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TomB's rumours posts with other poster's replies to TomB's rumours posts
25 Jul 2026 11:39:30
As I mentioned a long time ago, Liverpool have an interest in Neto, but it’s always been dependent on other targets.
Despite Chelsea saying differently, apparently Liverpool made a more concrete inquiry yesterday afternoon. Time will tell.
A good old friend told me about this latest development a few mins ago. I have no idea if this deal will happen.
1.) 25 Jul 2026 13:32:17
Thanks, Tom, for sharing. Multiple reports say Neto is wanted by Man City, but Chelsea FC are not pushing to sell and will not stand in his way if he wishes to leave.
2.) 25 Jul 2026 13:32:47
Apparently, being reported, City are interested too, which could be possible if Savinho leaves. The Liverpool interest is defo possible, given that they seem to be struggling to get a replacement in for Salah.
3.) 30 Jul 2026 12:07:11
I think, if Savinho goes to Spurs, then City may move for Neto.
23 Jul 2026 22:24:12
I assume my mates get all these rumours from various social media sites.
Apparently we now might look to sign a LB because Alonso has been so impressed with Emalano. That could be good news.
1.) 23 Jul 2026 22:33:32
That should "not now" sign a LB.
23 Jul 2026 09:05:08
I'm not about this but it reflects an earlier rumour I got from a mate. Supposedly Alonso was an historic fan of Badiashile, so apparently don't be surprised if we keep him and loan out Fofana.
1.) 23 Jul 2026 10:08:52
Can we not give Fofana away for free, Tom.
2.) 23 Jul 2026 11:15:22
I can't say I am a massive fan, even when fit, but he was rated highly in some quarters. Was he first choice for France back in the day, or am I making that up?
3.) 23 Jul 2026 11:22:56
Probably first choice in their medical room, Tom.
4.) 23 Jul 2026 11:56:40
Bill, at some you have to move on from some players being injured. We are not unique in having players who get consistently injured. It happens. Didn't Liverpool buy a CF from Newcastle with a history of injuries and has still only played a few games. It happens.
5.) 23 Jul 2026 12:02:05
It will be interesting to see how many games Issak plays. He also played in the World Cup. Did not see Fofana or Lavia there if im honest.
6.) 23 Jul 2026 15:32:17
My guess is Fofana played a lot more games than Isak last season. Lavia, I'm not so sure about. All clubs have players with injury issues.
I'm sure both Lavia and Fofana would have loved to play in the WC if the national coaches had picked them.
7.) 23 Jul 2026 15:47:29
I'm sure, Tom. However, I'm not sure they would have been fit to play. They certainly are not for us.
8.) 23 Jul 2026 16:13:54
As I have said, I'm sure Fofana played more games than Isak. We can carry on talking about players who have had injury issues, or we can just move on.
Injuries happen in all squads.
9.) 24 Jul 2026 08:20:11
Agreed, Tom, but we seem to have the same ones over and over again.
23 Jul 2026 03:46:09
The list of clubs now supposedly interested in Stones seems to be getting very long. As I mentioned pre WC, we had spoken to his representatives but so have Leeds, Everton and Arsenal along with other European clubs.
I personally can see why we would be interested, but I think it could be between Everton and the Gooners, unless Alonso is really desperate for him and weaves his magic.
1.) 23 Jul 2026 10:10:10
We need somebody to keep Fofana and Lavia company in the medical room, Tom.
2.) 23 Jul 2026 11:16:13
Always look on the bright side of life is my motto.
3.) 23 Jul 2026 11:24:41
There is nothing brighter in life than getting paid millions for playing a few games every season, Tom.
4.) 23 Jul 2026 15:33:54
Bill, there is definitely a lot of things better than being paid money. Trust me.
It's not as if these guys don't want to play football.
18 Jul 2026 18:47:03
Rumour is we have agreed a fee (£117m) for Rogers.
If this is true, I assuming we will be selling them a couple of players. Maybe Jackson and Badiashile.
Just one other rumour. Apparently Newcastle have asked the price for Jackson.
1.) 18 Jul 2026 21:28:00
117 million is surely far too much to pay for Rogers? He scored 10 goals and contributed 6 assists, but made little impression for England at the World Cup.
Rogers did score as many goals as Enzo and offered two more assists than Enzo, but Enzo's passing accuracy (overall and long passes) was much better. He created considerably more chances than Rogers and made double the number of tackles.
So I greatly hope that, if we do buy Rogers for this huge sum, it is not because we are selling Fernandez, particularly not to Arsenal or City.
Not quite sure what I make of this rumour, Tom, though I think you are a fan of Rogers. Is it true that he is a friend of Cole's, or is that someone else in the England set up?
2.) 18 Jul 2026 23:36:56
JBS, I do like Rogers as a player and I try not to think of transfer fees, although that is difficult.
I'm personally not sure that, if we do sign Rogers, and I'm far from convinced this will happen, it means EF will be leaving.
3.) 19 Jul 2026 13:13:26
I think Enzo is a false equivalent. Rogers is playing higher up, taking more risks in the final third than Enzo.
Rogers gives you the option of two narrow 10s in a 3-4-3, and an alternative to Palmer in the 10 in a 4-2-3-1. He also gives you ball carrying, which Chelsea don't really have. Palmer is a passer, facilitator and finisher; Joao Pedro has the hold up and link up play, plus calm finishing. Neither picks up and drives.
Jackson is the only other player with that profile, although I think Delap can also do it when firing.
£117m is a lot, until you see the price of other players in the market, especially midfielders. I also wouldn't be surprised to see at least one Chelsea player on their way to Villa for a somewhat inflated fee, a bit like Kellyman and Maatsen. Both have issues with UEFA rules to work through (and around).
4.) 19 Jul 2026 19:17:52
tbh wouldn't mind seeing Cole back on the right, and Rodgers, Caicedo and Enzo together in the midfield would be interesting. Only thing then, potentially, would be pace in the team - maybe need to look at a quick left winger. Not sure if this Palestra is quick, but whoever plays left back hopefully will be quick.
5.) 19 Jul 2026 19:38:07
Neither Cole nor Morgan Rogers can tackle or track back that well, compared to Enzo, who also last season scored as many as Rogers and more than Cole. So, yes, it is a false equivalent, but if no Enzo, can we depend on Caicedo alone protecting the back?
6.) 19 Jul 2026 19:41:03
Which is why I was worried about us selling Santos, who can also tackle. But my worries would be considerably less if Enzo stays.
Would also like Jackson, not Delap, to be back up or occasional partner for Pedro.
TomB's banter posts with other poster's replies to TomB's banter posts
22 Jul 2026 17:44:49
It would appear Garnacho is going to Villa on an initial loan with a so called low threshold obligation to buy clause.
I except it’s up to the player to prove he is undroppable at any club, but in the back of my mind I seem to remember Villa negotiating a similar deal with Liverpool for Elliott.
The player hasn’t pulled up any trees at Chelsea and that’s a shame but as far as I know he hasn’t been unprofessional while with us.
1.) 22 Jul 2026 19:17:23
I understand it is a conditional obligation to buy: not sure what a low threshold obligation is. I would rather we found another club for a sale, otherwise, just like Jackson, he will be back next summer.
2.) 22 Jul 2026 19:24:25
Whatever happened to a straight obligation? Now it's with clauses, and I can see Ganarcho not getting a game for Villa after August, similar to what happened to Elliott, which destroyed his season.
3.) 22 Jul 2026 20:46:34
I think the difference with Elliott was that Emery never wanted him? I'm sure the club have done their due diligence and have learned from the Jackson loan, so will be fairly confident of the obligation being met.
If Football Manager is as accurate in its mechanics as real life (certainly its player ratings are top notch), then there are ways in which to encourage loan clubs to play players.
E.G. reduced contributions to wages for the weeks the player plays. Reduced loan fee for the month etc. So, for example, Villa are paying £1m/month loan fee for Garnacho. If he plays, it's £500k; if he doesn't, it's £1m. If he plays, they pay 50% of his wage; if he doesn't, it's 100%.
4.) 22 Jul 2026 21:23:12
Fuser, what a good idea. Love it, mate.
5.) 23 Jul 2026 03:30:21
Apparently the deal for Elliott not happening could be good news for the Garnacho deal.
It would appear that having to play, say, ten games, can now be shown not to be a low threshold obligation to buy deal, and therefore not qualify as a 45-day player swap. I hope that makes sense?
6.) 22 Jul 2026 23:00:21
I think I understand it. With this UEFA 45 day rule it could not be a sale this year. So a loan of £8million now plus £42.5 million next year. Harrdly any appearences or goals or assists needed so just a way of beating the greedy cheating UEFA executives.
Well done Chelsea FC for stitching said persons right up. Look like A Villa and Chelsea FC have deal to beat said executives. Well done.
7.) 23 Jul 2026 09:34:34
Fabrizio Romano reporting on Garnacho and Aston Villa.
The obligation to buy clause is considered easy to reach, almost 100% guaranteed, and just a way to get around UEFA rules.
Chelsea count on a permanent transfer for 2027, as Garnacho has also signed a four-year deal ahead of the switch.
The second part of the medical is ongoing now.
Chelsea will make a real profit and significant book profit on the player.
8.) 23 Jul 2026 10:15:20
We will still have to pay a percentage to UTD.
9.) 23 Jul 2026 11:09:44
Bill, I don't recall any sell on clause, but as the profit is small, any payout to them, if applicable, would be small change.
10.) 23 Jul 2026 11:45:04
Interesting to see how Garnacho fares under Unai Emery, such a highly rated manager. Clearly, Maresca could not get much out of Garnacho, LR didn't try very hard to, and United had despaired as well after he had seemed such a promising young talent for them when first breaking through into their first team at such a young age.
11.) 23 Jul 2026 11:59:49
Jbs, spot on, mate. It will be interesting. At the end of last season, I had completely given up on Gusto, but a change of manager can change how a player performs.
12.) 23 Jul 2026 12:05:30
Hopefully, but we are the second club it has not worked out for him. Reminds me a bit of Rashford.
22 Jul 2026 11:17:26
A mate told me today that as we are not in Europe we can spend 85%of revenue. Apparently teams who qualify for the CL can only spend 70% of revenue. Obviously it's a bigger number if you are in Europe but I didn't know that was the case.
Can anyone of the Ed's confirm that is the case?
{Ed001's Note - yes Tom, UEFA's SCR regs are much more restrictive. The Prem is meant to be moving to bring itself in line with them but some of the clubs have not been keen on it and so it is holding up the move.}
1.) 22 Jul 2026 11:51:40
ED001, when we qualify for the champions league next season, would EUFA take this season net spend into account or is it just for the seasons we will be in the competition going forward.
{Ed001's Note - that is the issue, you would then have to come under their rules over a 3 year period, which would include this season.}
2.) 22 Jul 2026 16:45:27
Thank you ED, thought that would be the case.
21 Jul 2026 22:10:18
That is the sort of comment from a new signing that makes him a fan's favourite. I am biased, so I obviously agree. Well done MR.
1.) 22 Jul 2026 00:29:12
100%, Tom! Was just coming on to say the same thing. Absolute legend!
2.) 22 Jul 2026 11:29:06
Was great to hear Mr confirm what CFC fans think in terms of which club is the biggest in London!
20 Jul 2026 19:14:19
RIP Kevin Keegan.
A man that entertained at every level, a proper football legend.
A mate told me years ago that his first name wasn’t Kevin but Joseph, but for many he will always be King Kev.
1.) 20 Jul 2026 20:54:54
RIP Kev. A very honest, passionate player and manager: hard not to like.
2.) 20 Jul 2026 21:54:25
Very sad news. Decent man and very good player. Was v sorry when his Newcastle side that played such attractive football was beaten to the league title by Fergie's United.
20 Jul 2026 10:36:45
A mate told me this morning that The Happy Hammers have so far sold 50k season tickets. If I remember correctly, we will sell about 30k for a stadium capacity 42k ish.
While I am aware that options and planning permissions take time, these came in with strong promises but so far very little action. I made my position very clear early in that I can’t see these owners being in place when and if a stadium build takes place.
I have also said I don’t like the idea of “funds” as owners.
With the FAB, in my opinion, not fit for purpose, I think we will end up way behind other clubs with a stadium capacity of 60k let alone 42k with very few questions being asked and certainly no answers given.
I just cannot see these owners being around if we fail to qualify for the Champs League, but I also think they will sell asap, subject to the restrictive covenants.
1.) 20 Jul 2026 10:58:11
Tom
This was exactly my point on the SB project. You can add no permanent FOS either, yer, I was deemed to be negative.
My view was not for the likes of us, Tom, but for the younger generation going forward.
Unfortunately, we have the owners for another 6 years.
2.) 20 Jul 2026 11:15:30
Bill, we have all become frustrated with the lack of long term FOS sponsors, and my argument about the maths went out of the window at the start of last season, but I see that as a separate topic to SB development and the promises made by these owners. They promised stadium investment, fan involvement and open communication. In my opinion, they have failed in all three of those areas.
As far as not being able to sell, I'm sure that restrictive covenant can be got around if it becomes important for the club's survival, and that's how I would now frame it.
I have sent a string of emails this morning looking for answers and assurances. I doubt I will get acknowledgment of receipt, let alone a reply. My open email to all FAB members was, in my opinion, scathing. I have also sent copies to the CST and CPO.
3.) 20 Jul 2026 12:37:05
You have to give it another 3 years, Bill. It is way too early to judge the owners. You must have an agenda.
4.) 20 Jul 2026 13:14:28
The difference is I'm not stupid enough to call for new owners before giving our current owners a chance. I didn't want them in the beginning, but I had to accept they were the best of a bad bunch.
I'm also not going to call for new owners because they are in short supply, and any new owner may well be worse.
I do want these owners to treat the fans with some respect, and I do want them to communicate with their loyal supporters. If anyone can be bothered to read the mins of the last FAB meeting, they will understand my frustration.
5.) 20 Jul 2026 13:18:42
No agenda, Standard, I just want a decision to be made on the SB project, to be honest I have got to the stage where I don't care now if we stay as long as there is a published plan as to how we can move forward.
The FOS, I will keep on about, with the owners not getting a free ride. The money we are losing is criminal.
6.) 20 Jul 2026 13:48:27
Rebuilding Stamford Bridge is incredibly difficult due to a number of issues, including the stadium's tightly constrained site, which is heavily locked in by the Fulham Broadway Tube station, active District Line railway tracks, and dense residential properties. It is not simply a case of knocking down the existing stadium and complex and building a 70,000 or 80,000 seat stadium to help compete with rivals such as Man.Utd who are looking at 100,000 seats.
The most we could hope for would be around 58,000, and the cost involved to give around 17,000 more seats over current capacity is enormous, and would likely take around 5 to 7 years to complete, which throws up the next challenge of where to play in the meantime? There are options, but pleasing a fanbase is an entirely different matter.
Would fans want to travel to The London Stadium or Wembley or even The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for 5 to 7 years?
The club's preferred option would be to relocate to another site within a very reasonable distance of Stamford Bridge, but few, if any, sites are available at present, and the board and ownership group want to fully exhaust possibility before committing to a Stamford Bridge re-build.
I hope this helps.
7.) 20 Jul 2026 14:08:23
Jason, All colour on the current lack of communication from our current owners can only help, and I thank you for your input, but that has now been the case since the current owners took over.
The FAB are, in my opinion, incompetent and didn't even have any SB rebuild or move on their last agenda.
Let me also make it very clear.
I am not asking for the owners to leave (unlike the CST) because I cannot see any alternatives.
What I do want is for them to do what they promised to the fans when they took over. If I remember correctly, they said they would improve the infrastructure of the club and continually communicate with its loyal fanbase.
8.) 20 Jul 2026 14:38:33
In case other posters do not know Jason is the president of CFC.
9.) 20 Jul 2026 15:09:37
Jason,
Thank you for your update.
I would say, though, that the owners have had four years and we are nowhere near knowing what they are going to do.
You correctly say there are not many places to move to, which should in my mind make the decision much easier.
Maybe you could also give us an insight as to why it's taking so long to obtain a long term front of shirt sponsor.
Is there a way the owners could sell up before the remaining 6 years are up?
10.) 20 Jul 2026 15:34:47
Maybe, some posters should reconsider their personal criticism of players, managers, SD's and owners. It would appear they do look at social media sites.
Let's be critical when it's due, but not personal, is my view.
11.) 20 Jul 2026 16:42:59
Not sure if I'm the only one, but I'm actually happy with no FOS sponsor. The kits are much nicer as well without it, really old school.
Also, regarding SB, I love it as it is. Just knock down the hotels, build a bigger Shed End, stick the away fans somewhere else, and just modernise the other stands, get it nearer to 50k capacity.
Personally, I'd hate to relocate, SB is our home and it should always remain that.
Easy for me to say though...
12.) 20 Jul 2026 17:15:20
I agree with you, SteveCfc, on both points. I love the shirt with no sponsor splashed all over it, and I would hate to leave Stamford Bridge. Just tidy it up, add another 9,000 seats, and we are good to go.
Some fans enjoy calling us plastic and rent boys, whilst also knocking our home, but do they know us, and have they even been to Stamford Bridge.
13.) 20 Jul 2026 17:39:40
RPD, I have always predicted that the current owners would decide a rebuild of the Shed and East Stand would end up being their decision.
I now think an increase to 50k-60k is just not enough, and will only result in the club revisiting the situation sooner rather than later, and any SB extension being almost redundant before it's completed.
We need a stadium with a minimum 70k capacity.
City are looking to expand their ground, and Utd are going to build a 100k capacity stadium.
The two choices are, as far as I am concerned: Redevelop SB but with significant extra capacity, or, more likely, a new site that doesn't restrict our potential and ambitions.
So, as far as I am concerned, the club should communicate to the fans asap that the sticking plaster solution is off the table.
14.) 20 Jul 2026 17:51:47
Yes, thank you Jason for your post. Very good to have information like this from someone in your position, even if it means that the stadium situation is very tricky to resolve.
Would just echo Bill's post and question, and ask if there is any information you could give on likely time frame in terms of decision making - eg re moving or redeveloping on existing site - or is this still not known?
15.) 20 Jul 2026 18:12:25
I agree, Tom, that the club should communicate with the fans.
But, in all honesty, do you see us filling a 70k stadium? Against top sides, yes we will, but lesser teams will be tourists in my opinion.
16.) 20 Jul 2026 18:28:42
Steve, I guess I could be criticised for putting the cart before the horse. In my opinion, we could easily fill a 70k stadium if we are successful and if we play attractive football.
The location of our current stadium lends itself to so called tourist fans.
If I remember correctly, this was the idea behind the 2/3rds season ticket allocation and 1/3 members. The deliberate plan was to spread the brand rather than making it a closed supporters group.
17.) 20 Jul 2026 22:10:06
Sorry Bill, I was only joking. I agree with you.
18.) 21 Jul 2026 07:58:27
No worries, Standard, I thought it was a tongue in cheek post, so no offence taken.
To be honest, I never take offence to any post back at me, as all posters should be able to have their own views. Most of the time, my views differ from other posters.
19.) 22 Jul 2026 15:24:32
Agree. Unfortunately, I feel like anyone who had an opinion that wasn't in full agreement with the current project was just seen as negative, so I got a bit bored of it.
23 Jul 2026 22:33:32
That should "not now" sign a LB.
23 Jul 2026 20:50:56
Rpd, I think the latest is Disasi isn't going to Palace.
The young lad is highly rated and will probably end up at our sister club on loan.
I may be alone, but I am not a massive fan of Scott.
23 Jul 2026 16:13:54
As I have said, I'm sure Fofana played more games than Isak. We can carry on talking about players who have had injury issues, or we can just move on.
Injuries happen in all squads.
23 Jul 2026 15:33:54
Bill, there is definitely a lot of things better than being paid money. Trust me.
It's not as if these guys don't want to play football.
23 Jul 2026 15:32:17
My guess is Fofana played a lot more games than Isak last season. Lavia, I'm not so sure about. All clubs have players with injury issues.
I'm sure both Lavia and Fofana would have loved to play in the WC if the national coaches had picked them.
30 Jul 2026 20:17:34
In the second half he looked like Pele. First touch was magnificent, as he brought his teammates into the game, time and time again. ??
29 Jul 2026 10:33:07
Because "they" drink beer. ??
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.
27 Jul 2026 21:22:35
RPD, have a good break mate. Your informative posts are always most welcome.
27 Jul 2026 16:45:37
Always plays well against. Would be nice if he could play well for us!!
Just me thinking, but maybe Delap or Guiu go the other way with no loan fee.