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TOPJordan Henderson lifts lid on Ajax exit after Eredivisie giants rip up contract and former Liverpool star joins Brentford
Jordan Henderson has mutually agreed with Ajax to terminate his contract, enabling him to leave the Dutch club and return to the Premier League by signing for Brentford. In a heartfelt message following his departure, Henderson expressed his "immense pride" at having represented Ajax and thanked the club's fans and his teammates for their support during what he described as a turbulent 18-month period.
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TOPKyle Van Noy Calls Out Los Angeles Chargers' Justin Herbert: "Relax A Bit"
The Los Angeles Chargers, led by quarterback Justin Herbert, reached the postseason but suffered a decisive 32-12 Wild Card round loss to the Houston Texans. Herbert had a poor performance in that game, completing only 43.8% of his passes for 242 yards and one touchdown, while throwing four interceptions and being sacked four times. Former Chargers teammate and current Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy criticized Herbert, suggesting he needs to do more to connect with his teammates beyond attending team dinners. Van Noy acknowledged Herbert's strong work ethic but believes his perfectionism is an issue, advising him to relax, rely more on instincts, and potentially reassess his preparation balance. Despite the criticism and playoff disappointment, Herbert had a strong regular season statistically, throwing for 3,870 yards and 23 touchdowns. New head coach Jim Harbaugh, hired ahead of the 2024 season, guided the team to the playoffs and is determined to maximize Herbert's potential, aiming for eventual Pro Football Hall of Fame recognition. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Herbert and Harbaugh enter their second year together. Key offensive developments include the emergence of rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey (1,149 yards, 7 TDs) and significant veteran additions to bolster the unit: offensive lineman Mekhi Becton, center Andre James, tight end Tyler Conklin, wide receiver Mike Williams, and running back Najee Harris. These additions aim to support Herbert and open up the offense. The Chargers, competing in a tough AFC West, aim to build on their playoff appearance and make a deeper postseason run in 2025.
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Arsenal target skips training amid transfer tension with Sporting
Viktor Gyökeres faces disciplinary action from Sporting CP after failing to report for pre-season training by Saturday's deadline, with reports indicating his desire to join Arsenal. The striker, who scored 54 goals in 52 appearances last season, risks a club fine without sufficient justification for his absence. Sporting CP holds a commanding negotiating position, having won three Primeira Liga titles in five years and secured consistent Champions League participation. Club president Frederico Varandas emphasized they have "no pressing need to sell," stating they are comfortable retaining Gyökeres for his remaining three-year contract if Arsenal fails to meet their valuation. The striker has scored 97 goals in 102 games, symbolizing Sporting's revival. Arsenal seeks attacking reinforcements despite nearing a £52 million deal for Chelsea's Noni Madueke (who will sign a five-year contract) and securing Kepa Arrizabalaga. They view Gyökeres as ideal for adding robustness and goal-scoring tenacity to Mikel Arteta's frontline. Negotiations are stalled over Sporting's demand of €70 million (£60.2m) plus €10 million in add-ons. Arsenal's previous €65 million plus €15 million add-ons offer was rejected, as Sporting prioritizes payment structure over total sum. Varandas warned that Gyökeres' absence "complicates exit conditions," stressing "no one is above the club's interests" and that resolution requires "the close of the transfer window, a heavy fine and an apology." Beyond Gyökeres, Arsenal continues talks to retain 17-year-old talent Ethan Nwaneri after his UEFA Under-21 Championship success, amid interest from Chelsea and German clubs. They also monitor Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, though his £67.5 million release clause remains unchallenged by any formal offer. Arsenal's summer ambitions are clear, but their ability to match Sporting's demands remains uncertain as the transfer window progresses.
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Sarah Brasero: West Ham sign England U23 midfielder from Estoril
West Ham United has signed 20-year-old England Under-23 midfielder Sarah Brasero on a three-year contract. Brasero joins the Women's Super League club from Portuguese side Estoril, where she played one season after moving from Lewes in the summer of 2024. Expressing her excitement about the move, Brasero stated she is "ready to take the next step" and play "in the best league in the world". She added, "It feels great to be joining such an ambitious club as West Ham." Brasero also highlighted positive conversations with manager Rehanne Skinner, noting Skinner's reputation for developing young players aligns perfectly with her own ambitions at this career stage: "She's a manager that likes to develop young players, and as a young player with a lot of ambition, that's exactly what I'm looking for." West Ham manager Rehanne Skinner welcomed the signing, stating that Brasero will add "huge value" to the squad and that it is "clear that she has a lot of potential".
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La Liga grant Barcelona green light for Camp Nou return
Barcelona is targeting a return to the renovated Camp Nou stadium after the September international break. The club plans to host the Joan Gamper Trophy match there as a test event before resuming La Liga and UEFA Champions League games, marking the first event since construction began on August 10th. Initial plans for 60,000 spectators at the Gamper Trophy have been reduced to 25,000-35,000 due to construction delays, with stands behind the goals remaining closed. Barcelona has secured the first of two required council licenses (for activities and construction), but needs a "first entrance" license after completing necessary stadium work. A private test event without fans is scheduled for July 28th to ensure safety compliance. No competitive matches will occur before Barcelona's September 13/14 home game against Valencia. UEFA officials have confirmed the stadium will be ready for Champions League matches, aligning with La Liga's return timeline.
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Vote for Goal of the Matchday – MLS Matchday 24
The news highlights exceptional goals from MLS Matchday 24, emphasizing the importance of arriving on time to witness such moments, and encourages voting for the AT&T Goal of the Matchday. Lionel Messi scored two goals for Inter Miami CF in their 2-1 win against Nashville SC. His first goal, a low free kick driven into the far corner, contributed to his record of scoring in five consecutive MLS matches. Martín Ojeda also scored a notable free kick for Orlando City in their 1-1 draw with CF Montréal. He placed his low shot inside the near post, achieving the milestone of being the first Orlando City player with at least 20 goals and 30 assists for the club. Evander scored for FC Cincinnati early in the Hell is Real derby against the Columbus Crew. He unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box just five minutes into the match, giving Cincinnati a 2-0 lead, although they ultimately lost 4-2. David Da Costa gave the Portland Timbers an early lead in their Sunday Night Soccer match against St. Louis CITY SC. He cut inside before finishing clinically inside the far post. Despite his goal, Portland lost the match 2-1. The piece concludes by urging readers to vote for their favorite goal among these highlights for the AT&T Goal of the Matchday.
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West Ham United to cause pain as Martinez set for bargain £12m transfer
West Ham United are actively pursuing the signing of Girona defender Arnau Martínez this summer. The 22-year-old right-back has been a key player for Girona in La Liga, especially following Yan Cuoto's departure, despite the team's disappointing season, and is now a potential transfer target. Martínez is seen as an ideal option for West Ham following Vladimir Coufal's departure, which has left Aaron Wan-Bissaka as the only natural right-back at the club. Manager Graham Potter is keen to strengthen his defensive options, and Martínez, available for a reported release clause of around £12 million, is viewed as a potential bargain who could make an immediate impact across the back line. His potential move is described as "painful" or "brutal" for Girona to cope with, given his importance to the team (162 appearances). However, the transfer fee would provide a significant financial boost for the Catalan club. For West Ham, Martínez offers Champions League experience, attacking threat (18 career assists), and the versatility to cover the left flank if needed. His age and price also make him an attractive long-term investment. West Ham's pursuit comes amid a clear need for defensive reinforcements after conceding 62 goals last season and finishing 14th in the Premier League. With Nayef Aguerd also set to leave, the club is expected to seek additional defensive signings beyond Martínez. Martínez's profile is particularly appealing if Potter switches to a five-at-the-back system requiring more attacking full-backs.
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Granit Xhaka agrees shock move after snubbing AC Milan and Fenerbahce interest as Erik ten Hag loses another Bayer Leverkusen star in €6m deal
AC Milan transfer target Granit Xhaka is currently in negotiations with Saudi Arabian club Neom regarding a potential move. The proposed transfer would involve the midfielder receiving a substantial wage increase if the deal materializes.
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Markus Babbel critical of Uli Hoeneß’s current involvement with Bayern Munich
Former Bayern Munich defender Markus Babbel has publicly criticized honorary club president Uli Hoeneß, stating that Hoeneß's inconsistent involvement and public comments are negatively affecting the club. Babbel, known for his outspoken views, believes Hoeneß must decide between fully recommitting to an active role or stepping away completely, rather than occasionally making disruptive statements. Babbel expressed confusion over Hoeneß's current stance, acknowledging Hoeneß's past pivotal role in Bayern's success but emphasizing that times have changed. He criticized Hoeneß's pattern of intermittently "pulling one out" (making unsolicited remarks), arguing this approach is unsustainable and harms the club. Babbel stated, "He has to decide: either he gets fully involved again... or he steps away completely." Babbel pointed to Bayern's recent transfer difficulties—such as missing out on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool and Jamal Musiala's injury—as evidence supporting his critique. He argued that the club's recurring shortcomings in crucial sporting decisions are not coincidental but reflect deeper issues exacerbated by leadership ambiguity. While acknowledging the complexity of transfers (especially for top players) and noting that Hoeneß historically opposed exorbitant spending, Babbel maintained that Hoeneß's public interventions create negative optics. He described Hoeneß's legacy as a "double-edged sword," as the media constantly seeks his opinions despite his unofficial role, amplifying the impact of his unrestrained comments.
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Alejandro Garnacho rejects chance to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr - Paper Talk
Alejandro Garnacho has turned down a potential transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, rejecting the opportunity to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Bayern Munich are targeting Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard as they look to bolster their attacking options during the summer transfer window. Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is set to reject a move to Manchester United and instead favours joining AC Milan. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has stated his determination not to let speculation surrounding his future at the club become a distraction. Bournemouth are attempting to offload Brazilian goalkeeper Neto but face difficulties due to his high salary demands. West Ham United hold an interest in signing Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott.
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NFL Personnel Director Claims NY Giants Safety Jevon Holland “Drastically” Regressed
An unnamed NFL personnel director criticized New York Giants safety Jevon Holland's performance, despite his recent three-year, $45.3 million contract ($15.1 million annually). The director, speaking to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, argued that Holland "drastically regressed last year" in a contract year, calling it shocking for a young player. This criticism referenced Holland's 2023 season with the Miami Dolphins, where he posted a career-low 62 total tackles in 15 games, along with only two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits—his second-lowest totals in those categories—despite playing 91% of defensive snaps. The article questions whether this perceived regression stemmed from Holland's deployment in Miami's defense rather than a decline in ability. Holland has played under three different defensive coordinators since entering the league in 2021. Under Brian Flores and Josh Boyer in 2021-2022, he blitzed a career-high 51 times, resulting in career-best pressures (8) and sacks (2.5). However, in 2023 under Vic Fangio and later Anthony Weaver, his coverage ratings improved significantly (dropping below 100 in both seasons), but his blitzing decreased to 17 times in 2024 with minimal impact. The varying schemes and roles assigned by each coordinator suggest external factors may have influenced his statistical output. The piece concludes that multiple reasons, including these defensive system changes beyond Holland's control, could explain his lower production. It suggests that with new Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, Holland might regain his earlier form, reminiscent of his All-Rookie season in 2021.
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Viktor Gyokeres threatened with fines by Sporting chief after pre-season no-show
Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas has publicly criticized star striker Viktor Gyokeres for failing to report to pre-season training, warning of disciplinary consequences for the Swedish international's absence. Varandas stated the situation would be resolved with "a heavy fine and an apology to the group," emphasizing that Gyokeres remains under contract for three more years, giving the club full control over his future. The absence is widely interpreted as Gyokeres pushing for a transfer, with several Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Manchester United (where he could reunite with former manager Ruben Amorim) showing interest. Varandas forcefully rejected any notion that this tactic pressures Sporting, declaring that "no one is above the club's interests" and that such actions actually complicate a potential exit rather than facilitating it. Since joining from Coventry City in 2023, Gyokeres has scored 97 goals in 102 appearances, becoming one of Europe's most prolific strikers and helping Sporting win consecutive Primeira Liga titles. Despite his status as a hot commodity, Sporting remain firm on their valuation and refuse to accept anything below what they deem fair market value. As Sporting continue their pre-season schedule, including an upcoming friendly against Celtic, the club's leadership has made clear that discipline and institutional order take precedence over any player's personal ambitions, leaving Gyokeres' immediate future uncertain.
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Jacksonville Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence Details Mental Challenge Ahead For Travis Hunter
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter is pursuing the challenging goal of playing both cornerback and wide receiver in the NFL. While the Jaguars support this two-way role, teammates and staff acknowledge significant hurdles exist. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence highlighted Hunter's toughest challenge as mastering both offensive and defensive playbooks simultaneously, calling it "a lot as a rookie." He praised Hunter's strong work ethic and dedication, noting the team still has preparation work ahead in training camp to get him ready for the season. Beyond the physical load, the mental adjustment to the NFL's pace and complexity presents a major test for Hunter. General Manager James Gladstone confirmed the team plans to use him on both sides, but emphasized usage will depend on weekly game plans. The Jaguars are focusing his offseason work (minicamp, OTAs, training camp) on developing his receiving skills first, believing defense comes more naturally to him. Gladstone expressed confidence in Hunter's exceptional stamina and energy, stating "the capacity from a physical standpoint... is certainly there." Hunter brings proven endurance from college, averaging over 100 snaps per game at Colorado, where he also won the Heisman Trophy, led his team in receiving, and became the No. 2 overall draft pick. The Jaguars, who traded up to select Hunter understanding his two-way goals, believe pairing him with second-year receiver Brian Thomas Jr. could create significant problems for opposing defenses. This comes as the team seeks improvement after a 4-13 season.
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Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham: Everything you need to know - The Athletic
Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of winger Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United for a fee of approximately £55 million ($74.7m). The 24-year-old Ghanaian international has signed a six-year contract with the club. Kudus began his career at Ghana's Right to Dream Academy before joining Danish club Nordsjaelland in 2018. After two seasons and 57 appearances (14 goals), he moved to Ajax for the 2020-21 season. Over three seasons in Amsterdam, hampered by injuries, he scored 27 goals in 87 appearances. West Ham signed him in summer 2023, where he made 80 appearances, scoring 19 goals and providing 13 assists across two seasons. Kudus' primary strength is his exceptional dribbling ability; he is extremely difficult to dispossess, excels in one-on-one situations, and boasts quick feet with rapid changes of direction. Last season in the Premier League, his 7.2 take-ons attempted per 90 minutes were second only to Jeremy Doku. He also demonstrates smart off-the-ball movement and can hold up play. While primarily a winger, he has experience across the forward line and midfield. A noted weakness is his finishing, as his shot accuracy is relatively low. Tottenham's new head coach, Thomas Frank, is expected to value Kudus' dynamism, particularly his explosive dribbling which can help break down defensive blocks and his ball-carrying prowess in transition. His skills align with Tottenham's strength in fast counter-attacks (they scored 10 fast-break goals last season, second only to Liverpool) and should amplify this aspect of their play, even if Frank's overall style differs from Ange Postecoglou's. Kudus has a significant history of injuries. During his time at Ajax, he suffered multiple setbacks including a knee injury (Oct 2020 - Feb 2021), an ankle issue (start of 2021-22 season), a fractured rib (Nov 2021 - Feb 2022), and a hamstring problem causing a four-game absence in the following campaign.
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Girona eye Manchester City stars as green light issued to resume loan negotiations
Manchester City and their City Football Group sister club Girona are set to resume loan deals, paving the way for several CFG talents, including highly-rated players, to potentially move to the Spanish top-flight for the 2025/26 season. Girona, part of CFG since 2017, had a sensational 2023/24 campaign, finishing third in La Liga and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time. This success makes them an attractive destination for emerging talents within the CFG ecosystem seeking top-level experience, as seen previously with successful loans like Yan Couto and Savinho. Previous negotiations for new loans were paused due to UEFA regulations and potential conflicts of interest arising from both clubs competing in the same European competition (Champions League). However, this regulatory uncertainty now appears resolved or eased, allowing loan discussions to restart. According to reports, Girona has received approval to resume loan deals with CFG clubs, particularly Manchester City. Two specific players are mentioned: highly-rated Argentine playmaker Claudio Echeverri is reportedly 'highly liked' by Girona but has offers from other European clubs, while Brazilian central defender Vitor Reis is viewed as a 'more feasible' option for the loan move. Echeverri, signed from River Plate, is considered a generational talent but has limited senior appearances under Pep Guardiola. Reis, the Brazilian centre-back, has impressed coaches and scouts, with some within CFG believing a full senior loan is the logical next step for his development.
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Raiders Insider Admits His 1st Reaction to the Geno Smith Trade
Raiders head coach Pete Carroll stated he actively pursued quarterback Geno Smith from the moment he was hired in Las Vegas, expressing his desire to acquire him. While the Raiders considered other quarterbacks first, including Matthew Stafford, the team ultimately pivoted to Smith after Stafford decided to return to the Rams. Las Vegas Review-Journal's Vinny Bonsignore revealed he initially questioned if Smith was an upgrade when he received a tip about the impending trade. However, Bonsignore has since changed his view, believing Smith will be a significant improvement over Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew. His initial skepticism reflected widespread doubt among fans and media about Smith, stemming from his journeyman career since being drafted in 2013, despite successful seasons in Seattle. This doubt was exemplified by analyst Warren Sharp's 2025 "Quarterback Tiers" ranking, which placed Smith just above the lowest tier, alongside Sam Darnold and Aaron Rodgers, sparking criticism and accusations of disrespect from some fans. Many outside the Pacific Northwest remain unfamiliar with Smith's successful years. Significantly, Carroll's strong belief in Smith is well-documented. The Athletic's Michael-Shawn Dugar, who covered Carroll and Smith in Seattle, described Carroll's profound affinity for the quarterback, stating Carroll "believes in Geno more than anyone outside of Geno’s immediate family" and talks about him with deep admiration. Carroll reportedly called Smith "one of my favorite players I’ve ever coached," a notable statement given his long coaching career.
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Chargers quickly learned what Raiders fans knew all along about Andre James
The Las Vegas Raiders' new leadership under head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek made significant roster changes, including promoting Jackson Powers-Johnson to starting center. This move made veteran center Andre James expendable, leading to his release at the start of free agency. James subsequently signed with the Raiders' AFC West rival, the Los Angeles Chargers. Raiders fans were unconcerned by James joining a division foe, viewing him as a solid but declining player no longer in his prime. Chargers fans initially believed James would be their new starting center, but he is currently listed second on the team's depth chart, confirming the Raiders' assessment of him as a backup-level player at this stage. The Raiders might have retained James in a backup role if not for his $11 million salary for the season. Compounding James' situation, the Chargers' poor interior offensive line performance last season prompted head coach Jim Harbaugh to swap center Bradley Bozeman and left guard Zion Johnson, moving Johnson to center despite him never having played the position. This decision is seen as a gamble and a slight to James, who has 60 NFL starts at center, indicating Harbaugh's reluctance to start him. James' decline is evidenced by his 2024 Pro Football Focus grade of 55.6, ranking him 47th out of 64 qualifying centers. While he might still earn the starting job during training camp or be inserted later in the 2025 season, the Chargers appear to be learning the same lesson the Raiders did: Andre James is no longer a viable starting NFL center. His current status as the Chargers' potential best option reflects poorly on their situation at the position.
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Gyokeres to face disciplinary action after training absence, says Sporting president
Sporting CP President Frederico Varandas has announced that striker Viktor Gyokeres will face a heavy fine and be required to apologize to his teammates for failing to report to the club's pre-season training camp in the Algarve on time. The 27-year-old Swedish international was due to return on July 12 after an extended break. Varandas, speaking to Lusa news agency, stated the situation will be resolved "with the closing of the market, a heavy fine, and an apology to the group." He emphasized that Sporting is calm and will not accept less than fair market value for the player, who has three years remaining on his contract and has been linked with a move to Arsenal. Varandas warned that attempts to pressure the club into facilitating a transfer are counterproductive, declaring "No one is above the club's interests." Gyokeres has been prolific for Sporting, scoring 97 goals in 102 matches since joining from Coventry City in 2023. He scored 54 goals last season and helped the club win the Primeira Liga title in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. Sporting's next match is a friendly against Celtic on Wednesday.
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Gyokeres faces disciplinary action for missing pre-season training
Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas has confirmed that striker Viktor Gyökeres will face disciplinary action, including a heavy fine and a required apology to the team, for failing to report for pre-season training on time. The 26-year-old Swedish forward was expected to join the club's training camp in the Algarve on July 12. Gyökeres, who has been strongly linked with a transfer to Arsenal, missed the training session, prompting a firm response from Sporting's management. Varandas stated the situation would be resolved "with the closing of the market, a heavy fine, and an apology to the group." Despite transfer speculation, Varandas emphasized Sporting will not accept below-market offers for Gyökeres, who has three years remaining on his contract. He warned interested clubs, "If they don't want to pay fair market value... we are very comfortable with that for the next three years." Varandas also criticized tactics used to force a transfer, declaring those behind them "completely wrong" and complicating any potential exit, stressing that "no one is above the club's interests." Since joining from Coventry City in 2023, Gyökeres has scored 97 goals in 102 appearances and was instrumental in Sporting winning consecutive Primeira Liga titles in 2023-24 and 2024-25, including 54 goals last season. Sporting are scheduled to play a pre-season friendly against Celtic at Estádio Algarve on Wednesday.
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'I'm at the Same Table as Kane, Haaland, and Lewandowski' - Arsenal's 70m target boldly claims
Arsenal are actively pursuing a deal to sign striker Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP, but an agreement has not yet been reached. Negotiations have reportedly hit a roadblock recently as both parties failed to make contact over the last couple of days. Gyökeres, who is valued at £70m ($85m) by Sporting, is contemplating holding out of the club's pre-season training to force a move. His decision not to resume training and his actions in the coming days are seen as indicators of his determination to secure the transfer to Arsenal. While rumours link him to Manchester United, indications point towards a move to North London. In a recent interview, Gyökeres confidently asserted that he ranks among the very top strikers in the world today. He also expressed a strong desire to return to English football and test himself in the Premier League, having never played in the top flight during his previous spells with Brighton (no first-team appearances) and Coventry City (Championship).
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49ers' Juszczyk Says 'Incredible' Christian McCaffrey Looks 'Healthy' and 'Explosive'
Kyle Juszczyk expressed strong admiration for Christian McCaffrey's performance during the San Francisco 49ers' offseason activities, telling The Athletic that McCaffrey appears "healthy" and "explosive" following a challenging 2024 season. Juszczyk emphasized McCaffrey's elite status, calling him "arguably the best player in the NFL" and noting his transformative impact on the team. McCaffrey's 2024 season was derailed by injuries, beginning with a calf strain in training camp that sidelined him for the first eight weeks. After returning in Week 10, he recorded over 100 scrimmage yards in his first two games but lacked his characteristic explosiveness from his 2023 Offensive Player of the Year campaign. His season ended prematurely in Week 13 with a PCL injury against the Buffalo Bills. NFL Next Gen Stats revealed his max speeds during those games—ranging from 16.1 to 17.4 mph—were notably slower than his 2023 benchmarks, with 17.4 mph ranking among his fifth-worst performances that year. Teammates and coaches have echoed Juszczyk's positive assessment after McCaffrey's full offseason recovery. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak described him as "awesome" during June minicamp, while head coach Kyle Shanahan stated in May that McCaffrey is "as ready as any player" and "healthy as can be," though the team aims to manage his workload carefully. With significant defensive roster changes this offseason, the 49ers' offense—featuring Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Trent Williams, and others—faces pressure to perform while new defenders acclimate. Brandon Aiyuk's availability is uncertain due to ACL/MCL recovery, but the unit retains a strong foundation. McCaffrey's health remains pivotal to San Francisco's success. The team fielded one of the NFL's most historically efficient offenses in 2023 when he led the league with 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns. If he approaches that form again, the 49ers are poised to be NFC playoff contenders.
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‘Uncertain Situation’—La Liga Chief Reflects on Barcelona’s Failed Nico Williams Move
La Liga president Javier Tebas stated that Nico Williams chose not to "risk" waiting for Barcelona to secure the necessary funds to register him this summer. Although Williams had agreed to personal terms with Barcelona and was reportedly keen on the move, doubts arose earlier this month due to concerns over Barcelona's ability to finance the transfer and register him within the squad. Williams subsequently rejected Barcelona's offer and instead signed a new long-term contract with his current club, effectively ending any possibility of a future transfer to Camp Nou. Tebas commented that, based on what he read, Williams had requested a registration guarantee which Barcelona, as a club, was unwilling to provide. Tebas believes Barcelona is facing a situation similar to previous seasons, where they sign players and wait until the last minute to finalize registrations. He suggested this uncertainty can deter top players who prefer not to take such risks. With Barcelona currently not operating under La Liga's 1:1 spending rule (allowing €1 spent for every €1 raised), they have now shifted their focus to other transfer targets, including Liverpool's Luis Díaz and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. Tebas acknowledged that Barcelona is close to being able to complete such signings, stating, "I think Barcelona know exactly what they have to do and if they decide to move properly, they can sign players. It’s close, in my opinion." He added that the final step depends on whether Barcelona makes certain decisions to get closer to compliance.
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'The door is open' for £60m Nicolas Jackson to leave Chelsea as two Premier League clubs make their move
Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson is facing a potential summer departure, following reports of waning popularity among supporters and within the club. His status has declined after receiving two red cards in a span of just four games, contributing to the only two losses Chelsea suffered in their last 15 matches. New manager Enzo Maresca is reportedly no longer considering Jackson a key part of his plans, increasing the likelihood of a transfer. This situation means Jackson could start the upcoming Club World Cup final on the bench, with fans favouring Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. Several Premier League clubs are interested in signing the 24-year-old Senegalese international. Journalist Nabil Djellit reports that Aston Villa and Manchester United have made enquiries about Jackson's availability. Newcastle United has also been previously linked. Napoli in Italy is another interested club. Chelsea is open to selling Jackson for approximately €70 million, with a final decision expected after the Club World Cup. Chelsea has a history of dealing with direct rivals, as shown by Noni Madueke's move to Arsenal. If Jackson leaves, Chelsea could target replacements from the interested clubs. Long-term admirers of Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho, they might pursue the Argentine winger following Madueke's exit. Chelsea also holds a strong interest in Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers; a deal involving Jackson could potentially facilitate his signing and avoid a large transfer fee. Despite missing out on Mohammed Kudus, Chelsea is expected to target a significant attacking name before the transfer window closes.
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Rodrygo once said something about Mohamed Salah which means he should not be welcome at Liverpool
The fierce rivalry between Liverpool and Real Madrid, intensified by Real Madrid's victories in the 2018 and 2022 Champions League finals causing significant pain for Liverpool fans, forms the backdrop. The hypothetical scenario of Trent Alexander-Arnold, a key player in both losses, moving to Real Madrid on a free transfer would exacerbate tensions. Real Madrid winger Rodrygo's comments about Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, made after the 2022 final win, are a major point of contention. Rodrygo revealed on the Podpah Podcast that Salah's pre-match talk of "revenge" for the 2018 final (where Salah was injured early) motivated Real Madrid players. Rodrygo stated they used to say "come Salah" in training, adding, "When a guy provokes, sometimes you just want to win so you can make fun of them," and their mindset was "we have to win to then make fun of Salah." These public admissions, even if intended as fun or mind games, have made Rodrygo deeply disliked by Liverpool's fiercely loyal fans, who never forget such swipes, especially at Salah. Consequently, despite Rodrygo being linked with a move away from Real Madrid and potentially to Liverpool this summer, his past comments create significant tension and make winning over Liverpool fans extremely difficult. The piece also notes that while exchanges between players of these rival clubs are understandable, Rodrygo implicated Luka Modric in finding humor in a comment directed at Salah after the 2022 final.
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‘Tyrell Malacia to Celtic is a great deal’ – Man United transfer nears
Celtic face significant challenges in competing with Eredivisie clubs to sign Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia this summer, according to former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson speaking on Football Insider's Inside Track podcast. Robinson expressed pessimism about Celtic securing Malacia either on loan or permanently. Malacia is among five Manchester United players seeking an exit this summer and is training away from the main squad as a result. Despite making only eight appearances for PSV during last season's loan spell, Robinson indicated multiple Dutch clubs hold an interest in the 25-year-old alongside Celtic. Celtic's need for a left-back follows Greg Taylor's departure to PAOK. However, Robinson stated the Scottish champions cannot financially compete with the Eredivisie suitors. Manchester United prefer a permanent sale over a loan due to Malacia having only one year left on his contract, but it's uncertain if Celtic want to permanently sign direct competition for the returning Kieran Tierney. Robinson specifically doubted Celtic's ability to match the wages Malacia could command elsewhere, particularly from Dutch clubs, calling it a "key sticking point." He believes Malacia, a "top quality player," will attract other suitors and that a move back to the Eredivisie seems more likely and financially appealing to him. While Celtic lost Taylor, Kieran Tierney's return provides an immediate upgrade and established starter at left-back. Furthermore, manager Brendan Rodgers has more pressing concerns in attack after losing Nicolas Kuhn (£17.3m to Como) and still needing to replace Kyogo Furuhashi. Rodgers' priority is strengthening the frontline, with Napoli's Giuseppe Ambrosino linked, rather than adding depth at left-back.
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Diogo Jota: Liverpool confirm number 20 shirt will be retired to honour forward
Liverpool Football Club has announced the permanent retirement of the number 20 shirt in honour of Diogo Jota. This unprecedented tribute comes after Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, were killed in a car accident in Spain on July 3rd. This marks the first time in Liverpool's 133-year history that the club has retired a player's shirt number. The retirement applies to all levels of the club, including the men's first team, women's team, and all academy sides. The decision was made following consultation with Jota's wife, Rute, and other family members. The club stated the move recognizes Jota's "immeasurable contribution" to the team's on-pitch successes over his five years and his "profound personal impact" on teammates, colleagues, and supporters. Club CEO Michael Edwards emphasized the importance of involving Jota's family, calling it a "unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person." Edwards stated, "By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal - and therefore never to be forgotten," adding that Jota would "forever be our number 20" as he joined in 2020, won trophy number 20 (the League Cup), and wore the number 20 shirt. Additionally, Liverpool will pay tribute to Jota and his brother during their pre-season friendly against Preston on Sunday. This will include a rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' before the 3pm kick-off, and Preston will lay a wreath alongside Liverpool's away supporters.
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Besiktas signs Türkiye star Orkun Kokcu in $35M deal—childhood dream fulfilled
Besiktas has finalized an agreement with Benfica to sign Turkish midfielder Orkun Kokcu for a potential total fee of €30 million ($35.1 million). The 24-year-old is set to travel to Istanbul this weekend for medical examinations before signing a five-year contract. The transfer structure involves a one-year loan with a mandatory €25 million purchase obligation activated upon Kokcu's first appearance for Besiktas. An additional €5 million in performance-based bonuses are included in the deal. Kokcu, a lifelong Besiktas supporter, prioritized fulfilling his childhood dream over financial gain. He reportedly rejected offers from multiple high-profile clubs, including Premier League sides like Arsenal and Brighton, despite them offering significantly higher salaries. He also sacrificed pending salary payments from Benfica and accepted a lower wage at Besiktas. Kokcu started his professional career at Feyenoord, rising to become club captain, before joining Benfica in 2023 for approximately €30 million. During his time at Benfica, he played 98 matches, scored 19 goals, provided 22 assists, and won the Portuguese League Cup and Super Cup. He now returns to Turkey not only as a star player but as a devoted fan. At Besiktas, Kokcu will wear the number 10 shirt and serve as one of the team captains. A public signing ceremony at the stadium is planned.
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