CHELSEA BOSS XABI ALONSO'S VERDICT ON SECOND-HALF LEEDS UNITED.BLITZ AS 12-MINUTE PERIOD TURNS GAME

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso believes an increase in quality and tempo saw his side overcome Leeds United in the second half.

Alonso made 10 changes to his Chelsea side for the Carabao Cup and while Daniel Farke also made eight, it was his Leeds side who looked far more ready. They went 1-0 up through a Tarik Muharemovic header and doubled their lead through Brenden Aaronson early in the second half.

Four half-time changes saw Alonso introduce Reece James, Pedro Neto, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer with the latter scoring twice in two minutes. Chelsea eventually scored four in 12 and six across the second-half.

“For sure, I take responsibility for all of them,” Alonso said. “No, no player is to blame, it is the decisions that we took. For sure, in the first half things were not going the way we wanted.

“When you haven't had time, and when you don't have this time to work with them, it's difficult to compete at this level, so it's my responsibility. We had to take decisions at half-time, and we have seen another second half with more quality, more tempo, and we need to analyse.

“But happy that we are going through, happy with the reaction, but as well analytical about what we have done.”

Chelsea will have questions to ask about those on the fringes who couldn’t compete with a rotated Leeds side in the first half. Alonso shouldered the blame for introducing such out-of-favour stars against a ‘strong’ opponent in Leeds.

“I will have a deeper assessment about how I can help players that are not playing that much to have a better impact, to have a better feeling, and today it was difficult for them,” he added. “Maybe I made it too difficult because Leeds were a strong side.

“But overall you need to to react. You need to make decisions, and the impact was good from the players that came on.”

- Kyle Newbould

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MIKEL ARTETA POST-MATCH INTERVIEW | ARSENAL 2-1 CHELSEA

 

DAVID RAYA IS THE FIFTH-FASTEST GOALKEEPER IN PREMIER LEAGUE HISTORY TO REACH 50 CLEAN SHEETS

 

David Raya becomes the fifth-fastest goalkeeper in Premier League 𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 to reach 50 clean sheets! 🧤

ENZO FERNANDEZ DEAL PROFIT EXPLAINED

 

Most people see the Enzo Fernandez record-breaking deal to Manchester City and believe Chelsea made an £18.2m profit.

The fact is, Chelsea has just made a whopping £56m accounting profit.

It’s called amortization, and here is how it works…

Chelsea signed Enzo for about £106.8m on an 8.5-year contract.

They don’t record the entire £106.8m as an expense in one year. Instead, the transfer fee is spread across the length of his contract.

£106.8m ÷ 8.5 years = approximately £12.6m per year.

After roughly 3 years, Chelsea has recognised about £37.7m of the transfer fee as an expense.

That leaves Enzo with an approximate £69.1m book value on Chelsea’s books.

Now, Chelsea sells him to Manchester City for £125m:

£125m − £69.1m = approximately £55.9m.

So, Chelsea has made roughly £56m in accounting profit on the sale. Based on the original amortisation schedule.

- Kriz Cfc

- 

RECORD TRANSFER FEE FOR ENZO FERNANDEZ

The joint-British record transfer fee! 💰

Man City have agreed a deal with Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez worth £125m 🇦🇷🤝

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LONDON PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS AND LOCATIONS

 

CHELSEA OWNERS WANT TO SELL IN LATEST TURBULENT TWIST AT STAMFORD BRIDGE

 

Cole Palmer is embraced by Chelsea chairman Too Boehly with Donald Trump watching on. Photo: Getty Images

The Telegraph in the UK is reporting that Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Mark Walter are looking at selling their stakes in the Premier League club.

Their proposed sale to majority owner Clearlake Capital would value the London club at $9.5 billion and give the private equity company complete control at the club.

Currently, the pair, along with Hansjorg Wyss, own 12.8% each of the club.

Boehly is the chairman, but Clearlake, with Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano in charge, call the shots at Stamford Bridge.

Boehly is arguably the most visible of Chelsea owners, and was the face of the bid that bought the club off Roman Abramovich four years ago in a $5 million deal, but his chairmanship is due to end at the end of the season.

According to the BBC, a rift within the ownership group, first rumoured in 2024, has led to the parties working out how to buy each other out. The future of Stamford Bridge and agreement on whether to move, or what that would look like, has been suggested as one of the sources of tension.

Should they successfully sell their stakes, the pair would each stand to pocket some $1.2 billion each.

It would be a dizzying period for Walter, co-owner and chief executive of global finance firm Guggenheim Partners, who sold the Los Angeles Lakers last week for a record $17.6 billion.

Xabi Alonso has been appointed to lead Chelsea on the park this term as they look to rebuild after a 10th placed finish last term, the latest twist in a turbulent four years under the American ownership. While Chelsea won the Club World Cup in 2025, they have chopped and changed managers without mounting a serious Premier League title chase.

The Athletic reports there is an ongoing United States Department of Justice investigation into Walters’ business dealings, while this Chelsea sale is not something that will be triggered imminently.

Meanwhile, off field discussions haven’t stopped Chelsea being active in the transfer market but the latest report suggests speedster Pedro Neto could be off to Al Hilal.

Sky Sports reports that Chelsea have put a $191 million price tag on the Portuguese winger if the Saudi Arabia club are serious in securing him.

- Football360.com.au

CHELSEA 3-1 REAL SOCIEDAD, FRIENDLY: POST-MATCH REACTION

WINNER WINNER A REDEEMING SECOND HALF DINNER

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Joao Pedro of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Reece James after scoring his team’s second goal during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Sunny day at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea take on Real Sociedad for our last preseason match before the 2026-27 officially begins. It fit our general spirit as the Blues seemed eager to show home fans a better side of Xabi Alonso’s football.

The hosts didn’t take long to take over the pitch and start creating chances. On one of those with a superb Pedro Neto cross, João Pedro almost netted his sixth preseason goal. While goalkeeper Álex Remiro did save JP’s effort, he couldn’t do it a second time as new signing Morgan Rogers got us the opening goal on a rebound.

With the initial 15 minutes breezing past us, Real Sociedad began finding more space in defence. Their shots weren’t hard to defend at first, but they got increasingly tricky as time went by.

After some close range shaves, the visitors found the equaliser right before the end of first half with Jon Aramburu’s long range effort. At a time where it didn’t seem like Chelsea had the energy or the will to score more goals.

Chelsea returned from the tunnels with the same impetus they started the match, which usually bodes well for us. Soon after captain Reece James found João Pedro at the far post with a cross and the Brazilian striker got himself in the scoreline as a result.

João Pedro’s goal gave Chelsea a confidence boost to keep pushing for more goals, and we were really unlucky in not getting a third before the first barrage of substitutes came in. The newly introduced players did take a while to warm up, but they didn’t let us down as Malo Gusto — playing in place of Pedro Neto — assisted JP’s second goal.

Better aim would have netted us even more goals. Still a 3-1 scoreline against a top-10 La Liga team just before our first official match of the season.

is nothing to scoff at.

Carefree!

• Very strong lineup.

• Good start, awful rest of first half for Chelsea.

• Much better — and needed — effort in the second part.

• Next up: Fulham away in our 2026-27 Premier League debut.

• KTBFFH!

- Fellipe Miranda

CHELSEA COMPLETES SIGNING OF SPANISH DEFENDER

Chelsea have continued their summer of spending by completing the signing of full-back Pep Chavarria from Spanish side Rayo Vallecano. 

The Blues confirmed on Wednesday that they had finalised a move for the 28-year-old, who impressed in La Liga last term.

Chavarria has signed a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge that will run until the end of the 2030/31 campaign, in-keeping with Chelsea’s policy of tying players down to long-term deals that the club has adopted in recent seasons.

Since Chelsea were taken over by their current American owners back in 2022, the west London side have also adopted a policy of primarily signing talented young players.

This summer, however, the London outfit have also been adding experience to new manager Xabi Alonso’s squad, and Chavarria’s arrival will also add to that; the Blues have already signed 35-year-old Danny Welbeck and 36-year-old Jordan Henderson this summer.

Morgan Rogers is one of several players to have joined Chelsea so far this summer (Photo: PA Images/Alamy)

Chavarria first announced himself at the top level in Spain during a spell with Zaragoza between 2020 and 2022, before joining Vallecano ahead of the 2o22/23 campaign.

During his time with Vallecano, the left-back made a total of 125 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and providing eight assists.

Chelsea have spent heavily so far this summer, with the likes of Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Geovany Quenda and Marcos Palestra all having arrived at Stamford Bridge.

Welbeck and Henderson have also joined Alonso’s squad, while Trevoh Chalobah and Alejandro Garnacho are among those to have departed SW6.

Chavarria is set to compete with Jorrel Hato for a starting spot in Alonso’s side, with the ex-Real Madrid boss expected to deploy a back three when the season starts.

The Blues play Spanish side Real Sociedad in their final pre-season friendly of the summer on Saturday, but it isn’t clear whether or not Chavarria will feature in the game.

- Shoot

JOSÉ MOURINHO REVEALS HE SIGNED CONTRACT TO SUCCEEDED ALEX FERGUSON AT MAN UTD

 

The Portuguese has said in a new Netflix documentary about his life he had agreed to move to Old Trafford in 2013.

José Mourinho has revealed he signed a contract to succeed Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager in 2013 only to tearfully renege on the deal and return to Chelsea.

The football world was rocked when the Scottish great announced he was retiring having overseen a 13th Premier League title triumph win during a spell of unrivalled dominance at Old Trafford.

United have failed to return to the top of the English game since Ferguson stepped down, with successor David Moyes sacked after only 10 months in charge.

David Moyes did not last long as Alex Ferguson’s successor at Manchester United (Martin Rickett/PA)

Mourinho was later brought in, spending two and a half years in charge from 2016, but revealed in a new Netflix documentary about his life that he had agreed to come earlier.

“I go to Chelsea in 2013 but in that period there is something nobody knows,” the Portuguese said in ‘Mourinho’.

“I think I can say because I don’t hurt anyone with the truth, and I think the objective of this work that we are doing is to tell the truth.

“When I left Real Madrid, I signed with Manchester United to go to Manchester United after .”

Mourinho continued: “I was, of course, very flattered, because Manchester United has an incredible appeal.

“When I say Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, I have to say that Manchester United is very, very close.

Jose Mourinho celebrates Real Madrid scoring against Ferguson’s United (Martin Rickett/PA)

“But one thing is love for football, and another thing is love for a certain club.

“I think this is more powerful than love for football and, fundamentally, after Real Madrid, I needed to feel that I’m loved.”

Ferguson was one of the footballing figures interviewed for the new documentary and admits he was under the illusion Mourinho was accepting the offer, only for the situation to change in a matter of hours.

“Early evening he phoned me and he was crying,” the United great said. “And he says, ‘Alex, I can’t take it – I’ve given my word to Chelsea, and I’m not going to break my word’.

“The reason he gave to me I could understand, but I was disappointed.”

Mourinho had a strong bond with Chelsea after leading them to two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups during an unforgettable first spell.

The Portuguese parked differences with owner Roman Abramovich to return to Stamford Bridge after leaving Real Madrid, winning another league crown and League Cup before being sacked in December 2015.

Mourinho took in two spells as Chelsea boss (John Walton/PA

“For me to lose the chance to be the coach to succeed Alex Ferguson was dramatic, but I don’t regret because it was a decision that I made with my heart,” Mourinho, now back in charge of Real Madrid, said.

“And I think it is nature that says something that when you do something for love, you are never doing anything wrong. I think it’s nature. I did it for love.

“I went back with the feeling of, yes, I go home, but with big responsibility because what I did before is history, and you don’t want to destroy your legacy.”

- Simon Peach

CHELSEA SIGN ENGLAND’S RODGERS FROM VILLA IN RECORD BRITISH DEAL

Morgan Rogers with his beloved mother at Stamford Bridge during his official unveiling and contract signing

London club’s previous record signing was Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo

Chelsea have signed England international Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa on a contract until 2033, both Premier League clubs said on Tuesday, with British media reporting the deal was worth £117m (R2.58bn), making him the most expensive British player.

Neither club disclosed financial details, but Sky Sports reported the package surpassed the reported fee of up to £116m Manchester City paid Nottingham Forest for midfielder Elliot Anderson earlier this month.

Chelsea’s previous record signing was Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo, who joined from Brighton & Hove Albion for £115m in 2023.

“I’m so excited,” said Rogers in a club statement. “For me, Chelsea are the biggest club in London and a club I’ve always admired since I was a kid.

A photo posted on social media by Chelsea FC shows new signing Morgan Rogers at the club's headquarters in London. (Chelsea FC/X)

He chose Chelsea. 

pic.twitter.com/V6NrGsuZH9

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 21, 2026

“I’m really excited about the project with the new manager, the players we’ve got and where the club is heading. That’s why I’m here and I can’t wait to get started.”

Rogers, who can play on the wing or as an attacking midfielder, leaves Villa after two years, having helped them win the Europa League in May. He scored in the 3-0 final victory over Freiburg as Villa claimed their first major European trophy since 1982.

The 23-year-old scored 31 goals in 125 appearances for Villa after joining from Middlesbrough in 2024, earning his England debut later that year.

Rogers featured in seven of England’s eight matches as they finished third at the World Cup and enjoyed his most prolific domestic campaign last season, scoring 10 Premier League goals.

Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League last season, begin their league campaign away to Fulham on August 24.

- Reuters

CHELSEA LEGEND PAYS HEARTWARMING TRIBUTE TO BOBBY TAMBLING AFTER ICON'S DEATH

Ron Harris has paid tribute to former Chelsea team-mate Bobby Tambling after his sad passing.

The Blues legend, who spent 13 years at Stamford Bridge, has died aged 84

Chelsea legend Tambling has sadly passed away aged 84Credit: Getty

.Tambling scored 202 goals in 370 appearances for Chelsea between 1957 and 1970.

His tally made him the club's all-time top scorer until he was surpassed by Frank Lampard in 2013.

The former England striker also won the League Cup alongside Harris in 1965.

After leaving Chelsea, Tambling joined Crystal Palace before ending his career in the Republic of Ireland.

During his time in Ireland, he had spells with Cork Celtic, Waterford, Shamrock Rovers and Cork Alberts.

Tambling tribute

Following Tambling's death, Harris joined Ally McCoist and Gabby Agbonlahor on Thursday's talkSPORT Breakfast show.

Paying tribute to his former team-mate, the Chelsea icon said: "I played with Bob for many years.

"He was a fantastic player. A good trainer, came in every day, very seldom missed games and scored goals left, right and centre.

"I think he would have a field day today with people not allowed to tackle, whereas years ago in our time, people used to put some stick around and that.

"Bob was a fantastic trainer, a fantastic lad and a fantastic player."

Harris and Tambling were Chelsea team-mates for eight years during the 1960sCredit: Getty

Tambling had been tasked with replacing Jimmy Greaves in the side after his move to AC Milan in 1961.

Asked if those were big shoes to fill, Harris added: "That is true for somebody to do that, but Bob very seldom missed games.

"He was a good trainer, good lad and always worth a goal or two in games. He’s a fantastic lad. It’s sad that he’s passed away."

The former Chelsea captain continued: "Most of the lads were mingled together and had a laugh and a giggle.

"If somebody got invited out to a function or anything like that, Bob would be one of the first ones to put his name down to go and do a presentation and things like that.

"He was a great lad, Bob, on and off the field."

Harris played alongside Tambling at Chelsea for eight years after making his first-team debut in 1962.

The defender went on to become the club's all-time record appearance maker with 795 outings for the Blues.

As well as winning the League Cup with Tambling, Harris also lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1971.

He left the club in 1980 to join Brentford before retiring three years later.

- Ciaran Wiseman

ESTIMATED CLUB EARNINGS | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2025/26

 

CHELSEA 2026/27 JERSEY LAUNCH UPDATE! | DRAKE, CENTRAL CEE AND DJ KHALID DROPPING VIDEO SOON

 

💙 CHELSEA 2026/27 JERSEY LAUNCH UPDATE!  

"According to reports, global superstars Drake, Central Cee, and DJ Khaled are teaming up with Chelsea for the official 2026/27 jersey launch video — dropping by the end of this season!."

#CFC #goviral #highlights #Chelsea #CentralCee #DJKhalid, #Drake