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Started in 2003, the Golden Boy award has featured some incredibly impressive talents, but not all of those talents have gone on to justify winning the trophy over the years.

We’ve seen some generational stars start their journey at this very point, becoming destined to become the world’s best, yet we’ve also seen ultimate transfer flops take hold of the award.

Ballon d'Or 2026 Power Rankings

Who will be lifting the individual honour in 2026?

ByCharlie Smith Nov 6, 2025

These days, European football is filled with some names that should be guaranteed to take this current era by storm.

The likes of Lamine Yamal, Desire Doue, Estevao and Arda Guler have all been nominated for the 2025 award and all of those players will be hoping to avoid following the same path as some of the last 10 players to win the award.

10 2024: Lamine Yamal

Whilst it’s tough to decide which path most winners are going to take, it’s easy with Yamal. The Barcelona star is going to go straight to the very top. It’s easy to argue that he’s there already, having finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Now, he looks destined to become the first-ever player to win the Golden Boy award in back-to-back years. At just 18 years old, there simply isn’t a better young player on the planet than La Masia’s latest wonderkid.

Since winning the award in 2024, the Spain international has only become even better, even more confident and even likelier to take football’s vacant crown in place of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

9 2023: Jude Bellingham

It’s easy to forget just how young Jude Bellingham is. He has that natural leadership way beyond his years. Yet, it was only two years ago that he was picking up the Golden Boy award after a sensational debut campaign for Real Madrid.

His rise didn’t come to a crashing halt, either. Although injuries are currently handing him a disrupted start to life under Xabi Alonso at the Bernabeu, the Englishman remains one of the most important players at the club and will no doubt make his mark under his new manager.

At just 22 years old, Bellingham is a Champions League winner who has already featured at the World Cup and European Championship for the Three Lions. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, he’s also expected to win his place back for the first time under Thomas Tuchel.

8 2022: Gavi

Football has a scheduling problem and one of the biggest victims to that schedule has been Gavi. Barcelona discovered their next best thing in 2022 when the midfielder won the Golden Boy award, but they simply did too much too soon.

The Spaniard was rarely rested when he first broke through in La Liga and has since suffered significant knee injuries. What was football’s newest Golden Boy in 2022 is now a star frustrated by injury setbacks at just 21 years old.

There’s still time for Gavi to work his way back to full fitness, but his problems should act as a stark warning for UEFA and FIFA as they add more fixtures to the football calendar.

7 2021: Pedri

Onto another Barcelona star, Pedri picked up the Golden Boy award in 2021 and has not looked back since. Whilst he’s also suffered a number of injuries since breaking through in Spain, the 22-year-old is now enjoying the best form of his career and is being recognised by many as one of the best midfielder’s that European football has to offer.

Like Yamal, Pedri is just getting started. He’s one that looks destined to become a generational talent four years on from winning such a prestigious award.

6 2020: Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland was unstoppable in 2020 and is inevitable in 2025. He looked destined to reach the peak of European football when he won the Golden Boy award at Borussia Dortmund and now looks likely to win a Ballon d’Or one day at Manchester City.

Since winning the award, the Norway international has joined City, won the Premier League, broke the record for goals in a single Premier League campaign and won a historic treble with the Citizens. He is one of, if not the best striker in the world.

5 2019: Joao Felix

It’s not all Haalands and Yamals on this list. A certain Joao Felix picked up the award in 2019 just months after sealing a move worth as much as £113m to Atletico Madrid.

The La Liga giants went all in one what was one of the best young players in the world. Now, six years on, he plays his football at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

Atletico Madrid

34

131

Chelsea

40

11

Barcelona

44

10

AC Milan

21

3

From Chelsea and Barcelona all the way to AC Milan, it’s never clicked for Felix. The most damning statistic of all is that the failed wonderkid never even reached the 20-goal mark for any of those aforementioned clubs after Atletico Madrid. Simply put, he peaked when he won the Golden Boy award in 2019.

4 2018: Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt is a difficult one to judge. Whilst he’s now part of a struggling Manchester United side under Ruben Amorim, he still went on to seal a move to Juventus and then Bayern Munich after picking up the award in 2018 with Ajax.

The Dutchman was part of a generation of young players that very nearly made history under Erik ten Hag in the Netherlands, as they reached the Champions League semi-final. Ultimately, it wasn’t to be, but the defender did enough for his reputation to earn a big move elsewhere alongside several others.

De Ligt hasn’t endured the same struggles as Felix since the Golden Boy honour, but he is not the best defender in the world that many expected him to be by this stage.

3 2017: Kylian Mbappe

Like Haaland earlier in this list, Kylian Mbappe was destined to win the Golden Boy from the start of his Monaco career. Picking up the award at Paris Saint-Germain not long after sealing a loan move to the French giants which would become a £166m one year later, Mbappe stood tall as the best young player in the world.

Since then, although he is yet to be recognised with a Ballon d’Or, the Frenchman has fulfilled his prophecy and is now arguably Real Madrid’s most important player. After initially making a slow start in Spain, the 26-year-old has discovered his best form and may well be back in conversation for football’s highest honours soon enough.

2 2016: Renato Sanches

Who remembers Renato Sanches? Swansea City fans certainly will. The midfielder took Europe by storm as Portugal won Euro 2016 and went on to win the Golden Boy award as a result. Bayern Munich thought they had stolen a generational player from Benfica when he was accepting the award, but injuries soon struck and a move to Wales soon came calling.

No matter his struggle for form and injuries, Swansea couldn’t believe their luck when they signed Sanches on loan in 2017, only to suffer relegation and watch on as he failed to make his mark.

Beyond the English side, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and AS Roma also attempted to revive the midfielder’s career, but he ultimately never rediscovered his best form. Now, at 28 years old, he plays his football on loan from PSG at Greek side Panathinaikos.

1 2015: Anthony Martial

“Welcome to the Premier League, Anthony Martial”, is what Martin Tyler famously exclaimed when the Frenchman left Martin Skrtel bamboozled to score a stunning debut goal for Manchester United against Liverpool. At that point, Old Trafford and the rest of the Premier League believed a generational star had arrived.

A star boy quickly became a struggling star, however, and that debut goal remains Martial’s most memorable moment in a Man United shirt. As the Red Devils hired and fired Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and others, the Frenchman failed to truly make his mark. Now, he plays for Mexican side Monterrey.

That Ballon d’Or clause is beginning to look a tad awkward, isn’t it?

Following a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal, Leeds United are reportedly in talks to sanction the departure of a player who earns over £900,000 a year at Elland Road.

Farke: Arsenal thrashing not "season-defining"

Daniel Farke could have counted on one hand the amount of Premier League fans that expected Leeds to head to Arsenal and secure a shock victory, such is the difficulty for newly-promoted sides against the top six.

It was always likely to be the ruthless welcome back to the top flight that Everton were unable to hand the Whites, but Farke was quick to claim that their 5-0 defeat was far from “season-defining”.

Whilst their trip to the Emirates should be one that Leeds learn from, they should also move on quickly and prepare for both Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup and then Newcastle United’s visit to Elland Road next weekend.

Not just Gruev: Farke must drop 4/10 Leeds star who lost 100% duels

Daniel Farke should ruthlessly drop this Leeds flop as well as Ilia Gruev for the next Premier League game.

ByDan Emery Aug 24, 2025

As they look to return to winning ways, however, they may have to do so without one attacking player who could be heading to La Liga before the end of the transfer window.

Valencia in talks to sign Ramazani

According to Sacha Tavolieri, Valencia are now in talks to sign Largie Ramazani on loan from Leeds this month. The winger was left out of Farke’s squad to face Arsenal after the German opted to pick other options.

Now, he could leave on loan to the La Liga club, managed by former Marcelo Bielsa assistant Carlos Corberan, who could reportedly cover his £910,000-a-year salary and have a buy option included in their deal.

Since then, reports from Spain have claimed the 24-year-old has ‘fully agreed terms’ with the La Liga side. After just one season at the club, Ramazani’s time at Leeds looks destined to come to a swift end this month.

The fact that the winger was left out of Farke’s squad to face Arsenal was never a good sign, even though the Leeds boss told reporters when questioned about that decision: “It was just due to the decision about Noah Okafor, not against Largie.”

Leeds United have placed a big emphasis on improving the defensive areas of their squad during the summer transfer window ahead of the Premier League opener against Everton.

Daniel Farke has added Lucas Perri, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Sean Longstaff, and Anton Stach to improve the strength of the team out of possession.

The Whites have also brought in Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha in the centre-forward position to compete for a starting spot as the number nine, but they have yet to bolster their options out wide since Manor Solomon returned to Tottenham Hotspur.

Leeds closing in on deal for defender

Despite the need for more attacking players before the end of the summer transfer window, the Championship champions are now looking to bring in another defensive option.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to LeedsUnitedNews, the club are closing in on a deal to sign Leicester City’s versatile full-back James Justin on a permanent transfer.

The report claims that the former England international is set to cost a fee of around £6m, with Leeds looking to beat Everton to his signature this summer.

It adds that Justin believes that he can come in and earn a starting spot straight away, either at left-back or right-back, which does not suggest that this is a signing with purely depth in mind.

Why this is bad news for Sam Byram

Sam Byram put pen to paper on a new one-year contract earlier this summer to play a back-up role as a versatile full-back who can play on the right or the left.

Jayden Bogle and Gudmundsson are the first-choice options at right-back and left-back, respectively, and the experienced Englishman is the current back-up in both positions.

This is why the arrival of Justin on a permanent deal from Leicester would be bad news for the Leeds academy graduate, because the Foxes star would, essentially, take his place in the pecking order.

Justin, like Byram, can play at right-back or left-back with ease and will provide strong competition in both positions, possibly being the first-choice replacement for Gudmundsson or Bogle, instead of the former Norwich man.

Appearances

36

36

Goals

2

1

Assists

2

1

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.9

1.5

Duels won per game

5.0

2.3

Ground duel success rate

59%

60%

Aerial duel success rate

55%

50%

As you can see in the table above, Justin offered more to his team defensively and in possession than Byram at league level last season, whilst playing in the Premier League.

These statistics, and the respective leagues that they were produced in, suggest that Leeds would be improving the quality of their options in both full-back positions by splashing £6m on the Foxes star to be a Byram upgrade, in a way.

Justin, who was described as an “adventurous” full-back by pundit Tony Cascarino, is a proven Premier League performer with the experience to hit the ground running at Elland Road, which also means that he will not need much time to adapt to the division.

Therefore, this could be bad news for Byram because he could be instantly dropped down the pecking order to, essentially, third-choice full-back on the right and the left, as the Leicester man can play both sides.

Better than Beto: “Complete” ST is new Leeds target after Calvert-Lewin

Leeds United target new striking option to partner Dominic Calvert-Lewin on Premier League return

ByWill Miller Aug 16, 2025

Whilst it appears to be bad news for Byram and his prospects for the 2025/26 campaign, it does appear to be an upgrade and a good piece of business for Leeds, who look set to sign an experienced, strong, and versatile Premier League-level full-back to bolster their squad.

Arsenal are still chasing a deal for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, as has been the case for weeks, but the Premier League star could be joined by a fairly new summer target.

Arsenal respond as "impressive" player plans to leave against Arteta's wishes

His future remains open…

3 ByTom Cunningham Aug 4, 2025

Andrea Berta is pushing ahead with the club’s attempts to land Eze, already holding positive talks with his representatives and confirmation that the England attacker is very keen on donning the red and white again – 14 years after he was released from the academy set up (Fabrizio Romano).

Some media sources believe that Eze’s £60 million release clause, rising to about £68 million with add-ons, expired last Friday at 11:59pm – although other reliable outlets, like Standard Sport, now claim that the clause is actually active until August 15.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£208m

As discrepancies linger over the buyout, Palace are set to demand £30 million-plus up front before letting him negotiate – which could make or break the deal (The Guardian).

Arsenal haven’t made a formal bid yet, either. Right now, Berta and Mikel Arteta are believed to be prioritising outgoings, having spent over £200 million already this summer on Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and star new number nine Viktor Gyokeres.

Eze has apparently held direct talks with both Arteta and Berta, according to talkSPORT, with Arsenal aiming to do business at around the £55 million mark.

The 27-year-old’s eagerness to make the move to north London could be key to striking a deal with Palace, but the Eagles won’t make it easy, and they’ll need to replace the talismanic creator, who bagged eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League alone last season.

While Arsenal continue to express their serious interest in signing Eze before deadline day on September 1, a new target has also emerged in recent days – Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet.

This is backed up by the BBC’s Sami Mokbel, who says that Arsenal could bring in the 20-year-old this window.

According to TEAMtalk, their interest is now developing.

Jeremy Jacquet wants to join Arsenal after "early" talks

As per the outlet, Jacquet is now very enthusiastic about joining Arsenal, and “early talks” have been held over a move which could set the Gunners back around £25 million – as the Ligue 1 side demand a premium for their exciting talent.

TT write that the France Under-21 international has been a “standout” performer across the channel, and Arsenal have extensively scouted Jacquet who’s become a top target for Arteta’s side.

Despite already signing Mosquera, who plays a similar role, Arteta is keen to add more depth defensively – which may even suggest that Jakub Kiwior’s future is uncertain amid rumoured interest from Europe.

“Jacquet is one of the best defensive prospects in France,” said football writer Phil Costa on X.

“Quite leggy, very agile, mobile and defends well in wide areas. Feels more White than Saliba (physically). He looked very promising on the ball at Clermont last season; took a lot of responsibility in their build-up.”

Jacquet only recently signed a new deal at Rennes, committing him to the club until 2029, so his side are in a very strong position to hold out for their desired £25m.

West Ham United are now preparing an official offer for a “very prolific” striker, who is set to be available for around €30m (£26m) this summer, according to a report.

Hammers keen on signing new striker

It would be fair to say West Ham have had some bad luck when it comes to signing strikers over the years, with the likes of Sebastien Haller and Gianluigi Scamacca flattering to deceive, despite being very successful elsewhere.

Niclas Füllkrug has also struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League, scoring just three goals in his debut campaign, after struggling with injuries throughout the campaign, and with the German now 32-years-old, it could be worth bringing in a younger option this summer.

In recent days, the Irons made an approach for Metz centre-forward Idrissa Gueye, but with the 18-year-old attracting interest from the likes of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, Graham Potter’s side may find it difficult to win the race for his signature.

West Ham make approach to sign "exciting" £17m forward compared to Giroud

The Hammers have made their first move for a forward, who is being targeted by some of Europe’s top clubs.

ByDominic Lund Jul 28, 2025

As such, West Ham may be forced to move on to alternative options, and they are now set to intensify their efforts to sign a Serie A striker…

That is according to a report from Italy (via The Hard Tackles), which states the Hammers are now preparing an official bid for Cagliari striker Roberto Piccoli, who is set to be available for a fee of around €30m (£26m) this summer.

Piccoli is said to have attracted interest from a number of clubs across Europe after an impressive 2024-25 campaign, including Benfica and Fiorentina, and the Irons are now looking to steal a march on rival suitors by lodging a formal offer.

Potter’s side are scouring the market for a new striker, given that Fullkrug and Evan Ferguson failed to have the desired impact last season, with a deal for Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson also thought to be edging closer to completion.

"Very prolific" Piccoli could be ideal signing for West Ham

Wilson, of course, is already vastly experienced in the Premier League, having had stints with Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth, but the Englishman is now 33-years-old, and struggled with injuries throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

Wilson Injuries 24/25

Games missed

Hamstring

14

Back

15

As such, it may be a wise idea to bring in a younger striker, who is more dependable, and the 24-year-old Cagliari striker could fit the bill, fresh off the back of an impressive 2024-25 season.

The Italian, who was once lauded as “very prolific” by scout Jacek Kulig, amassed ten goals and three assists for Cagliari in the Serie A last season, in what was undoubtedly the most impressive season of his career so far.

Piccoli is at the right age to be a long-term success at the London Stadium, and West Ham will be hoping they have finally found a striker capable of leading the line for years to come.

Manchester United may need to get creative to sanction more transfers this summer and could now be offered an intriguing solution to solve their need for more firepower, according to reports.

Manchester United defeat Bournemouth in Premier League Summer Series

The United States has played host to plenty of high-profile football clubs this year and Manchester United were the latest to turn out in front fo adoring locals for a 4-1 victory over Bournemouth in this year’s Premier League Summer Series.

Rasmus Hojlund claimed a much-needed goal in Chicago before strikes from Patrick Dorgu, Amad and Ethan Williams made Matthijs De Ligt’s mishap nothing more than a consolation for the Cherries.

Nevertheless, Ruben Amorim remained coy on Hojlund’s future at Old Trafford despite a sharp performance from the Denmark international in pre-season.

He stated: “I am really happy with Rasmus. I don’t know what is going to happen until the end of the market. The important thing is that Rasmus is scoring goals. He’s connecting really well with the team. He’s improving.

“Again, I don’t know what is going to happen until the market is closed. I’m really happy with the players that we had last season. We looked like a different team today. Let’s continue with that.”

Man Utd make contact to sign Champions League hero who's set to leave PSG

The Red Devils could land an incredible coup…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 30, 2025

There is no secret that the Portuguese manager wants attacking reinforcements, leading to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko becoming a central target for Manchester United.

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is another profile the Red Devils would love to have, with the potential for a swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho floated.

On the other hand, could Garnacho now become part of a different player exchange involving two players who may well be on the move this summer?

Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson offered to Manchester United

According to The Athletic, Chelsea have offered both Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson to Manchester United. Still, it isn’t clear whether they have been proposed as a package or separately in a swap for Garnacho, who is a target at Stamford Bridge.

Labelled “something special” by Tyler Adams, Nkunku hasn’t got going fully in West London after moving to the Blues from RB Leipzig, though he did register 15 goals across all competitions last season.

Meanwhile, Senegal international Jackson is very similar to Alexander Isak, per stats site FBRef, signalling that he could be the man to strengthen the Red Devils’ frontline moving forward.

Jackson, last 365 days, per 90 mins

Isak, last 365 days, per 90 mins

Shots – 3.08

Shots – 3.10

Shot-creating actions – 2.80

Shot-creating actions – 3.00

Non-penalty XG – 0.50

Non-penalty XG – 0.71

Progressive carries – 1.54

Progressive carries – 2.71

Touches in attacking penalty area – 5.72

Touches in attacking penalty area – 6.17

All stats courtesy of FBRef

Earning a similar tally to Nkunku, £100,000 per week striker Jackson notched 13 goals and six assists in 37 outings, helping his side to both the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup.

Garnacho is very much on his way out of Manchester United and it may make sense to try and cut a deal that would see one of Chelsea’s attacking forces immediately enter the void if the Argentina international opts to leave Old Trafford.

Have West Ham United reinvested the money that they gained from selling Declan Rice to Arsenal in 2023 well? They made over £100m from that sale, and whilst they have signed plenty of big-name players since then, including the now-departed Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta, they have yet to have a better season than when Rice was in their midfield.

Of course, losing your captain to a London rival is never going to be an easy pill to swallow. However, they have spent money on two midfielders since his departure, namely Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse, and signed Guido Rodriguez for free and Kalvin Phillips on a brief loan.

Yet, there still feels like a Rice-shaped hole in the midfield for the Hammers. Perhaps that will change this summer.

West Ham’s latest midfield target

It has certainly been a frustrating time for the Hammers when it comes to replacing their captain, and an England starter. Rice’s influence in the middle of the park has certainly been missed as they slowly slide down the table.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, a report from Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via Sport Witness, suggests that the Hammers may have found the man to finally replace Rice, in the form of Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz. The report states that the Hammers have actually made a loan bid with an option to buy the Brazilian.

Indeed, the option to buy the 27-year-old could become obligatory if certain conditions are met. Luiz, who earns £138k-per-week according to Capology, would cost the Hammers £8.6m ahead of the loan.

They’d then need to pay a further £26m if he ends up moving to the London Stadium permanently.

Why Luiz would be a good signing

Despite a tough campaign for Juve in the 2024/25 season, with the midfielder constantly out of favour under a couple of managers, his quality is undeniable. He has already had success in the Premier League with Aston Villa.

His single season playing for the Old Lady so far certainly did not go to plan. He only made 27 appearances last term in all competitions, without scoring or assisting. The former Villa star notched up just 877 minutes, the equivalent of only 9.7 full 90-minute games.

Despite the outrageously low number of minutes played for Juve to date, Luiz certainly has the mettle to play in the Premier League. He racked up 204 Villa appearances, scoring 22 goals and registering 24 assists in that time. Statman Dave described him as a midfield “engine”, which is certainly what the Hammers are looking for.

Stepping into the shoes of Rice at the London Stadium will not be an easy task for Luiz. Let’s not forget just how much of an iconic figure the former Hammers captain is at the club.

He lifted the Conference League as captain in 2022/23, just weeks before he left.

In total, the London-born midfielder played 245 times for the East Londoners, scoring 15 goals, including this solo effort in their run to the Conference League final. Chelsea and England legend John Terry described him as “the best in his position in world football” back in 2021.

So, for former winger turned pundit Jermaine Pennant to claim that Luiz “can do everything that Rice can do and better” shows just how good of a midfielder he is. Indeed, there are stats which back up this bold claim from the former Liverpool winger.

Looking at numbers on FBref from 2023/24, Luiz’s last season in the Premier League, there are some standout stats. For example, that season he averaged 5.53 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, compared to 4.97 each game from Rice, while providing more of an impact in terms of goal contributions.

Goals and assists

0.42

0.35

Pass accuracy

85.7%

83.4%

Passes into penalty area

1.17

1.11

Blocks

0.96

0.86

Ball recoveries

5.53

4.97

Signing Luiz on a loan deal with an option to buy him could be the dream move for West Ham. He is proven in the Premier League, and perhaps better, whisper it quietly, than Rice, a player they have struggled to replace over the last two years.

This relatively risk-free move could be ideal for the Hammers to help strengthen in midfield and climb back up the table.

Dream Kudus replacement: West Ham open talks to sign "special" £30m star

West Ham United can soften the blow of Mohammed Kudus leaving by signing this £30m star.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 15, 2025

It’s been another characteristically busy summer for Chelsea this year.

As well as making it to the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup – the only English side to do so – the Blues have been wheeling and dealing in the transfer market.

The latest star to be announced by the club was striker Joao Pedro, who took the now well-trodden path to Stamford Bridge from Brighton & Hove Albion for around £60m.

However, the West Londoners are far from done there, as a deal has reportedly now been reached to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, and on top of that, a talent who could be the next Cole Palmer has also been linked.

Chelsea target young talents

The ethos at Chelsea over the last few years has been to buy young, up-and-coming talents, which is something they are continuing to do this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

For example, Gittens, whose final price tag appears to be around £55m, is still just 20 years old, and based on his tally of 12 goals and five assists in 49 games last season, looks set for a bright future.

Likewise, Liam Delap, who joined the club from Ipswich Town for just £30m prior to the CWC last month, is still just 22, and already has a goal and an assist to his name in four appearances for the Blues.

And now, there is another promising gem that is on the club’s radar: Tyler Dibling.

Yes, according to a recent report from Football Transfers, Chelsea are incredibly interested in the Southampton prospect.

In fact, the report goes a step further, claiming that West Londoners have already begun talks with the youngster’s camp and are considering making an offer for him.

However, they aren’t the only ones interested in the 19-year-old, as Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Man Utd, Aston Villa, and RB Leipzig are all keeping an eye on him.

Moreover, the Saints reportedly value their exciting talent at a minimum of £55m.

In all, it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Dibling’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be their next Palmer.

Why Dibling could be Palmer 2.0

So, the first thing to say is that we know this is a massive statement, but to be clear, we are not saying that Dibling is like Palmer at the moment, as he is not, and it’s not even close.

However, there are some clear similarities between them and their potential moves, should the Southampton gem move to Chelsea.

For example, he’d be another young, reasonably sought-after English talent moving to Stamford Bridge to test himself with regular football at a massive club.

Moreover, while the Exeter-born dynamo is primarily a right-winger, he has spent plenty of time playing in attacking midfield and has actually played in a multitude of positions.

Similarly, the Blues talismanic attacker tends to play in attacking midfield, but has spent plenty of time off the right, as well as in a number of areas on the pitch.

Finally, while he wasn’t able to have quite the same impact as Palmer did last season, in part because he’s younger and was playing in a terrible team, the teenager has the same determination to make things happen.

For example, FBref placed him in the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last season for successful take-ons per 90, and in 38 games across all competitions, he scored four goals and provided three assists.

Appearances

38

Minutes

2215′

Goals

4

Assists

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.18

Minutes per Goal Involvement

316.42′

It’s not just us either, as Dion Dublin argued that “he plays his game like Cole Palmer” last season, in part due to the way he “rolls players and takes the ball well.”

Ultimately, he’s clearly not yet at the level of Palmer, but Dibling looks like he could reach that level in the future, and therefore, Chelsea should do what they can to sign him.

More exciting than Delap: Chelsea set to submit £34m bid to sign CWC star

The incredible talent could be a future superstar for Chelsea.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 4, 2025

After winning the Premier League title, Liverpool could have rested on their laurels. They have done the complete opposite.

Having partied gleefully in Ibiza and Dubai, the Reds have sprung into life in the transfer window, securing an outstanding set of signings already.

While the loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold was a bitter pill to swallow, it’s likely they’ll forget all about the boyhood Red when Jeremie Frimpong takes to the field as a Liverpool player for the first time.

On the opposite side of defence, Milos Kerkez has arrived from Bournemouth, aiming to evoke memories of a young Andy Robertson.

The most special of moves, however, was Florian Wirtz. Wow, what a deal this was. Signed for a Premier League record £116m, he arrives from Bayer Leverkusen regarded as one of the best 10s in the game.

It’s a huge statement to the rest of the division, but the Anfield outfit are not done yet.

Liverpool close in on another new signing

If Reds supporters would pick one player to sign and then close the window, it would be Alexander Isak.

If Darwin Nunez leaves for Napoli, as widely expected, then FSG and Richard Hughes still have money to spend. Yet, despite their interest in the Newcastle forward, it’s unlikely anyone in European football will be able to get close to a reported £200m price tag slapped on his head.

Liverpool do still need to sign a striker but their latest focus has seen them make attempts to revamp the centre of the defence with Ibrahima Konate’s future uncertain, having attracted the interest of Real Madrid.

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As a result, Liverpool have been looking at adding Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi to their ranks with reports indicating a few days ago that personal terms were on the verge of being agreed.

This weekend, the Mirror has stated that a move is now even closer to completion. They suggest that the Reds are ‘in prime position’ to complete a move and that ‘talks between all parties will take place in the next 24 hours’.

Palace value the centre-half at £70m but with a year left on his deal, they acknowledge that they will have to accept a lower fee, potentially something in the region of £40m. Chelsea hold a 20% sell-on clause so the Eagles are understandably trying to obtain the highest fee they can.

How Guehi can replicate Liverpool's transfer window blinders

Recruiting players from the Premier League is a smart strategy. Knowing the division and the country, they need little time to get up to speed and often hit the ground running quickly.

It’s a strategy Manchester United often deployed under Sir Alex Ferguson, with two of the most notable names being Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney who arrived from Leeds United and Everton, respectively.

It’s a tactic deployed by Mikel Arteta at Arsenal in recent years too. Declan Rice was signed for £105m from West Ham, while goalkeeper David Raya, the 2024/25 Golden Glove winner, came in from Brentford.

They settled quickly and the adjustment time was very minimal. Liverpool have also reaped the rewards of this.

Think of the aforementioned Robertson, plucked from Hull City, Gini Wijnaldum from Newcastle United, Diogo Jota from Wolves and so on. All three of those players were particularly consistent, heralded as unsung heroes.

Sadio Mane

Southampton

£34m

Gini Wijnaldum

Newcastle

£25m

Virgil van Dijk

Southampton

£75m

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Arsenal

£35m

Andy Robertson

Hull City

£8m

Xherdan Shaqiri

Stoke City

£13.5m

Diogo Jota

Wolves

£41m

Alexis Mac Allister

Brighton

£35m

Milos Kerkez

Bournemouth

£40m

There was also Sadio Mane, one of the greatest modern forwards we’ve seen at Anfield since the turn of the millennium.

In 2016, Liverpool purged Southampton to bring Mane to Merseyside in a deal worth £34m, a move that made him the most expensive African player of all time.

In the 2015/16 season, the Senegalese winger was particularly eye-catching, scoring 15 goals in all competitions, also registering seven assists. Three of those goals included a famous hat-trick against Manchester City.

After moving to the Reds, Mane instantly hit the ground running, netting 13 Premier League goals in 27 outings during his debut campaign. The rest was history.

The Senegal international was simply electrifying in Liverpool colours, moving to Bayern Munich in 2022, having scored 120 times in 269 outings.

While Guehi, a centre-half by trade, is not going to arrive at Liverpool and start scoring by the bucketload, similarly to Mane, he is likely to become an instant fan favourite.

He knows the division and his experience of English football so far stands him in good stead to be a rip-roaring success from the get-go.

A year ago, the defender was in top form at the European Championships and after being described as “England’s best centre-back” by some, it was perhaps surprising his move hadn’t occurred earlier.

Well, Liverpool are here now, and they’re ready to sign one of the best players outside of the league’s typical top six, just as they did with Mane.

He’s caught the eye immensely, notably with his ability to read the play. In the 2024/25 Premier League, the 24-year-old ranked inside the top 20% of positionally similar players for blocks per 90 minutes (1.62) and the best 3% for passes blocked per 90 (0.94).

Guehi also made 4.30 ball recoveries per 90, enough to rank him in the top 21% of centre-backs in England’s best league.

Let’s put those numbers into context. Skipper Virgil van Dijk only made 0.96 blocks and blocked 0.11 passes per 90 minutes. He also only made 3.77 ball recoveries. Now, of course, Palace do more defending than Liverpool, but it proves that Guehi is set up to be a big hit if he moves away from Selhurst Park.

The Reds have proven success of buying from the Premier League and could repeat that trick here. In the words of Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, he’s a “monster in defence” and would be a superb signing.

Better than Guehi: Hughes eyeing shock Liverpool move for £70m "monster"

This Premier League star might be an even bigger talent than Marc Guehi if he signs for Liverpool.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 26, 2025

Chelsea transfer chiefs appear set to be thwarted by European champions PSG in their pursuit of a top target, with Enzo Maresca dealt his first summer blow as he looks to reshape the squad in his image.

"Huge fan" – Maresca really wants Chelsea to sign £68m Real Madrid target

The Italian views him as a top transfer priority.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

Despite possessing a squad rich with youthful quality, their 3-1 Club World Cup defeat to Brazilian side Flamengo indicates there is still plenty of work to be done on the squad, with Maresca also looking to transform Chelsea into genuine title challengers.

The Italian, speaking in a press conference after Chelsea’s damaging loss – which now makes their next game against ES Tunis an absolute must-win – admitted that he’s currently experimenting with his system and tactics in preparation for 2025/2026.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

“Unfortunately, we conceded two goals in a very short period, a very short moment — and then the red card,” Maresca said.

“Then it’s very complicated to come back into the game. We tried, but congratulations to them. I think we tried to do something different during the game, also for next season, but congratulations to them. Now we have one more game, and we are going to try to win the next one.”

Off the field, one of many items on Chelsea’s to-do list when it comes to summer recruitment is the addition of a new central defender – which has long been rumoured as a priority.

Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and Wesley Fofana face uncertain futures, according to some reports, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande among the names on Chelsea’s centre-back shortlist this summer.

However, Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi won’t be moving to west London.

Chelsea target Illia Zabarnyi agrees to join PSG

Zabarnyi was called the Premier League’s most “underrated” defender recently by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, and Chelsea recently knocked on the Ukraine international’s door in their pursuit of another option for the heart of Maresca’s defence.

“He is probably the most underrated player,” said Redknapp.

“I also spoke with Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko, and he mentioned that Illia has everything it takes to reach the next level. Everyone is talking about Dean Huijsen. Yes, he is a fantastic young player, but Zabarnyi plays very aggressively in defense as well. I was genuinely impressed by him. He shows remarkable calmness on the pitch.”

Bournemouth are demanding around £51 million to let the 22-year-old leave, but according to journalist Graeme Bailey, Zabarnyi has agreed terms to join PSG despite Chelsea’s attempts to sign him.

“He really is only focused on PSG,” Bailey told TBR Football.

“I am told that he has agreed personal terms in principle, but there is still some way to go in terms between Bournemouth and PSG. Bournemouth are not too happy with how this is going, but they know the player wants the move and has made that clear.

“When a team like PSG comes calling, even when there is no release clause – it is tough. I can confirm even in the last few weeks since it emerged about PSG, that Chelsea and Newcastle again asked the question, but were also told that he only wants PSG.”