Reece James commits to Chelsea as Barcelona election stirs Haaland speculation
James ended any uncertainty about his future on Thursday by putting pen to paper on a deal that ties him to Chelsea until 2032. The 26-year-old right-back, who has been club captain since August 2023, will earn a reported £250,000 per week under the new terms, making him the highest-paid player at Stamford Bridge. His previous contract had been due to expire in 2028.
Font pushes Haaland as Barcelona election heats up
In Spain, Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has confirmed that his team held talks with Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano and director of football Hugo Viana at a meeting in Madrid. Font wants to secure a "preferential purchase option" for Haaland, positioning it as a headline promise to voters ahead of the club's presidential election.
Haaland's agent Rafaela Pimenta moved quickly to cool the speculation. "There is nothing to discuss regarding a transfer," Pimenta said, adding that the 25-year-old Norwegian is "very happy" at Manchester City. Haaland signed a long-term extension through 2034 with City in January 2025, so any near-term move looks unrealistic regardless of what Font promises on the campaign trail.
Premier League clubs circle for Kvaratskhelia
Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is attracting serious interest from across the Premier League despite joining the French club only in January 2025. Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United have all been linked with the Georgian international, and PSG have reportedly set an asking price of at least £68 million.
Reports of dressing room friction at PSG have fueled the talk, though Kvaratskhelia himself has said publicly that he is happy in Paris. His contract runs until 2029, giving PSG a strong negotiating hand if they choose to sell this summer. With four of the Premier League's biggest clubs circling, this one could run and run.
