As those at Ibrox continue their hunt for a new manager, one former Rangers star has told them to go and get a Championship manager who’d join the club “in a heartbeat”.
Rangers schedule manager talks
As things stand, it’s Steven Gerrard who sits top of Rangers’ list of candidates to replace Russell Martin. The former Aston Villa manager is reportedly set to hold talks with the 49ers this week as they look to welcome him back to Ibrox for the first time since he left for the Midlands in 2021.
Whilst the return talks are set to be far from simple, Gerrard recently admitted that he has “unfinished business” in the technical area after failed spells in Saudi Arabia and the Premier League.
Looking for an opportunity to reclaim his coaching career, the Rangers job represents an ideal opportunity for Gerrard. He has already been there and done it – winning the Scottish Premiership in 2021 – and there’s no doubt that the Gers need a similar transformation to the one he oversaw four years ago.
That said, he’s not everyone’s top option. Instead, according to one former player, Rangers should be targeting an impressive Championship manager.
Ross McCormack: Lampard would join Rangers "in a heartbeat"
Speaking on the Open Goal podcast, former Ibrox ace Ross McCormack named-dropped Frank Lampard when asked who he believes Rangers should be targeting and claimed that the Chelsea legend would leave Coventry for the Gers “in a heartbeat”.
The former striker said: “If you could get one for me it would be Lampard, having seen what he’s like. I think you leave Coventry in a heartbeat to go to Rangers.”
'I just spoke to Rangers manager candidate and if Ibrox came calling he'd go'
The Gers are still on the search for their next boss.
By
Ben Goodwin
Oct 8, 2025
If Lampard was available then it would be hard to argue with McCormack. The Chelsea legend has got his managerial career back on track at Coventry City, who have looked unstoppable in the Championship so far this season – remaining unbeaten after nine games.
Coventry 25/26
Championship
Games
9
Wins
5
Draws
4
Defeats
0
Goals for
27
Goals against
7
The frustrating truth for Rangers fans, however, is that Lampard is unlikely to ditch his current project now that it is in such a promising position. Coventry and the former Everton manager have their sights set on the Premier League. That’s something that not even Rangers are likely to disrupt.
Instead, the 49ers may be forced to settle for another legendary England midfielder.
Hakim Ziyech has completed a stunning return to Moroccan football, joining Wydad Casablanca on a free transfer after being linked with a move to La Liga side Sevilla last month. The 32-year-old, who famously helped Chelsea lift the Champions League in 2021, now returns to his homeland for the first time in his club career.
Ziyech joins Wydad Casablanca in return to Morocco
Wydad Casablanca have confirmed the signing of Morocco international Ziyech on a free transfer, bringing one of Africa’s most gifted footballers back home. The 32-year-old playmaker, who left Qatari club Al-Duhail earlier this year, has seemingly turned down the chance to continue his career in Europe with Sevilla, who were eyeing him as a free agent. Instead, Ziyech opted for what club president Hicham Ait Mena described as a move ‘driven by national pride,’ signing a deal until 2027 with an option to extend.
The transfer marks Ziyech’s first-ever stint in Moroccan club football, having spent his entire career in Europe with teams including Heerenveen, Twente, Ajax, Galatasaray, and Chelsea. Wydad’s announcement on social media read, "The world waits … The wizard is here, Ziyech at Wydad," celebrating the return of one of the nation’s most iconic talents.
According to Ait Mena, Ziyech will arrive in Casablanca next week to be officially presented and begin training immediately with his new team-mates. Ziyech’s decision ends months of speculation about his future following his exit from Al-Duhail in May. With his fitness now fully restored and his focus renewed, the move represents both a symbolic and sporting homecoming for the 2022 World Cup semi-finalist.
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Former Chelsea star wants to get back in national team
For Ziyech, this is about much more than football – it’s a chance to reconnect with his roots and revive his career on his own terms. After struggling for rhythm in recent years due to injuries and limited opportunities in Europe, the winger is now focused on rediscovering the joy that made him one of the most creative attacking players in the world. His decision to reject Sevilla, who had been exploring a deal before financial constraints halted talks, underlines how deeply personal this move was.
At international level, the timing could not be more fitting. With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being hosted in Morocco and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Ziyech’s return to regular football gives him a chance to reclaim his spot in Walid Regragui’s plans. The national coach has repeatedly said that Ziyech’s absence was purely down to fitness and form, hinting that a revival at Wydad could quickly open the door to a comeback.
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Ziyech's career so far
Born in the Netherlands, he rose through the ranks at Heerenveen before becoming a sensation at Twente, where his creativity and flair made him one of the Eredivisie’s standout players. His move to Ajax in 2016 transformed his career, as he became a key figure in the club’s remarkable run to the 2018–19 UEFA Champions League semi-final.
A £33 million transfer to Chelsea followed in 2020, and while his time in London brought a Champions League medal in 2021, it was also marred by inconsistency and injuries. Short spells at Galatasaray and Al-Duhail failed to reignite his spark, leading many to question where his next chapter would unfold. Now, by signing with Wydad, Ziyech has found a destination that offers both familiarity, purpose and a place to rediscover his form while giving back to Moroccan football.
Wydad president Ait Mena spoke glowingly about the player’s motivation, revealing that negotiations were "smooth and straightforward." He added: "He made it clear he wanted to play for his country even though he had a few attractive offers on the table."
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Ziyech to make international comeback next month?
Ziyech will officially be unveiled in Casablanca next week before linking up with the squad for training. According to Ait Mena, the former Ajax star is "in full physical readiness" and could make his debut shortly after his presentation. Wydad fans are already gearing up for a hero’s welcome, with thousands expected to attend his introduction ceremony at the Mohammed V Stadium.
On the international front, Ziyech’s return to competitive football could accelerate his path back into Morocco’s national setup. Regragui has left the door open for his return, insisting that "if he finds a club and regains his level, he’ll be selected." With Morocco set to host AFCON 2025, Ziyech’s match fitness and performances at Wydad will be closely monitored by the national selectors.
Watching on as they stuttered in the second half to a 2-2 draw against Real Betis, Stan Collymore heaped praise on one Nottingham Forest star who enjoyed an excellent game.
Antony denies Nottingham Forest late on
It looked set to be another evening to forget in the early days of Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest tenure when Cedric Bakambu thumped home an acute finish after just 15 minutes. But Forest soon rallied and Igor Jesus soon made his mark.
The Brazilian, who came into the side ahead of Chris Wood, found himself on the end of a free-flowing move that Postecoglou will hope to see become a staple of his tenure. And after levelling things up just three minutes after Bakambu’s opener, the forward was at it again. This time, he headed home on the end of Douglas Luiz’s corner as the two compatriots combined.
It then seemed as though Jesus was destined to get his hat-trick. Chance after chance came his way. The summer signing was at the centre of most things good up until the final finish.
In a game on the European stage, those chances simply must find the back of the net. Otherwise, just as Forest did, teams pay a hefty price. This time, in similar fashion to Swansea City’s recent comeback in the Carabao Cup, it was Antony who took full advantage to equalise for Betis late on.
Unmarked at the back post, the former Manchester United winger had the simple task of tapping home. Once again, Postecoglou’s new side failed to get over the line.
There are still positives to take, however. Jesus enjoyed a goalscoring European debut and one other star man enjoyed yet another excellent game.
Collymore praises "class" Anderson
Whilst Forest failed to hold on to secure victory, that didn’t stop Collymore from sending praise the way of Elliot Anderson. The former City Ground ace took to X to describe the England international as “class” in what was a particularly impressive first-half display.
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Collymore said: “Anderson having an A class game for Forest. Driving forward, keeps ball under pressure, allows Sangare and Luiz to hover around half way and pop the ball around, letting him make quality runs.”
It’s not the first time that the midfield star has been at the centre of praise as of late and it’s unlikely to be the last. At 22 years old, he remains one to watch even as Forest find their feet under Postecoglou.
The highly-anticipated derby clash between arch-rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv had to be suspended after violent riots broke out among supporters that led to “endangerment of human lives”. Several members of local police forces suffered injuries after becoming caught up in chaotic scenes prior to the game in question getting underway, with a number of arrests being made.
What happened in Tel Aviv?
reports that five supporters were arrested on suspicion of disturbing the peace, rioting, throwing bottles and assaulting police officers, with a further 13 being detained for forming part of an illegal gathering.
Smoke grenades and fireworks were thrown by those in the crowd at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv, leading to the game having to be cancelled. That decision was made as a result of “serious disorder” playing out. Israeli police announced that three officers and five fans had been hurt by pyrotechnics. Another five supporters were left nursing injuries, with the Tel Aviv district commander, Haim Sargof, stating that postponement was the only course of action due to increased safety fears.
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Why was the derby match postponed?
Video footage captured inside the stadium shows the pitch being engulfed by red and white smoke generated by the pyrotechnics. Supporters from both clubs were involved in the throwing of flares and smoke bombs onto the field, with 51 said to have been tossed in that direction. Stones were also thrown onto the playing surface by those in the stands.
Maccabi and Hapoel players were sent back to the dressing rooms before an official postponement announcement was made. That came at around 8:50pm local time – 20 minutes after the match in question was due to get underway.
What a police spokersperson said
A police spokesperson said: “Disorderly conduct, riots, object throwing, smoke grenades, fireworks, injured police officers, and damage to stadium infrastructure — this is not a football match, this is a serious public disturbance and violence.
“In light of the disturbances and the endangerment of human lives ahead of the scheduled football match at Bloomfield stadium, the Israel police has informed the teams, team management, and referees that it has been decided not to allow the match to take place. We call on the fans to remain in place until a calm and orderly dispersal takes place.”
The Israel Professional Football League Association later confirmed the fixture had been delayed indefinitely, with no date for the rearranged contest being agreed as yet. Months of planning had taken place behind the scenes ahead of an eagerly-anticipated derby encounter, with the Jerusalem Post reporting on how 25,000 spectators created “an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation for a derby that hadn’t been played in over a year”.
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Will Maccabi fans attend game at Villa Park?
The incident in Tel Aviv comes in the wake of an announcement that Maccabi fans are currently banned from travelling to England for a Europa League clash with Aston Villa on November 6. The UK government is exploring ways to overturn that decision, with talks being held regarding extra support for police in Birmingham.
The city’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) made that decision, but they are facing mounting pressure to find a solution that allows supporters to visit Villa Park. A meeting of the SAG is expected to be held in the coming days.
The Home Office spokesperson has said: “No one should be stopped from watching a football game simply because of who they are.” They added that efforts are being made to ensure that the European fixture can “safely go ahead with all fans present”.
Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, has told Sky News that the government cannot promise “come what may” that Maccabi supporters will be granted permission to attend the match. Ministers are, however, “working towards” ensuring the ban on travelling fans will be lifted. Discussions with police, council workers and other authorities will continue until a definitive decision is reached.
Liverpool appear primed for Premier League domination over the next few seasons but still face the daunting task of finding an appropriate successor for Mohamed Salah.
Arne Slot lays out new signing expectations at Liverpool
Despite the excitement that surrounds Alexander Isak’s £125 million move from Newcastle United to Liverpool, the Sweden international has missed out on a proper pre-season and was used sparingly over the international break by Sweden due to his fitness.
With Hugo Ekitike leading the line to great effect under Arne Slot, the Dutchman has made it clear that his newest signing won’t be expected to play 90 minutes straight away across the next few matches as he gets himself in elite shape for challenges that lie ahead.
He stated before his side’s trip to Turf Moor: “Don’t expect him to be every single game 90 minutes on the pitch. We will treat Alex the same as Sweden. So do not expect him to play every game in the upcoming weeks.
Work on the transfer front doesn’t stop there for FSG after reports emerged that Liverpool are battling Manchester United and others to sign Ajax talent Jorthy Mokio, who is also wanted by Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Intriguingly, the Reds are also monitoring Santos winger Robinho Jr, son of the former Real Madrid and Brazil star, presenting another potential recruit who could gain nationwide headlines for obvious reasons.
Keeping one eye on the future, Liverpool have now identified who they want to succeed Salah long-term as they look to build a dynasty in English football.
Liverpool want Michael Olise to replace Mohamed Salah
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool see Bayern Munich star Michael Olise as Salah’s long-term replacement, and they are deemed to ‘lead’ the race for his signature, albeit the Bundesliga holders are keen to offer him a new contract. In the case of Salah, he may once again soon be at the centre of lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, forcing the Reds into forming a contingency plan if the Anfield icon were to depart in the near future.
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1
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With an alleged release clause of around £87m, which could even be lowered if the player pushes for an English move, Olise is said to earn around £224,000 per week at the Allianz Arena and has started the campaign with four goals in four matches across all competitions.
Overall, the London-born star, dubbed “different class” by reporter Graeme Bailey, has registered 24 goals and 23 assists in 59 matches for Bayern Munich, making him a prolific figure within Vincent Kompany’s frontline that is viewed as a similar profile of player to Salah by Liverpool chiefs.
With his release clause believed to kick in next year – hence Bayern’s keenness to offer him a new deal – there may be scope for the Reds to pull off another savvy piece of business if the ex-Crystal Palace man signals his intent to return to the Premier League.
Chelsea chiefs are already making recruitment plans ahead of 2026, and they have their eyes on a former player to bolster Enzo Maresca’s ranks after failing to fulfill some of their transfer goals in the summer.
While the Blues recorded England’s second-highest expenditure during the last window, second only behind Premier League champions Liverpool, Chelsea also wanted a new goalkeeper and centre-back.
The Premier League’s biggest summer spenders
Team
Spent
Received
Net Spend
Liverpool
£415,000,000
£187,000,000
£228,000,000
Chelsea
£285,000,000
£288,000,000
-£3,000,000
Arsenal
£255,000,000
£9,000,000
£246,000,000
Newcastle
£250,000,000
£152,000,000
£98,000,000
Man Utd
£216,000,000
£68,000,000
£148,000,000
Nottm Forest
£205,000,000
£107,000,000
£98,000,000
Tottenham
£181,000,000
£36,000,000
£145,000,000
Sunderland
£162,000,000
£44,000,000
£118,000,000
Man City
£152,000,000
£53,000,000
£99,000,000
West Ham
£124,000,000
£55,000,000
£69,000,000
via BBC
Doubts have surrounded Robert Sanchez and his long-term capability as Chelsea’s number one shot-stopper, prompting the west Londoners to try their hand at a move for France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
AC Milan and BlueCo couldn’t agree on a price for the 30-year-old, as Chelsea were only prepared to pay around £12 million and the Rossoneri wanted closer to £25 million (Ben Jacobs).
Reports suggest Chelsea are still planning to sign Maignan, this time on a pre-contract in 2026 as his contract ticks down towards expiry this season.
Meanwhile, Chelsea also failed with a move for centre-back Dean Huijsen in the summer, as per reliable media sources, with the Spain international starlet eventually joining Real Madrid in a £50 million deal.
Maresca’s side remained in the market for a keeper and defender until the latter weeks of the window (Simon Phillips), but it appears as if Chelsea couldn’t secure targets of the desired quality to reinforce their squad.
Rest assured, their aim to bring in defensive options for between the sticks and outfield hasn’t waned, with Chelsea believed to be among the many contenders to sign Crystal Palace stalwart Marc Guehi on a free transfer next year.
Guehi was on the verge of joining Liverpool in a deadline day move and was given permission to undergo a Merseyside medical. The Reds submitted a deal sheet so they could secure a deal past the 7pm cut-off point too, but Palace U-turned on a deal at the final moment, which forced the England international to remain at Selhurst Park (Sky Sports).
Now, a host of elite sides are lining up to sign Guehi as a free agent next summer, including Liverpool, Man City, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Chelsea "determined" to re-sign Marc Guehi
According to TUTTOmercatoWEB, via Juve FC, Chelsea are also “determined” to re-sign Guehi after he departed Stamford Bridge for Palace in 2021.
However, they face stiff competition from Juventus, who want to open talks for the 25-year-old at the earliest possible opportunity.
The Old Lady could offer an intriguing opportunity to contend for the Serie A title as they look to reestablish their dominance of Italy after a disappointing last few years, but there is reason to believe Guehi would thrive alongside the likes of Levi Colwill (injured), Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana back at his former home.
Why Chelsea should go all out for Marc Guehi
The defender has established himself as a firm England international regular and an undroppable for Thomas Tuchel, with Guehi looking like a shoo-in for the 2026 World Cup squad after an impressive Euro 2024 replacing Harry Maguire.
Calm on the ball, strong in the air and quick across the ground, he offers the all-round skillset modern centre-backs need. Chelsea have been crying out for a consistent presence at the back after repeated defensive injuries over the last few years. Guehi’s blend of composure and leadership could instantly raise the level.
At zero cost, it’s practically a no-brainer, with the only concern being Chelsea’s serious competition for his signature.
Steve Parish branded Guehi a “superstar”, and Chelsea signing him for free would undoubtedly be a major coup.
John Terry has revealed his confusion at the fact he does not receive more job offers, while seemingly giving up on his ambition to manage Chelsea. The former England captain has not held a first-team coaching position since working as an assistant at Leicester City in 2023, as offers do not appear to have materialised.
Terry's bitterness
Terry enjoyed a world-class playing career in which he captained Chelsea to five Premier League titles, as well as the Champions League and five FA Cups. He retired after a short stint at Aston Villa, having also won 78 caps for England, and then appeared set to head into coaching. In 2018, fresh from hanging up his boots, he was appointed as Villa's assistant head coach, working with manager Dean Smith, but left after three years. Since, he worked with Chelsea in a coaching consultancy role, before returning to Smith's staff at Leicester City. After his time with the Foxes, which came to an end in July of 2023, he has not held a role in first-team football, and he has expressed his confusion at the state of affairs he finds himself in, having seen former international team-mates Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Wayne Rooney all bag managerial roles.
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Terry's dream fading
Quoted by the Daily Mail, Terry revealed his dream is to manage Chelsea, but he accepts that he may well have to admit defeat on that fantasy.
He said: "I'm not sure it ever happens, to be honest. It's my one last dream I have at the football club. I've done everything at Chelsea. And for me now, the one thing that is missing is being the manager of the football club.
"That's why I went into coaching when I finished playing. My idea and dream was to learn my trade a bit. As a player, you retire after 22 years… Listen, 100 per cent, you learn enough to go into management.
"The level I played at and the managers I played under. But it doesn't give you the right you go into management at a certain level. You still have to learn and understand what it takes.
"There's a lot more that goes into the coaching side of it. So I went away and learnt my trade, I had some unbelievable times at Villa, I left Villa to be a number one, I thought I was ready. I think I'd be a really good number one, I enjoyed the coaching side of it.
"I want people around me that are better coaches than me. Then I could lead the dressing room and the team like I did [as a player]. That's what I did for 22 years at the club. I know I'd be good at it. Will I ever get the chance? I'm not sure, without doing the other bits. But when people tell you you've not got the experience, it's difficult to fathom."
Not eyeing a Premier League club
Terry says he is not trying to take a job in the top-flight of English football, and instead says he would be willing to drop into a League One club as he looks to kick-start his managerial career at the age of 44.
He added: "When I went into Villa I got great experience under Dean Smith and we got promotion, which was incredible. As an assistant coach in the Premier League and the experience I've had as a player and an individual captain in both Chelsea and England, I thought that would be enough to get me a job.
"I'm not saying a job in the Premier League or the Championship – but a job at League One level."
Terry concluded: "I didn't even get a sniff. I had interviews and it was just 'you have no experience'. When I see some people managing today, it baffles me, it really does.
"In terms of 'am I frustrated', yes, absolutely, because I have a lot of good attributes to be a really good coach or a really good manager but, unfortunately, that's not happened."
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What comes next?
Terry is clearly ready and willing to jump into the dugout but it is unclear if a League One club will be willing to test him out. He will surely be keeping a close eye on managerial movements up and down the Football League, although the Blues job looks a long way off for the former skipper.
Chelsea and Todd Boehly have splashed the cash in recent years on a number of new players, with the Blues winning the Club World Cup in 2025. Following their triumph in the USA, those at Stamford Bridge once again spent big in the transfer window.
Here at Football FanCast, we’ve taken a look at Chelsea’s most expensive signings in their history, as per Transfermarkt and news reports, with a detailed look at the top 10.
Chelsea’s most expensive signings of all time
Rank
Player
Fee
Signed from
Year
1
Moises Caicedo
£115m
Brighton
2023
2
Enzo Fernandez
£107m
Benfica
2023
3
Romelu Lukaku
£97.5m
Inter
2021
4=
Kepa Arrizabalaga
£71m
Athletic Club
2018
4=
Kai Havertz
£71m
Bayer Leverkusen
2020
6
Wesley Fofana
£70m
Leicester
2022
7
Mykhailo Mudryk
£62m
Shakhtar Donetsk
2023
8=
Marc Cucurella
£60m
Brighton
2022
8=
Alvaro Morata
£60m
Real Madrid
2017
8=
Joao Pedro
£60m
Brighton
2025
11=
Romeo Lavia
£58m
Southampton
2023
11=
Christian Pulisic
£58m
Borussia Dortmund
2019
13
Pedro Neto
£54m
Wolves
2024
14
Christopher Nkunku
£52m
RB Leipzig
2023
15=
Fernando Torres
£50m
Liverpool
2011
15=
Jorginho
£50m
Napoli
2018
17
Jamie Gittens
£48.5m
Borussia Dortmund
2025
18=
Raheem Sterling
£47.5m
Manchester City
2022
18=
Timo Werner
£47.5m
RB Leipzig
2020
20
Joao Felix
£46.3m
Atletico Madrid
2024
Here's a detailed look at Chelsea's 10 most expensive signings:
10
Joao Pedro
£60m from Brighton
Chelsea’s biggest signing in 2025 was centre-forward Joao Pedro, who was signed in time to link up with the Blues during their Club World Cup campaign.
The Brazilian became an instant hit with his goals in the USA, and he is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2033.
9
Alvaro Morata
£60m from Real Madrid
The oldest arrival in this top 10 is Alvaro Morata, who joined Chelsea in a club-record £60m transfer from Real Madrid back in 2017. The striker’s move to England ultimately didn’t work out, though, with the Spaniard returning to La Liga with Atletico Madrid on loan in 2019 before making that move permanent a year later.
Morata is currently the captain of the Spanish national team and scored 24 goals in 72 games for the Blues.
8
Marc Cucurella
£60m from Brighton
Chelsea won the race ahead of Manchester City to sign left-back Marc Cucurella from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022 for just over £60m, with the Spaniard making the left-back role his own at Stamford Bridge.
A former Barcelona youngster, Cucurella impressed in his first year in England with the Seagulls under Graham Potter, and the pair would soon be reunited when the Blues brought in the latter as manager a month later.
7
Mykhailo Mudryk
£62m from Shakhtar Donetsk
Mykhaylo Mudryk for Chelsea
Chelsea swooped in ahead of Arsenal to sign winger Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 for £62m, with the Ukraine international signing a huge eight-and-a-half-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
His Chelsea deal could reach a total of £89m, but having not had much success thus far, Shakhtar look set to miss out on nearly £30m worth of bonuses.
6
Wesley Fofana
£70m from Leicester City
Centre-back Wesley Fofana was brought to Stamford Bridge from Leicester City in 2022, but the Frenchman’s stay with Chelsea so far has been hampered by injury.
However, considering he signed a seven-year deal, the Blues still have plenty of time to get the best out of the Frenchman, who cost the west Londoners a handsome £70m – proving Leicester sure know how to get a decent sum for a promising centre-back.
5
Kai Havertz
£71m from Bayer Leverkusen
Kai Havertz Chelsea
Versatile attacker Kai Havertz was brought to England by Chelsea in 2020, joining in a big-money £71m deal from Bayer Leverkusen.
The German went on to score the winning goal for the Blues in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City before being sold to rivals Arsenal in 2023, with Chelsea bringing in the majority of the fee they spent on the player.
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4
Kepa Arrizabalaga
£71m from Athletic Club
Kepa Arrizabalaga is the most expensive goalkeeper in history, but he only sits 4th in Chelsea’s record signings list, showing the Blues’ spending power in the years that have followed.
Famously remembered in a Chelsea shirt for refusing to be substituted in extra time of an EFL Cup final under Maurizio Sarri, Kepa signed for the Blues back in 2018 from Athletic Club for just over £71m and was allowed to join Arsenal for just £5m in 2025.
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3
Romelu Lukaku
£97.5m from Inter
Striker Romelu Lukaku returned to Chelsea for a second Stamford Bridge stint back in 2021, with the Blues paying Inter what was a club-record fee of £97.5m for the Belgian.
It appeared to be a masterstroke at first, with Lukaku scoring freely back in a Chelsea shirt, but over time, it has proven to be a costly mistake, with the player spending recent years on loan in Italy with Inter and Roma before finally being sold by Chelsea for the second time, this time to Napoli.
2
Enzo Fernandez
£107m from Benfica
Midfielder Enzo Fernandez joined Chelsea in a £107m deal from Benfica in 2023 shortly after winning the World Cup with Argentina.
It was a British record at the time, and although the midfielder is arguably still working to pay off that price tag, he has become a vital member of the team under Enzo Maresca, wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of Reece James.
1
Moises Caicedo
£115m from Brighton
Moises Caicedo
Central midfielder Moises Caicedo only made 53 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion between 2021 and 2023, but that was enough for Chelsea to spend big on the Ecuador international.
The Blues won the race ahead of Liverpool for Caicedo, who endured a tough start to life at Stamford Bridge before eventually showing his best form. He’s under contract until 2031, so he has plenty of time to become an important Chelsea star.
Lionel Scaloni has shut down speculation linking Roma forward Matias Soule with a potential switch to Italy, calling such talk “impossible”. The Argentina boss made it clear that the 21-year-old remains firmly in his plans for the Albiceleste. Scaloni hailed the youngster’s growth at Roma and described him as Argentina’s “future” ahead of their friendly against Puerto Rico.
Soule waiting for Argentina debut amid Roma heroics
The 21-year-old, who has represented Argentina at youth level, has not yet made a senior appearance for the Albiceleste, though he has been included in several provisional squads. His form at Roma since joining from Juventus in the summer of 2024 has only strengthened his case, with the forward emerging as one of Serie A’s standout performers this season.
His agent, however, recently cast doubt over his international future, hinting he could take advantage of his eligibility for Italy by declaring himself available for Gennaro Gattuso's side due to the wait for his Argentina debut. That notion has no relevance as far as Scaloni is concerned as he said the youngster will get his chance eventually.
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Scaloni praises Soule’s progress and reveals close monitoring
“Soule called up to the Italy squad? I don’t think it’s possible; he’s been in our sights for some time,” Scaloni said during a press conference. “We see him as the future of the Argentine national team, and he’ll soon get his chances. He’s growing a lot and I’ve been following him for a while. If he continues like this, there won’t be any problems."
According to reports in Argentina, Scaloni even called Soule personally to reassure him that he was always part of the national team's plans.
Agent’s remarks sparked speculation
The speculation emerged after Soule’s agent publicly questioned Argentina’s selection policy, suggesting that his client could switch his allegiance to Italy.
"Argentina has never called him, yet so many young players have made their debuts in recent months. Matias deserves a chance for what he’s doing at a major club like Roma,” the agent said in an interview with . “What if the situation doesn’t resolve itself? He can legally be called up by Italy; anything is possible."
Soule had previously turned down an approach from former Italy coach Luciano Spalletti, reports say, with the attacker’s dream being to play for Argentina, and Scaloni’s latest remarks suggest it's just a matter of time before he gets his chance.
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Focus turns to Argentina’s friendlies and World Cup build-up
With the speculation now settled, attention turns to Argentina’s ongoing preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The reigning champions face Puerto Rico in Miami, Florida after edging Venezuela 1-0 in Miami last week. Superstar Lionel Messi missed that game due to club commitments with Inter Miami, and it remains to be seen whether he will feature in the second friendly.
Scaloni is expected to rotate his squad, offering opportunities to younger players like Soule in the coming months. The 21-year-old could finally make his senior debut before the end of the year, potentially in the next international window. For Argentina, the goal remains clear, to build a competitive core for their World Cup title defence in North America next summer.
Fabio Capello blasted the lack of courage from both Juventus and AC Milan in a 'boring' affair, a sentiment shared by Juve fans who booed their side off the pitch after a fifth straight draw.
Did Juventus and AC Milan fail to entertain?
Capello has delivered a scathing assessment of the goalless draw between his two former clubs Juventus and AC Milan, labelling the Serie A clash as "very boring" and criticising both teams for a lack of courage. Speaking to Radio anch'io Sport via Football Italia, the legendary Italian coach did not hold back after the disappointing stalemate at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
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What Capello said about the goalless stalemate
Capello, who enjoyed successful spells managing both clubs, was left unimpressed by the lack of attacking intent and risk-taking from either side. He felt the contest failed to live up to its billing as a heavyweight clash. "Juve-Milan was not a great show," Capello said. "A very boring first half, the two teams didn’t have the courage to take any risks. We saw a little bit more in the second half. From two teams like that, we were expecting more of a spectacle."
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Missed chances and frustrated fans
The match was a cagey affair with few clear-cut opportunities, though Milan had the best chances to secure all three points. Christian Pulisic missed from the penalty spot, while Rafael Leao spurned a late opportunity to win the game. The home supporters made their feelings clear at the final whistle, booing their team off the pitch, a reaction Capello endorsed. "They were all rightly booed at the end," he added.
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League implications for both clubs
The result was a damaging one for both teams' ambitions. For Juventus, it marked their fifth consecutive draw across all competitions, a concerning run of form that leaves them fifth in the Serie A table. The draw was a missed opportunity for Milan, who failed to reclaim top spot and now sit in third place, two points behind leaders Napoli and Roma, heading into the October international break.