The Football Faithful
·23 August 2024
The Football Faithful
·23 August 2024
Headlines were made on and off the pitch during the Premier League’s opening weekend, as team selections – or rather non-selections – caused a stir.
Several big names were notable absentees from the matchday squads as speculation surrounds their futures in the closing stages of the transfer window.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank confirmed that ‘things were happening’ in the background after talisman Toney was left off the team sheet for the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
The forward’s future has rarely been far from the headlines during the summer, having entered the final season of his deal in West London. The 28-year-old has made clear his desire for a new challenge, though a long list of Premier League suitors have not concreted interest. Manchester United, West Ham and Spurs have all signed centre-forwards, while Chelsea and Arsenal are each assessing alternative options.
Brentford have rejected a £35m bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, who are expected to return with an improve proposal. The switch to Saudi Arabia would be lucrative for Toney, though could spell the end of his England ambitions.
Raheem Sterling will seek a permanent exit from Chelsea this summer after being informed that he does not feature in the club’s plans. The winger was axed from the squad to face former club Manchester City at the weekend and head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed the 29-year-old in training away from the main group.
Sterling’s time at Chelsea looks set to end after two underwhelming seasons at Stamford Bridge. He has struggled to live up to expectations since a £47.5m arrival from City and Chelsea can expect a significant loss on that investment.
Sterling is part of a large group that Chelsea are looking to offload before the deadline, that also includes left-back Ben Chilwell. The England international has been plagued by fitness issues at Chelsea and is available for transfer
Liverpool left out Joe Gomez for their 2-0 win at Ipswich Town with the defender keen to explore his options before the deadline. Gomez has struggled to command automatic status at Liverpool and is keen for a more prominent role.
The 27-year-old has a long list of suitors in the Premier League and will want assurances over his minutes and position, having spent the bulk of 2023/24 deputising in an unfavored full-back role. Liverpool are reluctant to lose the versatile defender who has been with the Reds almost a decade. However, his sale will be considered should a suitable offer arrive.
Jadon Sancho looked set for a second chance at Manchester United this season after returning from a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund. Having reportedly repaired his relationship with Erik ten Hag, he featured prominently during the pre-season programme.
However, Sancho was not in the squad to face Fulham last Friday night and Manchester United are prepared to listen to offers for the 24-year-old.
Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus hold an interest in signing Sancho, while reports have suggested Chelsea could make a late approach for the player. United have set an asking price of around £40m for Sancho, who joined the club in a £72.9m deal in 2021.