International Football Thread

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Messi expected to return for Miami against Galaxy​

He suffered a minor muscle injury in Leagues Cup match against Necaxa

AFP
August 16, 2025

AFP

MIAMI: Lionel Messi is ready to return for Inter Miami when they host the Los Angeles Galaxy in a Major League Soccer clash that will launch a key stretch for the Florida club, coach Javier Mascherano said Friday.

Following Saturday's Galaxy match, Miami plays Mexican club Tigres UANL on Wednesday in the Leagues Cup quarter-finals.

"Leo is doing well," Mascherano told reporters on Friday before training. "He has been training with the team since Wednesday. Unless something strange happens during today's training session, we think he'll be available for tomorrow's game."

Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi suffered a "minor muscle injury," apparently a hamstring strain, in the 11th minute of Inter's August 2 Leagues Cup match against Necaxa.




The 38-year-old Argentine superstar returns as the Herons vie to bounce back from a humbling 4-1 loss to Orlando City last weekend.

Inter have slipped to sixth in the MLS Eastern Conference with 42 points -- nine behind leaders Philadelphia but with three matches in hand.

Messi, the reigning MLS Most Valuable Player, leads the Golden Boot race with 18 goals and nine assists in 18 games.

Miami will be favored at home against the Galaxy, who are the defending MLS Cup champions but have sunk to last place with the league's worst record.

The Galaxy, however, did qualify for the Leagues Cup quarter-finals, and Mascherano cautioned that Miami can't afford to take them lightly.

"For me, they're a team in which the MLS standings don't reflect their quality, especially the quality of their players," Mascherano said.

 

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Goalkeeper Fabio surpasses Shilton's record​

The Fluminense goalie has 1,391st competitive appearances

REUTERS
August 20, 2025

Fluminense's Fabio during training. PHOTO: REUTERS

BENGALURU: Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio overtook Englishman Peter Shilton's longstanding record for the most competitive appearances in men's soccer, playing his 1,391st match during his side's 2-0 victory over America de Cali on Tuesday, his club said.

The 44-year-old Brazilian has enjoyed a professional career spanning 28 years, with senior appearances for Uniao Bandeirante (30 matches), Vasco da Gama (150), Cruzeiro (976) and Fluminense (235).

He made the switch from Cruzeiro to Fluminense in 2022 and has since won the Recopa Sudamericana and Copa Libertadores one each, alongside two Taca Guanabara and two Campeonato Carioca titles.

"I have every reason to thank God for allowing me to experience this special moment and achieve this tremendous milestone. It was very emotional to experience this, especially with my family by my side during the tributes," Fabio said in a statement posted by Fluminense.

"It is a great satisfaction to achieve this record wearing the Fluminense jersey, which opened doors for me." Fluminense celebrated Fabio's record with a tribute at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro following their win over America in the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana last 16 tie.

"Now it's time to keep playing and striving for new achievements in every game," he added.

Former England goalkeeper Shilton, who played between 1966 and 1997, was acknowledged as the record holder for the most competitive men's professional games, though the total is disputed. Guinness World Records and a number of statistics websites say the tally is 1,390 but Shilton himself, on his X feed, gives it as 1,387.

The discrepancy comes from Guinness including 16 unofficial games that Shilton does not include, while he includes 13 games he played for England's Under-23s team that normally are not counted.

 

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Real Madrid scrape past Osasuna​

Los Blancos squeezed a 1-0 win courtesy Mbappe in La Liga opener

AFP
August 20, 2025

Caption: Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring their first goal with Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen. Photo: REUTERS

MADRID: Kylian Mbappe struck from the penalty spot as Real Madrid beat a dogged Osasuna 1-0 on Tuesday to make a winning start in La Liga under new coach Xabi Alonso.

The France striker, last season's European Golden Shoe winner, scored early in the second half after he was fouled in the area by Osasuna defender Juan Cruz.

It was enough to seal the points in Alonso's first game in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Madrid now unbeaten in their opening fixture of a league campaign since 2008.

Trent Alexander-Arnold made his La Liga debut after his move from Liverpool, with former Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen and left-back Alvaro Carreras other summer arrivals included in the starting line-up.

Madrid though were without England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who is expected to be sidelined until October as he recovers from a operation to solve a recurrent shoulder issue.

Madrid are looking to turn the page on a disappointing end to the Carlo Ancelotti era after relinquishing both their domestic and European crowns last season.

Alonso's side had to show patience against an Osasuna team that finished ninth last term, with the hosts largely restricted to long-range efforts from centre-backs Huijsen and Eder Militao in the first half.

Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera was equal to both, while Mbappe failed to connect cleanly after being picked out by Vinicius Junior before he curled another shot wide as Madrid struggled to break down their opponents.

But Mbappe grabbed the only goal six minutes after half-time after he went down following a clumsy challenge by Cruz as he tried to cut past the defender.

Mbappe, who was La Liga's top scorer with 31 goals in his first season in Spain, got up and running for the new campaign as he sent Herrera the wrong way from the spot.

Alonso handed 18-year-old Argentine winger Franco Mastantuono his debut midway through the second half as Madrid controlled the game and seldom looked troubled.

 

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Shearer accuses Isak of pouring 'flames on fire' of Newcastle row​

Isak released a statement after deciding not to appear at the Professional Footballers' Association awards event

AFP
August 20, 2025

LONDON: Newcastle great Alan Shearer has accused wantaway striker Alexander Isak of pouring "flames on the fire" of his row with the Magpies by accusing the club of breaking promises.

The Sweden international, who was the second-highest goalscorer in the Premier League last season, has not featured for Newcastle in pre-season or their opening game of the campaign, a goalless draw away at Aston Villa last Saturday.

Liverpool have reportedly had a £110 million bid ($149 million) rejected for the 25-year-old, with Newcastle holding out for a British transfer record fee of up to £150 million.

Isak released a statement on Tuesday after deciding not to appear at the Professional Footballers' Association awards event despite being selected in the Premier League 2024/25 team of the year.

"The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time," said Isak, with the 25-year-old adding: "When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue."

But former Newcastle captain and manager Shearer, speaking to Betfair, labelled the current situation an "absolute mess" as he accused Isak's agent, Vlado Lemic, of failing his client.

"If I was him, I'd get his agent in a room and sack him on the spot immediately, because he is meant to be giving him the advice to sign that six-year deal and there's no get out clause," Shearer said.

"I mean, it's ridiculous. And to take anyone's word in football... it's nonsensical to say that someone said, 'Oh, I'll be able to get out at the end of the season'. Really? I mean, come on."

The ex-England striker added: "I've always said there are two sides to every story, but my feelings are exactly the same: he's gone about it in the wrong way.

 

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Newcastle host Liverpool, Spurs test new-look Man City​

Isak is set to sit out the meeting between his current employers

AFP
August 21, 2025

PHOTO: AFP

MANCHESTER: Liverpool can expect a hostile reception when they travel to Newcastle on Monday amid their pursuit of wantaway Magpies striker Alexander Isak, while Manchester City and Tottenham face off in an early examination of their ambitions for the season.

Across Merseyside, a new era begins for Everton on Sunday when they welcome Brighton for the first competitive game at their new 53,000-capacity stadium.

AFP Sport looks at the major talking points ahead of the second weekend of the Premier League season:

Isak is set to sit out the meeting between his current employers and his preferred destination as a stand-off over the Swede's future rolls into the final week of the transfer window.

Newcastle insist the 25-year-old will not move unless they can source an adequate replacement and Liverpool meet their British transfer record price tag of a reported £150 million ($202 million).

Liverpool have had one bid worth £110 million rejected with their business not yet concluded despite splashing £300 million on new recruits.

Isak broke his silence on Tuesday, saying his relationship with Newcastle "can't continue" after losing trust in the club.

However, the early season form of Hugo Ekitike has tempered the need for Premier League champions Liverpool to meet Newcastle's demands.

The French forward, who rejected Newcastle's advances to join the Reds, registered a goal and an assist on his Premier League debut in Liverpool's rollercoaster 4-2 win over Bournemouth.

The teething problems for Arne Slot's new-look side have been in stopping the flow of counter-attacks against them, but Liverpool should be stronger for the return of midfielder Ryan Gravenberch from suspension at St James' Park.

Newcastle's lack of firepower without Isak was exposed as they failed to break down 10-man Aston Villa in a goalless draw on the opening weekend.

It has been another frustrating week for Eddie Howe in the transfer market as his attempts to land Brentford striker Yoane Wissa have stalled.

City's 4-0 demolition of Wolves on the opening weekend sent a strong message of intent after a season to forget.

The visit of Spurs is a painful reminder of City's fall from grace last season as Tottenham ran riot with a 4-0 victory at the Etihad in November, in the midst of a run of one win in 13 games for Pep Guardiola's men.

Guardiola said his squad has been infused with "fresh energy" after new signings Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri impressed at Molineux.

But a tougher test lies in wait against City's bogey team of recent years.

Spurs have lost only one of their last four league visits to the Etihad and scored at least twice on every occasion.

New boss Thomas Frank has already shown his ability to adapt in very nearly masterminding a UEFA Super Cup victory over European champions Paris Saint-Germain before a late collapse.

Tottenham's Premier League campaign also got off to a flier with a 3-0 win over Burnley.

Everton's new season got off to a frustrating start in a late 1-0 defeat by Leeds.

 

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Premier League record broken as Leeds sign Okafor​

Noah Okafor has scored twice in 24 appearances for Switzerland

Leeds United have signed AC Milan striker Noah Okafor for £18m to take spending by Premier League clubs this summer to a record £2.37bn.

The Switzerland striker has joined the Premier League club on a four-year deal.

The 25-year-old becomes Leeds' ninth summer signing since winning the Championship to secure their return to the top flight.

"As a kid, I dreamed of playing in the Premier League. That's why for me it was quite an easy decision," said Okafor.

"My football suits the Premier League so this is like a dream come true. I can't wait to step on the field.

"I heard that the Premier League is the best league in the world, it's so intense. I have loads of friends that played there. I'm really, really excited."

Okafor's arrival means Premier League clubs have now spent more than the previous record in a single transfer window, the £2.36bn total in the summer of 2023.

The Swiss played for Basel and RB Salzburg before joining Milan on a five-year deal in 2023.

He scored seven goals in 54 games for the Italian club before ending last season on loan at Serie A rivals Napoli.

Who is Okafor?​

Forward Okafor has been limited to seven starts in all competitions since moving from his native Switzerland to neighbouring Italy two years ago.

Another 50 appearances have come as a substitute and the most recent of his seven goals for AC Milan came on the opening day of last season. He spent the second part of the campaign on loan at Napoli, making four brief cameos off the bench.

Okafor previously scored 25 goals in 71 Swiss league games but was never a regular starter for either Basel or Salzburg.

He has played 47% of his minutes in Serie A on the left wing, with 41% as a striker, according to data analysts Opta. Regardless of position, Okafor's touch map from the past two seasons illustrates his tendency to stay high and wide.

 

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What does your club need before transfer window shuts?​

Who will be on the move before deadline day?

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer


Premier League clubs have already spent more than £2bn this summer but there are more deals to be done before the window shuts on Monday, 1 September.

BBC Sport looks at the business each club needs - or wants - to do before the deadline passes.

AFC Bournemouth​

Bournemouth have been quietly getting on with the job of rebuilding after losing three of their first-choice defence last season with Milos Kerkez going to Liverpool, Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid and Illia Zabarnyi to Paris St-Germain.

And despite bringing in new faces, coach Andoni Iraola is still looking for more strength in defence and attack before the transfer window closes.

Adrien Truffert from Rennes looks a smart addition at left-back and Bafode Diakite has joined from Lille, but they still need an additional defender.

Ben Gannon-Doak from Liverpool offers real potential, and Amine Adli from Bayer Leverkusen is another addition in the wide positions after Dango Ouattara left for Brentford, but Bournemouth may look to add competition for striker Evanilson, particularly someone with aerial strength.

Arsenal​

Arsenal addressed their need for a number nine with Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal's main business looked to have been concluded with the additions of Martin Zubimendi in midfield and – finally – a recognised striker in Viktor Gyokeres, but the landscape changed dramatically with the knee injury to forward Kai Havertz, prompting the move for Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze.

There had been suggestions Arsenal would have moved for a left-sided player with speculation around the future of Gabriel Martinelli, but it looked all quiet until Havertz's injury.

If the Eze deal goes ahead, which looks certain, then any further activity is likely to be restricted to sales.

Aston Villa​

Unai Emery's summer business has been restricted by ensuring they stay within financial regulations, and it was with a heavy heart that talented local product Jacob Ramsey was sold to Newcastle United.

Emery still needs reinforcements in attack, hence talk of an interest in Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, while recruits could arrive in midfield. Whether Villa would meet the suggested £60m price tag for the striker is another matter.

Marco Asensio made an impact on loan at Villa from Paris St-Germain last season, and even though he returned to France, there may be a resurrection of a deal before the deadline.

 

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Brighton & Hove Albion​

Brighton are another club who did business early in the market as they prepared to sell Joao Pedro to Chelsea. Teenage Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas arrived, along with defenders Olivier Boscagli and Diego Coppola.

Brighton, however, are always across late opportunities so do not rule out deals – more out than in.

Much depends on the fitness of Danny Welbeck and Georginio Rutter in attack. Any problems there would place a heavy load on Kostoulas, so Fabian Hurzeler may look at his attack with Evan Ferguson out on loan at Roma and Joao Pedro gone.

Brentford​

Yoane Wissa's so-far unfulfilled desire to join Newcastle United is complicating matters for Brentford, although they have brought in Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth as they also look to compensate for the loss of Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United.

If Wissa gets his wish, which is not yet guaranteed, the Bees will surely need to move on a replacement for such a key player.

Aaron Hickey's brief return at Nottingham Forest after almost two years out with injury was great news, but Brentford may still look to strengthen at full-back.

Jordan Henderson adds experience in midfield, while Antoni Milambo gives energy, but with the influential Christian Norgaard now at Arsenal, Brentford may feel the need to add more creativity before the window shuts.

What we do know is that Brentford will do their business shrewdly.

Burnley​

Burnley have secured 13 permanent transfers this summer in a bid to survive in the Premier League, with sources suggesting that will be that unless a deal appears that they cannot resist.

Key defender Maxime Esteve has been the subject of interest, so if any late offers come in manager Scott Parker is likely to seek out a replacement.

The Clarets have also been dealt a blow in that area after Jordan Beyer, suffered a setback following 19 months out with a knee injury, so Parker will be weighing up that option carefully.

Chelsea​

Chelsea hold an interest in RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons

History tells us anything could happen with Chelsea before the deadline, but it looks like Enzo Maresca is intent on strengthening the forward positions, with Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig's Dutch player Xavi Simons well-known targets.

Much will depend on outgoings, with striker Nicolas Jackson one potential departure, along with another forward Christopher Nkunku, and academy winger Tyrique George.

Chelsea will also look to trim their so-called "Bomb Squad" - including Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell - before deadline.

Maresca would also like to strengthen in defence after Levi Colwill was ruled out for most of the season with a serious knee injury, but he has given the impression he had been told to look internally to solve that problem.

 

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Crystal Palace​

Things have been quiet at Selhurst Park so far, but expect it to heat up in the next period as manager Oliver Glasner sets his sights on a defender and a forward.

This all centres around the futures of captain and defensive lynchpin Marc Guehi and forward Eberechi Eze.

Liverpool are hopeful of luring Guehi, who has only one year left on his contract, to Anfield, while Eze now looks on his way to Arsenal after they hijacked his move to Tottenham.

These would leave big boots to fill.

Palace have been linked with Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, while Leicester City playmaker Bilal El Khannouss is a transfer target.

Club Brugge's Christos Tzolis has also been touted but the Belgian club have every chance of progressing in the Champions League and want to keep their best players.

There are busy days ahead for Palace before the window shuts.

Everton​

David Moyes has been left frustrated by Everton's lack of signings

Where to start? David Moyes has expressed his frustration at the lack of signings this summer and his mood would not have been helped by an awful display in the defeat at Leeds United.

Moyes has prioritised a right-sided attacker all summer. Negotiations for Southampton's talented teenager Tyler Dibling are dragging on, while a move for Lyon's Malick Fofana was placed on ice as he weighs up his options.

Leicester City's Abdul Fatawu is another of interest, but Moyes simply has to get a deal over the line in that position to inject pace and creation.

Everton will also look at right-back - where they thought they had Fulham's Kenny Tete only for him to decide to stay at Craven Cottage – and Leicester City's James Justin is of interest, although Leeds United also want the talented defender.

Norwich City's Kellen Fisher has also caught the eye. A defensive midfielder will also be on the agenda to give help to 36-year-old Idrissa Gueye.

A fairly full "in tray" for Moyes.

Fulham​

It has been very quiet at Craven Cottage this summer but all the indications are there will be movement before the close of the window, with wide positions the area manager Marco Silva will be focusing on.

Silva will certainly hope for incomings after expressing concern about Fulham's "passive" window and insisting he wants to strengthen in three or four positions. He wants better attacking options.

Fulham have been in negotiations for Shakhtar Donetsk's 22-year-old Brazilian winger Kevin, along with Arsenal's Reiss Nelson - could there even be a wildcard to come?

Raheem Sterling will need to get his career going again somewhere after he failed to make an impact at Arsenal.

Fulham need a winger. Sterling is available, looking for a club and keen to stay in London. Chelsea want him out.

Is that deal out of the question? Just a thought.

 

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Leeds United​

It has been a busy summer for Leeds United but there is still time for more and manager Daniel Farke is expected to try to beef up the final third of his team and also at full-back.

Leicester City's James Justin is a target at right-back while a deal to bring in AC Milan's Swiss forward Noah Okafor is imminent.

Leeds will hope the injury to captain Ethan Ampadu, sustained against Everton, will not prove serious and with both Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin having mixed injury records Farke may still feel he needs another number nine - although it could constitute selling to do another deal.

Liverpool​

Hugo Ekitike marked his first Premier League start with a goal and assist

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has been backed with huge funds this summer to sign Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike and teenage Italian defender Giovanni Leoni.

He has clawed plenty back through sales but expect Liverpool to try to be active again before the window closes, with central defence a priority after the departure of Jarell Quansah and with cover needed for captain Virgil van Dijk.

Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is the prime target there, while the ongoing saga of the pursuit of Alexander Isak - with Liverpool having a £110m offer rejected - is still clouded in controversy. That one could run on even further.

Liverpool may yet look to add strength on the left side of their attack, but for now a central defender and perhaps another effort to sign Isak top the agenda.

Manchester City​

Manchester City did the bulk of their business, aside from signing goalkeeper James Trafford, before the Club World Cup. And sources have told BBC Sport their business is done, unless a deal appears which is too good to turn down.

There has been speculation about a move for Paris St-Germain's exiled keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, but this will surely hinge on outgoings, with Galatasaray interested in long-serving Ederson.

Spurs have shown an interest in Savinho, which City have so far resisted. Should they relent and sell, this may yet open the door to an ambitious move for Real Madrid's Rodrygo, but at present Pep Guardiola seems satisfied with the summer's work.

 

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Manchester United​

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim focused attention on the sharp end of his team by spending £200m on a new attack of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.

United, however, clearly have a problem in the goalkeeping position, with Andre Onana falling short and Altay Bayindir showing his frailty with an expensive mistake against Arsenal.

Gianluigi Donnarumma has been linked with United, but is there time to get such a big deal done before the deadline?

Amorim has also looked to central midfield, but interest in Carlos Baleba has been shelved as Brighton insist he will not be leaving them. One for next summer perhaps?

There is still time for a deal, though, and the potential departures of Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea, as well as Rasmus Hojlund, could open that particular door a bit further.

Newcastle United​

Alexander Isak's future has dominated this window for Newcastle

What a summer it has been on Tyneside, with the future of rebel striker Alexander Isak overshadowing all of Eddie Howe's attempts to strengthen.

Newcastle have done good work bringing in Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest to end the search for a right-winger, while Jacob Ramsey's arrival from Aston Villa strengthens midfield. Malick Thiaw's signing from AC Milan does the same in defence.

It's all about a striker, though, in the closing days of the window, with Newcastle needing reinforcements even before the Isak saga after Callum Wilson's departure.

Yoane Wissa is the prime target but Brentford are holding firm in the face of his obvious desire to join Newcastle, having rejected an improved bid of £40m for the 28-year-old on Wednesday.

Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson is a possibility, although a move for PSG's Goncalo Ramos looks complicated and Wolves are unlikely to consider selling Jorgen Strand Larsen having only made his loan move from Celta Vigo permanent in July.

Irrespective of Isak's future, Newcastle will be going all in on signing a striker - or strikers.

Nottingham Forest​

Nottingham Forest have spent £140m on seven players this summer in readiness for their return to Europe, but it seems certain there will further ventures into the market fuelled by the ambition of owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Forest want more strength in midfield and are close to adding Juventus' former Aston Villa man Douglas Luiz.

Goalkeeper Matz Sels had a fine season but Forest could look to increase competition there, while options are being explored on either side at full-back, with strong links to right-sided defender Jose Angel Carmona from Sevilla.

 

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Sunderland​

Sunderland have signed 11 players so far this summer, a strong statement of intent that they have no intention of timidly returning to the Championship - but they are not done yet.

They still want to strengthen in the wide attacking positions and have a strong interest in Leicester City's Abdul Fatawu, as well as in central defence, where they have long pursued Bologna's Colombian defender Jhon Lucumi.

The Black Cats have really gone for it this summer, so expect them to be exploring deals right up to the close of the window.

Tottenham Hotspur​

Tottenham had hoped to bring in Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace

Spurs are guaranteed to keep everyone busy right up to deal sheet time in the transfer window but it is clear they are intent on strengthening new manager Thomas Frank's hand further.

The departure of Son Heung-min and the serious injury to James Maddison has opened up attacking vacancies, but hopes that one of those would be filled by Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze now appear to have been dashed by Arsenal's late move.

Spurs, it seems, will be forced to explore alternatives.

There have been suggestions of an interest in Brentford's Yoane Wissa, who manager Frank knows so well, but all indications so far are that he wants to move to Newcastle United.

Spurs are are also looking at the wide areas, hence the interest in Manchester City's Savinho. This potential deal has stalled for the moment but it would not be a huge surprise if it was revisited before the deadline passes.

Savinho played primarily on the right for City but has a versatility Frank admires. If that does not materialise, Spurs will still explore alternatives and have been linked with Monaco's £47.5m-rated French attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, 23.

They may also look to add in the central defensive positions with Radu Dragusin a long-term injury absentee. Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi would be their ideal candidate but he appears to only have eyes for Liverpool.

West Ham United​

One simple priority. Midfield.

West Ham have been pursuing midfield reinforcements to add energy and creation all summer - and the search was given added urgency when they lost 3-0 at promoted Sunderland.

Manager Graham Potter needs results and new recruits quickly, with that midfield area a serious source of concern, leading to interest in Southampton's Mateus Fernandes and Barcelona's Marc Casado.

West Ham's alarming lack of pace in that area was brutally exposed at the Stadium of Light.

And at least two midfielders are required, one who can act as a defensive shield in a holding role and another who can give the team greater creativity.

Wolverhampton Wanderers​

Wolves have stepped up the pace in the transfer market, quite literally in the case of new signing from Hellas Verona, Jackson Tchatchoua, who was named the fastest player in Serie A last season with a top speed of 36.3km/h.

He has fulfilled head coach Vitor Pereira's need for a player who can play right-back or wing back, but the Portuguese is on the hunt for more.

Pereira is likely to focus on an attacking midfield player – Getafe's Christantus Uche is a name doing the rounds - and may take the opportunity to sign a striker to provide support and cover for Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Wolves are sure to be active in the next couple of weeks, with central defence another area Pereira might want to bolster.

 

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Man Utd still winless after Fulham draw, Everton win to open new stadium​

AFP
August 24, 2025




Manchester United’s English defender Ayden Heaven (L), Danish defender Patrick Dorgu (C) and Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko (R) appluad following the English Premier League football match against Fulham at Craven Cottage in London, England on August 24. — AFP

Manchester United remain without a Premier League win this season after being held 1-1 at Fulham on Sunday, while a Jack Grealish-inspired Everton opened their new stadium with a 2-0 victory over Brighton.

Ruben Amorim’s United were left to rue Bruno Fernandes’ wayward first-half penalty as they were pegged back at Craven Cottage.

Rodrigo Muniz’s own-goal put United in front on the hour mark, but Emile Smith Rowe came off the bench to rescue a point for Fulham.

Amorim is seeking an upturn on a disastrous 15th-placed finish last season, but so far his new £200 million ($270 million) forward line of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, who again started on the bench, has yet to fire.


Despite an encouraging performance, United lost 1-0 to title-chasing Arsenal in their season opener last weekend and will feel another two points slipped away in west London.



Manchester United’s English defender Harry Maguire reacts following the English Premier League football match against Fulham at Craven Cottage in London, England on August 24. — AFP

Fulham, though, felt the visitors got the better of two controversial calls. United’s penalty was awarded after a VAR review for grappling by Calvin Bassey on Mason Mount.

Fernandes is normally reliable from the spot, but blasted his effort high over the bar.

When United did finally get their first goal of the season it came via a Fulham body as Muniz deflected Leny Yoro’s header into his own net.

However, the home side were furious that this time VAR did not intervene for a push by Yoro on Bassey.

Fulham still managed to rescue a point when former Arsenal midfielder Smith Rowe’s run into the box was not tracked and he turned in Alex Iwobi’s cross 17 minutes from time.
After an emotional goodbye to Goodison Park, the club’s home since 1892, Everton is hoping the move to a new 53,000-capacity stadium will rekindle their bygone glory days.

Only four clubs have won more English top-flight titles than Everton’s nine. However, they have not won a major trophy for 30 years and spent their final seasons at Goodison battling relegation.

“We’re trying to find a way of moving the club on. I think this is a big step forward for Everton,” said manager David Moyes.



Players walk out onto the pitch ahead of the English Premier League football match between Everton and Brighton and Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, northwest England on August 24. — AFP

Grealish has so far been the marquee new addition to Moyes’ squad and showed glimpses of the talent that saw Manchester City pay Aston Villa 100 million for him four years ago, providing the assist for both goals.

Iliman Ndiaye scored the final goal at Goodison against Southampton in May and made more history with the first goal at Everton’s new home. Grealish was the creator with a drilled left-foot cross that Ndiaye timed his run perfectly to meet at the back post on 23 minutes.

Brighton should not have come away from Merseyside empty-handed but wasted a series of chances.

Kaoru Mitoma struck the bar and Jan Paul van Hecke’s effort came back off the post, while Danny Welbeck spooned over with the goal gaping. James Garner doubled Everton’s lead early in the second period with a blistering strike from Grealish’s lay-off.

Brighton still had the chance to set up a nervy finale, but Jordan Pickford saved Welbeck’s poor penalty to round off a memorable afternoon for the Toffees.

 

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Ngumoha in dream Premier League debut with late winner for Liverpool at Newcastle​

Reuters
August 26, 2025



Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha scores their third goal. — Reuters



Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha celebrates scoring their third goal. — Reuters

The absent Alexander Isak dominated the build-up to Newcastle United’s clash at home to Liverpool but the Swede was temporarily forgotten in a rip-roaring contest that ended 3-2 to the reigning champions thanks to a stoppage-time winner by teenaged Premier League debutant Rio Ngumoha.

Isak’s desire to leave Newcastle, with Liverpool his destination of choice, guaranteed a boisterous St James’ Park atmosphere and it seemed Arne Slot’s visitors had buckled as they threw away a flattering 2-0 lead against a side reduced to 10 men by Anthony Gordon’s red card in first-half stoppage time.

But 16-year-old Ngumoha broke Newcastle’s hearts shortly after coming off the bench, thrashing in the winner with a first-time right-foot shot in the 10th minute of stoppage time to become Liverpool’s youngest ever scorer and the fourth youngest in Premier League history.