Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has dropped a concerning injury update regarding a “superb” Black Cats player, revealing he could be out for far longer than first thought.
Good start for Le Bris at Sunderland
Le Bris came in as Sunderland’s new manager during the summer, and it’s fair to say that he has hit the ground running, steering his side into the automatic promotion positions in the Championship.
It is never easy to predict how a team will do with a new boss at the helm, but the Black Cats have played some excellent football and picked up a number of memorable victories, with the likes of Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham and others catching the eye greatly.
Sunderland also haven’t been without setbacks, however, not least losing star winger Jack Clarke to Ipswich Town, with the Stadium of Light hero finding it too difficult to turn down a move to a Premier League club.
There have also been injuries for Le Bris to contend with, with summer signing Ian Poveda restricted to just 44 minutes of Championship action so far this season, having sealed a permanent switch from Friday’s opponents Leeds United. Niall Huggins and Jenson Seelt are long-term absentees, and others have also been missing at different times.
Le Bris drops concerning Sunderland injury news
Speaking to the media [via Sunderland AFC News] prior to Friday’s clash with Leeds, Le Bris confirmed that Sunderland attacker Poveda could now be out injured for six weeks – three times more than the two weeks that was expected in his original brief to the media earlier last week.
It has been such a frustrating start to life at the Stadium of Light for Poveda to date, failing to make a league start and seeing his momentum badly affected by fitness issues. This latest update is a big blow for the player, Le Bris and Black Cats supporters, meaning he may not even be back until the middle of November.
The 24-year-old is such a talented attacking player who could give Sunderland much-needed flair without Clarke around now, with Danny Mills lauding his performance against Manchester City in the Premier League back in 2020: “I thought he was superb when he came on. He looked really sharp, full of energy and kept the ball really well. He cause a lot of problems for Mendy in the second-half and I think that is why Pep Guardiola decided to make the change.”
To be able to cause City problems says a lot about Poveda’s ability, even if it was years ago, and the hope is that his rather nomadic career becomes more settled in a Black Cats shirt.
£8,500-p/w Sunderland ace makes admission about permanent transfer clause
He’s been in fine form as of late…
ByTom Cunningham Oct 3, 2024
At 24 years of age, there is still plenty of time on the former Leeds winger’s side, and the hope is that he is a valuable asset to Le Bris upon his return from injury.
Following such a disappointing start to the campaign, Manchester United have already turned their attention towards the transfer market, with INEOS now reportedly preparing a hefty bid to sign a former Champions League winner.
Man Utd transfer news
Despite such a busy summer transfer window, in which fresh faces arrived to reinforce Manchester United in a number of areas, Erik ten Hag’s side has endured a difficult start to the season. As things stand, the Red Devils are winless in four games and failed to defeat Porto last time out in the Europa League even after taking an initial 2-0 lead.
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The Red Devils may have found an unexpected replacement for Ten Hag…
1 ByTom Cunningham Oct 5, 2024
Their all too familiar struggles have led to all too familiar questions over whether Ten Hag is the right man for the job, with the likes of Gareth Southgate and Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe now among those linked with what could soon be vacant role at Old Trafford. Sir Jim Ratcliffe was recently quizzed on that very topic, only to remain coy on his manager’s future.
Whether it’s Ten Hag in charge or, indeed, a fresh face, however, the Red Devils look set to turn towards the January transfer window. According to Milan Live, INEOS are now preparing a €50m (£46m) to sign Christian Pulisic, who has recently found his best form at AC Milan.
A former Chelsea winger, the American would be following in the footsteps of the likes of Juan Mata when it comes to players who have featured for both clubs, but it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils can lure Milan into accepting their offer in 2025. There’s no doubt that, on this current form, he’d make an instant impact.
"Incredible" Pulisic is back to his best
After a mix of injuries and poor form eventually led to his Chelsea exit, Champions League-winning Pulisic has finally rediscovered his best form at AC Milan to earn links to the likes of Manchester United.
Playing a starring role under Paulo Fonseca so far this season, the manager was full of praise for the American, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport via One Football: “Christian is fantastic. His quality is incredible, he will be very important this season too.”
Alas, one player who should be worried about the rumours regarding Pulisic is Marcus Rashford. The Manchester United academy graduate has once again struggled for form in the Premier League and may well find his place rightly under threat if the Red Devils welcome a fresh face in his position.
Given that Pulisic has netted five goals and created a further two in just eight appearances so far this season, it’s clear that the former Chelsea man is exactly the calibre of player who could steal in ahead of Rashford. When 2025 arrives, the latter could find himself battling for his place at Old Trafford more so than ever before in the Premier League.
BBC pundit Chris Sutton believes that one “left-field” Tottenham player is about to explode into life after a difficult start to the new Premier League season.
Tottenham beat Ferencvaros with plenty of teenagers
Ange Postecoglou watched from the dug-out as a satisfied man as Spurs extended their winning run to five games in all competitions on Thursday evening, beating Hungarian side Ferencvaros 2-1 in the Europa League with a fairly young side.
Postecoglou promotes unseen Tottenham 18-year-old to first-team training
He’s an “exciting” and “direct” attacking player.
ByEmilio Galantini Oct 3, 2024
Goals from Pape Matar Sarr and the on-fire Brennan Johnson – who made it five goals in his last five matches – cemented Tottenham’s second European win of the new campaign and another precious three points on the road.
Postecoglou called up Damola Ajayi to his Europa League squad, alongside a host of other new youngsters, but it was Archie Gray, Mikey Moore, Will Lankshear and Lucas Bergvall who started on the night – all of whom are aged 19 or under.
Brighton vs Tottenham
October 6
Tottenham vs West Ham
October 19
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham
October 27
Tottenham vs Aston Villa
November 3
Tottenham vs Ipswich Town
November 10
Moore performed exceptionally well, standing out among Tottenham’s crop of impressive teenagers, with Postecoglou calling the 17-year-old “special” and drawing comparisons to Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal.
Moore could’ve ended the night with an assist, but forward Timo Werner ultimately failed to convert the youngster’s excellent fizzed cross into the box and squandered a golden opportunity.
The German attempted to take the ball around Ferencvaros keeper Denes Dibusz, when he arguably should’ve shot first time, and ended up firing it into the side-netting – much to the bemusement of supporters.
Werner is yet to register a goal or assist in all competitions over what has been a difficult start to his extended loan spell in north London, with the 28-year-old criticised for his lack of cutting edge in the forward areas.
Chris Sutton backs Timo Werner to explode into form
Speaking on the Fantasy 606 podcast, BBC pundit Sutton backs Werner to find his best form at Tottenham soon – suggesting that it is only a matter of time before the ex-RB Leipzig and Chelsea star explodes into life.
“I’ve got a left-field one from Tottenham, I don’t think many will have him because he can’t cross and he can’t finish,” Sutton said (via TBR).
Timo Werner scores for Tottenham
“No, you’re not going for Timo Werner?” The host asked.
“I’m just saying that he’s likely to start against Brighton, and one of these weeks it’s going to go for him.”
Many believed the attacking midfielder would go on to be a star after his exceptional 2019/2020 season at Leipzig when he scored 28 goals in just 34 Bundesliga appearances for them.
However, despite getting into the right areas time and time again with his burst of pace, Werner is guilty of being wasteful when it comes to converting chances. His 19/20 campaign suggests that Werner does have it in his locker, but that season was now five years ago. Time is running out for the Champions League winner to convince on-lookers that he can rediscover that scoring form, so this spell at Tottenham really is make or break for him.
تستعد العاصمة المصرية القاهرة لاحتضان واحد من أهم الفعاليات الرياضية والاستثمارية في المنطقة، حيث ينطلق معرض ومؤتمر Sports Expo 2025 في الفترة من 24 إلى 26 فبراير، بمشاركة نخبة من كبار المسؤولين الرياضيين، والأندية العالمية، والشركات المتخصصة في التكنولوجيا والاستثمار الرياضي. حدث عالمي بشراكة استراتيجية مع Soccerex والمتحدة للرياضة
يُقام Sports Expo 2025 بشراكة مع Soccerex، المؤسسة العالمية الرائدة في صناعة كرة القدم، وبالتعاون مع المتحدة للرياضة، حيث تهدف هذه الشراكة إلى تعزيز الابتكار في القطاع الرياضي، واستعراض أحدث الحلول التكنولوجية، وفتح آفاق جديدة للاستثمار الرياضي في المنطقة.
ويعد Sports Expo منصة استراتيجية تجمع بين المديرين التنفيذيين للأندية، المستثمرين، الخبراء التقنيين، وصنّاع القرار الرياضي، مما يجعله حدثًا محوريًا لاستكشاف أحدث الاتجاهات العالمية في إدارة الأندية، تطوير الأداء الرياضي، وتعزيز التجربة الجماهيرية.
طالع أيضًا | أحمد سليمان قبل مباراة القمة: على لاعبي الزمالك أن يخافوا من الأهلي.. والأبيض ارتكب أخطاء في الصفقات أساطير الكرة العالمية يزينون الحدث
سيكون المعرض شاهدًا على حضور مجموعة من أساطير كرة القدم العالمية، على رأسهم الحارس البرازيلي ديدا والنجم الفرنسي مايكل سيلفيستر، بجانب ممثلين عن أندية كبرى مثل ريال مدريد، إيه سي ميلان، النصر السعودي، وبنفيكا، فضلًا عن الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم (FIFA)، الاتحاد الإفريقي (CAF)، والدوري الإسباني (LaLiga)، مما يضفي على الحدث زخمًا عالميًا يعكس أهميته على الساحة الرياضية. محاور رئيسية.. التكنولوجيا والاستثمار والمشاركة الجماهيرية
يرتكز Sports Expo 2025 على ثلاثة محاور رئيسية تهدف إلى تعزيز دور الرياضة كعامل اقتصادي وتنموي:
الرياضة والتكنولوجيا: استعراض أحدث حلول تحليل الأداء الرياضي، الذكاء الاصطناعي في التدريب، والواقع الافتراضي في تحسين تجربة المشجعين.
الاستثمار الرياضي: تسليط الضوء على فرص التمويل والرعاية الرياضية، وتحويل الأندية إلى كيانات اقتصادية مستدامة.
تعزيز المشاركة الجماهيرية: مناقشة أحدث استراتيجيات التسويق الرياضي، ودور البيانات الرقمية ووسائل التواصل الاجتماعي في توسيع قاعدة المشجعين. مصر وجهة رياضية عالمية
أكد المهندس حازم حمادة، المدير التنفيذي لشركة دلتا كونكس ومؤسس Sports Expo، أن هذه الفعالية تمثل خطوة نوعية في ترسيخ مكانة مصر كوجهة رياضية واستثمارية رائدة، قائلًا: “مصر، بتاريخها العريق في كرة القدم، تمتلك المقومات لتكون مركزًا عالميًا لتطوير اللعبة وإلهام الأجيال القادمة. نسعى من خلال هذه الشراكة إلى تقديم تجربة رياضية فريدة تساهم في إحداث نقلة نوعية في المشهد الرياضي الإقليمي والعالمي.”
ومن المتوقع أن يستقطب Sports Expo 2025 آلاف الزوار، والمئات من الشركات المتخصصة، وعشرات الأندية والاتحادات الرياضية، مما يجعله واحدًا من أهم الأحداث الرياضية المنتظرة هذا العام، وخطوة كبيرة نحو تحقيق رؤية مصر في أن تصبح مركزًا عالميًا لصناعة الرياضة والاستثمار الرياضي.
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal achieved a unique feat when they thrashed Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
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Arsenal set incredible English recordThrashed Crystal Palace 5-1 Bittersweet day as Saka suffers injuryFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Gabriel Jesus netted a brace in the first half and Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice scored a goal each as the Gunners thrashed Crystal Palace 5-1 in a crucial Premier League away fixture on Saturday. With the thumping win, the club achieved a unique feat as they became the first English top-flight side to score five or more goals in six different away games in all competitions in a single calendar year.
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In February this year, the Gunners beat West Ham and Burnley in back-to-back Premier League away matches by a margin of 6-0 and 5-0 respectively. Then on March 4, they registered a thumping 5-0 win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. In the 2024-25 campaign, they beat Sporting CP 5-1 in Lisbon in the Champions League and then registered 5-2 and 5-1 wins over West Ham and Palace in the Premier League.
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While the result did go in the north London club's favour, they were dealt a major blow as star winger Bukayo Saka suffered an apparent hamstring injury in the 23rd minute and had to be substituted. He was later spotted leaving Selhurst Park on crutches.
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Arteta's men have a hectic schedule in front of them as they take on Ipswich Town, Brentford and Brighton between December 27 and January 4 in the Premier League.
To say that it's been a mixed start to the season for Tottenham Hotspur this year would probably be an understatement.
In their three Premier League games thus far, they have drawn away to Leicester City, won at home to Everton and lost away to Newcastle United. However, against the Foxes and the Magpies, Ange Postecoglou's side produced a higher expected goals figure, suggesting that a lack of cutting-edge up top is letting them down.
The North Londoners did spend big on Dominic Solanke this summer, but a minor injury has seen him miss the last two games, and as effective as the Englishman is sure to be in this Lilywhites side, he, along with almost every other striker in the league will be battling for second place in the top goalscorers list behind the unstoppable Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian goal machine has started this season on fire and looks like the best striker on the planet, but interestingly, Spurs have had a player that, in 2024 money, would be worth even more than the treble-winner.
Haaland's incredible form
Yes, similarly to how the vast majority of fans and pundits have tipped Manchester City to finish atop the Premier League table again this season, there is a feeling that should he remain fit, Haaland will win the Golden Boot with relative ease.
For example, during his time with Borussia Dortmund, the Norwegian powerhouse scored 86 goals and provided 23 assists in 89 appearances. Whereas in England, he has already scored 97 goals and provided 14 assists in just 102 games for City.
Club
Man City
Dortmund
Appearances
102
89
Goals
97
86
Assists
14
23
Goal Involvements per Match
1.08
1.22
This season alone, he has already bagged seven goals in four matches, including hattricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham United within the space of a week.
Simply put, there is no stopping the Leeds-born phenom, and understandably, his valuation is enormous, with Football Transfers valuing him at €144m, which converts to about £121m.
However, while that's an incredible amount of money, Spurs actually sold a star of their own in the past for a sum that would translate into even more money when adjusted for the current transfer market.
Gareth Bale's valuation in 2024
So, the former Spurs ace in question is none other than Wales legend Gareth Bale, who left the club to join Real Madrid for a massive £85m in the summer of 2013.
Now, that figure alone is obviously less than Haaland's current valuation, but thanks to the smart folk at Totally Money, we can adjust that fee for the rapid inflation football has experienced in the 11 years since and work out that, in today's money, the Welshman would have been sold for a mammoth £166m—or about £45m more than the Norwegian is currently worth.
It's certainly an incredible amount of money, but the former Southampton gem was a massively important part of Spurs' squad and had just come off an astounding season in which he had scored 26 goals and provided ten assists in just 44 appearances for the club, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 1.22 games.
Moreover, the "world-class" attacker, as he was dubbed by former manager Andre Villas-Boas, was only 24 at the time and, therefore, had plenty of time to reach another level in Spain, and indeed he did.
In all, the Cardiff-born superstar won five Champions Leagues, three La Liga, one Copa del Rey and a whole host of smaller trophies in Madrid and even returned to North London on loan for the 2020/21 season, in which he scored 16 goals and provided three assists in 34 games.
Appearances
237
Goals
71
Assists
53
Goal Involvements per Match
0.52
Ultimately, while his most trophy-laden years came in the Spanish capital, Bale has still played a significant part in Tottenham's recent history, ending his career with 71 goals and 53 assists in 237 appearances for the club.
While it's a lot of money, it makes perfect sense that his transfer fee is higher than Haaland's valuation when adjusted for today's market.
Spurs flop who was sold for £13m is having a terrible time at his new club
Spurs must be thanking their lucky stars that they cashed in this summer.
With the signing of Luke Harris taking Birmingham City's transfer tally to nine for the summer, the Blues appear to still be in the market for further additions before the League One season kicks off this weekend.
Birimingham continue their summer spending spree
Despite suffering relegation to the third tier of English football last season, the higher ups at St Andrew's have still looked to back new manager Chris Davies with a slew of fresh faces. Across their numerous acquisitions during the summer window, the Blues have not been afraid to spend big with their total spending totaling up to over £12million.
Davies must cash in on Birmingham star who's worth more than Bielik
Chris Davies could opt to sell on this Birmingham City dud soon.
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By
Kelan Sarson
Jul 21, 2024
Birmingham incomings summer 2024
Joined from
Fee paid
Christoph Klarer
Darmstadt 98
€4.15million (£3.5million)
Willum Thór Willumsson
Go Ahead Eagles
€4.0million (£3.4million)
Emil Hansson
Heracles Almelo
€1.75million (£1.5million)
Ryan Allsop
Hull City
€980,000 (£830,000)
Alex Cochrane
Hearts
€1.20million (£1.0million)
Alfie May
Charlton
€915,000 (£773,000)
Marc Leonard
Brighton
€590,000 (£500,000)
Bailey Peacock-Farrell
Burnley
€530,000 (£448,000)
Luke Harris
Fulham
Loan transfer
Despite already getting a number of talents through the door at St Andrew's the Blues are hungry for more signings as they look to make certain their return to the Championship next season. Names such as Stoke City's Josh Laurent have done the rounds in the West Midlands in recent weeks, however it appears that Birmingham's number one target is Jay Stansfield.
The young striker spent last season on loan with the Blues and managed to find the back of the net on 13 occasions. Despite Stansfield now boasting multiple admirers in the second tier, Birmingham remain hopeful that they can use their existing relationship with the player to get the deal over the line.
With the Blues' transfer activity showing little signs of slowing down, it appears that the club are ready to compete with a top Championship side to sign a highly-rated talent.
Blues ready to battle Leeds for new winger
As reported by Sport Witness, the Dutch press are claiming that Birmingham City are showing "great interest" in NEC Nijmegen forward Sontje Hansen. The outlet states that the Blues are rivalling Leeds United in the race to sign the 22-year-old with the Whites on the lookout for a replacement for Crysencio Summerville.
Hansen's stats for last season saw the winger contribute 6 goals and 7 assists in 38 appearances for NEC in all competitions. The winger also earned his first caps for the Netherlands' Under 23s side, scoring once in three appearances for his nation.
The 22-year-old arrived at his current side in a free transfer from Dutch giants Ajax last year. With three years remaining on his current deal at NEC, Sport Witness claim that the Eredivise side will ask for a high fee to part ways with Hansen this summer.
In spite of the transfer fee that he may command, Hansen is currently receiving a weekly wage of just under £6,000-per-week that the Blues should have no issue matching. With Birmingham already doing a fair bit of their business in the Dutch market, there is a decent chance that they could get this latest deal over the line.
The team was all out for 172 in the first innings despite having nine batsmen in the practice-match line-up
Andrew Fidel Fernando19-Mar-2021Dhananjaya de Silva marked his return to competitive cricket with a three-wicket haul, while left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya warmed up for the West Indies Tests with three wickets of his own, but concerns over Sri Lanka’s batting persist following an underwhelming performance in a drawn two-day practice match in Antigua.The West Indies President’s XI, meanwhile, had contributions from Shai Hope (68), Kyle Mayers (57), and Kemar Roach (2 for 41). The game’s standout performance, however, belonged to Roston Chase, who claimed 4 for 12 with his offspin to cut down the Sri Lanka XI’s lower middle order, before making 52 with the bat. Chase is not in the Test squad, nor is Hope. The West Indies XI made 294, establishing a 122-run first-innings lead.On the first day of the match, the Sri Lanka XI was out for 172, with Oshada Fernando top-scoring with 47 while three of the top five failed to make it out of single-figures. The only other batsman to make 40 was Dinesh Chandimal, who batted at No. 6. That the team was all out for 172 inside 50 overs was especially worrying given nine batsmen were in this practice-match line-up. In the second innings, Sri Lanka’s openers – Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne, remained not out after 13 overs, the team score on 56.Sri Lanka’s spinners made more headway than their batsmen on what appeared to have been a Coolidge surface suited to slow bowlers. Embuldeniya – now Sri Lanka’s premier long-format spinner – took 3 for 69, with Chase among his victims. Offspinner De Silva’s figures were even better. Playing his first match since Boxing Day, when he tore a muscle in his thigh, he claimed 3 for 26 from 10 overs. Seamer Suranga Lakmal also returned good figures with the ball, taking 2 for 14 from his ten overs. Dushmantha Chameera, who is likely to be in the Test XI, was rested for this game.The first of two Tests – both to be played in Antigua – begins on Sunday.
It's been an unusual transfer window for Tottenham Hotspur this summer as, unlike plenty of their Premier League rivals, they did make a significant signing during the Euros in the shape of Archie Gray.
However, in the weeks since, there have been few tangible movements, although there have been plenty of links to exciting players, some more believable than others.
One of the strongest links has been to Crystal Palace sensation Eberechi Eze.
Eberechi Eze celebrates for Crystal Palace
While he would be an incredible addition to the Lilywhites' lefthand side, he wouldn't be the most valuable player there.
The latest on Eze to Spurs
According to recent reports, Spurs are still firmly in the race for Eze's signature this summer and are, in fact, leading, with their closest competitor, Manchester City, waiting to see what will happen with Kevin De Bruyne before making any moves regarding the Palace ace.
While this is certainly good news for the North Londoners, there is still the small obstacle of his transfer fee, which, according to a BBC Sport report back in April, stands at around £60m.
While that's undoubtedly a lot of money, it's not unjustified.
Eberechi Eze
For example, in just 31 appearances last season, the "incredible" 26-year-old, as dubbed by teammate Joel Ward, scored 11 goals and provided six assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.82 games.
This impressive haul would have seen him rank as the second most productive member of the Lilywhites' squad last season, with only Son Heung-min producing more goal involvements at 17.
In all, were Eze to join Postecoglou's revolution this summer, he'd be an incredible asset to play either in the middle of the park or out on the left, although, in the case of the latter, he'd be playing alongside a teammate worth even more than him.
Destiny Udogie's valuation in 2024
Yes, the player in question is young left-back Destiny Udogie.
The talented Italian cost Spurs just £15m plus bonuses in August 2022, and after a loan spell in his home country, he joined up with the North Londoners last summer before taking the Premier League by storm.
In all, the "masterclass signing", as talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, has scored two goals and provided three assists in 30 first-team appearances for the North Londoners – all of which have been starts – meaning he has averaged a goal involvement every six games from the full-back position.
Udogie's Spurs career
Competition
Premier League
FA Cup
EFL Cup
Appearances
28
2
1
Goals
2
0
0
Assists
3
0
0
Goal Involvements per Match
0.17
0.00
0.00
All Stats via Transfermarkt
The Verona-born dynamo has been such a revelation in England that he became Tottenham's first player ever to be nominated for the Premier League's Young Player of the Season Award in May, and while he didn't win it, the nomination just cemented his place among the most exciting prospects in the country.
This rapid rise from relative obscurity to star has understandably seen his transfer value skyrocket as well, and according to the CIES Football Observatory, he is now worth up to €83m, which converts to around £70m, or £60m more than the Palace ace will cost.
Ultimately, signing Eze this summer would be an excellent idea for Spurs and help improve the team's quality in midfield and on the wings, but the club should remember that their most valuable left-sided player is the youngster at left-back, Udogie.
Exit expected: Spurs target £25m Porro rival who could be Ange's own White
The impressive full-back could add a lot of quality to the Lilywhites.
Ever since Eden Hazard left Chelsea Football Club, the Blues have struggled to find the perfect replacement for him. The Belgian was incredibly unique and no Chelsea player has truly managed to fill his boots when factoring in the way he played and the goals and assist numbers he put up.
Of course, since joining the club last summer, Cole Palmer has been a revelation, exceeding all expectations and becoming one of the best wingers in the Premier League. He scored 22 goals and registered 11 assists in just 34 top-flight games last term, and yet he did not feel like the replacement for the legendary Belgian, given their profiles are nothing alike.
The likes of Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk have also joined the club since Hazard’s departure, a pair much more similar to the former Chelsea winger’s profile. However, they have never really found their feet at Stamford Bridge, with Sterling so far scoring just 19 times in 81 games in blue, and Mudryk 7 times in 58 games.
It is undoubtedly frustrating that the Blues have never managed to find a replacement for one of the Premier League’s best wingers. However, they have recently been linked with one man who could finally become the Hazard replacement Chelsea have been crying out for.
Chelsea target Premier League winger
The player in question is Brighton & Hove Albion’s Japanese winger, Kaoru Mitoma. The 27-year-old had a tough time on the pitch in 2023/24, although he has proven his quality in the top flight plenty of times, and he has now been linked with a move away.
Interest in the winger from Chelsea was confirmed by journalist Ben Jacobs while in conversation with the London Is Blue podcast. Jacobs simply said “I’m told that Kaoru Mitoma is liked,” referring to the Blues' interest in the Seagulls attacker.
Brighton forward Kaoru Mitoma.
Chelsea’s interest in adding a new wide player to their squad has been clear throughout the summer transfer window. The Blues wanted to sign former academy player Michael Olise from Crystal Palace. However, The Athletic confirmed they pulled out of the deal due to financial implications, with other clubs bettering their offer.
Thus, they have seemingly switched their attention to Mitoma, and appear to be the only side interested in signing him at this stage, unlike the deal for Olise. Whilst a price has not been made clear, Football Transfers values him at £17.9m, although it could take more money to tempt Brighton into a sale. Indeed, Mitoma’s contract does not expire until 2027.
Why Mitoma can be the Hazard replacement
Mitoma’s 2023/24 campaign was slightly disappointing given his obvious quality. Firstly, injuries hampered his season, with a back injury meaning the winger hasn't featured since 18th February.
However, the Japan international did feature 19 times under Roberto De Zerbi, who is now the manager of French giants Marseille after leaving Brighton at the end of the season. In those 19 games, he scored three goals and registered four assists, still pretty respectable numbers.
With that being said, Mitoma did not really hit the heights he did in his debut campaign two seasons ago. In 33 games, he scored seven times and registered six assists, only beaten on combined goal involvements by Pascal Gross with 17 and Solly March with 14, as per Sofascore. De Zerbi described him as Brighton's "top player" when his contract extension was announced in October.
Given those numbers, it may seem surprising that the man touted to replace Hazard at Stamford Bridge is a winger with just 10 goals and 10 assists in his Premier League career. The former Belgium captain notched 85 goals and 54 assists in 245 games in the top flight of English football.
However, when you think of the Belgian, the first thing that may come to mind is his electric dribbling ability. Think how easily he would glide past opponents by using his low centre of gravity and his impressive strength to ride challenges from oncoming defenders.
Few players in the Premier League’s history are better dribblers than the Belgian. In fact, as per Statsmuse, the winger completed the most dribbles in the 2017/18 season with 118, and in the 2018/19 season with 139. He was simply electric.
With that in mind, there is perhaps no one better to replace Hazard than a man with a PhD in dribbling. Like the former Chelsea number seven, Mitoma possesses a bag of tricks, and the ability to burst away from defenders with a quick change of direction and accelerate off into space. The pair are also both two-way wingers, confident of going on the inside of a defender and driving towards the box, or the outside by taking it to the touchline and looking for a cross.
Indeed, Mitoma’s dribbling ability is also reflected in his stats. During the 2022/23 season, his only uninterrupted campaign in the top flight, the Japan international averaged 5.55 progressive carries per 90 minutes, which ranked him in the top 4% of wingers. That season, Mitoma also averaged 3.3 carries into the penalty area each game, which placed him in the top 3%.
Stat (per 90)
Number
Percentile
Progressive carries
5.55
96th
Carries into final third
3.18
92nd
Carries into penalty box
3.30
97th
Take-ons attempted
5.05
85th
Take-ons completed
2.29
90th
Whilst Mitoma does not quite have the same number of goal involvements as the legendary Hazard, he could still become the direct replacement for the winger. They are stylistically very similar; excellent ball-carriers who are direct and run at opponents one-on-one, with superb close control and lightning-quick acceleration.
Replacing a player like Hazard is not easy in the slightest, as Chelsea have proven in the last few seasons. Even though Mitoma’s goal involvement numbers do not touch the record of the former Blues winger, who knows how much he could explode under Enzo Maresca? It could finally be the signing that sees Chelsea replace Hazard and the catalyst for the Blues to climb back to the top of English football.