European Leagues
Chelsea tempting to cough up £100m for Caicedo
Chelsea could inadvertently help Brighton snatch one of Mauricio Pochettino’s transfer targets should the Seagulls receive their desired £100million for star man Moises Caicedo.
The Blues have so been reluctant to stump up the necessary cash after having two bids turned down, but they are still looking to bring in a midfield partner for Enzo Fernandez.
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Roberto De Zerbi’s side currently expect Caicedo to remain at the club and have been impressed with his attitude despite making his stance clear that he wants to move for Stamford Bridge. However, there is still nearly a month left of the transfer window and Brighton are still planning to use funds raised by the potential sale of Caicedo to reinvest in the squad.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Europa League side could intensify their efforts to land Mohammed Kudus if they receive a huge cash injection to the tune of £100m from Chelsea. The Ajax star is firmly on their radar and would represent a major coup, as he is also on the shortlists of several top clubs – including Chelsea.
The Blues were said to be leading the race to sign Kudus ahead of Arsenal and Manchester United, who would cost as much as £40m as Chelsea look to replace outgoing attacking stars such as Mason Mount and Kai Havertz. The Ghanaian star’s versatility would certainly help Pochettino in his bid to figure out his best team for the coming season after a huge overhaul, but Brighton could instead trump them in the race for the 23-year-old.
The Seagulls would likely be able to offer Ajax more favourable payment terms, having just received £100m while Chelsea would be keeping an eye on their finances despite undergoing a firesale – with Todd Boehly and co looking to be more cautious in the window following their previous £600m outlay.
It is unlikely that Chelsea would be able to negotiate a lower fee for Kudus if Brighton up their interest and the Blues were worried about the club’s finances after a huge outlay for Caicedo, as Ajax transfer chief Sven Mislinat wants to keep both the forward and fellow Chelsea target Edson Alvarez.
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World Cup 202612 hours ago**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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