Mail: Chelsea sign set-piece analyst, previously played for the Portuguese national team

According to the Daily Mail, there is a little-known side entrance at Chelsea's Cobham training ground, frequently used by nearby residents and those familiar with the area as it is more convenient than going around the main entrance. However, this hidden passage has recently raised concerns within the club.

This entrance is known only to those who frequently visit Sarri's headquarters. After passing through the gate, there is a path surrounded by greenery on both sides, which eventually leads to the Chelsea first team training building.

Last Friday, Chelsea's director of player support and development, Willie Issa, appeared displeased with the presence of two strangers near the training area. The two men reportedly passed by a training session that was supposed to be closed, and Issa was unaware of their identities.

Issa, a former New Zealand-born Samoan rugby league player, currently works in player support and development under Xabi Alonso. Following the Southampton "spygate" scandal earlier this year, clubs have become more cautious about unfamiliar visitors to their training grounds.

Previously, Southampton were reported to have sent young analysts to film their rivals' training sessions, which ultimately led to the team being disqualified from the Championship play-offs and having 4 points deducted from their tally this season.

Chelsea stated that the Cobham side gate is only opened after security personnel verify the identity of those entering, so those who entered the area that day should theoretically have had permission. However, Issa is unaware of these individuals' identities and is concerned that they may have seen Palmer and other players preparing tactically for the Premier League opener against Fulham.

After the incident, security personnel began advising people using the entrance to use the main entrance instead, even though it would take an extra 15 minutes to walk.

Chelsea continue to strengthen their set-piece department. Following the signing of set-piece specialist Austin McPhee from Aston Villa, the club has appointed Andrea Reis as first-team analyst.

Reis has worked for the Portuguese Football Federation for the past seven years, where he was responsible for analyzing the Portuguese national team's set-piece tactics during the 2026 World Cup, the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League title win, and the 2024 European Championship.

His work involves not only on-field training but also data analysis and video research. Reis initially led the analysis of the Portuguese youth team and gradually rose to become an important staff member of the national team, where he also helped players such as Cristiano Ronaldo optimize set-piece strategies.

He will now assist McPhee at Chelsea. McPhee joined from Aston Villa this summer and previously worked in the same field in Portugal.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso previously stated that he wants the club to have "the best experts" in every area.

Callum Hudson-Odoi's brother, Bradley Hudson-Odoi, has been punished by the Football Association and banned from football-related activities for six months.

Bradley is accused of breaching FA Rule E1.2 by allegedly contacting or representing underage players without additional authorization and providing brokerage services without a formal agency agreement.

The Football Association (FA) has decided to impose a six-month ban on him, prohibiting him from participating in any activities covered by the Football Agents Ordinance, and also imposing a £500 fine. The ban took effect this week and will last until February 24, 2027.

Callum Hudson-Odoi joined Chelsea's youth academy at the age of seven, subsequently making 126 appearances for the first team and earning three caps for the England national team. Last year, with the help of his brother, he signed a contract extension with Nottingham Forest, running until 2028.

Sources within Chelsea have revealed that the club will not, like Wolves, cancel the playing of their traditional home song, "The Liquidator."

Wolves had previously decided to stop playing the song at Molineux Stadium because some fans would use the melody to attack their arch-rivals West Bromwich Albion.

While some Chelsea fans may include insulting slogans against Tottenham Hotspur in the song, many supporters believe that the song should be a Chelsea tradition and should not be overused to target other teams before players take the field.

Chelsea will face Luton Town in the League Cup this Thursday, followed by a Premier League match against Brighton on Sunday.

Chelsea insiders expect Manchester City to make a formal offer for Enzo Fernandes before the summer transfer window closes on September 1, but the club believes it holds the initiative.

Enzo has a long-term contract with Chelsea, and the club currently has no plans to sell him. As shown in the match against Fulham, Chelsea still consider the Argentine midfielder a key player.

Chelsea will not consider selling Enzo unless they receive an extremely high offer. It is understood that the club has maintained a asking price of at least £120 million throughout the summer and will only consider letting him go once a suitable replacement is found.

Videos circulating on social media previously showed Enzo seemingly walking alone towards the players' tunnel after Chelsea's 3-2 victory over Fulham, sparking speculation.

However, reporters at the scene stated that Enzo actually stood with his teammates in front of the away fans to greet them, and later gave his jersey to a home fan in the stands. It is speculated that the fan was wearing a River Plate jersey, a tribute to the team Enzo played for during his childhood.

As long as the transfer window remains open, discussions about Enzo's future will continue.