Pride comes before a fall, or so the saying goes. Chelsea hasn’t fallen anywhere just yet, but Liverpool could be forgiven for looking on with a degree of schadenfreude as things start to go south at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea won not one but two transfer races against Liverpool over the last week, somewhat gratuitously agreeing deals for both Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia for the number six position. This represented an exorbitant outlay for Todd Boehly’s side, which has now made a tough decision amid a ‘battle’ to get inside Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Chelsea has suffered an injury blow as well, while also getting a taste of its own medicine with an emphatic transfer rejection.
There’s transfer activity at other top clubs, too, with Ansu Fati among the biggest news. Announcing himself to the world as a real wonderkid, he has since undergone some setbacks, and now seems to be ready to leave the Nou Camp altogether.
Here, Liverpool.com takes a scan around the other big sides in the Premier League and around Europe to take a look at the news going on at the other clubs.
Triple Chelsea blow
After a week of jubilation at Stamford Bridge, supporters have got a harsh dose of reality. A triple blow has brought them crashing back down to earth.
The Blues, who finished 12th last season, have just lost their newly-appointed captain to a hamstring injury (Football.london). Reece James has been incredibly unlucky with his injuries across his short career to date, and now looks set for another spell on the sidelines.
In the transfer market, Chelsea has been rejected by Michael Olise. He has sensationally signed a new deal at Crystal Palace, despite having his release clause triggered (ESPN).
And to complete the tough news, the club has agreed to sell promising youngster Lewis Hall to Newcastle, amid a ‘battle’ to comply with FFP (Telegraph). That’s a U-turn, with Chelsea initially not keen at all on losing such an exciting player on a permanent basis.
Ansu Fati wants out
Ansu Fati is ready to leave Barcelona, according to As in Spain. He has instructed his agents to find him a move.
Initially reluctant to go elsewhere, it has been made clear to Fati that he is some way down Xavi’s pecking order. Despite the recent departure of Ousmane Dembélé, he could only feature as a late substitute on the opening weekend, where Barcelona was held to a frustrating draw.
Against this backdrop, Fati is ready to move on. ‘Several greats of Europe’ are credited with an interest.
