Transfer news live updates: Leeds’ Gnonto lodges transfer request, Villa loan Zaniolo, Kane reaction
Harry Kane after dream Bundesliga bow: ‘Instinct took over’
Harry Kane scored and assisted for Bayern Munich on his Bundesliga debut against Werder Bremen in a 4-0 victory on Friday.
Bayern’s record signing shone under the lights at Weserstadion as Thomas Tuchel’s men claimed all three points in their opening league game of the 2023-24 campaign.
Kane picked out Leroy Sane after just four minutes and the England captain familiarly found the bottom corner in the 74th minute after a well-timed run and fine first touch.
Sane and Mathys Tel both got on the scoresheet in added time to confirm a 4-0 victory for Bayern.
It was a beautiful evening,” Kane said. “I’m thrilled. Of course I was a bit nervous with the new surroundings and the new club, but once I was on the pitch, instinct took over and I’m happy we got a good result.”
Tuchel said of his star signing from Tottenham: “The assist was great, the goal was a classic. He takes his time and hits it where he wants it to go.
“He is absolutely top; as a person, his presence, how he trains and of course his quality. He delivered an assist and scored — long may it continue.”
ICYMI: Liverpool’s Jones to miss Bournemouth match with ankle injury
Curtis Jones is set to miss Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday.
The England Under-21s international twisted his ankle in training this week and is unlikely to feature against Andoni Iraola’s side.
The hope is that Jones will be back in contention for the trip to Newcastle United a week on Sunday.
The 22-year-old midfielder impressed off the bench after replacing Cody Gakpo midway through the second half of last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Jurgen Klopp is waiting to discover whether new signing Wataru Endo will be granted a work permit in time to feature against Bournemouth after completing a £16.2 million move from Stuttgart.
Klopp’s midfield options remain depleted with Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic not yet available for selection. They are still building up their fitness in training after recovering from long-term injuries.
ICYMI: Leeds’ Gnonto submits transfer request
Wilfried Gnonto has submitted a written transfer request as he attempts to secure a move away from Leeds United.
Everton have seen multiple offers for the 19-year-old forward rejected, the most recent being worth £25million including bonuses and a sell-on clause to the Elland Road club.
Leeds insist that Gnonto is not for sale, but the Italy international is determined to leave in search of Premier League football and Everton are prepared to return with another improved offer.
Gnonto started in Leeds’ opening game of the Championship season against Cardiff, but withdrew from the squad to face Birmingham last week.
The club reiterated at that point that they were not willing to sanction his departure, and said the situation was an “internal disciplinary matter”.
Gnonto, who will not be involved in Leeds’ trip to West Brom on Friday evening, has been training alone since making himself unavailable for selection, and is no longer using the first-team dressing room.
Gnonto joined Leeds on a five-year deal from Zurich last September and made 45 appearances for Leeds in all competitions last season.
ICYMI: Spalletti appointed new manager of Italy
Luciano Spalletti has been appointed as the new manager of Italy.
The 64-year-old guided Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years last season before deciding to take time out of the game, despite having one year remaining on his deal.
Confirming the appointment, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina said: “We welcome Spalletti. The national team needed a great coach and I am very happy that he has accepted the role in charge of the Azzurri.
ICYMI: Villa complete Zaniolo loan deal
Aston Villa have completed a season-long loan deal for Nicolo Zaniolo from Galatasaray.
The Italy international, 24, travelled to Birmingham earlier this week for a medical ahead of the switch. The Premier League side will also have an option to sign him permanently.
Zaniolo only joined Galatasaray in February in a €15million move from Roma and made 11 appearances, scoring five goals.
Zaniolo’s arrival will aim to fill the gap in the squad Unai Emery is looking for after Jack Harrison joined Everton.
Villa were keen on the Leeds United midfielder but had concerns over his expected recovery from a hip problem.
Emery is still keen for at least one more attacking reinforcement, with the club open to selling forward Cameron Archer but retaining a buy-back clause.
De Zerbi: Loan move would help Ayari development
Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi believes a loan move will benefit January signing Yasin Ayari.
The 19-year-old midfielder has made one start and two substitute appearances in the Premier League since he joined from Swedish side AIK Solna as a potential successor further down the line to Moises Caicedo.
De Zerbi said: “I would like Ayari to have the possibility of playing 50-55 games. It’s not my job to decide where he should play, but I would like that because he has the quality to come back and to play to find space in the future with me, without me, the same with Jeremy Sarmiento (on loan to West Brom) and Deniz Undav (loaned to Stuttgart).
“I pay attention to the players when they leave on loan, because it’s important for the club.”
Caicedo, sold to Chelsea earlier this week in a deal worth £115 million, was developed via a loan to Beerschot in Belgium before becoming a regular at Brighton.
De Zerbi sees Ayari in a similar light to 18-year-old Facundo Buonanotte, having previously suggested the Argentinian attacker could go out on loan.
“For Facundo Buonanotte the same,” De Zerbi said. “For Julio (Enciso) and (Evan) Ferguson last season it was different, because we lost (Leandro) Trossard (sold to Arsenal). We didn’t bring in any other attacker and there was the possibility for them to play.
“That was a different situation. For Ayari, for Buonanotte now, it’s a totally different situation. Maybe for them it’s important to find a new solution, to play on loan, to progress, to give them the possibility to come back in another situation at another time.”
Kane’s ‘perfect start’ on Bayern league debut with goal and assist
Harry Kane marked his Bundesliga debut for Bayern Munich with a goal and an assist in a 4-0 win at Werder Bremen.
The England striker joined the club this summer from Tottenham Hotspur and though he lost his first game last weekend when RB Leipzig triumphed in the German Super Cup, Kane got his league career in Germany off to a winning start.
Speaking after the game, Kane said: “Amazing start to the new season, couldn’t have asked for it to go any better. To get a 4-0 win, and a goal and an assist, just the perfect start.”
Bayern are next in action at home to Augsburg on August 27.
Pochettino: New signings must show they deserve to play
Chelsea completed the signings of both Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo this week.
Lavia is Chelsea’s eighth signing this summer as the squad undergoes a reshuffle under Mauricio Pochettino.
The new head coach was asked on Friday about how he plans to keep his squad, and the new signings, happy in terms of game-time.
“It is not that we sign a player and we spend X amount of money and they are sure to play. Do you think I tell Mo or Lavia ‘oh, you will play?’ Yes, if they are good. Talented players, players that spend money (on) but in the end you need to show every day that they deserve to play. My job is to be fair with everyone in the squad.
“You sign a player on an eight-year contract and afterwards they don’t run, is not involved, no commitment, are they going to play? That is our job. It is our judgement.
“If you have an eight-year contract, you need to be responsible, no? The player has to show respect, commitment, the quality that we expect. If not, they are not going to play.
“And the player can not be upset, we can be upset against the player. Because if we sign a player and give them an eight-year contract and the player is not willing to do what we expect, then they don’t play, it’s because of him, not because of us. They need to give their best.”
Why Chelsea believe their £900m transfer spending is within FFP rules
Silva wants to rejuvenate new striker Jimenez
Marco Silva wants to rejuvenate Raul Jimenez’s career in the same way that he improved new Fulham team-mates Aleksandar Mitrovic, Tim Ream and Willian.
The west London club are bracing themselves for the possible departure of Aleksandar Mitrovic, after Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal renewed their interest in the Fulham striker this week. Fulham have already rejected two formal offers from Al Hilal this summer, worth around £30m and £35m respectively. However, amid further uncertainty, Mitrovic has been training individually this past week and will now not feature for Fulham against Brentford tomorrow, due to an ankle injury.
Striker Jimenez joined Fulham last month from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee in the region of £5m, and he is looking to rediscover his best form at his new club. The Mexico international suffered a serious head injury in November 2020, following a season where he scored 17 league goals, but in the two full seasons since his return to full fitness in 2021, he has only scored six times.
Silva though is confident that he can help Jimenez recover his best form, in a similar way to how Mitrovic and Willian, among others at Fulham, have improved under his watch.
“We are here to help him like we have been helping our players these last two seasons,” he said on Friday. “What we did with them, I think we can do the same with Raul. Our idea is to do the same. He has very good skills to help us, and to provide different things for us than the other strikers.”
Silva confirmed that Jimenez will start against Brentford in the absence of Mitrovic, who suffered a minor ankle knock against Everton.
Silva said he had not been told by the club to prepare for Mitrovic’s departure, but added that the improvements of some players in the squad had led to more, and bigger, offers for players.
“No one said to me ‘ OK, prepare because Mitro is already sold’,” Silva said.
“We have to be ready as a club. It’s the consequence of the season that we had. If you did something great, create a very good group of players, it is a consequence. I don’t have all the numbers but probably the club is receiving more offers than ever, and I’m talking about really (big) offers and offers in numbers that probably the club in the last few seasons didn’t expect to have. But OK, but it is a consequence from the season that we had.”
Another player who has attracted interest this summer is defender Tosin Adarabioyo. The Athletic reported last week that Fulham rejected a €10million bid for him from Monaco and Silva insisted that, despite a break down in contract talks, suitors will need to spend big for him.
“We rejected the offer that we received because it is not even close to the value for the player,” said Silva. “He is so so important for us. I understand that the player is in the last year of his contract. We tried to renew with him. We were not able to do it for different reasons. But he’s our player. If someone wants to buy him, it will not be easy. Because he is an important player for me. But financial things are for the board”
Postecoglou uncertain if Spurs will manage to trim squad
Ange Postecoglou has said he is unsure if Tottenham will be be able to move on some of the players they are looking to sell this summer.
Hugo Lloris, Tanguy Ndombele, Sergio Reguilon and Japhet Tanganga are among those Spurs would listen to offers for and Postecoglou admits the squad needs trimming.
When asked if the club may struggle to sell, Postecoglou said: “That may well be the case, you just don’t know. It’s a funny sort of transfer season. There’s a lot happening at the top end and very little below that, from an external point of view.
“It’s not something I’m really close to right now in terms of my involvement with where we’re at in terms of those outgoings.
“Obviously I’m aware what’s happening in all those spaces because at the moment the squad is too big, we need to trim it.
“The reality is that you might not get a player out and he might be part of your squad and you need him as you are not going to go with a man down and you need that person. You might want to bring someone in and it is not going to happen.
“We are in constant dialogue with Daniel (Levy, chairman) and everyone else in the football department and there are a lot of moving parts. Hopefully when we get to the end of the window we want to be in a space where we have got the majority of what we want to do.”
Why Tottenham are struggling to sell their unwanted players
Ten Hag sure Mount has intelligence to succeed in United midfield
Erik ten Hag has said he believes new signing Mason Mount has the intelligence to succeed in Manchester United’s midfield.
United won their first Premier League game of the season 1-0 against Wolves on Monday, but questions were raised about how their midfield seemed overrun.
Despite the victory, Casemiro look isolated, with Mount, who joined from Chelsea this summer, playing further forward.
Ten Hag said: “I didn’t see it that way. I thought (Casemiro) was surrounded by Luke Shaw, he was surrounded also in cases by Lisandro Martinez, by Mason Mount. But definitely we have to improve.”
Asked if he felt Mount could play in a deeper role, Ten Hag said: “He can, we have seen it in pre-season. We have to work on many parts of our game, but also midfield, cooperation, how we set it. I am sure we will get it. But it’s not coming overnight. If it was easier, everyone could do it.”
Mount played in a more advanced role at Chelsea, but Ten Hag felt confident he could play deeper, in the same way Christian Eriksen did when he joined from Brentford.
Ten Hag said: “Eriksen last season had the same. First time in his life he played in a deeper role, that was the ambition for Christian but also the ambition for Mason. So he wants to be multifunctional. That’s the way I see football.
“It is a process we have to go through. But I am sure he has game intelligence, technical abilities, also good vision on the ball, he has the dynamics, he has the mentality, so all the ingredients are there to do it.”
Analysis: Zaniolo – a game-changing talent still seeking consistency
We reported earlier today that Aston Villa have completed a season-long loan deal for Nicolo Zaniolo from Galatasaray.
The 24-year-old Italy international only joined Galatasaray in February in a €15million move from Roma and made 11 appearances, scoring five goals.
Nicolo Zaniolo: a game-changing talent still seeking consistency
Chelsea make opening bid for Revs goalkeeper Petrovic
Chelsea has opened talks with the New England Revolution and made an opening bid for a deal to acquire Serbia international goalkeeper Djorde Petrovic, sources involved in the deal tell The Athletic.
Sources believe a deal could be reached in the range of $15million (£11.8m), but talks are ongoing and no deal is reached yet.
The Serbian is regarded as the best goalkeeper in MLS.
Kepa Arrizabalaga left Chelsea for Real Madrid this month and Robert Sanchez was signed from Brighton this summer while American goalkeeper Gaga Slonina has been loaned to KAS Eupen.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino referenced the club’s continuing search for another goalkeeper on Friday, saying the club was “thinking and exploring all of the situations and possibilities on the market.”
The Athletic reported on July 30 that the Revolution had rejected bids from FC Nantes and Nottingham Forest for Petrovic. Nottingham has since signed U.S. national team goalkeeper, and former Revs star, Matt Turner from Arsenal.
New England has insisted they didn’t want to lose their star goalkeeper before the end of the season, with the summer transfer window in MLS now closed, but Chelsea’s strong finances and Petrovic’s desire for the move may force them to reconsider.
Petrovic, 23, has made 48 appearances in New England after signing in 2022 and quickly established himself after Turner departed for Arsenal. He was voted second in MLS Goalkeeper of the Year last season, despite playing only 21 of 34 matches after joining midseason. He was named a 2023 MLS All-Star.
Petrovic has two caps with the Serbia national team. Before New England, he broke through at Serbian side FK Cukaricki.
With the transfer window closed, MLS clubs can only sign free agents. The Revolution is interested in free agent American goalkeeper Josh Cohen, who excelled with Maccabi Haifa in Israel and the Champions League, but a potential deal is tricky. Atlanta United made an offer to the player and, in MLS, a club must acquire a player’s “discovery rights” before signing them. Atlanta has Cohen’s discovery rights.
Villa complete Zaniolo loan deal
Aston Villa have completed a season-long loan deal for Nicolo Zaniolo from Galatasaray.
The Italy international, 24, travelled to Birmingham earlier this week for a medical ahead of the switch. The Premier League side will also have an option to sign him permanently.
Zaniolo only joined Galatasaray in February in a €15million move from Roma and made 11 appearances, scoring five goals.
Zaniolo’s arrival will aim to fill the gap in the squad Unai Emery is looking for after Jack Harrison joined Everton.
Villa were keen on the Leeds United midfielder but had concerns over his expected recovery from a hip problem.
Emery is still keen for at least one more attacking reinforcement, with the club open to selling forward Cameron Archer but retaining a buy-back clause.
Good start for Kane…. assist within five minutes
Harry Kane’s first appearance in the Bundesliga and his full debut for Bayern Munich has started well.
After his transfer from Tottenham this summer, he will have been keen to make a good first impression and he grabbed an assist within five minutes of his first start for his new club.
Kane clipped the ball onto former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane, who raced through to put Bayern ahead against Werder Bremen after four minutes.
Kane’s first 24 hours in Munich: One day, one trophy? It really did not go to plan
Spalletti appointed new manager of Italy
Luciano Spalletti has been appointed as the new manager of Italy.
The 64-year-old guided Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years last season before deciding to take time out of the game, despite having one year remaining on his deal.
Confirming the appointment, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina said: “We welcome Spalletti. The national team needed a great coach and I am very happy that he has accepted the role in charge of the Azzurri.
Kane set to make first start for Bayern
Harry Kane’s move from Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich has been one of the biggest transfers of the summer.
The 30-year-old completed the move last weekend and made his Bayern debut as a substitute as they lost 3-0 to RB Leipzig in the DFL-Supercup.
Bayern kick off their Bundesliga defence tonight away at Werder Bremen and Kane has been named in the starting XI as he looks for a better result than they achieved last weekend.
Harry Kane, the language barrier and the Lederhosen
Leeds’ Gnonto submits transfer request
Wilfried Gnonto has submitted a written transfer request as he attempts to secure a move away from Leeds United.
Everton have seen multiple offers for the 19-year-old forward rejected, the most recent being worth £25million including bonuses and a sell-on clause to the Elland Road club.
Leeds insist that Gnonto is not for sale, but the Italy international is determined to leave in search of Premier League football and Everton are prepared to return with another improved offer.
Gnonto started in Leeds’ opening game of the Championship season against Cardiff, but withdrew from the squad to face Birmingham last week.
The club reiterated at that point that they were not willing to sanction his departure, and said the situation was an “internal disciplinary matter”.
Gnonto, who will not be involved in Leeds’ trip to West Brom on Friday evening, has been training alone since making himself unavailable for selection, and is no longer using the first-team dressing room.
Gnonto joined Leeds on a five-year deal from Zurich last September and made 45 appearances for Leeds in all competitions last season.
Luton make enquiry about loan for Spurs’ Tanganga
Luton Town have made enquiries about a loan for Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tanganga.
Discussions are in the early stages, but Spurs’ preference is for a permanent move for the 24-year-old.
Other clubs interested include Galatasaray and Inter Milan.
Luton have made ten signings this summer and lost their first match in the Premier League 4-1 to Brighton on Saturday.
Tifo video: Is Endo the right signing for Liverpool?
Liverpool’s search for a defensive midfielder has led them to 30-year-old Wataru Endo from Stuttgart.
The Japanese player is captain for the national side, and can also be deployed as a centre-back.
Liverpool were in the market for both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia but lost out on both players to Chelsea, which has led them to the surprise signing of Endo.
But is he the right fit for what Jurgen Klopp’s side needs?
Liverpool’s Jones to miss Bournemouth match with ankle injury
Curtis Jones is set to miss Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday.
The England Under-21s international twisted his ankle in training this week and is unlikely to feature against Andoni Iraola’s side.
The hope is that Jones will be back in contention for the trip to Newcastle United a week on Sunday.
The 22-year-old midfielder impressed off the bench after replacing Cody Gakpo midway through the second half of last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Jurgen Klopp is waiting to discover whether new signing Wataru Endo will be granted a work permit in time to feature against Bournemouth after completing a £16.2 million move from Stuttgart.
Klopp’s midfield options remain depleted with Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic not yet available for selection. They are still building up their fitness in training after recovering from long-term injuries.
With David Raya’s move from Brentford to Arsenal confirmed this week, there has been debate about whether Raya or current No 1 Aaron Ramsdale should start for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Tifo asked their viewers which keeper they thought should get the nod and they were split 50/50 on the vote.
Frank expects Raya Arsenal loan to be made permanent
David Raya finally completed his move from Brentford to Arsenal this week.
The 27-year-old joined on a season-long loan with the option to make the move permanent next summer.
Speaking on Friday, Brentford manager Thomas Frank said he expects that option to be taken up and for Raya to push Aaron Ramsdale for the No 1 spot at the Emirates.
“I think this is a deal that will be complete in the future,” he said.
“I think it will not be a loan in the future, that is my feeling and understanding because I don’t think it makes sense to go there on loan where there is big competition for the number one spot.
“You can never say never until it is definite. Even if it was not a loan deal but a direct sell, then you never know what happens, maybe he is coming back in the future – but it is most likely (he will not return to Brentford).”
Raya vs Ramsdale: Schmeichel’s right, battling to be No 1 can cause insecurity – it did with me!
Iraola on Adams: ‘We have to wait… but he’s a really good player’
Earlier today we reported Bournemouth have agreed a deal with Leeds to sign USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams for a fee in the region of £23million plus add-ons and that a medical was due to take place.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was asked about the 24-year-old in his press conference on Friday, but did not want to reveal too much.
“It’s a player that right now is not our player, so we have to wait,” he said ahead of his team’s trip to Anvield to face Liverpool tomorrow.
“The club is working towards signing someone there in the midfield, but we have to wait until everything is complete.
“He’s a really good player. He has performed in the Champions League, national team experience. But I don’t want to go too far because right now it’s not our player.”
Klopp admits it’s difficult for ‘normal club’ Liverpool in modern transfer windows
Asked if it had become harder to attract players to Anfield this summer, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp added: “Everything is more difficult and there are reasons, you know them. A lot of things are different this year.
“Some clubs just have a different way to do it and no-one understands 100 per cent how it works. As a normal club, it’s really difficult to catch up with them. You just watch what they’re doing, it’s fine, I don’t blame anybody, it’s just how it is.
“Then there’s Saudi Arabia on top of that not making things any easier. Our window ends at the end of August and the window there (in Saudi) is still open so if a player is not happy they will come again with an even bigger offer. Three weeks ago no-one would have thought that Neymar would be over there.
“It’s not written in stone that everyone has to watch the Premier League or Bundesliga or La Liga. We don’t have the right to say it’s not allowed, but the endless money causes a problem.
“It would be cool if someone could find a solution — regulation, I don’t know. Yes, it became more difficult, but not to convince players to come to Liverpool, I don’t think so. I could have called a million players who would have come here immediately. We have to make sure we go for the right ones. We just can’t just spend and then have a look later. It’s absolutely fine.
“I sit here absolutely happy with our transfer window in this moment. I know what happened last week and I know how football fans are, they would prefer to bring in a player who is £110 million. But in the end the pitch is the same size. The player will not grow with the money he costs.
“I am really happy in this moment. We will keep watching and looking. We will try with all we have to make the best decisions for this club. We will not use money or anything else as an excuse for one second. We will just go for it with all we have. We do it our way. We are here and we are ready to fight.”
Injured Mitrovic to miss Brentford clash amid Saudi links
Marco Silva says Fulham will be without Aleksandar Mitrovic for Saturday’s west London derby with Brentford due to injury, amid speculation about the striker’s future.
Fulham have rejected two bids from Al Hilal for Mitrovic, but this week the Saudi Pro League club renewed their interest in the 28-year-old.
Mitrovic came off the bench against Everton in last week’s 1-0 win, but sustained an ankle injury. Silva has ruled him out for tomorrow
Asked whether Fulham have accepted a bid for Mitrovic, Silva said: “I don’t have this information. I have no updates regarding that matter. He is out of the game because of his ankle, which he hurt during the last game (vs Everton).
“He is doing individual work and not working with his team-mates (in training) because of the injury. About a possible bid, or a deal, the information I received before I came here was no updates.”
Silva said the injury Mitrovic sustained was in a different foot to the ankle injury that affected him last season. He also confirmed that new signing Raul Jimenez will start against Brentford.
Regarding a timeframe for Mitrovic’s absence, Silva added: “The injury is not going to be something serious. That’s what I can tell you. It won’t be serious that he’s out of competition for three or four weeks, (he won’t be).”
Fulham signed Adama Traore on a free transfer last week and Silva confirmed he too will be in the squad tomorrow. Plus, midfielder Joao Palhinha is ready to return after a shoulder injury.
Silva stated that club still need to make further additions: “We have to. I don’t see it in a different way,” he said. “That is our reality. We are short in numbers in certain positions. We have just two full-backs in our squad (Fulham have Antonee Robinson, Kenny Tete and Kevin Mbabu). That means we need two full-backs to come in. We are looking for other positions to strengthen our squad.”
Klopp ‘more than happy’ with Endo arrival
Liverpool confirmed the signing of Wataru Endo earlier today and Klopp added he was delighted to get the midfielder on board.
The 30-year-old’s availability for Saturday’s home clash with Bournemouth will depend on whether his work permit is granted in time.
“I’m really happy we finally can announce we have an agreement with the club AND the player,” Klopp smiled, a reference to the £111 million deal they struck with Brighton for Moises Caicedo before the Ecuador international snubbed them.
”I’m absolutely happy. I watch a lot of Bundesliga. I liked him pretty much from the start. He’s a late bloomer, if you like, usually for us, the way our owners see it, he was already too old when he joined Stuttgart! But I obviously have a different view on that and always liked him.
“When you have a problem, you can stick to the problem or find the solution. I am more than happy to have this solution. He is 5ft 10ins but jumps to the ceiling.
“In the air really good, generally defensive challenges he loves. He’s tactically really smart closing down the right depth and players. Good footballer on top of that. Big heart, desire. He has a really good package, to be honest.”
Liverpool considering further signings – Klopp
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool are considering adding further new signings to their squad following the arrival of midfielder Wataru Endo.
The Japan international penned a four-year contract at Anfield after completing a £16.2million move from Stuttgart.
“The window is open, and until then pretty much everything can happen,” Klopp said.
“On the outgoing side, from my side nothing will happen but in this window, I learned a lot of things, so we will see that. Incomings, there is still time, so let’s have a look and that’s what we will do.”
Klopp admitted it had been a “tricky week” after missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, who both opted to sign for Chelsea instead.
Real’s Marvin moves to Las Palmas on loan
Real Madrid have confirmed Marvin Park’s loan move to Las Palmas.
The 23-year-old right-winger also spent last season on loan at Las Palmas, making 24 appearances as they were promoted to La Liga.
Las Palmas are in action tonight as they travel to Valencia in their second game of the season. They drew 1-1 against Mallorca last Saturday.
Moyes gives update on Maguire, Lingard moves
West Ham manager David Moyes has spoken about the club’s transfer business, including their now-stalled move for Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.
The east London club had agreed a £30m fee for Maguire, but the move hit an impasse earlier this week.
“We did make an offer for Harry Maguire, just at the end we weren’t able to take it any further,” Moyes said. “That’s unfortunate. We’re looking at several players from other clubs but obviously, I’m not going to name them and talk about them.”
On Jesse Lingard, who is a free agent and has been training with West Ham in recent weeks, Moyes added: “We’ve not even considered a deal at the moment.
“He’s in training to see if he can get fit, he’ll be here next week as well. There’s no news on that in terms of short-term deals or anything like that.”
Moyes did confirm new signings James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez were fit for the visit of Chelsea on Sunday.
Guardiola unsure of Stones’ injury timeframe
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he doesn’t know how long defender John Stones will be out for.
Stones was absent from City’s opening day win at Burnley last weekend and again for their Super Cup victory against Sevilla on Wednesday.
“Yes (he won’t be available to face Newcastle tomorrow),” Guardiola confirmed just now.
“(Stones is a) muscular issue. Last training, he did not feel comfortable. I don’t know how long he will be out.”
On Ruben Dias, who also missed the Burnley trip but was on the bench against Sevilla, Guardiola added: “Ruben maybe he will be fit.”
Bernardo will also be absent for the visit of Newcastle but “will be back soon. Next week, he will be ready”.
Pochettino: Caicedo and Lavia joined because ‘something special’ happening at Chelsea
Mauricio Pochettino says Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia came to Chelsea because they feel “something special” is happening at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea fended off competition from Liverpool to sign both midfielders, with Caicedo’s arrival confirmed earlier this week and Lavia’s signing finalised today.
“That is about the players’ decision,” Pochettino said. “They decided to come here. It wasn’t a competition between Chelsea and Liverpool. It was their decision to join us.
“The players wanted to come here because I think and hope that they feel something special, that something good is happening here.”
On whether the pair would be able to feature against West Ham United on Sunday — with neither having played yet this season — Pochettino added: “We need to assess, we have one day more (to do that).
“It was a very stressful few weeks for Moises and Romeo. It is easy to say they will be involved on Sunday in the game.
“The most important thing is to avoid risks and not to rush with them. If they are ready tomorrow, they will be involved. If not, they are going to wait a few days more to be involved in the squad.”
Ten Hag confirms Man Utd in talks over Evans extension
Erik ten Hag has confirmed Manchester United are in talks to extend Jonny Evans’ short-term contract with the club.
Evans, 35, signed a short-term deal with United earlier this summer to be a part of the squad for pre-season. It is believed Evans, who made 198 appearances for United at the start of his career, is in talks over a one-year deal with the Old Trafford side.
The Northern Ireland defender was a free agent after leaving Leicester City in June.
Ten Hag stated that Harry Maguire’s situation — the former club captain’s move to West Ham appears off — does not impact any deal for Evans.
“No it (Maguire’s situation) does not affect it,” Ten Hag confirmed. “We will see, we are in talks and when we have news we will bring it as always.
“For this month he is under contract but we are talking (about extending it).”
Asked whether he was keen for Evans to stay, Ten Hag replied: “Of course, otherwise we would not be talking.”
Romero available for Spurs despite head injury vs Brentford
Cristian Romero will be available for Tottenham’s home game against Manchester United tomorrow.
The Argentina international sustained a head injury while scoring Spurs’ opener at Brentford last weekend and had to be replaced by Davinson Sanchez.
“Cristian is good to go,” Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou confirmed on Friday. “He’s been in the hands of the medical team — there’s a clearly defined process and he ticked all the boxes. Felt fine all week. Trained, and ready to go.
“Aside from that, no change from last week.”
Luis Enrique: Mbappe available and ‘in great shape’
Kylian Mbappe is available and will be ready to start for PSG against Toulouse this weekend, Luis Enrique has said.
Mbappe was reinstated into PSG’s first team last week, a day after being omitted for their Ligue 1 season-opener against Lorient and amid an ongoing contract stand-off.
The 24-year-old was put up for sale by PSG in July and also left out of the club’s tour squad, which led to him training separately from his team-mates.
PSG now insist he is no longer for sale and will not leave the club this summer, but they have long been insistent that Mbappe will not leave for free next year, with various options — explained in more detail below — on the table.
Luis Enrique told reporters ahead of Saturday’s game that Mbappe had displayed “a lot of desire”.
“Kylian is in great shape, he has a lot of desire, a very good state of mind,” the head coach said. “I am very happy to have a world-class player like Kylian,”
Luis Enrique added that new arrival Ousmane Dembele would be ready to play “from the first minute” but also admitted the club need to strengthen their attack after losing Lionel Messi to Inter Miami and Neymar to Saudi side Al Hilal.
“We still need to strengthen it because it is the line where we had the fewest recruits, but we still have work to do on how they complement each other,” Luis Enrique added.
On Neymar’s departure, he said: “I think it was a favourable decision for everyone. I would like to thank him for the behaviour he has shown since I arrived. He is a world-class player and I wish him well for the future.”
Kylian Mbappe stays at PSG… for now: Meetings, bonus idea and what comes next
Replacing Kevin De Bruyne
How do you replicate genius?
That is the question Manchester City will, unfortunately, have to answer one day when they say goodbye to Pep Guardiola, who lifted the 15th trophy of a managerial spell beginning its eighth season in Athens last night — that’s two a year, or put it another way, one every 27 games in charge.
But that question is also one Guardiola himself needs to answer right now, at least for the next three or four months.
If you had to pick the second-most responsible figure in the Etihad Stadium’s home dressing room for all that success over these past seven years, the other person to be truly and consistently exceptional in their field during that time, you would have to choose Kevin De Bruyne.
Manchester City win Super Cup – but how will they replace Kevin De Bruyne?
What will Endo bring to Liverpool
There is no reason to be underwhelmed with Wataru Endo. He is a fierce competitor and an excellent professional, but also a superb role model – and how important that could be for Liverpool, with their developing group of young midfielders.
There is also no question that Stuttgart would have been relegated from the Bundesliga last season without Endo. He is one of the most tenacious ball-winners in Germany and there is an energy to the way in which he screens his defence that must make him extremely difficult to play against. He does not stop. He is relentless.
He can play a bit, too. Nobody would describe him as a regista or deep-lying playmaker, but nor is he just a simple stopper. He can pass and his technique is good, so he will have no problem fitting in with the technical standard at Liverpool. And with James Milner now gone and Jordan Henderson having left for Saudi Arabia, Jurgen Klopp has a leadership deficit that needs addressing. Endo can be that sort of person; he is extremely well-respected by teammates past and present.
And why has he not left Stuttgart? That is really a question for him, but he is the father of five children and you would imagine that it would take a special opportunity to uproot his family.
Endo: Dream to play in Premier League
“I’m very happy right now and I’m so excited to join a big club in Liverpool,” Waturu Endo has told Liverpoolfc.com.
“It feels amazing and this is my dream. It’s always been a dream to play in the Premier League and with one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“I can’t wait to play at Anfield in front of Liverpool fans. I play as a No 6. I think I can help this club defensively and I will have good organisation in the middle. I think that’s my job.”
Liverpool confirm Endo signing from Stuttgart
Brighton’s Offiah heads to Hearts on loan
As trailed in this blog yesterday, Brighton defender Odel Offiah has signed a new deal at the club until 2025 and will spend the season on loan at Hearts.
On Offiah’s move, Brighton technical director David Weir said, “Odel has been around the first team picture for a while now, but we want him to get regular minutes.
“It was great for us to have another academy graduate get their first taste of Premier League football last season, something Odel had earned and we’re looking forward to seeing how he adapts to this new challenge in Scotland. We wish him the best of luck for the season.”
Offiah, 20, has made five senior appearances for Brighton during his career.
Liverpool confirm Endo signing in €19m deal
Liverpool have completed the signing of defensive midfielder Wataru Endo from Stuttgart for around €19million.
The Japan international has signed a four-year contract at Anfield.
Liverpool turned their attention to Endo this week after missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, who both opted to sign for Chelsea.
“I’m really happy,” manager Jurgen Klopp told LFCTV.
“I know in this world of football how it goes and stuff like this, but have a look, because he’s a really good player.
“Experienced player, captain of Stuttgart, captain of Japan, speaks good English, nice fella, family man, machine on the pitch, good footballer on top of that, sensational attitude.
“He’s a good footballer, very experienced and loves to work extremely hard.”
Bought primarily as a defensive midfielder, Endo — who will wear the No 3 shirt — can also operate at centre back and right-back. He has missed just three games for Stuttgart over the past three seasons.
Another attraction for Liverpool was his leadership skills, following the exits of experienced midfielders such as Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho this summer.
He will complement the club’s current crop of national team captains which includes Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohammed Salah.
His availability for Saturday’s game against Bournemouth will depend on whether his work permit and international clearance are granted in time.
Liverpool confirm Endo signing from Stuttgart
Ismael: Watford still searching for right striker
Watford head coach Valerien Ismael says the club are still trying to find the right striker.
Watford retain an interest in FC Midtjylland and former Cardiff loanee Sory Kaba, while Spartak Moscow’s Shamar Nicholson is also on their radar.
“Everyone fights to find a number nine,” Ismael said. “You will find one, but after it, it’s what would you compromise to find your number nine.
“From the club’s point of view, (they are also looking at) the financial possibility, plus what I’m demanding on the position. It has to be right and to make sure everyone has a good feeling on the players.”
Ismael says Watford may also strengthen elsewhere, adding: “We are thinking about the defensive line if it makes sense for us to add some strength because it’s a long season and at some point maybe you need some.
“So it’s always the assessment from the defensive line, the front line and some position we are good, we don’t need to think about. But its clear two or three position are in my mind at the minute.”
The French coach also says Samuel Kalu and Kwadwo Baah are not currently part of his plans and have been earmarked for departures: “It’s up to them now to take the decision for the future.”
Tom Ince is in line to be fit for a Watford debut this weekend, but fellow new signing Jamal Lewis (on loan from Newcastle) has a minor calf issue, while Jeremy Ngakia (ankle) will be assessed before the meeting with Stoke.
Martin on Adams transfer
Che Adams is the latest Southampton player to be linked with a move away from St Mary’s.
Everton have tabled a £12m offer for Adams and there is confidence a deal will be done.
The 27-year-old scored 25 goals in 123 Premier League games for the club before they were relegated at the end of last season, but has two in two matches in the Championship so far under new head coach Russell Martin.
“He’s a fantastic character,” Martin said earlier on. “Really good player. In the last week or two, his energy’s been great and I’ve really started to see what he can bring us.
“I’d be really gutted to lose him but at the same time, if he ends up going it’ll be for a sum of money that the club deem appropriate and that I presume means we can then go and replace him.”
Hall set for Newcastle medical ahead of loan with obligation
Chelsea left-back Lewis Hall is set for a medical with Newcastle United on Friday ahead of his proposed transfer to the St James’ Park club.
Newcastle are due to sign the 18-year-old on loan with a £28million obligation to buy, in a deal which will also include £7m in add-ons which Chelsea expect to be achieved. The add-ons include club and international factors.
Chelsea respect Hall but the Englishman’s desire to leave and their existing left-back depth — in the form of Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, Ian Maatsen, Zak Sturge and Ishe Samuels-Smith — means it is a deal that suits all parties. The west London side will also retain a meaningful sell-on clause.
Newcastle had seen a number of previous approaches rebuffed for Hall, who recently signed a long-term Chelsea deal.
Chelsea had preferred to loan Hall to another interested club in Crystal Palace, but the England youth international favoured a permanent exit.
Hall grew up a Newcastle fan and will have the opportunity to play Champions League football this season when the deal is concluded.
Update: Bournemouth, Leeds reach £23m Adams deal
Bournemouth have agreed a deal with Leeds to sign USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams for a fee in the region of £23million plus add-ons.
The south coast club made the breakthrough on Friday after protracted negotiations.
Adams is set to undergo a medical on Friday afternoon and, if all goes to plan, the 24-year-old will sign a five-year deal.
Manchester City midfielder Maximo Perrone is close to joining La Liga side Las Palmas on loan.
Perrone’s agent is travelling to Europe to finalise the details of the move.
City manager Pep Guardiola suggested Perrone as an option to Francisco Garcia Pimienta, the Las Palmas head coach. The pair played for Barcelona for a period in the 1990s and Garcia Pimienta coached in La Masia while Guardiola was head coach.
Perrone joined City from Argentinian side Velez in January and made two substitute appearances in the second half of last season. The 20-year-old did not make the matchday squad for City’s 4-0 win at Burnley last Friday and was an unused substitute during their Super Cup victory yesterday.
Las Palmas were promoted back to La Liga last season. They drew their opening fixture last weekend against Mallorca and face Valencia tonight.
Scarpa completes Olympiacos move
Gustavo Scarpa has completed his loan move to Olympiacos.
The Nottingham Forest midfielder will spend the season in Athens, with the midfielder not part of Steve Cooper’s plans for the coming campaign.
The 29-year-old flew out to Greece yesterday to complete the final details of the move.
Scarpa made six starts and four substitute appearances for Forest after joining from Palmeiras in January. He missed a few weeks of the season after being allowed to return to Brazil to deal with personal issues.
Scarpa, who signed as a free agent, is under contract with Forest until 2026.
Manchester United Women sign Geyse
Manchester United Women have completed the signing of Geyse Da Silva Ferreira from Barcelona.
The Brazil forward is United’s third arrival of the summer following the additions of Evie Rabjohn and Gemma Evans
“I am very happy to be here,” Geyse said. “Signing for United has been a very special day for me and my family.
“I am very grateful for this opportunity and thank everyone for making it happen.”
Geyse joins the club following a season with Barcelona, where she featured 37 times and scored 11 goals as Barca won the treble.
United have been in the market to strengthen their forward line following the departure of Alessia Russo to Arsenal.
Marc Skinner said: “Geyse is a proven winner on the biggest stages. She has won both domestic and international honours and her winning mentality is an important addition to our team, ahead of a busy campaign across several important competitions.”
Ancelotti confirms Lunin to start for Real despite Arrizabalaga arrival
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Andriy Lunin will continue in goal for the club’s match against Almeria tomorrow.
Lunin, 24, was thrust into the spotlight last weekend as Thibaut Courtois’ ACL injury saw the Ukrainian start in their 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in their season opener.
Real then took to the transfer market to add to their goalkeeping depth, with Kepa Arrizabalaga brought in on loan from Chelsea this week.
“Kepa is adapting very well, but as he is still adapting tomorrow we will continue with Lunin, who has done very well in Bilbao,” Ancelotti confirmed. “In the next matches, we’ll see. We already knew Kepa, he is showing his quality.”
On whether he will rotate the two goalkeepers, Ancelotti added: “I don’t know, because the truth is that Kepa already has a very high level. He is young, but at the same time very experienced.
“Lunin lacks a bit of experience, which is quite normal for a young player. I don’t think we’ll have rotations when we play every three days.”
Kepa vs Courtois: Comparing Madrid’s Chelsea loanee with injured keeper he’s replacing
Lavia’s first words as a Chelsea player
Romeo Lavia has finally completed £58m ($73.7m) move from Southampton to Chelsea.
“I’m really happy to join Chelsea and be a part of this exciting project,” Lavia said. “It’s an amazing football club with a great history and I’m really excited to get started.
“I can’t wait to meet all my new team-mates and build a chemistry together to achieve great things together,.
“I think the project and the ambitions of the club were key factors [in signing] but also the history behind it. It’s a very exciting time and most of the players we’ve signed are players that I’ve played against and I thought these players are good so to be able to work with them is a great feeling.
“I think we’re all young and good players so it will be good to get each other better and that is the only way to succeed. Obviously, I know Diego Moreira from young (age), we played against each other for quite long.”
Bournemouth, Leeds continue Adams talks
Bournemouth are in continued negotiations with Leeds to sign USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams.
Discussions are understood to be focused on an overall transfer package worth in excess of £20m, which was the release clause in Adams’ contract.
The Athletic reported on Thursday that a potential deal was proving complicated, with Bournemouth believing they had met a time-limited relegation release clause, but Leeds maintaining that it had expired.
Talks are currently continuing, though, raising Bournemouth hopes of a breakthrough.
Any deal would be subject to a medical.
Adams made 26 appearances in all competitions last season as Leeds were relegated from the Premier League.
A hamstring injury has kept him out of the start of Leeds’ Championship campaign.
Howe a fan of Chelsea’s Hall
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has spoken about his admiration for Chelsea’s Lewis Hall.
The Athletic reported previously that Newcastle are working to sign the 18-year-old full-back, who can also play in central midfield, having had a number of approaches rebuffed for him this summer.
“Let’s wait and see what happens today,” Howe said a few minutes ago, confirming that any deal was set to be a loan. “He’s a player that I like. Very versatile, really good potential.”
“I think if we were able to bring a player in that would be our transfer business concluded unless there was injuries within are in place.”
Asked whether he’d spoken to Dan Burn — Newcastle’s left-back for most of last season — about the move, Howe replied: “No, I don’t think I don’t think that’s something I’ve ever really done in a sense of sit down when you sign a player regardless of position.
“With that player who’s currently holding the shirt, I think it’s obvious that if they continue to perform well, and the team is successful, they will keep their place.
“But they will be aware of added competition and that’s what you want. You want the players thinking, ‘If I have a bad game, I could be replaced’. We want a team that’s constantly pushing each other for better performances.”
Everton in £12m Che Adams offer
Everton have made a £12million bid for Southampton striker Che Adams.
Everton and Nottingham Forest are long-standing admirers of the 27-year-old, while Bournemouth also looked at him earlier this transfer window.
Adams is into final 12 months of his Southampton contract and no extension has been discussed. Everton believe it is a reasonable offer for a player with one year left on his deal and there is confidence on both sides that a deal will get done.
The Scotland international has been expected to move on throughout the summer and he is open to a fresh start.
Southampton are keen to avoid players entering the final year of their contracts and are willing to sell the Scotland international.
What Lavia will bring to Chelsea
Chelsea have now added Romeo Lavia to their squad, having completed the signing of Moises Caicedo earlier this week.
In doing so, they have denied Liverpool two of the Premier League’s most in-demand midfielders while further edging their total spend under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital towards the £1billion mark.
But what is it about Lavia that attracted Chelsea (and Liverpool)?
What Romeo Lavia will bring to Chelse
Analysis: Caicedo and Lavia – why Chelsea wanted both
Wyscout
Ball-winning and possession-controlling central midfielders have become football’s latest valuable profile.
Chelsea’s acquisitions of Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion and Romeo Lavia from Southampton are proof of that.
At £115million ($146m, €134m), Caicedo is the third-most expensive player ever, a British record transfer, and now means that three of the top 10 all-time fees have been for defensive midfielders — alongside Declan Rice, signed by Arsenal this summer from West Ham, and Enzo Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica in January.
A fee of £53million for Lavia has been agreed, which would rank inside the top 100 fees.
Caicedo and Lavia: Their similarities, how they differ and why Chelsea wanted them both
Chelsea complete Lavia signing
Chelsea have completed the signing of Romeo Lavia from Southampton in a deal worth £58million ($73.7m).
Lavia, 19, has signed a long-term contract with the west London club.
Southampton will receive an initial £53m plus £5m in add-ons.
Manchester City, who Lavia joined Southampton from last summer, will receive 20 per cent of the profit made from the sale due to a sell-on clause inserted in his deal.
Chelsea faced competition from Liverpool for the Belgium international, but Lavia ultimately chose a move to the west London side.
Lavia will wear the No 45 at Chelsea, as he did at Southampton.
Lavia bids farewell to Southampton
Romeo Lavia’s £58million move to Chelsea from Southampton is due to be confirmed shortly.
“As I say goodbye, I want to say a big thank you for everything you have given me during my time here,” Lavia posted on social media.
“I’ve instantly felt the love from you all despite us not achieving our shared goals. I’ll never forget the belief the club and Saints all around the world showed me and I hope I was able to repay the faith you put in me.
“I would especially like to thank all my teammates and all staff members within the club involved closely or not for putting your arms around me since the day I walked through the Staplewood Campus and for all the daily work and help behind the scenes making me become a better person, athlete and football player. You have all played a massive part into making my integration into real professional football easier.
“I will be forever grateful to you.
“For those reasons, this club will always remain close to my heart.”
Endo set for ‘dream’ Liverpool move
German side Stuttgart confirmed yesterday that Wataru Endo has flown to England for a medical after being given permission to hold talks with Liverpool over a proposed transfer.
The Athletic reported on Wednesday night that a deal in the region of €19million (£16.2m) was close to being completed.
“(Endo) has the possibility at the age of 30 to move to Liverpool,” Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness said. “It’s a dream of his.
“From the club’s point of view, we’re speaking about a good package economically. From a sporting and human perspective, he is an important player. He was always there in important moments.”
Liverpool have been eager to strengthen their midfield after seeing Jordan Henderson and Fabinho depart for Saudi Arabia and then failing in their pursuits of Moises Caicedo or Romeo Lavia.
ICYMI last night
Nottingham Forest have made a verbal offer to sign midfielder Youssouf Fofana from Monaco.
The proposal of £29.8million (€35m) plus add-ons is at a level the Ligue 1 club would be prepared to accept.
Forest are also in contact with Fofana’s representatives as they try to reach an agreement with the 24yo France international. Other clubs are closely monitoring the situation.
Fofana joined Monaco from Strasbourg in 2020 and made 47 appearances in total for the French club last season, scoring two goals and providing two assists.
The midfielder has also made 10 appearances for the France national team including six appearances at the 2022 World Cup.
The Athletic previously reported that Forest are interested in strengthening central midfield with PSV’s Ibrahim Sangare, Leicester City’s Wilfried Ndidi, Leeds United’s Tyler Adams and Benfica’s Florentino Luis among the club’s targets.
Kane signs boot deal with Skechers
As well as starting for Bayern Munich tonight, Harry Kane has signed a long-term partnership with U.S. sportswear brand Skechers.
The England captain joined Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday in a deal worth more than €100million (£86.4m, $110m)
The company say Kane, 30, “will be at the forefront of the performance brand’s first football boots” which will launch in the UK and Europe in September and will appear in “a multiplatform marketing campaign” as a brand ambassador.
Kane wore the boots during pre-season with Spurs as well as in his debut for Bayern in the German Super Cup defeat by RB Leipzig on Saturday.
Kane, who previously wore Nike boots, said: “It’s definitely a time of transition in my career and I’m thrilled to announce my signing with Skechers just as I’m making a big move.”
Tuchel confirms Kane to start tonight
Harry Kane is set to make his first Bayern Munich start when they begin the new Bundesliga season away against Werder Bremen tonight.
The 30-year-old made his Bayern debut last Saturday, just hours after his move from Tottenham was announced.
Speaking on Thursday ahead of the Bremen game, Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel reiterated: “(Kane) will start tomorrow as long as nothing happens today.
“His presence has an extremely positive influence on all of us. He gives 100 per cent in every training session and it’s entertaining watching him.
“We have already done a few finishing drills during which he was able to demonstrate his quality — that was impressive.”
Harry Kane, the language barrier and the Lederhosen
Militao follows Courtois in having ACL surgery
Getty Images
Real Madrid have confirmed that Eder Militao has followed goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in undergoing surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The Brazil defender was forced off early in the second half of Madrid’s 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao to open the new La Liga season.
Real said that, like Courtois, Militao had been “successfully operated on” and would begin his recovery process “in the coming days”.
Chelsea Correspondent
Chelsea dealt James, Chalobah training injury blows
Chelsea have been dealt a double injury blow with captain Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah sustaining hamstring issues in training this week.
James is not expected to make a swift return from his injury, having also missed the last seven games of last season with a hamstring problem.
Chalobah previously had a minor hamstring injury and aggravated the issue on Monday, meaning he faces about a month out injured.
Chelsea have been open to offers for Chalobah and there has been transfer interest, including from Nottingham Forest, in the 24-year-old, who wants to fight for his place at Chelsea. It remains to be seen whether this injury will impact a potential move away.
James returned to action over pre-season and was fit to start Sunday’s season opener against Liverpool. He lasted 74 minutes in the 1-1 draw and Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino played down concerns over the England international after the match.
“He was tired,” Pochettino said. “You need to see from where he came. The first thing we did when we arrived was to assess and analyse all of the players from the past. He was injured for three or four months.
“This pre-season was tough for him, we didn’t want to take any risk and that is why at 80 minutes, we wanted to avoid the risk.”
Pochettino is holding press conference tomorrow ahead of Sunday’s trip to West Ham United and the club are expected to provide an update on both players’ situations.
Luton complete Krul signing from Norwich
Luton Town have completed the signing of goalkeeper Tim Krul from Norwich City.
The 35-year-old Netherlands international, who has previous Premier League experience with Newcastle United, Brighton and Norwich, has called time on his five years at Carrow Road to join Rob Edwards’ side.
Krul is Luton’s tenth signing of the summer following their promotion to the Premier League.
“The story of Luton Town speaks for itself, the last nine years has been an amazing journey and I’m excited to join that journey,” Krul said.
Edwards added: “Tim’s a leader and a top goalkeeper who is still very and ambitious and very hungry. He wants to play.
“It’s great to have someone of his level in the group with that ambition and to be that driven, and it’s going to add great competition to the goalkeeper department, which is what we’ve wanted.”
Haaland, Saka and Kane nominated for PFA award
Erling Haaland is one of three members of Manchester City’s treble-winning side nominated for the 2022-23 Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) men’s Players’ Player of the Year award.
Manchester City teammates Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones are also on the six-person shortlist, alongside Arsenal pair Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka and former Tottenham striker Harry Kane.
Haaland broke the Premier League goalscoring record for most goals in a single season during his debut campaign in England, scoring 35 times in 36 appearances following his summer move from Borussia Dortmund.
The 23-year-old finished the 2022-23 season with 52 goals in all competitions as City won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
Courtois has ‘successful’ ACL surgery
Real Madrid have confirmed that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has had surgery after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament.
Courtois suffered the injury in his left knee during training last week, with the 31-year-old likely to miss the rest of the season.
Real said the operation was “successful” and added: “Courtois will begin his recovery process in the coming days”.
The La Liga side have signed Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on a season-long loan to cover for Courtois.
Palace confirm new Olise deal
Crystal Palace have confirmed Michael Olise has signed a new four-year contract with the club.
The French Under-21 international, 21, has decided to stay at Selhurst Park despite strong interest from Chelsea.
Manager Roy Hodgson said: “It’s the best possible news we could have. It’s a concern when a club of Chelsea’s stature takes an interest it suggests a move to them might be the best bet. I’ve always hoped that wouldn’t be the case.
“His future here is very bright, we can help him move very quickly to another level. The decision has been his. We’re delighted.
“Congratulations to Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman who have done a fantastic job in persuading him that despite the pressure from outside this is where we think you can progress and develop in the right way.”
Transfer news and rumours live updates
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the summer transfer window.
We will be bringing you all of the latest transfer news as clubs from the Premier League and beyond continue to spend big ahead of the September deadline.
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