"It’s very worrying for me" - Frank Leboeuf says he had to Google player linked with £34.5m move to Chelsea
Former Chelsea centre-back Frank Leboeuf has expressed his concerns over the idea of the Blues signing Samuel 'Samu' Omorodion. Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of signing the Atletico Madrid striker, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues have struck an agreement with Atletico Madrid over the transfer of Omorodion. They are set to pay £34.5 million, plus add-ons for the 20-year-old. He will sign a seven-year deal to keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2031.
However, some fans have been left unhappy with this potential transfer, including Leboeuf. The pundit told ESPN (via @CFCDaily):
“I have to Google him. So I went to Google, got the video of him, see him playing for the reserve team of Atleti, playing for the U21 with Spain not knowing who the guy is, 34/40m? Where do you want to go with that I’m sorry and again maybe I’ll be surprised but it’s too many players with the same profile with no experiences and it’s very worrying for me.”
Omorodion joined Atletico Madrid last summer on a five-year deal. He was loaned to Alaves for the entire 2023-24 season, where he impressed, netting eight goals and providing one assist in 35 appearances across all competitions.
Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of acquiring his signature with Atletico Madrid set to replace Omorodion by signing Manchester City's Julian Alvarez. The Blues are also set to lose Conor Gallagher to Atleti. The England international is set to travel to Madrid to complete his £34 million transfer (via GOAL).
"Pressure’s on, players lose confidence, ridiculous" - Pundit questions Chelsea's decision to face Real Madrid and Manchester City during pre-season tour
Former Wales international Dean Saunders has slammed Chelsea for opting to face the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid during their pre-season tour in the United States.
Enzo Maresca and Co. have failed to impress so far this summer, winning just one out of their five friendlies. While they defeated Club America, and drew 2-2 to Wrexham, they were soundly defeated by Celtic (4-1), Manchester City (4-2), and Real Madrid (2-1).
Saunders appeared on talkSPORT, where he said (via The Chelsea Chronicle):
“Why would you play Real Madrid, Man City and a flying Celtic, who are two or three weeks ahead of you fitness-wise? And then, you’re testing your back four out against that."
“And now, pressure’s on, players lose confidence, ridiculous. They must be getting so much money for these pre-season trips.”
The Blues will wrap up their pre-season with a friendly clash against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, August 11.