Maresca leaves the club after a poor run of results, which has seen him secure just one win in his last seven Premier League matches.

The Italian tactician has won the UEFA Europa Conference titles and the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during his 18 months in charge of Chelsea.

Maresca leaves the club sitting in fifth place in the Premier League standings with 30 points from 19 matches, 15 points behind leaders Arsenal.

“Chelsea Football Club and Head Coach Enzo Maresca have parted company,” Chelsea released the following statement.

“During his time at the Club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Those achievements will remain an important part of the Club’s recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the Club.

“With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the Club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track.

“We wish Enzo well for the future.”

The post Chelsea confirm Enzo Maresca’s departure after 18 months appeared first on SportsClub.

RIO NGUMOHA
Club: Liverpool
Age: 17
Position: Left winger
Country of origin: England

Liverpool teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha is a highly promising talent and one of the top prospects in English football. Ngumoha’s rapid rise through the ranks at Liverpool has been nothing short of remarkable. He has already made significant strides in his professional career, having broken into the Reds’ senior team this season. The 17-year-old made history by becoming Liverpool’s youngest ever goalscorer, and his explosive pace, technical skill, composure in front of goal, and impact on the field, suggest he could potentially become a world-class talent.

IBRAHIM RABBAJ
Club: Chelsea
Age: 16
Position: Attacking midfielder
Country of origin: Morocco

Ibrahim Rabbaj has quickly risen through the ranks at Chelsea and is one of their most exciting prospects. The 16-year-old has already earned comparisons to Lionel Messi due to his exceptional dribbling, quick feet, creativity, and versatility as an attacking midfielder or winger, making him one of the top prospects to watch in the future. Although he has not yet made his senior debut for Chelsea, Rabbaj has the potential to make a difference in the Blues squad if he continues his development.

CLAUDIO ECHEVERRI
Club: Bayer Leverkusen (on loan from Manchester City)
Age: 19
Position: Attacking midfielder
Country of origin: Argentina

Claudio Echeverri is regarded as one of South America’s brightest young playmakers, which secured him a move to Manchester City, but he was loaned out to Bayer Leverkusen to further his development. Echeverri made a name for himself following his impressive performances for River Plate and the Argentina youth team during the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, in which he won the Bronze Boot. Like Ibrahim Rabbaj, Echeverri has also drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi thanks to his close control and strong dribbling ability, vision, and playmaking skill, and his keen eye for goal, which earned him the nickname “El Diablito”.

FRANCESCO CAMARDA
Club: Lecce (on loan from AC Milan)
Age: 17
Position: Centre-forward
Country of origin: Italy

Francesco Camarda has been considered the new golden boy of Italian football and has been compared to legends such as Michael Owen and Filippo Inzaghi. The Italian has already written his name in football’s history books after he became the youngest debutant in Serie A history at 15 years and 260 days and the youngest Italian debutant in the UEFA Champions League. Camarda has already shown glimpses of what he is capable of. He has racked up a reputation for his deadly goal-scoring ability with both feet, his physical presence and aerial threat, and his exceptional ball control.

GEOVANY QUENDA
Club: Sporting CP
Age: 18
Position: Right winger
Country of origin: Portugal

After rising through the ranks at Sporting CP, Geovany Quenda has been labelled as one of Portugal’s best young players. Quenda already has elite dribbling ability, exceptional pace, high football IQ, and versatility to play on the wing and at wing-back, which earned him the crown as the Best Young Player of the 24/25 Portuguese League season The 18-year-old has the potential to become a world-class player, and he will continue his development at Chelsea next season after securing a £40 million move to the Blues.

RODRIGO MORA
Club: FC Porto
Age: 18
Position: Attacking midfield
Country of origin: Portugal

Rodrigo Mora is one of the brightest young talents to come through FC Porto’s academy ranks and is considered a big talent for the future of Portuguese football. The 18-year-old has already broken into the first team but is yet to cement a regular starting berth. Mora has been praised for his overall gameplay, vision, and maturity, and has been compared to Barcelona star Lamine Yamal for his goal-scoring and playmaking abilities. However, he has room to grow and improve in the hopes of becoming the next best player for his country.

SVERRE NYPAN
Club: Middlesbrough (on loan from Manchester City)
Age: 18
Position: Central midfield
Country of origin: Norway

Sverre Nypan is considered one of Norway’s top prospects and has been labelled as the ‘next Martin Odegaard’. The 18-year-old completed his move to Manchester City from Rosenborg BK for a deal worth £12.5m, but he was subsequently loaned out to Middlesbrough. The Norwegian already has an exceptional football IQ, likes to dribble with the ball, is known for his technical ability, and is versatile enough to play anywhere in the midfield, whether as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder, or false nine. Nypan has the potential to become one of the top midfielders in Europe, having already shown glimpses of elite-level football.

AYYOUB BOUADDI
Club: Lille
Age: 18
Position: Central midfield
Country of origin: France

Ayyoub Bouaddi is one of Europe’s top young talents and has been lighting up the stage in Ligue 1 with Lille. The 18-year-old has been described as the club’s most exciting talent to come through the ranks at Lille since Eden Hazard. Bouaddi made history by becoming the youngest player in Ligue 1 since 1981 and the youngest Lille player to debut in a European club competition. His incredible potential is limitless, and it will be hard for the French outfit to keep their hands on him.

JULIEN DURANVILLE
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Age: 19
Position: Left winger
Country of origin: Belgium

Julien Duranville is one of the most highly rated young players to come out of Belgian football in years. The 19-year-old is already considered a potential contender for future Ballon d’Or awards. Despite several injuries during his time at Borussia Dortmund, Duranville has already proven himself to be a top talent. He has made a number of appearances for Dortmund’s senior team and earned call-ups to the Belgian national team. While Duranville is still in the development stage of his career, he has shown his electric pace, good close control, and tricky dribbling ability with a strong work rate.

FRANCO MASTANTUONO
Club: Real Madrid
Age: 18
Position: Right winger
Country of origin: Argentina

Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono has established himself as one of the world’s brightest young talents. The 18-year-old secured a move to Real Madrid during the offseason and has already secured his place in the senior team with some impressive performances for Xabi Alonso’s side. Mastantuono has been described as Argentina’s future. He has already played for the senior national team, where he was given the iconic No.10 jersey, previously worn by Lionel Messi. The Argentine could potentially become one of the world’s best, with his masterful dribbling ability, vision, set-piece ability, and versatility in playing free in an attacking role.

The post Future Stars appeared first on SportsClub.

Guardiola has recorded 715 wins and only conceded 128 defeats in all competitions throughout his career.

He has managed three clubs, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.

The Spaniard has also managed to win 37 trophies, including 14 with Barcelona, six with Bayern, and 17 with Manchester City.

“If I have to choose one rival to do this, I will share it with many people, but this will be the best,” Guardiola told his club’s official website.

“I have been here longer than ever in this country, the impact it’s had on my life. Barcelona is my club and Bayern was incredible as well but Liverpool have been the biggest rival in this country and especially Jurgen [Klopp], it could not be better. The destiny and universe has decided for this.

“We have to be our best. I know how quickly everything goes here. One week ago, Liverpool, six defeats, was a disaster, won two but now they come back to their best.

“I’m pretty sure all managers take a little time for more perspective and everyone has ups and downs in the competition.

“I have a higher opinion about Liverpool right now. Last season we were losing six games in seven games, it’s the same.”

The post “Liverpool are perfect opponent for 1,000th match” – Pep appeared first on SportsClub.

READ: Stellies star Tylor Smit joins English side QPR

The 20-year-old parted ways with Stellenbosch FC to complete a permanent move to the English championship side.

The Amajita star arrives at QPR after he helped South Africa lift their first-ever U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title.

Smith also earned the Player of the Tournament award at the AFCON, and he was also nominated for the DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season.

“I’m very happy to be here,” Smith told his club’s official website.

“I’m really proud and grateful for the opportunity QPR have given me to showcase my talent.

“QPR is well-known for developing young players. The style of play here is similar to how we play in South Africa and it’s a style that I really like.”

Image: Queens Park Rangers

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READ: Marcus Rashford joins Barcelona

The 27-year-old joined Barca after completing a season-long loan move to the Spanish giants.

Rashford agreed to a deal to join Barca for the 2025-26 season with an option to buy him at the end of the season for a reported price of £26m.

The England international will now be wearing the No. 14 shirt at his club.

Rashford could not contain his excitement as he looks forward to making his Barca debut and help the club win silverware.

“I am looking forward to helping and I want to win trophies. One of the reasons I came is that motivation and the ambition to be a better player,” Rashord told his club’s official website.

“The work he did last season was sensational. He has been really important in the whole process.

“I am really grateful for the welcome that the fans have given me and I can’t wait to make my debut in the jersey.”

The post “I want to win trophies at Barca” – Rashford appeared first on SportsClub.

Rashford agreed to a deal to join Barca for the 2025-26 season with an option to buy him at the end of the season for a reported price of £26m.

It has been confirmed that the 27-year-old will wear the No. 14 shirt at the club.

Our new number 14: Marcus Rashford 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/HPBX7HzEsF

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 23, 2025

“I’m very excited. It’s a club where dreams come true. They win big prizes and what the club stands for really means a lot to me,” Rashford said at his unveiling.

“It feels like I’m at home and it’s a big factor in my choice to come here.

“It’s a family club and people are comfortable here. It’s a good place for good players to showcase their skills.”

The post Marcus Rashford joins Barcelona appeared first on SportsClub.

The 23-year-old joins the club after successfully completing his medical and agreeing to personal terms with the Reds.

The Reds will pay an initial fee of £69m plus £10m in add-ons for the French striker.

Ekitike arrives at Liverpool after spending a season-and-a-half with Eintracht Frankfurt, where he scored 26 goals and grabbed 14 assists in 64 appearances in all competitions for the German side.

He will now fly to Hong Kong to link up with his new teammates for their pre-season tour of Asia later this week.

“Liverpool FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, subject to international clearance,” Liverpool said in a statement.

“The 23-year-old has successfully completed a medical and agreed personal terms with the Reds, allowing him to fly out to Hong Kong to join his new teammates on their pre-season tour of Asia later this week.

“Ekitike arrives at Liverpool after a season-and-a-half in Germany, having initially moved to Eintracht on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

“The attacker netted 26 goals in 64 appearances for Frankfurt and was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season for 2024-25.

“Previously, the France U21 international, who began his professional journey at Stade de Reims, had turned out 33 times for PSG and claimed a Ligue 1 winner’s medal.

“Ekitike becomes the latest addition to Arne Slot’s squad this summer, following the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Florian Wirtz.

“His squad number will be confirmed later this summer – and supporters can see more content, including a first interview, from Ekitike on Liverpoolfc.com and the club’s official social media channels soon.”

Image: Liverpool

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READ: Smith ready to showcase his talent at QPR

The 20-year-old joins the English side for an undisclosed fee after putting pen to paper on a long-term contract with the club.

Smith’s move to QPR has come months after the defender played a huge role in helping South Africa secure the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title, while also walking away with the Player of the Tournament award.

The Amajita star was also nominated for the DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season.

U20 AFCON champion 🏆
U20 AFCON best player ⭐️

Tylon Smith’s arrived from South Africa! 🇿🇦

— QPR FC (@QPR) July 23, 2025

“This is a very proud moment for everyone at the club, the town, and his family,” Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie said.

“We’ve watched Tylon grow from a young boy in Jamestown into a player ready to take on the world stage. We have every confidence that he’ll thrive at QPR.

“At Stellenbosch FC, we’ve always believed in creating real opportunities for young talent, and Tylon’s journey is proof that the pathways we are building are working.

“His move is a reward for years of hard work, not just from him, but from everyone involved in his
development, and we hope it inspires the next generation to dream even bigger.”

Born a champion ✨

All the best in England, Tylon 🫶 pic.twitter.com/NOeMKB0ZGb

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 23, 2025

Image: Queens Park Rangers

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The 25-year-old completed his transfer from Brentford for a reported fee of £65m with another £6m potentially due in add-ons.

Mbeumo arrived at United after signing a five-year contract, which keeps him at United until 2030, with the option to extend for a further year.

The Cameroonian arrives at the club after scoring 70 goals and registering 51 assists in 242 appearances across all competitions during his time at Brentford.

“From the start, I wanted to join this massive club,” Mbeumo told his club’s official website.

“Now I’m here, I’m just really happy. For me, it’s the biggest club in the world. The fans are crazy, the stadium is amazing, and every player wants to play here.

“My first top was Manchester United’s top with Ronaldo behind. It’s just such a big club and I’m really happy to be here.

“He [Amorim] seems really close to his players. His mentality, his winning thinking every time, this is the thing I need.

“I always wanted to play at the highest level. Now I’m here and I just want to show what I can do.”

The post “I always wanted to play at the highest level” – Mbeumo appeared first on SportsClub.

United have reportedly paid £65m to Brentford with another £6m potentially due in add-ons.

The 25-year-old joins the club after putting pen to paper on a five-year contract, which keeps him at United until 2030, with the option to extend for a further year.

The Cameroonian arrives at the club after scoring 70 goals and registering 51 assists in 242 appearances across all competitions during his time at Brentford.

Mbeuma becomes the club’s fourth signing behind Enzo Kana-Biyik, Diego León, and Matheus Cunha.

“From the start, I wanted to join this massive club,” Mbeumo told his club’s official website.

“Now I’m here, I’m just really happy. For me, it’s the biggest club in the world. The fans are crazy, the stadium is amazing, and every player wants to play here.

“My first top was Manchester United’s top with Ronaldo behind. It’s just such a big club and I’m really happy to be here.

“He [Amorim] seems really close to his players. His mentality, his winning thinking every time, this is the thing I need.

“I always wanted to play at the highest level. Now I’m here and I just want to show what I can do.”

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