Chelsea officially confirmed the appointment of Liam Rosenior as head coach on Tuesday afternoon, handing the 41-year-old a surprise six-and-a-half-year contract running until 2032.

This could highlight BlueCo’s determination to establish long-term stability following Enzo Maresca’s dramatic New Year’s Day departure, but the largely unproven Rosenior has plenty of work to do to convince on-lookers.

Rosenior arrives from sister club Strasbourg, where he guided the Ligue 1 outfit to seventh place last season, though he departs with the French side winless in five matches and seventh again this campaign.

The move represents a significant gamble given his limited experience, having managed just over 100 matches combined at Hull City and Strasbourg, with no previous Premier League experience either.

This morning, Rosenior fronted an emotional press conference at Strasbourg confirming the verbal agreement, stating he felt compelled to announce the news personally out of respect for supporters who watched him create history during 18 months in charge.

Related Chelsea line up British record move to sign £130m Neto upgrade for Rosenior

The incredible international would be the perfect signing for Rosenior and send Neto packing.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes

The tactician added that he simply couldn’t turn Chelsea down, and barring PSG, any manager in France would’ve jumped at the chance to join Chelsea.

Now, attention turns to what Rosenior’s first move at Cobham will be, not to mention whether BlueCo will decide to back their new boss in the January transfer window.

Reports suggest that Chelsea want to upgrade their wide options and have their eyes on an audacious move for Vinicius Jr, whether that be this month or later in the year.

However, one Spanish media source has now claimed that Rosenior has made a personal signing request to the Chelsea hierarchy already.

Liam Rosenior asks Chelsea to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold

Rosenior has apparently wasted no time in identifying targets at Stamford Bridge, with the newly-appointed Chelsea boss personally eyeing Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The manager reportedly believes the England international possesses qualities to transform Chelsea’s approach down the right flank during the second half of the campaign.

As such, reports in Spain now claim Rosenior has already asked Chelsea to sign Alexander-Arnold on loan with an option to buy.

The Blues believe this structure represents the most realistic path to securing Alexander-Arnold’s services without committing massive funds immediately.

That being said, Real have rejected any notion of a deal like this for their £278,000-per-week summer signing. Florentino Perez and co would apparently only do business permanently for north of £35 million, which is still pretty unbelievable.

Madrid, though, have no urgency to sell.

Subscribe for deeper Chelsea coaching and transfer analysis Gain fuller context by subscribing to the newsletter: expert analysis on Chelsea’s managerial choices and transfer targets – from Rosenior’s blueprint to links like Trent Alexander-Arnold – providing focused coverage that clarifies the club’s strategy.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Xabi Alonso values Alexander-Arnold’s ability to provide attacking depth and precision passing from deep positions, while Real’s hierarchy believes his market value will only increase if he maintains his current form.

Rosenior himself is still very keen on the ex-Liverpool defender, with this report suggesting he views Alexander-Arnold as crucial to changing the team’s trajectory in the Premier League.

The west London outfit may also be preparing a substantial offer to convince Madrid, accepting that only a permanent deal will satisfy the Spanish side.

Trent’s start to life at the Bernabeu has been marred by injuries, with just 11 appearances and one assist to his name all season, but a transfer to Chelsea would be the biggest shock of the window, and perhaps even 2026.

Related He'd walk into Rosenior's team: Chelsea plot move to sign their own Rice

The monstrous star could end up being Rosenior’s own Declan Rice at Chelsea.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes

Football Association chairman David Bernstein has made a full and sincere apology after the recent revelations unearthed by the Hillsborough Independent Panel.

The news has been uncovered that police officers were made to change their statements in an attempt to detract blame from the officials onto the fans; 96 people died in the incident.

Bernstein has made a heartfelt apology to Liverpool fans and all those impacted by the disaster.

“We are deeply sorry this tragedy occurred at a venue the FA selected,” a statement, published on Sky Sports, reads.

“This fixture was played in the FA’s own competition, and on behalf of the Football Association I offer a full and unreserved apology and express sincere condolences to all of the families of those who lost their lives and to everyone connected to the City of Liverpool and Liverpool Football Club.

“This should never have happened. Nobody should lose their lives when setting out to attend a football match and it is a matter of extreme regret and sadness that it has taken so long for these findings to be published and the truth to be told.

“For 23 years the families have suffered unbearable pain and we have profound sympathy for them.

“I would like to commend the professional work of the Hillsborough Independent Panel, while also recognising the tireless commitment shown by so many people in maintaining the fight for justice, particularly the family support groups.

“The FA has co-operated fully with the Independent Panel throughout this process and has released all documentation in line with their requests. I would also like to make clear that we will of course fully co-operate with any further inquiry.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“The FA and English football has changed immeasurably, and learnt many lessons in the last 23 years. Through advancements in safety and investment in facilities English football is now a much safer, more welcoming environment for supporters,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

Everton have struggled all over the pitch this season, but it was another defensive howler that presented Manchester City’s Phil Foden the opportunity to score the winning goal at the weekend, after a solid display elsewhere on the pitch.

Blues manager Frank Lampard refused to criticise the culprit, Michael Keane, for his major error, but the 12-time England international also failed to make a single tackle in the game – as well as the previous two before that.

The 29-year-old also made an error leading to a goal in the game before that against Southampton – not long after making another two mistakes which could have also resulted in the net bulging on another day.

Perhaps lacking in confidence, Keane is in danger to be axed and replaced, with players like left-footed youngster Jarrad Branthwaite waiting in the wings and desperate for another opportunity.

Lampard is known for bringing through players from the youth teams when he feels they are ready, and Branthwaite, who has already made three appearances this season in all competitions, scoring one Premier League goal too, could be next in line.

It’s a signal of a remarkable decline from a player, who once was arguably the most in-form English defender during his last season at Burnley, before making the £25.6m move to Merseyside.

One Everton journalist also suggested last year that Keane would be difficult to sell, after having “regressed awfully.” Indeed, it’s very difficult to argue against that assessment.

Most clubs now are preferring to have a left-footed centre-back in their team, alongside their right-footer, and with Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate both having stronger right feet, it would make sense to give more chances to Branthwaite – who would also likely gain a significant market valuation boost after a run of games.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

With the Toffees hovering dangerously right above the relegation zone at the moment, it’s likely that Lampard will be forced into being ruthless and dropping players who are out-of-form – with Keane one of the most likely to be axed in the not so distant future.

In other news: Lampard may unearth his new Mount at Everton in 18 y/o dubbed the new Grealish…

Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear will resign at the end of the current campaign, Leeds Radar have reported.

The Lowdown: Bielsa sacking

The Whites officially parted ways with Marcelo Bielsa on Sunday morning, less than 24 hours on from a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham.

Kinnear and his fellow Leeds officials didn’t waste any time in bringing in a replacement, with Jesse Marsch announced as the Argentine’s successor on Monday evening. Hours before Marsch was officially appointed, though, a claim emerged regarding Kinnear, who has been present at Elland Road since 2017.

The Latest: Kinnear claim

Leeds Radar posted on Twitter regarding the Whites chief, suggesting that he is set to leave the club once the season comes to a close, stating: “Kinnear will resign at the end of the season according to insider sources.”

The Transfer Tavern contacted Leeds Radar about their information, and were told it came directly from a club employee.

The Verdict: 49ers influence?

The investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers have a deal in place to buy Leeds for more than £400m by January 2024, so this claim could be a case of the Americans looking to take control in the boardroom.

They now have Marsch installed as manager and appear keen on USA international Brenden Aaronson after making two bids for the midfielder in January.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Therefore, it wouldn’t come as a major shock if Kinnear was to call time on his Elland Road tenure over the coming months, leaving the 49ers to possibly install their own chief executive in the process.

In other news, Leeds could sign one player this summer, according to a journalist. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United could potentially make a move for Manchester United youngster James Garner this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Garner impressing on loan

The 20-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford last summer, instead joining Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan deal, having spent half of the 2020/21 campaign there, too.

Garner has caught the eye for Steve Cooper’s side, proving to be a key man by appearing 29 times in the Championship, as well as registering three goals and assists apiece.

The United midfielder has been linked with a move to Leeds in recent times, as Jesse Marsch eyes up his first reinforcements as manager at Elland Road.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Leeds backed to make move

Speaking to Give Me Sport, ‘insider’ Jones claimed a number of clubs will be looking at Garner this summer when asked who Leeds could be eyeing:

“Garner, I think, is somebody that a lot of clubs will be looking at. Southampton are linked with him as well, so he could have a lot of options to consider.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-37/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Solid summer addition?

While Garner remains unproven at Premier League level, he could be a shrewd addition by Leeds, and that’s assuming they are even in the top flight next season.

At 20, the Englishman is still very much an emerging talent – he has been hailed as ‘absolutely superb’ by journalist Sarah Clapson – but he is already excelling in the Championship, standing out as a key man for a Forest side in the promotion hunt.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Garner could add some much-needed depth in the middle of the park, at a time when too much onus is on Kalvin Phillips, with the England international not even a certainty to stay this summer.

In other news, a key Leeds update regarding Raphinha’s future has emerged. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ‘keeping tabs’ on highly sought-after Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, according to Planet Sport’s Graeme Bailey. 

The lowdown: New deal not enough

Despite only signing a new contract in October 2021, the 24-year-old continues to be heavily linked with a move away from the reigning Serie A champions.

Reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano recently told his Here We Go podcast that Spurs were ‘looking at’ potential striker targets for the summer and Martinez is the latest name touted.

Previously pursued by Barcelona, ex-Inter strike partner Romelu Lukaku hailed the Argentine as a ‘beast’ prior to a 2020/21 league campaign in which the pair provided a combined 58 goal contributions (WhoScored) to lead Antonio Conte’s side to glory.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-copy/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The latest: Domestic interest

The report from Bailey (via PS) claims that both Tottenham and Manchester City are ‘keeping tabs’ on the frontman, whilst north London rivals Arsenal are also believed to be ‘very interested’.

Furthermore, it’s stated that the 37-cap Argentina ace is ‘keen’ on a move to the Premier League.

Recently a report from Tuttosport claimed that the Nerazzurri have already identified Borussia Monchengladbach star Marcus Thuram as a successor to Martinez amidst further interest from Liverpool.

The verdict: A match made in heaven?

Having already scored 40 times and provided 19 assists under the watchful eye of Conte, the Argentine striker is unlikely to have reservations over working with the Italian and vice versa.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Under contract until 2027 and valued at an eye-watering £72million (Transfermarkt), it would take a huge fee to bring Martinez to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, with 16 goals and two assists across all competitions this term, the Lilywhites would be adding a high-quality operator to their ranks and should be willing to spend as such.

In other news: Italian source claims Spurs have made a decision regarding permanent summer transfer! Find out more here.

Sunderland dropped what could be a vital two points in their bid to finish in the play-off places after they were held 0-0 by Lincoln City on Saturday afternoon.

The visitors recorded more possession and shots on goal than their hosts but were ultimately wasteful in attack, and The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the Wearsiders on the day:

Ross Stewart (6.9)

Admittedly tied with Bailey Wright in terms of overall rating (6.9), Stewart ranks third here given that the former at least managed to keep a clean sheet as a centre-back.

The striker lost out on five of his duels in total and failed to score with any of his three of his shots on goal, while he also recorded no dribbles or key passes and gave the ball away seven times.

Lynden Gooch (6.8)

Given a 6.8 rating, Gooch ranked as Sunderland’s second-worst player at Sincil Bank.

The winger lost three duels and never managed a shot on target or dribble, while he was guilty of losing possession on 15 separate occasions, the joint-fourth most out of any of his team-mates.

Dan Neil (6.7)

Neil ranked as the Black Cats’ worst performer with a 6.7 rating.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Hauled off for Jermain Defoe after 74 minutes, the midfielder was unsuccessful in five of his duels and recorded no shots on target, dribbles, clearances or key passes, making two fouls and losing the ball 11 times.

In other news, find out what ‘shocking’ incident from Saturday left this Sunderland podcaster fuming

Arsenal are interested in a deal to bring Darwin Nunez to the Emirates Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Ryan Taylor, with the Daily Express journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Richard Garlick has opened talks with Benfica regarding a move for the 22-year-old centre-forward at the end of the current campaign.

In his tweet, Taylor said: “Initial discussions have been held over Darwin Nunez.”

Supporters will love Taylor’s claim

Considering just how exciting a prospect Nunez quite clearly is, Taylor’s claim that Arsenal are already in discussions with the Portuguese side regarding a move for the striker is sure to be news that Gunners fans will love.

Indeed, over his 22 Liga Portugal Bwin appearances so far this season, the £36m-rated forward has been in scintillating form, bagging 20 goals, registering two assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.8 shots and making 1.1 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the player who Jorge Jesus dubbed a “world-class” talent average a quite breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.39, not only ranking him as Benfica’s best performer in the league but also as the seventh-best player in the division as a whole.

However, it has not only been in domestic competition in which the 22-year-old has impressed, as Nunez has also scored four goals and averaged a SofaScore match rating of 6.97 over his eight outings in the Champions League this season – firing his side all the way to the quarter-finals of the tournament, in which they face Liverpool next month.

And, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s January switch to Barcelona having left Mikel Arteta with only Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah as options in the number nine role – a duo who have scored just four Premier League goals between them this term – it is clear for all to see that the Spaniard is in rather desperate need of a new centre-forward this summer.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

As such, while a move for the striker will be an expensive one – with Record reporting that Benfica are demanding at least €80m (£67m) for the Uruguay international – it would nevertheless appear extremely advisable for Garlick to do all he can to land the youngster, as Nunez would undoubtedly take Arsenal to another level next season.

AND in other news: Arteta has unlocked Arsenal’s own Harry Kane in £46.5m gem who’s “bringing the fire”

Crystal Palace showed during the previous summer transfer window they are capable of spending significant amounts of money on bringing new players to Selhurst Park.

The Eagles ended up splashing out significantly on their defence by signing Joachim Andersen from Lyon for around £20m and Marc Guehi from Chelsea for £18m.

However, one defender that the south London club weren’t so keen to spend money on and will now be thoroughly regretting is Virgil van Dijk.

According to former Palace manager Neil Warnock, he wanted to sign the Dutchman when he was playing at Celtic but was told by the hierarchy at Selhurst Park at the time that he was not worth the £6m transfer fee being touted for him as he was “too slow” and looked “too comfortable” in Scotland to be judged properly.

After making a £13m move from Celtic to Southampton in 2015, the centre-back scored seven goals in 80 appearances before joining his current club Liverpool in the 2018 January transfer window for a massive £75m.

Since then, the 30-year-old, who is currently valued at £49.5m according to Transfermarkt, has been a certified superstar for the Merseyside club, making 168 appearances with 16 goals and seven assists to his name.

During his time at Anfield, the former Hoops star has helped Jurgen Klopp’s side win the Premier League title and the Champions League in addition to beating the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to the 2018/19 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award, highlighting the significant rise his career has taken since his days in Scotland.

Labelled as a “powerful” player by Erling Haaland, the defender has racked up a higher pass success percentage (89%) than any other Liverpool player to have started the majority of their Premier League games this season, showing his capabilities on the ball.

Off the ball, the centre-back has won 88.9% of his tackles, higher than any other player to have significantly featured in the league during this campaign for the Reds, highlighting his toughness and how difficult it is to play against him.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

So much so that Juventus striker Alvaro Morata once said that “when you go against Van Dijk, it seems like you hit a mountain.”

Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to say that Palace made the wrong decision by not securing Van Dijk’s signature when they had the chance. This was a seismic howler from Warnock.

In other news: Vieira struck gold on “massive” £31k-p/w Palace “tank” whose value has rocketed 200%

Celtic are now reportedly making enquiries in pursuit of a new manager just one day one from Peter Lawwell’s decision to leave the club and yet another defeat for Wilfried Nancy.

Lawall admits "abuse and threats" became "intolerable" at Celtic

It has been a disastrous season for Celtic. The Bhoys looked to have steadied the ship when they hired veteran manager Martin O’Neill on an interim basis and it looked as though their title defence was far from over. The decision was then made to hire Nancy ahead of a crucial period, however, and those in Glasgow have been made to regret their choice ever since.

Following defeat against Dundee United, Nancy became the first Celtic manager since 1978 to lose four games in a row at the club. In short, it has been a nightmare start for the new manager and fans are already beginning to turn.

Nancy’s start to life at Celtic Park hardly helped club chairman Lawwell, who announced that he will be stepping down from his role in Scotland at the end of the December amid “intolerable” abuse.

The 66-year-old told the club website: “I believe I have shown my ability to meet and overcome challenges on many fronts, but abuse and threats from some sources have increased and are now intolerable. They have dismayed and alarmed my family.

Related Celtic still plotting move for Serie A target who Lawwell tried to sign in summer

It’s been a tough start for Nancy.

Posts ByTom Cunningham

“At this stage in my life, I don’t need this. I cannot accept this and so I leave the club I have loved all my life. The motivations and aims of these detractors can be investigated by others. I prefer to look back on my career at Celtic with deep gratitude and satisfaction.”

It seems as though there’s every chance that Nancy follows the chairman out the door, too. According to TeamTalk, Celtic are now making enquiries in pursuit of a new manager.

Celtic making enquiries as pressure grows on Nancy

Every game should be seen as a must-win as far as Nancy is concerned in the coming weeks. Up next, the Hoops play host to Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership and defeat may make the new manager’s position untenable after just five games in charge.

Parkhead chiefs are already concerned and surprised by Nancy’s disastrous start, so much so that they’ve quietly commenced their search for a contingency plan and are already ‘sounding out’ options after yet another disastrous day on Wednesday.

The Frenchman, however, has remained optimistic and told reporters after defeat against Dundee United: “It’s new for me to have four losses in a row. This is also new for the players.

Subscribe to the newsletter: Celtic managerial insight Get the newsletter for in-depth coverage of Celtic’s managerial turmoil and clear, expert analysis on what it means for the club and the wider football landscape. Subscribe to receive focused context and perspective on these developments. Subscribe Subscribe to the newsletter: Celtic managerial insight Get the newsletter for in-depth coverage of Celtic’s managerial turmoil and clear, expert analysis on what it means for the club and the wider football landscape. Subscribe to receive focused context and perspective on these developments.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“I can understand they are upset. But the only thing that I can tell them is that I think we had a good performance. We are missing the goals that could have been good for us and we are still working on that to win the next game.

“We don’t have a lot of time to work but when we work, we do it well. And again, that was a good performance. But the result was not there.”

He was as bad as Kenny: Nancy must drop Celtic flop who lost 100% duels