English football manager and former player
Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 in Xabi Alonso’s first Premier League game in charge. Joao Pedro opened after 31 seconds, Morgan Rogers scored on his Chelsea debut, and Cole Palmer netted a late goal. Chelsea’s defense looked vulnerable at times due to goalkeeping errors, prompting questions about the goalkeeper position.
Chelsea have moved to sign goalkeeper Martinez on a two-year deal, aiming to strengthen their leaky goalkeeping setup after Robert Sánchez’s poor form. The move follows Villa’s stance to sell Martinez amid their rebuild, with Chelsea eyeing immediate Premier League title contention.
Chelsea has secured Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a Premier League record fee, on a six-year deal with an option for a seventh. The England attacker joins amid a busy summer under new manager Xabi Alonso as Chelsea look to rebuild after a 10th-place finish. Rogers is set to form a dynamic partnership with Cole Palmer, with the two England teammates expected to thrive under Alonso’s system.
Manchester City’s new manager Enzo Maresca faces a midfield puzzle as Rodri undergoes back surgery, with questions over his return and possible moves in a window that also sees new signings like Elliot Anderson and cautious talk around James Trafford and Jack Grealish.
Chelsea has set a Friday deadline for offers at £120m for Enzo Fernandez, with Manchester City’s interest tied to Rodri’s potential exit. City have already signed Elliot Anderson, and Rodri’s future and Fernandez’s deal appear interconnected as both clubs reassess midfield options ahead of the new season.
Paris Saint-Germain has drawn 2-2 at Rennes after replacing the scheduled home fixture because heat-damaged grass left the Parc des Princes pitch unsafe. Ferran Torres has scored twice on his club debut to salvage a point; PSG has already said it will replace the Parc des Princes surface ahead of the Sept. 4 home game with Monaco.