Despite the almost 50,000 empty seats in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Chelsea proved their experience as they defeated the Los Angeles FC 2-0 in an intense Group Stage match for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. 

Coincidentally, this game is also Liam Delap’s debut match as Chelsea’s forward. He displayed impressive moves in his first 30 minutes by being a team player and setting up his seniors, even getting an assist when Enzo Fernandez scored a goal after his pass. 

Even though Los Angeles FC lost the game, they still have a strong roster that can intimidate their next opponents. World Cup-winning French duo Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris are playing for the team. This caused Chelsea some problems, but they ultimately won in the end.

The next fixture for the two teams is already prepared. Chelsea will face the Brazilian team Flamengo, while Los Angeles FC go against ES Tunis this Friday. 

Visit here for more football news and updates

Barcelona are in talks to sign Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey on a free transfer when his contract ends this June 2025. Liverpool plans to bid for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, who is valued at over £40m and has already agreed to join. 

Liverpool also failed in two offers for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and may offer Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah in return. Chelsea are close to signing striker Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30m, with part of his medical already done. Everton are showing interest in Brighton’s Matt O'Riley but are unsure if the club will sell him.

Bayer Leverkusen agreed to sign Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken for £8.43m. Brentford will replace him with Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher for a fee starting at £12.5m. Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi will decide if he will join Al-Hilal.

Explore more football news here

Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final didn’t just cost them a trophy—it also means they won’t be playing in the Champions League next season. This could cause big problems for their summer transfer plans.

Two possible signings that might be affected are Viktor Gyökeres, worth £55 million, and Liam Delap, estimated at £30 million. Both players are looking for clubs playing in the Champions League, so United’s failure to qualify could stop these deals from happening.

Football legend Rio Ferdinand shared his worries after the match, saying, ‘That recruitment list they had will have to be scrapped now because they are not going to have Champions League football. It is a completely different list to recruit from.�?/p>

Because of money limits and not being in Europe’s top tournament, Manchester United may have to rethink their transfer plans for next season. 

Check for more football news and updates here