Chelsea lost to Brighton and Hove Albion once again, this time in the Premier League. After a 2-1 defeat in the FA Cup last weekend, Enzo Maresca was out for revenge against Fabian Hurzeler.

The game didn’t go to plan for the Blues, however, as a double from Yankuba Minteh alongside a well-taken goal from Kauro Mitoma saw the Seagulls prevail 3-0 at the AMEX.

Since the turn of the year, the Stamford Bridge side have only won two top-flight matches as they have slipped further down the league table.

Several players haven’t been performing to their full abilities of late. Cole Palmer has failed to score in his previous five matches. Considering Chelsea have won just two of those fixtures, his downturn in form is perhaps no coincidence.

Another player who hasn’t been at their best of late is Levi Colwill, especially against Brighton on Friday evening.

Levi Colwill struggled against Brighton

The defender played the full 90 minutes against the South Coast side during the 3-0 defeat, but he struggled to cope with the frantic nature of the home side.

He may have won eight of his nine total contested duels during the clash, along with completing 93% of his passes, but Colwill was poor in dealing with the threat Brighton posed, especially in his own penalty area.

Indeed, he was given a match rating of just 3/10 by the Standard and was heavily criticised by Blues content creator Vdyk for his display on Friday evening and unless he improves rapidly, he could find himself out of the starting XI, that’s for sure.

This performance was a culmination of a series of poor displays leading up to the match. Against Manchester City a few weeks ago, the Englishman made an error for one of City’s goals as the Blues suffered a 3-1 defeat.

Back in 2021, Chelsea sold a centre-back to fellow Premier League club Crystal Palace. Since then, he has gone on to become one of the finest defenders in the top flight.

Right now, he is certainly better than Colwill, without a shadow of a doubt.

How much Chelsea sold Marc Guehi for

After making just two senior appearances for Chelsea after coming through the academy, Marc Guehi knew that a move elsewhere would be the only chance he would have of igniting his career.

He spent time on loan at Swansea City, but by the summer of 2021, Crystal Palace were keen on keeping him in London. A deal was struck which saw the youngster move to Selhurst Park for a fee in the region of £20m, which was an impressive profit secured by the Blues.

Although he hadn’t been tested in the Premier League, his success with the Welsh side in the Championship meant he was an interesting signing.

Over the next three and a half seasons, Guehi has gone from raw potential to gaining 22 caps for England while making over 100 appearances for Palace.

How Chelsea would love a player of his quality still at the club.

Marc Guehi’s Crystal Palace statistics

Across his first two seasons at Palace, Guehi missed just three Premier League matches, establishing himself as a regular at the club.

A knee injury restricted his appearances to 25 in the top flight last season, but during his time on the pitch, the 24-year-old was a dependable part of the defence.

Across the entire campaign, Guehi won 60% of his total duels contested in the Premier League, while also making 3.5 clearances, 1.1 tackles, and recovering 4.8 balls per game for Palace.

These statistics show just how impressive he was for the club as they retained their status in the top flight for yet another season and he was hailed by a former teammate at youth level, Josef Bursik, who said: “He’s an absolute tank.

“It’s like having a brick wall in front of you, he’s massive.”

His strength is undoubtedly one of his finest attributes, evidenced by the fact he won over half of his total duels last term.

Given Colwill’s recent poor form, Chelsea must now come to regret selling someone like Guehi, who has developed at a quicker rate than the current Chelsea centre-back, that’s for sure.

Marc Guehi is better than Levi Colwill

Comparing the two defenders with regard to their performances in the Premier League this season proves that there is one who is outshining the other.

Indeed, Guehi has registered more goal contributions (four vs one) in the top flight this term, along with registering more shots (0.43 vs 0.3), tackles (36 vs 29), percentage of dribblers tackled (67.9% vs 64.7%), progressive carries (ten vs nine) and aerial duel won (57 vs 53).

Comparing Guehi and Colwill in the PL this season

Metric (per 90)

Guehi

Colwill

Accurate passes

43.5

70

Tackles

1.6

1.3

Possession lost

10.4

9

Ball recoveries

4.6

2.9

Total duels won

5.3

4.4

Interceptions

0.6

1

The best thing is, Guehi hasn’t actually been performing at his very best, especially during the first few months of the season, yet he has still managed to outperform the current Chelsea centre-back.

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This speaks to just how impressive of a talent the England international is and exactly why the club should regret selling him, as he could have been a great option for Maresca right now.

How much Marc Guehi is valued at now

Chelsea have shown some interest in bringing Guehi back to Stamford Bridge due to his rise at Palace.

Newcastle United did make several offers last summer for the Englishman, but they were rejected by the London club as they looked to build their team around him.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Chelsea are now the favourites to lure the defender back to his first club, although it would take an eye-watering amount to make it happen.

This summer could be the perfect chance to sign him, as he only has a year left on his current contract by the time the summer comes around.

Palace will still demand a fee of around £75m, however. Depending on the other areas of his team that Maresca needs to strengthen, might this prove to be a stumbling block?

Only time will tell, but by signing Guehi, the Blues will be improving their defensive options. That’s a certainty.

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Manchester City have entered a transitional period under Pep Guardiola and more landmark squad changes could be set to occur at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City look to avoid rare trophyless season under Guardiola

Nobody would’ve thought Guardiola could be staring at a trophyless season off the back of his side’s fourth successive Premier League title in 2023/24.

However, the prospect is becoming a more realistic eventuality following the Citizens’ Champions League elimination at the hands of Real Madrid a matter of days ago.

Currently, Manchester City are one of the chasing pack for a place in the competition again via league finish rather than challenging for the title, while they were also dumped out of the EFL Cup away to Tottenham Hotspur last October.

Incredibly, the FA Cup is all now that stands between Guardiola and a first campaign without a trophy to his name since 2016/17. Plymouth Argyle await next weekend with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Manchester City’s next five fixtures

Tottenham Hotspur (A)

Premier League

Plymouth Argyle (H)

FA Cup

Nottingham Forest (A)

Premier League

Brighton & Hove Albion (H)

Premier League

Leicester City (H)

Premier League

Transitional has become the buzzword at the Etihad amid the highs and lows of recent months. Manchester City’s January signings Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez and Abdukodir Khusanov have helped to raise spirits among supporters, but they will take time to fully adhere to Guardiola’s relentless demands on the pitch.

In contrast, it has perhaps been those within the squad that haven’t hit the heights this season who illustrate more than most that change is afoot at the reigning champions.

Eras do indeed come to an end, but Manchester City supporters will be torn on the prospect of a winning machine being taken apart piece by piece, especially when it comes to key players who could be set for a new challenge.

Kevin De Bruyne closing in on headline Manchester City exit

According to The Boot Room, Manchester City icon Kevin De Bruyne is close to finalising terms over a move to San Diego FC and talks are ‘progressing’ with his long-term future at the Etihad uncertain.

The Belgium international has claimed 14 major honours at the club and delivered some of the greatest moments in their modern history, with 105 goals and 173 assists in 405 appearances across all competitions.

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De Bruyne earns £400,000 per week (£20.8 million per year) on the books at Manchester City. Nevertheless, he is wanted to fill one of San Diego’s three Designated Player slots and the Major League Soccer outfit lead in the race to secure his services despite strong admiration from Saudi Pro League clubs.

His compatriot Charles De Ketelaere has been earmarked as a potential replacement in the event of an emotional departure. Despite his exciting profile, the man he could succeed is someone there simply wouldn’t be a direct replacement for at the Etihad.

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Nevertheless, there is a need for fresh blood at Manchester City, especially if they were to lose a player of De Bruyne’s calibre over the next few months.

Leeds United took another step towards promotion back to the Premier League on Saturday as they picked up a point against West Bromwich Albion at Elland Road.

Whilst the Whites would have preferred to claim all three points against the Baggies, especially after they took the lead through Junior Firpo in the first half, it was another point closer to the top-flight and better than a loss.

Daniel Farke’s side are three points clear of Sheffield United in second place and eight points clear of Burnley in third, although the Clarets have a game in hand over the top two.

The West Yorkshire outfit were surprisingly blunt at the top end of the pitch against the Baggies, as they only created one ‘big chance’ in the 90 minutes.

Joel Piroe played the entire match and did not get a single shot off, on or off target, as his teammates failed to create any opportunities for him, and he failed to create any chances for himself.

Joel Piroe's form this season

That was a surprise because the Dutch centre-forward, who joined from Swansea City in the summer of 2023, has been in lethal form in front of goal in the second tier this season.

The left-footed marksman has scored 15 goals from 10.71 xG in 25 starts in the Championship, whilst taking 2.1 shots per game on average, which shows that he has been ruthless with the chances that have come his way in the division.

Championship top scorers (03/03/2025)

Player

Appearances

Goals

Joel Piroe (Leeds)

35

15

Borja Sainz (Norwich)

30

15

Josh Maja (West Brom)

26

12

Wilson Isidor (Sunderland)

32

12

Callum Robinson (Cardiff)

27

12

Stats via BBC

As you can see in the table above, Piroe is the joint-top scorer in the league, alongside Norwich City winger Borja Sainz, and he will be hoping to move clear of the Spaniard to win the Golden Boot, as well as promotion, at the end of the season.

The former Swans attacker has already outscored his 2023/24 tally of 13 goals in the Championship, and his current form is a testament to his professionalism as well as his quality, as he started the season as the second-choice to Mateo Joseph.

Farke went with the Spanish academy graduate for the opening eight matches of the Championship season, but the Spain U21 international only found the back of the net twice in those games.

That provided Piroe with an opportunity to step in and make the number nine position his own, which is exactly what he has done – as evidenced by his position at the top of the league’s goalscoring charts.

Things may not have gone as favourably for the Dutch centre-forward, however, if the timing had been different and a former Leeds youth forward – Rafa Mujica – had been in his way instead of Joseph.

Leeds once had Rafa Mujica

Back in the summer of 2019, Victor Orta swooped to sign Mujica from Barcelona B on a free transfer, after his contract with the Spanish side expired.

The young marksman scored seven goals in 33 appearances for Barcelona B during the 2018/19 campaign and Leeds confirmed that he would initially link up with Carlos Corberan’s U21s side at Thorp Arch.

Mujica soon went out on loan to Extremadura and Villarreal B during the 2019/20 campaign, before spending time on loan with Real Oviedo and Las Palmas in the following season.

At the end of the 2020/21 campaign, following two years as a Leeds player, Las Palmas signed the Spanish centre-forward on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.

Where Are They Now

Expand Collapse

That is a decision that the powers that be may now come to regret, as Mujica has gone on to develop into an excellent centre-forward who has thrived in multiple countries.

After one season with Las Palmas as a permanent addition, Portuguese side Arouca swooped in to sign the number nine in the summer of 2022, and that is when his career really had lift-off.

Rafa Mujica's form in recent seasons

The former Leeds United academy talent enjoyed a strong first season with the Liga Portugal outfit as he racked up 14 goals and one assist in 32 appearances in all competitions.

He followed that up with an exceptional return of 23 goals and four assists in 36 appearances in all competitions for the Portuguese side in the 2023/24 campaign. Meanwhile, as aforementioned, Piroe scored 13 goals in the second tier for Leeds that season.

Mujica, who was hailed as “magnificent” by former boss Pepe Mel, then earned himself a big-money move to Al-Sadd in the summer of 2024, as they swooped in to sign him for a reported fee of €10m (£8.3m).

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Since making that switch to Qatar, the 26-year-old centre-forward has been in incredibly lethal form, and has even been more prolific than Piroe at league level this season.

24/25 season

Mujica (Stars League)

Piroe (Championship)

Appearances

13

35

Goals

14

15

Conversion rate

26%

20%

Minutes per goal

78

146

Big chances missed

10

5

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Mujica has only scored one fewer goal than the Dutch attacker, despite playing just 13 times, and has averaged far fewer minutes per goal in the current campaign.

Whilst some may point to the league that he is playing in, the former Leeds man also starred in the Portuguese top-flight – home to the likes of Porto, Sporting, and Benfica – in the previous two seasons with Arouca, which shows that he can score goals on a regular basis at a good level.

The Spanish marksman never got a chance to make his first-team debut, let alone start the first eight matches of a league season as Joseph did, and some may wonder what would have happened if he had been given that opportunity at Elland Road.

He has developed into a top-quality number nine, who has starred in Portugal and Qatar, and that is why Leeds should rue selling him to Las Palmas back in 2021, as they missed out on the chance to help him fulfill his potential at Elland Road.

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It will now be interesting to see whether or not the 26-year-old, who still has plenty of time left in his career, return to Europe to play in one of the major leagues in the future.

If Champions League football is secured at the City Ground for next season, it could be a very busy summer, and plans are already being put in place as Nottingham Forest are eyeing a move for a “sensational” £20m player, according to a recent report.

Update on Morgan Gibbs-White’s Nottingham Forest future

It has been an outstanding season for the Reds, and at the heart of that success has been midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who has not only been an excellent captain but has produced moments of quality that have helped Forest remain in the race for a Champions League place.

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The 25-year-old, who has five goals and seven assists in 25 Premier League games, has gained admirers from top teams in England given his performances this campaign, but according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Forest are going to “do everything they can” to keep hold of Gibbs-White this summer.

Manchester United and Liverpool have been mentioned as teams interested in the midfielder and will hope they have the resources to lure him to their clubs. However, if the Reds do secure Champions League football this season, then O’Rourke states that the Midlands side would be well-placed to retain their best players for next season.

Gibbs-White has just earned a call-up to the England squad, despite missing out initially, and Forest will be hoping that his international recognition doesn’t mean it will become harder for them to keep hold of their star player.

Nottingham Forest eyeing move for "sensational" £20m star

As the Reds and owner Evangelos Marinakis plan to keep hold of Gibbs-White, they are looking at players who could form a good partnership with the Englishman in the middle of the pitch, and according to TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest and Marinakis are eyeing a move for Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report states that Forest are among the four Premier League teams who are all watching and tracking the young midfielder, with Manchester United, Brentford, and Brighton also keen on Bellingham. All four clubs would be interested in a deal should the Black Cats fail to seal promotion to the Premier League.

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The 19-year-old, who has been labelled “sensational” by journalist Josh Bunting, would be interested in a move, as he is looking to play at the highest level. Meanwhile, the Black Cats are not interested in negotiating any deal for the midfielder, and they will demand a high fee for the player, with it being previously reported that they want £20 million. Bellingham is under contract until 2028, meaning the Black Cats do hold the power when it comes to negotiating a transfer.

Jobe Bellingham’s 24/25 Championship stats

Apps

34

Starts

34

Goals

4

xG

2.61

Shots per game

1.4

Assists

3

xAG

2.24

Touches per game

56.3

Big chances created

4

Key passes per game

1.3

Bellingham’s potential arrival at the City Ground would see him provide competition for the likes of Elliot Anderson, Danilo, Nicolas Dominguez, and Ryan Yates. But given how highly he is rated and obviously how well his brother Jude has done, Bellingham could be a starter wherever he moves to, as he will want to continue developing his career.

Chelsea currently sit in a superb position under boss Enzo Maresca, looking to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, subsequently claiming a Champions League place next season.

The Blues currently have a one-point advantage over fifth-placed Manchester City with just nine games to go in 2024/25, holding the cards over a return to Europe’s greatest competition.

However, the Italian will want to correct the recent slump in form that has seen his side lose three of the last five league outings, with the prospect of Champions League football one that will financially benefit the club massively.

If they are to return to their best form, many will hope the injury suffered by one player isn’t a serious one, allowing him to make a positive impact between now and the end of the campaign.

An update on Cole Palmer’s recent injury

Attacker Cole Palmer has struggled to produce his best form in recent weeks, failing to register a single goal or assist since the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on the 14th of January.

However, his drought may look to be extending further, after withdrawing from the recent England squad following a muscle injury picked up in training last week.

The 22-year-old missed the 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates last Sunday, pulling out of international duty and subsequently being treated by the medical staff in West London.

Palmer was sent for a second scan earlier this week to determine a timeline for his return, with the hope that he can return for the clash with Tottenham Hotspur on April 3rd.

His time on the sideline coupled with his lack of impact when fit has seen one former academy star outscore the club’s talisman this campaign, potentially making the wrong call in allowing him to depart.

The former Chelsea academy star who’s outscoring Palmer

Whilst Palmer has endured a torrid run of form in recent weeks by his usual standards, he’s still managed to star this campaign, registering 14 goals and six assists in his 33 appearances to date.

He’s managed to score the most league goals of any player in Maresca’s squad, proving to be worth every penny of the £40m fee forked out for his signature in 2023.

However, whilst the attacker signed during that window, the club also allowed one other player to depart in the form of academy star Malik Mothersille, who left on a free transfer after his deal expired.

The 21-year-old spent three years at Cobham after joining from Leyton Orient in 2020, catching the eye at various youth levels with his goalscoring exploits.

Mothersille registered 19 goals during his time as a Blue, but it wasn’t enough to force himself into the senior ranks, leaving to gain valuable game time elsewhere to further his development.

The attacker, who’s been dubbed “outstanding” by journalist John Verrall, has certainly done just that, going from strength to strength after joining Peterborough on a free transfer back in September 2023.

Whilst he only managed six goals and five assists in all competitions last campaign, he’s found his goalscoring touch once again in 2024/25, playing a huge part in their relegation battle.

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Morhersille has registered 15 goals and eight assists for Darren Ferguson’s men, currently sitting as their top goalscorer and managing to outscore Palmer as a result.

It’s great to see such a promising youngster finally find his feet in the professional game, starting to transfer his talents from youth level – subsequently allowing him to make a name for himself.

Whilst it may only be League One, his record in recent times is evidence of the superb work done by the academy in West London, with the club capable of producing talents just like the 21-year-old for many years to come.

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Tottenham Hotspur now want to steal a “very dangerous” forward from a rival Premier League club this summer, having now identified him as a priority target, according to a report.

Spurs looking to bring in attacking depth

There have been major doubts raised about Ange Postecoglou this season, with results falling far short of expectations, although the huge injury crisis the manager has been forced to deal with has not helped matters.

However, there have also been suggestions Postecoglou’s style are to blame for the scale of the injury problems, so if Spurs are to persist with the Australian next season, it could be a wise idea to bring in additional depth in attack.

One target the Lilywhites have in mind is Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, who is expected to leave the Serie A side this summer, but there could be stiff competition for the Nigerian’s signature, amid interest from Barcelona and a number of Premier League clubs.

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Sunderland attacking midfielder Chris Rigg has also emerged as an option, with a recent report revealing Tottenham are now leading the race for the 17-year-old, having submitted an opening bid of £38m.

According to a report from Spain, another target has now entered the frame, with Spurs looking to ‘steal’ Aston Villa forward Donyell Malen, who only moved to Villa Park in January, arriving from Borussia Dortmund for €25m (£21m).

Malen is viewed as an ideal option to improve Postecoglou’s frontline, with the forward’s speed and finishing ability making him a priority target, although he is likely to fetch a higher fee than the price Villa paid for him last winter.

Villa are said to be open to a sale if they receive an attractive offer, although it is unclear what sort of fee they would be looking for.

Malen's Villa career yet to take off

The Dutchman has only featured sporadically since arriving at Villa Park last month, making a number of appearances from the bench in the Premier League, and he is yet to pick up a goal or assist in all competitions.

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As such, it is a little unusual for Tottenham to be linked with a move for the former Dortmund man so soon after his arrival in the Premier League, but there are indications he could be a solid signing if he is able to reignite his previous form.

During his time in the Bundesliga, the 26-year-old received high praise from former teammate Mario Götze, who said: “Donyell is extremely fast and very dangerous. If he has a chance, it’s usually a goal, too.”

The Netherlands international was also in fine form in front of goal last season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions. However, his slow start to life in England indicates it may be wise to continue monitoring his performances between now and the summer.

In recent years, West Ham have been looking to increase their level of recruitment, aiming to improve their squad year upon year which has become even more possible since the big-money sale of Declan Rice.

The England midfielder was sold to Arsenal for a fee of around £105m, allowing the Hammers to invest plenty in the past two years.

In West Ham’s top ten most expensive transfers, four of the ten have been signed since Rice left the club, £123.5m being spent in the 2023/24 campaign and spending a further £123.4m in the 2024/25 season.

West Ham’s top ten most expensive transfers

Player

Fee (£)

Sebastien Haller

£42.7m

Maximilian Kilman

£40.6m

Mohammed Kudus

£36.8m

Lucas Paqueta

£36.7m

Gianluca Scamacca

£33m

Edson Alvarez

£32.5m

Felipe Anderson

£32.5m

Kurt Zouma

£29.9m

Nayef Aguerd

£29.9m

James Ward-Prowse

£29.7m

Data taken from Transfermarkt

But away from this list of their top ten most expensive transfers, the Hammers have had some bargains over the years, including one of their best-ever players who ranks 29th in the club’s most expensive transfer fees.

Dimitri Payet's incredible spell at West Ham

West Ham made the signing of Dimitri Payet from Marseille in 2015, with the Frenchman joining the Hammers for a fee of around £10m, which would turn out to be an absolute bargain.

West Ham co-chairman, David Sullivan, labeled Payet a “world-class” player who would be worth triple what they paid had he been in his “prime”. It’s easy to see why.

For the Irons, Payet made 60 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals and providing 22 assists in 4,981 minutes.

Capable of the magical and the extraordinary, his best moment was the extraordinary free-kick goal against Crystal Palace, a goal which finds itself on repeat to this day.

Unfortunately, Payet decided he wanted to return to France in 2017, heading back to Marseille for a fee of around £25m.

To this day, they arguably still lack that magic man, Jarrod Bowen aside, but they may well have the next Payet brewing at the London Stadium.

West Ham's "future icon" could be the next Payet

Bowen has been incredible since signing for West Ham from Hull, notably scoring the winner in the Conference League final, but he’s not the player in question here, it’s Mohammed Kudus.

Signed from Ajax in the 2023/24 summer transfer window, the 24-year-old forward joined for a fee of around £38m and has been a revelation since.

Indeed, Kudus has made 73 appearances for the club since arriving, scoring 17 goals and providing nine assists in his 5,718 minutes played. He may not have hit the dizzy heights of last term but he’s still a cracking player on his day.

Kudus (2023/24) vs Kudus (2024/25)

Stats (per 90 mins)

23/24

24/25

Goals

0.37

0.12

Assists

0.17

0.12

xG

0.23

0.26

xAG

0.14

0.10

Progressive Carries

3.99

3.51

Progressive Passes

2.96

2.77

Shots Total

2.52

2.54

Key Passes

1.14

1.13

Shot-Creating Actions

3.52

3.68

Successful Take-Ons

3.93

3.16

Stats taken from FBref

When comparing the underlying metrics between Kudus’s first season at the club and this season (his second season) you can see how similar the metrics are. Despite this year being much tougher for the Hammers and the Ghana international struggling for output, the underlying metrics still look very strong, ranking highly for things like successful take-ons and shot-creating actions.

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Described as a “future icon” of Ghanaian football by scout Jacek Kulig, he could also become this at West Ham, following in the steps of another magician in Payet. However, Kudus is already subject to plenty of interest from other clubs, and therefore, his decision to stay or leave could prove vital.

If Kudus decides to stay, he could go down as a legend over time, depending on the uplift of performances under Graham Potter.

However, if he does choose to leave, the fee that would be obtained would be very substantial, and it would be tough for Hammers fans to feel too aggrieved.

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Ipswich Town blissfully shrugged off the grim fact that a Premier League relegation looks a nailed-on possibility before their trip to Chelsea on Sunday.

Amazingly, the travelling Tractor Boys raced into a two-goal lead in the first half to stun the Stamford Bridge masses, but a share of the points was the final outcome for a relieved Enzo Maresca.

Kieran McKenna would have taken a lot of positives out of the entertaining 2-2 draw, knowing that some of the personnel who battled well with the Blues will be around next season when promotion is on the agenda.

What Ipswich's rebuild could look like

Away from the likes of Liam Delap and Leif Davis potentially leaving, McKenna will be hopeful that his tight-knit group stays together for the challenge of instantly returning to the Premier League.

He will certainly be calling upon goalkeeper Alex Palmer as his no.1 in the Championship, with the January signing already well accustomed to the second tier with ex-side West Bromwich Albion, on top of tallying up eight crucial saves in West London.

Moreover, faces such as defender Dara O’Shea should continue to start week in week out under McKenna, with the Irishman tallying up a whopping 11 clearances whenever Chelsea bombed forward.

But, with Delap potentially on his way out, how might the attack look?

Well, both George Hirst and Nathan Broadhead could benefit from more game-time by dropping down a division, with the lively pair in and out of the Ipswich starting lineup this season despite amassing 30 goal contributions between them when automatic promotion glory became reality.

Both players did start the contest at Chelsea and shone, but there’s one new standout talent in the Tractor Boys ranks who’s worth even more than the aforementioned duo and he caused the Blues a lot more bother on Sunday.

The "terrific" talent worth more than Hirst & Broadhead

One problem area for Ipswich next season could be down the right wing, with Omari Hutchinson another first-team figure who might fancy a Premier League stay at a different outfit rather than sticking it out at Portman Road.

With the likes of Wes Burns also injury-prone on the right flank, McKenna might well be calling upon ex-West Ham United man Ben Johnson as a first-team regular in this spot more often in the second tier, having been blown away by his quality up against Maresca’s hosts.

Johnson got up and running for Ipswich in terms of goals when powering home a header past Robert Sanchez, with the versatile 25-year-old also picking up his third assist of the Premier League season when helping Julio Enciso to fire home the opener.

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These four goal contributions have come about despite Johnson only making 12 starts for the Tractor Boys in league action, but his impactful cameos here and there have made him a definite worthwhile signing, with the Ipswich number 18 entering the building last summer on a shrewd free transfer.

Johnson’s numbers for Ipswich (24/25)

Stat

Johnson

Games played

19

Games started

12

Minutes per game

61 mins

Goals scored

1

Assists

3

Transfer value now

£6.8m

Sourced by Sofascore/ Transfermarkt

Now, off the back of his heroics in Suffolk, the 25-year-old’s transfer value – as per Transfermarkt – stands at a sturdy £7m, which is way above Hirst and Broadhead’s valuations in the process who are both worth a lesser £4m in contrast.

Heralded as “terrific” by football scout Antonio Mango when initially cutting his teeth at West Ham, Johnson could become even more important to the Ipswich cause when relegation is confirmed, with his ability to play all over the pitch a useful asset to have across a bumper 46-game campaign.

Both Hirst and Broadhead will also have key roles to play in the second tier, with the near future at Portman Road not all doom and gloom if their wounds are sutured quickly after their one-season Premier League adventure.

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Although Sheffield United now find their automatic promotion dreams in tatters, the determined Blades will still feel confident they can achieve promotion via the lottery of the Championship playoffs after Friday night’s comfortable 2-0 win over Stoke City.

This routine victory away at the Potters was their 28th of the season to date, which is the most tallied up by a side, funnily enough, even as Leeds United and Burnley showed off their superiority in the confirmed top two.

The United away masses who made the trip down to Staffordshire would have been largely delighted with what they saw from their team, with a fight and bite present in their game, alongside moments of quality to seal a confidence-boosting three points.

Top Blades performers vs Stoke

Both goals on the day would come from unlikely sources, with former Norwich City full-back Sam McCallum powering home a header deep into the first half, before second-half substitute Andre Brooks made sure of the win with a late breakaway strike.

McCallum impressed in spurts on just his eighth league start of the campaign, with the 24-year-old managing to win all of his aerial duels on the night, away from connecting valiantly to this corner delivery.

McCallum wasn’t the only stern body in Wilder’s defence, with Rob Holding – who will be wanting to impress ahead of the playoffs – also excelling as his side picked up a well-deserved clean sheet, with the ex-Arsenal man managing to win five duels of his own.

Kieffer Moore also shone up top for the Blades in what was an attritional contest, considering the Welshman won a staggering 15 duels in total, away from unfortunately squandering five shots on the Potters net.

But, not everyone adorned in the United away top would be overjoyed with their efforts at the full-time whistle, with this underperformer now at risk of being dropped for the intense playoff matches to come.

The United flop who could now be dropped

It was certainly a full-blooded affair between Mark Robins’ hosts and Wilder’s visitors, with five yellow cards being handed out across the duration of the feisty 90 minutes.

Whilst that suited the likes of Moore with his towering 6 foot 5 frame, ex-Stoke City man Tyrese Campbell would flounder on the contrary, with the bruising nature of the contest proving to be too much for the 25-year-old up against his former employers.

Campbell’s performance in numbers

Stat

Campbell

Minutes played

65

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

23

Accurate passes

10/14 (71%)

Shots

3

Total duels won

3/9

Stats by Sofascore

Looking at the table above – away from losing out on six duels across the 2-0 win – Campbell would regularly find himself out of the contest in an attacking capacity, leading to the United number 23 amassing just 23 touches of the ball.

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Even Michael Cooper, in-between the sticks for the away side, would accumulate more touches with 43, culminating in Wilder bringing off the out-of-sorts attacker for Tom Cannon to get a cameo at the end.

After all, Cannon has recently broke his goalscoring duck for the promotion hopefuls against Burnley, meaning he could be in line for more first-team chances soon, having shown a glimpse of the quality that he can provide.

Campbell does boast ten league goals for the season, but with no strikes now from his last six Championship outings, a fresh body up top might well start against Blackburn Rovers on the final day, before the nerve-wracking playoffs kick off.

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Right throughout Todd Boehly’s reign as owner, Chelsea have not held back on signing elite young talents.

It has been a clear transfer strategy at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues looking to bring players to the club regarded as some of the hottest prospects in world football.

Perhaps the best example of this is Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian, who will join Chelsea for £29m this summer. He was described as a “wonderkid” showing all the “signs of a top player” by football scout Antonio Mango. He is just one of the young talents the Blues have signed under Boehly’s ownership.

This summer, Chelsea could add Ajax defender Jorrel Hato to that list, if recent reports are to be believed.

The latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of Hato

It would be an excellent signing if Chelsea can bring Hato to Stamford Bridge this summer. According to a recent report from Sky Sports, the Blues are ‘seriously considering making a move’ for the Dutchman this summer, and have ‘longstanding’ interest in signing him.

However, they will face competition from two Premier League giants, with Sky Sports also suggesting that newly-crowned champions Liverpool, and Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal are also interested.

In reality, it is not hard to see why the West Londoners are so keen to bring Hato to the club. At just 19 years of age, he is a full international with the Netherlands and has played 108 times for Ajax already.

Described as a “magnificent talent” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Hato has played 28 times in the Eredivisie this season, scoring twice and grabbing six assists. He has also captained the club three times, a superb achievement at 19.

Chelsea do not have a clear path to signing Hato, and will face stiff competition from Liverpool and Arsenal if they are to do a deal.

However, if they are not able to sign the Dutchman, then an alternative may be hiding in plain sight in the academy.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Expand Collapse Chelsea's in-house Hato alternative

If the Blues can’t sign Hato himself, then why not promote their very own “Hato alternative” from the academy? At least, that is what football analyst Ben Mattinson has coined Chelsea’s young defender Ishe Samuels-Smith.

The West Londoners poached Samuels-Smith from Premier League rivals Everton, for a reported £4m two seasons ago. The highly-rated youngster has recently renewed his deal at Stamford Bridge until 2031.

At just 18 years of age, Samuels-Smith is yet to have any kind of first-team involvement on the pitch. Yet, he has featured on the bench three times this term under Enzo Maresca, which included two games in the Premier League back in February.

For the U21s, the youngster has had a key role to play. Skippering the side on five different occasions, Samuels-Smith has featured 23 times this term, scoring two goals and grabbing four assists from full back.

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In fact, that is one of the standout features of his game. Just like Hato, the Manchester-born defender can play anywhere across the back line, even slotting in a right-back this term despite being left-footed. He has also played further forward as a wing-back.

The 18-year-old has impressed in the EFL Trophy this season for the Blues, as the stats on Sofascore reflect. In three games in the competition, he put in 3.7 tackles, made two interceptions and won two aerial duels per game.

Samuels-Smith stats in EFL Trophy 2025

Stat

Per 90

Total

Passes completed

46

138

Long balls completed

2.7

8

Key passes

1.3

4

Tackles

3.7

11

Interceptions

2

6

Aerial duels won

2

6

Stats from Sofascore

It surely does not seem like a first-team debut for Samuels-Smith can be too far away. The Blues academy skipper is clearly a talented player, putting in some excellent performances this term and showing great versatility.

If they miss out on signing Hato, then there might not be a better alternative to the Dutchman than their talented academy star.

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