Despite the huge investment from owner Todd Boehly since his takeover in 2022, Chelsea have showcased the need for more signings in numerous key areas.

The defensive unit has struggled at periods during the 2023/24 campaign, highlighted by the need for new additions such as Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo who arrived at Stamford Bridge on July 1st following his pre-contract agreement.

It’s unlikely that Tosin will be the last defensive reinforcement in London during the upcoming summer transfer window, with new boss Enzo Maresca recently being linked with the likes of Riccardo Calafiori.

However, the Italian is also looking to improve his forward line, with the Blues still lacking that cutting edge, despite star man Cole Palmer registering 22 Premier League goals last term.

Various different names have been thrown into the mix, but in recent days, the club have pondered a move for one talent who’s taken the Premier League by storm in recent years.

Chelsea interested in £51m talent this summer

According to Ben Jacobs on the London is Blue podcast – via Chelsea Chronicle – Chelsea have held internal discussions about the potential signing of Brighton forward Kaoru Mitoma.

The 27-year-old, who has previously been valued at €60m (£51m) earlier this year, featured in 19 matches under Roberto De Zerbi for the Seagulls last season, scoring three and assisting four, as the club featured in European competition for the first time in their history.

Chelsea’s rumoured interest in the Japanese forward is hardly a surprise considering his form since his move to Brighton, registering 25 goal contributions since his debut for the club back in August 2022.

Jacobs also confirmed that there has been no official approach made for the attacker, but that the Blues remain interested in Mitoma, in a move that would break the club’s mould of investing in younger attacking talents for the future.

He previously tormented the Blues during Brighton’s 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge back in 2023, with the ace potentially being a perfect signing for one player in particular.

Why Mitoma would be perfect for Jackson at Chelsea

After joining the club for £29.8m from Villarreal last summer, striker Nicolas Jackson has certainly had his critics during his first campaign in the Premier League.

With Chelsea being such a massive club in England’s top flight, there is always an expectation for a centre-forward to be the main man and deliver the goals for the Blues.

However, the Senegalese ace did manage to score 14 goals in the Premier League last season, finishing the campaign as the club’s second-highest scorer.

He clearly has the ability to be a top-quality striker and, with the added service of potential new addition Mitoma, Jackson could reach the next level and be a success at Stamford Bridge.

The “sensational” Japanese winger, as dubbed by journalist Daniel Hussey, produced 3.9 progressive passes per 90 last season, showcasing his ability to get the ball into forward areas whenever possible.

He also contributed with 6.4 progressive carries for Brighton, a stat that ranked him within the top 2% of all wingers in Europe’s top five leagues during the 2023/24 campaign.

Games played

19

Goals + assists

7

Progressive passes

3.9

Progressive carries

6.4

Successful take-ons

2.1

Assists

0.3

Touches in penalty area

7.2

Mitoma also produced 0.3 assists per 90 for the Seagulls, providing a huge attacking threat in the final third, with Jackson potentially the beneficiary should the 27-year-old move to London this summer.

With the club investing a lot of money in talent for the future, new boss Maresca may potentially want a more senior option in the attacking third to try and propel the Blues back towards the top four.

Mitoma has demonstrated his quality, with his ability to create chances in the final third allowing Jackson to build on his impressive goalscoring tally from 2023/24.

Better than Adeyemi: Chelsea targeting the 2nd best dribbler in the world

The talent has enjoyed a successful Euro 2024 campaign.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 10, 2024

Makes reference to India’s “power in world cricket” in light of rumblings around Brisbane Test’s venue

Andrew McGlashan06-Jan-2021Australia Test captain Tim Paine believes there is “tension starting to boil under the surface” of the Test series against India, which is poised at 1-1 and amid talk of where the final match – scheduled for Brisbane – may be played.The build-up to the series and the early exchanges have been notable for the relative harmony in what is a head-to-head with a feisty history, which Paine partly put down to the collective relief of being able to play cricket again amid the Covid-19 pandemic.However, after two Test matches that have seen significant swings in fortune – from India being bowled out for 36 in Adelaide to their stunning victory at the MCG – which has been followed by the rumblings of discontent in the India camp at the restrictions they will be under for the final two weeks of the tour in order to be allowed entry to Queensland, confined to the team hotels other than for training and match days, there is a sense things might change.Paine made reference to the “power” of India in world cricket and how it can potentially influence the decisions that are made, although as things stand, the final Test remains at the Gabba with exemptions having been granted by the Queensland government for the two teams and a small number of other personnel.”It’s been unusually tame, the start of this series and I think it’s because both teams are just happy to be back playing Test cricket, there’s been such a big break and there’s a lot of respect between the two teams no doubt about that,” Paine said. “But [they are] very competitive sides. It’s boiling away, there’s some stuff starting to happen, a bit of chat starting to happen, so I think this Test is going to be fascinating not just from a cricket point of view, but I think there’s a bit of tension starting to boil under the surface with unnamed sources coming out from their camp saying where they want to play the fourth Test and where they don’t want to go. I think it’s starting to grind a few people, so we’ll see how it goes.”Related

Plans continue for Gabba Test despite Brisbane's newly announced weekend lockdown

India to not travel to Brisbane if there's hard quarantine: BCCI to CA

Fresh report casts doubt on Brisbane Test, but Cricket Australia says it's not heard from BCCI

Ajinkya Rahane: Stay in bubble 'challenging' when 'life outside in Sydney is completely normal'

Injuries a worry for India as battle of top-class Test bowling enters third act

Australia have a formidable record at the Gabba having not lost a Test there since 1988 and regularly make no secret of their desire to start a series in Brisbane. The venue did not host India on their last tour and the restructured schedule this season has meant it is now the final match of this contest – and the game that could decide the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, Paine insisted that while there remains uncertainty he did not care where the match eventually took place.”I wouldn’t say [there’s] frustration, I’d just say a bit of uncertainty because when you hear things like that coming, particularly from India, who we know hold a lot of power in world cricket, it’s likely that it could happen,” he said. “So for us we just want to be really clear on this Test match. We know the protocols, we know what is expected of us. We’re going to focus on that this week then whatever happens never week, happens, and we’ll adapt to it.”But we’re not too fussed. We’re not buying into where the Test is being played. As far as we’re aware it is at the Gabba, but as I said in the team meeting the other day, we couldn’t care less. If you rang us up and said it’s in Mumbai tomorrow, we’d get on a plane and play it. That’s the way we are looking at it.”Speaking at the SCG on Tuesday, CA’s interim CEO Nick Hockley said: “I obviously can’t speak for the BCCI but we’re working towards the schedule and we’re just very grateful for everybody involved, both sets of players. We thank everybody for all their sacrifices.”

Hoping to follow up their deal to sign Flynn Downes on a permanent basis, Southampton have reportedly made a shock enquiry to sign one particular Premier League gem.

Southampton transfer news

As they prepare for their first season back in the Premier League since earning promotion at the first time of asking in the last campaign, Southampton have so far enjoyed a productive transfer window, welcoming eight reinforcements with Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Adam Lallana and, most recently, a permanent deal for Downes the highlights of those incomings.

After finally putting pen to paper at St Mary's, Downes told Southampton's official website: “It feels so good, honestly. Walking in this morning, seeing a few familiar faces, it was a real pleasure. Being a part of it last year, it was so good.

"The whole club, the people, I think everything about it is so special. I feel like when you connect with people like that, such genuine people, and I'm talking about the whole club here, it's so hard not to want to be a part of that."

Southampton in talks for 35-cap international who Klopp called "incredible"

Arsene Wenger once compared him to Wayne Rooney.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 9, 2024

Saints may not be done there, however. According to Alan Nixon on his Patreon, Southampton have made a "shock" enquiry to sign Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on a season-long loan deal from Crystal Palace. The 21-year-old winger has reportedly also attracted the interest of Hull City, Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland, handing him quite the decision to make this summer.

Following an impressive loan spell at Charlton Athletic, Rak-Sakyi struggled for game time at Selhurst Park and may move out on loan once again. If it is to be Southampton, though, then a permanent deal could be on the cards, with Palace reportedly reluctant to allow their youngster to complete a loan move to a Premier League rival in the coming month.

"Remarkable" Rak-Sakyi could thrive given the opportunity

Rak-Sakyi proved at Charlton that he can thrive when given the chance on a consistent basis, scoring 15 goals and setting up a further eight in 43 League One appearances in the 2022/23 campaign. Since then, however, he's had his progress stalled by a lack of game time at Palace and desperately needs another loan move, allowing Southampton to emerge as a reluctant option for those at Selhurst Park.

The young winger still has plenty of fans in London, having earned the praise of former Palace manager Roy Hodgson. The former England boss told the club's official website: "He's dealt with it [stepping up] very well. For such a young man he's shown a remarkable maturity and a remarkable sangfroid.

“Coming into a group of senior players that he’s probably only watched from the terraces before, you wouldn’t notice that with his performances in the training sessions where he’s really taken the responsibility that he’s capable of taking."

If Palace really want to see Rak-Sakyi reach his true potential though, then sending him on loan to work with a talented young manager in Russell Martin could be an ideal option.

Arne Slot dismissed reports that Federico Chiesa could leave Liverpool on loan in January, even though he is struggling to stay fit.

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• Chiesa has played only three matches for the Reds
• There was talk about leaving the club in January
• Slot shared update on his injuries and future

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Italian winger, who completed a £10 million move from Juventus in the summer, has faced persistent injury setbacks that have limited him to just 78 minutes across three Liverpool appearances. His integration into the squad was further hindered by a disrupted pre-season at Juventus, where he was reportedly restricted to low-intensity training sessions.

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  WHAT SLOT SAID

  There has been intense speculation from Italy suggesting a temporary return to Serie A for Chiesa in the winter transfer window. However, those reports have been met with firm rejection by Slot, who is focused on restoring the player’s fitness for a more sustained impact at Anfield.

  When asked about Chiesa's future, Slot told reporters: "[Parting ways with Chiesa] hasn't gone through my mind at all. First and foremost is that he gets fit again and then we can see where he is. He missed pre-season [with Liverpool] and in pre-season [with Juventus] he was on low-intensity sessions as he had to train with three or four players separate from the group. Going from then to a high-intensity league, to a high-intensity playing style is difficult in general for every player, but especially if you had a pre-season like this."

• WHEN CAN CHIESA RETURN TO ACTION?

  The Liverpool boss described the careful approach the club has taken with Chiesa’s rehabilitation, aiming to balance physical preparation with a gradual return to full match fitness.

  "We knew this before and we knew we had to be really careful to adjust where we could to his individual needs," he said. "But it hasn't been perfect yet so we are trying to find the right way of building him up without overloading him. That has been difficult up until now. I have full confidence that will happen. Let's let him first be fit."

  When pressed for an expected return date, Slot refrained from offering a specific timeline, citing the unpredictable nature of Chiesa’s injuries.

  "That’s always difficult to say, because he goes a bit up and down," said Slot. "Sometimes he is there with us, train a few days and then he goes out for an injury again. I don’t want to put days or weeks on it because we just have to make sure he gets in the best possible shape, and I don’t put any pressure on him by coming out with dates."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  Chiesa will remain unavailable as Liverpool play Brighton twice this week, first in the Carabao Cup at the AMEX Stadium and then in the Premier League on Saturday at Anfield.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras anunciou, na última sexta-feira (17), a renovação do patrocínio com a Brahma. O novo vínculo tem a duração de dois anos e engloba ações no futebol masculino e feminino, além de ações envolvendo a torcida do Verdão.

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– A renovação da parceria com o Palmeiras engrandece ainda mais nossa relação com o clube e, principalmente, com os torcedores e as torcedoras. O palmeirense não esconde toda sua paixão pela equipe, e queremos valorizar cada vez mais essa relação, todas as histórias envolvidas, além de contá-las para o público. A história do Palmeiras é grandiosa e vamos seguir nessa trajetória ao lado do clube – disse Harry Racz, gerente regional de marketing da Cervejaria Ambev.

Com o novo contrato, a marca fará ações nas redes sociais do Alviverde, visando um diálogo mais próximo com o torcedor.

Para celebrar, a Brahma fez uma ação especial, promovendo o encontro de torcedores com o ex-goleiro Marcos, ídolo do clube. O vídeo foi ao ar no último sábado (18).

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شارك نجم فريق ليفربول، محمد صلاح في مباراة اليوم ضد خصمه مانشستر يونايتد في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

واستضاف ملعب “أنفيلد” مباراة الفريقين في قمة منافسات الجولة العشرين من الدوري الإنجليزي، 2024/25، حيث تعادلا بهدفين لمثليهما.

ولعب محمد صلاح في تلك المباراة كأساسي رفقة ليفربول، وخاضها حتى النهاية، حيث سجل هدفًا من ضربة جزاء. ملخص لمسات محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد

وفي الدقيقة السابعة، بدأ ليفربول محاولة هجومية بعدما مرر محمد صلاح الكرة بعرضية من الجهة اليمنى، إلى داخل منطقة الجزاء، وأبعدها الدفاع سريعًا.

وشن ليفربول هجمة مباغتة على مانشستر يونايتد في الدقيقة 12، وتواجد محمد صلاح في الناحية اليمنى ومرر الكرة في محاولة لإيصالها داخل المنطقة، وأبعدها الدفاع، لتصل إلى لويس دياز الذي سددها بشكل سئ غير متقن.

وكاد محمد صلاح أن يصنع الهدف الأول لصالح ليفربول، في الدقيقة 16، بعدما مرر كرة سحرية إلى ماك أليستر، وسددها ولكن تصدى لها الحارس أندريه أونانا.

وحظى محمد صلاح برقابة دفاعية كبرى في الدقيقة 18، عندما مرر ماك أليستر الكرة إلى المصري، في محاولة للانفراد بالمرمى، ولكن دفاع مانشستر يونايتد وبرونو فرنانديز نجحوا في تشتيت الهجمة عن طريق استخلاص الكرة أمام صاحب الـ32 عامًا.

وحاول أليستر تمرير الكرة ناحية محمد صلاح، المتواجد في الناحية اليمنى لمنطقة الجزاء، ولكن دالوت حال دون حدوث ذلك واقتطعها من أمامه.

وتسبب محمد صلاح في حصول دالوت على بطاقة صفراء في الدقيقة 23، بعدما تدخل لاعب مانشستر يونايتد على النجم المصري وأعاق تقدمه.

وانطلق جاكبو بالكرة ومررها إلى محمد صلاح المتواجد في الناحية اليمنى، في الدقيقة 33، ولكنه أعادها إلى الخلف، وسط ضغط دفاعي قوي من جانب الضيوف.

وسنحت لـ محمد صلاح فرصة تسجيل هدف، بعدما انطلق بالكرة وسط تراجع مدافعي مانشستر يونايتد في الدقيقة 43، وسدد كرة من الناحية اليسرى للملعب ولكنها جاءت بعيدة عن المرمى.

ومرر ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد الكرة ناحية محمد صلاح، ولكنها جاءت أطول من اللازم، لتتحول إلى ضربة مرمى، في الدقيقة الأولى من الوقت المحتسب بدلَا من الضائع للشوط الأول.

وحاول محمد صلاح تسجيل هدف مبكر لصالح ليفربول، في الشوط الثاني، في الدقيقة 49، بعدما وصلت الكرة داخل المنطقة ولكن المصري ارتكب خطأ ضد لاعب الخصم.

وضغط محمد صلاح رفقة ليفربول لتسجيل الهدف الثاني، بعد إدراك التعادل عن طريق كودي جاكبو، ومرر كرة من الناحية اليمنى، داخل منطقة الجزاء، ولكن دفاع مانشستر يونايتد أبعدها وشتت الهجمة المحتملة.

وتمكن محمد صلاح من ترجمة خطورته إلى هدف ثاني لصالح ليفربول، بعدما نفذ ضربة جزاء بنجاح في الدقيقة 70، حيث سدد كرة قوية سكنت شباك أونانا الذي كان في اتجاه الكرة.

وحصل محمد صلاح على ركلة حرة مباشرة على مشارف منطقة الجزاء، بعدما تعرض للعرقلة في الدقيقة 74.

ونفذ محمد صلاح الضربة الحرة، ولكن كرته جاءت أعلى المرمى، لتحول دون تعزيز تقدم ليفربول.

وانطلق محمد صلاح في هجمة مرتدة لصالح ليفربول، في الدقيقة 89، ولم تكتمل بعدما مرر كرة داخل منطقة الجزاء، ولم تجد متابعة دقيقة من زميله بعد تدخل دفاع مانشستر يونايتد.

وحصل محمد صلاح على ركنية بعدما مرر كرة من الناحية اليمنى، في الدقيقة 94، وشتتها الدفاع خارج الملعب، ولكن الهجمة لم تكن خطيرة على مرمى يونايتد.

MatériaMais Notícias

O coordenador da Seleção Brasileira, Juninho Paulista, adiantou nesta sexta-feira (24) que a CBF vai adiar os jogos do Campeonato Brasileiro de times que tiveram atletas convocados para a sequência tripla das Eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo. Palmeiras, Atlético-MG, Internacional e Flamengo tiveram jogadores chamados por Tite

-Conversamos com o Manoel (Flores), que é o diretor de competições. E, por se tratar novamente de três jogos, vai ser adotado o mesmo critério que adotamos na data de setembro em relação aos clubes que tiveram jogadores convocados – declarou.

O goleiro Weverton, do Palmeiras, o lateral Guilherme Arana, do Atlético-MG, o meio-campista Edenilson, do Internacional, o meia Everton Ribeiro e o atacante Gabigol, ambos do Flamengo, são jogadores chamados.

Os atletas perderiam as rodadas 24, 25 a 26. Os quatro times com jogadores convocados já tiveram jogos adiados. Disputadas 21 rodadas até agora, o Flamengo entrou em campo 18 vezes, enquanto Atlético-MG, Inter e Palmeiras fizeram 20 jogos cada.

2020 Under-19 World Cup star Shoriful Islam has been included in the 18-man party

Mohammad Isam16-Jan-2021Shakib Al Hasan is back in the Bangladesh squad, which includes newcomers Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud, as well as Mahedi Hasan, for the three-ODI series at home against West Indies starting next week in Dhaka.Also in the 18-man party are Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed and Rubel Hossain. Former captain Mashrafe Mortaza, who was left out of the 24-man training group earlier this month, as well as Al-Amin Hossain, Shafiul Islam and Mohammad Naim are among the prominent names missing.Who’s in and who’s out

IN: Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam

OUT: Mashrafe Mortaza, Al-Amin Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Mohammad Naim

When Shakib was named in the 24-man preliminary squad for the series, it marked his comeback to the national frame after serving a one-year ban for not reporting a corrupt approach. Shakib was Bangladesh’s Test and T20I captain before his ban, but has returned as an ordinary member of the side.Islam is a left-arm quick who was one of the star performers in Bangladesh’s Under-19 World Cup triumph last year. Mahmud is a fast bowler who broke into Bangladesh’s T20I side last year, while offspin-bowling allrounder Hasan has played T20Is before. All three also did well in the Bangabandhu T20 Cup recently.

“Whether they play or not, we want them to adjust in the dressing room quickly. Hasan Mahmud and Mahedi Hasan have played for Bangladesh, but Shoriful is the total newcomer. We want to give them the experience, since we believe they are our future”Habibul Bashar, Bangladesh selector

Selector Habibul Bashar hoped Shakib’s return would add the balance to the XI that had been missing for a while. “Shakib makes it easier to make an XI,” Bashar said. “Shakib and Mushfiqur [Rahim] are our genuine allrounders, which many teams don’t have. We can always play with an extra bowler or batsman when we have these two players in the side. Shakib’s inclusion is going to help the team’s balance. He wasn’t around for a long time but I am hope he can return to his old form through this series.”Bashar wanted the three new players to get comfortable with the dressing-room atmosphere, given that they are being considered as future prospects. “They have been performing well, and they are definitely our future prospects,” he said. “Whether they play or not, we want them to adjust in the dressing room quickly. Hasan Mahmud and Mahedi Hasan have played for Bangladesh, but Shoriful is the total newcomer. We want to give them the experience, since we believe they are our future.”Taskin and Rubel, who had been regulars even two years ago, found themselves out of favour in the last 12 months, but during the pandemic, they have worked hard on their fitness, and according to Bashar, it has been showing in their pace and swing. “They have been bowling quicker recently. Rubel is looking very good, and he has been swinging the ball too.”As for Naim’s axing, Bashar explained that it was the return of Tamim Iqbal, the captain, that had worked against the younger player. “Tamim has returned so we already have a number of openers. But Naim is always going to be in our plans, and not far from the main squad.”Bangladesh ODI squad: Tamim Iqbal (capt), Shakib Al Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mahedi Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam

Chelsea have been contacted over signing a £50 million star from Barcelona, as the player now sets his sights on a move to the Premier League this summer.

Chelsea in the market to sign new forward before deadline day

Summer deadline day looms at the end of next month on August 30, and reports suggest Todd Boehly could still back new head coach Enzo Maresca with fresh faces before that point.

£25 million forward likened to Luis Suarez holds talks to join Chelsea

He’s been highly praised by Joe Cole.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 18, 2024

Official deals for defender Tosin Adarabioyo (free), striker Marc Guiu, homegrown starlet Omari Kellyman, midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Portuguese ace Renato Veiga, alongside Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian, who'll join in 2025, set Chelsea back around £93 million.

The west Londoners, in total, have spent near-£120 million so far, including Chelsea's signings of Aaron Anselmino and Caleb Wiley from Boca Juniors and Atlanta United respectively, with the duo costing around £25.5 million (The Athletic).

Cole Palmer

7.48

Conor Gallagher

7.13

Nicolas Jackson

7.07

Moises Caicedo

6.85

Noni Madueke

6.84

Despite their serious investment in both senior players and talents for the future, co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley remain in the market for a new forward and centre-back.

Chelsea are believed to be prioritising a new winger as one of their top transfer wishes, with Maresca apparently keen on providing competition for the likes of Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk.

They hold no shortage of options, as reports heavily link Chelsea with the likes of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams and Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi lately.

Chelsea contacted over signing Raphinha from Barcelona

According to HITC, Chelsea may now have a chance to do a deal for Raphinha, who is said to be keen on making a move back to England from Barcelona.

The former Leeds United star, who is valued at around £50 million, scored six goals and registered a further nine assists in La Liga last season. HITC claim Chelsea have been spoken to about signing Raphinha this summer, but it is unclear whether they were approached by the Brazilian's agents or Barca themselves.

The 27-year-old's proven top-flight experience could be a draw for Maresca's side, with Raphinha attracting plenty of praise during his time in the Premier League.

“Each week we are seeing more and more of his repertoire. He has so much to offer Leeds United," said former Whites striker Noel Whelan on Raphinha during his time at Elland Road (Football Insider).

“That skill in the corner against Gary Cahill was a typical bit of Brazilian magic. He really embarrassed Cahill with a clever megs. He is a player now who continuously has an effect on a game, in a positive way. Even if he is not on the scoresheet, he will have played a hand in the goal. He is relentless.

“He gets on the ball, has great balance, is very dynamic and he takes the game to the opposition. What impresses me is that he is not afraid to do the horrible side. I get more and more impressed by his worth ethic.”

Chelsea-bound Estevao Willian set another Brazilian Serie A record after scoring in Palmeiras' win over Gremio on Friday.

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• Willian sets Brazilian Serie A record
• Scored the winner against Gremio
• The attacker has been called up to the national team

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 17-year-old wonderkid netted the winner for Palmeiras in the 73rd minute against Gremio to become the first Under-18 player in the history of Brazilian Serie A to record 20 goals and assists in one season. He has scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in the 2024-25 campaign.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Willian, who is all set to move to Premier League giants Chelsea in July 2025 – shortly after his 18th birthday, is now the league's top scorer and also the highest assist-maker. Last month, the attacker had eclipsed Brazil icon Neymar to become the most prolific 17-year-old in the league's history as he reached 17 goal contributions. Until then, the Al-Hilal star held the record of 16 goals and assists which he posted for Santos in 2009.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The teenager's brilliant start to the new season has already earned him two national team caps for the Selecao as he made his international debut in September against Ecuador in a 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying game. He has also been called up for the team's upcoming qualifying games this month against Venezuela and Uruguay.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ESTEVAO WILLIAN?

  'Messinho' will aim to get more national team experience in the upcoming international break before he gets back to action for Palmeiras against Bahia on November 20 in a league clash.