Current Avatar:
No Avatar image uploaded
No Avatar image uploaded
Chelsea Rumours Member Posts
EbW's Profile
EbW's Posts and Other Poster's Replies To EbW's Posts
To EbW's last 5 rumour replies
To EbW's last 5 banter replies
EbW's rumours posts with other poster's replies to EbW's rumours posts
19 Aug 2026 12:37:23
Apparently the much-delayed project to build a new home is a key factor driving Boehly and majority shareholders Clearlake Capital towards a break-up of their BlueCo consortium.
I understand Clearlake, who own 61.85 per cent, and Boehly are not seeing eye to eye on the long-term future of the club and believe something finally has to give in their power struggle. A new home to replace the ageing Stamford Bridge and generate greater revenue is central to BlueCo's dreams of sustainable success, on and off the pitch.
Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, co-founder of Clearlake, agree the Blues almost certainly need to move to a purpose-built venue away from Stamford Bridge.
But their visions for that multi-use complex, whether at Earls Court or elsewhere, are different.
More significantly, neither side is willing to put up their share of the likely construction costs of £5billion while the other camp retains influence over the project and the overall direction of the club.
Boehly and Walter, friends and business partners for a number of years, each control 12.8 per cent of BlueCo through a shared holding company, with Swiss businessman Hansjorg Wyss having the same stake.
Eghbali has been the dominant figure at Chelsea on a day-to-day basis since early 2023.
Boehly's camp, like Clearlake, have a right of veto over major decisions, including transfers and longer-term projects like the stadium.
Boehly will retain that power even when his five-year term as chairman expires at the end of the season and Clearlake take control of the post.
The two sides have been in talks about buying each other out for two years and are said to have maintained a professional relationship.
But the US probe into Walter, in which he denies all wrongdoing, has helped bring things to a head. His likely exit from Chelsea would cause a shake-up on its own. Nevertheless, a deal will be hard to strike as both sides argue over what shares in BlueCo, owners of Chelsea and sister club Strasbourg, are now worth.
In addition to the £2.5billion cost of buying out Roman Abramovich in 2022, BlueCo pledged to spend a further £1.75billion on the team, infrastructure and the women's side.
Neither Boehly's group nor Clearlake appear willing to commit more money to major projects like a new stadium until they have full control over how it is spent.
1.) 19 Aug 2026 12:59:31
Thanks EbW.
2.) 19 Aug 2026 13:30:26
Cheers EbW
The SB project was always going to bring the ownership issues to a head.
Let's hope it's resolved quickly, with Clearlake coming out as the winners. Whether we are, as a club, remains to be seen.
3.) 19 Aug 2026 14:59:51
Club now valued at £5 billion as well. That is some return on their investment. They might not know football, but they do know their money.
4.) 19 Aug 2026 15:04:42
The value is not yet tested, K. It will be interesting to see how much Bohely and Walters obtain from the sale.
5.) 19 Aug 2026 16:45:31
Boehly and Walter each own 12.8% and are reported to value the club at £5bn, meaning they would each receive about £640m from a sale.
6.) 19 Aug 2026 16:54:04
It will have to be independently valued before any sale takes place to protect all parties concerned.
7.) 19 Aug 2026 22:29:12
That has already been done, Bill, club valued at a minimum of £5 billion, maybe more.
8.) 20 Aug 2026 00:25:45
Sorry, who has already independantly valued the club?
9.) 20 Aug 2026 00:34:10
I'm not sure if you're the son of someone attached to Chelsea, a overzealous teenager, or just here for a wind up, but you quite consistently praise the yanks, for things that have been written by favorable reporters and haven't actually come to fruition. You praised them for the 300m that would be made from finctional fees for Enzo, Gusto and Neto, when no formal bids have been made, let alone offers accepted. Dig deeper and you find other clubs are laughing at our valuations. Valuations placed by the morons you value so highly.
The club valuation is similar. A made up figure by charlatans. Maybe search the history of this money gods you praise. These new charges aren't the first our owners have faced by the American authorities. Boehly is a sneaky little donut and has been for years. The owners are crooks and have falsely valued many a business. No surprise they are trying it with our club. Maybe those who previously laughed at my money washing jibe a few months back might take things more seriously moving forward.
10.) 20 Aug 2026 09:21:35
Melbourne, I am not a massive fan of our owners, but to label them "crooks" seems wrong to me. They all seemed to be involved in financial companies, all of whom are heavily regulated. After many years of experience in the financial industry, I can honestly tell you that virtually every participant has received some sort of fine from several regulators around the world. I am not saying that fines are not justified, but I am saying that in major companies the CEOs will rely heavily on professional advice and structure. Sometimes, and for lots of reasons, these parts fail.
If the failure was deliberate, or under the instructions of the CEO, then he or she will be prosecuted and, if found guilty, probably go to prison.
I can find no information about our owners that says they have committed a "crime" or served time in prison for "any" offence. I believe one of the director's companies received a fine for regulatory reasons.
The fines were paid in full.
As far as the club's valuation is concerned, I understand an independent valuation of the club when the new owners purchased the club was £4.25bn. Since then, it would appear that Premier League club valuations have generally increased. So, it seems reasonable that some now value the club at over £5bn. In earlier posts on this subject I mentioned it would be interesting to see what the club's shares are now valued at. It could well be in Clearlake's interest for the club to receive a much higher valuation than £5bn, even if that means paying a premium for the 25% ish shares owned by the selling shareholders. For example, they may well want the club on their books at a higher valuation to give them credibility as good investor managers, but also it could help them in lots of ways with future investments.
11.) 20 Aug 2026 09:59:09
Can posters not have a different opinion to you, Melbourne?
I can leave the site if that is what you want?
12.) 20 Aug 2026 10:52:24
The purchase was 2.5b with a further 1.75b earmarked for spending. We can be creative and say that values the club at 4.25b, but it certainly wasn't the purchase price, nor what has been held in escrow by the crooks that forced Roman to sell.
If you've been involved with finances for a long time, then I'm sure you're not naive enough to think all these businesses are run above board, nor that these advisors are paid for being wholly legitimate. Finding creative loopholes to laws and accounting is how they reach the top. Whether their actions are deemed illegal and people face jail time has far more to do with connections than whether or not they were in the wrong.
And if Boehly is able to walk away with 600m (almost a 50% increase in his investment), I once again point to money washing as the most obvious answer. Not turning dirty money clean, but increasing an investment on the books where no substantial increase in value has been created. Not the first time fraud has been lobbied their way, nor would it be the first time it's stuck.
I don't mind whether you stay or leave, K, but if everyone is allowed an opinion, maybe don't threaten to leave when someone points out some issues with your takes. Feel free to have a crack back with reasoning.
13.) 20 Aug 2026 12:09:30
Melbourne, I can assure you that I was, and to a certain extent still am, involved in financial services at a very senior level. It is a service that not only has the law to answer to, but also regulatory bodies, who were mainly put there to protect the "individual" investors.
You are entitled to your opinion about our owners, but my opinion is they are not crooks. It is not "money washing" if people make a profit on their investment.
My personal dislike of funds as owners of football clubs isn't just about their desire to make money.
I'm never envious of people making money. My issue is, and to a certain extent it is understandable, that they serve their investors first and the fans second.
My guess is it will serve all the shareholders if the independent valuation is as high as possible, and my personal view is it will be higher than £5bn.
The RA sale of Chelsea has lots of layers to it. Given the climate at the time and RA's apparent close association with Putin, I guess it was inevitable.
14.) 20 Aug 2026 12:34:07
Yeah, I don't doubt that you worked in finance, Tom. I appreciate your point of view from someone inside. Unfortunately, we have many cases of money management companies causing complete chaos on international markets, and very little in the way of those at the top ever being held accountable. There's typically one rule for those that work within the regulators' scope, and another for those that dine and holiday with those same regulators.
A valuation in football, as in business, is oftentimes based on potential and the ability to sell a story.
I do not believe Chelsea will find any bidders anywhere near the 5b level on the open market. If it is the case that Clearlake pays out Boehly and the other bloke close to that valuation, it certainly serves their interests of having a book valuation much higher than anyone else would be willing to pay. It helps with debt servicing and a number of other accounting tricks.
Anyway, hopefully on the pitch we see something better this year, and I don't suffer between 10pm and 5am, kickoff time dependent, for another season.
15.) 20 Aug 2026 12:59:13
Melbourne, that is very much my point. In my opinion, Clearlake should want a high valuation for lots of reasons, and I believe it will be over £5bn.
I have also said several times, and despite its contract obligation, I do not believe Clearlake will remain as our owners.
As for business accountability, my observation is the financial industry is over-regulated, but under-prosecuted in law.
I repeat, I doubt very much that our current owners are crooks, and as much as I may worship RA as a Chelsea legend and be forever grateful for what he did for our club, I think it is far more likely that RA was a crook rather than our current owners.
16.) 20 Aug 2026 13:25:40
RA was very clearly a crook. Boehly held some meetings with a very famous creep, whose apparent suicide in a NY jail made quite a lot of headlines. He is despicable!
17.) 20 Aug 2026 13:47:33
Melbourne, that is news to me about Tb, and I have no idea about any of the current owners' personalities.
A long time ago I had the misfortune to have meetings with Mathew Harding, and that wasn't very pleasant, but I wouldn't call him a crook.
18.) 20 Aug 2026 13:56:16
I can assure you, if you did even just a little digging into Boehly, you may not be inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt.
19.) 20 Aug 2026 13:59:23
On further investigation, and I hope this is at least semi accurate. Apparently TB had two conversations with Epstein in 2011. These were apparently business calls about the potential sale of Silverstone Race Track.
No criminal link was found between the two men, and witnesses to the conversations have said they were only about business.
I am not sure that qualifies TB as a "creep" or "despicable".
20.) 20 Aug 2026 14:16:52
To each their own.
21.) 20 Aug 2026 15:09:32
That is true, but I certainly can't find any evidence that suggests Tb is a "crook", "creep" or despicable.
I don't know the bloke, and I don't recall having met him, so any opinion I have about him would just be guessing.
22.) 20 Aug 2026 16:07:29
Of course, and as he was a money man as early as 2011, it seems to me to be a safe guess he was well aware that Epstein was a convicted nonce.
If you feel comfortable letting that slide, that's all good for you.
He has been involved with fraud cases a number of times, but again, all good if you think he comes out smelling fresh. Benefit of the doubt is a subjective thing where some choose to be much looser and others may view the world without such favorable glasses after being exposed to its rottenness.
23.) 20 Aug 2026 16:45:14
I will continue to make my assessment and give my opinions on proven evidence when possible. I have little interest in making assertions about anyone, or making comments that would be libelous if made public without facts. Making accusations about a person's character is easy on a keyboard. If you feel TB has a case to answer, make your accusations out in the open.
Me being "comfortable" or not "comfortable" with TB as a person or as a businessman is not relevant.
24.) 20 Aug 2026 17:00:08
Further to the above. As far as I can see TB has never been involved with "fraud cases."
There does seem to be an anonymous (no actual name was attached) accusation about a takeover.
The sender of the letter asked for the case to be investigated by the US Attorney General. Apparently, there was found to be no case to answer. No further action or court action was taken.
25.) 21 Aug 2026 00:59:40
There is an open lawsuit against him from the golden globes due to his shady attempt to devalue and acquire it. The speed with which him and Walter are trying to raise cash is clearly due to what's currently being lobied against Walter, who owns multiple businesses with Boehly.
It's fine to hold judgement against someone when they have a pattern of good decisions and being a decent human, its weird to defend a guy who has money dealings with the biggest known nonce of our generation, who refused answering any questions about the links.
26.) 21 Aug 2026 12:51:52
Melbourne, as I understand it, the lawsuit you mentioned is being brought privately as the AG sees no case to answer. It is a group of so far unnamed individuals who feel aggrieved about TB turning the historic loss making venture into a profit making business. As far as I can see there is nothing "shady" about the deal. Of course, if it ever goes to court (I doubt it) they will decide if the takeover has been handled in a fit and proper way.
Melbourne, I generally enjoy your posts but accusing someone of being a "crook", a "creep" and "despicable" is, in my opinion, not justified.
As far as I can see TB has not been proven guilty of anything. I have zero need to defend him, I do not know him and I have no skin in the game.
This is just me, but I prefer to use facts before I criticise someone personally.
27.) 21 Aug 2026 15:46:44
Which is fine, as I previously said, to each their own. You have a very logical brain, Tom, which I'm sure has served you well. I back intuition from life experiences, especially when it comes to those at the top of the ladder.
Being retired at 37, it seems my intuition hasn't hurt me all that bad.
I can assure you, my use of the word crook is tame as I'm sure Tris' filter wouldn't allow the words I would think best fit Boehly and his ilk.
28.) 21 Aug 2026 17:14:20
Tom, as someone involved in finance (which capacity, btw, fine if you're not comfortable sharing), just out of pure interest, as I work in tax around private capital/funds, etc.
Surely you can see the possibility that the 5bn valuation reflects internal dealings/share transfer values between owners. Given the current market climate and our performance, the chance of the club fetching 5bn on the open market seems very optimistic to me, even considering that the value at time of purchase was likely impacted by the fact it was an enforced sale with huge political controversy as the backdrop.
Our owners may be very successful businessmen, and that's wonderful for them; however, football ownership is an industry of its own and does not function like other industries, and thus a successful businessman is not guaranteed to be a successful football club owner. In fact, if you look through clubs who have suffered from bad ownership, I'm sure in many cases the owners will have been very successful previously in their own fields.
29.) 21 Aug 2026 19:15:21
Melbourne, I wouldn't bother with that person. They left the site and a day later came back with another name.
As far as valuations go, I remember a couple on here gloating about the 100m or something we were going to receive on Nicolas Jackson, lol.
30.) 21 Aug 2026 19:22:30
Kazblue, at the moment the third-largest financial services company is under investigation. A whistleblower has made a claim that the company "marked its own homework" for valuation purposes. The head office for this company is based in the UK, and the FCA will be investigating the claim. If found to be guilty, the scope of punishment for the company can be huge, including prison sentences for individuals if they are found to be culpable.
The regulator in the US is considered by many to be very aggressive when it comes to company fines and punishments for employees. My guess is our American owners are well aware of what is permissible when it comes to corporate valuations. I would also guess that it serves all concerned for any valuation to stand scrutiny by any global regulatory body. Having said that, it probably also serves all the interested parties to have a high valuation.
I personally believe that Premiership franchises are grossly undervalued. Football is a global sport, and the Premiership is seen by many as the best league in the world. The global support for football is significantly higher, in my opinion, than, say, American football. An American football franchise with less "global" reach than football has a market value far, far higher than any Premiership team. I believe that is one of the major reasons we have a significant amount of Premiership club owners being American. They look at what they pay for what is a huge but predominantly American sports franchise, and see Premiership clubs as undervalued global brands. I happen to agree; Premiership clubs, in my opinion, are undervalued.
Sorry for the ramble, but I hope that adds a bit more colour.
31.) 21 Aug 2026 19:46:06
Standard, I can't recall any poster giving Jackson a value of £100m.
I do remember a poster saying the club had "blown" £1.5bn as if it was permanently a lost investment. At the moment, it would generally appear that the majority of players, if sold (not going to happen), would fetch more than the original investment.
We all value and rate players differently. It is hard to imagine a poster moaning about paying just over £100m for Caicedo because they believed him to be a "donkey." It looks like good business now. I once said Morata reminded me of Ossie (The King). Massive egg on my face. I think that's when I stopped rushing to judge.
32.) 21 Aug 2026 22:15:04
I stand by it. A Champions League-winning club, after spending 1.5m, just finished 10th.
I was absolutely wrong on Caicedo, happy to admit it, but Mr Greenaway (aka K) slapped the 100m valuation on Jackson.
33.) 22 Aug 2026 04:28:19
It would be a "true" statement to say the club has "spent" £1.5bn plus, but it wasn't true they had "blown" it.
In my opinion, any fan can put a high or low valuation on a player. Generally, fans overestimate the value of their club's players, particularly if it's a fan's favourite player.
Obviously, the reverse is true; if a fan doesn't rate a player, they tend to think the investment was a dud. Generally, the market values any player, so it's all just a game/guess for us fans.
As for a poster's name, I personally couldn't care less what they use as a name.
13 Aug 2026 08:49:38
Rumours rife that Alex Scott is wanted by Alonso to play alongside Moises Caicedo, I guess that means EF is off to join Maresca at Man City. ED01, have you any thoughts on Scott? an upgrade or just a better fit? or a downgrade?
{Ed001's Note - the Scott of last year is a better fit and upgrade, imo. I wouldn't have said that previously, having seen him at Bristol City and a few times dotted around the Prem, but just after Iraola was appointed Liverpool manager I was sick in bed so watched through all the Bournemouth games of last season. Knowing that Liverpool were weak in midfield, I particularly watched how their midfield worked and was very impressed with Scott. He used to be a weak, floaty attacking mid, but now he is a hard working grafting central midfielder who gets his foot in and can still play when he gets on the ball. I like him a lot on the basis of what I saw last season. He is a good alternative to Lavia I would say, which could be very much needed with his injury history.}
1.) 13 Aug 2026 09:10:37
Thanks ED01, it is all starting to make sense now and if Adam Scott does replace EF we have upgraded our midfield and still keep Lavia.
{Ed001's Note - I think so, yes. It would make a lot of sense to me.}
2.) 13 Aug 2026 13:32:56
Thanks v much as ever ed001 for your thoughts on Scott, quite encouraging.my concern tgough is that he does not have as many EPL goals (10) as EF - Scott had only 4 - or assists as EF (4). Scott had only 2.
{Ed001's Note - he tended to sit as part of a double pivot mate, so very rarely got far enough forward for a shot or assist.}
3.) 13 Aug 2026 14:59:03
Ok thanks again Ed and so it would not be a like for like swap. Clearly in.havent watched all those Bournemouth games!
4.) 13 Aug 2026 15:38:13
JBS, Adam Scott will add so much more to the team in that double pivot, he is mobile, good on the ball, can transition and will offer that defensive solidity which Enzo lacks. Different players but as ED01 says a far better fit for us and just what we need. Remember all of our great midfielders over the years who often go unsung?
5.) 13 Aug 2026 17:32:59
We all see players differently and I am not a massive fan.
One mate says Wharton, the other says a young player called Camara.
06 Aug 2026 12:12:29
Interesting news surfacing that it appears all the paperwork for the Rogers signing may have been submitted to the Premier League
A few days earlier than the formal announcement on the 21st July.
If true, we will soon find out if Jackson does move to Villa at the end of the window, allowing for 45 days between the transactions, so not classed as a swap and the full fee can be achieved no doubt nicely inflated to suit the loophole duo of Aston Villa and Chelsea.
Be lovely to shaft those bellends at UEFA.
1.) 06 Aug 2026 15:56:30
U totally agree with you, EbW.
2.) 09 Aug 2026 11:54:33
After watching game yesterday I'd love to keep Jackson.
3.) 11 Aug 2026 17:38:16
Agreed about Jackson, though he must curb his temper!
EbW's banter posts with other poster's replies to EbW's banter posts
26 Aug 2026 17:56:03
I like the Martinez link, aside from the fact he's a better keeper than Sanchez, top 3 in the Premier League on most metrics, he's an incredible presence and very vocal and another experienced leader.
He'll add a level of confidence to the defence that's been sadly missing since Courtois.
It also leaves a clear path for young Penders.
1.) 26 Aug 2026 18:26:56
Agree with you, weird impersonator.
2.) 26 Aug 2026 20:50:14
I'm lost with all these names.
3.) 26 Aug 2026 21:07:15
What's in a name? We may all have different views, but we all support the same team.
4.) 26 Aug 2026 21:40:55
I agree with you, Tom. Kaz AKA Standard calls me 'Green'? Weird. But, what does it matter? None of us know each other, and every poster on here could be living in a world of fantasy. It matters not. Enjoy the site, get your opinion in, support the club, and keep it clean.
Tell everyone you are an expert in whatever, or retired as a millionaire at 12 years old, or live in Oz when you live with your Mum in Kent. It matters not. Up the Chelsea.
5.) 26 Aug 2026 22:29:22
Don't cry, K.
6.) 26 Aug 2026 23:25:21
Haha shots fired by K. If you are Greenaway it's fairly weird to pop up and pretend not to be. Says a lot about your mental. Also, EdW and EbW are too close for it to be a coincidence. Definitely some disturbed wackos rocking around on this page.
Oh well, at least the genius investors that run the club only posted a 400m loss last time round.
7.) 27 Aug 2026 03:01:03
Our opinions are usually based on guesswork. I personally also admit to being biased and occasionally having an agenda, but what on earth does my, or any posters' opinions really matter?
As far as players' sakes are concerned, I'm pleased we are trying to sell certain players, but unhappy about selling others.
It's the same when it comes to our signings, some I like, and one I'm potentially not very happy about. In over sixty years of supporting my club, it has always been the same when it comes to the buying and selling of players.
8.) 27 Aug 2026 19:32:08
What are you talking about, Tom?
9.) 27 Aug 2026 19:31:47
Well, that's embarrassing for K. I suspect he'll be back next week with another new name.
10.) 27 Aug 2026 19:53:24
What is embarrassing is some posters obsession with a posters name. If the Ed's are ok with why on earth would anyone else care.
Just for the record I generally like Greenaways input to this site.
My point is people/posters are just giving opinions, usually guesswork but they should all be treated with respect and courtesy.
11.) 27 Aug 2026 20:26:49
Tom, is it respectful/courteous towards others on this site to create a handle that's basically identical to another poster's handle? Or to have multiple handles on the go at the same time?
12.) 27 Aug 2026 22:01:01
EdW, you could take it as a compliment. I personally answer the post content rather than the name.
I suppose there must be a reason why posters would want multiple names, but I personally couldn't care less.
The poster "K" seems like a reasonable poster to me, and Greenaway always had interesting views.
15 Aug 2026 11:06:56
A midfield of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo has never worked, we are too open on the counter and Enzo just hasn't got the legs to cover hence leaving us exposed. Further forward as a 10 he is good but we have lots of options there.
A sale works all round and we will be a better team without him.
A fit Lavia next to Caicedo is the dream ticket with Alex Scott the option if Lavia is not available with Barco, young Reggie Watson and Reece James backing them up.
1.) 15 Aug 2026 12:30:32
EbW
Lavia has never stayed fit, so it's a stretch to say him and Caicedo are the dream ticket.
2.) 15 Aug 2026 16:24:39
I'd say he's right, Bill... It's quite literally a dream. Pretty mixed reception for Enzo today - hope they just sort the situation and make it clear either way what's happening. Either way, I think we could do with another midfielder.
10 Aug 2026 10:05:21
ED01, do you think Enzo Fernandez will stay with us this season?
{Ed001's Note - I just can't see anyone paying the money you would want for him, so yes.}
09 Aug 2026 08:58:28
Be interesting to see how the fringe get on today, I'm guessing Penders starts in goal. A chance for him to stake his claim as our number 1.
1.) 09 Aug 2026 11:16:52
Penders being at our club is one of the reasons I can't see us signing Costa. I don't think the club wants to be seen as blocking this lad's path to the No1 spot. Having said that, I still think Sanchez will start the season as Alonso's No1.
2.) 09 Aug 2026 11:31:37
I think you are correct, Tom. If we go for Costa or another top keeper, then Penders will leave and will potentially join a very long list of youngsters the club let go. Sanchez is far better than what some people make out.
3.) 09 Aug 2026 11:44:02
In what way, K?
4.) 09 Aug 2026 11:58:17
In my opinion, Sanchez is a good shot stopper. It's when he dithers looking for the clever pass that I get anxious, but I guess that is what's required in modern football.
5.) 09 Aug 2026 14:12:53
What about commanding his box, Tom?
6.) 09 Aug 2026 14:58:55
Bill, given the current rules about rugby being allowed in the penalty box, I would suggest that most teams and keepers struggle to command their own box.
7.) 09 Aug 2026 17:24:07
People say Sanchez is a good shot stopper. He is okay but nothing special. Apart from his two left feet, he has poor positional sense and flaps around like a dying pigeon. As a PL keeper, he is a 4/10. I hope Penders lives up to the hype for our sake.
8.) 09 Aug 2026 17:33:04
No Penders hype from me. I have only seen him play twice, and he was just ok.
As I think Sanchez will start as our No1, I hope he proves some fans wrong and becomes undroppable.
9.) 09 Aug 2026 18:01:17
Tom, I wasn't suggesting hype from this site, but from the media suggesting the club believes he will be a top-class keeper, the new Courtois, blah blah. I've never seen him play, so I can't comment.
10.) 09 Aug 2026 18:02:36
I hope I win the lottery.
11.) 09 Aug 2026 18:38:54
It's not about hope, it's about wanting a player to prove us fans who may be negative towards a player wrong.
I certainly have prejudiced opinions about players, but I want to be proved wrong, not right.
Penders is 6ft 7ins and Belgian. That's about as far as any similarity to Courtois goes, as far as I'm concerned.
12.) 09 Aug 2026 18:48:39
Sanchez has had plenty of time to prove us wrong.
13.) 09 Aug 2026 18:57:16
I personally hope he proves fans wrong next season. I have zero interest in my biased opinions about players proving me right.
04 Aug 2026 22:28:29
Alonso has sent back Emenalo and others as not being good enough for the first team. Some, myself included, thought Emenalo might make it but deemed not ready just yet. He has kept Nicoll-Jazuli and Tayo Subuloye as the Only academy players.
1.) 05 Aug 2026 06:30:50
EbW, I was certainly hoping Emanalo was going to be kept in the squad, as all the reports were that he was impressing the manager. He is young, and I'm sure he will feature in the future. Maybe another candidate for a loan. It might also have something to do with a potential new signing.
2.) 05 Aug 2026 08:02:57
Starting to see loan deals materialising for the youth players too (Kavuma-McQueen is going Portsmouth, Walsh is linked to Wigan), which, when added to some World Cup players coming back, makes sense of why they'd be sent back.
Emenalo has talked about feeling he's progressed past youth football, which may well be true. Another one for whom a loan makes sense. I suspect he will make it, but right now Hato and Chavarria need to be integrated into Alonso's system.
3.) 05 Aug 2026 10:54:39
J, I always find the loans more interesting than some of the transfers.
13 Aug 2026 09:10:37
Thanks ED01, it is all starting to make sense now and if Adam Scott does replace EF we have upgraded our midfield and still keep Lavia.
{Ed001's Note - I think so, yes. It would make a lot of sense to me.}
13 Aug 2026 08:46:22
He can start by mending Stamford Bridge, Tom. It needs an update.
04 Aug 2026 21:42:38
Tom, if we sell Neto for £70 million that profit of £16 million more than pays for D.Fofana and D.Washington who a certain poster likes to bring up all the time. I think the £40 million profit on Santos also covers just about any other loss as well.
I have said it before, these yankee's might not know anything bout soccer but sure do know how to a profit on buying and selling.
31 Jul 2026 10:35:37
SteveCfc, I made the point the other day that Alonso needs to decide who he wants and who he doesn't. Alonso is clearly calling the shots, and if he wants a 35 year old midfielder, then fair play to the club to back him. Likewise, if he feels Sanchez should start the season as number 1 goalie, then again he is being backed. The same applies to departures; he said in an interview yesterday that some centre-halves will be sold.
Also, some forwards will be sold. Alonso will oversee who he wants in the squad and who he doesn't want. We fans will all have different views to Mr. Alonso, but come the start of the season it will all be in place. The season review conducted by the owners placed full control with Alonso on the playing side, so they must be congratulated.
27 Oct 2025 20:54:03
Bill, the club may trade players who are no longer wanted but certainly won't trade top players/ coaches who are valued and wanted/ needed to drive the project.
23 Aug 2026 09:36:06
I think Arsenal will win the league, but hopefully fall short again in Europe.
I think we will finish in the top 4 with Liverpool and one other.
23 Aug 2026 09:33:49
Spurs lost as well, I see. That Brentford manager has done well.
23 Aug 2026 09:32:16
He always had ability, Tom, but confidence looked shattered. I hope he does well and comes back.
20 Aug 2026 08:58:39
Is it something to do with this UEFA 45 day ruling ED01?
{Ed001's Note - no, they would have had an option or obligation to buy if it was that. This is just them needing a centre-back and not being able to get the one they want this summer.}
17 Aug 2026 11:05:15
Chavarria, Palestra & Gusto will be our touchline hugging wing backs. Hato, Reece & maybe ....
Quenda will fill in that role, and tactics will be adjusted in an emergency.
Estevao will be utilised more as an inside forward, battling with Cole & Rogers for that role, as will Quenda.
Both have played off the right & the left in their young careers.
Gittens will struggle to get game time & should really be loaned until we get back in Europe.