Celtic has a chat before the match against St Mirren on Sunday:
“They are always tough games against Steven’s teams [St Mirren manager, Steve Robinson]. He is a fantastic coach. Always prepare the team well, they always provide a real challenge for us.
“I think when you do come into Europe, it improves the level. [St Mirren are through to the Europa Conference League third qualifying round.]
“The challenge for St Mirren, Kilmarnock, with the squads they have – it can be a challenge because of the depth of the squad.
“But they’re always a difficult team. Like I say, him and his staff, they do a really good job there, clear in their philosophy, and I expect a tough game.
“This period now, with one game a week, it allows you to work tactically but also to recover well. I’ve been so pleased with the team. It’s a real privilege to work with them.
“We are in a really good place. But we want to improve, and that will be the focus over the course over the next week.”
As for transfers in and out, he tells Sky Sports: “We haven’t spent much money … we will hopefully be active in the market over the next week.
“It’s like I’m preparing for a five-a-side game this week, there’s been that many players linked with going away.
“Lots of speculation, lots of rumours, and there will continue to be. But I do expect one or two to go out … and one or two to come in.”
Mikel Arteta gives the stock answer about potential Arsenal incomings: “I can’t talk about any player that is not with us.”
“You can tell how busy it’s getting … I don’t assume [anything about transfers]. The focus is on the next match.”
Is Eddie Nketiah off to Forest? “I expect Eddie to train with us today, to be ready for tomorrow … whatever happens will happen, if it’s good for everybody.”
I’ll take that as a yes.
Enough about Billy Gilmour. Any questions for David?
“If a deal is done you will hear from us,” Arne Slot says of Liverpool’s general lack of transfer incomings.
“I am not concerned about the lack of activity. I trust the team.
“I inherited a good team, with a lot of young players who can develop quickly. They showed that last weekend and I hope they can show it again on Sunday.”
On the sale of Sepp van den Berg to Brentford, Slot says:
“It’s a good deal for them, and a good deal for us … as long as they don’t do to well on Sunday.”
“I’m not nervous at all,” Slot adds of Sunday’s match, his home debut as manager in front of the Anfield faithful.
“I am preparing the team. No, nerves are not there.”
Jude Bellingham injured and out for a few weeks
Update on Bellingham injury from Reuters and it’s not good news: He’s going to be out for several weeks.
(Breaking down in the first couple of weeks of the season, though … it’s almost as if these players are expected to play too much football?)
“The 21-year-old England international, who was a key player last season when Real won the Champions League and La Liga titles, will be sidelined for several weeks, according to club sources.
“Following tests carried out today on our player Jude Bellingham by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the plantaris muscle in his right leg. Pending evolution,” Real said in a statement.”
“While he is a good player, his big disadvantage is a lack of mobility,” emails Rick, on the subject of Billy Gilmour.
Interesting! I didn’t notice that, the time he ran the midfield when Scotland hammered England 0-0 at Euro 2020.
“I’m incredibly happy to see the players, the staff, I had such an amazing time with,” Gundogan says in an interview on Sky Sports News after completing his move back to Manchester City.
“When you leave this place, spend a year away, you start to appreciate the place. You appreciate how big the club is – the best club in the world. Coming back now a year later is an incredible feeling … I feel very lucky to share a dressing room with these incredibly players.”
Gary O’Neil, of Wolves, is having a chat now before the match at home to Chelsea on Sunday.
“We need to be the best we can be,” he says. “That will give us a really good chance in the game.”
Oh, how I’ve missed all this!
“I feel comfortable,” O’Neil continues of settling in at Molineux. “Doing press conferences, in the home technical area … but I still feel like we’re running to push forward. There is a real hunger in the group. Training was excellent again today … we gave it a good go [at Arsenal last week] and we need to do the same again this weekend against Arsenal.
“It’s another stern test with Chelsea coming in two days’ time.”
How tough to deal with 40 plus players, O’Neil is asked, with a view to the ongoing palaver at Chelsea.
“I am not sure of the situation. I don’t know how many players Enzo is dealing with day to day. You can see Chelsea is still in transition. That doesn’t mean they can’t be successful while they are in that transition. They have a top coach. They have every chance of finishing high up the table … but the things that go on behind the scenes can have an impact.
“No, it doesn’t look easy [for Maresca] … managing any Premier League club is not easy. There’s a lot that goes into it … Enzo is at one of the biggest clubs in the league. There are a lot of upsides to managing Chelsea as well.”
Any availability issues among the Wolves squad? “No. We’re fine … We’re as we were.”
Chelsea: Maresca wants a new No 9
Jacob Steinberg
Enzo Maresca has told Chelsea to avoid signing players for the sake of it, but the head coach said he would like to bring in a new striker before the transfer window shuts.
The Friday lunchtime press conference rush is nearly upon us. Strap yourselves in.
England are all out for 358!
Meanwhile, if you missed them, read today’s transfer rumours right here:
Remember to email me with your footballing opinions and cash donations.
Over in proper summer sports, Rob Smyth is blogging England v Sri Lanka.
The hosts lead by 118 in the first innings with a solitary wicket remaining.