Transfers

Carrick thrilled by Iheanacho’s Loan Move to Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has expressed his excitement over the arrival of Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho on a six-month loan from Sevilla.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Carrick said, “Obviously delighted Kelechi is joining us. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to be in time for tonight, but he’ll be an important player for us and have a big impact.”

The manager highlighted Iheanacho’s potential contribution, adding, “We have got some good attacking players. We’ll have a good week’s training and settle everyone down again before we go again.”

Iheanacho, who previously played for Manchester City and Leicester City, is making his return to English football.

The Nigeria international is expected to make his debut for Middlesbrough against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Wednesday, February 12.

Transfers

Chelsea sign Mathis Amougou from St Etienne for €15 Million

Chelsea have completed the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Mathis Amougou from French Ligue 1 side St Etienne for a fee of €15 million.

Amougou, who is regarded as a highly promising talent, has signed an eight-year contract with the Blues. However, the midfielder is expected to be sent on loan to Strasbourg for the upcoming season, with plans for a return to Chelsea in 2026.

The transfer was confirmed by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on his official X handle, stating:
“Officially confirmed. Mathis Amougou joins Chelsea as a talented 19-year-old midfielder from St Etienne, costing a €15m package. Contract valid for the next 8 years. Amougou will be part of the Chelsea team, then set to go on loan to Strasbourg next season and back in 2026.”

Chelsea fans will be eager to see how Amougou develops during his time at Strasbourg before making his return to Stamford Bridge in the future.

Transfers

Mikel criticizes Chelsea’s January transfer decisions

Former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel has voiced his concerns over Chelsea’s failure to strengthen two critical areas during the January transfer window.

Despite a strong start under new manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s form has dipped, winning only three of their last nine matches across all competitions.

The Blues now sit fourth in the Premier League, 13 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Fans and analysts identified the need for reinforcements in two key positions—goalkeeper and striker. Robert Sánchez has been error-prone, topping the list for mistakes leading to goals this season. Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson has endured a goal drought, failing to score in his last eight games.

Speaking on his podcast, Mikel highlighted the missed opportunity: “For me, that’s something we’re crying out for. We need another top striker. The window is shut, unfortunately, and now we can’t bring anyone in.”

He added: “We didn’t bring in a striker, we didn’t bring in a goalkeeper. That’s another window shut without us making the signings we think are going to help us finish in the top four.”

With the transfer window closed, Chelsea must rely on their existing squad to regain form and push for a top-four finish. The spotlight remains on Maresca to navigate these challenges as the season progresses.

Transfers

Joao Felix joins AC Milan on loan from Chelsea

Portuguese forward Joao Felix has completed a loan move to AC Milan from Chelsea until the end of the season.

Milan secured the services of the 25-year-old for a £5 million loan fee, with no obligation to buy. Although the transfer was only officially announced on Tuesday, all necessary paperwork was completed ahead of Monday’s Serie A and Premier League transfer deadlines.

Felix joined Chelsea permanently for £45 million in August after a previous loan spell during the 2022-23 season. Despite signing a seven-year contract, he struggled for consistent game time this campaign, starting only three Premier League matches but scoring seven goals across cup competitions.

The deal was part of a unique player exchange between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, with Chelsea academy graduate Conor Gallagher moving to Spain for £33 million. Chelsea’s attempt to sign Atletico striker Samu Omorodion fell through, and Felix’s loan move seemingly facilitated Atletico’s finances for the Gallagher transfer.

Felix, who began his career at Benfica before moving to Atletico Madrid for £113 million in 2019 — one of the most expensive transfers in football history — also had a loan stint at Barcelona during the 2023-24 season.

AC Milan, currently eighth in Serie A, will be hoping Felix can bolster their attacking options as they face Roma in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on Wednesday. The Rossoneri also have a crucial two-legged Champions League play-off against Feyenoord this month.