Neste sábado, no CT Joaquim Grava, o Corinthians realizou o segundo treino preparatório para a estreia da equipe na Copa do Brasil. O Timão, encara o América-MG na próxima quarta, às 21h30, na Neo Química Arena, pelo jogo de ida das oitavas de final da competição. Léo Natel foi a novidade do dia.
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Assim como na última sexta-feira, o Alvinegro voltou a trabalhar em dois períodos. Pela manhã, o elenco realizou trabalhos de força na academia. Já à tarde, os atletas foram a campo para o treinamento comandado pelo técnico Vagner Mancini. Vale lembrar que os jornalistas não podem acompanhar as atividades in loco por conta dos protocolos de saúde em virtude da pandemia.
Antes do trabalho com bola, os jogadores fizeram mais uma movimentação física sob a supervisão de Flávio de Oliveira, preparador físico da equipe. Depois, Mancini preparou uma atividade técnica em campo reduzido.
O atacante Léo Natel, que não enfrentou o Vasco na última quarta-feira, se recuperou de dores no joelho e treinou normalmente com o restante do elenco. Filhos do Terrão, o zagueiro Raul Gustavo e o meio-campista Gabriel Pereira seguem se recuperando de lesões musculares em trabalhos no campo com a equipe de fisioterapia. Ambos são dúvidas contra o América-MG
Dois jogadores que também têm participação incerta na Copa do Brasil são Lucas Piton e Jô. O lateral-esquerdo se recupera de dores na coxa, enquanto o centroavante tem uma contratura na panturrilha esquerda. Enquanto Otero e Fábio Santos serão desfalques certos, uma vez que já disputaram a competição pelo Atlético-MG e não podem atuar pelo Corinthians nesta edição.
O Corinthians segue sua preparação para o duelo das oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil na manhã deste domingo, no CT Joaquim Grava. Até a partida contra o América-MG, o elenco terá mais três dias de treinamento. Valem lembrar que o Timão não joga neste final de semana, pois seu duelo pela 18ª rodada do Brasileirão, contra o Vasco, foi antecipado para o meio da semana.
Looks can be deceiving as far as transfers are concerned, with Leeds United more aware than most that dream additions don't always go on to make their mark once signing on the dotted line.
In more recent times, one notable flop that the Whites have had to endure is United States international, Brenden Aaronson, with the playmaker enduring a deeply underwhelming debut campaign last time out following his £24.7m arrival from Red Bull Salzburg.
Having chased the young American over an extended period of time, the midfielder did not ultimately prove worth the wait as far as those at Elland Road are concerned, scoring just once and providing only three assists in 36 league games last term.
It had initially been a bright opening to the season for the Yorkshire giants, with Aaronson helping to steer his new side to an unbeaten three-game run at the start of August, scoring in a 3-0 win at home to Chelsea.
That was as good as it got, in truth, with the 22-year-old having since been shipped off on loan to Bundesliga high-flyers Union Berlin, with Leeds likely to be ruing ever having invested in the disappointing dud.
The same can well be said for injury-prone asset, Junior Firpo, with the former Dominican Republic international having not lived up to the early billing.
Why did Leeds sign Junior Firpo?
Having enjoyed a stellar return to life in the Premier League back in 2020/21 – after securing a solid ninth-place finish in style – then-boss Marcelo Bielsa had seemingly been seeking to take his side to the next level, with dreams of European qualification likely to have been on the agenda.
With that in mind, a higher calibre of player was seemingly needed to help the Whites achieve that goal, with left-back, in particular, one area of notable concern following the departure of Ezgjan Alioski – who left on a free transfer that summer.
The latter man had been a solid performer in 2020/21 with two goals and three assists in 36 league appearances, although the North Macedonia international had opted for a change of scenery, after contributing 41 goals and assists in 171 games in all competitions over the previous four years.
Despite the blow of losing a player who had been "a good servant" to the club – according to ex-Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips – it looked as if an upgrade on the versatile asset had been made, amid the £12.8m addition of Firpo from Barcelona.
Alioski
That was the verdict of pundit Kevin Campbell at the time, at least, with the one-time Arsenal man having stated after the signing had been made: “I think he will fit right into what Leeds want to do because technically he is very good, you have to be to play for Barcelona.
“I’d say defensively, he is better than Alioski as well. He hasn’t started that many games for Barcelona but you cannot read too much into that given that they have Jordi Alba ahead of him.
“He has looked good when he has played so Leeds fans, you can get very excited.”
Such rave reviews likely had the Elland Road faithful dreaming of a quality, long-term solution at left-back, yet it is fair to say it has not panned out that way in the years since.
What has gone wrong for Firpo at Leeds?
As 90min's Scott Saunders stated following the full-back's abject display in last season's draw to Newcastle United – in which he gave away a penalty for a late handball – the former Spain U21 international has proven an "absolute disaster" for the club, in truth.
Just over two years on from having arrived from Camp Nou, the 27-year-old has been restricted to just 51 appearances in that time in all competitions, with just 41 of those having come from the start.
Unable to stay fit over a consistent period due to a succession of injury woes, the former Real Betis ace has offered little at either end of the pitch for Leeds, scoring twice and registering just four assists in total – a far cry from Alioski's record.
Last season, in particular, was particularly bleak as the forgotten man helped to keep just a solitary clean sheet from his 19 top-flight appearances, chipping in with just one goal and one assist, while averaging only 0.4 key passes per game as a marker of his lack of creativity and attacking threat.
That is in stark contrast to Alioski's final season at Leeds, for example, with the current Al-Ahli dynamo having helped to keep ten clean sheets from 36 league games, while recording five goal contributions and averaging 0.8 key passes per game – as per Sofascore.
It is then no surprise that Firpo has been lambasted by pundit Jon Newsome as a player who is seemingly just not "anywhere near good enough", as "the fact that he doesn’t get picked week-in, week-out alludes to".
Is Junior Firpo injured?
Unsurprisingly, the former Barca man's hopes of reviving his floundering career have yet again been hampered by injury, with the £60k-per-week liability yet to feature so far this term.
Having previously looked destined for a summer exit after just two seasons in Yorkshire, it remains to be seen what lies in store for Firpo once he does return from this latest setback, with current boss Daniel Farke strengthening in the left-back department with the signing of Sam Byram.
With two years still left to run on his current contract, it may be the case that the Santo Domingo-born dud remains something of a financial burden for Leeds for the foreseeable future, with it perhaps best that an exit is sanctioned in January.
That would mark a sorry end to what has been a wretched spell in English football for the forgotten man, with the aforementioned Campbell having been made to look rather silly after hyping up the defender's signing to such a degree.
On the evidence of his stint to date, Firpo has certainly not been better than Alioski, either in defence or in an attacking sense, representing a notable transfer blunder as far as that man Bielsa is concerned.
Southampton are expected to sanction the exit of another senior squad member, and a fresh report has revealed how quickly the departure is likely to take place.
Who is leaving Southampton?
On the south coast, Sport Republic have already completed the permanent sales of James Ward-Prowse, Romeo Lavia, Tino Livramento, Nathan Tella, Mohammed Salisu, Moussa Djenepo and Mislav Orsic over the summer, whilst also giving the green light for both Armel Bella-Kotchap and Duje Caleta-Car to go out on loan, as per Transfermarkt.
Russell Martin's side have made a promising start to life in the Championship having won three, drawn one and lost just one of their opening five games, but one of the players who is yet to make his mark in the second tier and therefore could be the next on his way out is Paul Onuachu.
This season, Nigeria's international is yet to make a single appearance in the league, so whilst he still has another three years remaining on his contract, his lack of game time shows just how out of favour he is and he will know that the only way he can increase the minutes he's getting under his belt is by sealing a departure.
The St. Mary’s outfit also already have Che Adams, Adam Armstrong, Sekou Mara and the recently signed Ross Stewart from Sunderland in the building, so the chance of the attacker getting a look in over the remainder of the campaign seems highly unlikely.
Is Paul Onuachu leaving Southampton?
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik (via Sport Witness), Trabzonspor have made contact with Southampton to enquire about a deal to sign Onuachu, with the Turkish window open until next weekend.
The Super Lig outfit are “looking for a striker” and have turned their attention towards the Saints star having previously failed to reach an agreement for Fulham’s Carlos Vinicius.
Championship chiefs paid €18m (£15.4m) for their prized asset so the chances of him being permanently sold are “slim to none”, but the option of sending him out on loan is definitely on the table.
Martin’s attacker “wants to play” on a more regular basis so he would be “happy to go” overseas, and it’s stated that the deal is “expected to be finalised this week”.
Southampton striker Paul Onuachu.
How good is Paul Onuachu?
When Nathan Jones recruited Onuachu, Southampton’s former manager dubbed him a “significant signing” considering the money he cost, but having failed to live up to expectations, Sport Republic and Martin sanctioning his departure would be completely the right decision, regardless of if it was permanently or a loan.
The Owerri native has recorded zero goals or assists since putting pen to paper and ranked as the club’s 19th best-performing player out of 36 squad members last season, via WhoScored, so he isn't really bringing anything positive to the side when given the opportunity to play and showcase what potential he has to offer.
Furthermore, Onuachu is currently pocketing £30k-per-week which is a lot for a second tier team to be cashing out on a fringe player, so the clu need to get him off the books as soon as possible and put his salary towards generating funds for fresh faces in January.
Everton have enjoyed a solid if unspectacular transfer window so far. Sean Dyche has signed Ashley Young, Jack Harrison, Arnaut Danjuma and Youssef Chermiti, marking a fine mixture of youth and experience.
However, their 2023/24 Premier League campaign didn’t exactly get off to the best start, with the Toffees losing 1-0 to Fulham last weekend, as despite having 19 shots in total, they couldn’t find the back of the net.
Dyche will be aiming to fix this key problem before the window shuts in under two weeks, and he is showing interest in a player who starred in Ligue 1 last season…
Will Everton make more signings?
Journalist Mike Minay provided an update on Everton’s interest in Troyes forward Mama Balde on Twitter, saying: “Burnley, Sheffield United and Everton are interested in signing Mama Balde from Troyes.
Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…
“The Guinea-Bissau winger scored 14 goals last season in Ligue 1 including a double against PSG.
“It’s expected a deal could be worth around €8m.”
Although facing competition for his signature, a fee of €8m (£6.8m) could represent a wonderful piece of business for Dyche as he looks to inject some more firepower into his starting XI.
Who is Mama Balde?
Last season, Everton netted just 34 league goals as they narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship, and this is an area which badly needs to be corrected before too long.
Danjuma and Harrison will add a threat from the wings, whereas youngster Chermiti is perhaps too inexperienced to expect much of an impact straight away, hence the need for another striker.
Neal Maupay endured a shocker against Fulham, missing two big chances whilst having four shots during the match without scoring – and Balde could be a major upgrade on the former Brighton & Hove Albion forward should he join the Toffees.
Indeed, last season, the Troyes gem registered more domestic goals and assists (15 v 2), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.16 v 1.45) and succeeded with a higher percentage of successful take-ons per 90 (45.2% v 36.8%), clearly indicating that he could be a more dangerous attacking threat should he be trusted to lead the Everton frontline.
Troyes forward Mama Balde.
Balde also proved he could do it against the best teams, having netted a double against Paris Saint-Germain in an eventual 4-3 defeat, while also scoring against AS Monaco and Marseille last term.
This big-game mentality would stand him in good stead should he move to the Premier League, as Dyche could count on him to perform when it really matters.
Journalist Josh Bunting described him as Troyes’ “key man” in 2022, and he certainly delivered throughout the season. Maupay, on the other hand, has scored just once for the Goodison Park side since arriving last summer for a fee of £15m, and it’s evident that the move just hasn’t worked out at all.
They could land Balde for less than half the sum they shelled out on the Frenchman and find a player who is a much bigger threat in the final third.
It’s a no-brainer for Dyche, though he will need to act swiftly in order to secure his signature.
Everton are interested in further solving their attacking quandary after the potential signing of Jack Harrison.
What's the latest Everton transfer news?
As reported by David Ornstein, the Leeds winger was undergoing a medical on Merseyside ahead of a season-long loan move.
However, as per Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa tried to hijacked a move with the player seemingly set on a move to the Midlands instead. A personal phone call with Unai Emery helped sway the player's mind but since then, the move has collapsed citing an injury established during a medical.
Consequently, the Villans have pulled out leaving Everton free to sign the player.
That said, the Toffees could still be looking at another attacker.
The Telegraph reported on Friday that Southampton had been approached by Bournemouth to present a £13m offer for Adams, though Everton have also presented a 'structured deal' and Nottingham Forest are long-term admirers.
The 27-year-old has been of interest to the Toffees all summer as manager Sean Dyche looks to restore the club's attacking impetus, and Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Fulham at Goodison Park underscored the necessity for a new striker.
Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…
Arnaut Danjuma and Youssef Chermiti have already been signed this summer, but the former is not really an out-and-out striker and Chermiti, aged 19, is considered a long-term project.
How good is Che Adams?
There's no denying that Adams is not the most prolific of strikers around; the £52k-per-week ace ranks among the bottom 21% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals per 90, as per FBref, and did not hit double digits in any of his four Premier League campaigns with the Saints.
He did play for a pretty abject Southampton side last season, however, and still scored five goals, assisting three more, from just 23 starting appearances, taking 1.7 shots and creating 0.9 key passes per outing.
Praised for his "fantastic" attitude by former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, the 23-cap international would provide Everton with a sense of fluidity, he would be the ocean from which rivers would flow, and the overall output of the Toffees attack would finally find a sense of togetherness.
Indeed, his prospective arrival could see an instant thriving partnership struck up with Harrison.
Leeds United winger Jack Harrison.
The former New York City man was also relegated from the English top flight this year with Leeds United and is an impressive attacking option who could bolster Dyche's squad and open up several new dimensions to the attack.
Described as an "explosive" player, Harrison scored six goals and provided ten assists from 40 matches across all competitions for the Whites last term, while also maintaining a defensive work rate that will please Dyche, ranking among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers for blocks and the top 15% for clearances per 90.
He is a dynamic attacking option, and one that could flourish with a "focal point" – according to former Southampton midfielder Jo Tessem – such as Adams, who did not have the support he needed at St. Mary's Stadium last year.
Harrison created 1.5 key passes per game last season, which highlights the consistency of his creative ability in a game, something Adams would no doubt have lapped up on Merseyside, with the "clever player" – as called by pundit Ally McCoist – boasting the movement and intellect to move into promising positions that could be found by the Leeds flanker.
With Everton's frontline offering little success, change is understandably afoot and by integrating Adams and Harrison into the squad, a new formula for success might just bear fruit for Dyche's side.
Manchester United target and Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard wants to join this summer, but Erik ten Hag has to decide whether he wants him or another centre-back that he's also set his sights on.
How old is Benjamin Pavard?
Pavard, who is naturally a right-back, is 27 years of age so is currently in the middle of his prime years, and having started 27 out of 34 Bundesliga games last season, it’s easy to see why he’s such a regular feature and integral member of Thomas Tuchel’s first team squad.
The France international, however, will be out of contract in less than a year meaning that now is the final big opportunity for the Bundesliga outfit to cash in should they not want to risk losing their prized asset for free, and having established himself as their second best-performing defensive player during the previous campaign, he’s caught the eye in the Premier League.
Read The Latest Man United Transfer News HERE…
Back in July, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed that the Red Devils had held preliminary discussions regarding a swoop for the player, but admitted that they weren’t alone in their pursuit with Manchester City and Juventus also eyeing him up. He said:
“News Pavard: Yes, Man City is a serious option for him as Guardiola likes him and his versatility a lot! But: Pavard has more concrete options as he definitely wants to leave Bayern now. Man Utd talks took place… and Juventus. FC Bayern bosses, expecting an offer soon.”
Are Man United signing Benjamin Pavard?
According to CaughtOffside, Pavard is "keen" to join Man United and is "open to leaving" Bayern Munich before the end of the summer transfer window.
However, Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo has also emerged as a top target with The Athletic reporting that he's been heavily tracked by scouts, and the former outlet state that the boss will therefore "decide soon" which of the two players he'd prefer to sign.
Bayern Munich defenderBenjamin Pavard.
How tall is Benjamin Pavard?
Standing at 6 foot 1, Pavard possesses a strong physical presence both on and off the ground at the heart of Bayern’s backline which resulted in him averaging 2.5 clearances, 2.3 tackles and 2.1 aerial wins per league game last season, via WhoScored, but he is also capable of being a threat at the opposite end of the pitch.
The Maubeuge native, who pockets £82k-per-week, ranked in the 99th percentile for progressive passes, highlighting his desire to push his team up the pitch, and this positive attacking mindset saw him score four goals and provide one assist in 30 Bundesliga outings.
Pavard, who is an “underrated” defender according to his manager Tuchel, additionally has the versatility to operate in six different positions over the pitch, including everywhere across the backline and even three roles in the midfield, so he would be able to easily adapt to any formation changes that the manager makes and allows him to be flexible in his team selection, making him the perfect summer recruit for Ten Hag.
Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to sell defender Davinson Sanchez to Spartak Moscow after accepting their bid, but they're waiting on his green-light.
Who will leave Spurs this summer?
As new manager Ange Postecoglou slowly but surely reshapes the team in his own image, bringing in three major signings since his appointment, certain Spurs squad members could be shown the door.
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, playmaker James Maddison and winger Manor Solomon have all joined the club for a combined fee of over £60 million.
That's not even counting the fees to sign Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski on permanent deals after their loans, which would take Tottenham's total summer outlay to around £117 million.
ange-postecoglou
The Lilywhites aren't done there, either, as reliable media sources claim they're chasing two senior centre-back signings this summer.
Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven, Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo, Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet, Galatasary's Victor Nelsson and Juventus star Gleison Bremer have all been linked with moves to Spurs recently.
To fund these swoops, it's imperative Tottenham offload more fringe players after Harry Winks, who left to join Leicester City around the same time Spurs signed Maddison.
Of the players who could make way, Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Tanguy Ndombele have all been previously mentioned as candidates – depending on pre-season (The Telegraph).
Meanwhile, Denmark international Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is reliably believed to be nearing the exit door after agreeing personal terms with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid (The Times).
There have been claims this week that Sanchez, who is attracting serious interest from Spartak Moscow in Russia, is also "very close" to departing.
davinson-sanchez-tottenham-hotspur
This is echoed by The Athletic and journalist Charlie Eccleshare, who say that Tottenham have indeed accepted Spartak's £12.9 million bid for the Colombian.
As Postecoglou's side agree to sell Sanchez, the issue isn't club-to-club, but rather the player himself – who is still yet to agree personal terms and hasn't yet decided whether he will make the move.
The 27-year-old apparently holds reservations over a move to the Russian Premier League, so there is currently scepticism as to whether he will join Spartak.
If Sanchez does give the green-light, it is believed that two other defenders could follow him out the door – namely Japhet Tanganga and Wales international Joe Rodon.
The latter duo have been made available for either a loan or permanent sale as Postecoglou continues to orchestrate an overhaul.
How good is Davinson Sanchez?
The former Ajax star came under fierce criticism from sections of the fanbase last season and hasn't quite lived up to his £40 million price tag.
That being said, he's had his bright moments, with former Spurs manager Antonio Conte even praising his reliability and attitude at one point over 2022/2023.
Conte claimed he is a "reliable player" to have in the Tottenham squad, namely because of his attitude and application despite not being selected regularly.
“I want also to tell Sanchez. He played his last game in the starting 11 two months ago. He worked very hard and very well. To see him tonight to have this performance, makes me and my staff very happy,” Conte said.
“When we have players like Sanchez and Joe Rodon. A reliable player who doesn’t play but works very hard, the staff are very happy.”
Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has been ruled fit for selection for the Champions Trophy final against India, coach Mickey Arthur confirmed on Saturday. A back spasm had ruled Amir out of the semi-final against England on June 14, after he failed a fitness test shortly before the toss.Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan’s bowling coach, had said on Friday that Amir was available for selection, after the fast bowler competed a training session. “Amir bowled today. Amir is fit,” Mahmood had said.Amir’s availability leaves Pakistan with a conundrum, albeit a happy one. Despite bowling well, he was wicketless in the first two league matches, against India and South Africa. Amir had success against Sri Lanka, taking 2 for 53 and scoring a valuable 28 not out in an eighth-wicket partnership that sealed a semi-final place for Pakistan.”When you go to a final, you want your experienced player, you want him to be fully fit and participating on that particular day,” Mahmood said. “But (we have told him) if he has any doubt he should let us know. At the moment he bowled today. He is fine. Yeah, definitely you would go with Amir.”In the semi-final, Amir was replaced by Rumman Raees, another left-arm fast bowler who made his ODI debut in the match; he shared the new ball with Junaid Khan and took 2 for 44 in Pakistan’s eight-wicket victory.Along with Hasan Ali, who has emerged as Pakistan’s bowler of the tournament, Raees and Junaid surprised England, dismissing one of the best batting units over the last two years for 211. Hasan, who suffered a calf niggle in the semi-final, did not train with the team on Friday but Mahmood had said the bowler was resting as a precaution.”We have the bench strength,” Mahmood said. “Last match, when Amir was not there, people were worried about our main strike bowler not playing. But the way Rumman Raees came in and bowled, it showed we have the bench strength. We have guys who have such skill and such an ability that they can perform on any stage. It is just a matter of self belief and confidence. I think anyone can replace anyone.”Amir has been a near-constant presence in the Pakistan XI since his return to international cricket at the start of 2016, playing 47 out of the side’s 57 international matches, across formats, in this period.
Folarin Balogun to Chelsea wouldn't be a smart deal for the Blues according to transfer insider Dean Jones
The USA international enjoyed a strong loan spell in Ligue 1 last season and has reportedly attracted the interest of the London side this summer.
What is the market value of Folarin Balogun?
Balogun won't be cheap for Chelsea, especially when you consider the selling club are London rivals Arsenal.
The 22-year-old spent last season out on loan at Stade Reims, where he made 39 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 22 goals and recording three assists as the side finished 11th in the league.
The forward received plenty of praise from pundits and his manager alike, with manager Will Still saying: "He’s unbelievable, he has real talent, but he is also just a top person, He’s trying to learn the language – we have a bit of banter because his French is terrible (but) I think he realises: being good here will allow him to get the spotlight and attention he needs.”
The player's representatives reportedly held a meeting with manager Mikel Arteta, however with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah already at the club as well as the signing of Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, first-team opportunities for the forward may not be as forthcoming as he would hope for following his performances last season.
According to reports, a number of sides are interested in signing the forward, with RB Leipzig pushing to bring in the striker following their failed pursuit of RC Lens forward Lois Openda. Another report states that Chelsea have held talks with Balogun's representatives ahead of a potential move, with Arsenal valuing the forward at £50m.
Jones, however, doesn't think the move is a smart one for Chelsea.
What did Dean Jones say about this transfer?
Speaking to FootballFanCast, Jones revealed that due to the lack of guaranteed quality in the Chelsea squad ahead of next season and the price tag the Gunners have put on the forward, he doesn't believe the Blues should make the move.
The journalist stated: "Chelsea have already got enough players that they aren't sure are going to deliver immediately next season. And they shouldn't really be going near this one, I mean Balogun is a good player, just no detriment to the player itself. But he's not cheap and He's not guaranteed to score goals in the Premier League."
Should Balogun sign for Chelsea?
A move to Chelsea probably wouldn't be the right move for the forward.
Nkunku new Chelsea player
The Blues have already made two moves in the market for players in the position that Balogun plays, with Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson arriving from Leipzig and Villarreal respectively. First-team football could once again be hard to come by at Stamford Bridge, especially if reports that Ivan Toney is wanted by the club once his ban has concluded are true, Balogun could fall further down the pecking order.
A move to Leipzig seems to be a better fit, with the opportunity to come straight into the first team and replace Nkunku. The German side also offer Champions League football next season, which Chelsea do not due to their incredibly disappointing season last time around.
Balogun has to decide his next move very carefully if he wants to build on the form and success he had in Ligue 1, and Chelsea just might not be the best club to do that at compared to RB Leipzig
The uncertainty at Crystal Palace would be a "strange situation" for Christian Pulisic "to go into", claims transfer insider Dean Jones.
Crystal Palace transfer news – what's the latest on Christian Pulisic?
It hasn't been a particularly exciting transfer window for Palace fans yet, with the only signing made by the club being Jefferson Lerma on a free from fellow Premier League side Bournemouth.
Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma.
Worse still are the persistent rumours linking their talismanic forward Wilfried Zaha with a move away from Selhurst Park, with Atletico Madrid, Lazio, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Marseille all interested in the 30-year-old, whose £130,000-a-week contract runs out in July.
However, in some good news for the Palace faithful, the South London club have been linked with an audacious move for out-of-favour Chelsea winger Pulisic.
According to a report from L'Equipe, Eagle Football Holdings are keen to land the American star and, with significant shares in both Palace and Lyon, could use the London location to tempt the 24-year-old south of the river.
What has transfer insider Dean Jones said about Christian Pulisic to Crystal Palace?
Jones was complimentary of Palace as a club but was quick to point out that their manager situation and the uncertainty surrounding who in the squad will still be there next season makes the South London club a "strange" side to sign for at the moment.
Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "I mean, it's good in the sense that it's in London, they're typically a well run club, but at the moment, they haven't got a manager half the squad is set for new contracts or overhaul. Strange Situation for him to go into. I think you'd want a more settled background than that."
Would Christian Pulisic be a good signing for Crystal Palace?
Whilst the tricky winger has certainly had some struggles during his time in West London, he is still a very talented footballer.
He has, in moments, been able to show Premier League fans some of the magic that got him the move from Borussia Dortmund in the first place.
According to WhoScored, across his 24 league appearances last season, he only managed to average a match rating of 6.27, which is his worst performance out of the four seasons he has spent in England.
However, in his first season, he averaged a seriously impressive rating of 7.18, followed by 6.74 the year after and 6.67 the year after that, showing that despite the issues he has had since joining the league, there is still a quality player in there.
Some of his best performances have come for his national side, with manager Gregg Berhalter hailing him as "an unbeliveable player" for his exploits with the USMNT.
If Palace can coax the best out of Pulisic, then they would have one heck of a player on their hands.