For some football fans, the summer is the part of the calendar that they look forward to the most - and that's not just because it's filled by a World Cup every four years! Rather, it's because the end of the season means only one thing: It's time for transfers! The 2026 window is once again proving to be busy, with some huge names making big-money moves before deadline day on September 1.
Xabi Alonso secured his first victory at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea manager, concluding their pre-season preparations with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Real Sociedad. While the performance offered plenty of tactical intrigue, the afternoon was somewhat overshadowed by a polarized reaction from the home crowd toward Enzo Fernandez.
Cole Palmer has hilariously warned new Chelsea team-mate Morgan Rogers against using their shared 'cold' goal celebration. The England international joked that he would send the bailiffs round after officially trademarking the iconic gesture, following Rogers' club-record £117 million transfer to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens believes the arrival of British record signing Morgan Rogers could be the catalyst for the Blues to finally end their wait for a first Premier League title since 2017. Gittens is adamant that the former Aston Villa star will significantly raise the standards at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has signalled that the club's whirlwind summer of spending is far from over, despite already shattering records to reshape the squad. The Spanish coach also spoke about a specific tactical blueprint for integrating record signing Morgan Rogers into the starting XI alongside Cole Palmer.