Ben Crawford

Liverpool have loaned Kieran Morrison to Sheffield Wednesday, with Calvin Ramsay expected to join St Mirren and Ifeanyi Ndukwe set to move to Levante because of work-permit restrictions. The exits follow a limited summer of incoming business involving Victor Munoz, Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo, while Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have departed. Virgil van Dijk called last season unacceptable and urged the squad to embrace the challenge of rebuilding under new manager Andoni Iraola before the Premier League opener against Newcastle United.

Liverpool’s search for a new winger continues before the Premier League season begins, with Paris Saint-Germain’s £130 million asking price for Bradley Barcola considered beyond the club’s budget. Victor Munoz’s strong performance against Como has raised the possibility that Liverpool could rely on an internal alternative, particularly because Barcola prefers the left wing while the club wants a right-sided attacker. Curtis Jones could also leave for Inter Milan, but the Italian club reportedly needs to sell Luis Henrique first before meeting Liverpool’s £34 million valuation.

Liverpool are reportedly still targeting Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, whose £130 million asking price may come under pressure after PSG signed Ferran Torres and prepared to add Mika Godts. Liverpool may also pursue Ibrahim Mbaye. The club has reportedly reduced its asking price for academy midfielder Curtis Jones from £34 million to £30 million amid interest from Inter Milan, with his contract expiring next year and any transfer fee expected to count as profit under Financial Fair Play rules. Andoni Iraola has already overseen the arrivals of Victor Munoz, Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo but is expected to make further additions before the Premier League season begins.

Former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams says captain Bruno Fernandes continues to check in on him and help him obtain match tickets, describing Fernandes as an “unreal guy.” Williams, who made 51 appearances for United, has been without a club since leaving Hull City in February and is training with Rotherham while attempting to revive his career. His progress was disrupted by a dangerous-driving and uninsured-driving conviction, resulting in a suspended 14-month prison sentence, a three-year driving ban and community service. Williams remains determined to return to professional football, while also keeping in contact with Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire.

Manchester United are targeting Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly as they look to strengthen at left-back. Arsenal’s expected signing of Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes could increase competition for Lewis-Skelly’s place, while United may be willing to make a strong offer. Separately, Joshua Zirkzee has reportedly agreed to join Juventus on loan, although the move depends on Juventus first offloading striker Jonathan David. United have already signed Andrey Santos, Karl Darlow and Youri Tielemans this window.

Liverpool have opened negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for winger Bradley Barcola, reportedly valued at £140 million. Their prospects may improve if PSG complete the expected signing of Monaco midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, who has agreed personal terms and could serve as Barcola’s replacement. Liverpool are also negotiating with Inter Milan over midfielder Curtis Jones, with Inter valuing him at £21 million and Liverpool seeking £34 million. Inter may intensify its pursuit after securing John Stones.

Marcus Rashford could leave Manchester United in a proposed swap deal for Roma midfielder Manu Koné, with the clubs reportedly considering Rashford as a makeweight because of his high wages and Roma's Financial Fair Play constraints. Barcelona did not activate its £26 million purchase option after his loan spell. Meanwhile, Radek Vitek, Harry Amass, Dan Gore and Toby Collyer are reportedly set to leave United, potentially through loans or permanent transfers, as Michael Carrick reshapes the squad after securing Champions League football.

Former heavyweight boxer Junior Fa predicts that Anthony Joshua can defeat Tyson Fury only by making the bout an aggressive, short fight and pursuing a knockout early. Fa believes Fury's size, reach, fitness, movement, adaptability and ability to outbox opponents would allow him to win a longer contest on points. The prediction comes as both fighters prepare for reported warm-up bouts ahead of a potential November meeting, with Joshua scheduled to face Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia and Fury set to fight Mariusz Wach in Thailand.

Liverpool are projected to rebuild under new manager Andoni Iraola after failing to retain the Premier League title. The proposed squad would add Bournemouth winger Rayan, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha and left-back Daniel Svensson, with the combined Dortmund deal valued at £111 million. To finance the moves and reduce squad congestion, Federico Chiesa, Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott and Kostas Tsimikas are identified as potential departures. The planned team would target a title challenge against reigning champions Arsenal, with Rayan positioned as Mohamed Salah's prospective successor.

Argentina’s squad returned home after losing the World Cup final to Spain, with Lionel Messi choosing to travel separately and skip a bus parade attended by 15 other players. Eleven team members, including Messi, remained in or returned from the United States instead of joining the main group in Buenos Aires. The team faced criticism for on-field misconduct during the final, including red-card offences and altercations with Spanish players. Messi arrived in Rosario to rest with family before returning to Miami to rejoin Inter Miami.

Wayne Rooney earned widespread praise for his confident punditry and noticeably improved appearance during the 2026 World Cup, having followed a strict regimen encouraged by his wife Coleen that included a five-week alcohol ban, personal training and grooming treatments. His transformation drew on-air compliments from fellow BBC presenters, while his candid remarks and criticism of FIFA president Gianni Infantino added to his growing reputation as an outspoken expert. Rooney’s revamped image aligns with his two‑year £800,000 BBC contract as he shifts away from management and establishes himself in broadcasting.

Spain secured the World Cup with an extra‑time win over Argentina in a final marked by repeated fouls, intimidation and gamesmanship from the Argentine side. Multiple players committed aggressive challenges, exaggerated contact and attempted to influence officiating, leading to two red cards and several confrontations. Spain’s composure and late goal defined the match, while Argentina’s conduct drew heavy criticism following chaotic post‑match altercations.

Kelci Bowers, a former England youth international and partner of Argentina defender Marcos Senesi, expressed pride in England despite supporting Senesi during Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory. After facing criticism for wearing Argentina’s shirt, she reiterated her national pride on Instagram. Bowers discussed the unusual dynamic of supporting her partner against her home nation and reflected on how the couple met during a Bournemouth photoshoot, while the article also recounts Argentina’s comeback win that eliminated England from the tournament.

Manchester United are urged to pursue a transfer for French midfielder Manu Kone following Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos’ arrivals, with his World Cup performances and Roma’s financial situation making him available for around £45m. Kone is highlighted as the ideal physical and technical complement to Kobbie Mainoo in Michael Carrick’s midfield system, filling the gap left by Casemiro and exceeding the capabilities of Manuel Ugarte. Securing Kone would provide depth, athleticism and tactical flexibility as United prepare for Champions League competition.

Ronaldo’s past claim that facing Messi in a World Cup final would be “too good” is highlighted as unrealistic after Portugal’s round‑of‑16 exit, while Messi’s Argentina advances to the semifinals. The article recounts Ronaldo’s troubled 2022 tournament, his fallout with Manchester United, and his limited impact in 2026, contrasting his struggles with Messi’s continued success as Argentina pursues another title.

BBC pundits have faced heavy criticism during the 2026 World Cup, prompting former England manager Gareth Southgate to avoid broadcasting roles to prevent misinterpretations of his views on the national team. The corporation apologised for an on‑air graphic error during France’s match with Senegal but typically backs its pundits despite backlash, as shown in past support for Phil Neville after widespread criticism. The article highlights the routine scrutiny ex‑players face when transitioning to punditry and the BBC’s approach to handling complaints.

Belgium’s World Cup exit after a 2-1 defeat to Spain prompted intense criticism of goalkeeper Senne Lammens, whose late error enabled Mikel Merino’s winning goal. Belgian newspaper Le Soir condemned the mistake as unacceptable at elite level, questioning Lammens’ reliability and warning Manchester United about his consistency. Sporza offered a more sympathetic tone, acknowledging the decisive blunder but stressing his long-term potential. The match saw Belgium equalise through Charles De Ketelaere before losing following Thibaut Courtois’ injury and Lammens’ misjudgment, sending Spain to a semi-final against France.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s past caution about signing players based solely on strong tournament performances serves as a warning to Michael Carrick as he prepares Manchester United’s summer transfer plans. Ferguson highlighted previous unsuccessful signings made after major competitions, such as Jordi Cruyff and Karel Poborsky, while Sofyan Amrabat’s recent struggles reinforced the risk. Carrick aims to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season and Champions League return but is urged to avoid World Cup-driven impulse buys as he focuses on improvement and long‑term development.

Arthur Fery enters the Wimbledon third round as the last remaining British singles player, supported by his parents, including his father Loic Fery, a wealthy football executive and president of FC Lorient. Loic’s business background, club ownership journey, and connections in football are highlighted alongside Arthur’s progression through the tournament. His mother Olivia’s past as a professional tennis player and her career with the LTA further underline the family’s sporting pedigree.

Liverpool’s recent loss of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate as free agents contrasts with the club’s strong history of securing influential free‑transfer signings. Joel Matip, James Milner and Kolo Toure are highlighted as major successes who contributed significantly to league and European titles, each becoming admired figures at Anfield. The article reflects on their impact during managerial eras under Jurgen Klopp and Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool enters a new chapter under Andoni Iraola.

A scoreboard malfunction during Novak Djokovic’s Wimbledon match against Arthur Rinderknech forced the BBC to apologise after on‑screen graphics disappeared mid‑set. The outage affected both BBC broadcasts and Centre Court feeds, leaving viewers reliant on camera shots of the physical scoreboard. Djokovic briefly faltered in the heat before recovering to win in four sets. The incident added to broader criticism of the BBC’s tournament coverage, including complaints about channel switching between BBC1, BBC2 and iPlayer and earlier claims of biased coverage of Serena Williams’ return.

Matteo Berrettini said Wimbledon banned his off‑white walk‑on outfit designed by BOSS for not meeting the tournament’s strict all‑white dress code. Naomi Osaka and Taylor Fritz drew attention with their own BOSS‑designed outfits, with Osaka citing cultural influences and Fritz noting mixed reactions. Berrettini posted photos of the rejected outfit on social media, accepting Wimbledon’s decision.

Pat Cash recalled being reprimanded by Wimbledon officials for climbing through the Centre Court stands to celebrate with his team in 1987, an act that delayed Princess Diana in the Royal Box. He joked that he promised not to repeat it but never had the chance. The story resurfaced during BBC coverage as Arthur Fery advanced to the third round and learned that the Princess of Wales had arrived early to watch him play, a gesture he described as an honor.

Venus Williams faces a possible £37,000 fine after skipping post‑match media duties following her mixed doubles loss at Wimbledon. Tournament rules require players to attend press conferences unless excused for injury or illness. The situation follows similar scrutiny of Serena Williams, who avoided a fine after confirming she suffered a knee injury in her singles match. Doubt now surrounds the sisters’ planned doubles appearance as Serena attempts to recover, with tournament officials allowing extra time before scheduling their match.

BBC pundits Jamie Murray and Tim Henman criticised Novak Djokovic for repeatedly striking his leg during his Wimbledon third‑round match against Arthur Rinderknech, saying he may regret the aggressive self‑motivation tactic physically. Despite losing the third set, Djokovic regained control to win in four sets, prompting Henman to assess that Djokovic’s early‑round matches have not been physically taxing and leave him well positioned for the later stages. Djokovic reflected on managing physical and mental challenges and joked about improving his dance moves for his daughter.

Novak Djokovic secured his 105th Wimbledon singles win by defeating Arthur Rinderknech, matching Roger Federer’s men’s record. Annabel Croft pointed out that Martina Navratilova still holds the overall singles win record with 120. Djokovic reflected on the pressure of the match, praised his opponent’s strong performance, and expressed satisfaction at closing out a tight contest in a decisive tie-break.

Andy Murray is unlikely to return to BBC commentary after a difficult experience covering a lengthy 2018 Wimbledon match between Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro. Tim Henman and Andrew Cotter recalled the moment they believe convinced Murray to avoid broadcast work, noting he appeared worn down by the demanding role. Murray has since explained he finds traditional tennis coverage unengaging and prefers coaching, now working with players including Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper.

Clare Balding suggested that Jannik Sinner should have shared part of his 2025 Wimbledon prize money with Grigor Dimitrov, whose mid‑match injury withdrawal helped clear Sinner’s path to the title. Dimitrov’s emotional 2026 comeback win over Jakub Mensik prompted the remark, as he returned to Wimbledon after recovering from a ruptured pectoral muscle. The article also notes ongoing player efforts, led by Sinner, to secure a larger share of Grand Slam revenue.

Cristiano Ronaldo explained that he did not attend Diogo Jota’s funeral because he avoids cemeteries after his father’s death and wanted to prevent media attention from overshadowing the mourning. One year after Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car accident in Spain, tributes continue, including Liverpool retiring Jota’s number and Portugal wearing commemorative wristbands during the World Cup. Portugal advanced to the round of 32 after finishing second in Group K.

Serena Williams’ Wimbledon singles comeback ended in a three‑set loss to Maya Joint as her family watched, though her two-year-old daughter Adira was escorted out due to the All England Club’s age policy. Williams discussed her strict parenting rules, including rarely being away from her children and enforcing firm discipline, which she admitted sometimes moves her to tears. Her daughters and husband will have another chance to see her compete when she plays doubles with her sister Venus.

Yoane Wissa leads DR Congo into a historic World Cup knockout match against England after overcoming a 2021 acid attack in France that nearly left him blind. The attacker, who attempted to kidnap his newborn daughter, was arrested and later sentenced to 18 years in prison. Wissa detailed long-term psychological and physical effects during the 2025 trial. Despite the ordeal, he resumed his career, moved to Brentford a month after the attack and later joined Newcastle, becoming a key figure in DR Congo’s World Cup success.

Manchester United are backing Michael Carrick as they prepare for Champions League football, with transfer plans evolving amid rising Premier League fees. Marcus Rashford may have a path back into the squad after discussions, despite both sides preferring a different outcome following his Barcelona loan. High asking prices for established Premier League players are prompting United to shift toward more affordable, less proven targets, as fees for players like Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson reach extreme levels.

Manchester United face a disrupted transfer window after Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious ACL injury while playing for Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup, triggering FIFA’s Club Protection Programme, which will cover his wages and provide around £6.5 million in compensation. Michael Carrick continues reshaping the squad, including the arrival of Ederson following Casemiro’s departure. Former United midfielder Juan Mata will become a shareholder at Melbourne Victory, transitioning into an off‑field role after his playing career.

Charlotte Henrich deleted Instagram to avoid pressure before racing Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson at the UK Athletics Championships, where she beat Hodgkinson in the heat and later won bronze with a Welsh record. Hodgkinson, pursuing form for the upcoming season and a world-record attempt, withdrew from the final due to not feeling fully fit, citing a precaution to avoid injury ahead of summer competitions. Supporters expect her next appearance at the Eugene Diamond League in the 800m.

South Korea manager Hong Myung-bo resigned following the team’s early World Cup 2026 exit after losses to Mexico and South Africa. Fans launched a petition demanding his removal, citing poor performances and criticism of his appointment process. President Lee Jae-myung called for an investigation into the team’s failure and questioned the leadership decisions behind Hong’s hiring. Allegations of favouritism and transparency issues resurfaced from his 2024 reappointment.

Liverpool’s transfer plans under new manager Andoni Iraola include interest in winger Yan Diomande, though the player is now expected to choose PSG, with meeting activity between Juventus and PSG potentially accelerating that outcome. The club has also made contact regarding Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, but he intends to remain in Spain and prove his value under incoming manager Jose Mourinho. Liverpool have already secured signings including Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet as they continue reshaping the squad after a fifth‑place finish.