The car parades are slowly winding down; the last hour was marked by absolute ecstasy among all fans of the German national team. And above all, they have one man to thank for that: Deniz Undav!

The Stuttgart striker saved Julian Nagelsmann’s team from humiliation against Ivory Coast and, after coming on, rapidly turned a 0:1 deficit into a 2:1 lead.

By far the best moment, of course, was the wildly celebrated winning goal deep into stoppage time.

You can now calmly relive all the key moments of the DFB team’s crazy second group match here after the initial party frenzy: 

Don’t worry: you’ll still be able to find the video here with us tomorrow. These highlights are definitely worth watching more than once — especially from the moment Deniz Undav steps onto the stage. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

Grêmio is looking for a replacement for Arthur, who left the club after failing to reach an agreement on a contract renewal.

Facing financial difficulties, the Porto Alegre side has the task of finding someone in the current squad to fill the spot left by the former captain.

One of the names under consideration is Argentine midfielder Juan Nardoni, signed at the start of 2026 after a major investment by the board, and, now recovered from a muscle injury in his left thigh, he is currently ahead in the internal competition.

Another option is Paraguayan midfielder Villasanti, who plays the so-called "box-to-box" role and has become a leader in Grêmio’s dressing room.

Léo Pérez, Noriega, Tiaguinho and Dodi round out the list of players available to coach Luís Castro to compete for the vacancy left by Arthur.

The next transfer window opens on July 20 and runs until September 11.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Germany 2 - 1 Ivory Coast FT

Substitute Deniz Undav emerged as Germany's hero with a dramatic 94th-minute winner that completed his side's stunning comeback win against Ivory Coast and booked their place in the World Cup knockout stages.

The four-time winners endured a frustrating outing after going behind to a 30th-minute goal from Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessie but Julian Nagelsmann turned to his bench in search of a response - and Undav delivered emphatically with a second-half double.

The Stuttgart forward applied a smart finish to fellow substitute Nadiem Amiri's cross to break Ivory Coast's resistance in the 68th minute before scoring the winner in the 94th minute to inflict a painful defeat on the African nation.

Undav had also scored a goal and provided two assists after coming off the bench in their 7-1 opening win against Curacao.

The dejected Ivorians can still progress from Group E behind Germany with a win against World Cup debutants Curacao in their final game.

Emerse Fae's side impressed with their energy and directness early on in Toronto, but it was Germany who carved out the clearer of chances.

The Germans had the ball in the back of net in the 22nd minute through Aleksandar Pavlovic but his header from a corner was ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.

Ivory Coast then took the lead as their exciting 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande found Amad Diallo, whose close-range effort was blocked by Nathaniel Brown only for Kessie to convert the rebound.

Germany's frustration grew as Havertz had a goal disallowed for a foul on Emmanuel Agbadou by Jamal Musiala in the build-up while an unmarked Christ Inao Oulai and Kessie spurned chances to double the Ivorians' lead.

Those misses ultimately proved costly as they were undone by the injury-time winner from Undav.

Fofana had kept out efforts from Brown and Amiri late on but there was nothing he could do as Undav expertly trapped a pass from Felix Nmecha and slotted past the goalkeeper on the turn to break the Ivorian hearts in the dying seconds.

Nagelsmann's inspired changes rescue Germany

Germany put on a show in their opener as they delivered a thrashing of Curacao for the biggest win of the opening round.

But an exciting Ivory Coast side, brimming with the confidence from a late victory against Ecuador in their opener, posed an altogether different challenge.

Diomande, linked with a move to Liverpool, showcased his pace and raw ability on the left flank for the Ivorians, while Manchester United winger Amad, Kessie and 20-year-old Oulai all caused problems for the German defence that has now kept just one clean sheet in its past six matches.

Ultimately though, Germany were rescued by the quality of their substitutes.

With his side trailing 1-0, Nagelsmann made a triple change in the 60th minute, bringing on Jamie Leweling, Amiri and Undav - with the latter duo combining for the equaliser only eight minutes later.

Undav then struck a second to take his tally to nine goals in just 11 appearances for Germany and make his case for a starting spot again, helping his side put embarrassing group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022 behind them.

Ivory Coast, meanwhile, can take a lot of heart from their performance despite the last-gasp defeat.

This group of players remain well-placed to achieve a feat that eluded the likes of Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure and Salomon Kalou before them - taking their country to the knockout stages of a World Cup.

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What's next for these teams?

Germany will wrap up their group stage campaign against Ecuador in New Jersey on Thursday, 25 June (21:00 BST) while Ivory Coast take on Curacao in Philadelphia at the same time.

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Santos could face a new transfer ban over three debts totaling more than R$29 million.

The biggest claim is from coach Pedro Caixinha and his staff, who are demanding a total of R$15 million (the amount related to the termination penalty), following a FIFA ruling in September 2025.

The club also lost at FIFA in the case involving the signing of Jean Lucas from Monaco and owes 2 million euros (about R$12.1 million) from the final installment of the deal.

Another case involves Yusupha Njié: Santos did not pay the loan fee to Qatar’s Al-Markhiya and was ordered to pay 400,000 euros (approximately R$2.4 million).

The club appealed to CAS in some cases, but it could still be punished if it does not settle the debts.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

It is understood an offer worth about £80m was turned down earlier this week.

BBC Sport previously reported Spurs manager Roberto de Zerbi was a long-time admirer of Tonali and that the club were exploring the finances of a deal for the 26-year-old Italian.

However, their opening proposal was declined by Newcastle, who are in a strong position to command a greater fee closer to £100m as Manchester City and Arsenal monitor developments.

Newcastle have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, but the club's chief executive, David Hopkinson, has previously made it clear they will only trade players on "our terms".

Tonali is effectively contracted until 2030 after he signed a new deal during his 10-month betting ban to repay the faith the club showed in him.

The current market might also work in Newcastle's favour, if a bidding war ensues, given the valuations of midfielders elsewhere.

Manchester City had a second bid worth about £120m rejected by Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson, while relegated West Ham want up to £80m for Mateus Fernandes.

Shift in approach from Spurs but Newcastle unmoved - analysis

There may have been scenes of celebration at full-time at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after De Zerbi's side avoided relegation on the final day of the season.

But there was a recognition internally that the club must never find themselves in such a dire position again.

Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham vowed "change is happening" in an interview with BBC Sport in May, and there has certainly been a shift in approach.

Spurs have already spent £52m on defender Jan Paul van Hecke, which would have been unimaginable once upon a time, given he had just one year left on his contract at Brighton.

They have also looked to capitalise on their revenue by adapting their wage structure, and signed Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers before the window even officially opened.

Although Spurs' opening gambit was unsuccessful, this approach for Tonali also marks a shift for a club who have never spent more than the £65m deal for Dominic Solanke.

However, it was rather telling that the bid was swiftly rejected by Newcastle.

In a week when Newcastle lost out to Liverpool in the race to sign Spain winger Victor Munoz, it would have been damning if Spurs succeeded with their opening bid for Tonali.

It is clearly going to take a great deal more to tempt Newcastle to cash in.

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Alex Hughes had spells at Stockport County and Wrexham before ending his playing career to work in player analysis and recruitment.

He worked for Blackburn, Manchester City and Fulham, who were all managed by his father, before leading a private academy in Portugal.

He then became a player agent and in recent years worked for non-league clubs AFC Fylde and Morecambe before becoming player recruitment lead at League Two club Grimsby Town last July.

Former Manchester United, Chelsea and Wales striker Hughes paid tribute to his son in a statement released via the League Managers Association.

"Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex," said the 62-year-old, who managed Wales between 1999 and 2004.

"Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Leonardo.

"Alex had many good friends and colleagues. He will be so deeply missed by us all."

Few footballers are as intrinsically associated with their hometown as Dan Burn but, if only for a day or two, the boy from Blyth had a taste of what it is like to be American. The giant from the north-east might have been the biggest cowboy in the Midwest; or the tallest, anyway.

Burn is 34, probably at his only World Cup and determined to savour it. He has had a bit of downtime between England’s win over Croatia and their clash with Ghana. A man who spent the last World Cup in an Airbnb in Newcastle, while his house was being renovated, has found a different way to occupy himself now. Along with Harry Kane and Djed Spence, he went to watch the Kansas City Royals, seeing manager Thomas Tuchel throw the ceremonial first pitch in their game against the St Louis Cardinals.

Burn has gone even more native than that. “Last night Ella Langley was playing so I had my cowboy hat and cowboy boots on,” said the centre-back. “I went and got kitted out. I thought if you were going to do it, do it properly. Luckily, there’s no photos flying about.”

Others may consider that a shame; an image of Burn in a Stetson could have been iconic. He had his captain and goalkeeper Jason Steele for company at a gig. Some of Kane’s American influences are well known, and the forward is looking forward to heading to Boston, to the stadium where Tom Brady picked out many a pass as the quarterback for the New England Patriots. But, Burn revealed, Kane is also a fan of one of the most American genres of music. “We have a record player in the hotel and he did a captain’s pick and there was a lot of country in it,” he said. “We got asked to go and watch Ella Langley.”

Sadly Kane did not share Burn’s sartorial sense on a night out. “I was the only person suited and booted with cowboy hat and boots and all the lot,” said the defender. “We missed the last three songs because we had to be back for curfew which I was a bit gutted about because they are her three best ones.”

If nothing else, it proves at least one England international who plays for a north-east club has abided by curfews of late. It may be damning Burn with faint praise, though, to suggest that one of the reasons Tuchel took him was because he was sure to prove a good tourist. Yet Burn’s good humour forms part of his appeal. So does his realism. He wants to play but knows his role. Tuchel clearly enjoys his company but has also showed an honesty.

“He takes the mick out of me but I like it,” said Burn. “When he called me up, he said I probably wouldn’t be starting.” Without entering the fray, Burn witnessed Tuchel’s transformative team-talk after 45 minutes against Croatia. “People have said he gave us a rocket but it was the opposite,” he said. He missed Anthony Barry’s revelatory interview with ITV at the break but has known Tuchel’s assistant for longer than most. They were together at Wigan and Burn said: “There’s no grey areas with Baz and the manager. They are not going to beat around the bush.”

Tuchel’s clarity as a communicator means he has told Burn the kind of situations when he could be called upon, allowing the defender to visualise them. One is if England need a goal, when they could summon a sizeable figure for his ability at set-pieces. Burn scored the goal that won Newcastle their first major trophy since 1969. It allowed him to imagine becoming the man who brings England glory.

Kane may be a likelier candidate but Burn deadpanned: “Me and Harry are quite similar in our technique and goalscoring prowess, so it is only natural we are compared. In all seriousness, I know I don’t get many goals but the goals I do get tend to be important. I’d love it to be a World Cup final winner, last minute.”

Even before then and even without taking the field, his World Cup has brought memorable moments, some of them musical, some from country stars and some alongside his country’s stars. The England fans belted out Oasis’ Wonderwall after Croatia were beaten in Dallas. Burn enjoyed it. “Wonderwall was an amazing moment, a special moment,” he said. “If that's every game it's going to be amazing.”

The superstar forward has been out of acting nursing a calf problem sustained while playing for Santos in May, and underwent tests on Monday to determine the progress of his recovery.

He is not expected to play in Brazil’s second Group C outing against Haiti on Friday, with the Selecao desperately needing an injection of attacking spark after putting in an underwhelming display in their opening 1-1 draw with Morocco.

Elsewhere, Lamine Yamal has stepped up his return to full fitness after making his return to action in Spain’s goalless draw with Cape Verde off the bench - will he start their next match against Saudi Arabia?

Canada, meanwhile, were without captain Alphonso Davies in their 1-1 opening-game draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while US star Christian Pulisic missed their win over Australia after being withdrawn at half-time from their opening triumph against Paraguay. England have also suffered their first casualty of the tournament after Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw from the squad.

See below for a full list of key injuries at this year’s World Cup.

Neymar (Brazil)

Neymar sustained a grade two calf injury just three weeks out from the tournament.

The 34-year-old missed the opening match against Morocco and underwent tests on Monday to determine the progress of his recovery.

He has only just returned to partial training with Brazil and did not feature against Haiti on Friday in Philadelphia. It is uncertain if he will be available to face Scotland in their final group game, but after beating Haiti he should still get a shot to play in the knockouts.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

The 18-year-old star injured his left hamstring and had been out since 22 April, but he has now made his return to action after coming off the bench in Spain’s goalless draw with Cape Verde.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente insisted he was in “perfect condition” with Yamal no doubt eager to start for the European champions against Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Fellow Spain winger Nico Williams also returned off the bench against Cape Verde, as did Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino who had been sidelined for much of the year so far.

Christian Pulisic (United States)

The co-hosts’ star player shone in the first-half of USA’s 4-1 win against Paraguay in Los Angeles but was withdrawn by Mauricio Pochettino at half-time due to a calf problem.

The US remained without Pulisic for their win over Australia, which sealed their place in the knockout stages.

“It was impossible for him today to play,” Pochettino said. “We hope that next game he will be available but if we want to win the competition we need the whole team.

"All of the players need to be important but of course Christian is one of the best players in the world and I hope that he can recover as soon as possible and can show it on the pitch and help the team."

The US play Turkey in their final group outing next Friday.

Declan Rice (England)

England are facing a series of injury concerns ahead of their second World Cup game against Ghana on Tuesday, with Declan Rice leading that list.

He was replaced with a hamstring injury in their opener against Croatia, with Thomas Tuchel insisting it is a minor issue.

“Declan had some unusual ball losses and I saw a bit of discomfort,” Tuchel said. “I asked him, and he pointed directly to his lower back, upper hamstring, that he feels the discomfort.

“I didn’t want to take any risk, so I decided to take Declan off – which I never wanted to do – but it was the moment to protect him, and I think Reece James did so well to replace him in the central midfield. [Rice] had a fantastic game, so I hope it’s nothing more, and he just reassured me at the end: ‘It’s good, and I know the discomfort’. We will take care of it, and this is nothing big to worry about.”

Bukayo Saka (England)

Saka has been managing a long-term Achilles problem and while he was able to feature off the bench against Croatia, Tuchel says he will not rush things with the Arsenal winger, with Gunners team-mate Noni Madueke likely to start ahead of him against Ghana.

"Bukayo is ready and will get more and more ready," Tuchel said after the win over Croatia. "Once we get to the last game in the group it is the moment. He was strong yesterday [Tuesday] in training in small spaces. It's just a matter of if the game is open and up and down."

Harry Kane (England)

Kane suffered a bout of cramp late in the Croatia clash and wore strapping in training, which sparked concerns of a problem.

However, it is not expected to threaten his involvement in the Ghana game as he chases the Golden Boot, having scored a brace in the opener.

Marcus Rashford (England)

Rashford complained of muscle tightness after their World Cup opener and he is being monitored ahead of England’s next match.

The winger netted off the bench against Croatia to seal the 4-2 win.

Raphinha (Brazil)

Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury during Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti on Friday.

He limped off at the end of the first half of the contest in Philadelphia and was seen walking gingerly out of the stadium after the game’s conclusion.

An update is expected to be provided on his fitness soon.

Wilfried Singo (Ivory Coast)

The Ivory Coast right-back was substituted during the second half against Germany, with Guela Doue coming on in his place after 82 minutes.

Singo was seen clutching his left hamstring and sat on the bench in tears, covering his face his orange Elephants jersey.

Alphonso Davies (Canada)

Canada’s captain and star player had to sit out their 1-1 draw against Bosnia on Friday in Toronto but returned to the bench for their 6-0 thrashing of Qatar in Vancouver on Thursday.

He didn’t make a cameo but it will be hoped he can feature in their final group outing against Switzerland.

Bayern Munich’s Davies sustained a hamstring injury in May and the team remained tight-lipped about his recovery during Tuesday’s training session.

"Mentally, it was very draining, suffering these injuries," Davies told reporters ahead of Canada's opener. "I was going ‌into a hole where I ⁠was doubting myself, but I had that time off (during the ⁠injuries) and I thought about why I'm doing this, and how important this ‌is to me."

Ruben Dias (Portugal)

Manchester City defender Dias missed Portugal’s opener against DR Congo in a hefty blow for Roberto Martinez’s side.

He has been dealing with an injury in training in recent days and Martinez confirmed that Portugal “won’t take any risks” against the African nation, with Dias still “not fully fit”.

Tino Livramento (England)

England have been dealt their first real injury blow of the campaign after Newcastle defender Livramento was ruled out for the tournament with a calf injury.

Tuchel could have called up a raft of other full-back options, including Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle’s Lewis Hall. However the England manager chose to bring Trevoh Chalobah, a centre-back, into the fold.

Chalobah will not be available in England’s opener against Croatia.

Ismael Kone

Canada midfielder Ismael Kone has undergone successful surgery to repair severe fractures in his lower left leg, after sustaining a horror injury during Thursday’s match against Qatar.

The injury, which involved both the tibia and fibula bones, means the 24-year-old will miss the remainder of the Fifa World Cup 2026 campaign.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch described the immediate aftermath, recalling he "could hear the bone snap."

Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)

Another confirmed absentee, Tottenham forward Kudus will miss the World Cup because of a quadricep injury.

The 25-year-old has not featured since January, in a blow to Ghana - who are in England’s group.

Wataru Endo (Japan)

Liverpool defensive midfielder Endo injured his foot in February and has been ruled out of the World Cup - and the 33-year-old has immediately retired from international duty.

“Since my injury, I’ve done everything I possibly could up to this point, so I have no regrets whatsoever,” he said. “From here on, I’ll be cheering for the Japan national team as one of the fans.”

Jurrien Timber (Netherlands)

The Arsenal defender had been out since March due to a groin problem, but came on in the second half of the Champions League final against PSG.

However, the Dutch FA believe Timber had “not recovered sufficiently” to take part in the tournament in a “medically responsible manner.”

As such, Timber has left the Dutch squad and been ruled out of the World Cup.

Lennart Karl (Germany)

The 18-year-old was expected to be one of the young stars of this tournament but suffered a torn thigh muscle in training, ruling him out of the World Cup.

Billy Gilmour (Scotland)

It was heartbreak for Scotland’s creative midfielder Gilmour, as he suffered an injury in their warm-up victory against Curacao.

The 24-year-old Napoli player picked up a knee injury in the 4-1 win, with teammate Scott McTominay saying he was “absolutely devastated” by the news.

Gilmour was, however, in camp to support his teammates ahead of their opening win against Haiti on Saturday.

For a long time, it looked as though the DFB team was heading straight for an embarrassment against Ivory Coast.

But with half an hour to go, Nagelsmann once again showed he has more than just a golden touch.

Leweling, Amiri and — of course — Undav came on for Pavlovic, Musiala and Sané. VfB star Deniz Undav picked up right where he had left off in his previous appearances in the Germany shirt.

Today, he didn’t even need ten minutes to find the net. Undav started the move himself, brought Amiri into play and then positioned himself in front of the opposition goal. From Amiri’s pass, he coolly volleyed the ball in under the crossbar to make it 1-1.

Naturally, it was accompanied by the piercing cheers of the German fans. So it may well be that Deniz Undav, who incidentally turns 30 on the day of the final, once again plays a key role in helping the DFB side avoid defeat.

And who knows — he still has a few minutes left to once again prove his qualities as a super sub and completely turn things around here.

One question remains — no matter how it ends: shouldn’t this in-form Undav really be starting? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments!

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

Sacha Tavolieri has revealed that Standard Liege are closing in on the signing of Dimitri Lavalée from Sturm Graz. The former KV Mechelen and Sint Truiden defender will return to the club where he started his career, only making eight appearances before leaving in 2020 to join Mainz 05. Lavalée is set to sign a two-year contract with Standard Liege, with the sides having agreed an optionally third year.

Lavalée didn’t make a single appearance for Mainz 05, instead spending the one and a half seasons on loan with Sint Truiden, playing 44 games. In 2022 he left Germany and joined KV Mechelen, where he played one season, the 2022/2023 campaign. After 29 appearances he left Belgium for Sturm Graz, where he has been since 2023. Lavalée leaves Sturm Graz to return to Standard Liege after making 98 appearances for the Austrian side, with three goals.

Standard Liege are poised to have a busy summer as they look to try and qualify for European football next season.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson

Liverpool fans must have recognised the scenario. It was the 54th minute of Netherlands’ World Cup meeting with Sweden, when Cody Gakpo received the ball on the left side of the penalty box and cut inside on to his right foot.

Liverpool’s version – Premier League Gakpo – can often be found lashing the ball into a different time zone from this particular space. But this is World Cup Gakpo, Netherlands Gakpo, lithe and balanced, ruthless and dead-eyed. He steadied himself before putting a piercing shot past Sweden goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt.

Gakpo has now scored five goals in seven World Cup matches after a starring role in this 5-1 win. He has 23 goals in 52 international appearances, running at more than one every other game.

It would be unfair to say he has never shown that form at Liverpool. Gakpo scored 18 goals in the club’s Premier League winning campaign in 2024-25 and became a key part of Arne Slot’s title winners, a grafter without the ball as well as an attacking outlet with it.

But those telling performances have become increasingly rare. Last season he scored only nine goals in 52 games. His Liverpool record stands at 50 goals in 180 games. Not bad, but not the same player Liverpool thought they were signing after his exploits in Qatar the summer he moved from PSV to Anfield, when he scored in all three World Cup group games.

“It’s a little bit different,” Gakpo said, when asked to explain how he is able to perform to such a high level in a Dutch shirt. “How I play here, where the coach wants me to be, the freedom that I have at the club,” he said, before trailing off as if he’d said too much. “That’s it basically.”

He was certainly helped here in Houston by the presence of Brian Brobbey, the Sunderland striker who proved a nightmare for Sweden’s defence. Atalanta centre-back Isak Hien was bullied by Brobbey, who used his strength and rapid acceleration to devastating effect with an early double salvo.

“We knew his qualities all along, he’s very strong – very, very strong,” Gakpo laughed. “His hold-up play and coming at the right time into the box is amazing.

“We used him very well today, with two pretty quick attacks. With the first one, he even held the ball in the beginning and ran towards the goal. So we used his quality very well and I’m very happy for him that he scored two goals.”

The Dutch attack was pinpointed as their great weakness before the tournament. A defence containing Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven and Denzel Dumfries appears world class. A midfield of Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders is as good as any at the World Cup.

But where would the goals come from? Brobbey had only one in 13 caps before this game. Gakpo had struggled at times for Liverpool this season. Crysencio Summerville was relegated with West Ham. The presence of Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst in the squad only served to indicate the lack of successors.

But after replacing Crysencio with Brobbey in the starting XI following the 2-2 draw with Japan, Ronald Koeman landed upon a fluid, multi-talented attack which ripped Sweden to shreds.

Brobbey and Gakpo scored two each and Crysencio scored the fifth in this win. Gakpo, Summerville and Memphis, a substitute, all picked up assists, as did Dumfries, twice, roaming forwards from right-back. So have the Dutch been underestimated?

“We have a lot of different qualities,” said Gakpo. “Speed, strong hold-up play, we’re good in the box. Memphis showed his quality. Even on the bench we still have Justin Kluivert and Weghorst [both yet to play], so it’s good to have diversity and qualities to help the team in any moment.

“Japan were very disciplined, not big chances like today. Today there was more variation in attacking play, different positions, movement, so it was more difficult for defenders to mark us. So that was maybe the little thing we missed in the last game.”

Málaga CF return to the First Division after beating Almería 2-1 in the second leg of the promotion playoff final. Goals from Chupe and Larrubia, in a match that began under the tension of the visiting team’s bus being pelted with stones before kickoff, decided a tie that had been level after the 0-0 draw in the first leg.

The Málaga side return to the top flight of Spanish football after years in the second and third tiers. Almería, who were also hoping to win back their place in the First Division, remain in the Second Division.

Málaga were relegated from the First Division in the 2017-18 season and have endured a decline ever since that even took them down to Segunda División B. This Saturday’s promotion brings a rebuilding cycle to a close and returns the club to a level befitting its history and fan base.

Málaga will learn their First Division schedule for the 2025-26 season in the coming days. The club must now put together a squad in line with the demands of the top tier.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Liverpool's Florian Wirtz - who starred under new Blues boss Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen - but any potential deal for the Germany playmaker, 23, depends on Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, 25, leaving Stamford Bridge. (Football Insider)

Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha is open to leaving Borussia Dortmund and both Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in the 25-year-old. (Teamtalk)

Newcastle could be willing to sell Germany striker Nick Woltemade, 24, with Aston Villa, Dortmund and Atletico Madrid among his suitors. (AS - in Spanish)

Brighton have made an improved offer for Tottenham's 19-year-old Croatia centre-back Luka Vuskovic worth up to £45m, including add-ons. (Mail)

RB Leipzig expect Paris St-Germain to submit an offer for Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, 19, after turning down Liverpool's opening bid of 100m euros (£87m). (Bild - in German)

If England midfielder Elliot Anderson, 23, joins Manchester City it could spark a domino effect, with Nottingham Forest signing 26-year-old Italy midfielder Davide Frattesi from Inter Milan, who in turn will look to complete a deal for Liverpool's England midfielder Curtis Jones, 25. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian)

Bayern Munich will look to renegotiate Michael Olise's contract amid interest from Real Madrid and PSG in the 24-year-old France winger. (AS - in Spanish)

Real Madrid have denied reports they have already made contact with Olise's camp. (Sport - in Spanish)

Juventus are willing to sell Canada forward Jonathan David, 26, and have set an asking price of 30m euros (£26m). (Corriere dello Sport - in Italian)

PSG want 40m euros (£35m) for Randal Kolo Muani and the 27-year-old France forward is keen to return to Juventus, who are also considering a move for Atletico Madrid's Norway striker Alexander Sorloth, 30. (Corriere dello Sport - in Italian)

Manchester City are close to reaching a financial settlement with Chelsea that will enable them to appoint Enzo Maresca as their manager. (Guardian)

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Roberto Martinez is once again coming under intense criticism from pundits and fans alike. After Portugal struggled against a spirited DR Congo side in their World Cup 2026 opener, many have accused him of ‘wasting’ another national teams golden generation. Tournaments are not won or lost after one game, and Martinez and Portugal have a long way to go to turn things around. Perhaps finally admitting that Ronaldo is not the same player he was in his prime could help, but it would be a brave manager to make this call so early in a tournament.

The players don’t like you saying it, but it is hard to argue that Belgium did not have a golden generation. The likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku were in their prime at the same time and were three of the best players in the world. They had the best goalkeeper in the world (and many argue still do) in Thibault Courtois, with a backline of experience and skill with the likes of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.

Many have claimed that Roberto Martinez ‘ruined’ the Belgian golden generation. But is this really true? Many seem to attribute Belgium’s shock 2016 Euro exit to Martinez. The side lost in the quarter-finals to Wales, a result that was a shock and is certainly a stain on the golden generations record book. In truth, that is a tournament they should have gotten to the semi-finals of at a minimum, and perhaps even gone on to win.

Yet if you revisit that tournament, you will notice that Martinez is no where to be found. He wasn’t in the dugout for that tournament, although many appear to attribute that defeat to him. Instead it was Marc Wilmost, current Sporting Director of Standard Liege, who presided over one of the worst defeats in Belgian history. Martinez took over after Wilmost, and it is hard to argue against his first tournament in charge being a roaring success.

At the 2018 World Cup, Belgium made it to the semi-finals, where they faced the French side that would go on to win the tournament. If we are honest with ourselves, that clash between Belgium and France during the 2018 World Cup was the real final. Whoever had won would have likely been too good for Croatia in the final, as these were clearly the two best teams in the world at that time. Belgium finished third and were received back home as heroes for what they had done. People forget that, while Belgium has always produced fantastic footballers, they are not a powerhouse in international football. Making the semi-finals of a World Cup is an achievement, and no one can say Martinez failed them during the 2018 tournament.

Yet, where he certainly can be criticised, is in the two tournaments that followed 2018. They lost in the delayed Euro 2020 to Italy, again a side that would go on to win the tournament. However, Belgium had a much better team than the Italians and really should have done better. They may well have gone on to lose to Spain in the semi-finals, but the final four was the bare minimum for a team that was, at that point in time, in its prime.

Qatar 2022 was a disaster. The golden generation looked old and were poor, getting dumped out in the group stages. Martinez had chosen to stick with that team for one final tournament, clearly a mistake, but one that many would have done in his position given what that group had achieved in 2018. They deserved a final go at the World Cup and sadly came up short.

If you take out 2018, then yes, clearly Martinez wasted the ‘golden generation’ of Belgian football. But, 2018 happened and you cannot remove that from the record. It was arguably the closest Belgium have come to winning a major tournament, even if they had made semi-finals before. They went toe to toe with a brilliant French side in a game that no one in either country will forget. It really was the final that the tournament deserved.

Its also important to remember that tournament football is unpredictable, which is what makes it so enticing. England had a fantastic generation of players during the 2000s and didn’t make a semi-final once. It is impossible to say whether or not another coach would have done better with Belgium. 2016 showed that even without Martinez, this golden generation wasn’t always guaranteed to make semi-finals or finals. Yes, there will be regrets that the side never made a major final, and some will attribute this blame squarely on the shoulders of Martinez. At the end of the day, that is the way the football world works. Managers are judged more harshly than players, and more often than not leave their job as a villain rather than a hero.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson

Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren thought he had combined with former Parkhead centre-half Gustaf Lagerbielke to bring Sweden back into their World Cup group game against the Netherlands only to be thwarted by the offside flag in a 5-1 thrashing in Houston.

The Dutch were ahead thanks to two goals from Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey when Nygren floated in a free-kick for Lagerbielke, now with Braga, to head home just before half-time.

But it was ruled out and Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo scored twice after the break before substitute Anthony Elanga, the Newcastle United winger, pulled one back for the Swedes shortly after Nygren was substituted.

West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville restored the four-goal advantage as Sweden fell short of the point that would have probably been enough to secure a place in the knock-out stage.

The Swedes had opened by thrashing Tunisia by the same scoreline and racked up 20 attempts on goal, nine of them on target, against the Dutch.

However, head coach Graham Potter said they would learn from the experience as they prepare for their final Group F game against Japan.

In a recent report, ParmaLive claimed that Sunderland are set to rival Fulham for Parma defender Mariano Troilo. It has been stated that the Black Cats are eyeing a move to acquire the services of the Argentine centre-back in this transfer period.

Troilo’s Impressive Form In Serie A

The 22-year-old managed to prove his worth at times with his performances at the heart of Troilo’s defence in the previous campaign. Troilo made 23 appearances for the Italian club last season, scoring one goal across all fronts.

The Brazilian talent is currently one of the most gifted young centre-backs in Serie A. Thus, it is no wonder that the Black Cats are hoping to land him this off-season.

His current contract at Parma will run out in the summer of 2030, which could make it tough for Sunderland to sign him later this year.

PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Rasmus Hojlund of Napoli SSC competes for the ball with Mariano Troilo of Parma Calcio during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Will Sunderland Boss Regis Le Bris Snap Troilo Up This Summer?

Troilo is a good tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to secure possession back for his side on the defensive end of the field. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the front foot and is proficient at playing his way out from the back.

Standing at 1.94m, the Argentine sensation can use his strong frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air. However, it remains to be seen whether he can adapt to the high intensity of the Premier League if Sunderland manage to get a deal over the line for him in this summer transfer window.

We can expect Troilo to add more bite and steel to Regis Le Bris’ defence. He has what it takes to fight for a regular starting place at the Stadium of Light in the coming seasons.

At 22, Troilo has got a promising future ahead of him, which makes him a decent choice for the Black Cats to consider this summer. He will also help the Wearside club compete across all fronts in the future. Hence, Le Bris would be wise to go all out to snap him up before the end of this transfer period.

This Saturday (20), the CBF released new information about Raphinha’s medical situation after he left the match against Haiti at the end of the first half with muscle pain.

In the statement, the organization confirmed a muscle injury in the back of his right thigh, but did not give a timeline for his return.

However, according to ge, the Brazil national team’s coaching staff is counting on Raphinha for a possible round of 16 match.

Also according to reporting by journalists Bruno Cassucci and Cahê Mota, the imaging exam did not show “anything too serious,” but the national team’s medical department wants to monitor the injury’s progress over the next few days.

This caution is due to the fact that, since the injury is recent, edema and swelling could prevent a more accurate diagnosis.

Brazil will return to the field next Wednesday (24), when they face Scotland in Miami, United States, at 7 p.m. (Brasília time).

Depending on Brazil’s placement in Group C, the round of 32 would be played on June 29 or 30.

And the round of 16 would take place on July 4 or 5. 

In other words, Raphinha would have around two weeks to recover and play for Brazil in the round of 16. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Time and again, he sat on the ground in the first half, even had to be treated off the pitch, kept coming back into the game, but clearly wasn’t moving all that smoothly.

Shortly after half-time, it is now clear: Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck cannot continue.

His body, specifically his knee, continued to cause problems — exactly what is behind it is still not entirely clear, so the BVB star had to remain in the dressing room.

Antonio Rüdiger came on for him, in a match that at the start of the second half is continuing just as the first period ended.

For the team of national coach Julian Nagelsmann, it certainly won’t be particularly pleasant to have to spend the remaining time chasing a deficit against the Ivory Coast team. And now there is also Schlotterbeck’s injury-enforced substitution.

This is certainly not how any of us imagined it. All that remains is to hope that it’s nothing serious. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

The Scotland national team are two games into their World Cup campaign and there has not been a sniff of a bicycle kick anywhere.

Scott McTominay illuminated the world with the spectacular against Denmark last November, a moment that typified the brilliance of the man whose trail has blazed fiercely in Naples.

That moment sparked the most magical of magic nights in Glasgow to bring Scotland to America, a first World Cup in 28 years that has so far delivered a narrow win and a narrow loss.

In both matches, the nation's poster boy has been understated in his influence, but what impact is the 29-year-old midfielder making? Is he the man in dark blue to bring Brazil crashing down, and is it fair to expect him to be?

• Boston bounce sends Scotland to Miami with hope and no fear
• Flawed but relentless Scotland show themselves as men of substance
• Referee told McGinn penalty denied as ball going out of play

McTominay - in sickness and in health

Across his 72 caps, the Napoli hero has amassed 15 goals and two assists, but these figures do his contribution a disservice.

He has been the man for the big occasion in so many matches. His first goal was a winner back in 2021 against Israel, it was his brace that famously downed Spain at Hampden, then of course we had that night against the Danes.

Now at the World Cup, the expectation for him to turn matches - along with Tartan Army hero John McGinn - is immense.

Against Haiti, where McTominay came within a post of a stunning goal, the BBC Sport audience rated three players better than him in salmon pink, while against Morocco a rating of 5.09 had seven Scots ahead of him.

But is that fair?

Against Haiti, McTominay had a 93% pass completion - the second-highest in the starting XI - dropping to 89% on Friday night - the third-highest in the team.

He managed two shots on goal in both games, which is one more than he managed against Denmark in November, when he was a hero.

Against Haiti, McTominay covered more than 12km, the most distance of any player on the park. Against Morocco, he was only bettered by an extra 369 metres from Lewis Ferguson.

An upset stomach was the story that struck fear into the Scotland support invading Boston prior to their opener, but he still played. Did he run the show? No, yet an underwhelming Scotland still got the job done in a 1-0 win.

Against Morocco, the Scots were struck by a lightning start from the Africa Cup of Nations winners, which undoubtedly rocked them.

But, as the game progressed, from just before half-time and into the second period, their hold on the game grew firmer, albeit without the clear chances that presented themselves at the other end.

How can McTominay be more effective against Brazil?

Undoubtedly McTominay's biggest attributes are in the forward areas. It has been a long time since the days of Steve Clarke playing him at centre-back.

His lethal eye for goal, his guile to be in the right place, his power to beat a man and arrive on time.

It is no coincidence that the former Manchester United man's less influential moments came in moments at Boston Stadium when Scotland were on the back foot.

For much of the game against Haiti, Scotland were not advancing into the final third with purpose, or working the ball well enough.

They received the ball 77 times in the final third compared to 116 at the other end.

The graph below illustrates just how much Haiti were the team with the attacking initiative, particularly with the amount of passes in the final third towards the end of the game.

The second-half against the Moroccans has arguably been Scotland's most forthcoming showing of the three tournament appearances under Clarke and McTominay's involvement began to swell.

"I've watched a bit of Scott," former Scotland winger Pat Nevin said of McTominay at Napoli and Scotland. "Scott is not Billy Gilmour. He's not going to go and run the game and pass.

"He can pass, he can do all those things. But is he going to be a technical player who runs the game? No, he's not going to be that.

"Is he going to be world class at arriving in the box? Yeah, as a 10 or an 8. And he's very, very good at other things and his work rate is fantastic.

"So when you say, 'oh he didn't do it to the last wee while', well we weren't up there at that end of the pitch. So it's kind of hard to do it."

While still not constant pressure from their possession in the second half, the graph below is evidence that Scotland were much more effective in the latter stages of the game as an attacking entity.

But why?

The loss of Gilmour is a key point to consider when talking about McTominay's effectiveness.

Lewis Ferguson has been used instead, with the Bologna man arguably Scotland's best player across both games so far.

But, while he's been used more in a holding position, his licence to engage his energy to free up the likes of McTominay and McGinn is perhaps stifled.

This is something that changed late on against Morocco with the introduction of Kenny McLean on 71 minutes, which allowed Ferguson to roam.

Former Scotland international Leanne Crichton suggested: "I think we've played with bravery and quality and composure in flashes and, when that happens, I think that's where Scott McTominay's at his best.

"I think you can see his qualities, he's absolutely there.

"If Scott McTominay's been picked up and he's been marked and doubled up in certain moments, players are tracking those runs that he normally makes then it's up to other players around that to recognise and make better decisions with the ball.

"I think that's probably where we've fallen short in certain moments in the game."

Nevin added: "He's not a controller of games like that. Some of the best players in the world aren't that.

"In midfield, they are different things. And he's got a great specialism, which is a world-class specialism. But you need to be in a position to play for him to use that to his best.

"And we didn't really get into that position to do that because we weren't in the final third to do that.

"So I wouldn't be having any dig at Scott at all. He's doing a hard shift."

• World Cup fixtures and group standings
• How to watch the World Cup on the BBC
• Everything you need to know about the World Cup

Liverpool are making a habit of signing the best young centre-back talents around.

Last summer Giovanni Leoni - now 19 - signed for the Reds for around £26m from Parma. In January a deal for Mor Talla Ndiaye was tied up with the teenage defender arriving from FC Amitie.

Deals were also put in place for two more young centre-backs in Jeremy Jacquet and Ifeanyi Ndukwe - who will both arrive once the transfer window opens.

But Reds recruiters won’t stop there.

Liverpool looking at Socceroo Lucas Herrington

The club are now reported to be scouting an outstanding young Australian in the shape of Lucas Herrington.

The Socceroo has been the subject of a recent bid from Barcelona - which has been knocked back by his MLS club Colorado Rapids.

Herrington is expected to fetch more than the $7.7m the Rapids raked in when selling Moise Bombito to Nice last year when he eventually goes according to a report in the Athletic.

Colorado Rapids knock back Barca bid for Herrington

“Barcelona has already had an opening bid rejected by Colorado for Herrington,” the report reads.

And that could potentially open the door for Liverpool to sign the 18-year-old - who is currently with his national team at the FIFA World Cup.

“Liverpool sent scouts this season,” the report discloses.

Lucas Herrington: Situation summary

Lucas Herrington is an 18-year-old Australian centre-back, standing around 1.92m, currently established as a first-choice starter for Colorado Rapids in MLS and already capped by the Socceroos after debuting in March 2026.

A Brisbane native and Brisbane Roar academy product, he profiles as a modern, right-footed central defender: dominant aerially, physically imposing, but also composed in possession and comfortable playing out from the back.

He joined Colorado in 2026 and has since played every minute in the heart of their defence, quickly becoming one of MLS’s standout young centre-backs.

Contractually, he is tied down on a deal running to the end of 2029 with a club option for 2030, leaving the Rapids in a position of strength and underpinning reports that they would like to keep him for at least two full seasons to maximise his value.

European interest is already intense. Barcelona have had an offer rejected, while Everton and West Ham are among the Premier League clubs tracking him, and there is additional interest from across Europe.

Colorado are understood to be looking towards the €15–20m bracket in the near term, with some estimates placing his upside valuation higher, so a medium-term move to a development-focused European club – with Barcelona currently at the front of the queue – looks the most plausible next step if and when MLS can no longer match his trajectory.

In a recent segment on Youtube, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that Arsenal remain keen on recruiting Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers. Romano said,

“We should not forget about [Bradley] Barcola, who is also appreciated by Arsenal, but the priority for Arsenal remains Morgan Rogers. So Arsenal wants to sign Morgan Rogers, and Arsenal will go all in for Morgan Rogers, that’s the expectation. Barcola is still on the short list, but nothing in it.”

Rogers’ Excellent Numbers In English Football

The 23-year-old enjoyed a productive campaign at the West Midlands club as he was responsible for putting in a string of influential displays for them in the final third. The English sensation scored 14 times and picked up 12 assists in 55 matches for Aston Villa last season across all competitions.

The 23-year-old is currently among the best playmakers in the Premier League. Thus, Arsenal would do well to acquire his services in this transfer window.

His current contract at Villa Park will run out in the summer of 2031, which could make it tough for the Gunners to land him on the cheap later this year.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 10: Morgan Rogers #17 of England reacts during the International Friendly match between England and Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium on June 10, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Should Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Go For Rogers?

Rogers has got the eye to play some killer passes in and around the opponent’s penalty area and is a decent dribbler with the ball at his feet. He can strike the ball with power from long range and is also quite clever with his movements in the final third.

The English talent added a lot of goals and assists to his game last season. Rogers is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also play as a winger on either flank if told to do so by his manager. He has got a wealth of experience in the Premier League and won’t take much time to settle into life at Arsenal if they can find a way to get a deal done for him this summer.

Rogers would inject more quality into Mikel Arteta’s frontline. He has what it takes to nail down a regular starting place at the Emirates Stadium next season.

At 23, Rogers will only get better with each season. Therefore, the Gunners would be wise to go for a player with his skill set in this transfer window.

This Saturday (20), the Netherlands national team thrashed Sweden 5-1 in the second round of the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After the rout, coach Ronald Koeman responded about a possible clash against Brazil or Morocco in the tournament’s first knockout stage (before the round of 16).

After all, the first-place team in Group F (currently the Netherlands with four points) would face the runner-up in Group C (currently Morocco with four points).

The Brazil national team, meanwhile, would be facing Sweden (second in Group F, with three points).

And the 63-year-old coach went into full "brutal honesty" mode when analyzing a meeting with the African team or Brazil in the round of 32, ignoring the huge historical gap in World Cups between Moroccans and Brazilians.

"I don’t prefer anything. Both (Brazil and Morocco) are great teams and I don’t see one as stronger than the other. That’s why they drew (in the first round). Morocco played very well in the first half, and Brazil did well in the second. Neither is stronger than the other," said Koeman, before finishing his answer.

"We have to focus on ourselves. We are determined to win the next match and to secure first place in the group. We’ll see what happens and who our opponent will be."

The Netherlands will play Tunisia in the final round of the group stage on Thursday (25).

In Group C, Brazil will face Scotland on Wednesday (24), while Morocco takes on Haiti.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Man Utd and Liverpool Circle as Felix Nmecha Transfer Door Opens

There is always a particular kind of intrigue when a player shaped in England leaves, grows elsewhere, then returns to the Premier League conversation as something more complete. Felix Nmecha may now be approaching that point.

According to TEAMtalk, Borussia Dortmund’s Germany international is open to leaving the Bundesliga this summer, with Manchester United and Liverpool both monitoring his situation. The report states that a return to England is “very realistic”, despite Nmecha only signing a new four-year contract with Dortmund in March.

That detail matters. Dortmund are not being forced into a sale. There is no immediate pressure, no release clause active until 2027, no great sense of panic. Yet TEAMtalk report that intermediaries are sounding out possible destinations, with a deal potentially available at around £52million.

Photo IMAGO

Nmecha Profile Appeals to Elite Clubs

Nmecha’s rise has been steady rather than theatrical. Since joining Dortmund from Wolfsburg in 2023, he has become one of German football’s more influential midfielders, combining physical presence with technical security and tactical intelligence.

TEAMtalk note that his World Cup form has further lifted his profile, particularly after Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curacao, where he delivered a commanding midfield performance under Julian Nagelsmann.

For Manchester United, the appeal is obvious. They need midfield control, athleticism and a player capable of playing through pressure rather than merely surviving it. Nmecha would not arrive as a speculative addition. He would come as someone entering his prime, with Bundesliga authority and international relevance.

Liverpool’s interest adds another layer. They have been linked with multiple midfielders and, with a new era taking shape, their recruitment is likely to focus on players who can carry intensity as well as intelligence.

England Return Carries Real Logic

Nmecha’s connection to English football runs deep. He and his brother Lukas both came through Manchester City’s academy before building careers in Germany. Lukas returned to England with Leeds United last season, and TEAMtalk suggest there is growing belief Felix could now follow a similar route.

The report claims that Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City have all been approached regarding his situation, with none dismissing the possibility outright.

That does not mean a move is imminent. It means the market is being tested. In modern football, that is often how the first serious steps begin.

Dortmund Hold Strong Position

Dortmund remain calm, and understandably so. They have a long contract, a valuable asset and no need to accept anything below their valuation.

For United, Liverpool and the rest, Nmecha represents opportunity. Not a bargain, not a certainty, but a midfielder with enough quality, age profile and Premier League familiarity to justify serious attention.

If £52million is the figure, this could become one of the more fascinating midfield chases of the summer.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United perspective, this is exactly the sort of report that should spark interest, but also caution. Felix Nmecha looks like a player who fits a need. United have spent too long assembling midfields that look strong on paper, then fail to control games when the tempo rises.

Nmecha offers size, balance and composure. He has played under pressure at Dortmund, developed outside the Premier League spotlight and now appears ready for a bigger role. At £52million, he sits in that awkward modern bracket, expensive enough to be scrutinised, sensible enough to be tempting.

The Liverpool link should sharpen United minds. Too often, United have hesitated while rivals identified cleaner fits. If Liverpool are genuinely looking, it suggests Nmecha is not just another name being circulated by intermediaries. It suggests there is a profile here that data departments and recruitment teams like.

The big question is role. Is he a starter, a rotational piece, or part of a wider midfield rebuild? United cannot afford another expensive halfway signing. They need clarity before commitment.

Still, as a curious United supporter, this one feels worth watching. Nmecha has the tools, the age and the background. If the price holds near £52million, United should at least be in the room.

The Netherlands were ruthless going forward as they dismantled Sweden in their second group game of the 2026 World Cup. The Dutch ended up winning 5-1, although goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen certainly had to make some important saves to help the side win in such as convincing manner. Cody Gakpo was the star of the show, but Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey also announced himself at the tournament with a brace.

The striker started against Sweden after being on the bench against Japan and ensured he would be Ronald Koeman’s starting striker for the rest of the tournament. It took the Sunderland forward just a few minutes to open the scoring, making it a brace after 17 minutes. Shortly after half-time, Gakpo got into the action. The Liverpool man helped himself to a brace, while Crysenscio Summerville got his second World Cup goal after coming off the bench. Denzel Dumfries also got his first two assists of the tournament.

The large margin of victory all but confirms that the Netherlands will be going through to the next round. They now have four points and a plus four goal difference going into the final group game against Tunisia, who lost 5-1 to Sweden in their opening game.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson

In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey mentioned that Liverpool are in the mix to sign Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni this summer. It has been claimed that the Reds would have to rival Manchester United in the race to land the France international later this year.

Tchouameni’s Good Form In La Liga

The 26-year-old had an impressive campaign at the Madrid club after he produced a string of solid displays for them in the final third. Tchouameni scored two goals and picked up two assists in 49 matches for Los Blancos last season in all competitions.

The French sensation is currently among the best central midfielders in La Liga. Therefore, Liverpool would do well to lure him to Anfield in this transfer window.

His current deal at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium will expire in the summer of 2028, which could make it tough for the Reds to recruit him on the cheap later this year.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 03: Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid with the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at RCDE Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

Will Tchouameni Be A Dream Signing For Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola?

Tchouameni is a good tackler of the ball and can sense the danger well to earn possession back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed and excels at playing his way out from midfield.

The French sensation can shoot the ball with power from long range and has got the eye to play some decisive passes in the final third. Tchouameni can even chip in by scoring and creating the odd goal for his team. However, only time will tell whether he can make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League if the Reds manage to bring him on board later this year.

We can expect Tchouameni to bring more bite and steel to Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola’s midfield. He has what it takes to fight for a regular first-team spot at the Merseyside club in the coming years.

At 26, Tchouameni’s best years are ahead of him, which makes him a dream signing for the Reds to consider this summer. He will also help Liverpool challenge for some major trophies in the future. Therefore, Iraola would be wise to try everything in his power to bring him to Anfield this off-season as long as he can get him for a reasonable fee.

Former Newcastle United co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi are exploring a takeover of West Ham United as the football investors weigh up a return to club ownership, per the Daily Mail.

The couple, through their investment vehicle PCP Capital Partners, has opened exploratory discussions over a possible deal involving the Hammers following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

Staveley and Ghodoussi have been assessing opportunities across English football since leaving Newcastle, with Tottenham Hotspur also among the clubs to have featured in preliminary conversations.

However, West Ham have now emerged as a serious option as they look to identify a project with long-term growth potential.

Earlier this week, Staveley hinted at the type of challenge she is seeking, explaining that she and her husband are motivated by the prospect of revitalising underperforming clubs with untapped potential.

Staveley and Ghodoussi played a central role in orchestrating Newcastle’s Saudi-backed takeover in 2021, bringing together the Public Investment Fund and the Reuben brothers to complete the acquisition.

Their arrival transformed the club’s fortunes, helping lay the foundations for Champions League qualification within two seasons before Newcastle ended a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy by lifting the Carabao Cup.

The Reuben brothers are not involved in the discussions surrounding West Ham.

The Championship club’s ownership remains split between majority shareholder David Sullivan, Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky and the Gold Family Trust.

Sullivan recently stepped down as joint-chairman and director ahead of allegations concerning his personal life being published.

While no agreement is close, Staveley and Ghodoussi’s interest represents another significant development in what could become one of English football’s most closely watched ownership stories this summer.

West Ham desperately need fresh inspiration and direction from the hierarchy following two poor seasons that ultimately culminated in relegation to the Championship.

The World Cup hasn't even finished yet and the footballing world is still being filled with rumours.

Liverpool have been one of the most-linked teams with players this summer with the vast majority of their squad needing upgrades.

Andoni Iraola has already welcomed Victor Munoz in attack with several other players expected to follow.

For some reason, La Liga seems to be the main league that Liverpool's targets are coming from with the latest rumour to emerge from Anfield no different.

Liverpool want to sign Andrei Ratiu as their new right-back

Last summer, Arne Slot and Richard Hughes spent £29.5 million on Jeremie Frimpong.

The Dutchman was expected to come in and instantly replace Trent Alexander-Arnold due to his attacking prowess.

Indeed, Liverpool were probably hoping that Conor Bradley would be their first-choice for most of the season but, due to the sheer number of injuries he's suffered, that's not been the case.

The 2025-26 season was the Northern Irishman's time to shine but instead, he's missed that opportunity.

And, at the moment, it feels like that opportunity could be out of the window, especially since the Reds' latest target is reportedly a right-back.

"Anfield Index sources have confirmed Liverpool’s interest in Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu," the report reads.

"The 28-year-old Romanian international was a key part in the club’s impressive eighth-place finish in La Liga last season.

"With a €25m release clause, Ratiu is seen as a cheaper alternative than other targets like Marco Pelestra.

"There is also a belief that an agreement in the region of €20m can be negotiated. But there will be competition as FC Barcelona are also keen on the player.

"Talks with the player’s representatives have already taken place in recent weeks and this could be one to keep an eye on."

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Liverpool signing Andrei Ratiu makes a lot of sense

Ratiu is almost certainly a name that most Liverpool fans won't have heard of.

And, if they have, it's likely because he's the blue-haired right-back from La Liga in EA FC 26.

Despite his blue hair being one of his main features that people remember, he's also got lightning quick speed and has been one of Rayo Vallecano's best players during the three years he's been there.

The defender has spent the vast majority of his career in La Liga, that is, aside from a year-long spell with ADO Den Hag during the 2020-21 season.

This season, however, the attacker has had one of his most consistent campaigns yet as he's played in 50 games across all competitions and contributed to five goals.

These statistics aren't amazing but, considering he has plenty of La Liga experience and is still just 28 years old, the full-back could be a decent option for Liverpool to explore, even if it's only for a few years.

The addition of Ratiu would allow Frimpong to be moved into a more advances role and allow players such as Curtis Jones and Dominik Szobsozlai to actually play in their natural positions.

No concrete moves have been made just yet but, the fact that Liverpool are considering many different options will certain put the Reds' fanbase at ease regarding their much-needed upgrades this summer.

After a lively opening 20 minutes and a few minor concerns about Nico Schlotterbeck, the DFB team’s second group match has now delivered its first major flashpoints — and the shock of a surprising deficit for Germany!

First, the ball ended up in the Ivorian net at the other end (22’), but referee Benitez immediately blew the whistle. The reason: following a corner, Fofana rose high in his own box and was impeded by Pavlovic, who also jumped and headed the ball. Although the Bayern star ultimately nodded the ball into the net, the goal did not count because he had his arm out and caught Fofana in the process.

It was by no means a clear refereeing error, so VAR did not intervene and the goal remained disallowed. Certainly a defensible decision.

Instead, things turned bitter for the German side right after the following drinks break: after Brown initially made a successful block against an effort from Amad, the rebound fell to Franck Kessié in the penalty area, and he ruthlessly buried it with his right foot (30’). 

So the underdogs lead the German national team 1–0 — the same team that played so brilliantly just last Sunday. If it stays this way, or gets even worse, going into halftime, things certainly won’t get any more pleasant for head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s side.

What do you make of Wirtz, Musiala and Co.’s performance so far? Can they turn it around quickly? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

In a recent report, journalist Christian Falk stated that Manchester United are hoping to land Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae this summer. It has been claimed that the Red Devils have identified the South Korea international as a target for this transfer window.

Min-jae’s Impressive Form In The Bundesliga

Min-jae enjoyed a solid campaign at the Bavarian club as he put in a string of impressive displays for them on the defensive end of the pitch. The 29-year-old registered one goal and grabbed one assist in 37 matches for his current employers last season in all competitions.

The South Korea international is currently among the best centre-backs in the Bundesliga. Hence, it is no surprise that Man United are keen on recruiting him later this year.

His current contract at the Allianz Arena will expire in the summer of 2028, which could make it difficult for the Red Devils to sign him on the cheap this off-season.

ZAPOPAN, MEXICO – JUNE 11: Min-Jae Kim #4 of Korea Republic reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Korea Republic and Czechia at Guadalajara Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

What Will Min-Jae Add To Manchester United Boss Michael Carrick’s Team?

Min-jae loves a tackle and can time his challenges well to earn possession back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind clearing the danger when required and is an accurate passer as well.

The South Korea international can use his strong 1.90m frame to win a few 50-50 aerial duels for his team. However, there are some concerns over whether he can cope with the high intensity of Premier League football if the Red Devils manage to secure his services later this year.

We can expect Min-jae to add more bite and steel to Man United boss Michael Carrick’s backline. He is good enough to fight for a regular starting place at Old Trafford in the coming years.

At 29, Min-jae is playing in his prime, which makes him a good choice for the Red Devils to pursue in this transfer window. However, Carrick has to give him some time to adjust to life in England before he can get the best out of the player. Still, Min-jae has got the experience to help Man United compete across all fronts in the future. Hence, Carrick should focus on getting him on board before the end of this summer transfer window.

Mair, 25, joined the Cumbrians on loan from Morecambe in January but made just one National League appearance, against Brackley in April.

He recently left Morecambe at the end of his contract and has signed for Carlisle on a one-year deal with the option of an additional year.

The Scot began his career at Aberdeen and later had a spell at Norwich City, although he did not make a first-team appearance for either club.

He previously played under Carlisle boss Rob Elliot during a spell on loan at Gateshead.

Mair has also spent time on loan at Lincoln, Notts County and Motherwell.

"I'm looking forward to kicking on," he told Carlisle's website.

"Hopefully the fans will see more of me going forward. I'm confident in myself, I'm calm, I like being on the ball, and I enjoy being in possession."

Elliot said: "I've worked with Archie before at Gateshead and know what he can bring.

"He is a goalkeeper with good presence, confidence, and the ability to play with the ball at his feet."

On Saturday afternoon (20), the CBF released a statement confirming that Raphinha suffered a muscle injury in the back of his right thigh.

In the text, the organization said he will continue intensive treatment with the Brazilian National Team, aiming for his “recovery and return to activities as soon as possible.”

No timetable for his return to the pitch was announced.

The forward was injured during the first half of the match against Haiti, which ended in a 3-0 win for Brazil.

He had to be substituted and was replaced by Rayan in the 40th minute of the first half.

Read the full statement below:

Player Raphinha underwent imaging tests this Saturday, which confirmed a muscle injury in the back of his right thigh. The player will continue following an intensive treatment protocol, under the supervision of the Brazilian National Team’s medical staff, aiming for his recovery and return to activities as soon as possible.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Big changes are coming to the Liverpool midfield this summer.

Alexis Mac Allister is among the candidates to leave due to his uncertain contract situation. No talks over a new deal have been instigated by the club with the Argentina FIFA World Cup winner and his current contract expires in 2028.

If no new deal is agreed then it is easy to see the temptation for selling the 27-year-old. Curtis Jones now looks very close to joining Inter Milan.

Jones out, Wharton in

Talks are ongoing for the 25-year-old - even if the two clubs remain apart on the valuation. If one or more of Liverpool’s current midfield options end up leaving then quality players will be required this summer.

Andoni Iraola and Richard Hughes have been running the rule over a plethora of midfield targets - including Alex Scott of Bournemouth and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

Liverpool hold talks with Wharton

Now a report claims in TEAMtalk that talks have been opened with Wharton over the terms of a summer deal.

“Liverpool remain among the player’s strongest admirers and have held talks with Wharton’s camp in recent weeks as they assess options to strengthen Andoni Iraola’s midfield,” the report reads.

Wharton has been in impressive form since leaving Blackburn for the Eagles in 2024.

He probably didn’t even think himself that he would break this record. After all, Manuel Neuer had actually no longer planned to stand between the posts for the Germany team again. But now, as we know, things turned out very differently.

And thanks to his comeback for the Germany team, Neuer directly broke a record today in just his second appearance since returning in national team colors. With his appearance in the second group match against Côte d’Ivoire, he now has a total of 21 World Cup matches to his name. That put him past Hugo Lloris, who kept goal for France in 20 World Cup games.

The Frenchman retired from the national team in January 2023 — just a few weeks after losing the World Cup final in Qatar to Argentina — and accordingly no longer has any chance at this tournament to add to his number of appearances. Quite unlike the 40-year-old German keeper.

As long as his body holds up, he will make at least one more World Cup appearance: in the final group match against Ecuador. Hopefully with a win behind him and the certainty that they will go through and reach the round of 32.

That could be wrapped up now — but for that, they need a win against Côte d’Ivoire. At the moment, it’s still 0-0.

What do you think? Will Neuer keep a clean sheet today? Write it in the comments!

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey mentioned that Chelsea are in talks to sign Juventus talent Andrea Cambiaso. It has been revealed that the Blues have identified the Italian defender as a main target for this summer transfer window.

Cambiaso’s Solid Season In Italian Football

Cambiaso managed to catch the eye at times with his performances on the left side of Juventus’ backline last season. The 26-year-old found the back of the net three times and secured five assists in 47 matches for the Turin outfit in the previous campaign across multiple competitions.

The Italian talent is currently one of the most talented full-backs in Serie A. Hence, the Blues would do well to bring him on board later this year.

His current contract at the Italian club will expire in the summer of 2029. Therefore, Chelsea would have to make a convincing offer if they are serious about signing him this off-season.

UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus looks on during the warm up ahead of the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Should Chelsea Boss Xabi Alonso Move In For Cambiaso?

Cambiaso loves a tackle and can sense the danger well to earn possession back for his team on the defensive end of the field. He doesn’t mind clearing the danger when the opposition are on the front foot and is a tidy passer as well.

The Italian sensation can deliver some inviting crosses into the opponent’s penalty area from the left flank. Cambiaso mainly operates as a left-back but can also serve as a left-sided wide player or as a right-back if asked to do so by his manager. However, the jury is still out on whether he can make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League if the Blues manage to snap him up in this transfer window.

Cambiaso would bring more quality and depth to Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso’s defence. He is good enough to compete for a regular starting place at the West London club in the coming years.

At 26, Cambiaso has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a decent fit for Alonso’s needs this summer. Thus, the Blues would be wise to move in for him before the end of this transfer window. However, Alonso has to give him some time to adjust to life in England.

Serie A side Roma have been dealing with the possibility of losing Manu Kone and the Frenchman is now also of interest to Chelsea.

Get Italian Football News have looked at how Arsenal have made initial contact for the midfielder but haven’t made a formal offer yet.

Corriere della Sera – via SiamoLaRoma, report that the Italian giants demand at least €50 million for Kone’s sale, as they have to earn €60 million by the 30th of June because of FFP reasons.

Chelsea have now joined the race and they seem serious about signing Kone, along with Arsenal. Atletico Madrid have also been interested, having dealt with significantly with Italian clubs in the last few years now.

Roma floating idea

It feels like no one at Roma is unsellable and that includes their best players like Kone. This has probably been communicated to the Frenchman’s entourage, who are touching base with several clubs to see if they’re keen or not. This has probably led to Chelsea and Arsenal stepping forward without actually making any real attempts for the player.

But this is helping Roma make it clear that they’re open to a sale, if the right offer is made.

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In a recent post on X, journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that Manchester City are confident about recruiting Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer. It has been stated that the Mancunian club are about to finalise a move to bring the English talent to the Etihad Stadium this off-season.

Anderson’s Solid Campaign In The Premier League

Anderson enjoyed an impressive campaign at the Midlands club as he put in a run of solid performances at the centre of their midfield. The 23-year-old did well to score four times and pick up five assists in 50 matches for Nottingham last season in various competitions.

The English sensation is currently one of the most consistent central midfielders in the Premier League. Therefore, it is no wonder that Man City are hoping to get a deal done for Anderson this off-season.

His current contract at the City Ground will run out in the summer of 2029, which could make it tough for the Mancunian club to sign him on a cut-price deal in this transfer window.

TAMPA, FLORIDA – JUNE 06: Elliot Anderson #8 of England controls the ball during a international friendly match between England and New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium on June 06, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Should Manchester City Snap Anderson Up This Summer?

Anderson is a tough-tackling midfielder who can scan the danger well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the offensive and is full of energy and running at the centre of the park.

The English sensation can shoot the ball with power from long range and has got the eye to play some decisive passes in the final third. Anderson is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also serve as a defensive midfielder or play in the number ten position if asked to do so. He already knows the Premier League well and won’t take much time to adjust to life at the Mancunian club if they manage to get him on board this summer.

Anderson would bring more bite and steel to Man City’s midfield. He has what it takes to fight for a regular first-team spot at the Etihad Stadium in the coming years.

At 23, Anderson has his best years ahead of him, which makes him a good choice for the Premier League club to consider this off-season. He will also help Man City challenge across all fronts in the future. All in all, the Mancunian giants should focus on trying everything they can to snap Anderson up this summer.

As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter players Luis Henrique and Davide Frattesi are attracting interest from the Premier League amid what is shaping up to be an eventful transfer window at San Siro.

After just one season in Italy, it looks like Luis Henrique may move on, with Bournemouth taking an particular interest in the 24-year-old Brazilian wide midfielder.

As for Frattesi, appearances under Cristian Chivu were harder to come by for him last season, and it looks like he may be moved on in favour of newer faces. Nottingham Forest are interested in him, though the 26-year-old is inclined towards remaining in Italy.

Henrique has four more years remaining on his €3.91m-per-year contract, while Frattesi has two years remaining on his €5.19m-per-year deal.

All the Prem’s a stage

In recent years, the modern-day financial reality of European football has made mid-to-lower table Premier League sides a fertile ground for players from elsewhere in Europe — even more so than used to be the case few years ago.

So if a league-winning side like Inter are looking to move on a few players, the Premier League will happily oblige and provide an excellent platform for out-of-favour players to make a name for themselves at football’s most lucrative stage.

Frattesi in proven deep-lying midfielders, which are already hard to come by, so any side that is interested in grab him will find on the table a deal more than worth making.

As for Henrique, he’s a promising creative wide outlet who has already had a fruitful spell at Marseille before Inter. He’s someone who plays a key role in earlier phases of an attack and could be tried out even as a fullback or as an eight down the middle, so there’s a project to explore there, making him a very attractive options for mid-table Premier League sides that have less pressure on them, comparatively speaking.

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Liverpool have been knocked back in their opening gambit for Yan Diomande.

Multiple sources have reported that the outgoing Premier League champions bid a total reaching €100m for the RB Leipzig forward.

Richard Hughes was willing to pay €90m for the 19-year-old - guaranteeing another €10m in add-ons. But that offer was swatted back by the energy drinks giant - despite earlier valuations of the forward hovering around the €100m mark.

It’s clear that Leipzig are now playing hardball over the Cote d’Ivoire international and with good reason.

RB Leipzig playing hardball over Diomande deal

The Bundesliga side contracted Diomande until 2030 when they signed him from Leganes last summer. That puts them in total control over his future.

While the Red Bulls would welcome the opportunity to tie Diomande down to a new contract they would also benefit from driving his price up.

And the message has been put out according to a report in TEAMtalk that any deal for Diomande will require a Bundesliga-record fee.

LFC could require €148m for Diomande

Borussia Dortmund sold Ousmane Dembele to Barcelona back in 2017 for €148m in the post-Neymar landscape. And Leipzig have got one eye on the Ballon d’Or winner’s prior valuation when it comes to pricing Diomande.

“If Diomande is to leave this summer, it could require a fee approaching the Bundesliga transfer record,” the report reads.

“That benchmark remains the €148million (£128m, $169m) received by Borussia Dortmund when Ousmane Dembele joined Barcelona in 2017.”

Richard Hughes to break transfer record again

It means Richard Hughes will need to break the British transfer record once again - having done so twice last summer. Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz for a fee reaching £116m from Bayer Leverkusen and later in the window brought in Alexander Isak for £126m.

A £128m deal for Diomande would eclipse both deals.

“Any such deal would break the fee the Reds spent last summer on Wirtz, while it would also potentially break the fee spent on Alexander Isak,” the report reads.

It remains to be seen where this deal ends up as there are several stakeholders involved.

If a recent update from The Times (as cited by Liverpool Echo) is believed to be true, Everton are desperately looking for a new right-back and have identified a host of names, with Strasbourg sensation Guela Doue being one of the prime targets.

However, his £40m price tag has been labelled as a stumbling block, and the Toffees could explore other options amid rumoured interest in Djed Spence, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raoul Bellanova, Ben White, Emil Holm and Brooke Norton-Cuffy.

Everton moved home from Goodison Park to Hill Dickinson Stadium, but only managed six wins in their own backyard. David Moyes must strengthen multiple areas to improve upon last season’s 13th-placed Premier League finish, particularly down the right, having deployed centre-half Jake O’Brien as a makeshift for the majority of the campaign. 37-year-old Seamus Coleman has parted ways after more than 16 years in Merseyside. Nathan Patterson could also be on the move, after featuring only 19 times over the past two years.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 14: Guela Doue #17 of Cote d’Ivoire controls the ball against Alan Minda #14 of Ecuador during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Cote D’Ivoire and Ecuador at Philadelphia Stadium on June 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Blues were close to snapping up Kenny Tete last summer. But the Dutchman made a U-turn by penning a new contract at Fulham. Although O’Brien played as an unconventional, defensively solid right fullback, adding immense height and a physical profile to the flank, Moyes must bring someone who offers width and creative spark, with flair and marauding runs.

Why Doue Fits Better Than The Other Targets At Everton

Doue, currently representing the Ivory Coast in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, progressed through Rennes’ academy ranks before breaking into their senior squad. He joined Strasbourg for a fee of around €6m in the summer of 2024 and has since featured regularly for the Ligue 1 side.

Predominantly a right-back, Doue is flexible across the backline, having demonstrated his physical intensity, strong tackling, aerial ability and ball-playing traits. His progressive ball-carrying and accurate long-range passing make him a perfect fit as a fullback, but he is also comfortable as a wide centre-back or right wing-back. Everton must attempt to lower the asking price, as he would be a better fit than Spence and Wan-Bissaka for Moyes’ defensive solidity, tactical discipline and direct, counter-attacking football.

Meanwhile, White’s profile suits his style, but the Englishman’s persistent fitness woes remain a concern. Holm joined Juventus on loan from Bologna earlier this year, but the Swedish international has not done enough to justify his potential. Atalanta ace Bellanova is more suited as a wing-back, and Norton-Cuffy, despite impressing at Genoa, might need another full season before returning to England. The Merseysiders must push for Doue, but a strong World Cup run would only solidify Strasbourg’s stance for their prized asset.

Crystal Palace Eye Maitland-Niles as Premier League Return Gathers Pace

Maitland-Niles Emerges as Palace Target

Crystal Palace could be preparing one of the more intriguing moves of the summer, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles linked with a return to the Premier League.

According to Foot Mercato, the 28-year-old Lyon midfielder and full-back has attracted interest from Palace, now managed by Pierre Sage. That connection matters. Sage knows Maitland-Niles from their time together at Olympique Lyonnais, and that familiarity could shape Palace’s thinking as they look to add experience, versatility and technical security to their squad.

For Palace, this feels like the kind of deal that requires context. Maitland-Niles left England with his career drifting. His Arsenal pathway had narrowed, his loan spells had not fully revived his momentum, and his time at Southampton came during a difficult period for both player and club.

France changed that.

Lyon Spell Has Rebuilt His Reputation

Since joining Lyon on a free transfer in 2023, Maitland-Niles has quietly rebuilt himself. He has made 115 appearances for the French club and featured 42 times last season, contributing six goals and assists across all competitions.

Those numbers do not scream glamour, but they do speak of trust. Coaches pick players like Maitland-Niles because they solve problems. He can operate in midfield, at full-back, and in roles that require discipline rather than decoration.

That is important. Palace are not looking at the uncertain Arsenal version of Maitland-Niles. They would be looking at a player who has played regularly, matured abroad and re-established himself in a demanding environment.

Sage Connection Could Be Crucial

Pierre Sage’s presence at Palace gives this link extra weight. Managers often return to players they trust, especially in the early stages of a new project.

Photo IMAGO

That familiarity could reduce the risk. Sage knows Maitland-Niles’ habits, strengths and limitations. He knows where he fits, how he trains and what he brings to a dressing room.

For Palace, that could be attractive. This is a club that often thrives when recruitment is clever rather than loud. Maitland-Niles would not arrive as a headline-grabbing signing, but he could arrive as a useful one.

Palace Move Makes Sense

With his Lyon contract expiring at the end of next season, this summer may be the right time for all parties. Lyon may need to consider a sale, Palace may see value, and Maitland-Niles may feel the Premier League still has unfinished business for him.

A move to Selhurst Park would not be about nostalgia. It would be about timing. Palace need players who can adapt, compete and understand tactical nuance.

Maitland-Niles, after three years of growth in France, may now fit that brief better than ever.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Crystal Palace supporter’s perspective, this is exactly the kind of link that makes you pause before judging it too quickly.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is not a name that will send social media into meltdown, but Palace fans have seen enough football to know that smart squads are built with players like this. The obvious question is whether he would improve the starting XI, and that is fair. Yet the better question might be whether he improves the squad’s flexibility, depth and balance.

If Pierre Sage wants him, that carries weight. This would not be a blind punt based on an old Premier League reputation. It would be a manager going back to a player he knows can follow instructions, handle different roles and offer reliability over a long season.

Palace have exciting pieces. They have energy, pace and talent. What they also need is control, especially in games where chaos does not help them. Maitland-Niles could offer that. He can cover multiple positions, help manage injuries and give Sage tactical options without forcing a major reshuffle.

The concern, naturally, is whether he is dynamic enough to move Palace forward. Supporters will not want another safe signing if the squad needs genuine elevation. But at the right price, with a year left on his Lyon deal, this could be a sensible, grown-up piece of recruitment.

Not spectacular, perhaps. Potentially very useful.

West Ham United have confirmed that Shelina Zadorsky, Verena Hanshaw, Camila Sáez, Soraya Walsh and Emily Taylor-Brown will leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of June.

Defender Estelle Cascarino is also set to return to Juventus following the end of her loan spell, while captain Katrina Gorry’s previously announced departure brings the number of exits to seven.

The departures signal the start of a major rebuild under head coach Rita Guarino ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Saying goodbye to a West Ham fan favourite

Few exits will hit fans harder than Zadorsky’s. The Canadian international spent two-and-a-half seasons in East London and became one of the team’s leaders on and off the pitch.

West Ham first signed her on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2024 before making the move permanent six months later. The club named her vice-captain ahead of the 2024/25 season, and she went on to play a key role in one of West Ham’s strongest campaigns in the Women’s Super League.

Zadorsky made 50 appearances in all competitions and scored once against Southampton in the League Cup in December 2024. She also earned the club’s Players’ Project Award for her work with the West Ham Foundation. The Olympic gold medalist now enters the summer as one of the market’s most experienced free agents.

Rounding out the summer exits

Hanshaw also leaves after making an immediate impact in East London. The Austrian international joined from AS Roma in January 2025 and quickly became a regular starter. She registered three assists in her first 12 matches and finished her spell at the club with 33 appearances, two assists and a goal against Leicester City.

Meanwhile, Sáez departs after two seasons with the Hammers. The Chilean made 14 appearances in her first season before spending last year on loan at Bristol City. She impressed there with two goals and two assists in 18 appearances.

Embed from Getty Images

Academy products Walsh and Taylor-Brown will also move on. Walsh made one senior appearance during her four years at the club and gained valuable experience through loan spells at Billericay Town, Watford and Hashtag United.

Taylor-Brown made two senior appearances before joining AFC Wimbledon on loan for the second half of last season. She helped the Dons avoid relegation and reach the Capital Women’s Cup final.

Estelle Cascarino’s stay in East London also comes to an end after a productive six-month loan spell from Juventus. The French international made 12 appearances and played an important role in a defence that recorded four clean sheets during her time at the club. One of her standout moments came in April when she delivered a POTM performance in a 1-0 victory away at Liverpool.

Guarino begins the rebuild

With Gorry, Zadorsky and Hanshaw all departing, West Ham lose a significant amount of experience and leadership this summer. Guarino now faces a crucial transfer window as she begins to reshape her squad.

For now, though, the club’s focus is on saying goodbye to a group of players who helped carry West Ham through a transformative period. As one chapter closes in East London, another is only just beginning.

Related articles from Her Football Hub:

• Mary Earps returns to Women’s Super League with London City Lionesses move
• Real Madrid top goalscorer Caroline Weir signs for OL Lyonnes
• Chicago Stars sign Leila Ouahabi following Man City departure

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali over the week and they are edging closer to a possible move.

Get Italian Football News have looked at how the London club are willing to meet the Magpies’ asking price for the midfielder.

Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that Tottenham have now initiated contact with Newcastle United over a deal and have made some progress in a deal as well.

Eddie Howe’s side demand £85 million to sell Tonali, with Tottenham currently offering £75 million. The report is confident that a middle ground can be reached and Spurs can strike an agreement for £80 million in the next few days. Clearly, things are going in the right direction and Roberto De Zerbi’s side are making key progress.

Huge coup for De Zerbi

This is the sort of signing which indicates Tottenham’s trust in De Zerbi and his ideas. Usually, despite being a traditional top six club, they don’t go overboard with signings but this is the first time they are truly flexing their muscles and backing a manager to the hilt.

That is a sign of promise and it could yet get better.

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The Grand Final in Manchester was tied at 51-51 with less than a minute remaining before Thunder's Eleanor Cardwell edged them ahead with a two-point super shot. Player of the match Sophie Fawns sealed victory, marking the perfect end to the Australian's first season in England and sparking ecstatic scenes among the players in yellow.

It was the Thunder's first title since 2022, coming after they finished top of the regular season table.

Victory also secured a third title for Thunder director and head coach Karen Greig since she took charge of the team in 2016.

"I think first and foremost it was important to have a final in Manchester and away from London - to show the netball community that there is a hunger for netball in the north," Greig told BBC Sport.

"[There are] a lot of young fans who will go home inspired by their heroes on the court. Excited to be part of history.

"[The title in] 2019 was a rollercoaster, 2022 was special for different reasons, but playing in Manchester, 10 minutes down the road from where I live - I could probably throw a netball and it would land in my back garden - so definitely proud to do the job we could do and it definitely ranks up there."

Thunder got the better of a Pulse team who were first-time NSL champions last season, with Saturday's outcome following on just two weeks after the result went the same way when the sides met at the beginning of the play-offs.

England international Cardwell returned home for this season after three years playing at the highest level in Australia, a notable signing as she returned to her former team and continued to work her way back from a serious knee injury.

The 31-year-old scored a team-high 20 goals in the Grand Final, with only Pulse's Liv Tchine, who managed 35, getting more.

Thunder's success with the valuable super shots proved crucial, as they managed 11 to Pulse's four.

Goal shooter Cardwell reflected on how far netball has come in England since her early days, with the sport having embarked last season on a push towards full professionalism.

That is expected to take several years before full fruition, but large-scale events in major arenas mark a step towards that goal.

"I'm thinking back to the 2012 Grand Final," Cardwell said, remembering a match played in Dagenham. "It was in a sports hall leisure centre and it was so easy to spot my mum and dad.

"Today? I couldn't find them.

"It's incredible, we need to keep that standard up and the momentum. Plus, Manchester was busy today as a city so it was amazing to see so many fans come out for us."

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It was a nightmare day for Sweden on the pitch following a 5-1 hammering at the hands of the Netherlands.

Swedish fans had to endure a one-sided showing inside the Houston Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Cody Gakpo, Brian Brobbey and Crysencio Summerville ran riot.

Any fans thinking of making a swift exit before the full-time whistle were also halted to add insult to injury.

As the whistle went to signal the end of the match, fans were instructed to stay put as electrical storms arrived near the stadium.

A tough one to take for the travelling Blue and Yellow fans.

Cruzeiro have already played 37 matches throughout 2026 across four different competitions.

The fixtures in the state championship, the Copa do Brasil, the Libertadores, and the Brasileirão have been demanding the most from the squad, which has six players with at least 30 appearances this year.

ge put together a survey to show which players have taken the field the most for Cruzeiro this season, and three players share the top spot on the list.

Fabrício Bruno, Matheus Pereira, and Christian have already totaled 33 matches in 2026. Kaiki, Gerson, and Arroyo are right behind them.

See below for the full ranking compiled by ge.

Fabrício Bruno - 33

Matheus Pereira - 33

Christian - 33

Kaiki - 32

Gerson - 31

Arroyo - 30

Matheus Henrique - 28

Kaio Jorge - 26

Lucas Romero - 26

Lucas Silva - 24

Wanderson - 24

Jonathan Jesus - 23

Fagner - 20

Neyser - 20

Bruno Rodrigues - 18

Kauã Moraes - 17

Lucas Villalba - 16

William - 16

Kenji - 14

Cássio - 14

Otávio - 14

João Marcelo - 14

Chico da Costa - 14

Matheus Cunha - 12

Sinisterra - 11

Japa - 10

Kauã Prates - 06

Murilo - 03

Rayan Lelis - 02

Marquinhos - 01

Walace - 01

Rhuan - 01

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

The pre-match discourse focused almost exclusively on Sweden’s luxury strikers. Graham Potter was asked three times about Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, about how he could squeeze the best from his uber-talents. Ronald Koeman was asked whether he was scared by them. “We’re not scared,” he said, and so it proved. Instead this was an afternoon in Houston when Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey out-did them both.

Brobbey scored two first-half goals which took the game away from Sweden, before the excellent Cody Gakpo added another two and Crysencio Summerville topped this 5-1 win. Perhaps most importantly, Brobbey showed the striker’s instincts that have been marked out as the great weakness of this Dutch team, a side full of defensive steel and midfield class but who supposedly lack a killer in the box.

Which was a fair assumption. Brobbey had only one goal in 13 international caps before this game. Gakpo doesn’t play like this for Liverpool. Summerville has just been relegated with West Ham. But after starting Brobbey on the bench in Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Japan, Ronald Koeman may now have a formula for Dutch success at this World Cup.

Sweden remain the great enigma of this tournament, a team of technical midfielders and a luxury front line, hoarding two elite strikers when most countries would spill blood for one. Spain would trade a playmaker for Isak. Brazil and Germany would be scary with a ruthless goalscorer. Imagine Portugal playing to Gyokeres instead of a famous relic.

On paper, Sweden should be the side that tore apart Tunisia in their opening game, and there were flashes of that quality here in Houston after Potter switched from 5-3-2 to 4-3-3 during the first hydration break – a pointless exercise in an air-conditioned stadium which was loudly booed. From there on Gyokeres was excellent, linking play with one-touch flicks that found rushing teammates and the chances flowed.

But defensively, this performance was more like the Sweden who lost to Kosovo in qualifying, and who can be found plying their trade in Nations League C along with Luxembourg and the Faroe Islands. Atalanta centre-back Isak Hien was bullied by Brobbey, and Hien wasn’t helped by the way the Dutch prised open the Swedish flanks and fired in the low crosses which brought about their first three goals.

Instead it was the Netherlands who looked like a serious World Cup force. It helped that this was almost a home game, with orange shirts outnumbering yellow by perhaps 10 to 1. There are around 9,000 Dutch-born residents in Houston and most of them seemed to be here alongside thousands more who travelled across the Atlantic.

The NRG Stadium emerges from the concrete like some great alien office building, all square corners and steel girders hanging over the sides. It is very Houston, a city that doesn’t buy into aesthetics or pretence. Big is good. Metal is strong. Inside there are photos on the walls celebrating the occasional glories of the Houston Texans, interspersed with pictures of other stars to have graced this venue: mainly country musicians, monster trucks and cattle.

Koeman’s decision to start Brobbey paid off within six minutes. Netherlands made football seem like a simple game in those opening forays. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen played a long pass to Brobbey, who bumped off Hien before racing past him to knock in Gakpo’s low cross. Brobbey’s second was another piece of classic centre-forward play, again bursting past Hien to toe in Denzel Dumfries’ cross.

Sweden looked panicky in midfield, where Jesper Karlstrom and Yasin Ayari kept lobbing aimless balls forwards rather than bringing it down to play as they did so well against Tunisia. The hydration break came at a good time for Potter, who chatted to an assistant for the first minute before gathering his players in a huddle.

His switch to a back four put Sweden on the front foot. They began creating chances, first for Ayari who chose to chest the ball rather than head it, wrongly as it turned out, when his torso trampolined the ball behind. Gyokores tried a curling shot and Verbruggen saved at full stretch. A Gustaf Lagerbielke header was ruled out for offside, and Verbruggen saved well from Ayari before half-time.

The game felt alive despite the 2-0 scoreline, but it was effectively killed off two minutes into the second half when Dumfries again scurried free down the right and sent a low cross into the six-yard box. Gakpo did his best to miss the open goal, skewing the ball in with his ankle from two yards. Gakpo cut inside to drill in Netherlands’ fourth, proving World Cup Gakpo is a different beast to Liverpool Gakpo.

The introduction of Anthony Elanga gave Sweden new energy and he scored on the break, Verbruggen’s floodwalls finally breached. Elanga evoked a little history too, pulling off a Cruyff-turn-nutmeg which brought ooooos from the crowd, 52 years after Johan Cruyff first produced his famous turn against Sweden at the 1974 World Cup.

But Summerville added a fifth and ultimately the Netherlands were too good. Perhaps Sweden’s passive start was a tacit admission of that fact before the game had even begun. It was a match partly shaped by the two managers, by Koeman’s decision to start Brobbey, by Potter’s decision to switch to a back four. It just happened that Koeman’s decisive move came before kick-off, and Potter’s was made during a hydration break that shouldn’t exist.

In one of his recent reports, journalist Sacha Tavolieri has shared a key update on the future of Lille attacking ace Mathias Fernandez-Pardo. Aston Villa have not only made initial contact with the player’s representatives but also sent scouts to the United States to monitor the Belgian’s performance in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

The 21-year-old Red Devils international left for Lille’s academy after brief spells with Anderlecht and Mechelen back in his homeland. However, he returned to Belgium in 2020 and joined Gent’s youth ranks. There, he flourished with the reserves and was eventually promoted as a first-team regular.

A blister spell at the backend of the 2023-24 season caught the eyes of Lille, who brought him back to Stade Pierre-Mauroy in the summer of 2024. Fernandez-Pardo has since cemented a key status high up the pitch, scoring 12 and assisting 11 times in 71 appearances over the past two campaigns. His versatility, movement, physicality, runs behind the defence, pace, acceleration and finishing tick the boxes of a Premier League forward of the modern era.

MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 23: Matias Fernandez-Pardo of LOSC Lille passes the ball whilst under pressure from Nahuel Molina of Atletico de Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Atletico de Madrid and LOSC Lille at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano on October 23, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Villa’s resurgence under Unai Emery is astounding. From battling for survival, the Spaniard led them to win the coveted Europa League last season, defeating Freiburg in Istanbul. They are going on par with the league’s ‘big six’, and his structural discipline, tactical adaptability, and controlled transitions have maximised the potential of Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, Emiliano Buendia and John McGinn. They have been Emery’s ‘front four’ for most of the season, and the gaffer is now aiming for further attacking reinforcements to emerge as an indispensable European force.

Why Emery Could Play Him From The Flank

Meanwhile, Aston Villa still lack depth down the flank, with Jadon Sancho and Leon Bailey struggling for minutes all season. The pair seem surplus to requirements in Birmingham, and so is Harvey Elliott, who is set to return to Liverpool after Emery opted against playing him enough to avoid triggering the obligation-to-buy clause. Donyell Malen has been offloaded to Roma, and the manager replaced the Dutchman with Tammy Abraham as Watkins’ understudy for the ‘number 9’ spot.

Predominantly a centre-forward, Fernandez-Pardo is also comfortable from the left-hand flank as an inverted winger. With Watkins and Abraham challenging each other, the Lille sensation is likely to be deployed from the flank ahead of Buendia. The French side value him at around €70m, as they look to make a hefty profit from his sale, having snapped him up for a base fee of €10m (+€2m add-ons).

Tottenham Hotspur have intensified their pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to journalist David Ornstein.

Spurs have already held positive discussions with the Italy international’s representatives in recent weeks, but negotiations have now progressed to direct contact with Newcastle.

They are looking to steal a march on Premier League rivals Manchester City.

Tonali has emerged as one of the most sought-after midfielders on the market this summer, with Tottenham and City continuing talks over personal terms.

Spurs have reportedly already agreed personal terms with Tonali.

Newcastle are under no pressure to sell the former AC Milan star, whose contract runs until 2029 and includes the option of a further year.

However, the Magpies value Tonali at around £100 million and would only consider doing business if that asking price is met.

Tottenham are hoping several factors could work in their favour. Manager Roberto De Zerbi, a fellow Italian, is believed to be a driving force behind the club’s interest.

The prospect of living in London and a lucrative financial package could also appeal to the midfielder.

Signing Tonali would represent one of the biggest statements of Spurs’ summer rebuild as they seek to strengthen the spine of their squad ahead of the new campaign.

The club also remain interested in West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, although their pursuit of Tonali is currently a priority.

City remain firmly in the race, ensuring Tottenham face stiff competition for one of Europe’s finest box-to-box midfielders.

Tonali enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 season, making 53 appearances across all competitions.

Newcastle’s willingness to listen to offers that meet their valuation has opened the door for what could become one of the transfer window’s biggest deals.

The Netherlands made a major statement in Group F of the 2026 World Cup by thrashing Sweden (5-1) in Houston.

Ronald Koeman’s men quickly took control thanks to a Brian Brobbey brace in the opening 15 minutes, capitalizing on the Scandinavian side’s defensive frailties. Dominant in possession, the Dutch constantly put pressure on the Swedish block, which was unable to contain the opposition attacks.

After the break, the Oranje kept up their exhibition. Cody Gakpo added two more goals to make it 4-0 and reward his team’s collective dominance.

Sweden did try to respond through Anthony Elanga, who scored a glimmer-of-hope goal, but the teammates of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres never looked capable of turning the tide.

The Dutch party was wrapped up by Crysencio Summerville, who found the net late on to seal the 5-1 scoreline. Driven by an excellent Frenkie de Jong in midfield and the relentless work of Donyell Malen and Denzel Dumfries out wide, the Netherlands have truly kick-started their World Cup after their 2-2 draw against Japan.

For Graham Potter’s Sweden, this heavy defeat is a serious setback after the convincing win they earned on the opening matchday against Tunisia.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

Liverpool are expected to conduct a massive midfield refit this summer.

We’ve seen plenty of top stars linked with an incoming move to Anfield - including Lamine Camara, Adam Wharton and Andoni Iraola’s former star pupil Alex Scott.

In order to accommodate new arrivals however there will be a need for departures. Following a £450m transfer campaign last summer - and more spending in the works - Richard Hughes will be keen to claw back as much money as possible through sales.

Jones to be sold to Inter

And the contenders to depart the midfield include Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones. Macca, 27, is under contract until 2028 but there is little prospect of the Argentina FIFA World Cup winner signing a new deal.

That leaves the sporting director with a shrinking window to sell the No10 - meaning he could leave this summer.

The biggest alarm however is around Jones. The 25-year-old is only under contract until 2027 and was linked with a move to Tottenham or Inter Milan in January.

£26m will seal a deal for Jones

No deal was ultimately done but the Italian champions are now extremely keen to have the England midfield on board for preseason in July.

A new meeting is planned for next week according to Nicolo Schira - with a gap still remaining between what Liverpool want for Jones and what Inter are willing to pay.

A deal could be done around £26m but Inter so far haven’t got that high in talks. Despite the difference in valuation it would appear that Jones has ALREADY agreed terms on his Inter contract - and is set to ink a five-year deal at San Siro.

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Curtis Jones agrees to sign five-year deal with Inter

“Expected direct talks next week between Inter and Liverpool to try to reach an agreement for Curtis Jones, who is still Inter’s main target as midifelder,” he writes on X.

“Inter have agreed personal terms with Jones for a contract until 2031 and are waiting for LFC’s green light.”

Jones has struggled to get into the Liverpool team in his preferred midfield position - with Arne Slot using him at right-back towards the end of the season.

He will be hoping for a central role under Cristian Chivu in Serie A - and Liverpool will be able to bank the fee and put it towards new signings.