The 21-year-old joined Chelsea last summer, but made his last appearance on January 31 after suffering a hamstring injury in a win over West Ham.

Gittens made 27 appearances for Chelsea last season after joining from Borussia Dortmund, though started only 12 of those matches, while scoring once and providing five assists.

Despite his injury and lack of minutes, Gittens completed the fourth-most dribbles (36) of any Chelsea player last season (not including the Club World Cup) and recorded the fifth-most take-on ending carries (45).

Gittens has now returned from injury as he takes part in Chelsea's pre-season campaign, and the winger feels revitalised.

"I'm feeling, I would say, more confident now – in my body as well," Gittens told CFC+.

"The injury that happened [impacted my first season], but I'm feeling better every day. I'm trying to improve every day to be the best version of myself.

"It's been good to be back with the boys. I'm really enjoying it right now, and it's been really good to be part of this team."

Jakarta!  pic.twitter.com/p74MU6L4Ml

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 6, 2026

Gittens has impressed in pre-season, scoring in the Blues' 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers while assisting their only goal in a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham.

Xabi Alonso's side begin their Premier League campaign on August 24, when they face rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The post Gittens feeling ‘more confident now’ at Chelsea appeared first on SoccerNews.

Madrid reached an agreement, reportedly worth up to €140m including add-ons, with RB Leipzig on Thursday, with Diomande signing a seven-year deal with Los Blancos.

He was the subject of huge interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool before Madrid emerged as his likely destination after just one year with Leipzig.

The 19-year-old had made just 10 appearances for Leganes before joining Leipzig at the start of last season, and he played a major role in helping the team finish third in the Bundesliga.

Diomande made 36 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig in all competitions, netting 13 goals overall, in a stunning breakout campaign.

"I am incredibly grateful to RB Leipzig. The club and the management believed in me a year ago, even though I had only played a few professional matches at that point," Diomande said in a statement on Leipzig's website.

"They placed their trust in me and gave me the opportunity to prove myself at the highest level.

"I was able to establish myself in one of the best leagues in Europe, earn my place in the Ivory Coast national team, and represent my country on the biggest stage possible, the World Cup. None of this would have been possible without RB Leipzig, and I will always be grateful for that. 

A season to remember

Go smash it in Madrid, Yan! pic.twitter.com/ZWTZtYEeYx

— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) August 6, 2026

"The move to Real Madrid is the fulfilment of a childhood dream. I am all the more grateful to the management at RB Leipzig for making this transfer possible despite my existing contract.

"To the fans: Thank you so much for your incredible support from the very beginning. Your passion, your belief in me, and your support meant more to me than words can express. I will always be grateful for the love you have shown me.

"A new chapter begins. Saying goodbye is never easy, but I am looking forward to what lies ahead and will always be incredibly proud.

"Looking back on my time in Leipzig, this club will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to follow RB's progress closely. Who knows? Maybe we'll see each other again soon in the Champions League. Thank you for everything."

Diomande's tally of 13 goals came from 7.7 expected goals (xG), an overperformance of 5.3, while no Leipzig player bettered his tally of nine assists in all competitions.

He led the Bundesliga for successful dribbles (118) and take-on ending carries (104) and maintained his form through the World Cup for Ivory Coast, helping them through to the last 32.

At the tournament, he became only the second African player on record (from 1966 onwards) to complete 10+ dribbles (10) and create 10+ chances (10) in a single group-stage campaign at the competition, after South Africa's Quinton Fortune in 2002. 

The post Diomande fulfils ‘childhood dream’ with Real Madrid move appeared first on SoccerNews.

Welbeck joined Chelsea on a two-year deal, having finished last season as Brighton's top scorer in all competitions with 14 goals in 40 appearances in all competitions.

Midfielder Diego Gomez was the only other player to hit double figures (10), while Rutter (three) and Kostoulas (two) struggled for form in their limited appearances.

Kostoulas, who scored a stunning overhead kick in the Premier League last term, was given just 532 minutes across all competitions, while Rutter racked up 1,968.

Both have featured in pre-season – and scored – for Brighton, and Hurzeler wants the pair to step up to the plate at the top of the pitch.

"We have two really good strikers, with Georginio Rutter and with Kostoulas, who didn't play that many minutes last season, but who has big potential," Hurzeler told Sky Sports.

"We've spoke about young players stepping up now, and let's also create opportunity for these two.

"We need to focus on our players, to develop them in the right way, to challenge them, to also put demands.

Thank you for having us, Vienna! pic.twitter.com/0yTT0GBrnA

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) August 3, 2026

"It's now your time; you have to deliver now. I think we have to be really clear and strong about that.

"On the other side, there are also dynamics in the transfer window that we have to follow.

"If there is an opportunity where we see a striker that might help us, then we might do something."

Rutter had the third-most shots among Brighton players in all competitions in 2025-26 (47, 17 on target) but finished the campaign with a 6.4% conversion rate.

The German averaged a goal every 656 minutes, while Kostoulas scored every 266 minutes.

The 19-year-old got eight of his 25 attempts on target and had a slightly better conversion rate of 8% than Rutter.

Brighton will open their season with a Conference League play-off before kicking off the Premier League campaign against Aston Villa.

The post Hurzeler: Rutter and Kostoulas can step up for Brighton after Welbeck exit appeared first on SoccerNews.

With the rest of Europe’s elite set to follow suit over the next fortnight and make their respective returns, there are plenty of eye-catching betting promotions available.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: BetUS

Sparta Rotterdam

Starting with the hosts, limping their way over the finishing line last season and eventually falling short in the race to book a top-half finish among Holland’s elite, Sparta Rotterdam found themselves at the heart of a public backlash. Signing off the 2025/26 campaign with a rollercoaster 3-2 defeat at home against Excelsior on May 17th, Rogier Meijer’s camp have a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders this time around. In fact, along with signing off April with a woeful 4-1 drumming at the hands of Telster, the Castle Lords could only muster one-point from any of their final five Eredivisie appearances last season. Showing a string of glaring defensive struggles prior to the summer interval, Sparta Rotterdam will certainly be bracing themselves for a stern examination when the open up the new campaign on Sunday lunchtime.

Sparta Rotterdam Team News

Completing a permanent switch from Ajax this summer for a fee reportedly in the region of €800k, 21-year-old Nick Verschuren should start at the back on Sunday lunchtime and make his competitive Rotterdam debut.

Appearing to have cemented his spot as Meijer’s number once choice between the sticks this summer, Polish shot-stopper Filip Bednarek will start between the sticks. Despite registering just seven Eredivisie strikes last season, Japanese international Shunsuke Mito could play a leading role in the final third.

Feyenoord

As for the visitors, while Feyenoord might have eventually been forced to settle for a silver medal finish among Holland’s elite last season as they finished 19 points adrift of runaway leaders PSV, the Dutch giants should take plenty of positives away from a rampant end to the 2025/26 campaign. With their sights fixed on mounting a genuine title charge this time around, Gio van Bronckhorst’s camp should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Signing off their summer preparations with a 2-1 victory against Italian outfit Atalanta, Feyenoord won all of their five pre-season appearances by an aggregate score of 16-4. Really finding a clinical edge in the final third, van Bronckhorst’s title dreamers will be looking to make an immediate statement on Sunday lunchtime.

Feyenoord Team News

Yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this calendar year after sustaining a horror broken leg, Feyenoord will once again be without the services of former Zwolle midfielder Thomas Beelen on Sunday lunchtime.

Storming his way to Holland’s Golden Boot last season after notching a staggering 25 Eredivisie strikes in his 31 domestic appearances, Japanese international Ayase Ueda will spearhead Feyenoord’s charge. Completing a permanent switch from Hertha Berlin this summer, Tjark Ernst should start between the sticks here.

Sparta Rotterdam vs Feyenoord Key Factors to Consider

• When Sparta Rotterdam and Feyenoord last met for an Eredivisie showdown back on January 18th, Sunday’s hosts clinched a stunning 4-3 victory at De Kuip.
• However, that is the only defeat that Feyenoord have suffered from any of their last 16 consecutive meetings against the Castle Lords across all competitions.
• The Dutch giants suffered just a sole defeat from any of their final 13 Eredivisie appearances last season.
• Feyenoord won all of their five pre-season appearances by an aggregate score of 16-4.
• The last three Eredivisie showdowns between Sparta Rotterdam and Feyenoord have produced 14 goals at both ends of the pitch.

Conclusion

Embarking on what was a sensational pre-season flurry this summer and winning all of their five friendly battles by an aggregate score of 16-4, Feyenoord will be desperate to lay down an opening weekend marker here. However, falling to a rollercoaster 4-3 loss when they last met Sparta Rotterdam for an Eredivisie showdown back in January, Sunday’s opponents have a habit of producing fireworks when they meet. It should be highlighted, just their previous three top-flight matchups have produced 14 goals at both ends of the pitch.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: BetUS

The post Prediction: Sparta Rotterdam vs Feyenoord appeared first on SoccerNews.

Forlan, who will juggle his duties with his commitment to Uruguay's under-20 team, succeeds Marcelo Bielsa. 

The 47-year-old will be in charge for the national team's upcoming friendlies this autumn, before a permanent manager is appointed at the end of this year or the start of 2027.

Forlan's appointment comes after Uruguay finished third in Group H at the World Cup, taking just two points from a group that also included Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. 

It meant Bielsa has failed to progress from the group stage in two of his three World Cup campaigns, having also failed to reach the knockout stages with Argentina in 2002. 

Uruguay averaged 55% possession at the 2026 World Cup, their highest figure in the competition on record (since 1966) and the first time they have averaged over 50% at a single tournament since 1970, but it was not enough to stop Bielsa from stepping down. 

Diego Forlán vuelve a casa pic.twitter.com/xawdXa73eB

— Selección Uruguaya (@Uruguay) August 6, 2026

Forlan arrives with little managerial experience, though, having only held two head coaching roles, with Penarol and Atenas, since the end of his playing career.

He made his coaching debut during the 2020 season with former club Penarol but left the post after just 11 matches due to poor results.

Forlan's only other senior managerial stint came in 2021, when he spent 12 games in charge of Atenas in the Uruguayan second division.

However, he is highly regarded in Uruguay, having starred for his nation during his playing days. He scored 36 goals in 112 caps, the third-best tally for the Celeste. 

During the 2010 World Cup, Forlan scored five goals as Uruguay reached the semi-finals, also winning the Golden Ball and Golden Boot for his performances. 

And he will be hoping to replicate some of that magic in the dugout for Uruguay. His first game in charge is a friendly against Japan on September 24.

The post Forlan announced as Uruguay’s interim head coach appeared first on SoccerNews.

Salah penned a two-year contract with Trabzonspor on Thursday, bringing an end to weeks of speculation after he reached an agreement to end his contract with Liverpool early.

After joining the Reds from Roma in 2017, Salah scored 257 goals in 442 games for the club, with only Ian Rush (346) and Roger Hunt (285) above him in their all-time charts.

Having previously been linked with several Saudi Pro League clubs, Salah has joined a side that finished third in the Super Lig last season, eight points adrift of champions Galatasaray and five behind runners-up Fenerbahce. 

They won their most recent Super Lig title in 2019-20, though the signing of Salah will put them among the favourites to claim the crown in 2026-27.

But Carragher believes the 34-year-old could still play at a higher level, questioning whether he priced himself out of staying in Europe's top five leagues. 

"I never believed he was going to go to Saudi, because number one, he's too good for that. I think he can be playing in Serie A. Turkey for me feels a level too low.

"I was convinced he'd end up at AC Milan or Juventus or somewhere like that, but maybe his wages were a problem. 

Yeni transferimiz Mohamed Salah, Başkanımız Ertuğrul Doğan’ın katılımıyla kendisini iki yıllık Kulübümüze bağlayan sözleşmeyi imzaladı  pic.twitter.com/dKsD9uV729

— Trabzonspor (@Trabzonspor) August 6, 2026

"I don't know him; I haven't spoken to him, but he's like [Cristiano] Ronaldo, he's so driven, his numbers mean so much to him. 

"I thought – and he can still do this in Turkey by the way – he'd want to play at a real prestigious club.

"Obviously, his wage demands have put a few people off, but I thought he might almost curb those demands a little bit to get a better club.

"To go to AC Milan or Juventus or whoever it may be, play at San Siro, still playing big games, still playing in Europe. Turkey just feels like… I just think he's better than that."

In Opta's league power rankings, the Turkish Super Lig is ranked as the 14th strongest league in world football, below the English Championship, the Polish Ekstraklasa and the Japanese J1 League. 

The Saudi Pro League is 37th in those rankings, sitting between the Scottish Premiership and the second tier of Italian football, Serie B.  

The post Carragher believes Salah is too good for Turkish Super Lig appeared first on SoccerNews.

The 21-year-old joined Leipzig from Club Brugge in August 2024 and has gone on to score 10 goals and provide 10 assists in 71 games.

Since his debut, Christoph Baumgartner (22 goals, 10 assists) is the only other Leipzig player to record 10+ goals and 10+ assists across all competitions.

And across the last two Bundesliga seasons, Nusa ranks third for dribbles completed (107) and second for take-on ending carries (110), with Michael Olise leading the way in both categories (137 and 144).

Nusa, who also scored for Norway at the World Cup, has been linked with a move away from Leipzig this summer, with Roma reportedly interested in the winger.

However, Nusa claimed he has had no discussions with Leipzig around a potential exit in this transfer window.

"I never made any request to leave Leipzig," Nusa told Sky Germany.

"Rumours are always rumours, and they can write whatever they want. But I’ve just been relaxing on vacation, and now I’m here."

 https://t.co/VARF8hmFba pic.twitter.com/K7Sbv997Sa

— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) August 5, 2026

Nusa still has three years left on his current Leipzig deal, and will have more pressure to perform following Diomande's move to Real Madrid.

Leipzig begin their 2026-27 Bundesliga campaign on August 29 against Borussia Monchengladbach, though their first competitive game comes a week earlier against Trier in the DFB-Pokal.

The post Leipzig winger Nusa denies transfer request rumours appeared first on SoccerNews.

With the rest of Europe’s elite domestic leagues set to follow suit over the next fortnight and mark their respective returns, there are plenty of eye-catching betting promotions available this summer.

Verdict: PSV win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: 1xBet

PSV

Starting with the hosts, embarking on what was a record-breaking domestic romp last season as they cruised their way to an historic 27th Eredivisie crown, PSV are already regarded as the standout contender to once again underline their status as Holland’s ultimate poster boys. However, suffering what was a Johan Cruyff Shield nightmare last weekend as they eventually slumped to an infamous 4-0 drumming at home against AZ Alkmaar, Peter Bosz’s men will be desperately searching for an immediate response here. Nevertheless, signing off the 2025/26 campaign with a 5-1 romp against Twente on May 17th, PSV had gained a fearsome reputation for their clinical performances in the final third. In fact, the reigning Dutch champions bagged an astonishing 101 goals in their 34 Eredivisie appearances last season.

PSV Team News

Shown a straight red card in the opening nine minutes during PSV’s woeful 4-0 Johan Cruyff Shield defeat against AZ Alkmaar last weekend, Dutch midfielder Joey Veerman will miss out through suspension here. Former Bologna star Jerdy Schouten remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury.

Bagging 16 Eredivisie strikes last season and reportedly attracting plenty of European interest this summer, USA international Ricardo Pepi should spearhead PSV’s charge in the final third.

Sittard

As for the visitors, limping their way over the finishing line last season as they eventually fell short in the race to claim a top-half finish among Holland’s elite, Sittard are hoping to find some crucial stability this time around. Signing off the 2025/26 campaign with a routine 2-0 defeat against Utrecht on May 17th, Danny Buijs’ men couldn’t have asked for a tougher opening examination on Saturday night. In fact, along with losing three of their final four Eredivisie appearances last season, the Yellows could also only muster a sole win from their previous seven top-flight battles. With that run stemming all the way back to the middle of March, Sittard had also gained an unwanted reputation for their defensive struggles. On what was an infamous rut, Saturday’s guests have failed to muster a single clean sheet since back in November 2025.

Sittard Team News

Both still recovering from respective long-term knee injuries, Sittard will travel to the Phillips Stadion on Saturday night without the duo of Ramazan Bayram and former Bayer Leverkusen star Daley Sinkgraven.

Completing a switch from League One outfit Oxford United this summer, 26-year-old Ole ter Haar Romeny will spearhead Buijs’ charge in the final third. Now set to enter his sixth campaign in Sittard-Geleen, one-time Norwich City defender Ivo Pinto will start at the back.

PSV vs Sittard Key Factors to Consider

• PSV have won each of their last four consecutive meetings against Sittard by an aggregate score of 14-5.
• Sittard have remarkably failed to muster a single competitive clean sheet since back in November 2025.
• Saturday’s guests could only muster a single win from any of their final seven Eredivisie matchups last season.
• USA international Ricardo Pepi registered 16 Eredivisie goals last season.
• PSV notched a staggering 101 goals in their 34 Eredivisie showdowns during the 2025/26 campaign.

Conclusion

Suffering major Johan Cruyff Shield frustration on home soil last week, PSV will be desperately searching for an immediate response here. Officially getting the defence of their Eredivisie crown underway on Saturday night, the Dutch giants will be looking to lay down an immediate marker in front of their own supporters. Likewise, winning all of their last four consecutive showdowns against Sittard by an aggregate score of 14-5, PSV are rightfully installed as a landslide contender this weekend.

Verdict: PSV win & Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: 1xBet

The post Prediction: PSV vs Sittard appeared first on SoccerNews.

Diomande will sign a seven-year contract with Madrid through to June 2033, paying a reported €125m, plus €15m in add-ons.

The 19-year-old emerged as a top target for several of Europe's biggest clubs after an impressive breakout campaign in 2025-26.

The likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool were the first clubs linked with Diomande, before Madrid emerged as the front-runners.

With Diomande's help, Leipzig finished third in the Bundesliga, securing Champions League football, as he made 33 appearances in the German top-flight.

Comunicado Oficial: Diomande.https://t.co/tiTXGCCxg8

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 6, 2026

The youngster contributed to 22 goals in 36 games across all competitions for Leipzig last season (13 goals, nine assists), with only Christoph Baumgartner (25) registering more goal involvements than him.

In the Bundesliga, Diomande led all players for successful dribbles (118) and take-on ending carries (104), and he then carried that form into the World Cup with Ivory Coast, producing some lively displays as they finished second in Group E but lost to Norway in the last 32.

At the tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico, he became only the second African player on record (from 1966 onwards) to complete 10+ dribbles (10) and create 10+ chances (10) in a single group-stage campaign at the competition, after South Africa's Quinton Fortune in 2002. 

Diomande flew to Madrid on Thursday to get the deal over the line, with the club yet to formally unveil the player.

He becomes the sixth signing of the summer for Madrid, who have also brought in Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate and Carlos Espi.

The post Real Madrid agree big-money transfer for Diomande from Leipzig appeared first on SoccerNews.

Juanlu's move to Bournemouth was officially confirmed on Thursday, with the Spaniard signing for a transfer fee that could rise up to £11.2m inclusive of add-ons. 

The 22-year-old solves Bournemouth's problems at right-back, having allowed Alex Jimenez to join Fiorentina on loan for the 2026-27 campaign earlier this summer. 

He also brings experience to the Vitality Stadium despite his age, having made 109 appearances across all competitions during his five years with Sevilla. 

Juanlu appeared 32 times in LaLiga last season as Sevilla finished 13th, while he ranked third for tackles won (42) in the top-flight for his team. 

"I am very happy, both for me and for my family. We had a lot of desire to come here and, finally, I can say that I am a player of Bournemouth," Juanlu told the club's website. 

"It's a very familiar club. I think it's a very positive club to continue to grow as a football player. The city, as little as I have seen, is wonderful.

"I think it's a very good place to continue to grow and grow. Everyone has a dream of playing in the Premier League.

"I think it's the best league in the world, and we all dream of playing here."

Juanlu Sánchez

The latest exciting young signing to join AFC Bournemouth pic.twitter.com/Ib9XnVeRYO

— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) August 6, 2026

Juanlu also has international experience, helping Spain win the gold medal at the 2024 Olympics, and scoring the winning goal in their semi-final victory over Morocco. 

"Juanlu has an excellent level of experience at just 22, and we're really pleased to add him to Marco's squad," Bournemouth's president of football operations, Tiago Pinto, added.

"With Sevilla, he has shown his qualities domestically and in European competitions, so we know of his ability to compete at the top level consistently.

"He is young and still and hungry for more, so adds further invaluable characteristics to the squad ahead of the upcoming season.

"We're really looking forward to seeing how he continues to progress here with us and for how he will develop with Marcos and the team."

Juanlu is the third addition to Marco Rose's Cherries squad this summer, after the arrivals of striker Alvaro Rodriguez and centre-back Antonio Silva.

The post Bournemouth bolster defence with signing of Sevilla full-back Juanlu appeared first on SoccerNews.