Connect with us

Football

Chelsea ‘dream’ transfer target who’d cost £49m revealed ahead of summer window

Published

on

Chelsea have set their sights on Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams as a top summer transfer target, according to multiple reports. The 22-year-old Spain international has become one of the most sought-after talents in European football, attracting attention for his explosive pace, dribbling ability, and consistent performances in La Liga.

With five goals and five assists across 28 league appearances this season, Williams has proven himself as a dynamic attacking threat. His current contract includes a release clause of €58 million (£49 million), making him an appealing yet costly prospect for Premier League clubs.

While Arsenal have been heavily linked with Williams in recent months, Chelsea have now entered the race and are reportedly making him their number one priority.

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Blues are eager to strengthen their attacking options and view Williams as a potential star addition.

Despite also monitoring Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Chelsea’s focus appears to be firmly on landing the Athletic Bilbao winger.

Romano explained in his column for Give Me Sport that Chelsea are actively seeking a new winger and that Williams tops their shortlist. He noted that Rogers and Bynoe-Gittens are both admired for their youth and technical qualities, but it is Williams who is considered the dream signing.

The challenge for Chelsea, however, may come in the form of the player’s salary demands. Reports suggest Williams’ representatives are asking for a weekly wage of around £400,000—a figure that would place him as the highest-paid player at Stamford Bridge.

This presents a potential roadblock for the West London club, especially given their transfer strategy under BlueCo ownership.

Chelsea have focused on acquiring young players with long-term contracts and incentivized deals that include performance-based wage increases. Offering a deal of such magnitude upfront would mark a significant departure from their usual recruitment model.

Despite the interest from England, Athletic Bilbao remain hopeful of keeping Williams beyond this season. Manager Ernesto Valverde recently expressed his desire for the winger to continue his development in Spain.

Speaking to the media, Valverde praised Williams for his strong campaign and stated that the club hopes he remains part of their project for many more years.

Williams, who graduated from Bilbao’s youth academy, is under contract until 2027 and has maintained loyalty to his boyhood club.

As the season nears its conclusion, Williams is focused on helping Athletic Bilbao achieve success in the Europa League. The Basque side faces Manchester United in the first leg of their semi-final showdown on Thursday, and the young winger is dreaming of lifting the trophy at San Mames.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Williams said that playing in major European matches and winning silverware for his hometown club is the dream of every young player. For now, his eyes are set on European glory, but the summer transfer window could bring a major turning point in his blossoming career.

Football

FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

Published

on

By

FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here's why

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.

As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.

Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.

In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.

Continue Reading

Football

New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

Published

on

By

New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.

Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.

The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.

Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.

This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.

Continue Reading

Football

Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Published

on

By

Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.

The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.

According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.

His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.

Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.

Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.

United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.

De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.

The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.

Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.

“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.

“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.

“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2026 Alpays Media.

News
Live Scores
Live TV
App