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In another injury blow for Pep Guardiola to contend with, one Manchester City star may now require surgery alongside Manuel Akanji with the Citizens’ problems going from bad to worse.

Man City injury news

Anything that could go wrong has gone wrong for Manchester City this season. After four Premier League titles in a row, the champions have finally suffered from their push for such success and been hit with injury after injury. Rodri’s season-ending injury was enough to send Guardiola’s side in the wrong direction, but far more than just the Spaniard have been sidelined throughout the current campaign.

Man City already sold their answer to Mbappé who Pep dubbed "incredible"

Following Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick to dump Manchester City out of the Champions League, did the sky blues sell their own superstar attacker?

ByBen Gray Feb 21, 2025

Just when those at the Etihad thought they’d restored some stability in the first leg of their eventual Champions League defeat against Real Madrid, their medical team once again received what has become an all too familiar call. Down went Jack Grealish and down went Akanji followed by City’s Champions League hopes altogether, with the latter requiring surgery.

Only compiling their misery, Madrid then took a 3-2 lead to the Bernabeu where they romped to a 3-1 victory to win 6-3 on aggregate courtesy of a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick. But still, the bad news didn’t stop there.

As confirmed by Guardiola, John Stones may now require surgery alongside Akanji after he suffered his latest injury blow in the second leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Just over a week ago, Stones looked likely to become the solution to Rodri’s absence in a surprise defensive midfield role. In just one half, he was forced to move back into the back four following Akanji’s injury. In just over a week, he’s been forced out the side altogether through another injury of his own.

Man City's injury crisis continues

To say that Manchester City are paying for any potential sins this season would be an understatement. For the first time in Guardiola’s career, Champions League qualification is in doubt and a trip to the Etihad is perhaps a scarier prospect for the Spaniard himself rather than league leaders Liverpool this weekend.

Stones, perhaps even more than most, will be a major miss up against the Reds and others in the coming weeks. The England international has often found himself at the centre of Guardiola’s praise in what has been an illustrious City career.

The former Barcelona manager praised his defender’s shock goalscoring form earlier this season when he netted against both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sparta Prague, telling reporters: “When Erling is not available John can play as a striker. Gerard Pique in Barca he had an incredible sense of goal and John is the same. He’s already scored a few goals. He’s back and I’m happy for him.”

Now set to be without both Stones and Akanji for some time, City must somehow create internal solutions yet again ahead of Liverpool’s visit.

England’s white-ball captain calls on boards to keep all cricket “relevant”

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Nov-2022

Australia’s marauding batters gave Jos Buttler a bit of a headache•Getty Images and Cricket Australia

Jos Buttler, England’s limited-overs captain, admitted he was “not fussed at all” about losing 3-0 to Australia in an ODI series he described as a good example of bilateral international cricket losing its relevance.The series, which was not part of the ODI Super League, was originally due to help England’s preparations for their defence of the 50-over World Cup in India, following on from three T20Is which would serve as the curtain-raiser to the Australian summer.But after the T20 World Cup in Australia was postponed from 2020 to 2022 due to Covid, the tour was split in two, and the T20I series was a warm-up for that tournament. With the 2023 ODI World Cup in India postponed from February-March to October-November, the ODI series became an afterthought and was effectively fulfilled due to contractual obligations with broadcasters.Related

Head 152, Warner 106, England 142 all out

Stats – Head and Warner rewrite ODI records at the MCG

The series started only four days after England lifted the T20 World Cup and with their Test squad in Abu Dhabi preparing for a three-match series against Pakistan, England fielded a team that was barely half-strength. They lost all three ODIs and were thrashed by a record margin, 221 runs, in Tuesday’s dead-rubber at the MCG.”It was always going to be a tough series for us, coming off the back of the World Cup,” Buttler said, speaking to the BBC. “It’s just been a few games too far and fair play to Australia, they have outplayed us. It’s not part of the ranking system [Super League] so there’s not as much on the games as there would be.”Any time England play Australia you want to put up good performances, but it’s just been hard. I’m not fussed at all about the results, to be honest. We’ve got exactly what we wanted from [the tour to] Australia.”Steve Harmison, the former England fast bowler, described the series as “meaningless cricket, played in a meaningless way” while working as a pundit for BT Sport, and Buttler implored administrators to “take care” of the global game.”Just to take care of it, find a way to keep it all relevant,” Buttler said when asked for his message to cricket boards. “Maybe the ICC tournaments should be a little bit more spread out: it gives you a little bit more time to prepare and it makes them probably a bit more special when they do come around as well.”The landscape of cricket has changed dramatically over the last few years, and we’re in a different time. Lots of people are talking about how you keep bilateral cricket relevant and I think this series is a good example of how probably not to do it.”I think one of the biggest things is having overlapping series. We’ve got a group of players preparing for a Test series that shortly starts in Pakistan and we’ve got a team playing here at the same time. In the new year, a Test match [in New Zealand] finishes one day, and an ODI series starts the very next day in Bangladesh.”I feel a bit for the players, to be honest – the ones who are young and coming into the game at the moment. You want to play all formats and I don’t think the schedule really gives you that chance at the minute.”

Ipswich midfielder Jens Cajuste heaped praise on team-mate Liam Delap amid transfer links to Chelsea and Manchester United.

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Cajusted hailed DelapIpswich star linked with Chelsea and Man UtdTractor Boys next face NewcastleFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ipswich sensation Delap has enjoyed an impressive maiden season with the club in the 2024-25 campaign, as he has scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 35 matches across all competitions. Swedish midfielder Cajuste spoke highly of his young colleague as he labelled the English forward as phenomenal.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Delap, 22, has been linked with a move away from the Tractor Boys in the summer as the club are now destined to go back to the Championship after their latest 4-0 loss to Arsenal. Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United are strongly linked with a move for the forward, while Everton have shown interest in signing him.

WHAT CAJUSTE SAID

Speaking to , Cajuste said: "He's phenomenal. He's a beast, totally and for a young player like him, it is very hard to say what he can be. I don't think there's a limit, really. It's all upto him really, how far he wants to go, but he definitely has all the qualities."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR IPSWICH?

Kieran McKenna's side will be back in action in the Premier League next Saturday as they take on Newcastle away from home.

As well as looking to bring in new players this month, Celtic are pushing to agree fresh terms with a young talent at Parkhead who is being pursued by multiple English sides, according to a reliable journalist.

Celtic transfer news

The Hoops were held to a surprising 3-3 draw at Dundee on Tuesday evening but remain in comfortable control at the top of the Scottish Premiership, as they are 16 points clear, albeit Rangers have a game in hand.

Worse than Idah: Rodgers must drop Celtic ace after "weak" performance

The Celtic defender endured a torrid evening against Dundee on Tuesday.

3 ByDan Emery Jan 15, 2025

Celtic are yet to conclude any transfer business this month, but it appears as though Brendan Rodgers is keen to add to his squad, as he won’t want them resting on their laurels. One player who could arrive this month is Sarpsborg winger Sondre Orjasaeter, as the Scottish side are in talks over a potential transfer. His arrival would strengthen Celtic’s wide areas, a position Rodgers wants to target, but they face competition to get this deal over the line as teams from France and Italy are also interested.

Meanwhile, an exit could be on the cards for one Celtic player this month, as left-back Greg Taylor is wanted by Championship duo Hull City and Queens Park Rangers. The defender is out of contract in the summer, and while Celtic continue to negotiate over a new deal, the Championship pair have made him a transfer target this month.

Taylor’s positive relationship with Rodgers means he would be happy to stay at the club, but he hasn’t ruled out moving on, depending on what is offered to him.

Celtic pushing to agree terms with young gem

Taylor is not the only player the Hoops are looking to tie down to a new contract, as Fabrizio Romano reports that Celtic are pushing Daniel Cummings to stay and sign a new contract amid interest from West Ham United and Brighton.

The 18-year-old is a product of Celtic’s academy, playing for their youth team, under-18s, and now their B team. Cummings is a centre forward for the Hoops and has been in sensational form this season, scoring 24 goals in 24 games in all competitions at that level.

Last season was an impressive campaign for the young forward, but he has taken his game to a new level, and that has now put him on the radar of some high-profile clubs. Both West Ham and Brighton are keen on signing Cummings, as he is out of contract in the summer.

Apps

47

Goals

33

Assists

0

However, Celtic are not going to let the player go that easily, as they are pushing for him to remain at Celtic Park and sign a new contract. Cummings has yet to play for Celtic’s first team, but he did appear on the bench for their game against Ross County on Saturday. It would be expected that he would want some assurances about first-team minutes before signing a new contract with the Scottish champions, and if he doesn’t get it, a move to the Premier League could be on the cards.

In what could only push them further towards Champions League qualification, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly submitted a hefty bid to sign a Premier League forward.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

Those in the Midlands are rightly acting with all the ambition in the world after pushing into the Premier League’s top four. Without a defeat since the beginning of December, they’re better placed than ever in the Premier League to set their sights on a certain calibre of stars. It’s a rise which has already seen Forest linked with a number of impressive names, from Alex Baena all the way to Luiz Henrique.

Reports have even gone as far as to suggest that Forest have activated the £50.7m release clause in pursuit of Baena as they look to fend off any competition and secure the arrival of the Villarreal midfielder this month.

Baena’s arrival would be quite the statement of intent from a side clearly eager to ensure that this season’s run is not just a flash in the pan and instead a permanent feature in England’s top flight.

Related Club now open to selling Nottingham Forest target with 23 goals last season

2024 was a very fruitful year for the striker.

Posts ByBarney Lane Jan 17, 2025

The Villarreal man isn’t the only one that those at the City Ground are reportedly willing to splash out on either. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Nottingham Forest have submitted a bid worth £22m to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford this month. As far as the Bees are concerned though, they’ll have to do better than that to secure the forward’s signature.

Whether Forest increase their bid to sign Wissa remains to be seen, but there’s no denying just how much of an impact he could make in the second half of the campaign. Given the fact that the Brentford man also has the same agent as Morgan Gibbs-White, personal terms could be easier than they otherwise would have been to agree.

"Remarkable" Wissa would be excellent signing

Amid doubts over Taiwo Awoniyi’s future, signing another forward certainly wouldn’t be a bad idea, especially if it is Wissa who enters the City Ground this month. The 28-year-old could be an instant upgrade on the West Ham-linked Awoniyi and would likely even force Nuno Espirito Santo into a change of system to accommodate a partnership between the Congo man and Chris Wood.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Yoane Wissa

Chris Wood

Starts

19

22

Goals

11

14

Assists

2

2

Expected Goals

10.2

8.1

Two players outperforming their expected goals rate, Wissa and Wood could form one of the deadliest duos in the Premier League.

Those in the Premier League are already well aware of just how well the Brentford man can work in a partnership, given how successful he’s been alongside the equally impressive Bryan Mbeumo this season. Now, he could replicate that with the New Zealand international at the City Ground.

Previously described as “remarkable” by Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Wissa could have quite the decision to make in the closing weeks of the January transfer window if Forest come calling once again.

Newcastle United got back to winning ways on Saturday, and in some style, smashing Leicester City 4-0 at St James’ Park.

Jacob Murphy bagged a brace as the Magpies enjoyed their most-emphatic victory since April, ending a four-match winless streak, as Eddie Howe’s team climbed up to 12th in the table.

When the Magpies travel to Ipswich on Saturday, they’ll be targeting back-to-back Premier League victories for just the second time since September and, if their key players continue to perform, they’ll be firm favourites for victory at Portman Road.

Newcastle United's star men coming to the fore

Both Bruno Guimarães and Alexander Isak scored at the weekend, doing so within three minutes of one another, which was symbolic considering they are the Toon Army’s two most high-profile players.

Isak, in fairness to him, has been generally excellent this season, taking his tally to eight goals for the campaign at the weekend, while the Swede has now bagged 15 goals in 16 appearances on Tyneside since Boxing Day last year.

Since the start of last season, only Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer and Mohamed Salah have scored more Premier League goals than Isak, which isn’t bad company to keep, hence why the striker has been attracting countless admiring glances.

Guimarães meantime, has started all 16 Premier League matches so far, only 16 players across the entire division have played more minutes, featuring for more minutes than any other Newcastle player both this season and last too.

Saturday though saw the Brazilian score for the first time since the final day of last season, yet to be at his dominating best, as the midfield trio alongside him continues to chop and change.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

Of course, everyone knows about the qualities of Isak and Guimarães, but their less-heralded teammate is currently outperforming both.

Newcastle's new star in the making

According to Sofascore, Lewis Hall is Newcastle’s highest-rated player this season, above Anthony Gordon and the aforementioned duo of Isak and Guimarães.

Hall arrived from Chelsea for a fee of £28m, plus potentially £7m in add-ons, making him the club’s ninth-most expensive signing of all-time, all of which have come during the PIF-era, but that’s still a significant outlay considering the PSR-constraints under which Newcastle continue to operate.

During his first campaign on Tyneside, the left-back made just 22 appearances, starting a mere eight Premier League matches, scoring two goals both of which, coincidentally, came in front of the Stretford End at Old Trafford, most notably firing home during a memorable EFL Cup victory over Man United.

However, since both Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman suffered ACL injuries in March, Dan Burn has been required at centre-back, allowing Hall to start 19 of the last 21 Premier League fixtures, including all 13 since 1 September.

Dominic Scurr of the Shields Gazette described Hall as Newcastle’s “star man”, noting that he “had the most touches, chances created and passes” on Saturday, claiming he could become Premier League’s best left-back, if he isn’t already.

So, how does the 20-year-old compare to some of the division’s best left-sided full-backs?

Appearances

16

15

14

16

16

15

Minutes

1,228

1,174

1,041

1,301

1,165

1,277

Assists

2

1

0

1

2

2

Expected assists

3.1

0.9

2.2

1.2

2.9

2.4

Progressive carries

26

15

23

36

11

38

Touches

1,128

884

893

946

756

746

Tackles

30

25

18

44

31

22

Avg SofaScore rating

7.29

6.90

6.69

7.00

7.01

7.09

As outlined, Hall has played more minutes and touched the ball more frequently than any of the other selected left-backs this season, while his expected assist figure of 3.1 underlines his creativity too.

With Sofascore rating Hall as the best left-back in the Premier League to date this season, considering he’s only 20 years old, he’s only likely to get better, elevating his transfer market value to something rather considerable considering the priciest left-back above was Cucurella’s £60m fee.

New England manager Thomas Tuchel handed Hall his senior debut at Chelsea so, given the Three Lions’ recent issues at left-back, the Newcastle man will feel that spot is up for grabs, having earned his first two senior caps in November.

Big Murphy upgrade: Newcastle plotting bid for "unbelievable" £90m star

Newcastle United could be active when the January transfer window opens for business.

ByDan Emery Dec 16, 2024

Arsenal are in contention for the signing of a Premier League forward when the transfer window reopens next month, with manager Mikel Arteta and the Gunners recruitment team prepared for the possibility of new January additions.

Mikel Arteta hints at potential January signings for Arsenal

Speaking in his latest pre-match press conference, Arteta hinted at the distinct possibility that Arsenal could bring in fresh faces for the second half of 2024/2025.

Arsenal in "positive" talks with £46m Barcelona forward's reps ahead of January

The Gunners are in dire need of a new attacking option.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Dec 24, 2024

Injuries to Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling, who are expected to be out for several weeks, have prompted reports that Arsenal are looking at signing a “versatile” wide player who can bolster their attacking options and help Arteta keep chase with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.

They’ve also been repeatedly linked with a new number nine in the last few weeks, with Arteta refusing to rule out the notion of Arsenal spending money in the winter.

Ipswich Town (home)

December 27

Brentford (away)

January 1

Brighton (away)

January 4

Tottenham (home)

January 15

Aston Villa (home)

January 18

“Yes, the preparation is done. We are ready if something happens,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s potential January activity.

“Obviously we didn’t predict the situation with Bukayo and Raheem at the same time. We predicted more if something has happened, for example, in the defensive line. But the job is done. Then, okay, if something has to happen we will be open. But the main focus is now how we should strive to distil the potential that there is in this squad.”

In terms of which players could become available for Arteta and interim director Jason Ayto, Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is reportedly up for grabs on loan.

The Republic of Ireland international, who is valued at around £60 million by Fabian Hurzeler’s side if clubs wish to strike a permanent deal, is struggling for consistent starting opportunities ahead of Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck right now.

Brighton are prepared to sanction a temporary exit for Ferguson in January as a result, and it is believed Arsenal could take advantage of this opportunity.

Arsenal could look to sign Evan Ferguson on loan in January

Speaking to GiveMeSport, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs has told supporters to “keep an eye” on Arsenal signing Ferguson on loan from Brighton, suggesting it is a very real possibility when asked about their transfer plans.

“I would keep an eye on Evan Ferguson,” said Jacobs.

“A player that, when he was playing regularly for Brighton sort of 18 months or so ago, was very much on Arsenal’s radar.

“But of course, at that point, everyone was speaking like he would have a £80million to £100million price tag. Now I think suitors are waiting to see whether Brighton are prepared to loan or sell Evan Ferguson. I think a loan is probably more likely than a permanent sale.”

Interestingly, Arsenal legend Ian Wright has previously heaped praise on Ferguson for his fearlessness, composure and intelligence at such a young age.

Surrey stalwart chosen to head up England women’s A tours and Under-19 programmes

ESPNcricinfo staff04-May-2022Richard Bedbrook has been appointed as the new England Women’s Head of Performance Pathways.Bedbrook, who is currently the regional director for South East Stars, will take up his new position at the conclusion of the Charlotte Edwards Cup next month, where he will oversee the England Women’s A and Under-19 programmes to help develop players for international cricket.”I’m really looking forward to my new role with the ECB and to have an opportunity to make an impact on the international game,” Bedbrook said. “We want to be preparing and supporting players both on and off the pitch to give them the very best chance of doing themselves justice when they step onto the pitch to represent England Women for the first time.”Bedbrook has spent 18 of the past 19 seasons at the Kia Oval after joining as Assistant Manager of the Surrey Cricket Centre in 2003. He went on to work as a Community Coach and with the County Age Group programme before spending a year with the ICC as European Development Officer.He returned to the club in 2008 as Performance Manager in the Surrey Men’s Academy, where he helped oversee the early stages of the careers of players including Sam and Tom Curran, Ollie Pope, Ryan Patel, Amar Virdi and Jamie Smith.At the launch of the Kia Super League in 2016, Bedbrook was seconded to the Surrey Stars, coaching them to the title in 2018, and helping to hone the talents of Nat Sciver, Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Dunkley and Mady Villiers. In his subsequent role as regional director, he worked with a new generation of women’s players, including Alice Capsey, Bryony Smith, Dani Gregory and Aylish Cranstone, the club’s new captain.”I am truly thankful for all the experiences and memories I have gained at Surrey and am very proud of the roles I have had and how those have impacted on a number of players across the women’s and men’s game,” Bedbrook said. “I’d like to send my best wishes to all my colleagues at the South East Stars, at Surrey CCC and across the London & South East region for their continued hard work in developing the women’s game.”Jonathan Finch, Director England Women’s Cricket, said, “Richard has been instrumental in developing the women’s and girls’ performance programmes for Surrey and South East Stars and has an in depth knowledge of domestic and international cricket.”This exciting role will enable us to work closely with the Regions to ensure players receive the best possible support as part of the England Women’s Player Pathway.”

Sunderland fans might well have been fearing another middle-of-the-road season was going to be coming their team’s way, with an unknown entity in Regis Le Bris entering the dug-out tasked with getting the best out of a largely inexperienced camp of players.

Yet, fast forward to November and the Black Cats sit top of the tree in the Championship, with a very impressive record of nine wins picked up from 15 games.

This is an even more commendable feat when you consider Jack Clarke is no longer on the books of the Wearside outfit, who heavily relied on their ex-star winger to conjure up moments of magic when he still donned a Sunderland strip to get the team out of some sticky situations.

Clarke's time at Sunderland

It was always going to be a tall order for Sunderland to keep hold of Clarke over the summer, especially when you look back at how sublime the attacker was last season, even as his side made do with a lowly 16th-placed finish.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man lit up the Championship with electric displays displays, bagging 15 goals and four assists from 40 second-tier appearances, which included hammering home one fierce strike against Ipswich Town.

Funnily enough, Clarke ended up joining Ipswich after inflicting damage onto Kieran McKenna’s men, with the Tractor Boys winning their desired target for a fee of £15m.

Fans that go week in week out to the Stadium of Light must have been worrying how much Clarke’s absence would be felt this season, but Le Bris’ side clearly have licked their wounds well, whilst their former star continues to grow accustomed to life in Suffolk.

Sunderland could now be preparing to sell on another of their top performers very soon, and he could even go for more than the touted £15m next to Clarke’s name.

The star who could be sold for more than Clarke

There is some truth in the fact Chris Rigg looks to be one starlet who could go for more than this bumper amount one day, with talk suggesting £30m could be enough to win the teenager’s service if and when he leaves.

But, that seems unlikely to happen this coming January, with a major switch like this for Rigg feeling premature.

Whereas, Jobe Bellingham might be ready to leave the nest very soon to become an expensive superstar.

Match

Result

1. Sunderland vs Coventry City

2-2 D

2. Preston North End vs Sunderland

0-0 D

3. Queens Park Rangers vs Sunderland

0-0 D

It’s clear from Sunderland’s last couple of Championship results that Bellingham’s absence has been felt, with the Black Cats just about surviving versus QPR in the game he was sent off in, whilst Le Bris’ side only created one big chance versus Preston when Bellingham was completely missing from action.

The 19-year-old hadn’t set the world alight this season when playing regularly under Le Bris, with just two goals and one assist tallied up in the league, but they will be craving his return when the Black Cats come back from the international break.

He has more than proven himself to be a top buy on the whole, with seven league strikes managed during this debut season at the Stadium of Light, after costing what could soon look like a bargain £3m to obtain from Birmingham City.

Former Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray even labelled Bellingham as an “absolute diamond” when overseeing his development on Wearside, with reports now suggesting that the promising attacking midfielder is valued in and around the £21m region, which is way up for the £3m they forked out just two years ago.

With sumptuous strikes like the one above up his sleeve, it does feel like only a matter of time before Bellingham gets a chance to strut this stuff in the big time, potentially costing more than Clarke in the process.

Sunderland sold "outstanding" ace for £100k, now he's starring in Turkey

Sunderland could arguably do with this former star’s experience right now.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 10, 2024

Chelsea are doing well under Enzo Maresca. Sunday’s draw against Manchester United in the Premier League was an unspectacular affair, though Moises Caicedo’s stunning volley to salvage a point was a thing to be witnessed.

Things are starting to come together for the fourth-placed Blues, who are making headway and firmly in the battle for a top-four finish – fans will also be hopeful of a trophy push in either the FA Cup or Conference League.

The squad is improving, and that’s largely down to a fresh concerted approach to transfer dealings. Undeniably, the Blues have spent handsomely on first-team additions, but formerly exorbitant wage packets have been whittled down.

Chelsea's streamlined salaries

Chelsea have kept their new players’ salaries under wraps of late – at least, more so than before. Take this summer’s influx, for example.

Pedro Neto joined for a £54m fee, hefty. However, the Portugal winger earns £160k per week. Moreover, Joao Felix’s £170k-per-week contract feels like a sufficient amount for a player of pedigree and, still, potential.

A better example would be that of Cole Palmer’s contract. Declared to be “the best player in the Premier League” by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, the 22-year-old has scored 32 goals and added 20 assists across 52 matches for Chelsea, joining from Manchester City as a prospect of the relative unknown last summer.

He might have signed in a deal worth £42.5m, a reflection of the sparsely-used Manchester City starlet’s potential, but he was hardly offered a salary to align with that of Chelsea’s top earners – and rightly so.

Even now, after his incredible maiden campaign, Palmer is still taking home comparatively modest earnings. Last year, the England international earned £70k per week. Now, a bumper new deal has lifted this to £130k per week.

He won’t be complaining, but this is still some way below some of the older members of the west London squad. Look at it this way: Chelsea bosses are starting to bring the wages down; had Palmer’s rise occurred two years earlier, you can bet your bottom dollar that the club would have paid through the nose to entice the attacking midfielder to renew his terms.

1.

Raheem Sterling

£325k-per-week

2.

Reece James

£250k-per-week

2=

Jadon Sancho

£250k-per-week

4.

Ben Chilwell

£200k-per-week

4=

Wesley Fofana

£200k-per-week

The table above illuminates the errors of past ways. Reece James’ pay is expected, deserved, with injuries the only thing keeping the captain from world-class recognition across the globe. Ben Chilwell, conversely, plays a bit part in Maresca’s team, though Wesley Fofana is at least starting to prove his worth after a few frustrating, injury-affected seasons.

Chelsea have Jadon Sancho on loan from Manchester United with an obligation to buy him next year but are only covering a proportion of his gargantuan wages. If the deal goes through permanently, he will perform on a lower base salary.

Chelsea must permanently axe high-earner

The same can be said for Raheem Sterling, who is on loan at Arsenal after being ousted from Maresca’s squad. Even with the Gunners covering a sum of the England star’s wages, less than 50%, he must be sold for good in 2025.

Sterling was part of the Clearlake wave of incomings, with Chelsea signing the Manchester City winger in a deal worth £47.5m in 2022. Thomas Tuchel revealed that he was the club’s number one transfer priority.

Sterling has led an illustrious career in the Premier League, having posted 123 goals and 62 assists across 383 appearances in the top flight, winning the thing four times.

Chelsea struggled throughout his first year, and so too did Sterling fail to reach the heights he hit under Pep Guardiola. Albeit, the 29-year-old hit nine goals and four assists across 38 matches, a modest return.

Notching 18 goal contributions from 43 games under Mauricio Pochettino, Sterling is clearly still a player of high quality, but he’s not what Maresca wants and he was shooed out for the good of the project. It’s a tough business but the game, to be sure, is the game.

With the likes of Neto, Felix and Sancho brought in to complement a rich and varied attacking line, his leave was the right thing. But now, Sterling must be sold, even if Arsenal do not move to sign him on a permanent deal at the end of the season.

Sterling has only scored against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup this term, having started just twice in the Premier League and sat on the bench, unused, over the past two weeks.

When he returns to Chelsea, Todd Boehly will absorb the whole of his pay packet once more, and he will drain the club of more financial resources than any other player. Come on, he’s taking home a significantly higher wage than Palmer, and that simply can’t be justified.

In fairness, Maresca has planted seeds that could take several years to grow, but he surely won’t be dislodged from the manager’s seat unless something shockingly unforeseen occurs. As such, it’s hard to conceive of a Stamford Bridge future that features Sterling in Chelsea blue.

Unfortunately for the experienced winger, his early-stage efforts at the Emirates have indeed done little to suggest that he will find a permanent place in Mikel Arteta’s project.

Nonetheless, there’s a suitor out there that would snap the Three Lions stalwart up in a heartbeat, and whatever the outcome, he mustn’t be plying his trade at Chelsea next season.

Enzo could drop Madueke for "elite” teen who's never played for Chelsea

Chelsea have a talent with zero appearances who could permanently displace Madueke in the future.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 2, 2024