International Football Thread

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Liverpool’s 2025-26 kits celebrate tradition with new touches​

Liverpool’s 2025-26 kits, marking their third partnership with Adidas, feature a tribute to Jota and classic designs

Sports Desk
August 01, 2025

Liverpool FC has unveiled its new home and away kits for the 2025-26 season, kicking off their 10-year partnership with Adidas in style.

The new jerseys were officially revealed on Friday at Anfield, with both designs now set to lead the club into their title defence.

The German sportswear giant becomes Liverpool's kit supplier for the third time in the club's history. The partnership began in 1985 and lasted until 1996, during which the Reds won three First Division titles.

The two brands reunited again from 2006 to 2012, securing both the FA Cup and League Cup during that spell.

The home kit, marking the start of this latest era, opts for a classic look. The geometric patterns and yellow accents from last season’s design have been replaced by a bold, straightforward red shirt with simple white trim.

The design is reminiscent of the popular Adidas home shirt from 2006 to 2008, with the white piping that outlines the torso giving it a vintage feel.

 

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Manchester United closing in on signing Benjamin Sesko as new striker​

Manchester United offer €75m plus €10m for Benjamin Sesko, with the 22-year-old preferring Old Trafford

Sports Desk
August 06, 2025

Manchester United are on the verge of securing a deal for Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko, edging ahead of Newcastle United in the race to sign the 22-year-old from RB Leipzig.

The Red Devils and Newcastle have both made bids for Sesko, with Newcastle initially offering €75 million plus €5 million in add-ons, before raising their offer to €80 million.

Manchester United responded within 24 hours with a proposal of €75 million plus €10 million.

Despite Newcastle’s increased bid, Sesko has expressed a strong desire to join Manchester United, a preference that has shifted the balance in United’s favour, as reported by The Athletic's David Ornstein.

 

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Barcelona strip Ter Stegen of captaincy as feud escalates​

Agencies
August 8, 2025

BARCELONA: Barcelona stripped Marc-Andre ter Stegen of the captaincy on Thursday as a feud escalated between the Germany goalkeeper and the club over his injury status amid the Catalans’ attempts to register new signings.

Ter Stegen’s place is under threat from one of the summer signings, 24-year-old Joan Garcia, and 35-year-old Wojciech Szczesny, the Polish veteran who has been rewarded with a contract extension for taking over during last season’s Liga title-winning campaign.

Barca were likely expecting to sell Ter Stegen, 33, to make space in their wage bill for Garcia and Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford.

However, Ter Stegen had to have more surgery to finish repairing a multiple knee ligament tear sustained last season, closing the door for him to leave in the close-season transfer window and forcing Barca to try a different approach.

The club asked Ter Stegen to sign a long-term medical leave that would allow them to clear 80% of his wages until mid-season and comply with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play rules.

But Ter Stegen’s announcement on social media that he would be sidelined for only three months irked the club management as La Liga rules require a player to remain out of action for at least four months to be considered a long-term injury.

“FC Barcelona announces that, following the disciplinary proceedings opened against player Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and until this matter is definitively resolved, the club, in agreement with the Sports Management and the technical staff, has decided to temporarily remove him as captain of the first team,” Barca said in a statement.

“During this period, the duties of first captain will be assumed by the current vice-captain, Ronald Araujo.”

The controversy highlights Barcelona’s financial struggles as they have battled to register new signings for several years running. The club are set to begin their La Liga title defence on Aug 16 at Mallorca amid the continuing captaincy crisis.

The club plans to partly reopen its expensively renovated Camp Nou stadium this month.

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2025

 

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Palace fret over Europa demotion, transfers ahead of Community Shield​

Manager Oliver Glasner hopes appeal verdict brings team back to Europa League, says players are looking forward to playing Liverpool.

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Guessand jumped at chance to join Villa​

Ivory Coast forward will reportedly cost Villa an initial 26 million with further 4.3 million in add-ons.

 

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'World-class potential' - Sesko joins Man Utd for £74m​

Sesko follows Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in joining Manchester United this summer

August 2025,

Manchester United have completed the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in a move worth £73.7m.

The deal for the Slovenia international, who has joined on a five-year contract, includes a guaranteed payment of £66.3m, with the remainder in add-ons.

He is United's third major signing in attack following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha for £62.5m and Bryan Mbeumo for £65m with £6m in add-ons, with the trio presented to the club's fans prior to Saturday's pre-season home game against Fiorentina.

Sesko, 22, was also a target for Newcastle United but has chosen to join Ruben Amorim's side.

United finished 15th in the Premier League last season, while the Magpies were fifth and qualified for the Champions League in a campaign in which they also won the EFL Cup.

"The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future," said Sesko.

"When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.

 

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New-look Liverpool humbled by Crystal Palace in Community Shield​

AFP
August 11, 2025



Crystal Palace players celebrate with the trophy after beating Liverpool in the FA Community Shield match at Wembley on Sunday.—Reuters

LONDON: Crystal Palace twice came from behind to stun a new-look Liverpool and win the Community Shield for the first time on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Wembley on Sunday.

New signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong scored for the Premier League champions, but Palace responded through Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr before winning an error-strewn shootout 3-2.

Mohamed Salah blazed over from the spot, while Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott were denied by an inspired Dean Henderson as Palace built on winning their first ever major trophy by beating Manchester City in May’s FA Cup final.

The traditional curtain-raiser to the English football season was given extra significance after a summer marked by tragedy for Liverpool.


Forward Diogo Jota was killed in a car accident alongside his brother Andre Silva.

Reds legend Ian Rush and Palace chairman Steve Parish laid wreaths on the side of the pitch before kick-off, while the Liverpool end was awash with banners and flags paying tribute to the Portuguese international.

A minute’s silence, however, had to be cut short due to disturbances in the crowd.

Jota’s death has dampened the excitement over Liverpool’s transfer spending spree to build on a squad that romped to a record-equalling 20th league title last season.

All four of their new signings at a cost of 260 million ($350 million) — Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Frimpong and Milos Kerkez — started.

Ekitike’s role this season could depend on whether Liverpool are successful in their pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

But the Frenchman — signed from Eintracht Frankfurt last month for an initial 69 million — did his case to be Slot’s preferred number nine no harm at all.

Wirtz also bagged his first assist for the Reds when Ekitike spun onto the German’s pass and fired into the far corner just four minutes.

Palace were making their first ever appearance in the fixture but the Eagles again showed their ability to match one of the Premier League’s giants over 90 minutes.

Mateta missed a glorious chance to level when he failed to beat Alisson Becker when one-on-one.

LIVERPOOL UNBALANCED

But from the rebound Sarr charged into the box and was tripped by an out-of-sorts Virgil van Dijk. Mateta coolly sent Alisson the wrong way from the penalty spot to equalise.

Liverpool’s players were sporting a “Forever 20” emblem, referencing Jota’s now-retired shirt number, that they will wear all season.

The Liverpool fans had risen to chant Jota’s name as the game entered the 20th minute when their side retook the lead Frimpong’s chipped cross caught out Henderson and flew into the far corner.

Ekitike wasted a great chance for his second early in the second half from another Wirtz pass as this time he fired over.

However, Slot’s new-look side are still to find the right balance between attack and defence as has been evidenced during pre-season.

Palace were a constant threat with balls in behind the Reds defence and levelled again 13 minutes from time.

Sarr sped onto Adam Wharton’s through ball and calmly slotted past Alisson for his fourth goal in seven games against Liverpool.

Liverpool also survived a VAR review for a penalty against Mac Allister for handball before the match went to a shootout without extra-time.

Youngster Justin Devenny was the unlikely hero as he blasted the winning spot-kick high past Alisson, showing Salah, Mac Allister and Elliott how it is done.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2025

 

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Manchester City target Real Madrid’s Rodrygo​

The deal, which is expected to cost around $109 million, will depend on Rodrygo's willingness to leave Madrid

Sports Desk
August 12, 2025

Manchester City target Real Madrid’s Rodrygo

Manchester City are weighing up a move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo as they prepare for a possible reshuffle in attack, with the Brazilian identified as a leading candidate to replace Jack Grealish.

According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, City have placed Rodrygo high on their recruitment list, viewing him as a “dream target” for manager Pep Guardiola.

The Premier League champions are considering a proposal worth around $109 million for the 23-year-old.

The interest comes after considerable changes to City’s squad.

Grealish, signed in 2021 for a British record fee, has moved to Everton on a season-long loan after he was left out of City's playing squad for the summer's FIFA Club World Cup.

Meanwhile winger Savinho, who joined City from Ligue 1 side Troyes in June 2024, is attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur and could also be allowed to leave, as reported by BBC sport.

Rodrygo’s position at Real Madrid remains uncertain.

Since joining Madrid in 2019, Rodrygo has won two UEFA Champions League titles and three La Liga championships, contributing six goals and six assists in 30 league appearances during the 2024-25 campaign.

Known for his versatility across the forward line, he would add both depth and top-level experience to City’s attack.

Whether a transfer materialises is expected to depend on Rodrygo’s willingness to leave Madrid.

 

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Premier League predictions 2025-26: BBC Sport pundits pick their top four​

Chris Bevan
BBC Sport journalist


Liverpool's Premier League triumph surprised a lot of people last season, but will they successfully defend their title?

That is the target for Reds boss Arne Slot, whose side finished 10 points clear of nearest rivals Arsenal last time out.

But can the Gunners finally take the next step after coming second for three years running? How will Manchester City respond after losing their crown after winning four in a row? Can Chelsea improve on last season's fourth-placed finish, and will anyone else figure at the top?

We asked 32 BBC TV and radio pundits to pick their top four, with explanations for their selections.

This time we've also asked AI's opinion, and included what Opta's 'Supercomputer' came up with too.

The AI prediction was generated using Microsoft Copilot Chat - we simply asked the tool to 'predict the Premier League table for the 2025-26 season'.

Opta's 'Supercomputer' is actually a complex algorithm that uses a model based on betting market odds and the sports analytics company's own 'Power Rankings', which are calculated using past results.

It has simulated the outcome of all 380 Premier League games 10,000 times and has come to the same conclusion as 12 of our pundits - including Chris Sutton, who performs a similar calculation when he makes his predictions each week.

Disagree with our expert humans or think you know more than any machine? You can make your own top-four prediction, and forecast the rest of the Premier League table, at the bottom of this page.

These predictions were made on the basis of how each squad shaped up on Thursday, 14 August, with more than two weeks to go until the transfer window shuts at 19:00 BST on Monday, 1 September.

Last season, nine teams featured in the forecasted top-four positions, but this time there are only four named.

Overall expected ranking, using all 34 predictions is:

1. Liverpool (121 points)
2. Arsenal (90)
3. Man City (83)
4. Chelsea (46)

Using a system of four points for a first place, three points for second, two points for third and one point for fourth.

 

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How will your club fare? Phil McNulty's Premier League predictions​

Arne Slot's Liverpool are the defending Premier League champions


Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Here we go again.

The annual act of folly and crystal ball-gazing that brings about my Premier League predictions.

I may still be living down the ill-fated belief that Leicester City would be relegated in the season they won the title, but it is time to have a crack at predicting how the forthcoming top-flight campaign might pan out.

Expect all the usual suspects to be at the top. Beyond that, this was arguably the toughest set of predictions to make since this exercise began.

1) Liverpool​

Last season: Champions

It's hard to see past Liverpool as this season's Premier League champions.

This is a team that won the title at a 10-point canter last term and has been strengthened by a remarkable summer spending spree. The transition is still a work in progress, as the Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace proved, but this a prediction made with complete confidence.

What should have been a summer of joy has lived under the shadow of the tragic death of beloved striker Diogo Jota - killed in a car crash - as well as the incident that left supporters injured at the title trophy parade.

The season will start without the departed Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, but Florian Wirtz was a statement signing - one of Europe's most coveted forwards - at £116m from Bayer Leverkusen, along with full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. New striker Hugo Ekitike, signed for an initial £69m from Eintracht Frankfurt, showed his class with a goal in the Community Shield.

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is the latest target, and Newcastle United's Alexander Isak may yet arrive - a frightening prospect for anyone wanting to take Liverpool's title away.

2) Arsenal​

Last season: Second

This is the acid test for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. No more talk of process and progress. It is time for actual silverware after five years without a trophy.

This time, Arteta has been given all the required tools to do the job - an already talented squad bolstered by the class of Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi and - at long last and at least 12 months too late - a recognised striker in Viktor Gyokeres.

This is a team with enough to mount a meaningful title pursuit and challenge for the biggest prizes.

This time Arsenal and Arteta have no excuses. They must win a trophy this season - and there should be optimism at Emirates Stadium that they can do so.

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3) Manchester City​

Last season: Third

It's a hazardous business going against Manchester City as prospective champions but I feel there may be too much ground for Pep Guardiola and his team to make up.

Never rule out a squad containing such quality, although they will desperately hope the lingering clouds over the fitness of Rodri - their most important player, who missed nearly all of last season - roll away.

Erling Haaland remains a magnificent spearhead while Omar Marmoush looked a high-class attacking reinforcement last season.

Rayan Ait-Nouri is another fine addition, while France forward Rayan Cherki comes with rave notices. There are also high hopes for Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders after his £46.5m arrival from AC Milan.

And this will hopefully be the season when Phil Foden returns to his best - a game-changer.

I fully expect City to win a trophy and challenge for the title - but do not think they will reclaim their old crown.

Will new recruit Joao Pedro help Chelsea become title challengers?

4) Chelsea​

Last season: Fourth

It's sometimes hard to keep track of events at Chelsea, but what we do know is they are the World Club champions and Conference League holders, and finally seem to be on the right track under Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea have added the quality of Joao Pedro from Brighton in attack as well as the youthful promise of Liam Delap. Jamie Gittens is another intriguing addition while the brilliance of Cole Palmer makes him the talisman.

And the progress of 18-year-old Brazilian wonder boy Estevao Willian will be followed keenly.

Chelsea will be right in the hunt for trophies domestically and will relish their return to the Champions League. They usually find a way to win silverware and I expect them to so again, but not the Premier League.

5) Aston Villa​

Last season: Sixth

They missed out on Champions League football on the final day of last season but I fully expect them to be at the sharp end of the Premier League once more under the outstanding guidance of Unai Emery.

Much will depend on the remainder of the transfer window, with Morgan Rogers a key figure. All overtures made towards him will be resisted by Villa, though there has also been speculation surrounding England striker Ollie Watkins. Local boy Jacob Ramsey may yet leave for Newcastle United - offering Emery funds for other incomings.

The loan spells of Marcus Rashford and Marcus Asensio have ended - though the latter may return - and it will be interesting to see how Emery utilises Ivory Coast international Evann Guessand - the new £30m forward signed from Nice.

6) Newcastle United​

Last season: Fifth

It's been a thoroughly miserable summer on Tyneside after the elation of winning the Carabao Cup - a first domestic trophy since 1955 - then securing Champions League qualification on the last day of the season.

The list of potential transfer targets that have ended up elsewhere has been long and embarrassing, with the final insult the toxic stand-off with their brilliant striker, match-winner and main goalscorer Alexander Isak, who has set his heart on a move to Liverpool.

So why such an optimistic prediction given this evidence?

Simply because manager Eddie Howe engineered last season's success superbly after a summer of turbulence behind the scenes.

Newcastle have a fine side when everyone is fit.

It seems impossible, at this stage, that fences can be mended with Isak, but new ones can be built with the arrival of Germany defender Malick Thiaw from AC Milan and a move for Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey.

The signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest at least ended the hunt for a right-sided attacker, while Brentford's Yoane Wissa, unlike so many others, seems keen on a move to Tyneside.

7) Manchester United​

Last season: 15th

This prediction may raise eyebrows even among some fervent Manchester United fans, but it is based on Ruben Amorim having had an entire summer to get his entrenched three-man central-defensive system firmly fixed in his players' minds and also because of some serious strengthening in attack.

Amorim has spent in the region of £200m on Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, and the capture of RB Leipzig's prized striker Benjamin Sesko in a deal that could be worth £74m. This will, or at least should, carry some serious threat.

They surely cannot be as bad again. Can they?

One rider, though - if they do not improve and United look as lost and hopeless as they did under Amorim at stages last season, he will swiftly be under a very unforgiving microscope.

 

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8) Tottenham Hotspur​

Last season: 17th

A seismic summer at Spurs as Ange Postecoglou was sacked after winning the Europa League - their first trophy in 17 years - and replaced by Brentford's Thomas Frank.

It also featured the departure of one of the club's modern-day greats as Son Heung-Min joined Los Angeles FC - so there is very much a sense of (another) fresh start at Spurs.

Frank is a big, charismatic personality who will relish the task after doing a magnificent job at Brentford, though there will also be greater scrutiny on his work, and not just from hard-to-please chairman Daniel Levy.

Still, expect this to be a season of improvement in the Premier League. It could not get worse than last season - or Spurs would find themselves in the Championship - and they should again be contenders for a cup.

The collapsed move for Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White was a setback, while the long-term injury to James Maddison hits hard, but Joao Palhinha - signed on loan from Bayern Munich - proved his Premier League quality at Fulham and Mohammed Kudus could provide a new 'X-factor' in attack.

Spurs will not stop there, either, with Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze in their sights, along with Manchester City winger Savinho.

9) Crystal Palace​

Last season: 12th

Palace's fortunes, and consequently their league placing, will inevitably be shaped by the fortunes of two of their most influential figures.

And that means whether they keep hold of prized assets Marc Guehi - their captain - and FA Cup final match-winner Eberechi Eze.

There is serious doubt surrounding Guehi's future - with Liverpool trying to close a deal - while Eze has attracted interest from both Arsenal and Spurs.

Irrespective of their final destinations, this is a Palace side with quality running right through it under the leadership of a top-class manager in Oliver Glasner - although he has sounded frustrated that more has not been done to build on last season's historic success.

They have already shown what they are about with the Community Shield win over Liverpool, with keeper Dean Henderson and Adam Wharton (surely a contender for an England start) influential - plus an attack which has Jean-Philippe Mateta as its focal point with Eze and Ismaila Sarr serious threats.

I can still see Palace having a very good season - despite the anger around their fall-out with Uefa over their exclusion from the Europa League - but they will have an even better one if they keep at least one of Guehi and Eze, as well as making a dent in the market themselves.

10) Nottingham Forest​

Last season: Seventh

It was a stellar season last time out for Nottingham Forest, who were serious Champions League contenders until late nerves set in. I'm not expecting as much this season but European football is back at the City Ground and no-one can question the ambition of owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Morgan Gibbs-White looked gone to Spurs one minute then signed a new contract the next - a huge boost after the departure of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle.

Forest still have the bedrock of goalkeeper Matz Sels with powerful defensive duo Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic in front of him, and adding Brazil striker Igor Jesus and Switzerland winger Dan Ndoye has provided extra threat.

Expect more new arrivals - Manchester City's James McAtee has been heavily linked - as Marinakis and manager Nuno Espirito Santo try to ensure Forest continue to move forward.

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11) Brighton​

Last season: Eighth

This superbly run club continue to be a presence in the upper reaches of the Premier League, although the loss of Joao Pedro to Chelsea will leave a big hole.

Fabian Hurzeler enjoyed a very good first season at the Amex, and Brighton have been working the markets in their usual fashion, with smart acquisitions of young, developing players.

Lots of eyes will be on 18-year-old Charalampos Kostoulas - the highly rated Greek striker signed from Olympiakos - while 21-year-old Italy defender Diego Coppola - signed from Hellas Verona - looks a typically smart Brighton signing.

Brighton are always pleasing on the eye and will not take a backwards step under Hurzeler. Another decent season awaits.

12) Everton​

Last season: 13th

Everton enter a new era at a magnificent stadium under owners the Friedkin Group and with returning manager David Moyes hoping to build on the revival he inspired in the second half of last term.

And a summer of transfer frustration finally brought the big reward of the potentially game-changing acquisition of Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City, following Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's arrival from Chelsea.

Grealish has plenty to prove and a World Cup to aim for. Have Everton pulled off a masterstroke?

It was also a statement of intent that defender Jarrad Branthwaite was given a new, long-term contract. He will be vital, as he was last season, along with defensive partner James Tarkowski and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

France Under-21 striker Thierno Barry is a work in progress and may not start, so much now depends on the final two weeks of the transfer window, with right-back still a weakness, and central midfield needing to be bolstered.

13) West Ham​

Last season: 14th

It was an underwhelming first few months for West Ham under Graham Potter, but it must be remembered he is a builder as opposed to a quick-fix manager.

Additions looks sensible, with more to come.

Kyle Walker-Peters and El-Hadji Malick Diouf - from Southampton and Slavia Prague respectively - have strengthened defence.

Callum Wilson - signed on a free transfer from Newcastle - will be a bustling threat in attack if he can stay fit, while Mads Hermansen adds real depth and quality in the goalkeeping department after coming in from Leicester City.

And, of course, West Ham still have the outstanding Jarrod Bowen.

More incomings may push the prediction higher but I'm not really expecting fireworks in east London this season.

14) Fulham​

Last season: 11th

It's been a very quiet summer at Fulham so far, though full-back Kenny Tete's decision to reject Everton to stay at Craven Cottage is a big plus.

Fulham are confident there is no need for a big overhaul of Marco Silva's squad, with plenty of talent such as defender Anthonee Robinson, along with midfield players of the quality of Andreas Pereira and others. Harry Wilson can always be relied upon for an important contribution.

As with their summer, this will be another season of stability for Fulham under the tactically astute Silva. Mid-table perhaps - but with the capacity to do more and always trouble teams higher up the table.

There is, of course, plenty of time for Fulham to strike in the transfer market, with suggestions of a deal being discussed for Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian winger Kevin.

15) Bournemouth​

Last season: Ninth

What to make of the Cherries now the defence that served them so well has been ransacked?

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga - on loan from Chelsea last season - has gone to Arsenal, Milos Kerkez to Liverpool, Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid and Illia Zabarnyi to Paris St-Germain.

As with clubs like Brentford and Brighton, Bournemouth's structure is sound so they will prepare for such eventualities, but that is a tough rebuild, even for a manager as talented as Andoni Iraola.

He cannot afford any more key departures and at least there has been strengthening, with much resting on keeper Djordje Petrovic - signed from Chelsea - and highly rated France left-back Adrien Truffert from Rennes. Bafode Diakite will be expected to fill one of the central-defensive berths after his £34.6m capture from Lille.

Do not expect Bournemouth to live in fear of the drop but it would be another sign of Iraola's quality if he can once more direct them into the Premier League's top half.

 

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Will Keith Andrews keep Brentford away from relegation in his first season as a manager?

16) Brentford​

Last season: 10th

For the first time in a long time, I genuinely fear for Brentford, who have been a superb Premier League presence with Thomas Frank - now departed for Spurs - at the helm.

I seriously believe their season could go to the wire, with new manager Keith Andrews untested at Premier League level, and with key departures such as main striker Bryan Mbuemo to Manchester United and vastly underrated midfielder Christian Norgaard to Arsenal, with gifted forward Yoane Wissa clearly casting longing glances towards Newcastle United.

They have, however, signed a proven high-class goalkeeper in Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool, while 35-year-old England midfielder Jordan Henderson will provide leadership, vast experience and an example.

The big question is whether Henderson can still cut it in the Premier League at this late stage of his career.

Andrews also believes 20-year-old Antoni Milambo can have influence in midfield after being brought in from Feyenoord.

17) Leeds United​

Last season: Championship winners

Someone has got to buck the growing trend of 'three up, three straight back down' from the Championship's promoted sides, so I am going to say Leeds United will break that glass ceiling.

A club of huge stature, Elland Road will be a bearpit this season and will be a difficult environment for any visiting side. This will hold the key to their survival hopes.

Daniel Farke has a new keeper in Lyon's Lucas Perri - signed for £15.6m. It may finally be the time Illan Meslier pays the price for too many high-profile errors.

In Dominic Calvert-Lewin - close to signing on a free transfer after leaving Everton - Leeds are acquiring a striker who has proven Premier League pedigree but has been troubled by long injury absences in recent years.

If he can stay fit, Leeds will have a very valuable asset.

Sean Longstaff provides experience and a competitive edge after arriving from Newcastle United, while additions elsewhere have come in the shape of left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille, centre-back Jaka Bijol from Udinese, and centre-back Sebastiaan Bornauw and forward Lukas Nmecha from Wolfsburg.

It will be tough - but Elland Road may just sway it.

18) Wolves​

Last season: 16th

This prediction is made with a heavy heart and hint of surprise given how the charismatic Vitor Pereira revived Wolves last season, but there have been some damaging departures and not enough quality incomings.

The class of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha was integral to Wolves last season and that is a heavy double loss to Manchester City and Manchester United respectively.

Jhon Arias - the Colombian signed from Fluminense for £15m - takes Cunha's number 10 shirt but will he have the same impact?

Fer Lopez - signed from Celta Vigo - is a youngster of promise.

Wolves could still pull this pessimistic prediction around, but it will be need a busy few weeks in the transfer market.

19) Sunderland​

Last season: Fourth in Championship (promoted via play-offs)

No-one could accuse Sunderland of not having a go at staying up - bringing in enough players for a new XI to build on their promotion last season.

There have been 11 new signings at the last count as manager Regis le Bris receives strong backing in the battle to stay in the Premier League.

Granit Xhaka's seven years of Premier League experience with Arsenal, as well as his success with Bayer Leverkusen, will be vital, while the arrival of Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra from Strasbourg in a club record £30m deal was another notable signing. The Black Cats also paid Brighton £21m for winger Simon Adingra to add more Premier League experience.

Other arrivals include former West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku, Enzo le Fee, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandava, Chemsdine Talbi, Robin Roefs and Marc Guiu.

It's quite an effort but integrating so many new signings may actually prove a problem.

20) Burnley​

Last season: Second in Championship

Burnley, like Sunderland, have been making it clear they have no intention of suffering the joyless, timid, instant return to the Championship they experienced under Vincent Kompany, after Scott Parker brought them back up last season.

The Clarets have been busy bringing new faces to Turf Moor, although the departure of James Trafford to Manchester City after keeping 29 clean sheets in the Championship last season will be felt. He has been replaced by the experienced Martin Dubravka from Newcastle United.

Parker will look to veteran England defender Kyle Walker to give his team top-flight know-how, while all fingers will be crossed that injury plagued but unquestionably talented striker Armando Broja can stay fit after his £20m arrival from Chelsea. Much will depend on him.

Burnley also believe they have pulled off a coup with the signing of another Chelsea player - French midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu. The 21-year-old has joined in a £20m deal.

It is a bold strategy but will it be enough to keep Burnley up? I have my doubts.

 

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Arsenal 'digging for gold' as title bid starts at new-look Man Utd​

Arteta's side have finished as Premier League runners-up for the last three seasons

AFP
August 16, 2025

Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres in action. PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON: Mikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal to keep digging for gold as they prepare to start their latest bid for a first Premier League title since 2004 against revamped Manchester United on Sunday.

Arteta's side have finished as Premier League runners-up for the last three seasons, sparking criticism of their failure to get over the line in the title race.

Arsenal blew significant leads when Manchester City pipped them to the trophy in 2023 and 2024 before Liverpool left the injury-plagued north Londoners trailing in their wake last season.

Arsenal's title frustrations are mounting, with fans questioning whether Arteta is the right man to end their drought after winning only the 2020 FA Cup since he took charge in December 2019.

But the Gunners showed their potential last season with a run to the Champions League semi-finals that ended with a narrow defeat against eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.

And, buoyed by a host of new signings worth over £180 million ($244 million) in total, Arteta is convinced they can finally get their hands on the Premier League silverware this season

"You keep digging, digging, digging, and you have to be digging because one day the gold is going to be there," he told reporters on Friday.

"For three seasons we've had more points than (nearly) any other team in this league, which is incredible.

"You have the consistency, but now we have to do it in a season, to end with more points than any other team.

"That's the objective. When I've been taught, when I've been educated, that's it."

Hampered by injuries to Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz at various stages last season, Arsenal lacked a cutting edge and were held to 14 draws compared to Liverpool's nine.

That was a crucial edge as Arsenal finished 10 points behind the champions.

In an attempt to insulate Arsenal against another fitness-related collapse, Arteta has brought in Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, Chelsea winger Noni Madueke and Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard.

After bemoaning Arsenal's failure to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as Liverpool pulled away during the January window, the Spaniard is a far more upbeat figure on the eve of the new season.