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Chelsea Rumours Member Posts
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Melbourne CFC's Posts and Other Poster's Replies To Melbourne CFC's Posts
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Melbourne CFC's rumours posts with other poster's replies to Melbourne CFC's rumours posts
24 Jun 2026 14:21:11
Very interesting to see Carra on the Liverpool pages (typically a very good track record of having direct information from within LFC) said that we met with Diomande's agent.
I believe Leipzig already turned down a 100m euro offer from Liverpool, so kind of wild that we are interested knowing that. Would be a monster statement of intent. Can't see how we afford it before sales.
He did note that we were told he only wants to join LFC. Maybe Drogba can get in his ear haha.
Also he is only 19, but had a huge season in Germany and is playing extremely well for Ivory Coast at the WC, so another that would likely get into our starting 11 quite easily despite his age.
1.) 24 Jun 2026 20:14:47
He can play both sides, but he's mostly played off the right at Leipzig. Also, seems strange if we're gonna play with 5 at the back. Honestly, don't see anything in it.
18 Jun 2026 00:52:13
Seems like we may be signing Cambiaso from Juve. I watched a good chunk of Juve games last year and it would certainly indicate that Xabi would be setting up with wingbacks.
Personally I don't rate him that highly. He is not very strong defensively and while he tries to be as offensive as Trent, his final delivery is similar to Neto in that he has a killer ball about 10% of the time. Juve play with wingers also so maybe it would work in Xabi's system, as the amount of times Cambiaso tried to play balls into the box himself, rather than get Yildiz involved in the build up was frustrating to watch.
1.) 18 Jun 2026 10:10:16
Melbourne, I have still got my fingers crossed that we re-sign Hall. I think we have a sell on clause.
I think Newcastle will sign either Delap or Jackson.
2.) 18 Jun 2026 11:54:29
Tbh, I'm not too worried who we sign for what positions as long as Xabi gets the players he wants and has time to instill his ideas. If this portion of the 'project' doesn't work out, the future looks very bleak.
Would be happy to see both Jackson and Delap be sold.
Vlahovic is someone that looks like we also might be in for and would certainly add some of the Diego Costa aggression to the front of our attack. Although he is another that seems to fold at the first sign of a slight niggle in a toe.
3.) 19 Jun 2026 09:41:13
Am in two minds about Jackson. I think he offered quite a lot, not just in the 15 goals or so he contributed, but in his link upplay and creation of space for Palmer when with us. When I first saw him in pre-season games he also seemed able to play out on the left and had linked well with a pre-injury Nkunku. He has pace, can pick a good pass, and has scored some good goals. Unfortunately, what we also saw was someone who too often lacked composure in front of goal and lost his temper and got cards and sendings off.
Not often a starter at Bayern, for obvious reasons given Kane's superb form, he did manage 11 goals in all competitions there.
Jaoa Pedro certainly needs more support and/or rivalry for the striker spot, and Jackson would seem to offer more than Delap. So it depends who else we could get in who would be better not just than LD but also NJ.
4.) 19 Jun 2026 15:15:57
Obviously, he got less minutes because of Harry, but he also managed to get himself red carded a couple of times when he was given the chance to start games. He's a liability. He will always be a liability, and something we must move away from is having players who continuously make the same mistakes. It's ok if players are young and do something stupid, it's not ok for the same mistakes to be made three years on the bounce.
I don't think Nico is anywhere near world class, and I think he thinks he is.
You'd expect, going and playing understudy to Kane for a year, you'd learn something, and maybe realize how much improvement you need to make to get right to the top. There is nothing I've seen to make me think he learned anything or even slightly improved his game. We need a drama-free squad, and everyone to buy into the idea that the collective is more important than the individual. Nico only thinks about Nico.
5.) 20 Jun 2026 12:47:33
I think Jackson, like most players, will learn a lot about behaviour on a football pitch.
He lets himself down, blows hot and cold performance-wise, but on his day, in my opinion, he is a handful.
6.) 20 Jun 2026 16:04:55
You could say that of most if not all strikers, Tom.
7.) 20 Jun 2026 21:42:25
Bill, that is very true. All but the greats seem streaky!!
16 May 2026 12:59:28
Xabi Alonso agrees terms!
I retire in 1 month so the slog of early mornings won't be as rough. Very excited to see who he wants signed and how we play.
1.) 16 May 2026 23:16:27
Congrats on retirement, mate! You mentioned you were in China. Is a return to aus back on the cards?
2.) 17 May 2026 00:15:12
It isn't, Standard. Retirement is only possible because of how well my wife's business is doing, and China is the key for that.
We will be traveling quite a bit, so will owe a few beers whenever we make it to London.
3.) 17 May 2026 10:37:42
Fair enough. Enjoy!
06 Mar 2026 15:59:48
Anselmino's situation is odd. Obviously agree with him being recalled from Dortmund, however, he's only played 2 mins for Strasbourg (2 sub appearances) and wasn't in their squad last time out.
Seems a fairly stupid loan at this point for a player that was looking good and getting settled at Dortmund.
1.) 06 Mar 2026 18:23:14
Melbourne, I believe he picked up an injury.
2.) 07 Mar 2026 01:28:24
Thanks, Bill! I hadn't seen that. Hopefully, he can recover quickly.
20 Mar 2014 17:57:08
Ed002 if you have time. As I'm sure plenty of media will claim Hazard will go to PSG in the window. I know things change over time, but would you think Spain is a far more likely attraction, still, to the player?
I don't think he'll leave for a second - in the next window, and don't think the club would listen to offers, if he expresses no desire to leave. Just curious as to if PSG is at all a likely future destination?
{Ed002's Note - I wouldn't think a move to PSG is likely.}
Melbourne CFC's banter posts with other poster's replies to Melbourne CFC's banter posts
28 Jul 2026 23:19:29
Don’t know how many were able to catch the first pre season game. I missed the first half but managed to see the second. Obviously it’s only preseason so not much can be taken from it. However, two things we knew from last year were painfully obvious.
Delap isn’t good enough. He actually seemed completely disinterested for 60 minutes and when Joao came on for him and put in a little bit of effort, chances came.
Sanchez cannot be anywhere near this team if we plan to play out from the back. His decision making under pressure and his distribution are woeful. I think we have a good chance to make a run in the league, but have no chance to compete at the top with him in goal.
1.) 29 Jul 2026 07:20:14
Melbourne, I think Sanchez will "start" as our No1 keeper. Of course, I may well be wrong. I would love us to sign Costa, but I haven't seen us linked to any keeper during this window. So, if I am correct, I guess we ain’t winning the league this season.
2.) 29 Jul 2026 08:34:06
Melbourne, you won't be surprised that I agree with you about Sanchez. He is totally unsuitable for Alonso's style of play. Alonso is decisive and knows how he wants his teams to play.
I find it hard to believe that he would settle for a weakness in such a pivotal position. I don't expect Sanchez to be No 1 next season. It will be Penders or someone else.
3.) 29 Jul 2026 08:38:32
I also agree that we will have no chance with Sanchez in goal, he will be targeted and will always let us down in big games.
Goalkeeper is such an important position nowadays. You only have to look at Arsenal & Man City.
They had Ramsdale & Trafford, both good keepers, but both teams still upgraded with Raya & Donnaruma.
I posted before, but we should meet the release clause for Diogo Costa.
4.) 29 Jul 2026 12:35:20
Agreed, swcfc and Jimbo.
As Sanchez is a liability with his feet, and a liability for Alonso's style of play, he cannot be No 1, not even No 2.
Why we are not going for Costa, God only knows. Maybe I was right, and we are going for Peter Shilton.
5.) 29 Jul 2026 14:51:29
Maybe trust our new manager to make the correct call?
6.) 29 Jul 2026 15:17:57
EbW
As Sanchez is not very good on possession, I don't see how he suits Alonso's way of playing. Therefore, I just can't see why it would be his choice to keep him.
7.) 29 Jul 2026 15:25:51
My gut feeling is we will buy another keeper in this window.
8.) 29 Jul 2026 15:41:35
I repeat.
Maybe trust our new manager to make the correct call?
{Ed001's Note - so why come on here and give an opinion at all? If all you are going to do is say this? It is extremely tedious and makes the whole point of a discussion forum moot. Give it a rest and let people discuss their opinions, if you disagree you could try explaining why.}
9.) 29 Jul 2026 17:00:34
I don't know what it is with Delap - at times last year it's almost like he was trying too hard, hence the stupid fouls, and then now he seems like he's almost accepted his future is away from the club.
As for Sanchez...
agreed, not good enough with his feet, and really surprised we haven't replaced him - I know the club like Penders, but I would've cleared Sanchez and Jorgensen out and signed a relatively experienced keeper to replace.
10.) 29 Jul 2026 21:01:17
There were rumours of us going back for Maignan again after missing out last year. I wasn't too impressed by him in the WC, but a bad/good World Cup ain't something to base an opinion on.
28 Jul 2026 09:55:04
Personally would be quite happy with Jordan and Danny signing. Shows very clearly that Xabi is making the decisions as 0% chance our unchanged scouting department would look at either. 0 or very low transfer fees make sense for what they would bring to the squad off the field.
I can't see them improving our 11, or getting much game time, but they can help set a new culture of hard work, which is something Xabi seems keen to do.
Not the type of signings that get supporters excited, but could well be the catalyst for this group achieving great things for many years.
1.) 28 Jul 2026 10:11:05
I actually agree with you, Melbourne CFC. It is very obvious that Alonso is behind these signings, and the club are fully backing him. I hope all our supporters get behind our manager. After all, we have all been asking for the manager to have full control, which he so clearly does, so let's not knock him for these decisions and support him.
2.) 28 Jul 2026 15:26:12
EbW
Re our earlier posts on this subject.
I would be more than happy if Im proven wrong, if both have a good influence on our club, should they both sign for us.
3.) 29 Jul 2026 17:39:38
Both are signings I didn't expect, but if Alonso sees a use for them, I will bow to his superior knowledge. They won't cost much, all round. Don't forget, someone thought it was a good idea to sign Mudryk for £80 million!
18 Jul 2026 22:52:36
Don’t quite know what to make of this Rodgers deal. The fee is fairly silly. However, having years for Cole and Morgan to play together could be an incredible attacking duo in the making. I’ve never been overly impressed watching Rodgers, but if Xabi sees a big role for him that’s enough for me.
Very interesting if he turned down CL at Arsenal to join us, but tbh, I can’t imagine being a creative attacking-minded footballer and choosing to go and train rugby with Mikel Arteta.
Would assume this means we have a deal close to selling Enzo. Interesting to see where he goes.
1.) 19 Jul 2026 09:01:10
Not necessarily Melbourne, we have lots of fring players to sell. I think Jackson will definitely leave, as will Desasi, Jorgensen, Delap, Guiu, Badishiele and Tosin, possibly, hopefully Fofana and Neto. We have already recouped over £100 mil with Santos and Cucurella, with a further £30mil on Chabs and a further £17mil on a little known player, Maresca.
2.) 19 Jul 2026 10:43:21
The Maresca one was great business haha.
I know we have plenty of players available for sale. I just don't expect we will sell many of them, especially if we are pricing them all similar to Gusto.
After the Santos sale, we would definitely be short in midfield if we let Enzo go, so I'd hope we would have a suitable replacement lined up.
Personally, I can see a world where Atletico try for Enzo, to attempt to keep Alvarez happy for a little longer.
3.) 19 Jul 2026 11:01:04
Or a swap deal between Alvarez and Enzo.
4.) 19 Jul 2026 12:04:27
The potential Badiashile sale is strange, as a mate told me that Alonso had historically shown an interest in signing him and rates the player. To be fair, the lad can play, but he just seemed to lack concentration, and, of course, he never got into a Premiership rhythm because of injuries.
The same mate told me that both Villa and Newcastle want Jackson.
As always, I love all the transfer rumours, but rarely the facts.
5.) 19 Jul 2026 12:08:55
Whilst selling Enzo would bring in our biggest fee of the summer, it wouldn't be the most profitable. Everything over around £80m would count as profit, so, if we get what we're asking for, that would mean only £40m profit. The sale of Chalobah to Como for £35m'ish would be nearly as profitable, and the sale of Andrey Santos to Man Utd was more profitable, as most of the fee we paid for him had already been dealt with via amortisation.
The purchase of Rogers, albeit for an eye-watering fee, doesn’t create a need to sell Fernandez, although he will obviously be sold if someone suitable to him stumps up the £120m. Candidates for that look thin on the ground.
6.) 19 Jul 2026 18:54:18
I get that amortization allows for some creative accounting within clubs. Didn't we post a loss of 400m last financial year? Surely that can't be ignored. We're not exactly starting from a level point, but I don't pretend to fully understand football finances, and it seems like no one at the club is too bothered.
7.) 20 Jul 2026 11:30:17
Melbourne, I am certainly not an expert on FFP or football finance, but I seem to remember reading that the club has now left our previous financial results behind. It's almost like this season becomes ground zero.
I have probably misunderstood the whole thing, but that was my sort of take on it.
{Ed001's Note - that is pretty much spot on. It is a year by year basis now.}
8.) 20 Jul 2026 12:07:20
Thanks for the clarification Ed, always appreciated. My memory isn't what it used to be particularly for names Charlie.
{Ed001's Note - very welcome.}
9.) 20 Jul 2026 13:17:08
Well that's good to know! Here's to another 1.5b spending spree.
10.) 20 Jul 2026 14:21:10
Melbourne, as I understand, we now have to balance the books annually. So, the sale of Santos, George, and Chalaboa (pending) would be near enough to cover the MG transfer.
Going forward, I expect us to sell about another six players, so this season we should comfortably balance the books. Unless we buy Yamal or another Arsenal target. ??
12 Jul 2026 01:03:42
Glad to see Jesse getting a loan with Sporting. It won't be easy to crack into that team but I anticipate he will become a starter for them and get a decent amount of minutes. One thing England players of old didn't do a lot was go overseas, so it's great that he has some courage and is getting out of his bubble.
One of the greatest cities on the planet, so I'm sure he will have a fantastic year.
09 Jul 2026 02:06:44
Huge mistake selling Santos for under 50m, to United of all clubs. An absolutely top human being, who doesn't contribute to what was a very toxic culture we have in the squad. He had some MoM games last season and was barely given a run of games to build upon. He will slot in at United extremely well and I think we will regret it. In a world where Anderson sells for 120m, off the back of a couple of decent seasons (team was almost relegated), it doesn't take much to inflate value. I trust that Xabi will get the money to spend, however, I also expect this doesn't help Estevao continue to settle.
Can't even wish Andrey good luck as he's leaving as we decided to sell to a direct competitor. Hate absolutely everything about this bit of business.
1.) 09 Jul 2026 07:14:40
Melbourne, as previously posted, like you, I am not a fan of this deal. I assume alternatives will be signed, but I rated the lad.
I can't see him leaving having any effect on Estavao settling into the club. I think that will be down to Alonso, and maybe Pedro can help the young lad.
2.) 09 Jul 2026 08:33:50
We all see things differently in football, me and my 2 sons go to watch games and all think he's bang average.
That's why I personally see it as good business. Time will tell, I guess.
3.) 09 Jul 2026 12:21:28
Estevao had spoken a few times about how important Andrey and Joao were for him, and how he spent a lot of his free time with them. Having Joao's head turned by Barca, and Andrey leaving, certainly won't do much to help him settle. Andrey also spoke 4-5 languages, and I'm sure was a bit of help in that regard. It's easy to underestimate how difficult it is being in new countries, with no command of the language, for those that haven't experienced it.
Swcfc, throughout the season a few posters commented similarly, which is fair. He wasn't given a consistent run, and from his time in France he was clearly head and shoulders above when he was a mainstay. I believe the only midfielder who impacted games more during that year was Vitinha at PSG.
Personally, I believe this is one that will bite us hard. However, I also have huge faith in Xabi, so I trust a solution will be found.
4.) 09 Jul 2026 13:09:06
It's a tough one tbf. If Enzo was going, I think we'd have seen Santos stay (unless we bought Camavinga or someone similar). Atm, we have a very large squad, and no Europe, so it'll be tough for Santos to get game time. If we sign Barco as expected, I imagine he'll be cover for Santos. I imagine we'll see Essugo go out on loan after his injury-hit season last year.
Lavia, I don't imagine we'd be able to sell, even if we were willing, due to his injuries, which means Santos is the unfortunate one to miss out. I do think the club should have negotiated a bigger sell-on clause, though, and an extra 5-10m.
5.) 09 Jul 2026 13:29:58
My biggest issue is definitely with the fee. I understand players come and go for a variety of reasons. 50m for Santos to a direct rival in the same market, Fernandes sells for 85m from a relegated team, and Anderson sells for 120m for a team that was almost relegated, just leaves so much on the table.
6.) 09 Jul 2026 13:57:05
Agree with you, Melbourne. The point you are also implying strongly is that big ins and outs every single summer window since BlueCo took over can disrupt the building of support and solidarity in the squad, especially for younger players.
We also seem to be selling relatively better, less often injured players, while our squad's proportion of sick-bay regulars stays the same or grows. Alonso has quite a task on his hands to get us back to where we would like to be.
Melbourne CFC's rumour replies
28 Jun 2026 01:15:07
Agreed. I think he will be one of our best signings come the end of the year. We haven't had an experienced leader since Tiago left, and it will be huge for the entire squad! Being able to show the lads in training what is expected from Xabi can't be understated either.
Really happy to see the model is shifting, and that Xabi seems to have a high level of say in what's going on.
24 Jun 2026 00:18:07
Haven't ever watched him play, but know there are high expectations and happy to see us through the checkbook at a deal to get it done.
If it also means we sell Gusto to a rival, it's the cherry on top.
22 Jun 2026 14:37:43
As long as the money isn't ridiculous, I think Warton could fit in well. With the creative players ahead of him, he could make a big difference in our ability to get forward quickly. If the fee is anywhere near the 85m that Newcastle supposedly want for Tonali, I would much rather he came in, though.
As long as we get some deals over the line early, it should make a big difference having a full preseason with Xabi.
19 Jun 2026 15:15:57
Obviously, he got less minutes because of Harry, but he also managed to get himself red carded a couple of times when he was given the chance to start games. He's a liability. He will always be a liability, and something we must move away from is having players who continuously make the same mistakes. It's ok if players are young and do something stupid, it's not ok for the same mistakes to be made three years on the bounce.
I don't think Nico is anywhere near world class, and I think he thinks he is.
You'd expect, going and playing understudy to Kane for a year, you'd learn something, and maybe realize how much improvement you need to make to get right to the top. There is nothing I've seen to make me think he learned anything or even slightly improved his game. We need a drama-free squad, and everyone to buy into the idea that the collective is more important than the individual. Nico only thinks about Nico.
18 Jun 2026 11:54:29
Tbh, I'm not too worried who we sign for what positions as long as Xabi gets the players he wants and has time to instill his ideas. If this portion of the 'project' doesn't work out, the future looks very bleak.
Would be happy to see both Jackson and Delap be sold.
Vlahovic is someone that looks like we also might be in for and would certainly add some of the Diego Costa aggression to the front of our attack. Although he is another that seems to fold at the first sign of a slight niggle in a toe.
Melbourne CFC's banter replies
23 Jul 2026 14:38:10
We would be the clear, most hated club in England with both on our books.
22 Jul 2026 00:29:12
100%, Tom! Was just coming on to say the same thing. Absolute legend!
20 Jul 2026 13:17:08
Well that's good to know! Here's to another 1.5b spending spree.
19 Jul 2026 18:54:18
I get that amortization allows for some creative accounting within clubs. Didn't we post a loss of 400m last financial year? Surely that can't be ignored. We're not exactly starting from a level point, but I don't pretend to fully understand football finances, and it seems like no one at the club is too bothered.
19 Jul 2026 10:43:21
The Maresca one was great business haha.
I know we have plenty of players available for sale. I just don't expect we will sell many of them, especially if we are pricing them all similar to Gusto.
After the Santos sale, we would definitely be short in midfield if we let Enzo go, so I'd hope we would have a suitable replacement lined up.
Personally, I can see a world where Atletico try for Enzo, to attempt to keep Alvarez happy for a little longer.