🗣 N'Golo Kante's farewell message to #CFC. "The time has come to open a new chapter in my career. But before that, it was important for me to thank the great and beautiful Chelsea family...
"Fans, players, managers, coaches, staff members and the medical team, to all those who accompanied me during the last seven seasons within this legendary club. What good memories, what victories, what titles won by your side...
"From the heart, thank you. I will never forget you. I also wanted to thank my family, my loved ones and my friends, who have always been by my side in good and bad times...
"These past times have not been easy. But we were able to stay united in the face of rumuors and lies. See you soon on the pitch for new adventures with Al-Ittihad and Les Blues".
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So much noise about the relationship between PIF and Clearlake in light of multiple Chelsea moves to Saudi. Of course scrutiny and transparency is always needed...
But remember, #CFC really wanted to keep Kante and lost him on a free. And they have sold Koulibaly and Ziyech for pretty modest fees and at a loss. Mendy turned down a new deal last year so was always likely to leave.
Perhaps the optics paint a conflict of interest or at least provoke important questions, and that’s right and fair. The connections can’t be ignored. But Chelsea have really just hit the outgoings jackpot here.
Chelsea confirm Christopher Nkunku has joined from Leipzig on a six-year deal from July 1.🎈
🗣️ Nkunku: “I am incredibly happy to be joining #CFC. A big effort was made to bring me to the club and I am looking forward to meeting my new coach and teammates and showing the Chelsea supporters what I can do on the pitch…
“Having played in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, I now want to play in the Premier League, one of the strongest leagues in the world. I am very excited for this challenge and will be proud to wear the Chelsea shirt”.
Ruben Neves' move to Al-Hilal has surprised quite a few industry insiders. Many of the targets are available on free transfers or for smaller fees, and the vast majority of names pursued (for now) are still over 30. But Al-Hilal have got a 26-year-old and will pay €55m.🇸🇦
Deal moved very fast, and Wolves didn't hesitate to agree. It's a tremendous bit of business for them given Neves had just a year left on his contract. And Al-Hilal get a peak player who previously spoke of wanting to leave Wolves for Champions League football.
The Saudi model is not fee-averse, but this type of transfer will definitely alert selling clubs that it's not entirely a wage-only or player-focused approach. Clubs are going to be tempted, too.
Clearlake and PIF have an excellent relationship. And the latter are driving many high-profile moves to Saudi on behalf of Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli. #CFC see an opportunity to offload some players to Saudi. And PIF have multiple Chelsea players on their radar.
With all these high-profile deals the club is often selected quite late in the process, but the aim is to populate all four clubs with stars to create Riyadh and Jeddah rivalries with global appeal. Next season there will new TV deals, and an English highlights show is expected.
These transfers are fluid. Player input matters, too, but PIF, and the Saudi Pro League, are driving many of these moves. By the time the club president flies in, it's often for final negotiation or even just handshakes and photos. This was certainly the case with Ronaldo.
For avoidance of doubt, neither Nine Two Foundation or INEOS have been informed yet if they have won. Those close to the process deny exclusivity will be given.
Qatar mood more positive after fifth bid. INEOS always cautiously optimistic...
Both groups pretty frustrated because they are being kept on the brink, ready to execute, but knowing their rival is in the same position. This is very atypical given how far into the process we are.
We are beyond the type of negotiation associated with a preferred bidder stage. Both groups have been already treated like preferred bidders in terms of tasks they've undertaken, including deep talks and legal groundwork.
Firm denials from those close to the #MUFC sale that any group will be granted exclusivity despite reports Nine Two Foundation are negotiating for it. As exclusively reveled last week, neither Nine Two Foundation or INEOS are expected to be given exclusivity.
Also understand that there is unlikely to be a conclusion to the #MUFC sale process this week, certainly not in terms of any public or formal announcements.
As per below, the plan remains for neither group to enter into exclusive negotiations, and remember Nine Two Foundation have said they won't engage further on financials. All signs still point to readying both groups then picking a winner.