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Under the Todd Boehly regime, Chelsea have shown a real insistence to scour the South American market, acquiring the best young talents, already being seen with the signings of Andrey Santos, Kendry Paez and Aaron Anselmino.

These are just three examples of players who were bought for smaller fees, who are all expected to be worth significantly more after a year or two of development, something we have already seen with Santos, developing on loan at Strasbourg into one of the best midfielders in France.

But perhaps the epitome of their transfer recruitment model, looking to secure the best young talent from across the globe, specifically targeting that South American market, is their signing of Brazilian winger, Estevao, who is set to join the west London in July.

The teenager, if recent reports are to be believed, could be followed by another attacking superstar this summer…

Chelsea submit offer for Brazil sensation

According to reports from Spain earlier this week, Chelsea have submitted an offer for Real Madrid sensation, Endrick, worth around €70 million (£59m). The Blues are looking to add more options alongside Jackson in their front line, with the 18-year-old Brazilian on their radar.

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Real Madrid purchased the promising forward when he was just 16 years old, becoming the most expensive 16-year-old in history, costing the Spanish giants a total fee of around €60m (£51m).

Endrick currently has the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo ahead of him in the pecking order, which has limited his minutes this season.

Endrick has made 29 appearances for Real Madrid this season, scoring seven goals in 562 minutes played. But how does he compare to Chelsea’s own Brazilian superstar and how could they potentially link up?

How Endrick compares to Estevao

Estevao will arrive at Chelsea this summer, after making 62 appearances for Palmerias senior team, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists at just 17 years old.

The Brazilian is expected to be part of Chelsea’s first team next season, where he will likely battle it out with the likes of Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke for a starting spot on the wing.

When comparing the two youngsters’ underlying metrics, it is important to state that Endrick has played around 600 minutes for Real Madrid, playing as a striker. Estevao, on the other hand, plays off the right and has over 2,500 minutes played.

Both players could complement one another quite nicely, combining in tight areas, Estevao being more involved in deeper phases of play, using his progressive tool kit, whilst Endrick occupies in and around the box, looking to provide that killer instinct in front of goal.

Since breaking through and earning his big move to Chelsea, Estevao has already gone on to break records in Brazil, eclipsing Neymar’s Campeonato Brasileiro goal contribution record, netting ten goals and providing eight assists to beat Neymar’s 16 goal involvements in 2009.

Before Estevao truly broke through on a global level, Endrick was already earning high praise, being labelled a “future phenomenon” by Brazilian legend, Cafu, whilst Craque Neto even stated: “He’s going to be better than Romario and Ronaldo!”.

If Boehly and co could somehow secure the £68k-per-week Madrid starlet to partner Estevao in Chelsea’s attacking force, they would definitely be seen as one of the most threatening young duos in European football, therefore making Chelsea one of the most dangerous attacks in Europe.

62 touches, 91% passes: Chelsea ace is now their best player over Palmer

One Chelsea star has managed to overtake Cole Palmer in terms of his importance to Enzo Maresca.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 4, 2025

Wrexham are reportedly eyeing a rising Liverpool star as they inch closer to signing Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez.

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• Wrexham eye Liverpool youngster
• Reds may move him on next season
• Deal facilitated by Kerkez arrival

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Liverpool.com, Championship new boys Wrexham are keen on recruiting Liverpool left-back Owen Beck. The Welsh side are interested in bringing the 22-year-old to Stok Cae Ras next season, particularly with Kerkez set to sign for the Reds this week.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Wrexham have secured a record three straight promotions but this upcoming Championship campaign could be their hardest yet for Phil Parkinson's men. The calibre of player they need to sign will only increase, costs will continue to stack up, and they will be dealing with teams who have Premier League parachute payments and bigger budgets. So signing someone like Beck could be a good start.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Beck, who was born in Wrexham in 2002, made his Liverpool debut in 2021 but has chalked up just three first-team appearances for the club. Since then, he has had loan spells at Famalicao, Bolton Wanderers, Dundee, and Blackburn Rovers.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Wrexham, who signed proven Championship striker Ryan Hardie from Plymouth Argyle earlier this month, are ramping up preparations for life in the Championship, with the club's pre-season campaign set to begin in the coming weeks.

A Manchester United legend has returned to Old Trafford in a new position after confirming his retirement from playing.

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• Man Utd legend confirms retirement
• Returns to club in new role
• Will develop youngsters

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Defender Jonny Evans officially announced he has hung up his boots, after making 241 appearances for the club across two spells. He has now returned to the club as head of loans and pathways.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Evans' new role will see him working closely with director of football Jason Wilcox to enhance progress of young players' development and help them become ready for the first team. A big part of the role will be establishing the best loan moves for each player.

• WHAT EVANS SAID

  Evans said: "I want to officially announce my retirement from my playing career, not with sadness, but with pride, gratitude and excitement for the next chapter ahead. I’ll be forever indebted to the managers, coaches, staff and, of course, my team-mates, that I have had the privilege of working alongside throughout my 20 years in professional football. I am looking forward to working with the next generation of talented players to support them to reach their potential. Having had experience of loans myself, I know the crucial role that they can play within a player’s development."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  United are yet to begin their 2025-26 pre-season, with trips to Sweden and USA coming up next month.

Troy Deeney joins Adebayo Akinfenwa on the very first episode of the Best Mode On Podcast as he opens up on his experiences in prison and how he was scouted by Walsall after a night out

GOAL's brand new Beast Mode On Podcast, hosted by Adebayo Akinfenwa, welcomes guest Troy Deeney as he discusses a range of topics related to his incredible redemption story, including the three months he spent in prison back in 2012.

Deeney, who scored 47 Premier League goals for Watford – more than any other player in the club's history to date – before leaving for Birmingham City in 2021, gives an insight into how he coped, both physically and mentally, in jail as a result of an altercation with a group of students in Birmingham.

Scroll down to read Deeney's first-hand account of that difficult time in his life, as well as the bizarre moment his football ability was first noticed by a professional club. You can watch the full episode of the Best Mode On Podcast via YouTube and Spotify.

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  'OH, HE'S IN JAIL'

  Speaking to Akinfenwa about his first days in prison, Deeney says: "I get locked up on the Monday, a perfect storm and realisation that this thing was meant to happen. And I do believe in a higher power. I get locked up, Watford get bought. So in the midst of that they brought in 42 new players. Nobody at any point goes; 'Where's the No.9?'"

  "Fast forward now from June [2012], to September, when I came out of jail, at the end of August, when you can finally do the last changes for the [squad] numbers, [ex-Watford striker Matej] Vydra was like; 'Why can't I be No.9?' And they were like; 'Why can't he be No.9? Who is No.9?' And they've gone; 'Oh, he's in jail'. But at this point they've not done the first letter, written warning, they've not given me anything. It was going to take three weeks for that process to at least get rid of me. I was coming home in 10 days."

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• '300 PRESS-UPS A DAY'

  Deeney adds: "In jail, I'm 300 press-ups a day. He (Deeney's son), didn't know I was in jail. He thought I was at football camp. I had to phone home every day at six o'clock. Bearing in mind he's three [years old], it's easy to lie. The only reason he knew I was in jail was someone at his school told him, years later."

  When asked to paint a picture of his first night in prison, the former Watford striker replies: "The first two weeks were fine – I was at Winson Green jail in Birmingham and all my friends from home were there. As soon as you go in, into a holding cell, figure it all out. The biggest part about it, you walk in, I think it's six x 12, it's tight anyway. There's a bunk bed, there's a guy on the bunk bed and all I could see was, he was there, and the sh*tter was there. And I was thinking; 'Any time one of us needs to go, this is so compromising'. First thing I said to him was; 'When do we use the toilet?' And he was like; 'When they bring food round, or it's time for a call, then you go at those times'. Turned out his baby's mum was in my class at school."

  Akinfenwa points out that, as is often portrayed in movies, Deeney's experience wasn't one that involved him being attacked by fellow inmates. The ex-Birmingham striker says: "Genuinely, it was like; 'This is where I'm comfortable'. And it's horrible to say but you're not going anywhere. You think about your dad being dead, you left your little man at home, you said you're the man, you're the provider, and now Mapsi's (ex-Watford defender Adrian Mariappa) lending me £10,000 to cover the bills. He doesn't like me saying it but I will always champion him for it, he didn't have to do that."

• GOAL
  

  'I WAS HANGING'

  Akinfenwa then asks Deeney about his breakthrough in professional football and how he'd heard he'd scored seven goals in a match, whilst intoxicated, but was still scouted. Deeney says: "I scored a few. What happened was, I used to be a builder, got kicked out of school in Year 10. They let me do Year 11 but I was only allowed to play football matches. I wasn't allowed to take GCSEs. I went to Carillion building school, passed that by 17, just about passed that as I was terrible but I got through. I was doing a job, then the job finished that Friday and you'd get £200. You go home [and say]; 'Mum that's yours, what do we need?'. And then whatever's mine I'm out with the lads. Went out Friday, got home about 4am, my mum, still to this day, cleans on a Saturday, tunes on, works her way from top to bottom, gets to my room [and says]; 'You've got to get out'.

  "Check the phone, lads are playing, so I'm like; 'Let's go and play football'. Asda bag, muddy boots, brush the teeth, fly across. After the game I'm walking in, they used to put out chips and chip butties, when I got there, because I was hanging, I had a double Jack Daniels and Coke to level it off. As I'm walking in, this guy, Mick Halsall, who changed our family's life, was like; 'Who are you? Where have you been? How old are you?' I'm just looking over his shoulder counting how many people have gone in to get the chips. I'm fuming. He's like; 'Come to Walsall'. And I'd never been outside of Birmingham at this point, so I didn't know where Walsall was. I'm like; 'Okay mate, no problem'. [Halsall says] 'Monday, be there'."

  Deeney then explains how he went out partying that same Saturday night, played in a Sunday league game, where he got in a fight, the day after and then went back out drinking on the Sunday evening. He eventually made it to the Walsall trial, after initially forgetting he had to be there, and, as Deeney says; "The rest is history".

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• WATCH THE FULL EPISODE

Pia Sundhage has put immense trust in the 18-year-old as the home nation aim to go beyond the group stage for the first time

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Women's Euro Tickets

• Secure your Women's Euro 2025 tickets for this summer's international tournament
• Location: Switzerland
• Stadiums: Various, including St. Jakob Park, Stadion Wankdorf, Stade de Genève and more
• Date: July 2 – 27
• Final: July 27, St. Jakob Park

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• Book hotels, apartments and accommodation across Switzerland for the Women's Euros
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• New kits from adidas, Nike and Puma have been released for the Women's Euro tournament
• Grab your favourite team's kit to support throughout the games
• Search for your team, including Italy, England, Germany and more
• Available in sizes XS – XXL

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Tickets

Women's Euro Tickets

• Secure your Women's Euro 2025 tickets for this summer's international tournament
• Location: Switzerland
• Stadiums: Various, including St. Jakob Park, Stadion Wankdorf, Stade de Genève and more
• Date: July 2 – 27
• Final: July 27, St. Jakob Park

From

€149

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Accommodation

Where to stay

• Book hotels, apartments and accommodation across Switzerland for the Women's Euros
• Search for places to stay near the stadiums, across Zurich, Basel, Bern, Geneva and more
• Look for accommodation based on your dates, number of bedrooms, and budget on Booking.com

From

€49

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Kits

Shop your kit

• New kits from adidas, Nike and Puma have been released for the Women's Euro tournament
• Grab your favourite team's kit to support throughout the games
• Search for your team, including Italy, England, Germany and more
• Available in sizes XS – XXL

From

€50

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Tickets

Women's Euro Tickets

• Secure your Women's Euro 2025 tickets for this summer's international tournament
• Location: Switzerland
• Stadiums: Various, including St. Jakob Park, Stadion Wankdorf, Stade de Genève and more
• Date: July 2 – 27
• Final: July 27, St. Jakob Park

From

€149

Buy nowRead More

Accommodation

Where to stay

• Book hotels, apartments and accommodation across Switzerland for the Women's Euros
• Search for places to stay near the stadiums, across Zurich, Basel, Bern, Geneva and more
• Look for accommodation based on your dates, number of bedrooms, and budget on Booking.com

From

€49

Book nowRead More

Kits

Shop your kit

• New kits from adidas, Nike and Puma have been released for the Women's Euro tournament
• Grab your favourite team's kit to support throughout the games
• Search for your team, including Italy, England, Germany and more
• Available in sizes XS – XXL

From

€50

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Switzerland has some way to go in order to become a real force in the women's game, but it is still a country that has produced its fair share of fantastic female footballers. Lara Dickenmann, Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic and Lia Walti are all Champions League winners and would be well in the mix in a debate regarding the country's greatest-ever women's player, with Ramona Bachmann another name right up there. In 10 years time, Sydney Schertenleib, the youngest member of La Nati's squad for their home European Championship, might well have a compelling case, too.

While that might be a bold statement to make about someone who is still only 18 years old, it is indicative of the talent Schertenleib possesses and the excitement that surrounds her, the kind of which has certainly been accelerated by last summer's move to Barcelona and the performances the versatile teenager has put in since.

In Catalunya, Schertenleib is a small fish in a big pond. She's a promising young talent who is proving her worth and making significant contributions already, but it is the likes of Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati who absorb the majority of the limelight and carry more of the pressure. With Switzerland, things are slightly different. Though some of that still applies, there is also a feeling that she is a generational talent who could help propel this national team to new heights – starting at this month's Euros, to be played on home soil.

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  Where it all began

  Born in Zurich, Schertenleib was exposed to football from a very young age as her father played for FC Wadenswil, a club in the lower leagues in Switzerland. "I always went to his matches," she told reporters recently. "And in kindergarten, I used to play with the boys at recess. I loved the looks on the boys' faces when I dribbled past them. That always spurred me on to keep playing."

  She would start playing club football in the junior section of FC Wadenswil before joining FC Zurich at the age of 10, progressing gradually through the youth teams during a six-year stay. One of the highlights of that period was the Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup back in 2022, for Under-19 sides, in which she helped Zurich defeat Lyon in the final.

  Schertenleib played often in Zurich's U21s and was on the fringes of the first team, though did not start regularly due to competition for places in one of Switzerland's best sides. As such, aged 16, she moved to city rivals Grasshoppers, where she was able to firmly establish herself in the line-up and get the senior game time needed to aid her development.

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  The big break

  Schertenleib's senior Switzerland debut came during her lone season with Grasshoppers, less than a month after her 17th birthday, but it was the teenager's move to Barcelona which really thrust her name into the spotlight in a big way. It was a transfer that actually came about through Instagram, she has since revealed, telling reporters: "My dad said, ‘We’ll talk about Barcelona later’. I was like, ‘What?’ He said, ‘Didn’t you see the message?’ I opened Instagram, all flustered, and there it was.”

  The teenager initially played for Barca's talented B team, which has helped to develop several young stars set to play at this summer's Euros, and impressed quickly to earn her first-team debut by November. Once there, she would only become more and more involved as the Catalans secured a domestic treble and reached the Champions League final, losing 1-0 to Arsenal.

  Schertenleib ended her first season with the club with one goal and three assists in her 18 league appearances, just eight of them starts, as well as a strike from her 54 minutes of European action in one of the very best, and most competitive, squads on the continent.

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  How it's going

  Now, Schertenleib is set for the monumental honour of representing her country in a home Euros, at just 18 years old. She will be a key starter, too, with head coach Pia Sundhage having put serious faith in the talented teen since her appointment by the federation in January 2024.

  In the Nations League, which dominated Switzerland's schedule in the first half of 2025, Schertenleib started all six games, mostly as part of a front two in the Swiss' 3-5-2 set-up. It's not a position she has played much at all in her career, having largely excelled in any of the three midfield roles, but it is one in which she has provided some magic for La Nati, most notably with her sublime strike against Norway back in February.

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  Biggest strengths

  Schertenleib's most obvious strength is her incredible technical talent, the kind of which is best summed up by Veronica Maglia, who coached the Barcelona starlet in Switzerland's U17s. Asked by GOAL what made Schertenleib stand-out when she first watched her play, Maglia simply said: "The ball was, and is, virtually an extension of her body."

  The 18-year-old is a wonderful dribbler, she has an impressive passing range and her fantastic understanding of the game overall allows her to easily switch between the different roles in midfield, making her effective as a deep-lying playmaker, an exciting box-to-box goal-threat or a creative No.10. "She radiates confidence in the team thanks to her quality," Maglia added. "She makes her team-mates better with her skills. She always puts herself at the service of the team."

  Underneath it all is Schertenleib's top attitude and work ethic. Maglia is keen to highlight how "attentive" the teenager is when it comes to analysis and tactical elements of training, as well as her desire to win: "In matches, you can compare her to a lioness who goes hunting hungry. When she was 'angry' because she had one or two not so good actions, she always had the ability to turn up three or four gears and decide the game. She always wants to win."

Manchester United are keeping tabs on Boca Juniors star Milton Delgado and could make an imminent move for the 20-year-old, who is valued around €11m.

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• United tracking Boca Juniors midfielder
• Didn't play at Club World Cup
• South American teams also interested

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , United are considering taking advantage of Delgado's current situation at Boca Juniors. The 20-year-old wasn't utilised during the Club World Cup, with new head coach Miguel Angel Russo seemingly not as keen on the midfielder as his predecessor Fernando Gago.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Delgado made his Boca debut in early 2024 and looked to be establishing himself in the South American side's regular starting lineup. However, the change in coaching set-up has not worked in his favour and now United have been tipped to make an offer to bring him to Old Trafford. They are not the only team supposedly interested, with Independiente, Godoy Cruz and Club Atletico Tigre also thought to be monitoring Delgado's situation.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Boca's current preference is to sell Delgado to a foreign club in the hope of obtaining a higher transfer fee. The 35-time Primera Division winners want more than €11 million (£9.4 million/$12.9 million) to permit a sale and United have been tipped to make an offer in the coming days.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  United's squad are back in pre-season training as they look to improve on last year's dismal campaign. The likes of Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon have already arrived at Carrington but more new signings will surely be needed as manager Ruben Amorim looks to stamp his mark on the team.

Kyle Walker is to star in a first-of-its-kind documentary series, with Burnley announcing an exciting X Originals agreement with social media giants.

• Clarets back in the Premier League
• Famed for creative transfer announcements
• Giving fans a look behind the scenes

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Clarets, who are heading back to the Premier League after securing promotion out of the Championship last season, have teamed up with X. A multi-year partnership has been confirmed as Burnley join forces with their first "strategic digital platform partner".

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  THE GOSSIP

  Plans are in place for a 20-episode documentary that will give fans a look behind the scenes at Burnley’s training ground. The series is reportedly set to launch early in the 2025-26 campaign through fortnightly releases, with live streams also being hinted at.

• WHAT CHAIRMAN SAID

  This will be the first X Originals series filmed in the UK and represents a groundbreaking deal for Premier League clubs. Burnley chairman Alan Pace told the club’s official website: "We’re delighted to be partnering with X as we enter an exciting period for the Club ahead of our return to the Premier League. Whether it be our now world-famous transfer reveal videos, or our incredible end-of-season dressing room celebrations, X has been home to some of our most popular and engaging social content.

  "This partnership is part of our long-term plan as the club moves forward with fan engagement and content at its very core. We have lots of exciting plans together and look forward to sharing more details in the future."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  X Originals have previously worked with tennis legends Serena and Venus and Serena Williams, as well as the NFL. Burnley have already made a splash on social media with their creative transfer announcements – with England international Walker featuring in one of those following his summer move from Manchester City.

The reasons for Alisson leaving Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia have been explained, with it revealed when the Brazilian will rejoin the ranks.

• Brazilian goalkeeper released for personal reasons
• Reds have another friendly date on Wednesday
• Will then head home ahead of 2025-26 campaign

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Alisson has become the third player to withdraw from Arne Slot’s squad during a trip to the Far East. Joe Gomez has headed home for treatment on an Achilles injury, while Colombian winger Luis Diaz is in the process of completing a transfer to Bayern Munich.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Liverpool have taken in one friendly date in Asia so far, with a 4-2 defeat suffered against AC Milan in Hong Kong. Alisson played no part in that contest and will not feature in an upcoming clash with Yokohama FM.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  reports that Alisson has left the Liverpool camp due to a personal matter. He will be reintegrated back into Slot’s plans when the Reds return to the UK. Summer signing Giorgi Mamardashvili will line up between the sticks against Yokohama on Wednesday.

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  TELL ME MORE

  Liverpool have a home friendly date with Athletic Club to take in on August 4. Alisson could see game time in that contest, with it important for the 32-year-old shot-stopper to get minutes under his belt.

Chelsea have confirmed Levi Colwill has undergone surgery after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

• Colwill suffers ACL injury
• Chelsea man has surgery
• Set for lengthy spell out

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Colwill sustained the injury in training earlier this week, and now the club have announced that the 22-year-old has had an operation to treat the issue. The centre-back is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

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  WHAT CHELSEA SAID

  A club statement reads: "Defender Levi Colwill has today undergone successful surgery to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The 22-year-old had reported back to Cobham for pre-season at the start of this week, before unfortunately sustaining the injury in training. Medical assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action. Levi will now begin his recovery and be supported by the club's medical department at Cobham during his rehabilitation phase."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The England international is, arguably, Chelsea's best defender and without him, head coach Enzo Maresca has a defensive dilemma ahead of the new season. This may lead the Blues to try and sign a new centre-back, especially as that was their weakest part of the team last season.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Maresca hinted at the severity of Colwill's injury this week.

  He told reporters: "We had a problem the last two days with Levi Colwil. We don’t know how long he’s going to be out. It was the first session on Monday and just in the last minutes of the session he felt something and we need to wait. We know each other from last year and we know how important he has been. I spoke with Levi yesterday and I told him if we achieve what we achieved last year, it’s also because of him."

  He now faces a long spell on the sidelines and is expected to miss a significant chunk of the 2024-25 season.

Como have announced the signing of teenage goalkeeping sensation Henrique Menke on loan from Brazilian outfit Internacional.

• Como announce Menke signing on loan
• Youngster has played for the Brazil U20 side
• Italian outfit have the option to buy him

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Como continue to reinforce their roster in a bid to improve on their 10th-place finish in Serie A last season, announcing on Tuesday the signing of talented young goalkeeper Henrique Menke from Brazilian side Internacional on loan with an option to buy. Menke becomes the 11th signing of the summer for head coach Fabregas, having acquired some impressive young talents such as Jacobo Ramon, Jesus Rodriguez, Nicolas Kuhn, Martin Baturina, Maximo Perrone and Alex Valle. 

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Menke, who is just 18 years old, made rapid strides in the Internacional youth academy, making as many as 17 appearances for the club's U20 side last season. What's more, he has also been capped by Brazil at the U20 level, being a part of the side that lifted the South American U20 championship. He has joined the club's first-team pre-season training in Marbella, Spain, although he will be registered with the Primavera (U19) side for the 2025-26 season. His progress will be tracked by Fabregas, who could provide him sporadic opportunities during the campaign to test his mettle. 

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  Following the transfer, Osian Roberts, Como's head of development, stated: “Our recruitment team and Davide Facchin have been doing excellent work identifying the next generation of young talents both domestically in Italy and abroad. We identified our need to recruit a high-potential young goalkeeper, and we are delighted to bring Henrique to Como 1907. He has already had international experience with his national team of Brazil. Henrique’s profile was important to us—a goalkeeper who is strong with both his hands and his feet, and of international level. He has started pre-season very well, so let’s see what he can achieve.”

  Menke also spoke for the first time after being presented as a new Como signing. The goalkeeper said: “This is a very important step for me, both in my life and in my career. It’s a big change, as I’m leaving not only my country but also my continent, but I’m very happy and excited about it. Before I arrived, I messaged Fellipe [Jack] to ask what it was like here, and he had only positive things to say. He helped me a lot when I arrived, and I really appreciated his support. Here at Como, there’s an excellent project: a growing team that plays good football and has a strong reputation both in Europe and in Brazil. It’s a club that’s constantly evolving, and I hope we can achieve even more together.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR COMO?

  Como's next friendly is scheduled on Wednesday, August 6, against Spanish team Real Betis, before taking on Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy match on August 10. They will kick-off their campaign with a Coppa Italia first round clash against Sudtirol on August 16.