Bart Dhanis

Burnley striker Zian Flemming is attracting interest from clubs in the Netherlands, Italy and France, with Everton also linked to a potential transfer. His prospects improved after scoring both goals in Burnley's 2-2 draw with West Ham United, following an eleven-goal Premier League season. Burnley manager Nicky Hayen wants him to stay, but Flemming is nevertheless considered likely to leave after the club's relegation.

Lazio have identified Ajax and Croatia centre-back Josip Šutalo as their top transfer target, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. Ajax are reportedly willing to sell despite Šutalo being under contract until mid-2028. The defender joined Ajax from Dinamo Zagreb for €22 million in 2023, struggled initially, then improved under Francesco Farioli, although injuries affected his previous season. A move to Lazio could reunite him with former Ajax teammate Kenneth Taylor, while Fulham and Benfica are also monitoring him.

Cody Gakpo impressed in Liverpool’s 2–0 friendly win over Como, scoring with his left foot and assisting Jérémy Jacquet’s goal. His performance prompted British media, including The Mirror, This Is Anfield and the Liverpool Echo, to question whether Liverpool should sell him. Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly agreed personal terms with Gakpo and submitted a €70 million bid, which Liverpool rejected, although the club remains open to a transfer.

Kenneth Perez praised AZ's 4-1 win over FC Utrecht but strongly condemned AZ coach Leeroy Echteld's conduct on the touchline, describing his shouting, complaints and celebrations as excessive theatrics. Perez argued that Echteld should have been sent off after receiving only a yellow card. AZ secured the victory through goals from Peer Koopmeiners, Weslley Patati, Mexx Meerdink and Ayoub Oufkir, while Artem Stepanov scored Utrecht's consolation goal.

Go Ahead Eagles are pushing to sign midfielder Jochem Ritmeester van de Kamp from Almere City, where he is contracted until mid-2027. The 23-year-old, valued at €1.5 million by Transfermarkt, wants to return to the Eredivisie after scoring seven goals for Telstar last season. Go Ahead reportedly view him as the ideal replacement for Calvin Twigt, while Sparta are also monitoring the situation; the transfer fee has not yet been disclosed.

Austrian defender Gernot Trauner has announced his immediate retirement from professional football at age 34 after 16 years in the sport. He left Feyenoord when his contract expired at the end of the previous season, having struggled with recurring injuries, including an Achilles injury that caused him to miss 54 matches in his final season and 105 during his five years at the Rotterdam club. Despite those absences, Trauner made 137 appearances for Feyenoord, scoring twice and assisting four goals, while winning the Dutch title and the KNVB Cup. He said he was proud of his league and cup victories, Champions League and European Championship experiences, and time as captain, and expressed anticipation for a new chapter and future challenges.

German media praised Ismael Saibari's unofficial Bayern Munich debut in a 3-1 friendly win over RB Leipzig. The Morocco international, signed from PSV for €50 million after a World Cup injury delayed his arrival, played 25 minutes and assisted Jamal Musiala after a strong dribble. Although he received a yellow card for a hard tackle on Ezechiel Banzuzi, outlets including BILD, Spox and Süddeutsche Zeitung highlighted his technical quality and immediate impact. Saibari also attracted positive attention for helping Musiala when the midfielder struggled in the heat.

Ajax travel to Ireland to face FC Shelbourne with a 3-1 advantage in their Conference League qualifying tie. Míchel is expected to replace the absent Steven Berghuis with Abdellah Ouazane, while Mika Godts may also be rested. Marc ter Stegen is likely to continue in goal, with Owen Wijndal replacing Caio Henrique in defence and Kasper Dolberg leading the attack.

NEC Nijmegen have unveiled 22-year-old FC Porto centre-back Gabriel Brás on a one-year loan with an undisclosed option to buy. The Portugal Under-21 captain joins as NEC seek to strengthen a defence weakened by limited squad depth, a problem highlighted by their opening-round defeat to Telstar and Philippe Sandler's injury. Coach Dick Schreuder had called for two or three additional defenders during pre-season.

Steven Berghuis missed Ajax’s final training session before the second leg of their Conference League qualifying tie against Shelbourne, while Josip Sutalo and Rayane Bounida also remained absent. Berghuis’s reason for missing training and his availability for the trip to Ireland were unclear, despite having started every Ajax match this season. Ajax lead 3–1 from the first leg and would meet FC Noah or FC Sion in the play-offs if they advance.

PSV Eindhoven manager Peter Bosz has sent 19-year-old wing-back Essiën Bassey back to Jong PSV for the upcoming season after he featured in pre-season with the first team. PSV rejected interest from FC Twente and Sturm Graz, prefers to keep Bassey, and has offered him a contract extension beyond mid-2027. A transfer remains possible if he rejects the offer, with Sturm Graz still interested.

Steven Bergwijn could leave Al-Ittihad for a fraction of the approximately €21 million the Saudi club paid Ajax in 2024. Although the 28-year-old forward was important during his first season, Al-Ittihad may sell him before his contract expires in mid-2027, when he could otherwise depart for free. A return to Europe could also revive his prospects with the Netherlands national team.

Fabrizio Romano says he will likely stop working as a transfer-market journalist in his current capacity after the summer transfer window. He plans to explain his new approach and vision once the window closes, after describing the figures from the current period as unreal.

NEC Nijmegen striker Kaj Sierhuis said he was disappointed to remain on the bench after the club signed Dusan Tadic on a free transfer. Tadic and Bryan Linssen have been preferred in recent matches, leaving NEC with four strikers, although Sierhuis scored immediately after coming on against Telstar. He acknowledged Tadic’s quality and said he would remain patient while competing for opportunities.

Ajax are interested in Almería midfielder Sergio Arribas, who finished as Spain’s second-tier top scorer with 25 goals last season. Coach Míchel is a major admirer, but Arribas wants to leave after Almería missed promotion and remains contracted until mid-2029. His reported valuation is €20 million, a fee that Benfica and Real Betis consider too high, while several LaLiga clubs are reportedly exploring a season-long loan.

Ajax have rejected Paris Saint-Germain’s opening offer of €40 million plus €5 million in bonuses for Belgian forward Mika Godts, viewing it as well below their reported €60 million asking price. Jordi Cruijff rejected the proposal without making a counteroffer, leaving PSG to consider a higher bid. Godts has reportedly already agreed personal terms with PSG on a contract running until mid-2031.

PSV Eindhoven have resumed negotiations with NEC Nijmegen over Kodai Sano after previously rejecting the Dutch club’s asking price. Both sides are reportedly willing to compromise, with Sano expected to join PSV after NEC completes its Champions League qualifying campaign. PSV are also cautiously optimistic about signing Filip Kostic, who appears to favor Eindhoven despite interest from AEK Athens.

Ajax technical director Jordi Cruyff is seeking to sell at least six more players this summer after a relatively limited number of completed departures. Anton Gaaei, Kasper Dolberg, Owen Wijndal, Olivier Edvardsen, Josip Sutalo and Ko Itakura are reportedly available, with Dolberg attracting interest from Germany and Denmark, Benfica linked to Sutalo, and Itakura associated with a possible return to Borussia Mönchengladbach. Ajax have so far raised significant funds through the sales of Sean Steur and Kian Fitz-Jim, as well as triggered purchase options for Chuba Akpom and Sivert Mannsverk.

If Ajax defeat Shelbourne United in the Conference League qualifying round, they could face FC Noah or FC Sion in the play-offs. FC Twente would potentially meet FK Qarabag or Dynamo Kyiv if it advances past Dunajska Streda. The third qualifying-round matches are scheduled for 6 and 13 August, with play-off legs set for 21 and 28 August; Ajax would play the first leg away, while Twente would host its opener.

Louis van Gaal is open to returning for a fourth spell as head coach of the Netherlands, according to De Telegraaf. The 74-year-old says his health has improved following prostate cancer treatment and that he feels fitter than ever. The KNVB has not yet contacted him, while other reported candidates—including Arne Slot, Peter Bosz, Erik ten Hag and Pep Guardiola—are unavailable or reluctant to take the role. Van Gaal is also willing to coach another major national team if the Netherlands does not approach him.

Liverpool led Leeds United 2–0 at half-time in a friendly after an energetic display featuring goals from Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz, but conceded four second-half goals to lose 4–2. The Daily Mail, Sky Sports and The Athletic agreed that Liverpool’s preferred high-intensity style was evident, while highlighting serious problems with set-piece defending and a thin squad, particularly at centre-back and right-back. Andoni Iraola therefore faces significant work despite encouraging performances from marquee signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.

Liverpool impressed British media with a fast, intense first half in a friendly against Leeds United, taking a 2–0 lead through goals from Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz. However, extensive second-half changes preceded a 4–2 defeat, exposing poor defending at set pieces and a thin squad, particularly at centre-back and right-back. The reports broadly agreed that Andoni Iraola's playing style has promise but that Liverpool still requires significant work.

Raheem Sterling’s agent has reportedly offered the former Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City winger to Brazilian club Vasco da Gama after his short spell at Feyenoord ended. Sterling joined Feyenoord on a free transfer in the winter but managed only one assist and no goals. The 31-year-old is seeking to revive his career in Brazil, although Vasco’s willingness to sign him is uncertain. In June, he was also involved in a single-vehicle Lamborghini Urus crash in England.

Feyenoord have immediately ended their association with midfielder Chris-Kévin Nadje, who will join Belgian second-tier club KAS Eupen for an undisclosed fee. Nadje joined Feyenoord from FC Versailles for approximately €500,000 but made only 13 appearances in his first season and struggled for regular playing time. After a limited loan spell at Excelsior, he was dropped from the squad by coach Ruben den Uil in February because of behavioural issues. He later spent time on loan at Monterey Bay FC, making 12 appearances and scoring twice.

Paris Saint-Germain have reached a personal agreement with Maghnes Akliouche after agreeing a €50 million transfer fee with AS Monaco. The French attacker, who represented France at the 2026 World Cup, is expected to undergo a medical before signing with PSG through mid-2031 and replacing Bradley Barcola, who is in talks with Liverpool. PSG are also pursuing Ajax winger Mika Godts, although Ajax are demanding €60 million.

Arne Slot has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Matthias Jaissle as manager of Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli after Jaissle agreed to join Newcastle United and Eddie Howe resigned. Slot previously rejected an offer from Fulham and is also negotiating with the KNVB to become Netherlands head coach, with the two sides differing over whether his contract should run through Euro 2028 or the 2030 World Cup.

Eddie Howe has decided to leave Newcastle United after five years in charge, despite both sides initially planning to continue together. The 48-year-old reportedly wants a break from management following a poor pre-season that included a draw with Gateshead and a 4-1 defeat to Bristol City. Newcastle are expected to appoint Matthias Jaissle, currently of Al-Ahli, as Howe's replacement. Howe leaves having won the 2025 Carabao Cup and taken Newcastle into the Champions League for the first time in two decades.

Newcastle United lost 4-1 to Bristol City in a friendly after defensive mistakes, including a poor performance and own goal from Sven Botman. British local media gave Botman very low ratings and criticized his positioning and reactions. Eighteen-year-old Sean Steur was the exception, earning praise for his mature display, first touches and passing, although the coverage noted that Newcastle should not depend on him so heavily at this stage.

Ajax have agreed to transfer 20-year-old forward Kayden Wolff back to FC Volendam, his former club, after he failed to establish himself in Amsterdam. Wolff made 25 appearances for Jong Ajax last season, scoring five goals and providing two assists. The transfer fee is undisclosed. Ajax are also parting ways with midfielder Kian Fitz-Jim, who is undergoing a medical at Torino ahead of a contract running until 2030; Ajax are expected to receive €3 million.

Ajax are set to receive three million euros from Kian Fitz-Jim's transfer to Torino and have also negotiated a sell-on percentage. Reports had previously placed the fee at four million euros, while Torino are understood to be preparing a contract running until mid-2030. Fitz-Jim, who has seven goals and two assists in 72 Ajax first-team appearances, was already expected to leave because his contract expires in mid-2027 and negotiations over an extension had stalled. Earlier attempts to move him to a Bundesliga club collapsed after that club failed to sell another player.

Ajax have finalized Kian Fitz-Jim’s transfer to Torino, reportedly securing an initial fee of three million euros along with a sell-on percentage, although another report put the fee at four million euros. The 23-year-old midfielder’s Ajax contract runs until mid-2027, and stalled renewal talks made a sale this summer important. Fitz-Jim previously attracted interest from a Bundesliga club, but that move collapsed. He leaves Ajax after 72 first-team appearances, seven goals and two assists, plus a 12-match loan spell at Excelsior.

Ajax are set to receive €3 million from Kian Fitz-Jim’s transfer to Torino and have negotiated a sell-on percentage. Reports indicate the clubs had discussed a fee of up to €4 million, while Fitz-Jim is expected to sign a contract running until mid-2030. The 23-year-old, whose Ajax contract expires in mid-2027, had previously been open to leaving after a proposed Bundesliga move collapsed. He made 72 first-team appearances for Ajax, scoring seven goals and providing two assists, and also spent time on loan at Excelsior.

Danny Welbeck is set to join Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion pending a medical, after transfer documents were signed and Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal. The 35-year-old England international is expected to sign through mid-2028 following a career-best Premier League season in which he scored 13 goals. His arrival represents a shift in Chelsea’s recruitment strategy toward adding experience alongside young signings and could put Emmanuel Emegha’s place in the squad in doubt.

Dusan Tadic said he has regularly worn the number 10 shirt and offered little further comment when asked whether he had consulted Tjaronn Chery, who wore it for NEC last season. Tadic recently joined NEC from the United Arab Emirates and signed a contract through mid-2028.

Ajax has enquired about Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, but The Athletic considers a move to Amsterdam unlikely after Ajax signed Marcos Leonardo and loaned Tolu Arokodare. Zirkzee, who joined United from Bologna for just over €40 million, has scored nine goals and provided four assists in 75 appearances without winning a trophy. Juventus is reportedly leading the race for the 25-year-old, while Como and two Premier League clubs are also interested. Zirkzee recently impressed by scoring a solo goal against BK Rosenborg in a Manchester United friendly.

FC Utrecht coach Anthony Correia has acknowledged the club’s interest in FC Twente winger and attacking midfielder Younes Taha, while conceding that a transfer is unlikely. Taha, who scored six goals and supplied ten assists during a loan spell at FC Groningen, is also being tracked by SC Braga, RB Salzburg, Frosinone and Saudi Arabian clubs. FC Twente technical director Erik ten Hag has reportedly offered the 23-year-old a three-year contract extension. Utrecht recently sold Miguel Rodriguez to Alavés for €5 million but will retain only about €2.5 million because it owned half of the player’s transfer rights.

Manchester United are reportedly offering Joshua Zirkzee to Juventus and Como, making his departure highly likely after two seasons at the club. Zirkzee joined from Bologna for just over €40 million but has scored only nine goals and provided four assists in 75 appearances without winning a trophy. Although he recently impressed in a friendly against BK Rosenborg, United now prefer Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, while Como and Juventus offer potential European competition opportunities.

Ajax have reached an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers to sign striker Tolu Arokodare on loan with a €22 million option to buy, while paying a loan fee and covering his salary. The deal is being finalized after Arokodare fell out with Wolves, including a training-ground confrontation that led to a session being cancelled and security being deployed. The 25-year-old Nigerian joined Wolves from KRC Genk for €26 million last summer and recorded six goals and two assists in 36 appearances last season.

Feyenoord reportedly views eighteen-year-old OH Leuven right-back Davis Opoku as the ideal successor to Givairo Read, who has been linked with Nottingham Forest. Opoku made 16 first-team appearances and provided one assist last season, while also playing for Jong Leuven. Valued by Transfermarkt at €800,000, he is contracted to Leuven until mid-2028. Newly appointed technical director Dévy Rigaux’s previous experience at Club Brugge and knowledge of the Belgian market may have helped drive Feyenoord’s interest.

PSV supporters are increasingly worried about Alassane Pléa after he failed to score in any of the club’s pre-season matches and struggled during a 3-1 defeat to Villarreal. Pléa missed most of the previous season after suffering a serious knee injury against FC Twente, and fans questioned whether the 33-year-old can return to his former level. His limited time to prove himself is compounded by competition from the in-form Ricardo Pepi.

Sean Steur made a strong first impression in Newcastle United's pre-season friendly against Gateshead FC, drawing praise from British media and supporters within the opening 20 minutes. The former Ajax midfielder, signed for €27 million, was commended for his technical quality, first touch and willingness to play attacking passes, suggesting he could quickly become a notable part of Newcastle's squad.

Rodri has reportedly reached a personal agreement with Real Madrid, which is now negotiating with Manchester City over a transfer. His Manchester City contract expires next summer, although he could still extend it. The midfielder is also expected to miss the start of the new season after undergoing surgery for a back injury.

Rodri has reportedly agreed personal terms with Real Madrid, which is negotiating with Manchester City over a transfer. With his contract expiring next summer and extension talks showing little progress, Manchester City could be approaching one of its final opportunities to receive a fee, although Rodri may still renew. The midfielder is also expected to miss the start of the new season after undergoing surgery for a back injury.

FC Utrecht are close to selling winger Miguel Rodríguez to Deportivo Alavés for €5 million. Because Celta de Vigo retained 50% of Rodríguez’s transfer rights when Utrecht signed him for €2.5 million, Utrecht will receive only €2.5 million from the sale. Rodríguez joined from Celta on loan two years ago and later made the move permanent, recording 15 goals and four assists in 64 appearances for Utrecht despite struggling with injuries last season.

Manchester United defeated BK Rosenborg 5-0 in a friendly in Norway. Shea Lacey opened the scoring before Joshua Zirkzee doubled the lead with a solo effort, and Jacob Daveney, Harry Amass and Ethan Williams added further goals. United's remaining pre-season fixtures include matches against Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético Madrid, Leeds United and AC Milan before the Premier League season begins away to Hull City on 22 August.

Benfica are interested in Ajax defender Josip Sutalo, whose market value is estimated at €12 million. The Portuguese club could make an offer after completing Antonio Silva’s transfer to Bournemouth. Sutalo is contracted to Ajax until mid-2028, but sporting director Jordi Cruyff is reportedly open to an acceptable bid. Ajax have several defensive options available should the Croatian leave.

Pep Guardiola has declined an official offer to become Italy's head coach, telling Paolo Maldini that he felt honoured but that the opportunity did not feel right at this stage. The Italian Football Federation had identified Guardiola as a leading candidate after he left Manchester City, but is now also considering Carlo Ancelotti, Andrea Pirlo, Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. Italy has missed the last three World Cups while winning the 2021 European Championship under Mancini.

PSV Eindhoven have named Mauro Júnior as their new captain while Jerdy Schouten remains sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury. Mauro will lead the team starting with the Johan Cruyff Shield match against AZ. The club is working to extend his contract and remove a €12 million release clause amid interest from Fenerbahçe and FC Porto, though negotiations hinge on compensation requested by the player's management.