Published Sep 3, 2026, 6:40 AM GMT+1

Dominic is a football journalist for Football FanCast, specialising in Premier League reporting, transfer analysis and the EFL. He graduated from the University of Huddersfield in 2022 with a first-class honours degree in Sports Journalism.
 

Since leaving university, Dominic has written for several leading football publications, including GiveMeSport, Football FanCast, The Transfer Tavern and Sports Mole, producing everything from transfer exclusives and breaking news to in-depth analysis and match coverage.
 

Dominic has previously worked in club media with FC Halifax Town, as well as for The Halifax Courier, where he interviewed figures including Pete Wild, Gary Johnson and Phil Parkinson. He has also interviewed the likes of Gus Poyet and Dean Saunders for Football FanCast.
 

His expertise lies in assessing the credibility of transfer stories, analysing what potential deals mean for clubs on and off the pitch and providing context behind football's biggest talking points. Through years of covering Sunderland and Newcastle United, Dominic has developed an extensive understanding of football in the North East, their recruitment strategies and the issues that matter most to supporters. His reporting is informed by established relationships across the football industry, providing valuable insight into the game's biggest stories.
 

A Tranmere Rovers supporter, Dominic has a particular passion for the EFL and enjoys covering every level of the English football pyramid.

Fernandez completed a £125m move to Manchester City on deadline day, becoming the joint-most expensive signing in Premier League history, alongside Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle United for the same fee last summer.

The Blues allowed the deal to go through, despite their move for AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara breaking down, as they had already given their word to Fernandez.

However, the decision leaves Xabi Alonso somewhat short in the middle of the park, considering Romeo Lavia has struggled with injuries throughout his time at Stamford Bridge, while Jordan Henderson is 36-years-old, which means his game time may be limited.

As such, Alonso may enter the market for a new midfielder this winter, and Barrios could be an exciting option, with scout Jacek Kulig praising the 23-year-old's performances for Atletico Madrid this season.

Although he is still young, the Spaniard has already made 143 senior appearances for Atletico, and he is averaging 64.0 accurate passes per 90 in La Liga this season. In comparison, Reece James' average of 38.6 is the Blues' highest in the Premier League.

The Madrid-born midfielder may not be a like-for-like Fernandez heir, as he has scored a total of just seven goals for Atletico, whereas the Argentinian scored 16 goals in all competitions for the Blues last season alone.

However, the La Liga star's displays this season suggest he could be taking his game to the next level, and at 23 he still has a lot of time to improve in that area.

Chelsea eyeing January move for Pablo Barrios

According to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are now set to make a January move for Barrios, who has a €100m (£86m) release clause included in his Atletico contract.

The four-cap Spain international is being targeted as an alternative to Camara, after a late deal for the 22-year-old broke down, with Monaco's behaviour leaving the Blues furious.

It is 'highly likely' Alonso will look to bring in another midfielder this January, but until then he will have to make do with Caicedo, Henderson and Lavia, while new arrival Valentin Barco is also capable of playing in central midfield or at left-back.