15:32 BST 10/09/2020
Five things to look out for in MD1 of the EPL as Liverpool look to maintain their unbeaten run over Leeds.
Blues fans will have to wait a bit longer to see some of their new signings in competitive action ahead of their meeting with Brighton on Sunday
Hakim Ziyech's official Chelsea debut will have to wait for at least a couple of weeks after Frank Lampard confirmed the new signing has a knee injury.
Media reports began circulating on Wednesday suggesting Morocco international Ziyech was a doubt for Monday's trip to Brighton and Hove Albion for the Blues' Premier League opener.
Ziyech arrived from Ajax in pre-season after a £33 million (€35m/$42.5m) deal had been agreed last term, with the forward boosting his reputation in 2018-19 after several impressive performances en route to the Champions League semi-finals.
However, Chelsea fans will have to wait a bit longer to see him in competitive action, as Lampard confirmed the reports he has sustained an injury. Ziyech's fellow new signings Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell are also not yet ready for their debuts.
"Ziyech took an injury to his knee in the friendly against Brighton and he won't be fit," Lampard said in Thursday's pre-match news conference. "We are working on him and hope it will only be a matter of weeks, a couple of weeks, we hope, but we'll have to wait and see on that.
"Chilwell is working towards fitness. He won't be fit for Brighton. He has developed and improved this week and going in the right direction, which is good news for us. Thiago Silva is in London but won't be training until the weekend, so I doubt very much that he's in contention for the Brighton game.
"Out of the new ones, that's where we are at. Billy Gilmour is a longer-term injury, but other than that we are in decent shape."
Regarding Cesar Azpilicueta and Christian Pulisic, who were both forced off in the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal in August, Lampard added: "I missed them off earlier – yes, I am certainly very happy to have them both back.
"Yesterday [Wednesday] was their first day fully training with the team, so they're in contention for Monday.
"I have to be careful and I have a squad to pick from, but the way they're training and their attitude to come back, it looks like they are over their injuries. I just have to make sure I manage them both back in their own ways."
The 20-year-old, who has endured frustrating spells at Sheffield United and Oxford in recent years, will look to restart his career in the Netherlands
Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn is set to join Sparta Rotterdam on a season-long loan deal.
The 20-year-old is ready to move to the Eredivisie side in a bid to relaunch his career following spells with Sheffield United and Oxford in the past two seasons, although Goal understands the final details of the switch are yet to be confirmed at this stage.
Woodburn became the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool’s history when netting against Leeds in the League Cup in November 2016, aged just 17 years and 45 days.
At that point, the attacking midfielder was viewed as one of the brightest prospects to emerge at the club in many years. He had made his Premier League debut as a late substitute against Sunderland three days previously, and would finish the 2016-17 campaign having made nine appearances in total, including a first league start away at Stoke in April 2017.
He would make two further appearances the following season, and would mark his senior international debut for Wales in stunning fashion, netting the winning goal in a World Cup qualifier against Austria in Cardiff.
For the 2018-19 season, Woodburn was loaned out to Sheffield United, then in the Championship. He would, however, struggle to win a regular place at Bramall Lane, making only eight appearances before returning to Liverpool in January.
He was called up, due to an injury crisis, for the Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona, and was an unused substitute as Jurgen Klopp’s side produced one of the greatest comebacks in history.
Woodburn departed on loan once more last summer, joining League One side Oxford, but after a promising start at the Kassam Stadium - in which he made 13 appearances and scored once - he suffered a broken foot which kept him sidelined for a number of weeks.
Having gone back to Melwood for his rehabilitation, and on the brink of returning to Oxford, Woodburn then suffered a recurrence of the injury during training with Klopp’s squad, which meant he did not feature again until football returned following the coronavirus lockdown in July.
He was able to play during the League One play-offs, scoring a vital penalty as Oxford beat Portsmouth in the semi-finals, but he was only an 89th-minute substitute in the final as Karl Robinson’s side were beaten by Wycombe.
Portsmouth and Ipswich were among those who were keen to sign Woodburn this summer, but it is Sparta who look to have won the race, offering the chance of regular football in a league which Liverpool believe will suit his style of play.
Woodburn, who has been at Anfield since the age of six, has been training and playing with Barry Lewtas’ under-23 squad at Kirkby during pre-season. He played an hour of the 4-0 win over Huddersfield B at the Academy earlier this week, but is understood to be keen to get out and play having seen his last two loan spells fall flat after bright starts.
Liverpool are expected to loan out another youngster, goalkeeper Kamil Grabara, with Greek outfit PAOK favourites to land the Poland under-21 international.
Scottish defender Tony Gallacher is another who could depart, with MLS side Toronto FC interested, while Canadian forward Liam Millar is another who will look to secure a temporary move before the transfer deadline.
The Magpies released a statement earlier this week blaming top flight officials for rejecting the deal, to which they have issued a swift response
The Premier League has denied blocking a collapsed Saudi Arabian-backed takeover at Newcastle, labelling the club's recent accusations "incorrect".
Magpies owner Mike Ashley had reportedly brokered a £300 million ($387m) agreement with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Amanda Staveley's PCP Capital Partners and the Reuben Brothers back in April.
However, the consortium pulled out of the deal two months later having grown frustrated over the lack of urgency from the Premier League in approving their bid.
Ashley criticised the top-flight and chief executive Richard Masters over the failed deal and confirmed that the club will be seeking legal advice over possible next steps during on Wednesday night.
Newcastle released the following statement via their website: "Newcastle United can confirm that the Premier League has rejected a takeover bid made by PCP Capital Partners.
"The club and its owners do not accept that Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and the Premier League have acted appropriately in relation to this matter and will be considering all relevant options available to them."
The Premier League have now responded by shifting the blame back towards the PIF investors, insisting they failed to submit all necessary information to move forward with the proposed takeover.
English football's top governing body released an official statement on Thursday, which reads: "The Premier League was disappointed and surprised by the Newcastle United Football Club statement regarding its potential takeover by PCP Capital Partners, the Reuben Brothers and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF).
"The club’s assertion that the Premier League has rejected the takeover is incorrect.
"The Premier League Board has, on a number of occasions, given its opinion about which entities it believes would have control over the club should the consortium proceed with the acquisition. That opinion is based on legal advice.
"This means the potential takeover could proceed to the next stage should the relevant entities provide all appropriate information. They would then be subject to a suitability assessment by the Board. As an alternative, the Board has repeatedly offered independent arbitration as a way forward since June.
"It is also incorrect to suggest these decisions were taken by any individual; they were agreed unanimously by all Premier League Board members."
Wondering which players to pick in attack? Look no further as Goal breaks down the best and the bargain picks
Picking the best forwards in fantasy football can be the difference between beating your friends and finishing mid-table in your custom leagues.
There are no prizes for guessing that the trick is to pick strikers who score but there is a knack to using your budget wisely in order to maximise points.
As the 2020-21 Premier League season gets under way, Goal takes a look at the best fantasy football forwards, as well as a few bargain options.
Check out the top 100 funniest fantasy football team names!
The best fantasy football forwards are those who score goals in great numbers, but also those who provide assists for their team-mates.
Bonus points are given to the players who have the most positive influence on a match, so a striker who is key to how his team attack is likely to score even better.
A midfielder in the game last season, Manchester United Anthony Martial has been converted into a striker for FPL in 2020-21.
The France international became the Red Devils' focal point in attack and enjoyed the best ever season of his career, scoring 17 goals and laying on nine more for his team-mates.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hasn't recruited a new striker to the club, so the signs are that he has full faith in Martial to continue his improvement.
At £9 million to begin with, he is somewhat cheaper than other options and could well represent good value.
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is the most expensive striker (along with Harry Kane) in the game at £10.5m to begin with, but he has done more than enough to justify that price tag.
He is one of the top scoring forwards in Premier League history and is generally favoured by Pep Guardiola to lead the City line ahead of Gabriel Jesus when fit.
City score goals - they hit over 100 last season, which was significantly higher than Liverpool's tally - and Aguero usually gets a lot of them. Not only does he score himself, he also contributes his fair share of assists.
However, a note of caution: beware the Guardiola habit of rotating his players - the Catalan occasionally likes to mix up personnel even when the usual starters are fit.
There is little doubt that Harry Kane is the best Number 9 in the Premier League, if not the world, and he is the most expensive striker in FPL (along with Aguero).
While he has endured a drop in his usual return of close-to-30 goals a season, much of that is down to injury - he has missed nearly a quarter of each of the last two campaigns.
Kane's forte is scoring goals through his clever box play, but the Spurs captain is also adept at finding the net from distance. However, unlike Aguero, he is not known to assist many goals.
Nevertheless,with the likes of Matt Doherty joining the ranks, Kane will be hoping his goalscoring chances increase again in 2020-21.
Last season's Golden Boot winner Jamie Vardy has shown little sign of slowing down and, despite the fact that he will turn 34 during the campaign, should continue to score with regularity for Leicester.
Vardy posted an overall points tally of 210 in FPL last term and that was down to the fact that he was directly involved in 30 goals - 23 strikes, seven assists.
Like Aguero, the Foxes front-man has been one of the most consistent points-getters in the game for over five seasons and that is reflected in his price tag.
Germany international Timo Werner has been brought to Chelsea as the main striker and there will be a lot of pressure on him to hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge.
He scored 28 goals in 34 Bundesliga appearances for RB Leipzig last season and showed signs in pre-season of his predatory prowess.
Werner will rely on the like of Hakim Ziyech, Mason Mount, Pulisic and Co. to keep the supply coming and if they get the passes to him, he will certainly score double figures.
Wolves striker Raul Jimenez has shown himself to be one of the best strikers in the Premier League and, while he scores plenty of goals, his all-round play marks him out as unique.
The Mexico international scored just under 200 FPL points in the last two campaigns and was directly involved in 24 goals in 2019-20 (17 goals, seven assists).
Jimenez scored much better than Harry Kane, Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus last term, yet is cheaper.
Roberto Firmino may not have scored double figures last season, but the Brazil international contributed to a total of 18 goals for Liverpool last season (nine goals, nine assists).
While Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are the goal-getters for the Reds, Firmino remains crucial in creating those opportunities.
He has never scored less than 150 FPL points in the last five seasons - so don't let his lack of goals put you off.
Danny Ings had an incredible season for Southampton last year and posted a tally of 22 goals in the Premier League as he challenged for the Golden Boot.
It was his best ever campaign in the Premier League and he showed lots of confidence to maintain his form throughout the season.
His price has shot up for FPL 2020-21, but if he can pick up where he left off it will be a worthwhile selection.
Fulham front-man Aleksandar Mitrovic is an international-class striker and returns to the Premier League having hit 26 goals in 40 Championship appearances last season.
When Mitrovic was last an option in FPL, he scored 134 points, having been directly involved in 15 goals, but he hasn't always had such joy in front of goal in the league.
Now 25, he has matured somewhat as a player and will be eager to rectify his previous disappointing experiences in the Premier League.
Michail Antonio is always good for goals and assists in FPL, but he has evolved into a centre forward who will be keen to build on last season's tally of 10 strikes - the first time he has broken double figures.
His price has gone up somewhat, so it will be important to keep an eye on his early performances, but he could well turn out to be a bargain.
Former Chelsea youth Patrick Bamford scored 16 goals for Leeds United last season as they secured promotion to the Premier League and he will be expected to step up in 2020-21.
Spain international Rodrigo (£6m) has been recruited to take some of the pressure off but, as he beds in at Elland Road, Bamford is likely to lead the line at the beginning of the season.
Former France Under-21 international Neal Maupay bagged double figures in his maiden Premier League season and will be aiming to improve on that in 2020-21.
His exploits for Brighton have seen his price rise somewhat, but Maupay has demonstrated a capacity to score lots of goals at every club he has played for.
With Brighton's new system under Graham Potter taking hold, it bodes well for his chances of getting on the scoresheet more often.
The former Manchester United boss has questioned whether a man who flopped at Old Trafford would make the grade in Spain
Memphis Depay has plenty of talent but he's not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, says Louis Van Gaal, who is not certain that the Barcelona target would adapt to life at Camp Nou.
Depay has managed to rebuild his damaged reputation at the highest level since leaving Manchester United to join Lyon in the summer of 2017.
The Red Devils forked out £31 million (€34m/$40m) to bring the Netherlands international to Old Trafford from PSV two years prior, but he only managed to score seven goals in 53 appearances for the club and failed to nail down a regular spot in the starting XI.
The 26-year-old has rediscovered his best form at the Groupama Stadium, recording 57 goals and 43 assists in 139 outings to help Lyon fight for the Ligue 1 title and success in the Champions League.
Depay's goals helped Rudi Garcia's men reach the semi-finals of Europe's elite competition last season and he is now being sounded out for a potential switch to La Liga.
The former United winger confirmed that Barca have registered their interest in his services after the Netherlands were beaten 1-0 by Italy in the UEFA Nations League on Monday.
Garcia and Lyon sporting director Juninho have insisted that no formal offers have been submitted as of yet, but the latter has also admitted a prized asset could be sold if a suitable bid is forthcoming before the transfer window closes.
Van Gaal, the man who lured Depay to Manchester back in 2015, has questioned whether the Dutchman is ready to step up to another level at Barca, having seen him struggle to live up to expectations at the Theatre of Dreams.
The ex-United and Netherlands head coach told TuttoMercatoWeb: "There's always a question mark. Depay is an interesting player, especially when he's free to play, but we have to consider adapting to a new culture and a new team, and the first year is always the hardest. Look at [Matthijs] De Ligt or Frenkie de Jong.
"Depay has talent, but he's not Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo."
Van Gaal went on to discuss Ronald Koeman's recent appointment as Barca's new head coach, expressing his belief that a fellow countryman is taking on a difficult job given the ongoing speculation surrounding Messi's future at Camp Nou.
The 69-year-old added: "I think he is a good coach, a former Barcelona player and this gives him more credit. It won't be easy because you can never know about the Messi problem."
The German head coach has stressed the importance of sticking to a winning formula amid calls for reinforcements at Anfield
Jurgen Klopp has defended Liverpool's transfer policy, insisting the club cannot suddenly decide to "behave like Chelsea" after gradually putting together a title-winning team.
Liverpool stormed to their first league title in three decades last season, finishing 18 points clear of Manchester City after being crowned champions with a record-breaking seven games left to spare.
After failing to win a single piece of silverware during his first three seasons at Anfield, Klopp has managed to deliver four trophies in the space of two years, including the Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.
The Reds have invested heavily in the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson along the way, but have been able to balance the books consistently through player sales and a staggered, thoughtful approach to recruitment.
Aside from the addition of Kostas Tsimikas, who moved to Merseyside from Olympiacos for £11 million ($14m) last month, Liverpool have been quiet in the current transfer window, while their Premier League rivals have strengthened significantly to try and bridge the gap at the top of the league.
Chelsea have turned the most heads with the way they've conducted their business, bringing in six new players in total, but Klopp is adamant that the Reds do not need to change their approach in order to maintain their recent success.
The German head coach told BBC Radio Five Live: "Clubs are in different situations and we are living in uncertainty in the world. For some clubs, it seems to be less important how uncertain the future is because they are owned by countries, owned by oligarchs and that is the truth. We are a different kind of club.
"We reached the Champions League final two years ago, won it the following year and won the Premier League by being the club we are, we cannot change that overnight and say 'now we want to behave like Chelsea'.
"We always want to improve the squad but there are different ways - one way is to sign new players and the other way is to work together, improve the things you were good in and try to nullify the things you are not good in. That is football. No one wants to talk about training and only about signings."
Asked if there will be any further new arrivals at Anfield this summer, Klopp responded: "I have been at Liverpool for nearly five years and if something is going to happen it will happen. There are so many rumours in the newspapers and it is funny when we read our name.
"We were quite good with this in the past by staying calm and we made the right decisions, whether that be keeping the same group or bringing someone in for a specific position."
Liverpool will kick off their latest campaign at home to newly-promoted Leeds United on Saturday, and Klopp is confident that his side will be ready to pick up from where they left off in 2019-20 despite the quick turnaround between seasons.
"It was a short summer and pre-season is important and so far it has been all good. A few players are still on international duty, so hopefully they come back healthy. The games are coming thick and fast and we have to be ready for them," he added.
"There is not too much change and people say 'everybody wants to beat us now because we are champions' but I did not see a team last year who did not want to beat us with all they had.
"We won the Champions League the year before so everybody wanted to beat us then. It is about us and to prove that we have to be ready for a fight in each game.
"We have a tough start against Leeds United, who have waited 16 years to get back into the top flight. They have a world-class manager and it is a historical game so it will be very, very tough.
"Then we go to Chelsea, then Arsenal is coming, so it is a tough start."
Timu ya Wananchi started their 2020/21 campaign last weekend with a draw and will be aiming at defeating Mbeya City this weekend
Yanga SC are hoping their five new foreign players will be ready in about two weeks to get back to full fitness and help the team perform in the Tanzania Mainland League.
Carlinhos, Tuisila Kisinda, Yacouba Songne, Michael Sarpong and Mukoko Tonombe are the new players Wananchi brought on board for the new campaign.
"We had a chance to see some of the players we signed in our last game [against Tanzania Prisons], and we all agree they proved they deserved to be in our team," club chairman Mshindo Msolla told Mwanaspoti.
"They are quality players, they know they have a huge debt to pay and they are desperate to perform for Yanga.
"I overheard coach [Zlatko Krmpotic] saying he needs 10 to 15 days with the new players. So let us be patient and continue motivating them to help the team win and not to do something which will demoralize them."
The administrator has also urged the fans to give the technical bench time to prepare the team better for future assignments.
"We have good coaches and players as well, the only concern is that they met late," Msolla added.
"Both players and the technical bench need some time together in their bid to build a team. All we should do is give them time and avoid unnecessary criticism which will negatively affect the playing unit.
"There are some players who did not get a chance to play [against Tanzania Prisons], but in no way does it imply that they are not good. It is just that they were not match fit after missing competitive football for some time."
The official also appreciated the impact the team sponsors have had on rebuilding the team for the 2020/21 campaign.
"I take the opportunity to thank GSM for the big job they have done in making the signings possible in cooperation with the management; we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel."
The Jangwani Street-based charges are targeting their first league title in four seasons.
After getting a point last weekend in their league outing, Wananchi will be aiming at getting all the three points when they host Mbeya City on Sunday.
The French forward continues to be linked with a move away but has stressed his desire to stay at the club
Antoine Griezmann has questioned why he continues to be linked with a move away from Barcelona as he reiterated his desire to remain at the club.
The France international endured an underwhelming debut campaign with Barca after arriving from Atletico Madrid in a €120 million transfer last year.
He registered 15 goals in all competitions but was often played out of position and struggled to earn a regular place in the side in the closing stages of the season.
Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and former club Atletico have all been tipped to move for Griezmann, but the forward has no desire to leave Barcelona.
"Is my future is at Barca? Yes. I don't know why people invent destinations to see if one day they will be right," he told French outlet M6.
"I am very well there. I know I have the confidence of the club and the coach so I am well. It has been a very complicated season for all of us but now we start again."
Griezmann, under contract with Barca until the end of the 2023-24 campaign, scored for France on Tuesday to draw level with Zinedine Zidane as the nation's fifth all-time top scorer.
The 29-year-old has 31 goals for the world champions, putting him behind only David Trezeguet, Olivier Giroud, Michel Platini and Thierry Henry, who struck 51 times for Les Blues.
Upon being named Barcelona's new manager, Koeman identified Griezmann as one of several players he views as key moving forward and stressed his desire to play Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong in their preferred positions.
"The plan is to start playing Frenkie de Jong in the position that he plays with the national team as well," Koeman told NOS in August.
"I remember attending a Barcelona game and I saw him play a position where I wouldn’t play him as a coach.
"You’ve spent a lot of money on a young player. You should then play him in his own position, where he can perform in a way you’d expect from him. He’s shown at Ajax and with the Dutch national team which position suits him best and that’s where he will be playing at Barcelona as well.
"The same goes for Antoine Griezmann. He is not a traditional winger, so you have to play him in his own position, in a role that suits him and where he can showcase his abilities.
"You have to know your players as a coach and ensure you get the best out of them."
The midfielder thinks FC Goa's style of play makes them one of the most difficult sides to play against...
FC Goa have been one of the most difficult teams to beat under Sergio Lobera's tutelage in the Indian Super League (ISL).
With three play-off appearances, one final appearance and playing an important role in the club winning the Indian Super League (ISL) shield, Lobera's legacy at FC Goa is nothing short of exemplary.
During his period, Goa won the most games in the league and also accumulated the most number of points.
No wonder, Lalengmawia, the dynamic midfielder of NorthEast United, chose FC Goa when asked about the most difficult opponent he has played against in the ISL.
"No doubt it is FC Goa. They are so good with the ball. They will not give you easy possession. We have to chase a lot. They do not give you much time to close down and you have to put your best foot forward every time you go up against them," stated the player to Goal.
But the 19-year-old relishes playing against the Gaurs as he enjoys going up against opponents that push his limits.
"I like these challenges. It motivates me even more. They are human and so am I. I always think like this. It is important to play against tough opponents as it helps you better your game."
The teenager has also been fortunate to share the same dressing room with Asamoah Gyan, the former Ghana captain, who led the African nation in the 2010 World Cup.
Gyan's inspired form helped Ghana reach the knock out stage of the tournament. In the Round of 16, he scored the winning goal against the United States of America in extra time to fire his country to the quarter-finals, where they were beaten by Uruguay in tie-breakers. In the 2014 World Cup, his strike against Germany in a 2-2 draw helped him equal Roger Milla's record of five goals in a World Cup.
Lalengmawia was enthralled by his character and persona. He believes that training with the Ghanaian superstar was the best thing to happen to him after joining NorthEast.
"It was great to play with Gyan. Not only he is one of the best strikers but he is a great teacher as well. He helped me with my positioning and decision making. His work ethic is so exemplary. His finishing techniques in training used to amuse me. He is a great, great player," said the Mizo midfielder.
The youngster cannot wait to get back on the pitch to train and prepare for the upcoming season under new coach Gerard Nus. In the previous season, the HIghlanders could not play to their potential but he hopes that the tables will turn in ISL 7. And the U17 World Cup participant is ready to shoulder more responsibility.
The Mizoram-born player was an absolute crowd favourite at the Marina Arena...
It was not much of a secret that Jeje Lalpekhlua was on his way out at Chennaiyin FC. There has been speculation over a move away from the South Indian club ever since the 2019-20 season for Jeje saw him being sidelined with an injury.
As such, there wasn't much shock and awe when the Mizoram-born forward did announce his departure from a club with which his name had become synonymous.
But that feeling of inevitability does not diminish the enormity of what he has actually achieved with the club.
Yes, he played no part in the 2019-20 season where Chennaiyin reached the final of the Indian Super League (ISL) where they were trumped by ATK, thanks to a troublesome knee injury that has kept him out of action for a quite a while.
However, his contribution ever since the first edition of the ISL has been nothing but exemplary, so much so that the Chennaiyin fans absolutely adore Jeje. Ever since, Chennaiyin brought him on loan from Mohun Bagan in 2014, he has been the poster boy for Chennaiyin FC.
In 2015, he would sign a permanent contract with the club and there was no looking back as he helped the club embark on a successful period that brought about two ISL titles.
The diminutive India international has come up with goals whenever the club has needed them in the past, playing key roles in their two title triumphs. He has played a sidekick role alongside illustrious overseas forwards like Stiven Mendoza, Davide Succi and more when asked.
However, the 29-year-old has also led the lines with aplomb when he has been asked to. Case in point, the 2017-18 season under John Gregory where he led the attack with distinction as Chennaiyin won the title.
In short, Jeje has been the perfect team player, serving the club with utmost distinction. Let's take a look at his numbers for the club.
He has made 74 appearances for the club in all competitions over six years, the most by an Indian player for the Marina Machans. He has scored 24 goals for the club with 23 of them coming in the ISL. Jeje is their record highest goalscorer and is second highest Indian on the all-time ISL goalscorers' list too.
He was the top Indian goalscorer in the ISL in 2014, as the club reached the play-offs. When Chennaiyin won their first ISL trophy in 2015, Jeje was named the ISL Emerging Player of the Year. Jeje was outshadowed in attack by Mendoza but still managed to score six goals.
Though he saw his playing time limited in 2016 where the club had a forgetful campaign, he still scored three goals. He bounced back with his most productive season in the Chennaiyin blue in 2017-18, where he racked up nine strikes to his name.
The 2018-19 season was one to forget, with Jeje contributing just one goal. However, the entire team underperformed massively in that campaign. He would not make an appearance in the 2019-20 season due to an injury and a subsequent surgery but that would so not define Jeje's stint in Chennai.
The Mizo Sniper will most definitely look back at his time in South India with utmost pride, having forged a legacy adorned with goals and silverware. The feeling will be mutual for the club and its fans as well.
The club has new posterboys and fan favourites like Anirudh Thapa and Edwin Vanspaul who look set to be the face of the club in the wake of Jeje's exit. But a tinge of nostalgia will definitely hit the Chennaiyin fans when Jeje gets down on one knee to pull out his 'sniper' after scoring for whichever club he next chooses to join.
And that is his legacy!
The Red Devils manager came across his latest recruit five years ago and the Dutch midfielder left quite an impression
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he's been keeping an eye on new signing Donny van de Beek since 2015 after a memorable Europa League clash.
Solskjaer was in charge of Norwegian club Molde at the time when his side took on Eredivisie giants Ajax, who boasted a young Van de Beek in midfield.
Just a month after making his senior debut, the Dutchman headed home his first career goal as he opened the scoring against Molde in a fiery group clash that ended 1-1.
While Van de Beek was just a teenager at the time and still looking to secure regular first-team football, Solskjaer noted that his newest signing at Old Trafford left quite an impression.
"The first goal he scored was against me and my Molde team in the Europa League in 2015 - we drew 1-1 at the Amsterdam Arena and he scored a fantastic header," Solskjaer told BBC's the Football Daily podcast.
"He actually headbutted my centre-back at the time as well, so he was brave! I've liked his infectious attitude. I've spoken to Edwin van der Sar, other players that know him, you just use the people you know and trust to scout that character.
"When someone scores against you, you'll always remember it...I just remember a cross and he beats my centre-back and it loops over our keeper in the beginning of the game."
Though the Red Devils continue to pursue a deal for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho, Solskjaer believes their acquisition of Van de Beek will be key as he brings a new edge to their midfield.
"When we signed Bruno [Fernandes] we knew we needed that kind of player, now we've signed Donny and he's a type of player I felt we needed in the squad. He's the type of person that will fit the culture, fit the team and improve us next season and for years to come," Solskjaer said.
"He's a versatile player, a very intelligent player, he's got loads of energy, enthusiasm, developing all the time. He scores goals and we need to add those from midfield. We need goals throughout the squad because we didn't score enough [last season] to be challenging at the top.
"He can see space and arrive at the right time, the timing of his movements is fantastic."
The Italian prodigy sealed his move to the Serie A giants after seeing his previous club relegated
Sandro Tonali described his move to Serie A giants AC Milan as a dream come true after arriving from relegated Brescia.
AC Milan announced the signing of Italy sensation Tonali on loan with an option to buy for a reported €35 million (£32m/$41m) fee.
Tonali supported Milan as a child and the 20-year-old midfielder revelled in the transfer on Wednesday.
"These are strong, wonderful feelings. I am so happy," Tonali told Sky Sport Italia. "Playing with the Milan shirt was a dream of mine, I haven't worn it yet, but that will happen tomorrow [Thursday]."
"I will sleep tonight and tomorrow will have a great training session," added the three-time Italy international.
Tonali, compared to Italian great Andrea Pirlo, had been tipped to join city rivals Inter following his exploits for Brescia.
A technically gifted midfielder renowned for his dribbling and passing abilities, Tonali scored once and registered seven assists for Brescia as they were relegated from Serie A in 2019-20.
Tonali – who also reportedly ignored offers from Barcelona and Manchester United – had played a key role in Brescia's promotion to Italy's top tier in 2018-19.
Stefano Pioli's AC Milan face Shamrock Rovers in Europa League qualifying on September 17 before opening their Serie A campaign at home to Bologna on September 21.
Club CEO Ivan Gazidis believes Tonali's arrival will prove to be a big coup moving forward.
"We are delighted to welcome Sandro Tonali to AC Milan," he said. "He is one of the most promising young talents in international football.
"Sandro has a love for the club and an understanding of its values that will add to what we want to build together. Welcome Sandro!"
AC Milan legend and current technical director Paolo Maldini added: “We are excited to welcome Sandro to the Rossoneri family.
"As a talented, young midfielder he will not only embrace the values of AC Milan but also make a significant contribution to the future success of the club."
The Rossoneri finished sixth in Serie A last season with local rivals Inter finishing second and only one point shy of eventual champions Juventus.
The Taifa Stars forward has urged upcoming players to work hard towards achieving their goals
Tanzania captain Mbwana Samatta has revealed he is happy to have fulfilled his dream of rubbing shoulders with the best in football.
The East African joined Premier League side Aston Villa from Genk in 2019, becoming the first Tanzanian to play in England. He has since made 14 appearances for the Birmingham-based side, scoring one goal in the process.
On his official Instagram account, the player posted a picture of him and Chelsea legend John Terry, who is currently serving as the assistant coach at the club, and posted he used to watch top stars in football not knowing he will someday work with them.
"From the beginning, it has been a dream [working with the best in football]," Samatta wrote.
"I used to watch them play in a local joint; today let me admit I am lucky or maybe it is through the hard work that I am now working with them. it might be luck or hard work or both but I am happy with what I have achieved."
The 27-year-old said he is not yet done and has gone to challenge the youngsters to give their best to achieve their dreams.
"I have not yet reached where I want to be," Samatta, who has made 50 appearances for the Taifa Stars and scored 20 goals in the process, continued.
"However, I take this opportunity to challenge all the upcoming players to give their best knowing they can achieve their dreams. It is possible, you cannot fail."
In his earlier interview with Villa TV, the forward revealed how Didier Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo have inspired him.
The Aston Villa forward singled out the Ivorian for praise for what he did at Chelsea, where he helped the London club lift the Champions League trophy in 2012 in Munich.
He also named Juventus star Ronaldo as the player who has influenced him most during his formative years.
"I watched so many players and I felt like I wanted to be like them. But let me go with [Didier] Drogba even though inspiring players were so many. He was doing well at Chelsea where he became a champion a few times as well as scoring many goals," Samatta, revealed.
"He helped Chelsea became Champions League winner.
“[Cristiano] Ronaldo is the sporting icon that has influenced me the most. I love how he works hard and is always fighting for the team to win."
The Glamour Boys are hoping to start reinforcing their squad ahead of the new season
Kaizer Chiefs have provided an update following their transfer ban appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday.
Amakhosi were banned from signing players for the next two transfer windows by Fifa in February 2020, after they were found guilty of illegally signing and registering Andriamirado 'Dax' Andrianarimanana in 2018.
The Soweto giants were given September 8-9 by CAS to make representations and prove their innocence in the transfer saga involving Dax, and his former Madagascan club Fosa Juniors.
Chiefs have now revealed that they are waiting for an outcome after their appeal case was heard by CAS.
"Kaizer Chiefs’ appeal against their two-window transfer ban was heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport today, Wednesday, September 9," a club statement read.
"The club will await for the outcome on whether the appeal is successful or not."
Juniors insisted that Andrianarimanana was still under contract with their club, after the central midfielder caught the eye of the Chiefs scouts at the 2018 Cosafa Cup in Polokwane.
However, Chiefs made it clear that they were under the impression that the Madagascar international was a free agent.
Juniors took Chiefs head-on and presented their case before Fifa, with the Glamour Boys unwilling to compensate them for their midfielder.
Fifa then ruled in favour of Juniors in a judgment which was published in February 2020, and also ordered Dax and Chiefs to compensate the islanders R640 000.
Dax was also banned from playing football for four months, having already left Chiefs for Black Leopards August 2019.
The 2018 Cosafa Cup Player of the Tournament served his suspension at Leopards and he recently returned to action.
The hard-working midfielder left Amakhosi after playing 14 matches across all competitions and netted twice in the process.
Chiefs will be hoping that their appeal is successful in order for the club to start beefing up its squad ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.
The Soweto giants have been linked with Bidvest Wits trio of Thabang Monare, Sfiso Hlanti and Buhle Mkhwanazi.
They are also said to be interested in central defender Sibusiso Mthethwa, who caught the eye at Stellenbosch FC.
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The midfielder joins on an initial loan move with the option to buy at the end of the season
AC Milan announced that the club have completed the signing of Sandro Tonali from Brescia.
The midfielder joins on an initial season-long loan for a fee of €10 million (£9m/$12m) with the option to buy him outright for €15m (£14m/$18m) next summer.
In total, the deal could be worth up to €35m (£32m/$41m) including add-ons, as Milan have sealed a deal for one of Italy's most talented midfielders.
“We are excited to welcome Sandro to the Rossoneri family," said club legend and current technical director Paolo Maldini.
"As a talented, young midfielder he will not only embrace the values of AC Milan but also make a significant contribution to the future success of the club."
Tonali, who has earned three caps for the Italian national team, made 89 appearances and scored six goals over three seasons with the Brescia first team.
Last season, the midfielder featured 36 times, earning interest from the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United as a result of his Serie A breakthrough.
Inter and Roma had also been heavily linked with a move for Tonali alongside their Serie A rivals in recent months, but it was Milan that ended up winning the race to sign the 20-year-old star.
Tonali has been compared to former AC Milan star Andrea Pirlo, with the now-Juventus boss buying into the hype himself by saying that Tonali is a more complete player than he was at that age.
The 20-year-old Tonali, who will wear the No. 8 jersey, all but confirmed the move on Tuesday as he confirmed his childhood fandom of the club by posting a photo of him wearing a Milan shirt as a child.
"We are delighted to welcome Sandro Tonali to AC Milan," said the club's CEO Ivan Gazidis. "He is one of the most promising young talents in international football.
"Sandro has a love for the club and an understanding of its values that will add to what we want to build together. Welcome Sandro!"
Milan are set to face Shamrock Rovers on September 17 in the second qualifying round of the Europa League.
After that, the club will look ahead to opening the season four days later at home against Bologna.
