Kick Off: João Félix joins Al-Nassr, Thomas Muller to join Vancouver Whitecaps

  

OFFICIAL: João Félix joins Al Nassr FC from Chelsea for €50M

According to Fabrizio Romano, Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller is going to join Vancouver Whitecaps.

These Things Happen

OFFICIAL: James Traff joins Manchester City from Burnley

Manchester City are delighted to confirm the signing of James Trafford from Burnley.

OFFICIAL: Marc ter Stegen has successfully undergone further surgery

According to the FC Barcelona official statement, First-team player Marc ter Stegen has successfully undergone further surgery for his lower back problems.

OFFICIAL: Real Madrid have a new number 10 is Kylian Mbappé 

Kylian Mbappé will sport the number 10 jersey at Real Madrid for the 2025-26 campaign.

OFFICIAL: FC Bayern have agreed a one-year contract extension with Sven Ulreich

According to official statement, Sven Ulreich staying at FC Bayern until 2026.

OFFICIAL: Devis Vasquez has signed a two-year contract with AS Roma until 2027

AS Roma is pleased to announce the signing of Devis Vasquez.

OFFICIAL: Adam Aznou joins Everton from Bayern Munich for an undisclosed fee

Everton have completed the transfer of left-back Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich for an undisclosed fee.

OFFICIAL: Lovro Zvonarek joins Grasshopper Club Zurich from Bayern München

Grasshopper Club Zurich has officially announced the signing of Lovro Zvonarek on a one-year loan from FC Bayern Munich.

Here we go! Romano: Aaron Ramsdale to join Newcastle on loan with buy option

According to Fabrizio Romano, Aaron Ramsdale is set to join Newcastle United, with a deal in place between the Magpies and Southampton for the goalkeeper.

OFFICIAL: Getafe and Real Madrid reach an agreement for the loan of Mario Martín

Getafe Club de Fútbol and Real Madrid have reached an agreement for the loan of Mario Martín, a 21-year-old midfielder, who will play at the Coliseum during the 2025/26 season. The agreement includes a purchase option at the end of the course.

Here we go! Romano: Will Wright to join Liverpool from Salford City

According to Fabrizio Romano, Will Wright completed second part of medical as new Liverpool player from Salford City.

OFFICIAL: Aston Villa can confirm Filip Marschall has joined Stevenage

The goalkeeper moves to the League One side on a permanent deal having enjoyed previous loan spells with Gateshead, Milton Keynes Dons and, most recently, at Crewe Alexandra last season.

OFFICIAL: Samuel Lino Joins Flamengo from Atlético de Madrid on Deal Until 2029

Flamengo have officially announced the signing of Samuel Lino from Atlético de Madrid. 

OFFICIAL: The 38-year-old goalkeeper Asmir Begovic Signs For Leicester City

According to Leicester City, The club pleased to confirm the signing of experienced goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, who joins Leicester City on a one-year contract, subject to league clearance.

Here we go! Romano: Oscar Gloukh to join Ajax from RB Salzburg on €16m Deal

According to Fabrizio Romano, Ajax have reached an agreement to sign Oscar Gloukh from RB Salzburg for a €14m fixed fee plus €2m in add-ons.

OFFICIAL: Abdel Abqar Joins Getafe CF on a Free Transfer Until 2028

Getafe CF have officially announced the signing of Moroccan centre-back Abdel Abqar on a free transfer.

OFFICIAL: Emsden James confirms he has signed for Manchester United

Talented centre back Harley Emsden James confirms he has signed for Manchester United.

'Man Utd wanted me but signed Rasmus Hojlund instead - now I could replace him'

Manchester United have been linked with a familiar striker target this summer, who the club overlooked in favour of signing Rasmus Hojlund in 2023

indykaila News: Rodrygo request move to Liverpool

According to indykaila News, Rodrygo request move to Liverpool.

Barcelona Director of Football interested in move for Chelsea man on loan

Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson has had two years of ups and downs at Chelsea since moving from Villarreal. 

Real Madrid to drop Rodrygo price as Arsenal and Liverpool stance comes to light

Real Madrid have made Rodrygo available for a transfer after Xabi Alonso refused to guarantee his future, but Arsenal and Liverpool have their sights set on alternative targets

MU told to sign £34m Casemiro replacement for second time – 'He could fit in'

Manchester United are still in search of a proven No. 9 ahead of the new season, but a former first-team coach believes they could do with a midfield reinforcement too

Former Liverpool and Arsenal star reveals he REJECTED Real Madrid

Jermaine Pennant has revealed he could have joined Spanish giants Real Madrid after being frozen out by Rafa Benitez at Liverpool.

Benjamin Sesko shows up Alan Shearer as £64m star responds to Man Utd

Manchester United's lack of European football does not seem to have put off Benjamin Sesko, who is said to be favouring a move to Old Trafford over Newcaatle United

Arsenal hit Eze transfer problem after Mikel Arteta's summer spending spree

Mikel Arteta remains keen on bolstering his squad this summer but Eberechi Eze's £68m release clause is proving too spicy for Arsenal after already spending £195m.

Manchester United explore Watkins and Sesko costs after narrowing striker search

Manchester United have narrowed down their striker search to two primary names in Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko.

Chiesa reportedly rejects Fenerbahce approach with Italian giants looming

Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa is being scouted by several Serie A sides this summer, and has rejected approaches from Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.

Arsenal star 'refusing to sign new contract' as Arteta given transfer dilemma

Arsenal have strengthened their squad in the summer transfer window and the knock-on effects are now being felt by Mikel Arteta, with one of his squad players unsettled

Ruben Amorim's dream Man Utd XI with Ollie Watkins joining another big signing

Manchester United are preparing for their first full season under Ruben Amorim and the Red Devils manager wants a new-look XI to turn their fortunes around and qualify for Europe

Sesko's big age gap with girlfriend as he weighs up Man Utd and Newcastle

Benjamin Sesko is a man in demand, with both Manchester United and Newcastle United interested in the RB Leipzig striker, while his girlfriend will be eager to know where his future lies too

What They Say

Williams on Barcelona pursuit of Nico – ‘Many of the things they said were lies’

Athletic Club captain Inaki Williams has railed against Barcelona for their attempts to sign his younger brother Nico Williams this summer. 

Rio Ferdinand responds to Bruno Fernandes snubbing £300m offer – 'Are you mad?'

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has said he would have found it tough to turn down the money on offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal after Bruno Fernandes decided against a transfer

'I've coached Sesko and Erling Haaland - one was a much better all-round player'

Manchester United are chasing Red Bull Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who was once labelled a 'better player' than Erling Haaland by a former coach

Fixtures of the Day

Club Friendlies

Yokohama F. Marinos VS Liverpool 2025/7/30 10:30 UTC

K League All Star VS Newcastle United 2025/7/30 11:00 UTC

Al Nassr FC VS Toulouse 2025/7/30 15:30 UTC

Siegen Sportfreunde VS Borussia Dortmund 2025/7/30 16:30 UTC

Premier League Summer Series

West Ham United VS Everton 2025/7/30 22:30 UTC

Leagues Cup

Inter Miami CF VS Atlas Guadalajara 2025/7/30 23:30 UTC

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Real Madrid star instructs agent to contact Premier League giants over move

Real Madrid star Rodrygo Goes looks to be on the way out of the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, or at least that would appear to be the plan. However there are doubts about a potential destination appearing for the Brazilian, but he does have a preferred option in mind.

Rodrygo barely featured in the Club World Cup under Xabi Alonso, which after missing the last month of La Liga, looked like a clear sign that Los Blancos were looking to move on from Rodrygo. Although recent reports have cast doubt over Vinicius Junior’s future at the club too, Los Blancos are open to an exit for the Brazil international.

According to indyKaila, Rodrygo has asked his agent, who is his father Eric Goes, to get in touch with Liverpool over the possibility of a move. He is keen on a switch to Anfield, and is the impetus behind the contacts, but the Goes family have been told to wait until their pursuit Alexander Isak comes to an end one way or another, at which point the Reds will reconsider their options and budget.

Recent weeks have also seen Tottenham Hotspur linked with a surprise move for Rodrygo, and Diario AS reported this week that Spurs have asked for permission to speak with the forward. However Santi Aouna has denied that a move is a possibility, with Rodrygo seemingly not interested in the switch.

Rodrygo has been linked with a number of destinations, including Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich. Bayern are on the verge of signing Luis Diaz, while Arsenal have just spent big on Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke, and Liverpool have signed Hugo Ekitike and are pursuing Isak. On the other hand, PSG are already flush for options up front.

Certainly there seems no obvious destination for Rodrygo, and unless he is willing to make a jump to Saudi Arabia, he may have to wait until the final weeks of the tranfer market to see what options come his way.

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Barcelona release statement following Marc-Andre ter Stegen surgery

Barcelona have confirmed that captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen has undergone surgery for a recurring back problem. There is plenty of intrigue surrounding his diagnosis, given the length of his injury could have a major impact on Barcelona’s ability to register new players in the coming month.

The German goalkeeper announced the decision last week, explaining that he would be out for three months, one month short of the required four-month period for Barcelona to activate La Liga’s injury rule. That would allow them to use 80% of the amount of ter Stegen’s salary limit cost towards other players on a temporary basis, with new additions Roony Bardghji, Marcus Rashford and Joan Garcia currently unregistered.

It means their ability to do so may hinge on the medical report written up by surgeon Amelie Leglise, who operated on ter Stegen on Tuesday. That much was confirmed by Barcelona, but they did not give a recovery period.

It had been suggested last week by another doctor that ter Stegen’s announcement will have little impact on La Liga’s ruling. The Blaugrana now have 30 days to submit a report to La Liga, as per MD. Four members of the medical commission for La Liga will then give the green light to the league on the report they receive, provided they perceive no issues.

Barcelona were reportedly very unhappy with ter Stegen’s announcement, seeing it as deliberate sabotage of their plans, and questions have been raised over his captaincy for next season.

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MU told to sign £34m Casemiro replacement for second time – 'He could fit in'

Manchester United are still in search of a proven No. 9 ahead of the new season, but a former first-team coach believes they could do with a midfield reinforcement too

Rene Meulensteen believes that Conor Gallagher would be a perfect fit for Manchester United, especially given Casemiro's age. The Brazilian midfielder, who joined the Red Devils in a £70million move from Real Madrid in 2022, has shined at times at Old Trafford.

However, at 33 years old, there are questions pertaining to his suitability to Ruben Amorim's demanding and fast-paced style of play, with his future in the north west being cast into question at the end of last season. Despite being linked to a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer with just a year left on his current deal in Manchester, Casemiro has ultimately decided to stay put.

But Meulensteen believes that United should still be looking for a replacement ahead of his deal running down next summer, picking out Atletico Madrid star Gallagher as the ideal candidate. Speaking to Grosvenor Casinos, the former United first-team coach said: "Conor Gallagher would bring bags of energy to Manchester United, that is something they have been lacking in the middle of the park.

"There is Manuel Ugarte there, but I don’t think he has the best legs in terms of covering distances. We don’t know what is happening with Casemiro, if he will still be part of the squad after playing more games than expected last year. I thought Gallagher was very good for Chelsea, he's a hardworking boy who covers the ground quickly, he’s tenacious, he is someone that could fit in."

It's not the first time that United have been urged to sign the 25-year-old England international either, with Gordon Strachan also highlighting Gallagher as a suitable player at Old Trafford earlier this month. In conversation with OLBG, the 68-year-old said: "Man United don't need a bit more bite, they need legs, real legs, real closing down.

"Can Conor Gallagher do that? Yes he can, he's definitely got legs, he's a good team-mate. Has he got enough imagination? I don't know, but if you have people like that with legs in there and have imagination around them, then he'd be a good signing.

"The days of the luxury player, if you want to be a top side, are gone. So, Conor Gallagher has definitely got the legs. He's got the robustness. Has he got goals? Has he got that flair?

"These players are hard to come by. Would I take him compared to some of the players that have played over the last couple of years at Man United? Yes, I would."

After breaking through the youth academy of Chelsea in 2019, Gallagher spent five years with the Blues, albeit, the majority of his tenure was spent on loan with the likes of Charlton, Swansea, West Brom and Crystal Palace. A £34m move to Atletico Madrid then ensued last summer, with Gallagher thriving in La Liga with Los Rojiblancos.

In his maiden season, Gallagher scored four goals and provided six assists in 50 outings and was imperative to Atleti's third-place finish in La Liga. Amorim is currently focusing on securing a proven No. 9 for United ahead of next season, with Ollie Watkins at the top of his list.

While Aston Villa have said that their talisman is not for sale this summer, they valued Watkins at £60m in January, and it is thought that the Red Devils will try to broker a deal for around £45m. However, if they are unsuccessful, they may opt to continue their pursuit of 22-year-old RB Leipzig star, Benjamin Sesko, given they are thought to hold a pole position over Newcastle United in securing the striker - who is also valued at around £60m - this summer.

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Barcelona announce that two games will be broadcast on YouTube for free

Barcelona have announced that they will be broadcasting their two remaining preseason games in Asia on YouTube, following an embarassing mishap on Sunday. The Blaugrana explained that they did not want any further issues for their fans.

On Sunday Barcelona had broadcast their opening preseason friendly in Japan against Vissel Kobe through the club app. Members and those under their loyalty scheme could watch the match for free or at a reduced price, while others could also pay to watch the game. However the signal from the game was interrupted, and Barcelona ended up streaming the second half live through YouTube. After the incident, Barcelona announced they would be returning the money to those who had paid to watch the game.

The Blaugrana have announced that the remaining two preseason games against FC Seoul and Daegu FC will be broadcast free of charge on YouTube to everyone. After contracting an external company to handle the streaming, the club claimed did not want any further problems, and issued an apology to fans for not meeting the ‘required standards’. Those in South Korea will not be able to access the game, as it is being broadcast by a TV channel who have purchased the rights.

Barcelona will complete their tour of South-East Asia with a game against FC Seoul in the South Korean capital at 11:00 CEST on Thursday (31st of July), before heading to Daegu to face Daegu FC at the same time on Monday the fourth of August. After that, Barcelona only have the Joan Gamper trophy against Como on the 10th of August, before their La Liga season begins on 16th away to RCD Mallorca.

FC Barcelona informs its members and fans that in light of the issues last Sunday, the remaining two games of the Blaugrana Tour Asia Edition 2025 by Philips Ambilight (v FC Seoul on 31 July and v Daegu FC on 4 August) will be broadcast free of charge via the official FC Barcelona YouTube channel.

The Club had outsourced the broadcasting of the three games of the Asian tour and received assurances that fans would receive an efficient service, but it wasn’t possible due to causes beyond the Club’s control. In light of this situation, Barça does not want any further jeopardy regarding our fans, hence the decision has been taken to offer both remaining games free of charge to users.

The Club would like to apologise to its members and fans around the world because the service didn’t reach the required standards for the Institution and wants to ensure that those problems don’t reoccur. Furthermore, FC Barcelona will soon begin to compensate the fans who couldn’t watch the game.

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OFFICIAL: João Félix joins AlNassr FC from Chelsea for €50M

 Joao Felix to AlNassr from Chelsea for €52M and contract until 2028

Two year deal for Félix, here with director Simão Coutinho.

“I'm here to spread joy. Let's win together”.

João Félix joins up with Cristiano Ronaldo at what will be the sixth club of his career, following his spells at Benfica, Atlético Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, and AC Milan. He enjoyed two separate spells with Atleti and Chelsea.

The 26-year-old, who is the fifth most expensive signing in football history ($137 million - €127.20 million), was close to completing his return to Benfica. However, Chelsea couldn’t reach a suitable financial agreement with Rui Costa’s team, who were forced to withdraw from the bidding process.

Cristiano and Jorge Jesus decisive in João Félix move

The efforts of Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus and his teammate in the Seleçao, Cristiano Ronaldo, have finally unraveled the João Félix saga. Chelsea recover part of its investment from a year ago with a player who was not in Enzo Maresca’s plans. This opens up the possibility of further reinforcing the squad (Xavi Simons is the Blues main target).

Chelsea paid Atlético Madrid $56 million (€52 million) for the Portuguese forward in the summer of 2024. João’s sale to Saudi Arabia won’t bring in any extra money at the Metropolitano as there was no sell-on clause in the deal.

In the multiple clauses inserted in the contract at the time, Atlético established a percentage of 20% of the capital gain that the Blues could make from his future sale. Since they are transferring him to Al Nassr for less than the original purchase price, Chelsea don’t have to pay Atlético any fees.

With this, João Félix ends (or at least a new beginning) six years of playing for major European teams. A player of immense quality, but who hasn’t fully exploited it as much as was expected when he rose to fame in 2019 with Benfica.

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Eder Militao has made it back from two ACL injuries – but can he make it all the way back?

On March 14, 2019, Real Madrid announced the signing of Brazilian center back Éder Militão on a six-year contract, paying a fee of €50m to Porto. After biding his time on the fringes of the first team under Zinedine Zidane, making 15 and 14 appearances in La Liga in 2019-20 and 2020-21, Militao would emerge as a vital figure under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti. The multifaceted defender successfully filled the void of Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos, who joined Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, and staked his claim as one of the best defenders in world football.

Partnering new arrival David Alaba in central defence, Militao thrived as Real Madrid reclaimed the league title from Atletico Madrid’s grasp whilst also getting their hands on yet another Champions League title. No longer a rotational option who was filling in whenever Ramos and Varane were injured, Militao was one of the first names on the team sheet, continuing his impressive performances throughout the 2022-23 season.

All signs pointed to him continuing his stellar displays and following in the footsteps of Marcelo, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Casemiro and becoming the next Brazilian legend at Real Madrid. However, in the opening match of the 2023-24 season against Athletic Club, Militao hyperextended his left knee and ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. Alaba and starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois would later join him on the treatment table with ACL injuries, but that didn’t stop Real from claiming yet another La Liga and Champions League double under Ancelotti.

Whilst he was expected to be absent for 10 months, Militao returned for the home stretch of the campaign after just over seven months on the sidelines, gradually being eased into the side and starting alongside Marquinhos in Brazil’s Copa America campaign. Although he missed the decisive penalty in their shootout loss to Uruguay, he nevertheless gave an impressive account of himself in the USA. He started the 2024-25 season off on the right foot, pairing up with Antonio Rudiger in central defence in a 2-0 win against Atalanta in the UEFA Supercup.

Alongside the veteran German defender, Militao showed signs of returning to his best, opening the scoring in the Madrid derby and showcasing his prodigious physicality and superb anticipation. However, on the 9th of November, the unthinkable happened. After just a half-hour played in a 4-0 win against Osasuna, Militao was stretchered off again with a knee injury. The diagnosis? A complete tear of the ACL in his right leg.

After an arduous recovery process and a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Militao was once again back to square one. The 27-year-old gradually worked his way back before making his return for the FIFA Club World Cup, remaining on the bench for their knockout round matches against Juventus and Borussia Dortmund before finally returning to action on the ninth of July.

With Paris Saint-Germain cruising to victory and ahead 3-0 in the semi-final, Xabi Alonso decided to sub Militao on for Raul Asencio in the 64th minute. Whilst he wasn’t able to inspire a comeback, he nevertheless emerged as one of Real’s few bright spots, registering three tackles and one interception, including one last-man tackle, racking up two shots (one on target), winning three out of three ground duels, and completing 10 out of 12 passes (one out of one long balls) and coming out on top in one out of three aerial duels.

Speaking to Football Espana after the match, Militao admitted, “The ACL injury was a very difficult time for me. I worked very hard to get to this moment, to receive these opportunities, and help the team one way or another. I’m happy to have helped them.”

Militao has already proven that he can be one of the best centre-backs in world football, but after back-to-back ACL injuries to both knees, can he prove that he has what it takes to stay fit over the course of a season? Both Alonso and Ancelotti will be certainly hoping that Militao’s injury woes are a thing of the past as he gears up for the 2025-26 season.

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Here we go! Romano: Dan Ndoye to join Nottingham Forest on a €40m deal

According to Fabrizio Romano, Dan Ndoye is set to join Nottingham Forest on a €40 million plus add-ons deal. A verbal agreement is in place between Forest and Bologna, with the Swiss international also agreeing to personal terms.

Romano: 

EXCL: Dan Ndoye to Nottingham Forest, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between clubs and player side.

€40m plus add-ons, player due to travel to England in the next 24h for medical.

Marinakis wanted a top signing to replace Elanga, Ndoye said yes to NFFC. Now done.

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Granit Xhaka closes in on surprise Premier League return as '£17m fee is agreed'

Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is reportedly closing in on a return to the Premier League.

Xhaka spent seven years in north London between 2016 and 2023 and made nearly 300 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions.

The 32-year-old has spent the last two seasons at Bayer Leverkusen, and was part of Xabi Alonso's side that secured the club's first ever Bundesliga title while embarkign on an unprecedented 51-game unbeaten run.

However, according to a report from Sky Sports, Xhaka's time in Germany looks set to come to an end after Leverkusen accepted a £17million offer from Sunderland for the midfielder.

The deal is said to be comprised of a £13m upfront fee with up to £4m in add-ons.

Xhaka has been given permission to travel to the UK to undergo a medical.

The news comes after he agreed personal terms for a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light last week.

The arrival of the Switzerland international will bring much-needed Premier League experience to Regis Le Bris' midfield.

The club had been linked with a move to bring academy graduate Jordan Henderson back to the North East ahead of their return to the top flight.

However, Henderson ultimately joined Brentford to replace the departing Christian Norgaard after his contract at Ajax was cancelled by mutual consent.

Sunderland's pursuit of Xhaka is the latest example of the club's ambition having already splashed out on the likes of Simon Adingra (£21m), Habib Diarra (£30m) and Enzo Le Fee (£20m).

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Real Madrid not planning talks yet with Vinicius's agent after his 2030 request

Real Madrid are not considering an immediate approach to Vinicius's agent after his request to sign a contract extension until 2030. "The situation can be resolved personally between Florentino and Vinicius."

Last Friday, SER Deportivo revealed that Vinicius has asked to match his salary with Kylian Mbappé's in order to sign the contract extension he had agreed to with Real Madrid. According to SER, Real Madrid are not considering any immediate approach in response to the new request from the Brazilian's agent. In fact, the club is trying to cool things off. He has a contract until June 2027.

With variables, the player's agent is reportedly asking for a renewal fee of €30 million per season. It would start at €25 million fixed. There has been no serious contact with the Brazilian's entourage since last winter. At that time, Real Madrid considered the deal finalized for the player to renew until 2030. Now, it's his agent who has stepped forward with this new request.

The signed agreement included a salary increase for this season. It was 20 million euros plus variables. That said, this negotiation can still be resolved personally between Florentino Pérez and Vinicius.

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Liverpool already have Luis Diaz replacement which explains Isak transfer plan

Liverpool have agreed a £65.5million deal with Bayern Munich to sell Luis Diaz and the winger's departure is expected to fund a bid for Newcastle star Alexander Isak

When Luis Diaz arrived at Liverpool in January 2022, his smile lit up the training ground. Then-boss Jurgen Klopp admitted he hadn’t seen anyone enjoy training as much as the Colombian did.

Having moved sooner than expected to land him from Porto because Tottenham were sniffing, the Reds got a new weapon in a campaign they were fighting for four trophies in. Diaz was a big part in their League and FA Cup successes while they missed out on the Premier League by a point to Manchester City and suffered Champions League heartache against Real Madrid in Paris.

But it was how quickly he settled which surprised most. Then captain Jordan Henderson even remarked how soon he found his, quite fast, feet at the club. With 41 goals and 16 assists in 148 games as well as a Premier League title and another League Cup to the previously mentioned trophies, Diaz has undoubtedly been a successful buy for £37.5million.

Now he is heading for the exit door, he will need to be replaced. But has he already? Diaz under Arne Slot has been more versatile than the left winger under Klopp.

When Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez were unavailable last season, he would be used through the middle. Slot wants a front line that can move about. He often frustrated with end product sometimes a problem but he could be lethal as he showed with a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in November and a brace against Manchester United at Old Trafford in September.

Now Liverpool have already agreed a £79m deal to bring in Hugo Ekitike and he is finding his feet on the summer tour out in Asia, which Diaz has just departed. It should be noted that Liverpool believe the France under-21 striker has the ability to play in more places than one in the front three.

Ekitike is not Nunez’s replacement for when he expectedly departs later this summer. Ekitike is the versatile forward to replace Diaz it seems. That is why Liverpool remain on red alert when it comes to Alexander Isak. Because the Sweden hitman is the man they want as their new No.9 when Nunez leaves.

Now should Newcastle fail to budge on their stance that he’s not for sale, Liverpool are happy with Ekitike through the middle. Of course, they also have Cody Gakpo on the left and teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha, even at just 16, is starting to push.

How much should Liverpool pay for Alexander Isak? Have your say in the comments section.

Yet if they could land Isak in the coming weeks, even if it will take a British transfer record offer and the Magpies relenting, Slot will believe he will have a much more fluid forward line as well as a lethal one.

They know Ekitike is a forward of promise while Isak is a striker who has proven himself in the Premier League. Yet interchanging them while having options on the left and right (many believe Jeremie Frimpong is more back-up to Mo Salah than a threat to Conor Bradley at right-back), the Reds are building a new-look front line that is more flexible than the previous one.

Why are Liverpool sanctioning Diaz’s sale is another question when he too can be flexible in his positioning? Well, it became clear to them 12 months ago that Colombian, although still smiling brightly, was having his head turned.

They tried on two occasions to secure him under a new contract but the differences in salary demands and expectations were too much. Liverpool wanted to stand strong this season.

Earlier in the summer, their stance was Diaz was not for sale but Bayern Munich have proven that everyone is for sale for the right price with their £65.1m bid being accepted. The Reds will be hoping Newcastle’s stance changes in a similar fashion.

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Luis Diaz leaves Liverpool's pre-season camp in Japan as he jets off to Munich to seal £65.6m Bayern move

Luis Diaz has departed Liverpool's pre-season camp in Japan ahead of sealing a £65.5million move to Bayern Munich.

The Colombian was omitted from the Premier League champion's pre-season clash against AC Milan on Saturday as his move to Bavaria drew closer.

Diaz, who joined Liverpool from Porto in January 2022, was reportedly given permission to undergo his medical by the Anfield club following the agreement with Bayern.

On Monday morning UK time, he was pictured with the Liverpool squad as they stopped by the Ekoin Temple.

The 28-year-old has now said his goodbyes to Liverpool having boarded a flight to Munich in the afternoon.

Liverpool rejected Bayern's initial advances and an offer around £58.5m insisting Diaz was not for sale, but the Germans returned with a second offer of £65.5m including add-ons.

Liverpool made two separate attempts to agree a contract extension but failed to find accord as there was too big a gap between offers and demands.

Throughout the summer, Liverpool had been unwilling to sell but Diaz and his representatives pushed for a move. He first signalled a wish to leave in the summer of 2024, but the club held firm.

On Saturday, manager Arne Slot confirmed that Diaz was left out of the squad to face AC Milan due to speculation surrounding his future, while Darwin Nunez missed out due to injury.

'One of the positions that we didn't have was a No 9,' Slot told LFC TV after the 4-2 defeat.

'We had one, Hugo [Ekitike], but he wasn't ready to play yet. Darwin was injured. Lucho [Luis Diaz] couldn't play as well. In Lucho's situation it was, yeah [the reason why he was left out].

'There's a lot of rumours around him lately and I cannot go into that. He's training well with us but we have decided, for now, not to play him yet.

'I'm used to talking to most of my players on a regular basis. Like I said, Lucho is training really well and we've decided that he's not playing at the moment in the games. I cannot comment much more about that.'

Liverpool retain an interest in Newcastle Alexander Isak while they also plan to add a centre back with Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace and Chelsea target Jorrel Hato, of Ajax, among names on their list.

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Real Madrid dealt body blow in pursuit of top defensive target

The consistent rumours surrounding Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba in Spain are indicators that on some level, there is uncertainty over the current options in Real Madrid’s backline, to avoid the word doubt. However the Arsenal defender looks increasingly like an impossible task.

And it could well be a former Atletico Madrid man that deprives them of Saliba. Los Blancos have identified Saliba and Liverpool’s Konate as the top two targets to improve their backline, with the later out of contract next summer. Both are trying to hang onto their star defenders with large new contract offers, amid the suggestion that Los Blancos could be in for one of them this summer.

Last week it was reported that Arsenal were not concerned by talk of Real Madrid’s interest. That is despite the fact that in recent months Real Madrid have been described as the ‘only club’ Saliba would leave the Gunners for, and reports that his agents had met with Los Blancos to discuss the basis of contract terms. Recently appointed Sporting Director Andrea Berta, who left Atletico in January, is charged with renewing his contract.

It is well known that Arsenal are in talks with Saliba to extend his deal, which expires in 2027. Speaking to AFTV (via Just Arsenal), Saliba was asked about when he would be penning a new deal during an interview at the club’s preseason camp. ‘Hopefully soon! God is great,” Saliba explained, before stating ‘We will try and win everything this year’.

The word from the Spanish capital is that there will be no more arrivals at the Santiago Bernabeu unless other players leave. If Liverpool, unable to get their own renewal for Konate done, decide to sell this summer, then the two could enter negotiations.

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Marc-Andre ter Stegen travels for operation, but claims relations with Barcelona are ‘good’

Barcelona captain and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has claimed that his relationship with the club is good, despite widespread reporting to the contrary. The German veteran will have surgery to address an ongoing back pain on Tuesday.

Ter Stegen is currently traveling to Bordeaux in France to have surgery on his back, where he will again be operated on by Dr. Amelie Leglise. It has been claimed that Barcelona are highly irritated with ter Stegen, after he announced he would be out for three months after the surgery – medical experts have also indicated that he could be out for four months or more. Were the latter to be the case, Barcelona could use 80% of his wages to register other players due to an injury rule, but ter Stegen’s announcement could make that tricky.

Speaking to Sport at Barcelona’s El Prat airport, ter Stegen maintained that relations with the club were fine, saying “The relationship with the club is good, always good, intact.”

“If you have to have surgery, I think something’s wrong, right?” he laughed when asked about his physical condition.

The facts suggest otherwise. Diario AS say that ter Stegen has traveled alone to France, refusing to be accompanied by Barcelona staff. They also note that clubs are not permitted to provide injury information on a player without their permission, and thus may not be allowed to announce how long ter Stegen is out after the operation – preventing the Catalan giants from disputing his announcement in public.

They can however submit a medical report to La Liga, who would review the information and make a decision on whether Barcelona can activate the injury rule. The Blaugrana are hence awaiting the medical report from Dr. Leglise with much anticipation, as it could have an important impact.

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola declares sabbatical, rules out Barcelona return

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has declared that he will not be taking a new job immediately after his spell at the Etihad comes to an end. Guardiola has now been in charge for nine years in the North of England, but acknowledged that he was in need of a break.

Guardiola took the job in 2016, and will complete a decade in the job at the end of the coming season. The 54-year-old has won six Premier Leagues, a success rate of 67%, and has managed 533 games, and has two years remaining on his deal. Speaking to GQ Hype, as quoted by MD, Guardiola said the decision to take a sabbatical thereafter was taken.

“I know that after this stage with City I’m going to stop, that’s for sure, it’s decided, more than decided. I’m going to leave after this stage with City, because I need to stop and focus on myself, on my body.”

Guardiola has previously taken a sabbatical between his jobs at Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the 2012-13 season.

“I think I knew how to stop at the right moment. The same thing happened to me with my coaching job [at Barça], there came a time when I said enough, enough is enough. I’m going to look for another challenge.”

With Lamine Yamal’s explosion at such a young age, and little like it having been seen before, his position and circumstances have led to comparisons with the great Lionel Messi. Guardiola believed those comparisons premature.

“I think Lamine Yamal should be allowed to pursue his career. And when he’s been playing for fifteen years, we’ll decide if he’s better or worse. Let him pursue his career. The fact that they compare him to Messi is a big deal. It’s like comparing a painter to Van Gogh. They’ll say, ‘Wow, he’s not bad, that’s a sign he’s good’.”

“That’s 90 goals in one season, over 15 years, nonstop, without injury. That’s a big deal. Leave him alone. Leave him alone.”

Guardiola also rejected the idea of returning to Barcelona. While he has always stated that he will not return as manager, there has been some suggestion he could return as president or sporting director, something he also discarded.

“It’s over. It’s over forever. It was really lovely, but it’s over now. No, I’m not cut out for that [to be president].”

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Pep Guardiola reveals plans to walk away from coaching

In a revealing interview with GQ Hype Spain, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola made it clear: once his current spell with the club is over, he’s stepping away from the sidelines—for a while, at least.

Guardiola’s coaching career has been nonstop since bursting onto the scene with Barcelona. His managerial journey has been defined by relentless success, with trophy-laden stints at Barça and Bayern Munich, and now a historic run with Manchester City. But after more than 15 years at the highest level, Guardiola says it’s time to hit pause.

When will Pep Guardiola leave Manchester City?

“I know that after this chapter with City, I’m going to stop. That’s for sure. It’s decided—more than decided,” Guardiola told GQ. “I don’t know how long I’ll be away—one year, two, five, ten, fifteen. I honestly don’t know. But I do know that I need to stop and focus on myself, on my health.”

The 54-year-old still has two years left on his contract with City, which runs through 2027. By then, his tenure in Manchester will be the longest of his coaching career—comfortably outlasting his golden years in Catalonia.

Guardiola, who’s often linked with a future role in international soccer, admitted he’s already started learning how to step back, but still struggles with the pressure to deliver. “When you’re a coach, you feel a huge responsibility to so many people who believe in you—players, the club president, the sporting director. It weighs on you,” he said.

City struggles, coaching challenges and Lamine Yamal’s Messi comparions

Looking back on last season, which fell short of the high bar City has set in recent years, Guardiola was candid. “We should’ve made more moves in the transfer market—but that’s easy to say now. We went months without winning a game. That had never happened to me before. It was a reality check.”

Even after all his success, Guardiola says one of the hardest parts of the job is managing relationships within the squad. “I have 23 players and can only pick 11 every three days. The rest start to feel like I don’t value them, but it’s the opposite. How can there not be conflict? It’s impossible.”

He also reflected on his own playing career, which ended not due to injury or age, but because, as he puts it, “my mind had had enough.” That decision opened the door to coaching, a profession that has both consumed and defined him.

The interview closed with Guardiola offering a measured take on Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who has already drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi. “We need to let him build his own career,” he cautioned. “Being compared to Messi—that’s serious. And if people are already making those comparisons, it means he’s special. But let’s give him space and see where it takes him.”

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Real Madrid open to selling three players this summer

Real Madrid are focusing on sales for the time being, now that they now have 25 players in Xabi Alonso’s squad – given that Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Franco Mastantuono and Alvaro Carreras have been added since the start of the summer.

Rodrygo Goes has been strongly linked with Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks, and as per Diario AS, Real Madrid will consider offers for the 24-year-old forward, who has struggled for prominence since Alonso’s arrival at the start of the summer.

As well as Rodrygo, Real Madrid will listen to offers for at least two more first team players: Ferland Mendy and David Alaba. The former is the odd man out after Carreras’ arrival, with Los Blancos preferring to count on Fran Garcia to provide competition to their new signing.

Meanwhile, Alaba is fifth in the centre-back pecking order behind Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and Raul Asencio, with Real Madrid officials having doubts about his injury record in the last 12-18 months. At the latest, he will depart when his contract expires next summer, but an exit now is not ruled out.

As well as Rodrygo, Mendy and Alaba, Real Madrid are unsure about the situation of Dani Ceballos. A return to Real Betis has been speculated upon, but for now, he is counted on by Alonso – but that would change if another midfielder were to be signed before the end of the summer.

Likewise, there are doubts about Endrick Felipe, whose minutes will be reduced next season if he stays. Alonso is counting on Kylian Mbappe and Gonzalo Garcia as his two striker options, meaning that the Brazilian teenager – who does not want to leave – is facing another lull year at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will have say in Marc-Andre Ter Stegen decision

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is facing an uncertain future at Barcelona, but for this summer at least, he is set to remain at the club – this is because he has decided to undergo surgery on a back problem, which will see him miss at least three months of action.

Ter Stegen was the one to break to news that he would be undergoing surgery, and his announcement did not go down well among Barcelona officials. There is a belief that the 33-year-old deliberated stated that his recovery time would be three months, which would mean that the club would not be able to use 80% of his salary to register one of Joan Garcia or Wojciech Szczesny.

Because of this, there have been calls within Can Barca for Ter Stegen to be stripped of his captaincy role. As things stand, he is the club’s first captain, although that could be about to change.

Barcelona’s first team squad will decide on the captaincy group just before the start of the 2025-26 season, and according to MD, head coach Hansi Flick will also have a say in the process. He will be given a vote, just like each of his players.

Barcelona are going into the new season with renewed optimism, and there is confidence because of the exploits in the previous campaign – during which they won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. But the situation with Ter Stegen is undoubtedly creating a cloud.

The ideal situation for Barcelona would be to sell Ter Stegen, who is not counted on – which Flick has already told him. However, he will almost certainly not leave this summer because of the surgery, which means that he cannot be on his way until January at the very earliest.

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Real Betis set to miss out on Antony as Saudi Arabia submit offer to Man United

It’s no secret that Real Betis want to re-sign Antony from Manchester United, but their hopes of getting a deal done are looking increasingly bleak. Saudi Arabia has been readying a move for the 25-year-old, and the hammer has now dropped.

Man United are desperate to sell Antony, but until now, they have been unable to do so. One of the problems they’ve faced is that the player is prioritising a return to Betis, where he was very impressive during the second half of last season. Los Verdiblancos cannot afford to pay the asking price on offer, which is why their intention has been to agree another loan – but this time, with an option to buy.

But Betis could now be brushed aside in the race to sign Antony, as Foot Mercato have reported that Al-Nassr have entered the race. They have submitted an opening offer – and while the value is undisclosed, it would be no surprise if it was close to the reported €60m asking price set by Man United.

It is expected that Al-Nassr and Man United will be able to come to an agreement on a deal for Antony, which means that the decision to move to the Saudi Pro League side will be on the Brazil international. If he accepts, Betis will be powerless to do anything about it, meaning that they would need to consider other options.

Betis have money to spend on a new winger, given that they netted in excess of €30m from the sale of Johnny Cardoso earlier in the summer, following his move to Atletico Madrid. Antony is still out of range, and if he accepts Al-Nassr’s proposal, he will forever remain that way, which would be a very big blow for Manuel Pellegrini and co.

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Here we go! Romano: Al Nassr agree deal to sign João Félix from Chelsea

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sell Joao Felix to Al Nassr this summer for a fee which could total in the region of £44m, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Romano has given the Felix to Al Nassr deal the 'here we go' label, with Chelsea agreeing a deal with the Saudi Club for the Portuguese international to leave this summer.

"Al Nassr agree deal to sign João Félix from Chelsea, here we go! Player authorized to fly for medical and join Al Nassr, initial transfer fee worth €30m plus add-ons and heavy sell-on clause to meet Chelsea €50m valuation in future. Paperwork being prepared."

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Why Liverpool should NOT prioritise Alexander Isak - here's what they should do instead, writes LEWIS STEELE

Maturing is getting excited about the gifts you need rather than those you want.

At Christmas or on birthdays, kids would sniff at the idea of socks or new school equipment… it was that latest PlayStation game or that new gadget that all their mates were starting a playground craze for.

For adults, the best presents Santa can bring are not the shiny toys but the things they need. Air fryer? Love it, the oven could do with a week off. New slippers? Yep, that’ll do nicely, any socks to go with it? Stocking up on toiletries? Saves a trip to big Tescos, thank you very much.

OK, you’re still with us… this is about football. The point is that Alexander Isak, to Liverpool, is the PlayStation 5 with the new Grand Theft Auto, FIFA and Call of Duty installed, a plush controller and headset to go with it.

He is the Michelin Star filet mignon prime cut with the most expensive bottle of red. The five-star trip to the Maldives.

But is he what Liverpool need?

urope, too.

Yet signing a No 9 for an eye-watering fee maybe should not be top priority. That is especially noting the £69million plus add-ons just paid to Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike – and the £116m for Florian Wirtz, who led the line against AC Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday.

Signing a central defender seems more important. The reason is obvious. Liverpool only have three senior players who are natural in the role: Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez – last term’s fourth-choice Jarell Quansah recently departed for £35million to Bayer Leverkusen.

Gomez has played just 11 minutes this calendar year. He got injured at West Ham just after Christmas. Then, on his return at Plymouth in February, limped off in pain and was not seen again all season.

He has now flown home from Asia due to an Achilles injury and, though it is minor, it puts into perspective Liverpool’s lack of depth in the area. Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch and left back Kostas Tsimikas filled in at centre back in the 4-2 loss to Milan.

Neither look like long-term options. Wataru Endo can also play there and, like Gravenberch, is adept in the role. But the problem is this: Gravenberch was the best No 6 in the Premier League last season, so no matter how good he is when in defence, you lose the midfield glue.

Gomez is one of the nicest gentlemen in the squad, a leader in the dressing room and the Reds’ longest-serving player who is respected by all in the building. But it is fair to say his fitness cannot be trusted – even though he is definitely worth keeping for his versatility.

The other pair have issues, too. Konate is solid but last season was the first he had an injury record that one could describe as pleasing – what if that does not continue?

A bigger worry is the fact he is yet to sign a new contract with his current deal set to expire next summer and Real Madrid circling.

Van Dijk is the best central defender on the planet but he is 34 and will not be around for ever. What happens if the captain suffers a season-ending injury the day after the transfer window shuts?

Amara Nallo and Wellity Lucky are the academy defenders probably in line to step up if a crisis did occur, but neither are on the pre-season tour which perhaps hints that Arne Slot does not believe they are ready for first-team football just yet.

So all this leads us to the statement: Liverpool need to sign a defender.

Richard Hughes, the sporting director, knows this – and they are actively targeting centre backs to boost their squad. But nothing is advanced at this stage, although it might ramp up in the coming week given Gomez’s minor injury has thrust the matter into the spotlight.

Marc Guehi is one they are keen on although Mail Sport understands the main brief for this position is someone young, adept on the ball and who could learn from Van Dijk and eventually evolve into his long-term replacement.

Last year, they were in the picture for Lenny Yoro but the young Frenchman chose Manchester United and, 12 months later, Liverpool registered interest in Dean Huijsen who switched Bournemouth for Real Madrid. Both are the profile Liverpool want.

The Guehi deal has gone quiet but it is still a possibility. Crystal Palace want a sky-high fee for their 24-year-old captain and Liverpool are not willing to pay. But if the FA Cup winners budge, Hughes might sense an opportunity and pull the trigger for the England international.

That is how Liverpool operate: opportunistically. Isak is a golden opportunity and one that cannot be sniffed at if a deal is doable. If he is indeed on the market – and that depends on whether Newcastle stand firm or not – then Isak is the best No 9 that could be bought. It would make Liverpool the team to beat in Europe.

But if it is an either-or situation – it may not be – Isak or another No 9 on top of Ekitike is perhaps not the smartest bit of business. They can have all the shiny strikers they like but you cannot win a league without a solid defensive foundation.

They have that at the moment but, with a very thin list of players in reserve, that could crumble and, regardless of how many goals they can score at one end, they might have problems at the other. Anyway, back to the Christmas list, where was I? Socks, air fryer…see more

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