Current Avatar:
No Avatar image uploaded
No Avatar image uploaded
Chelsea Rumours Member Posts
Melbourne CFC's Profile
Melbourne CFC's Posts and Other Poster's Replies To Melbourne CFC's Posts
To Melbourne CFC's last 5 rumours posts
To Melbourne CFC's last 5 banter posts
To Melbourne CFC's last 5 rumour replies
To Melbourne CFC's last 5 banter replies
Melbourne CFC's rumours posts with other poster's replies to Melbourne CFC's rumours posts
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.}
04 Apr 2013 02:10:55
Ed002, do the club still hold an interest in Fernando Reges? Do you see him leaving Porto in the summer?
Cheers {Ed002's Note - I think interest has probably gone and he is unlikely to move in the summer.}
1.) Cheers mate. Are you able to say who the club is looking at as a replacement for Essien as interest in Fernando has gone? {Ed002's Note - Essien has been out on loan and may well leave in the summer. Typically clubs do not look to replace players who are out on loan or otherwise not in the plans of the club with like for like-for-like players.}
2.) Understandable. I appreciate we have probably a few targets, but who have we turned our attention to after Fernando interest wained? I'm of the impression that Paulinho is no longer in the plans.
Cheers for the quick replies {Ed002's Note - There are no lists which the club work down from the top. It really doesn't work that way.}
3.) I fully understand that Ed002. I won't push the issue any further. Thanks again
26 Feb 2013 08:39:57
Ed002 with De Bruyne telling the club he does not want to make cameos off the bench and wants to be a starter when he returns, has their been interest from PL clubs to take him on loan? I know a lot can change between now and the summer, but had clubs shown interest before his Werder move?
Cheers {Ed002's Note - I am not aware of EPL club interest - and it seems far to early for that to be considered by most clubs.}
1.) Have you seen the way he's been playing?
Melbourne CFC's banter posts with other poster's replies to Melbourne CFC's banter posts
05 Jun 2026 06:28:51
Very interesting press conference for Perez. Obviously there’s a big presidential vote coming up in a few days. Perez said he will be making a 150m bid if he is successful for a world-class player. When asked, he said it would not be Enzo.
Madrid are not in the strongest financial position, so I would assume if they do make this bid and it’s accepted, they won’t have much left over for someone like Enzo.
I can 100% see Enzo requested a transfer and digging his heels in; however, there’s not a lot of clubs that could afford the fee we would want. Maybe if the player Perez is talking about is Vitinha, then we could see PSG step in. Personally I don’t see him as the type of player PSG would want, as most of their players seem to avoid drama.
1.) 05 Jun 2026 09:34:13
Perez won't win the presidential election, but you are correct in saying not many clubs can afford Enzo Fernandez. In my opinion, he may well follow Maresca to Man City. I also think a lot will depend on how he reacts with Alonso and his ideas. All conjecture at the moment.
2.) 05 Jun 2026 12:53:09
If Perez doesn't win the RM election, will that leave Jose high and dry?
I think Enzo leaves, and I personally don't care who he goes to.
3.) 05 Jun 2026 13:18:44
Tom,
It will come down to somebody paying a huge fee for EF, and not many clubs out there can afford his fee, then wages on top.
4.) 05 Jun 2026 11:38:13
What makes you think he won't win the election? He seems almost nailed on to win it with bookmakers and the majority reporting about it.
5.) 05 Jun 2026 15:14:22
Olise is the £150m man - apparently. Bayern said they wouldn't sell to £200m earlier in the year, so this'll be interesting to watch.
If they drop £150m on Olise, or anyone else, for that matter, then they won't be signing Fernandez too.
Rodri and a much reduced fee make more sense. Will we do a deal with City and Maresca? I can't see it.
Solid chance the domino effect of this is Fernandez staying.
30 May 2026 15:29:03
Weird that Slot is gone and Xabi chose us. Either no decision had been made until the recent season review, at which point they were too late, or Xabi was never looked at internally at LFC to replace Slot. All indications were he would’ve jumped at the job. Any info, Tris?
{Ed001's Note - I don't believe he was under consideration at the time, he did ask the question before committing.}
1.) 30 May 2026 16:51:19
Ed001
Why was Alonso not inder consideration but was when Klopp left?
Also ED, di you think both clubs have landed the right coach or would other coaches be better suited for either club?
{Ed001's Note - I have no idea why Xabi was no longer under consideration, probably because Edwards is trying to hang on to power though and Alonso would not be a yes man.
Liverpool have not landed one yet. But I think Alonso or his type anyway, is what you needed. Someone to take charge.}
2.) 30 May 2026 17:54:13
Thank you ED
{Ed001's Note - very welcome Bill.}
24 May 2026 23:07:30
Obviously couldn't get to sleep and so tortured myself for another 65 minutes. There is a rot within this playing group. It's been around a few years but got worse under Maresca with an insane amount of red cards as well as yellows for dissent. We need a clear out. There isn't a single French lad I'd keep, and the Spanish speaking group can kick rocks as well. We buy youth and then have people like Enzo as role models. Make them captains. Meanwhile a large continent of the youth we have bought and play are black. Boggles the mind.
Thankfully whoever has been in charge of recruitment now goes through Xabi. You know we have a designated SD for research on players backgrounds? How that bloke still has a job with the utter disgrace of a team we have, weak in, weak out, pun intended. I blame the owners for using our club as a money laundering mechanism but I also blame the players for the consistent disrespect they show the badge. Burn it all down and let's go again.
Corrupt British government stole my club and handed it to American investment flogs. Now the soul has left the club. God hope Xabi can find it again.
1.) 24 May 2026 23:54:13
I'm not sure how the club has become a "money laundering mechanism", but whatever.
It was just a disappointing season. We just go again.
2.) 25 May 2026 01:01:57
Tom, BlueCo have bought a load of barber shops in South London- keep up!
3.) 25 May 2026 01:24:50
Agreed, Tom. Money launderers do it to keep and clean the money... Our clowns have just burnt through it.
4.) 25 May 2026 06:06:50
We shall see if that's true when they sell players in this window. My guess is they will have made a book profit.
5.) 25 May 2026 01:37:32
"Meanwhile a large continent of the youth we have bought and play are black."
Is there a problem with black players?
{Ed001's Note - I think he is referring to Enzo's singing of the racist song about the French being a problem as it is referencing them being black, rather than their colour of skin being the problem. That is how I read it anyway.}
6.) 25 May 2026 15:03:16
Ahh I see it now. Thank for clarifying Ed. I read it as two separate statements
24 May 2026 06:50:18
If we can get $125m plus for Enzo and Xabi can use the funds how he'd like, I'd bite Citeh's hand off. Enzo has been fantastic for 3-4 months but was hot and cold before that. He was almost never incredible playing under Maresca. Obviously the worry is we are strengthening a rival, however it can also easily strengthen us. Enzo was never good in the 6 and had his best games in a kind of 10. Citeh have Cherki and Foden. If Cole recovers, plays more central and Moises gets a world class partner, I think it's a positive.
In my estimation we need a starting GK, CB, CM and left sided attacking player. We also need to tapper expectations as funds aren't endless. I think that with the sales of Garnacho, Delap, Disasi, Jorgensen, Fofana and Badiashile we'd be lucky to get 100-150m. If we sell Enzo and Cucu that number increases closer to 300m. Sell Jackson and we are looking at 350m+.
We have a horrible squad in terms of return on investment. Although Enzo and Cucu have been two of our best players, I think having a lot of money at Xabi's disposal outweighs keeping two players that want to leave and we could bank handsome fees for.
Barco, Quenda and Emegha are already arriving. Quenda is 100% an upgrade out wide. Emegha was wanted by a lot of clubs last year and with any luck with injuries can't be any worse than Delap. Barco is a utility player who can fill in for the loss of both Enzo and Cucu.
We're skint, but have a decent opportunity to build a strong squad for Xabi, within one window.
1.) 24 May 2026 10:06:38
Melbourne, am I right in thinking Alonso likes to play a back 3, with the wingbacks giving width and two 10's? If so, we won't need any more wingers and the ones we have can be either offloaded or converted into wingbacks.
Quenda is a wingback and can give cover for Reece on the right, Barco can give cover for Cucurella on the left, we have Enzo (one of our best players, who must stay), Palmer and Estevao who can play as 10's, as can Jaoa Pedro, so we are well stocked there. Hato will excel on the left of a back 3 and Levi can play in the centre, so our priority must be an experienced world class right sided centre back in my opinion, and a striker to take the pressure off Jaoa Pedro.
Moises, Santos and Essugo to compete for those 2 places in midfield, plus one more? No doubt Alonso will have someone in mind. Then add a keeper or give Penders a chance.
The list of outgoings is long...
Jorgensen... Who knows.
Disasi... West Ham and Leeds want him.
BB... Who knows.
Tosin... Might stay as Palmer's mate.
Trev... Might stay as cover.
Fofana... Wants to leave.
Lavia... Who knows.
Neto... Liverpool and Barcelona interested.
Garnacho... Who knows.
Gittens... Loan.
George... Everton interested.
Mudryk... Who knows.
Delap... Newcastle want him.
Jackson... Alonso may keep him.
Guiu... Coventry want him.
2.) 24 May 2026 10:35:21
I agree, Melbourne. Return on investment is horrific and we've practically burned a large sum of the money spent on players. I imagine they will recoup by selling the players that will actually generate a return on investment, but the list isn't long.
3.) 24 May 2026 10:54:34
Largely agree with your well considered post, RPD.
4.) 24 May 2026 11:06:52
I never watched Leverkusen under Xabi, but it is widely reported he prefers a back three. Although I have read he is adaptable to his squad. I would prefer to hold onto Enzo as he seems to be hitting his prime, however, it costs more to hold onto an unhappy player than to sell at or around their peak and have a new manager reinvest how he sees fit.
I think the priorities prior to sales are GK and CB. I have very high hopes for Penders but think he's a year or two away. If we can get Maignan, who will be 31 when the season starts, I think it would be amazing. Have Penders hold the number two spot this year and understudy, or go out on loan for one more year and return to fight for the spot.
I agree on Hato and Levi for CB, so we need someone on the right. Maybe Reece plays next to Moises, Gusto competes with Quenda? If we sold Cucu we'd need someone to compete with Barco, but I personally think Neto/Gittens could do the job. Bring in Yildiz and we have Palmer, Estevao, Yildiz, Quenda and Neto who can fight over the two 10 spots?
Fortunate that Xabi is in control, as I haven't a clue how much we will have to spend or how expensive it would be to build to compete once more. It is fun to play fantasy manager though.
Hoping we don't get a European spot tonight as I think having a week in between games will benefit the squad massively.
5.) 24 May 2026 11:09:41
Thank you, JBS. I think the recruitment has been mixed, as it always is with nearly every club on the planet, but the nucleus is certainly there, and now Alonso is in. I'm very hopeful moving forward.
6.) 24 May 2026 15:21:17
I have no idea if we will get a return on any player investment. My guess is some we will and some we will not, but I would be very confident that, overall, we will get a positive return.
As far as players leaving are concerned, I can think of eight that I think will leave, but that could well be on the low side.
7.) 24 May 2026 18:26:58
RPD, is the nucleus actually there? Genuinely, what's your nucleus?
We have:
a poor keeper.
a collection of centre backs, of whom the only one that's capable of playing at the top level is 2 games back from an ACL.
A centre mid contingent that's extremely unbalanced, and again only Caicedo is 'good enough' and available.
Wingers, an utter disaster with very minimal output - again Palmer the only one that's done anything and he's been crap all season.
Joao Pedro is decent but can't be shouldering the goal scoring burden alone, and his backups are all terrible.
In addition to this, we just have an endless list of players simply not good enough to play for a club that wants to be in the UCL as a minimum. I'd list them here but it's a list of 15+.
We are not Brighton or Bournemouth, and the only way to take back our spot at the top is to raise standards and start believing we're a big club.
8.) 24 May 2026 18:39:08
Managers can get huge improvement from players.
I think the vast majority of supporters believed we were moving in the right direction at the end of last season. This season has been a huge disappointment, but I think our new manager will get a lot more out of these players than we have seen this season.
9.) 24 May 2026 18:54:34
That's a hypothetical, Tom. I'm more focused on what we have seen and have evidence of. Take Neto and Garnacho; both have played a lot of football now, yet offer minimal output. Will that change? Possibly, but history suggests not.
10.) 24 May 2026 19:11:51
Kazblue, of course this season has not been good enough, but we now have a proven manager who has won almost everything as a player and a manager.
History also suggests that players can have a bad season and bounce back to form, particularly under the leadership of a new manager.
The facts are we are making season on season improvement, but this year was a step backwards. We go again.
11.) 24 May 2026 21:31:19
Bounce back to form.... Issue being, most of them have never shown any form.
12.) 24 May 2026 23:14:15
Thankfully your usual negativity is not shared by my season ticket mates and maybe the majority of posters on this site. Now we have a manager who has a proven winning history as a player and manager.
We have had a bad season, it happened under Roman's ownership and ownerships before that.
13.) 25 May 2026 01:28:01
Your season ticket mates have been singing F*** off eghbali for half the season. alonso might be good but he's not a miracle worker and with shields stewart and winstanley still stinking up the place.it remains to be seen if he can work in these conditions with the bang average squad he's been given
14.) 25 May 2026 07:56:53
My season ticket mates have never sung songs asking for the owners to f*** off. I would like to think they are long on brain cells.
Asking owners to leave is a bit like asking managers to leave. The grass isn't always greener.
21 May 2026 15:35:14
Have to say that I became extremely burned out as this season progressed, reaching the point of telling my wife on multiple occasions, as well as posting that I wouldn’t watch anymore this season (rarely happened).
It’s sad that three of our most consistent performers in Joao, Cucu and Enzo are looking for the exit, but for the first time in quite some time I am genuinely excited for the future.
While we played some decent football under Maresca, I was never a huge fan. I certainly didn’t feel that he had the makings of someone who could transform our club. The feeling with Xabi is different. The expectation of a culture shift amongst a playing group that has been disrespectfully lethargic at times is huge. Even if we sold all three, I have the belief that Xabi will quickly find solutions.
Hato has already shown himself to be a gem of a player. I love Andrey and think he will add a lot to his play next season, and while Joao has been our best player, he has also gone missing in many games. My preference would be to keep all three.
Obviously we all want to win and rediscover the glory years, but as someone that wakes up at silly hours often, just having them put in shifts for the badge is fulfilling enough at times for me. Nothing worse than having to rock up to work after 2 hours sleep on the back of another poor showing.
Hopefully BlueCo has actually shifted their policies and Xabi is afforded the support and time he may need. If so, I think the future may just eclipse some of the best of the past.
1.) 21 May 2026 17:48:53
Melbourne, I agree with the sentiments your post. As for Maresca, I never believed he could take us to the next level. It is now clear he was just using us as a stepping stone for the City job: good riddance. As for Cucurella, Enzo and Pedro, if they are determined to leave, they should go.
It might be a blessing in disguise if they are replaced by players who suit Alonso's style and want to play and fight for Chelsea. I am more hopeful for the future, and a good transfer window will make me even happier (including getting rid of deadwood ).
2.) 21 May 2026 20:20:44
Joao Pedro is not looking to leave, but I don't know about Enzo and Cucu, Melbourne. If those 2 do depart, that will be nearly £250 million (a quarter of a billion) in the bank for replacements.
Like both of you, I think the capture of Alonso is absolutely seismic and on a par with Jose coming in all those years ago, particularly now Blue.co have elevated him to manager with a far bigger say than our previous head coaches.
3.) 21 May 2026 22:04:56
Greenaway, I don't know if Pedro, Cucu and Enzo want to go, but there is plenty of noise surrounding them. As for Pedro, he hasn't put himself in a good light with his media campaign sulking about not being in the Brazil squad.
My point is, if players want to be at another club, I don't want them here.
I don't know how you think selling Cucu and Enzo would give us £250 million to spend.
4.) 21 May 2026 22:12:02
Ok Jimbo, we shall see.
5.) 22 May 2026 07:13:34
Transfer fee wise, think we would get £100m for Enzo, £35 M for Cucu and £70m for J Pedro.
I still think the basic squad is pretty good. Need a world class centre half and a top goalkeeper. Penders, that guy I haven't seen enough to judge. Agree with Hato, he looks a special player. Less sure on Santos. If only we could keep Lavia fit.
6.) 22 May 2026 07:50:19
We all obviously have no idea what the club value players at, and how determined, or otherwise, they would be to keep them, particularly as they all have long contracts, but as a guess, I would imagine any bidding on Enzo would start at £125 million, Cucu at £65 million, and Pedro at £115 million.
7.) 22 May 2026 08:00:39
If that is the case, Rpd, apart from Cucurella, the remaining two won't be sold as the Spanish clubs can't afford them.
8.) 22 May 2026 08:10:28
But, Bill, Man City and Arsenal can. I could see that happening as well. Man City need replacements in midfield, and Arsenal buy players off of us each season.
9.) 22 May 2026 08:29:34
Cucurella has only 2 years left on his contract, which is usually the point where you stick or twist.
Greenaway, just because you receive £250 million doesn't mean you can spend it on replacements: often fees are paid in instalments and you have to have regard to PSR, amortisation etc.
10.) 22 May 2026 09:00:14
Thank you, Jimbo, for pointing out how it all works.
11.) 22 May 2026 13:18:00
We may all have views on who should stay, who should go, and the players' value.
I think both Cucurella and Enzo will go, but only for substantial fees. I also think both are angling for new contracts. Over to you, boss!!
12.) 22 May 2026 17:57:41
Tom, if players have their minds set to leave, it usually happens. Cucu is in the strongest position with 2 years left on his contract. Nothing will happen before Alonso gets the whole squad together. I would like them all to stay, but if their heart isn't in the club, better they go.
13.) 22 May 2026 21:08:48
Jimbo, that is true, but an improvement in their current contracts would probably be enough to make them stay.
I'm always of the opinion that a club should never keep an unhappy player.
14.) 23 May 2026 10:28:27
Or coach Tom.
15.) 23 May 2026 13:21:28
Bill, of course.
Melbourne CFC's rumour replies
10 Jun 2026 04:14:45
Another deal I'd happily take, J. We want players who want to play for us and for Xabi! Let Enzo go to the circus that is Madrid, where he does seem like he would fit in well.
Would be a huge vote of trust from Arda also, as he would have a long list of CL clubs lining up.
The fear is obviously being slow with deals, as Turkey in particular has a pretty easy group, and it doesn't take much for prices to blow up on the back of a couple of WC performances.
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.
02 May 2026 10:49:53
I feel like whoever the coach is, if we can get 50m for Jackson with the 20 odd million Bayern paid for the loan, I'd rather be rid of him. I don't know why people think he would be better on the wing when he's never had a final ball. He caused all sorts of issues when with us, terrible discipline, terrible teammate, and, although the club fluffed him around with the Bayern loan, he refused to return to the club he had a contract with.
If we're trying to stamp out player egos, he will never be a good fit.
Neto has had a good season, and I like him, but he unfollowed the club on social media when Enzo left (childish af), and I think one of the best things Roman instilled in the club is that if a player is unhappy, he is sold.
02 May 2026 08:29:55
While the rumour mill sources are never that accurate, I personally would be happy with all three being sold, if the money is spent well. Gordon would be an upgrade on Garnacho, although that's not a glowing reflection on Gordon's ability and I wouldn't spend over 50m to get him. Emegha already replaces Jackson.
Neto is a little trickier to replace, as he can play on both wings. Quenda will add an extra dimension. Gittens returns from injury, but I feel we may need a little more PL experience. Ndiaye at Everton has looked decent when I've watched them, as has Somerville at West Ham. They would both make good squad players.
30 Apr 2026 09:37:06
Tbh, Greenaway, there was close to zero intensity in the 'Maresca' approach for months. One of the reasons I wasn't fussed with him leaving was that the build up was slow and created extremely little, especially against low blocks. I expect Maresca to be sacked within 18 months if he does join Citeh.
Melbourne CFC's banter replies
12 Jun 2026 11:35:15
He will run himself into the ground. However, it remains to be seen if he can remain disciplined in a system. In France, the pitch often feels twice the size when watching the game, as games are often ridiculously open.
He had a superb year at Strasbourg, but was at fault more than once for being wildly out of position, chasing balls like a bull terrier. Hopefully, he learns the system Xabi wants quickly and can be a big addition to the squad.
12 Jun 2026 11:31:24
Time will tell. While he may be a decent player, I think a decent person may be a stretch.
Also, while you may not believe he would pull an Isac, he already did as much at Benfica, leaving Portugal without permission (well prior to any sale), and it was widely reported that he said he would not return to play for them again.
There is a reason the Benfica fans hate him with a passion. He is the type of bloke to kiss the badge one week and refuse to ever play for the same club a week later.
I'm not surprised he would be welcomed into the squad next year by some supporters, as the club seem to have lost any semblance of self-respect since the new owners showed up.
12 Jun 2026 00:46:10
It is certainly looking like he won't have many options, but I fully expect a transfer request to be handed in and Madrid to bid low with Citeh. We can put as high a price tag as we want, but when he pulls an Isac and refuses to return to training, our options become much more limited.
10 Jun 2026 04:18:53
I watched quite a few Como games, and although Nico had a couple of games that he drifted through, on the whole he was very consistent and showed up during big games (Inter and Juve especially). He was the player that a lot of attacks went through, and seems to play far beyond his years.
In this market, I'd expect Real could quite easily get EUR80m+ already for him, and are unlikely to let him enter the last year of his contract. Jose isn't the best with youth, so we would likely have a chance this summer. No CL would hurt us.
08 Jun 2026 12:09:04
Would bite your hand off for this swap. Think Nico has unbelievable ability and a very high ceiling. Has shown under Cesc how coachable he is and would certainly replace Enzo's goals, as he similarly arrives in the box at the right time. Personally, can't imagine that Real will let him leave and I think a swap for Fernandez is incredibly unlikely.