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The first of two transfer windows this summer is now open, with Chelsea set to be very active before the initial 10th June deadline.

According to a report by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Liam Delap is on the cusp of joining Chelsea, noting that personal terms have been agreed and that a medical will take place on Monday, with the Blues having agreed to pay his £30m release clause.

The 22-year-old will therefore be eligible to make his debut in just a couple of weeks time, given that Chelsea commence their FIFA Club World Cup campaign against Los Angeles FC in Atlanta on 16 June.

However, could the Blues also be showcasing another new striker by the time that clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium rolls around?

Chelsea's search for another striker

According to widespread reports, including by the Daily Post in Nigeria, Victor Osimhen’s entourage are ‘working’ on a deal to get the striker to Chelsea this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

They relay quotes from Peter Okoye, one of Osimhen’s close associates, who said that last summer, both he and former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel “made every effort to secure the signing of Victor Osimhen for Chelsea”.

Well, a year on, it’s revealed that they “remain steadfast” in their pursuit and “will continue efforts this summer.”

Now that the season is over, the 26-year-old is once again a Napoli player, having scored 76 goals in 133 appearances for I Partenopei, the Capocannoniere (top-scorer) in Serie A in the 2022/23 season, firing the club to their first Scudetto for 33 years.

Last summer, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis placed a €130m (around £110m) price tag on Osimhen, hoping to create some sort of bidding war, but after no concrete offers were made by the time the vast majority of European windows had shut, the Nigerian striker spent last season on loan at Turkish Süper Lig side Galatasaray.

Now, reports believe he would be ‘available for £60m’, so could he soon be swapping the Bosphorus for the King’s Road?

How Victor Osimhen would improve Chelsea

It is pretty difficult to dispute the fact that Osimhen is one of the best centre-forwards on the planet.

During his one season with Galatasaray, he scored 37 goals in just 41 appearances, thereby averaging a goal every 87 minutes.

26 of these came in the Süper Lig which, according to Global Football Rankings, is the 18th strongest league in the world, firing the İstanbul giants to a record-extending 25th title, while he also netted six times in seven Europa League appearances, including bagging a brace during a victory over Tottenham in November.

Youssef Maaoui of Talent Football Scout praises Osimhen’s athleticism, describing him as a ‘fast and imposing striker’ who possesses ‘elite goal-scoring instincts’, making him ‘one of the most exciting and unique talents’ in world football.

Meantime, Jack Chippendale of Total Football Analysis outlines how the Nigerian was the ‘focal point’ of Galatasaray’s attack, allowing him to take a high volume of shots, while journalist Paolo Esposito simply labelled him “superhuman”.

So, how does Osimhen compare to potential future teammate Delap?

Appearances

41

40

Minutes

3,236

2,670

Goals

37

12

Assists

8

2

Shots per 90

5.62

2.28

Shots on target %

42.7%

43.3%

Big chances missed

43

10

Big chances created

12

3

Shot-creating actions

25

62

% of aerials duels won

63.6%

42.6%

Touches per 90

29

28

% of touches in opposition box

37%

13%

Average Sofascore rating

7.72

6.85

First things first when comparing these two players, it has to be noted that Osimhen was playing for the dominant team at a lower level this season, while Delap was playing for a relegated Premier League outfit, skewing the data of both somewhat.

Nevertheless, even with that caveat, we can still learn plenty from the data.

What the numbers underline is that neither get overly involved in build-up play, while Osimhen’s statistic of 5.62 shots per 90 is astronomically high, taking an average of 7.32 shots per 90 in this season’s Europa League, almost three more than anybody else.

Also, the fact that the Nigerian records over a third of his touches in the opposition penalty area is further evidence that he is a proper penalty box poacher, even if his tally of 43 big chances missed proves there is room for improvement.

Nevertheless, as outlined by Liam Twomey of the Athletic, a world-class number nine is what Chelsea need to reach the next level, and Osimhen, more than the soon-to-arrive Delap, has all the attributes to be just that. He’s a true elite striker.

Big Sancho upgrade: Chelsea step up move for 'one of the world's best'

Chelsea could be ready to land an upgrade on Jadon Sancho this summer

1 ByRobbie Walls Jun 1, 2025

Liverpool’s second-half collapse may have put a dampener on Sunday’s clash with Arsenal, although the Premier League champions had started the day in rampant mood, after racing into a two-goal lead at Anfield.

Two goals in the space of a minute from Cody Gakpo and Luiz Diaz came amid that first-half onslaught for the hosts, with the pair having now scored 18 and 17 goals, respectively, this season in all competitions.

With Mohamed Salah – who boasts 33 across all fronts – rounding off that frontline, the trio have been the standout figures in Arne Slot’s attacking unit in 2024/25, with no other player having reached double figures for goals thus far.

While there had been doubts over Diaz’s future at the club, more recent reports suggested that a new deal could be on the cards for the former Porto man. Salah, of course, has already put pen to paper on his long-awaited contract extension.

Games (starts)

35 (17)

33 (21)

Goals

8

10

Scoring frequency

206min

179min

Big chances missed

6

6

Big chances created

5

8

Assists

5

3

Key passes*

0.7

1.0

Pass accuracy*

79%

84%

Successful dribbles*

0.9

0.9

With Gakpo, meanwhile, tied down until 2028, the flanks look to be in a good place for the Merseysiders moving forward. That said, a new wideman could be on the cards this summer…

Liverpool's search for a forward

It is no secret that Liverpool’s priority ahead of next term is likely to be the addition of a new centre-forward, with Darwin Nunez looking set to depart after netting just seven times in total this season.

The primary target would appear to be Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, albeit with the £100m-rated Swede seemingly out of reach, the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are also reportedly under consideration.

Away from the pursuit of a number nine, however, journalist Graeme Bailey has also reported that the Reds could be in the mix for Athletic Club sensation, Nico Williams, with the Spaniard seemingly ‘willing’ to move to England this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to Bailey, it is Arsenal and Chelsea who are leading the race at present, although Manchester City, Newcastle and Liverpool have all made contact with the player’s representatives.

As reported elsewhere, the Euro 2024 winner would be able to depart if any suitor triggers his €58m (£49m) release clause, albeit with one potential sticking point likely to prove his wage demands. The Daily Mail – via GOAL – reported he would be looking to earn more than £400k-per-week, a figure close to what Virgil van Dijk will seemingly be taking home following the signing of his own extension.

Such a salary could prove a real stumbling block for Slot and co, although should a compromise be met, the 22-year-old would be a more than worthy addition to the Anfield ranks.

Why Liverpool could be targeting the next Gakpo

As noted above, Sunday’s stalemate with the Gunners saw Gakpo get on the scoresheet once again, with the 26-year-old nodding home from Andy Robertson’s whipped cross to notch his tenth Premier League goal of the campaign.

That marked the first time that the former PSV Eindhoven man has reached double figures for league goals for the club, after netting 15 times in the 18 months prior to that, following his £35m arrival in January 2023.

Prior to moving to Merseyside, the then-Manchester United target had been a real revelation in his homeland for PSV, having registered 55 goals and 49 assists in 149 games for the Eredivisie giants, offering a relentless threat down the left flank or in a central role.

Such quality had also been on show on the international scene, with Gakpo scoring in every group stage game at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, just a matter of months before moving to England.

In many ways, there would be a sense of Deja Vu if young Williams is to follow suit this summer, with the Bilbao wizard having also dazzled in his homeland, with 61 goals and assists in 166 senior games.

That includes a return of 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season, amid the Basque side’s surge to the Europa League semi-final, with it no surprise that he has been dubbed “one of the best wingers on the market” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Like Gakpo too, it is for his national team where Williams has perhaps made the bigger splash, having started in six of Spain’s seven games en route to glory last summer, while memorably netting in the showpiece success over England.

A natural right-footer who typically operates off the left flank, much like Gakpo, Williams also emulates his Liverpool counterpart due to his versatility, having also been just as comfortable operating on the opposite side in his career to date,

That flexibility should ensure that the in-demand speedster provides welcome competition and cover for the likes of Diaz, Gakpo and Salah on either flank, with the chance there for Williams to enjoy gradual progression in a Liverpool shirt – much like Gakpo has been afforded the time to do.

As this campaign has already showcased, Slot’s starting lineup looks strong and healthy – now it’s the time to really enhance the squad as a whole with exciting, high potential moves.

Better than Jota: Liverpool make contact to sign "world-class" £85m star

Liverpool have made contact to keep informed on a “world-class” star who is miles better than Diogo Jota.

2 ByDan Emery May 12, 2025

Over the last couple of years, Tottenham Hotspur have shifted their attention towards recruiting younger talents to provide quality down the line in North London.

Whilst such a decision has often been unpopular with the supporters, it is the right path to take to finally catapult the club towards Premier League glory in the coming years.

The lack of experience within the side could be partly to blame for their lowly league standing in 2024/25, leading to questions being asked around Ange Postecoglou’s future at the club.

However, the injury crisis has given numerous players the opportunity to thrive within the first-team squad, showcasing to the manager and supporters what they are capable of.

Two players in particular have excelled beyond all imagination in recent months, undoubtedly cementing their place within the senior setup beyond the end of the ongoing campaign.

Bergvall & Moore’s stats for Spurs in 2024/25

Midfielder Lucas Bergvall joined Spurs last summer from Swedish outfit Djurgarden, with many not knowing what to expect from the teenager – but it’s safe to say he’s impressed more than any supporter could’ve imagined.

The now 19-year-old has racked up 42 appearances across all competitions, registering four goal contributions along the way, with his only goal coming against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.

His rise is evident by the supporters’ decision to boo manager Postecoglou after substituting the youngster in the second half of their defeat against London rivals Chelsea earlier this month.

As for attacker Mikey Moore, he’s endured a stop-start season with his own injury issues, restricting him to just 16 appearances throughout the ongoing season.

However, in his outings, he’s still managed to make a positive impact, registering his first professional goal in the Europa League triumph over Elsborg back in January.

With the pair being just 19 and 17 respectively, they both have bags of time on their side to develop further, subsequently being joined in North London by a star who could be a bigger wonderkid than the duo.

The Spurs star who could be a bigger wonderkid than Bergvall & Moore

As a result of their investment in the next generation, there is a plethora of youth stars who could make the step-up to Ange’s side throughout 2025/26.

South Korean winger Min-Hyeok Yang is just one of the youngsters brought into the club over the last couple of years, moving to North London from Gangwon FC.

The teenager is currently spending the season on loan at Championship side Queens Park Rangers, notching two goals and one assist in his 12 league outings.

However, centre-back Luca Vuskovic is a player with huge potential to explode onto the scene upon his arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

The 18-year-old agreed to move to Spurs back in September 2023 for a reported £12m from Hajduk Split before two loan spells at Radomiak Radom and Westerlo.

He’s currently spending 2024/25 on loan from Split at the latter, starring in Belgium despite his tender age, but not just defensively, with his tally of goals truly sensational.

Vuskovic, who’s been labelled a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has notched seven goals in the Belgian Pro League – sitting as the club’s second-highest goalscorer.

The Lilywhites have been starved of success within the defensive third this campaign, with the young Croatian able to provide that next season, based upon the figures he’s achieved of late.

He’s won 65% of the tackles he’s entered, whilst also winning 4.1 aerial duels per 90, offering the presence in the air that Ange’s side have desperately lacked in recent months.

Games played

30

Goals & assists

8

Pass accuracy

85%

Dribble success

68%

Tackles won

65%

Aerials won

4.1

Recoveries made

5.7

Interceptions made

1

Vuskovic’s success doesn’t stop there, making 5.7 recoveries per 90, whilst also making one interception per game, having the tools to slot straight into the club’s backline in 2025/26.

After such a successful spell ahead of his move to North London, it would be a huge mistake not to utilise him in the first team next year, saving the hierarchy millions in the process.

The prospect of the Croatian starring alongside Bergvall and Moore in the side over the next decade is certainly a scary one, with the club certainly setting themselves up for long-term success.

Their best LW since Son: Spurs plotting £70m move for "world-class" star

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making moves ahead of the summer transfer window.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 16, 2025

Saved for the Lord’s Test with a long break on this tour, Bumrah took his 15th five-wicket haul on the second day to make his place on the honour’s board

Sidharth Monga11-Jul-2025

Jasprit Bumrah picked up his first five-for at Lord’s•Getty Images

Jasprit Bumrah’s favourite phrase is “money in the bank”. Not sure he follows professional wrestling, but in WWE, “Money In The Bank” is a briefcase that contains a contract entitling the holder to a title shot anytime, anywhere. So the champion could have just survived an hour-long Iron Man and you could cash in at that moment and beat him.Bumrah walks around with the air of a man carrying an invisible briefcase that guarantees wickets anytime, anywhere. Or he has the air of a man who knows he is a genius fast bowler.In Bumrah’s world, money in the bank is days when he bowls well without results. He believes the results will show up sooner or later. Unlike Money In The Bank in WWE, which can be cashed in anytime, money in the bank in cricket depends on various elements not in a bowler’s control: luck, batter’s intent and conditions, to name a few.Related

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Bumrah respects the occasional disconnect between effort and outcome in cricket and bides his time. He hardly goes searching because he believes he deserves more wickets in a certain spell or on a certain day. He doesn’t risk releasing pressure and ruining it for the bowlers who follow.His body, though, is beginning to test his patience. There is this whole unfortunate scenario in the aftermath of his back stress reaction at the start of the year. He is playing only three of the five Tests in this series. There has been too much focus on “will he, won’t he”. It is not the kind of attention he wants.Bumrah has not been pleased with all of it. His demeanour has been a little testy, only a little. There have been suggestions he wanted to play at Lord’s, and so did not play at Edgbaston despite India trailing 1-0 in the series and having more than a week off before that Test. The matches he plays and misses is not his call alone but that of the team in discussion with him.Jasprit Bumrah picked up his first five-for at Lord’s•Getty ImagesAs India won without Bumrah at Edgbaston, two curious but eventually shallow bits of stats did the rounds: Mohammed Siraj’s bowling average improves from 33 to 26 in his absence, India’s win percentage goes up from 40 to 70.It is in this context that the first day of money in the bank at Lord’s becomes a little curious. Bumrah started it by drawing an edge with the first ball he bowled to Ben Duckett only to see it not carry. He swung the ball bewitchingly late, paired it with nip off the pitch, and made a few batters look incredibly silly. He induced a false shot once every three deliveries, sprayed the ball a little on a few occasions, and ended with just one wicket in 18 overs. You wondered if he took this day with the same equanimity and considered it more money in the bank.A teaser of what was to follow was seen late on day one when Bumrah went for the mightiest of tricks in fast bowling: swing one way, seam the other way, and hit the top of off. It is arguable whether it is physically possible for batters to react to this kind of movement. Mostly they hope the ball misses the stumps. The beauty of that Harry Brook dismissal was that Bumrah had tried each end without luck. He then went back to the end with lower bounce, and bowled the exact length needed to hit top of off, which had shortened by a metre since the first session. That is the extent of how soft the balls are going.2:43

‘Don’t want to be fined for making statements about ball change’

On the second morning, Bumrah repeated the trick twice from the bouncier Nursery End with the second new ball. He made the length adjustment again. To Ben Stokes, he went slightly closer on the release from around the wicket. To Joe Root, he swung the ball away a lot, pitched it up, then found seam movement against that angle; it would have just missed off but the inside edge took it on to uproot middle stump.With three swipes of genius, he ripped out the heart of England’s batting. Then came the ball change, which resulted in a quiet period with the replacement ball. He came back after lunch, went closer on the release to Jofra Archer, got awayswing and then seam back in, and hit the stumps three-fourths of the way up.Patient as Bumrah is, this five-for – his 15th in 47 Tests – had a bit of “I’m cashing in” than relying on circumstances to change while he keeps bowling good length and line. He still hit the good length with 54% of his deliveries but went into the 6-7metre band 30% of the time, which is slightly high for him. Perhaps he was just a little impatient. Perhaps he wanted to hit the stumps more often: eight times in 18 overs on day one to seven times in nine overs on day two.The attention will remain on Bumrah. Whatever the result at Lord’s, as the fourth Test in Manchester approaches, people will start asking which of the remaining matches he will play. And if it is 2-2 after Old Trafford, and he’s already played three Tests, there will be questions about whether he should push himself and play the finale. There is no way around it. The good thing is, Bumrah still has plenty of money in the bank, and not the WWE version, which you lose when you cash it in for a title shot.

Valkerie Baynes and Firdose Moonda hear from the SA allrounder tearing up English domestic cricket and look ahead to the Ashes

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jun-2023As the lead-up to the Women’s Ashes gathers momentum Firdose Moonda and Valkerie Baynes hear from South Africa allrounder Nadine de Klerk about playing Test matches, tearing up the regional circuit in England and run to the T20 Women’s World Cup final. They also discuss Meg Lanning’s absence from the Australia squad and contenders for England selection.