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A renovated Santiago Bernabeu has played host to the first-ever NFL match played at the stadium, helping to elevate its status to a multi-purpose stadium and, Impressed with the revamped stadium, UEFA are reportedly planning to host a Champions League final at the Bernabeu in the near future.

First NFL game in Spain

A revamped Santiago Bernabeu hosted an NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The game, which the Dolphins won 16-13, saw a huge turnout from locals as well as from fans abroad. As per a report from Defensa Central, the governing body of European football, UEFA, were surprised by the stadium's transformation. Despite having a not-so-healthy relationship with the club in recent times, UEFA did not shy away from admiring Real Madrid's innovative new-look stadium. They have also indicated a potential Champions League final taking place at the iconic stadium; however, nothing has been made official yet. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportPerez's plan is successful

Back in 2023, Florentino Perez had pointed out how the renovation would pan out, explaining: "The investment in technology has been increased in all the areas of the Bernabéu Tour. The Museum will be much bigger and the spaces have been modified to make them more attractive. The traditional Tour has been extended with 2 new routes. The turf maintenance lighting has also been changed from fixed to variable spectrum, which allows the full range of natural light colours to be used, and this is the first time it has been used anywhere in the world with spectacular results. The increase in investment has also been allocated to improving the gastronomic services of the bars, which will represent a qualitative leap in the offer to members and fans. All this involves an enormous effort in the development of infrastructures, which, in addition to providing a better gastronomic experience, will serve to optimise the generation of income through this activity. In order to address all these additional investments and expenses, we have decided to finance ourselves on a long-term basis to avoid having to impact the activity and the club's outstanding balance sheet in the short term. The budget for these new investments is €370 million. Thanks to the financial solvency that Real Madrid enjoys, this will allow us to obtain financing under very favourable conditions, as we have obtained an A-rating, equivalent to that of the Kingdom of Spain."

Barriers which can prevent a Champions League final at the stadium

There is only one barrier that might prevent the stadium from hosting a Champions League final, and that is the club's will. In order to get hosting rights, the club will need to submit a bid, and as per the report, Los Blancos are in no mood to do so. Moreover, they are looking at this project to be one that generates a huge revenue. As per Defensa Central, this NFL game generated more than €80 million once ticket sales apart from other commercial activities and hospitality in the city. 

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Getty Images SportWhen do Real Madrid again play at the Bernabeu?

Real Madrid have taken a major step in the reformation of the stadium, and that is to remove the name of Santiago from it. From now on, the iconic venue will be known as only Bernabeu and necessary changes will also be made to the logo, as per Diario AS. The stadium was named after legendary Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid player Santiago Bernabeu de Yeste in 1955. Notably, Bernabeu also performed the duties of a club president for Los Blancos. With the change in name, the legacy is not expected to diminish. But Madrid are currently not playing any home fixtures, with a return scheduled for December 7, when they take on Celta Vigo in the Spanish top flight. 

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O Fluminense ainda não oficializou a contratação do meia Renato Augusto, ex-Corinthians, mas o técnico Fernando Diniz está com altas expectativas para o reforço do Tricolor. Antes do embarque da delegação rumo ao Mundial de Clubes, nesta terça-feira (12), o treinador rasgou elogios ao jogador, caracterizando-o como “talentoso” e “decisivo”.

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+ Como o Fluminense pode jogar em 2024 com a chegada de Renato Augusto?

– É um jogador que dispensa comentários, história linda no futebol, extremamente talentoso, que decide jogo. Todas as informações são que ele é um grande profissional, excelente caráter e ótimo amigo. Jogador para mim fala a partir de seus gestos dentro do campo. Há muito tempo eu admiro o Renato e para a gente vai ser uma alegria e honra muito grande contar com tamanho talento e tamanha integridade pessoal – disse Fernando Diniz.

A contratação de Renato Augusto já foi confirmada pelo presidente Mário Bittencourt, que comentou o andamento da negociação também nesta terça. Segundo o mandatário, o meia era um “sonho” de Diniz e está tudo “bem encaminhado”, faltando apenas trâmites burocráticos.

– Está bem encaminhado, sim. Na verdade, em termos de contrato e de tempo, está tudo encaminhando. Faltam os trâmites burocráticos normais. Era um jogador que o Fernando tinha sonho de trazer, eu não posso negar que também tinha. Além de tudo, tem passado lindo nas Laranjeiras. Eu tive oportunidade de estar com ele em jogos, quando nos cumprimentamos. Tenho amigos que falam muito bem dele. É um grande jogador, um grande homem e um grande caráter. É como a gente preza no nosso elenco. É uma família. Além de trazer grandes jogadores, a gente busca jogadores fortes, de personalidade, com princípios e bons conceitos de vida – declarou Mário Bittencourt.

A NEGOCIAÇÃO

O Fluminense chegou a um acordo com Renato Augusto na sexta-feira (8). Segundo o GE, o jogador tem contrato com o Timão até o fim deste mês e não estava nos planos do clube, e agora, irá reforçar o Tricolor Carioca em 2024, após reunião realizada no CT Carlos Castilho.

Renato já não vinha nos planos de Mano Menezes, técnico do Corinthians, para jogar no clube no próximo ano. Com isso, o jogador recebeu a oportunidade de trabalhar com Fernando Diniz no Fluminense, onde já atuou no futsal de base do clube carioca.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Fluminense

Além do Paulistão e da Recopa em 2013, o meia viveu seu auge pelo Timão em 2015, quando foi destaque na campanha do título do Campeonato Brasileiro.

Outro jogador já acertado com o Tricolor Carioca é o zagueiro Antônio Carlos, ex-Flamengo, Corinthians, e Palmeiras. O atleta estava jogando no Orlando City, dos Estados Unidos.

Italian side Fiorentina have announced the sacking of Stefano Pioli as head coach. The decision comes amid a dismal 10-game winless run that has left the club rooted to the bottom of the Serie A table. Pioli joined Fiorentina following successful spells with AC Milan and Al-Nassr, having won the Scudetto with the Rossoneri.

Pioli sacked after dismal Serie A start

The Viola are winless in the league this season, with four draws and six defeats in their opening 10 matches, leaving them near the bottom of the table. Their strong start in the UEFA Conference League, where they sit top of the table with two wins from two games, wasn’t enough to save Pioli from dismissal.

The club’s official statement read: “ACF Fiorentina can confirm that Stefano Pioli has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the first team.”

Meanwhile Fiorentina have announced a temporary replacement for Pioli until a new head coach is appointed. The club stated: “Daniele Galloppa will take charge of the first team temporarily, starting from this afternoon's training session.”

Pioli’s sacking follows Fiorentina’s decision to terminate the contract of sporting director Daniel Prade.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhere did it go wrong for Fiorentina?

Italian outlet summed up Pioli’s downfall at Fiorentina by highlighting several key mistakes the tactician made during his tenure. It all began with an air of overconfidence that stemmed from his past successes with Milan and Al Nassr. The Italian coach often declared himself among the country’s top managers, even taking subtle digs at peers such as Massimiliano Allegri and Luis Enrique. However, this arrogance backfired as results worsened and performances declined, with Pioli appearing to lose confidence with each passing game.

On the pitch, Fiorentina looked disorganised and lacked chemistry despite Pioli’s claims of productive training sessions. His frequent tactical switches between the 3-5-2, 3-4-2-1 and 4-4-2 formations only deepened the confusion, leaving players uncertain and disconnected. Pioli even tried deploying Fagioli as a deep-lying playmaker in a 4-4-2 system, but the experiment was abandoned after a draw against Como. His substitutions often worsened matches rather than improving them, exposing his poor in-game management.

Fiorentina’s summer transfer activity, conducted jointly by Pioli and sporting director Prade, also proved problematic. Pioli’s initial tactical plan relied on a three-man attack featuring Moise Kean, Edin Dzeko or Roberto Piccoli, and Albert Gudmundsson, leading the club to invest heavily in Piccoli. However, after a string of disappointing results, Piccoli was benched and the three-man attack was scrapped altogether, rendering that investment a costly misstep.

Pioli enjoyed success with Milan and Al-Nassr

Pioli was appointed as interim head coach of AC Milan in 2019, replacing Marco Giampaolo. He implemented a 4-2-3-1 system that revitalised the team and restored Milan’s identity. With the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pioli brought stability and experience, helping young players such as Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez and Sandro Tonali reach their full potential. Under his guidance, Milan qualified for the Champions League in the 2020–21 season after a seven-year absence. The following year, Pioli led the Rossoneri to their first Scudetto since 2011, marking a remarkable turnaround.

He continued to impress in Europe, guiding Milan to the Champions League semi-finals in the 2022–23 season before leaving the club in 2023–24. During his tenure, Pioli managed 240 matches, recording 128 wins, 64 draws, and 48 defeats.

In 2024, he took charge of Saudi side Al-Nassr, where he reportedly became the fourth highest-paid manager in the world. At the Riyadh club, he managed stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, achieving 22 wins, six draws and six losses during the 2024–25 season.

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Getty ImagesFiorentina start search for a replacement

Fiorentina take on German side Mainz in the Conference League on Thursday as they look to appoint a replacement as soon as possible. For Pioli, the Fiorentina sacking will come as a setback, but given his impressive accomplishments with Milan, he will be hoping to find a new opportunity either in Italy or abroad.

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Na luta para continuar a ficar com uma distância segura na liderança do Brasileirão, o Botafogo encara um duro desafio nesta sexta-feira (22), às 20h (de Brasília). Diante do Corinthians, a equipe de Bruno Lage se empenha para virar a página em relação a situações indigestas na competição nacional

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Uma delas passa pelo período com Bruno Lage. O Glorioso ainda não venceu como visitante no Brasileirão sob o comando do português. A luta por transpor esta barreira fica ainda mais forte quando se trata do Timão: o Glorioso jamais saiu de campo vitorioso na Neo Química Arena.

Antes 2.88, a odd turbinada para o Botafogo vencer o Corinthians está em 3.00! Triplique sua banca com o Fogão!

Desde 2014, foram disputados sete jogos. No máximo, o Alvinegro arrancou dois empates e, nas demais partidas, colecionou frustrações.

+ Veja a tabela do Brasileirão

O alento, porém, aconteceu no Brasileirão de 2014. Tratava-se da “estreia” corintiana na Neo Química Arena. O adversário seria o Botafogo, em jogo válido pela oitava rodada do Brasileirão.

Jadson colocou o time da casa na frente, em chute de fora da área. O Timão parecia caminhar para a vitória até que os botafoguenses conseguiram um gol curioso. Edílson arriscou, a bola desviou em dois adversários, tocou na trave e estufou a rede, definindo o empate em 1 a 1.

Com o intuito de deixar para trás as oscilações, em especial quando atua longe de seus domínios, o Botafogo pode passar por mudanças em sua equipe. O técnico Bruno Lage chegou a testar Tchê Tchê de maneira mais avançada, atuando próximo a Tiquinho e Victor Sá.

O objetivo é garantir sua guinada e manter o Glorioso em sua caminhada para o título. O Botafogo, que chegou a São Paulo na noite de quinta-feira (21), tem força máxima, com Lucas Perri confirmado como titular na meta.

With the October international break now in the rearview mirror, club football returned in style over the weekend, with some huge clashes headlining Europe's biggest leagues. Manchester United plunged great rivals Liverpool into even deeper crisis in the Premier League, Bayern Munich got the better of Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker while there were changes of leader in both Serie A and Ligue 1.

On an individual level, some of the main contenders for the 2026 Ballon d'Or continued their fine starts to the season while there was a managerial sacking in England that many saw coming a mile off but still generated huge headlines around the world for just how quickly it came once the action got back under way.

GOAL breaks down the 10 biggest winners and losers from around Europe this past weekend…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WINNER: Ruben Amorim

  It might have taken him 11 months and 51 matches, but Ruben Amorim has won back-to-back matches as Manchester United manager. For so long the Red Devils have lurched from one crisis point to another, so it actually feels a little strange to be talking about them being in a position to capitalise on some forward momentum.

  That Amorim backed up the win over Sunderland from before the international break with victory over United's eternal rivals Liverpool will have made this even sweeter for Red Devils supporters. Not since Wayne Rooney netted the winner on Merseyside in 2016 had United won at Anfield, but their performance in Sunday's 2-1 was not only deserving of the three points but also pointed to Amorim being able to eventually bring some consistency to Old Trafford.

  Ever since he replaced Erik ten Hag at the helm, questions have been asked as to whether Amorim can actually bring sustained success back to the Theatre of Dreams due to his insistence on playing a 3-4-3 formation that his squad aren't a fit for. However, if Casemiro can continue rolling back the years, Bruno Fernandes can maintain his current energy levels and Senne Lammens can build on his solid start to life in the United goal, then they certainly have the talent in attack to turn this ship around.

  Time will tell as to whether this result truly was lift-off for Amorim, but he couldn't have (eventually) got himself a better launching pad.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  LOSER: Ange Postecoglou

  Has there ever been a more inevitable sacking coming back from an international break than Ange Postecoglou's dismissal by Nottingham Forest? Probably not, and even then it came as a shock that the Australian's removal from the City Ground dugout was confirmed just following Forest's 3-0 loss to Chelsea on Saturday.

  Postecoglou was on a hiding to nothing following his appointment in September after replacing the immensely popular Nuno Espirito Santo, with few seeing many similarities between the two coaches' respective footballing philosophies, and thus he needed results to win over both the Forest fans and players. Instead, Postecoglou oversaw a 39-day tenure that resulted in six defeats and two draws across all competitions and that leaves them inside the Premier League's relegation zone just six months on from being entrenched in the top four.

  Of course, the former Tottenham boss didn't help himself by insisting pre-match that, if given the time, he has proven he will win a trophy in his second season in charge. Unfortunately for 'Big Ange', the most likely piece of silverware Forest would have been chasing in 2026-27 would have been the Championship trophy had he remained in charge.

  Quite where Forest go from here is anyone's guess. Evangelos Marinakis sounded out both Sean Dyche and Roberto Mancini to potentially replace Postecoglou, with the former the most likely to take over, but whomever takes over has a real job on their hands to meet the ambitions of the club's owners. Forest again spent big over the summer following their qualification for Europe, but that has only resulted in a bloated squad that would threaten to make Chelsea blush.

  On Saturday, £113 million ($152m) worth of recent arrivals – James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson, Dilane Bakwa and Arnaud Kalimuendo – failed to make the bench, while £36.5m ($49m) forward Dan Ndoye was an unused substitute. Factor in that club-record signing Hutchinson wasn't even named to Forest's Europa League squad, and this is clearly a club whose thinking is anything but joined up. If Postecoglou's replacement isn't able to create a sense of unity, relegation could become a serious possibility.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  LOSER: Bundesliga title race

  Seven games in, and it seems the notion of there being a title race in this season's Bundesliga is already over. For the past two years, Bayer Leverkusen have challenged Bayern Munich's supremacy in Germany, but the departure of Xabi Alonso and a glut of key players from the BayArena was always likely to lead to Leverkusen falling away (even if the short-lived Ten Hag era accelerated matters!).

  Borussia Dortmund looked likely to re-take up the mantle of being Bayern's biggest challengers after going unbeaten through their first six matches, but Saturday's 2-1 win for the defending champions in Der Klassiker means that Vincent Kompany's side already look uncatchable at the top of the table. Harry Kane continued his all-worldly form while Michael Olise netted the winner as Bayern moved five points clear at the top of the table after winning each of their opening seven games.

  They are averaging almost four goals a game in that time, and as long as they aren't hit by a ridiculous injury crisis, a 27th Bundesliga title already feels assured before October is even over.

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• AFP
  

  WINNER: Marseille

  While the title race might already be over in Germany, it's rather surprisingly up for grabs in France right now. Paris Saint-Germain's injury issues have led to some underwhelming results to start the season, and they again dropped points on Friday as they fought back from 3-1 down to draw with high-flying Strasbourg.

  That result has seen the European champions sacrifice top spot in Ligue 1, with Marseille the beneficiaries. Roberto De Zerbi's side thrashed 10-man Le Havre 6-2, led by four goals from last season's top scorer Mason Greenwood, on their way to being the only team from within the top five at the start of the weekend to record a victory. This was also the fourth time already this season that OM have scored at least four goals in a game, with their high-powered attack proving to be a handful for all defences.

  Whether they can sustain this form remains to be seen, with De Zerbi's sides not known for their consistency, and it would be a shock if PSG didn't rattle off a run of wins once they get back to full strength, but they could yet face something of a fight to retain the crown many presumed they would be able to claim without breaking a sweat over the coming months.

James Rew’s rain-affected first day as county captain ends with team six-down for 94

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay18-Apr-2025

Kyle Abbott claimed the wicket of Somerset’s captain James Rew•Dave Vokes/Hampshire Cricket

Kyle Abbott continued his impressive career record against Somerset as Hampshire made the most of little play on day one of their Rothesay County Championship fixture.Abbott added two wickets to take his tally to 71 scalps versus Somerset, with 40 of them coming at an average of 12 at Utilita Bowl.Fellow fast bowlers James Fuller and Brad Wheal also picked up a pair of wickets as Somerset collapsed to 94 for six at lunch – with three wickets falling in 11 balls just before the interval.But the visitors were spared any more damage as rain prevented any play taking place after lunch.Lewis Gregory’s abdominal injury meant that James Rew captained his county for the first time in the Championship – having previously led the Second XI and England Under-19. In doing so, he became the county’s youngest ever skipper, at the age of 21 years and 97 days.His first act was to call incorrectly at the toss, allowing Ben Brown to choose to bowl under threatening grey skies.The wait for the first wicket only lasted 34 balls, as Sean Dickson was late to deal with a Wheal in-ducker and was pinned in front.Archie Vaughan and Tom Lammonby stabilised and attempted to build a foundation but having eased to a 55-run stand both fell within 13 deliveries to Fuller.Fuller had been left out of the opening two rounds of the season in favour of former Somerset tearaway Sonny Baker. But Baker, who is on an ECB Development Contract, was rested, leaving the door open for Fuller.Having been hit for two boundaries in his opening over, he tightened up before rolling his fingers down one to find some away movement and the edge of Vaughan’s bat.To dismiss Lammonby, Fuller pitched it further up and angled it across the left-hander. He found the edge through to Brown.The morning looked like it would end fairly even at 93 for three around 10 minutes until lunch, but Abbott returned to make it clear who the session belonged to with Wheal.Tom Banton couldn’t have been more unlucky with his wicket. The middle-order batter whipped a half-volley with gusto but was sensationally caught by Nick Gubbins.And then five balls later, Rew tentatively pushed behind. Tom Abell added one run before Kasey Aldridge was beaten for pace and had his off stump clattered by Wheal. 11 balls had seen one run and three wickets.Rain at lunch meant not further action was possible, with an early finish confirmed just before 4.30pm.

MatériaMais Notícias

A janela de transferências abre no dia três de julho, mas o São Paulo já vem monitorando nomes no mercado da bola para reforçar o elenco comandado pelo técnico Dorival Júnior. A diretoria foca em jogadores ofensivos no período de compras e alguns nomes já começaram a surgir.

Para os tricolores apaixonados: produtos a partir de R$39,90 na FutFanatics!

O primeiro foi de Erick, do Ceará. Xodó de Dorival no Vozão, o atacante tem contrato até o final do ano e já pode assinar um pré-contrato com qualquer equipe a partir do fim desse mês. Essa, inclusive, pode ser uma forma do São Paulo contratar o jogador, que quer cumprir o restante do seu acordo com o clube cearense. A informação foi publicada incialmente no globoesporte.com e confirmada no L!.

Veja tabela da Copa Sul-Americana

Outro jogador que entrou no radar do São Paulo é o meia uruguaio Zalazar, de 23 anos. O São Paulo consultou a situação de Zalazar, mas ainda não ofereceu uma proposta. A informação foi publicada inicialmente pelo jornalista André Hernan e confirmada pela ESPN. Atualmente no Schalke 04 (ALE), clube rebaixado à segunda divisão do país, ele vem despertando interesse de muitas equipes, como o Vasco, por exemplo.

Os altos valores da negociação podem pesar contra o Tricolor, já que a situação financeira não é nada boa pelos lados do Morumbi. Segundo apurado pelo Lance!, o nome tem o aval de Dorival Jr, mas o São Paulo ainda estuda possíveis valores para uma investida.

Além dos dois nomes que estão em pauta, outra dupla chegou a negociar com o São Paulo, mas a negociação não andou: Savarino e Marinho. O primeiro, ex-Atlètico-MG, continuou no Salt Lake City (EUA), enquanto o segundo rescindiu com o Flamengo e acabou acertando com o Fortaleza.

Apesar das idas e vindas no mercado, já deu para perceber que o São Paulo dá prioridade a atacantes velozes e meias de criação. Uma situação que deve ser a tônica do Tricolor na janela de transferências.

Former D.C. United and Atlanta United player Mateusz Klich has delivered a scathing assessment of Lionel Messi's Inter Miami while highlighting several other Major League Soccer clubs as more appealing destinations. The Polish international spent two years in MLS between 2023 to 2025 before leaving for Polish club Cracovia.

(C)Getty ImagesHarsh verdict on Herons' internal structure

Klich painted a troubling picture of Inter Miami's culture, particularly while Messi remains at the club.  The 35-year-old midfielder, who joined MLS in 2023 after thriving at Leeds United, went on to describe a dysfunctional environment where the Argentine superstar's father wields extraordinary influence.

"I don't recommend Miami as long as Messi is there,” Klich told . “It's a disaster; people are leaving, coaches and physiotherapists are leaving. Organizationally, it's bad. Messi's dad basically runs the club…Nothing can be done without their consent. The club itself is also 45-50 minutes from Miami."

AdvertisementNew York clubs and Midwest franchises highlighted

When discussing more attractive alternatives within the league, Klich highlighted both New York clubs as appealing options for European players considering the American soccer landscape.

"I would recommend New York,” Klich said. “The Red Bulls now have a better stadium, but City is also building an awesome stadium.  There are clubs like Columbus Crew and Cincinnati that have great stadiums and great facilities, but the place itself is very boring to live in."

Getty Images SportNashville and West Coast atmosphere earns approval

Klich singled out Nashville SC as a particularly attractive destination for players seeking both professional quality and an enjoyable lifestyle. The Polish midfielder also praised the Pacific Northwest clubs for their passionate fanbases.

“I would recommend Nashville, if you have the option of Nashville SC,” Klich said. ”It's a beautiful place, the capital of country music. Portland and Seattle have a great atmosphere, but they're at the end of the world."

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AFPNow in Poland

Klich played in MLS for two years, starring at D.C. before heading to Atlanta. He scored six goals for United in 63 appearances before heading to Atlanta, where he made 16 appearances. After leaving MLS,  Klich completed a free transfer to Polish side Cracovia in August 2025. 

Back in February, reports emerged that Arsenal were set to spend big this summer. It was alleged this would be an unprecedented transfer window.

Well, the Kroenke’s have certainly put their money where their mouth is. This has indeed been a remarkable few months on the transfer front.

Having hired Andrea Berta to replace Edu in the early months of the year, the Italian has performed incredible work with regard to incomings.

The Gunners have added their elusive centre-forward at long last, welcoming Viktor Gyokeres to the Emirates Stadium.

They’ve signed back-up to Bukayo Saka in the form of Noni Madueke, they’ve replaced midfield departees with Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, while they’ve strengthened the rearguard too.

Cristhian Mosquera arrived in a bargain deal from Valencia and Piero Hincapie, providing Jakub Kiwior leaves, also looks poised to arrive in north London.

But, of course, the standout addition in recent weeks has been Eberechi Eze. Could we smell another repeat of that in the last six days of the window? It’s unlikely, but there’s another player lusting after signing for the club he supporters.

An Eze repeat for Arsenal

A week ago to the day, Berta completed a remarkable hijacking, one we’ve very rarely seen in the Premier League in recent years.

Eze was all set to sign for Tottenham Hotspur. The Crystal Palace playmaker had agreed personal terms and the Eagles were just putting the finishing touches on a deal with Spurs.

Yet, after a last-minute phone call with Mikel Arteta where Eze enquired about the possibility of signing for Arsenal, the decision makers met later that day and a deal was agreed by the evening.

It was a remarkable turn of events as the England international headed to the red side of the capital in a move worth an initial £60m.

This has been a brutal window for Spurs and should the Gunners conclude a move for Hincapie, it will have been another hijacking of sorts. Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Lilywhites had made a bid before their noisy neighbours came calling.

But, if Arsenal have their way, they could sign another Spurs target. Reports on Tuesday indicated that as Tottenham gear up for a busy end to the window, they have made calls to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

Valued as highly as £69m, this news is significant because, as is well-documented, Semenyo is a boyhood Arsenal fan like Eze.

Earlier in the window it was reported that Semenyo was indeed keen on the idea of playing for Arsenal. So, why should they make a move?

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Why Semenyo could be the new Saka for Arsenal

It must be stated that the idea of Arsenal signing another forward after Eze this summer is highly unlikely.

However, there are still some supporters who believe Arteta’s side is lacking genuine quality on the flanks, Saka aside.

Eze might well take a role on the left side of the pitch but the jury remains out on fellow new signing, Madueke, while concerns have been held about Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard’s inconsistent form for over a year now.

Martinelli, in particular, is a cause for concern. He’s usually the first to be subbed and it was rather damning that he played zero minutes during Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds.

There has been talk of a move to Saudi this summer and if that did occur, it could well grant the Gunners the freedom to sign another forward, whether it be in the final week of the window or in future windows.

Semenyo has been a mighty fine player for Bournemouth. He’s two-footed, a “duel monster” in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, and he can play on either flank.

Arteta loves positional versatility and that’s what the Cherries attacker would offer to the Spaniard if he moved to the club.

Last season, no player had more shots in the Premier League than Semenyo, a fact that rubberstamps the immense threat he holds in the final third. His performance against Liverpool on the division’s opening night was also really rather special.

But, with an ability to glide inside from the right and beat his man, there are shades of a certain Saka.

Goals

0.31

0.31

Assists

0.14

0.52

Progressive passes

3.06

3.65

Progressive carries

3.93

5.00

Successful take-ons

1.94

2.14

Carries into final 3rd

1.94

1.67

While Saka was evidently streets ahead as far as assists were concerned in the top-flight last term, their carrying ability is very similar.

Indeed, when it comes to take-ons and movement into the final third of the pitch, in particular, there’s not a lot to separate them.

Both players ooze quality, they glide across the right-hand side of the field with ease and they have proven themselves to be two of the most dangerous forwards in English football.

Admittedly, a deal is unlikely, but wouldn’t it be nice to steal another player away from Spurs?

Perfect for Saka: Arsenal submit bid to sign "complete" star after Hincapie

Arsenal have made their move to land another star for Mikel Arteta this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 27, 2025

The chances of Darwin Nunez playing in a Liverpool jersey for the upcoming campaign are negligible.

The Uruguayan striker is a priority target for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, and he’s been anticipated to be heading for the exit on Merseyside for much of 2025, having only been started once in the Premier League by Arne Slot since Boxing Day.

While Liverpool have prepared for this eventuality through the initial £69m acquisition of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, FSG are hungry for more quality in the final third.

The Reds romped their way to the Premier League title last term, but fell short across the season’s offshoots. Slot will be hoping to change that.

And what better way to add enough firepower than to sign Alexander Isak?

The latest on Alexander Isak to Liverpool

Last week, Liverpool lodged a formal £110m offer for Newcastle United’s star striker. It was rejected, and the Toon seemed to feel rather aggrieved that such a figure had been tabled when they have made it clear his departure would only come about following a record-breaking offer.

Liverpool broke the British transfer record when signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m in June, after all.

It’s since been reported that sporting director Richard Hughes will bid again for the Sweden international, though everything hinges on the Tynesiders being able to identify and sign a suitable replacement.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is at the top of their shopping list, but Manchester United are also pushing to sign the number nine, and there’s no telling which way that saga will swing at this stage.

Though Isak is a world-class footballer and would be the cream of an extraordinary transfer window for Liverpool, he’s not the only incoming Slot yet wishes to bring through the door.

Liverpool preparing new offer

As per Football Insider, Liverpool are preparing to make an offer for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, having registered their interest earlier in the transfer window.

Guehi has entered the final year of his and is understood to be a top target for the Anfield side this summer, with Slot lacking depth in central defence.

Newcastle United are also determined to sign the Three Lions star, who is valued at £50m. Due to his contract situation, FSG are unwilling to meet this figure.

Why Liverpool must sign Marc Guehi

While we’re on the topic, Newcastle have suffered a rather sobering transfer window thus far, missing out on a slew of top targets. Howe is no doubt simmering, not least because Liverpool continue to press for his side’s all-inspiring talisman.

But he might yet be foiled in his attempts for a mood-lifting arrival once again, with Liverpool already having taken Ekitike off their hands this summer.

Newcastle had identified the French forward as a potential replacement for Isak, should he leave St. James’ Park, but Liverpool stole ahead and completed the deal toward the end of July, ostensibly ending their pursuit of Isak.

But they are back in once more, and could further fan the flames by signing Guehi, who was described as “England’s best player” by analyst Ben Mattinson following his exploits at Euro 2024.

Technically sound and cool as you like, the 6 foot Guehi might not be the most physically imposing centre-half in the game, but he has a masterful understanding of the game and may yet bloom into a truly world-class star.

See, for example, how Guehi compared against Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk in the Premier League last season. To be sure, the 25-year-old isn’t on the Dutchman’s level, but his creative passing, firm defending and athletic robustness make an interesting comment on the player he could yet become.

Matches (starts)

34 (34)

37 (37)

Goals

3

3

Assists

2

1

Clean sheets

11

14

Touches*

64.9

90.4

Pass completion

84%

92%

Key passes*

0.5

0.3

Dribbles*

0.4

0.1

Ball recoveries*

4.3

3.1

Tackles + interceptions*

2.6

2.5

Clearances*

4.6

5.1

Duels (won)*

4.9 (59%)

4.7 (69%)

Errors made

2

4

In this way, you could argue that Liverpool are repeating their masterclass for Ekitike already. The 23-year-old has similarities to Isak, for he is mobile, powerful and pacy, with a keen footballing mind, but he’s still got a while to go before he reaches the same heights as the refined Newcastle superstar.

As you can see from the graphic below, Isak is far more clinical, and that while plying his craft in a more competitive division in the English top flight.

Howe is thought to be desperate to package his squad with more quality and quantity, but Liverpool are getting primed to steal another top target from them, one who was the subject of four failed bids from the club during the 2024 summer transfer window.

Having won the FA Cup with Crystal Palace last season, Guehi is no doubt looking to take the next step in his career, and where better to foster his developed qualities than at Anfield, where there is a clear pathway toward a nailed-down starting berth?

As per FBref, he even ranked among the top 12% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues last season for shot-creating actions per 90. Just imagine the kind of ball-playing success Slot’s tactics could give rise to.

Arguably, Liverpool’s need for Guehi supersedes their interest in Isak, for Ekitike has the makings of a world-class centre-forward.

Guehi, however, is already a “monster in defence”, as claimed by Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, and would provide invaluable depth to a backline that has parted with Quansah and may yet lose the non-committal Ibrahima Konate, who is being pursued by Real Madrid.

Much hinges on Palace’s firmness vis-à-vis their £50m valuation. However, if Newcastle do decide to advance their intrigue to the next level, you wouldn’t bet against Liverpool leaping forward and striking a blow to the Magpies once again.