Transfers
Chelsea Close To £313m Transfer Masterplan With Xavi Simons As Key Target
Chelsea transfer news as Enzo Maresca’s side lead the way in Premier League sales and more set to follow
No team in the Premier League has sold more players than Chelsea this summer. It should not be a surprise that no team has earned more from sales either.
Despite spending upwards of £235milllion (and counting) on new players, the work done to at least balance Enzo Maresca’s squad, if not trim it, has left them with a middling net spend. Liverpool, for example, are the only club to have spent more but have recouped more than £30million less, and that is not likely to rise as much as Chelsea’s in the coming weeks.
With a little less than three weeks to go of the window, Chelsea have the 10th lowest net spend. All of their rivals have a higher figure at this point, although plenty could still change.
Chelsea themselves are likely to only increase both the expenditure and income with Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi, and Renato Veiga all set to leave. At a rough estimate, this could bring in another £150million, whilst Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons are currently priced at around £100million but Chelsea hope to bring it down considerably.
football.london wrote earlier this month that another big summer had mostly offset significant movement going the other way, and that trend looks set to continue. Although the overall effectiveness of buying players like Joao Felix and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for a combined £75million last year must be questioned when both are sold within 12 months and without any serious meaningful impact, the ability to come out even close to breaking even is a good way to salvage the situation.
Losing Conor Gallagher, a player more than capable of filling both roles, is one of the many irreversible decisions that would likely have proved more valuable for Chelsea both on a sporting and financial level, even if he was used to try and navigate the threat of breaching profitability and sustainability rules. With the sale of the women’s team, Champions League qualification, and the Club World Cup success, there is no current danger of falling the wrong side of the line.
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Among Chelsea’s business is receiving a possible £53million for Noni Madueke, as well what could rise to £44million for Joao Felix. Bournemouth paid £25million for Djordje Petrovic, and Dewsbury-Hall could cost Everton £29million if all add-ons are met.
Burnley have been a surprisingly common endpoint with £54million paid for Lesley Ugochukwu, Armando Broja, and Bashir Humphreys (who helped them gain promotion last season and had an obligation to buy in his loan). Mathis Amougou returned to France, sold to RC Strasbourg for £12million, and Kepa Arrizabalaga had his deliberately low release clause triggered by Arsenal at £5million.
In total, this is £222million, whilst Ishe Samuels-Smith has left the academy to join Strasbourg for £6million. Chelsea value Jackson at more than £70million and have a benchmark for Veiga of £35million from his collapsed deal to Atletico Madrid. Disasi and Nkunku have decreased in value with Chelsea likely to be after their booked price of around £25million and £35million.
A loan fee from Aston Villa for Disasi could see Chelsea accept even lower for the Frenchman. If these two deals are completed for even a combined £50million, Chelsea will move to £313million worth of sales including Veiga, and, for now, ignoring Jackson.
Compare this to Arsenal, who have spent heavily to improve Mikel Arteta’s squad in recent years, and it is night and day. The Gunners have hardly managed to sell any players this window and have a poor track record overall.
Football.london
ICPC Takes Anti-Corruption Crusade To NFF
14th Women Africa Cup Of Nations: Falcons Will Adopt One-match-at-a-time Strategy – Nnadozie
Enyimba, 3SC, Sunshine Stars, Kwara United, Others Storm Lagos For Football Fiesta
**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.
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202613 hours agoJoe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202613 hours ago
Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel’s fiery relationship is driving England forward at the World Cup
-
World Cup 202613 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo gets backing from Jorge Jesus as new Portugal boss confirms Al-Nassr star remains central to World Cup plans
-
World Cup 202613 hours ago
Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive
-
World Cup 202613 hours ago
Kylian Mbappe has the perfect chance to silence his Spanish critics against Spain in World Cup semi-final
-
World Cup 20265 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.
-
Sports Analysis6 hours ago
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
-
Other News14 hours ago
Tony Cascarino reveals what Cole Palmer must do to emulate Chelsea legends Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard
