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West Bromwich Albion are now in advanced talks over a deal for a “full-back’s nightmare” after having a £5 million bid accepted, according to a Sky Sports reporter.

West Brom transfer news

The first week of the January transfer window has passed, and the Baggies are yet to sign a player or find a replacement for Carlos Corberan. The Spaniard left the club before Christmas, and Chris Brunt, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill have all been in interim charge since.

Those three are expected to be in charge of their upcoming FA Cup game against AFC Bournemouth, but a shortlist has now been drawn up in the hope they find an appointment before their next league game against Stoke City.

West Brom could hire Wicky alternative who "lives in the West Midlands"

West Bromwich Albion could now appoint this manager to replace Carlos Corberan.

2 ByKelan Sarson Jan 7, 2025

As their search for a new manager continues, it hasn’t stopped transfer talk from gathering pace involving the Midlands side. Earlier this week it was reported that West Brom are in the race to sign Adam Devine from Rangers. The 21-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season, but a move could happen this month as the Baggies want to add more competition to their right-back spot despite Darnell Furlong becoming one of the best right-backs in the league.

As well as looking to sign Devine, West Brom are also interested in signing Lewis Koumas on loan from Liverpool. The forward has impressed at Stoke City this season, scoring four goals in 29 appearances, and the Baggies, along with Sheffield United, are keen on securing him for the second half of the season.

West Brom in talks with representatives of £5m EFL player

Devine and Koumas are not the only targets for the Baggies, as according to Sky Sports reporters Lyall Thomas and Keith Downie, West Brom have had a £5 million bid accepted for Middlesbrough’s Isaiah Jones and are now in talks with his representatives.

The 25-year-old, who has been described as a “full-back’s nightmare” by journalist Josh Bunting, has been at the Riverside Stadium since July 2019. Joines joined Middlesbrough’s under-21s when he arrived, and after playing 22 times for that age group, he moved into the first team in the 2021/22 campaign.

Since then, Jones has been a key part of Middlesbrough’s starting XI under the managers they have had. The right-winger, who can also play down the middle and on the left-hand side, has taken his game to a new level under Michael Carrick, but despite playing 23 times in all competitions this season, Boro have now accepted a bid for his services.

Apps

149

Goals

13

Assists

19

Downie reports that Middlesbrough have accepted £5 million bids from West Brom and Luton Town to sign Jones. Boro have now given the player permission to speak to both clubs as discussions take place over personal terms. He goes on to add that while the Baggies are keen on landing the winger, Luton are considered the favourites to sign Jones at this moment in time.

Sunderland will travel to Burnley tomorrow night in the Championship hopeful that they can pick up another positive result against one of the promotion pack, having temporarily dented Sheffield United’s confidence on New Year’s Day with a 2-1 win.

Picking up said victory would allow the Black Cats to move into the top two positions in the league before the rest of the teams then play catch up at the weekend, as Regis Le Bris continues to pray that his side are made of stern stuff for the tense promotion battle that awaits.

He wouldn’t say no to a number of new recruits entering the building this January to help take his team to the next level in the taxing division, with Tom Cannon continuing to stick out as a number one target.

Sunderland's pursuit of Tom Cannon

It’s no secret at this point in time that Sunderland are locked into a battle to try and snap up Cannon this January, with a whopping £13m bid reportedly put forward to Leicester City.

Sheffield United are also involved in this much-talked-about tussle, with the Republic of Ireland international helping himself to a healthy nine goals in the Championship this season on loan with Stoke City, before the Foxes recalled their player in an effort to move on him permanently.

Instead of fighting it out intensely for the services of the expensive attacker all window long, the Black Cats could be preparing to move their focus towards another gem who has been lighting up his own division much like Cannon.

If the player in question was to settle in well after a January switch to the Stadium of Light, it could well be a repeat of Wilson Isidor’s successful move, who has managed to get up to speed with the English game at a rapid pace.

Sunderland's potential Tom Cannon alternative

The new Black Cats target comes in the form of KVC Westerlo star Matija Frigan, with Sunderland’s interest in the Croat coming from journalist Michael Graham earlier this month via his X account.

Whilst this might not be as jaw-dropping as snapping up Cannon, Sunderland could reportedly win the standout 21-year-old’s signature for a fee around the £4.6m mark according to Dutch publication Voetbal Nieuws, which is what Westerlo paid for the youngster’s services when he left his native Croatia behind in 2023.

This season for Westerlo, the 21-year-old has helped himself to six strikes from 20 league encounters, which included a coolly taken strike back in November when Frigan emphatically fired home on a counterattack.

Whilst these aren’t overly mind-blowing numbers, when you consider Cannon had tallied up three more goals in the hustle and bustle of the Championship, Isidor also entered the English game off the back of some mediocre performances at Zenit St. Petersburg only to now be Sunderland’s leading goalscorer in the division.

Westerlo

53

12

HNK Rijeka

32

15

NK Orijent 1919

15

4

HRV Dragovoljac

15

3

Indeed, the Frenchman had only mustered up an unsatisfactory four goals when on the books of Zenit, with Frigan at least able to boast more impressive numbers when glancing at the table above.

Whilst a move not getting done for Cannon would annoy the Sunderland masses, especially if promotion rivals Sheffield United were to swoop in and win the clinical Irishman, this signing also feels more in-keeping with the Black Cats’ philosophy of buying young, raw gems in an effort to mould them into unbelievable stars.

It remains to be seen whether the ex-Preston North End man will call Wearside home before the chaotic window shuts, but if this move is proving too difficult to finalise, Sunderland might well set their sights on Belgium to land this exciting buy.

Sunderland could land a more exciting deal than Le Fee in "outstanding" ace

Sunderland could really lay down a marker in the Championship by snapping up this exciting star.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 15, 2025

A very intriguing claim has surfaced from across the channel as West Ham United pursue a new striker for manager Graham Potter, with the Irons potentially closing in on their replacement for Niclas Füllkrug and Michail Antonio.

West Ham targeting new centre-forward after injury blows

Summer signing Fullkrug will be out for the foreseeable future after picking up a hamstring problem, while the fractured leg resulting from Antonio’s horrific car crash is expected to keep him sidelined for more than a year.

West Ham in discussions with club as they plan January bid for £25m striker

The Hammers are badly in need of a centre-forward.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 14, 2025

As a result, Potter has been left desperately short of natural striking options, and star winger Jarrod Bowen is also unavailable to play there in a makeshift role – as he often did under Julen Lopetegui before the Spaniard was dismissed.

Some good news for West Ham is that Bowen is targeting an earlier return than anticipated, as confirmed by Potter in a recent press conference.

Crystal Palace (home)

January 18

Aston Villa (away)

January 26

Chelsea (away)

February 3

Brentford (home)

February 15

Arsenal (away)

February 22

“I think if you speak to Jarrod, he will try to tell you he’s ahead of schedule, for sure,” said Potter on Bowen’s injury. “He’s doing everything he can to get on the pitch as soon as possible. We just need to make sure it’s in a safe way, and it’s [in] a good way for him, because we want to get him back, and we want him to stay back.

“But you know Jarrod – he wants to be out there, he wants to play, and we’re trying to pull the reins on him rather than the other way around. He’s fantastic to have around the place.”

Even though Bowen could be an option in the number nine role sooner rather than later, reports still suggest that Potter is more keen for West Ham to sign a new striker before deadline day.

The Hammers are reliably believed to hold an interest in Marseille striker Elye Wahi (Ben Jacobs), while Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has reported that West Ham have opened talks over signing Taiwo Awoniyi.

Andre Silva "about to leave" RB Leipzig for West Ham

According to German newspaper BILD (via Sport Witness), RB Leipzig striker Andre Silva is on their list of targets, and it is even far more advanced than that.

The outlet boldly claims that Silva is about to leave Leipzig and join West Ham, with there being a serious belief that the Portugal international is on the verge of a move to the London Stadium.

The 29-year-old will also be dropped from the matchday squad for Leipzig’s clash against Stuttgart on Wednesday evening, as a direct result of his pending Premier League move, so this could be one to watch.

It comes after German media reported intensive initial West Ham talks for Silva earlier this week, so their national press appears to be picking up serious noise that the £81,000-per-week forward’s next club may well be the Hammers.

Called a striker in “outstanding condition” by ex-Leipzig boss Marco Rose, Silva boasts a total of 121 senior career goals across spells at a host of top sides.

Tottenham Hotspur fell to a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat against Leicester City this afternoon, cranking yet more pressure on under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou.

Richarlison had put the Lilywhites ahead going into the break, but two quick-fire second-half goals from Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannous secured three vital points for the Foxes in their hunt for survival.

The result leaves Spurs down in 15th place in the table, just eight points clear of the relegation zone after a 13th defeat of the season – the same number as newly promoted Ipswich Town.

Injuries have certainly played their part in the recent slump in form, but far too many players failed to deliver and or make an impact, contributing to the embarrassing defeat.

Numerous players looked off the pace today, with their displays pushing Postecoglou closer to the brink of losing his job, which would bring his near two-year spell to an end.

Tottenham's disappointing performers against Leicester

Attacker Dejan Kulusevski was starting his tenth consecutive league outing against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men this afternoon, often being a reliable figure given the recent injuries.

However, the Swede looked as though the fixture list started to take its toll on him, contributing to him conceding possession 22 times – the most of any player on the pitch.

He also failed to complete any of his three attempted dribbles and was dribbled past twice on the counter, looking leggy as the hosts pushed for a late leveller.

Heung-min Son has failed to shine so far this season, failing to reach the performance levels he has done for so many years during his time as a player in North London.

Today was no different, with the winger failing to complete any of his six attempted crosses, and unable to create any clear-cut chances to put Postecoglou’s side back into a winning position.

Such displays from the aforementioned attackers highlight the need for investment in the attacking department before the end of the window, with one other player lucky to keep his starting role after his own showing.

Performance in Numbers

Tottenham's biggest underperformer against Leicester

Pape Sarr once again started at the heart of the midfield for Spurs this afternoon, partnering talented youngster Lucas Bergvall and the returning Rodrigo Bentancur.

However, his outing was one to forget, undoubtedly being the least impactful of the trio, as demonstrated by his withdrawal in the 54th minute due to his lack of positive impact.

Sarr only managed 34 touches during his time on the field, with his subsequent tally lower than that of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky who managed 35 – showcasing his lack of impact at the heart of the side.

Minutes played

54

Touches

34

Tackles won

0

Interceptions made

0

Possession lost

6x

Key passes completed

0

Fouls committed

1

The Senegalese was also just as alien out of possession, unable to complete any tackles nor make any interceptions – failing to prevent the visitors getting themselves back into the game.

If anything, the 22-year-old aided their attempts, giving the ball away in the build up to their first effort, handing them a lifeline and the added impetus which saw them eventually claim all three points.

Such a giveaway in possession was just one of six occasions Sarr gifted the ball back to the opposition, which led to him committing a foul trying to regain the ball for his side.

As a result of his dismal showing, Sarr was handed a measly 3/10 match rating by Daily Express journalist Tom Parsons, further showcasing how poor he was in North London against the Foxes.

His display has massively contributed to yet another embarrassing defeat, one that could well spell the end for Postecoglou in his tenure in charge of the club.

Regardless of the managerial situation, the youngster will be lucky to find himself in the starting lineup ahead of the clash with Elfsborg on Thursday night, leaving himself open to being dropped after such a toothless showing.

Finally replace Kane: Spurs plot bid for "machine" who's outscoring Solanke

Spurs could well be in the market for a new centre-forward

2 ByJoe Nuttall Jan 25, 2025

Everton are keen on signing a “brilliant” Rangers star in the January transfer window, according to a new update from journalist Graeme Bailey.

Everton transfer news

Life under David Moyes has started in promising fashion at Goodison Park, with the Scot winning two of his first three Premier League games in this second spell in charge. Despite Everton’s improved form under their new boss, it is still important that fresh faces arrive in the current window, with Rangers striker Hamza Igamane linked with a move to the club.

Another transfer rumour has claimed that the Merseysiders are closing in on the signing of Angelo Preciado, who is currently playing for Sparta Prague, making three appearances in the Champions League this season. A right-back by trade, he is also capable of thriving as a winger.

Everton have also reportedly been offered the opportunity to complete the signing of Botafogo defensive midfielder Danilo Barbosa, should Moyes feel the need to strengthen in the middle of the park.

Everton keen on signing "brilliant" attacker

Speaking to Everton News, Bailey explained that Everton are interested in signing Rangers attacker Igamane as well as potentially another addition, but face competition for the Ibrox star.

“Igamane is a player of real interest to a number of Premier League clubs as the window closes. Everton still like him, they have done a work on him. It remains to be seen if they make a push, Tottenham have joined the hunt for him but a host of clubs are now looking – he is one to really keep an eye on the final week or so of the window.

“Everton losing McNeil to injury points towards more of a wide player – but David Moyes and Everton are trying, they would like a couple in before the end of the window, although most likely loans at this point, but don’t rule anything out.”

Firepower has been a real issue for Everton all season long, with only 19 goals scored in 22 matches in the Premier League this season, and there is now the added concern of an injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Their top scorer in the competition is Iliman Ndiaye with just five goals, highlighting why a player of Igmane’s calibre is needed, with Derek Ferguson recently heaping praise on the Rangers man.

“The manager said he was trying to get him up to speed, but in the last few games he has been nothing short of brilliant. He is off the cuff and he had three or four nutmegs this afternoon – and took his goal brilliantly. I don’t know if you remember Ted McMinn, but Igamane’s got that unpredictability.”

Duncan Ferguson 2.0: Everton keen on signing "outrageous" new striker

Everton are showing interest in a striker who is shining in Scotland

ByRoss Kilvington Jan 28, 2025

The 22-year-old Igamane has netted nine times in just 13 league starts this season – with four more scored in Europe – and at just 22 years of age, there is so much time for him to improve further under Moyes.

After a hectic January transfer window saw them welcome as many as five arrivals, Manchester City are now reportedly plotting a summer move to sign another midfield reinforcement for Pep Guardiola.

Man City transfer news

The Cityzens were in desperate need of a rebuild and commenced that construction during the winter window, adding another goalscorer in Omar Marmoush, three future star defenders in Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Juma Bah, before saving a defensive midfielder until last to cover for the injured Rodri – welcoming Nico Gonzalez on deadline day.

Speaking to the club website for the first time, Gonzalez expressed his delight over the move, saying: “This is the perfect opportunity for me at this stage of my career. I am 23 and I want to test myself in England. There’s no better club than Manchester City for me to do that.

“Look at the squad they have here. It’s unbelievable, full of world-class players. There isn’t a footballer in the world who would not want to be part of this set-up. I know the reputation Pep has and I cannot wait to work with him. In fact, I am honoured he wants me to play in his team.”

Better than Walker: Man City must rue selling amazing star for just £300k

The former Manchester City starlet is now worth more than Kyle Walker.

1 ByJoe Nuttall Feb 8, 2025

Out of the five fresh faces, the £50m midfielder arguably has the most difficult task given that he’s job will be to replace Rodri and fix what has been a disastrous midfield without the Spaniard in the current campaign.

He may yet receive some help in that department in the summer too. According to Caught Offside, Manchester City are now battling Real Madrid and others to sign Hugo Larsson from Eintracht Frankfurt, who value their midfielder at a hefty €60m (£51m) this summer. Possibly splashing the cash once again, City could solve their midfield problem once and for all.

"Brilliant" Larsson is a rising star

Even when Rodri is crucially back fit and firing, Manchester City could do with some fresh faces in the middle of the park. The ageing stars in their current midfield have been exposed at times this season, with the Blues often overrun and the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva all struggling to keep up.

That’s where Gonzalez should immediately make an impact and where Larsson could eventually arrive to help. The 20-year-old Swede is a rising star, scoring four goals and assisting another two from midfield for Frankfurt this season and earning the praise of Jacek Kulig as a result. The football talent scout dubbed the Frankfurt star a “brilliant signing” last month.

Up against Real Madrid both on and off the pitch, Manchester City should be desperate to win the race and secure the arrival of Larsson this summer.

Chelsea currently sit sixth in the Premier League after the latest weekend of action, having lost 3-0 to Brighton on Friday night. Whilst the Blues are only one point off of a top-four spot, their recent run of form is worrying, and their lack of goals mixed with their vulnerability at the back is not proving to be a good mix.

Enzo Maresca’s side are averaging 58.6% possession (second in the division), taking 16 shots per game (fourth in the division) and have scored 47 goals in 25 games, making them the fifth-highest scorers in the division. That being said, Chelsea’s goal distribution in the Premier League isn’t very well spread.

Player

Goals

Cole Palmer

14

Nicolas Jackson

9

Noni Madueke

7

Enzo Fernández

3

Jadon Sancho

2

Marc Cucurella

2

Pedro Neto

2

Christopher Nkunku

2

Moises Caicedo

1

Reece James

1

Aside from Cole Palmer, who has 14 Premier League goals in 25 appearances, also providing six assists in those games, Chelsea’s two next-highest league scorers are now out injured, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke both picking up knocks in recent weeks.

Nicolas Jackson & Marc Guiu blow

Jackson has made 24 appearances this season in all competitions, scoring nine goals, providing five assists and totalling 1,778 minutes played.

But it isn’t just the goal tally of the 23-year-old forward that Chelsea will miss, it’s also the overall work he does on and off the ball, linking play, making threatening runs in behind to stretch the pitch and working hard to press from the front.

His only natural number nine replacement also went down injured after being substituted on against West Ham a few weeks ago. Marc Guiu has made 13 appearances in total this season, scoring six goals in 578 minutes played.

Without both Jackson and Guiu, Chelsea do not have any senior strikers left, with the closest thing being Christopher Nkunku, who is naturally more of an attacking midfielder.

This could mean if Maresca wants a more traditional striker option, he has to look at the academy lads and see what internal solutions there are.

Cobham could provide Chelsea's centre-forward solution

Maresca could look to turn to Chelsea’s excellent crop of academy players, who currently sit sixth in Premier League 2. 17-year-old Shumaira Mheuka is one talent that is very highly thought of, scoring eight goals in 21 appearances for the U18 and U21 teams this campaign.

The Cobham youngster is blessed with an incredible turn of pace, has brilliant ball manipulation to shift and find a yard to get his shot off and uses his body extremely well to protect the ball and retain possession.

Jacek Kulig labelled Mheuka “one of Chelsea’s biggest jewels”, praising his brilliant month since making his senior debut on the 12th of December against Astana, going on to call Mheuka “Cobham’s finest”.

Whilst the 17-year-old may not be fully ready to be thrown in at the deep end, with Chelsea’s lack of options, this could be a great opportunity to take the pressure off, give Mheuka some first-team involvement in the coming weeks, and see if he can provide an internal solution to their current striker issues.

Their own Mitoma: Chelsea must unleash 19 y/o with the “world at his feet”

Chelsea can unleash their answer to Mitoma who has the “world at his feet”

ByConnor Holden Feb 16, 2025

In search of an additional striker after selling Jhon Duran, Aston Villa are now reportedly plotting a summer move to reunite Unai Emery with a forward he already knows well.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans finally got the big sale they needed in the January transfer window, before instantly welcoming reinforcements of their own – albeit without spending the Duran money. Instead, they look destined to wait until the summer transfer window to splash their new-found cash and perhaps take Emery’s side up another level entirely.

For now, those in the Midlands have the chance to enjoy Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi on loan in three impressive arrivals. But when the summer transfer window swings open, it may not just be temporary stars that Villa are left applauding.

The likes of Rodrigo Mora and Nico Williams have already been linked with a summer move to the Midlands in two deals which would instantly welcome two rising stars. Williams, in particular, would bring plenty of excitement after already handing those in England a preview of his talents in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory over the Three Lions.

Aston Villa now plotting summer swoop for "special" £55m Portuguese prodigy

He’s one to watch…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 15, 2025

Alongside the Spaniard, meanwhile, the Villans could turn to an option slightly closer to home. According to The Sun, Aston Villa are now plotting a move to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea this summer, with the forward potentially heading for the exit door if the Blues sign a new striker of their own.

Emery is already well aware of Jackson’s ability, of course, given that he worked with the forward during his time at Villarreal and helped the current Chelsea man break into the La Liga side.

Now, three years on, the two could be reunited at Villa Park where Jackson would replace Duran and hand Emery an instant boost on the attacking front.

"Fantastic" Jackson may need Chelsea exit

If Chelsea are to welcome a fresh face in to lead their frontline this summer, then questions would be asked about Jackson’s future at Stamford Bridge. Potentially left to watch on from the bench, the former Villarreal man could have no choice but to depart – leaving the door ajar for Aston Villa to make their move.

Backed by the funds made by selling Duran in January, the Villans could complete an impressive swoop and sign instant competition for Ollie Watkins. And whilst there would be concerns over Jackson’s playing time in the Midlands just as there may be at Chelsea, Emery has shown in the past just how willing he is to share the load between two star strikers.

Whether Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca will be willing to sell his nine-goal striker is another question. The Italian was full of praise for Jackson earlier this season, telling reporters: “He’s very important for us.

“On the ball he’s working fantastic, scoring, assist, linking with team-mates. Off the ball he’s working hard, pressing in the way we want to press. Doing fantastic with us.”

With that said, the summer could present quite the saga if Aston Villa step up their pursuit and Emery seeks a reunion with Jackson in the Midlands.

Didier Drogba’s legacy at Chelsea is the stuff of legend.

The Ivorian striker was the beating heart of the Blues’ golden era, a colossus who combined power, skill and an unparalleled ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most, most notably in the 2012 Champions League final, where his unforgettable performance helped the Blues lift the trophy for the first time.

A decade after his departure, Chelsea are still yearning for a successor capable of replicating his impact on and off the pitch.

The club has seen a revolving door of strikers in the post-Drogba era, and while some such as Diego Costa enjoyed solid careers at Stamford Bridge, no one has been able to fully step into the legendary striker’s shoes.

From young prodigies already making their mark in west London to established European stars, we look at five players we think have the potential to take up Drogba’s mantle at Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea have fallen off the pace in recent weeks, but a promising season could lead to greater things if they get their summer business right.

ByBarney Lane Feb 4, 2025 1 Nicolas Jackson Chelsea

Nicolas Jackson, who Chelsea signed from Villarreal in the summer of 2023, has plenty in common with Drogba. His physical presence and work rate mirror that of Drogba’s, while his ability to link up the play is perhaps even better than the Ivorian’s. He also has great pace and clever movement.

However, where he comes up short when compared to Drogba is his finishing. Though he’s far improved this term under Enzo Maresca, he still wastes too many big chances, often needing two or three clear opportunities to get his name on the scoresheet.

Since moving to Chelsea, Jackson has scored 23 Premier League goals, but also missed a whopping 39 big chances in his short Blues career so far – exactly triple the amount Drogba missed since this was recorded by the Premier League.

That being said, Jackson is still just 23 years old, and minus his hit-and-miss finishing, his impressive performances at his peak suggest he’s capable of leading the line at Stamford Bridge for years to come. However, consistency and improved displays in front of goal will determine if he reaches Drogba’s heights.

2 Shim Mheuka Chelsea

Shim Mheuka has rapidly ascended through Chelsea’s academy ranks since joining the club from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022.

During the 2023/24 season, he regularly featured for the Under-18s despite still being a schoolboy, netting an impressive 12 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions, including a memorable outing at Stamford Bridge in the Under-18 Premier League national final against Manchester United.

Mheuka also played a pivotal role for England in the European Under-17 Championship last summer, scoring in their opening match against Spain. More recently, he marked his first call-up to the Under-19s in style, scoring against France and the Netherlands.

Now 17, Mheuka’s powerful frame, intelligent movement, and superb finishing abilities – all qualities Drogba showcased – have already caught the attention of Maresca, with the Italian handing him his first-team debut in a 3-1 win over Astana in the Conference League back in December.

There is no doubting that he has a bright future in west London, and given Drogba was 26 when he signed for Chelsea, there is plenty of time for Mheuka to prove he has what it takes to grow into a Drogba-esque talent.

3 Liam Delap Ipswich Town

Liam Delap has been one of the Premier League’s best strikers this season. Big, strong and with a lethal eye for goal, the forward has scored 10 goals in the top flight for newly promoted Ipswich Town and has proven to be a real handful for some of the top flight’s best defenders.

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Already linked with a move to Chelsea, Maresca, who coached him as a youngster during his time in Manchester City’s youth ranks, is a big admirer.

“Liam is a fantastic player, and also for his age,” said Maresca back in December before Chelsea were beaten 2-0 by Ipswich, a game in which Delap scored the opening goal. “I think we spent one year together, and he scored 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker.

“England have many good players, many good strikers,” he added. “He’s working hard off the ball and on the ball, understands the game and can score goals. I think he can be an important player for England.” For Chelsea too, maybe?

4 Victor Osimhen Galatasaray/Napoli

Victor Osimhen is perhaps the closest current player to Drogba in terms of style and impact.

The Nigerian forward’s scoring record at Napoli is certainly reminiscent of Drogba, not to mention continuing his streak in front of goal in a Galatasaray shirt, which is something the Ivorian did himself in between his Chelsea spells.

Osimhen came close to joining Chelsea in the summer, but the deal fell through prior to his loan switch to Istanbul.

Whilst there, he has again shown why he’s one of the deadliest strikers in world football, scoring 20 goals in 27 games, including two against Tottenham in the Europa League, which would already make him something of a Chelsea hero to some.

5 Benjamin Sesko RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers and has often been compared to Erling Haaland due to his physical attributes and playing style. Rather crucially, he has also been mentioned in the same breath as Chelsea star Drogba.

The Slovenian forward stands at 6 foot 4, making him a real handful for defenders when the ball is crossed into the box. Not only is he big, but he’s also a terrific header of the ball. Since moving to Leipzig in 2023, the 21-year-old has scored seven headed goals.

Drogba, meanwhile, found the net with his noggin 17 times for Chelsea in the Premier League.

Like Drogba, Sesko has the ability to score from long range, best showcased by his stunning strike against Werder Bremen in January, where he unleashed a powerful drive that nearly shattered the net from 25 yards out.

Reportedly already on Chelsea’s radar, a move to Stamford Bridge could give him the chance to develop into Chelsea’s next dominant striker, potentially following in Drogba’s footsteps.

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1 ByBarney Lane Jan 27, 2025

Chelsea’s revival under Enzo Maresca continued on Thursday evening as they secured an important 2-1 victory over FC Copenhagen in their last-16 Conference League tie.

Given the strength of their squad, plus the nature of the teams left in the competition, if the Blues don’t claim the trophy, it will be a major disappointment indeed.

If they do, they will become the first team to win the Champions League, Europa League, Cup Winners’ Cup and now Conference League, placing them in their own unique bubble.

Winning trophies is what the supporters are desperate for, especially after a tough few years.

Maresca certainly looks as though he is at Stamford Bridge for the long haul. If he does win the Conference League, it should give him and the club a major boost heading into the 2025/26 season.

They have come a long way since being managed by Frank Lampard, that’s for sure…

Frank Lampard’s time in charge of Chelsea

When Lampard took his first managerial position at Derby County ahead of the 2018/19 season, eventually taking the reins at Chelsea was something which could happen at some point in the future, depending on how well his career in the dugout panned out.

After leading the Rams to the Championship playoff final, he managed to secure a return to the Blues in the summer of 2019, taking over from Italian, Maurizio Sarri.

It was the biggest gamble in Roman Abramovich’s tenure so far, especially considering the calibre of manager he could have lured to London.

Lampard led the club to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League during his maiden season, despite the season being interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020.

It was a decent showing, especially with a transfer embargo placed upon the club, meaning the former Blues midfielder had to field several young talents.

Unfortunately, despite the presence of youngsters such as Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham, Lampard was sacked in January 2021 with Chelsea sitting ninth in the table, after spending nearly £200m in the transfer window.

His replacement, Thomas Tuchel, ended up leading the club to Champions League success, with both Mount and Abraham playing key roles in the club’s success.

The duo looked like they could be the future of the Stamford Bridge side heading into a new era under the German coach.

First Impressions

Lampard gave them their chance in the first team, and it was Abraham who looked like he could lead the line for the Blues over the coming years.

Tammy Abraham’s Chelsea record

After an impressive start to the 2019/20 season, Lampard lauded praise on the striker that October after a goal against Southampton, saying:

“Tammy’s goal was incredible. It’s confidence. When people are in good form, things happen for them. And that comes from how Tammy has handled himself all season form the early moments when people were questioning him.

“The work ethic behind the scenes that gets him in such good nick. He’s not just a handful for defenders, he has good feet, holds up the ball well. He is also getting goals which is brilliant for him.”

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2023/24

12

1

0

2022/23

54

9

6

2021/22

53

27

5

2020/21

32

12

5

2019/20

47

18

4

2018/19

42

26

3

2017/18

39

8

4

2016/17

48

26

4

That campaign ended with the Englishman scoring 18 goals in all competitions, including 15 in the Premier League, setting him up nicely for the following campaign.

He was even hailed by former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand, who dubbed Abraham as “Didier Drogba-esque” after a goal during the 2019/20 season. High praise indeed.

His development continued despite managerial changes at the club, netting 12 goals for the Blues as they claimed their second Champions League trophy courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Manchester City.

It looked as though he was going to be the main man under Tuchel, but during the final few weeks of the summer transfer window, he was sold to AS Roma.

Why Chelsea struck gold selling Tammy Abraham

Overall, his spell at Chelsea yielded a total of 30 goals in 82 appearances for the club, but when Roma came in with an offer of £34m, it was clear that Tuchel was ready to cash in and use the money elsewhere.

Perhaps a fresh start would work out well for the English striker, as plenty of players from these shores have shone upon moving to continental Europe.

Indeed, 27 goals and five assists for the Italian side in all competitions proved why Mourinho spent that sort of fee in bringing him to the club. He added the Conference League trophy to his collection in the process.

The following two seasons weren’t quite as productive, with injuries during the 2023/24 campaign meaning the 27-year-old played just 13 times for the Serie A side.

With just days left of the 2024 summer transfer window, AC Milan announced that they had signed Abraham on a season-long loan deal from Roma. This gave him a chance of a fresh start in Milan after a year of hell.

Across 34 matches for the club, he has managed to score just eight goals, with only two coming in Serie A. Hardly the most productive of loan spells.

In the Italian top flight, the striker averages only one shot per game while missing ten big chances. Furthermore, he has completed just 5.1 passes per game along with taking 13.2 touches each match for Milan.

If he continues this sort of form, there is only one way the player will go, and this could see his value decrease significantly. At present, he is valued at just £17m, as per Transfermarkt, half of what Chelsea originally sold him for.

Aside from his debut season for Roma, Abraham’s spell in Italy hasn’t quite produced the goods. While injury issues can be blamed on his poor form last term, since joining Milan, he has struggled under the weight of expectation.

This certainly suggests that Chelsea hit the jackpot in selling him way back in the summer of 2021, no doubt about that.

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