Christian Guinin

Galatasaray are reportedly pursuing VfB Stuttgart attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss in addition to striker Ermedin Demirovic. Stuttgart are unwilling to sell El Khannouss after activating an €18 million purchase option from Leicester City, valuing him at around €65 million and holding him under contract until 2030 without a release clause. Galatasaray’s offer is reportedly well below that figure, while an earlier €15 million bid for Demirovic was rejected. Demirovic scored 15 goals and supplied five assists last season, making a double deal difficult unless Galatasaray substantially increases its offers.

Borussia Dortmund and coach Niko Kovac reportedly want to continue working together beyond the end of their contracts, but Kovac’s extension may depend on sporting managing director Lars Ricken first renewing his own deal. Ricken’s continuation is considered likely after the club’s recent transfer-market successes. Kovac took charge in February 2025 following Nuri Sahin’s dismissal and helped Dortmund recover to fourth place and qualify for the Champions League. Across 72 matches, he recorded 43 wins, 12 draws and 16 defeats.

Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has ruled out Julian Alvarez leaving during the current summer transfer window, citing club president Enrique Cerezo’s firm stance. Alvarez reportedly wants to depart and favors Barcelona, which has offered €100 million; Real Madrid has also made a €150 million bid, but Atlético is demanding the striker’s €500 million release clause. Alvarez will miss Atlético’s LaLiga opener against Málaga, with Simeone attributing his absence to a lack of fitness. The forward joined Atlético from Manchester City in 2024 and recorded 20 goals and nine assists last season.

Borussia Dortmund have signed 27-year-old PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joey Veerman on a contract through 30 June 2031. Dortmund are reportedly activating his €22 million release clause, with Veerman taking the No. 25 shirt. Sporting directors Lars Ricken and Ole Book said his creativity, technique and vision address the club’s need to strengthen central midfield after the departures of Pascal Groß and Salih Özcan, while Emre Can is expected to move into central defence. Veerman arrives after winning multiple league, cup and Super Cup titles with PSV and earning 16 caps for the Netherlands.

Bayern Munich is reportedly seeking to sell a 5% stake in its company to Viessmann for a potential €250 million, while retaining voting control under its 75% ownership. However, kicker reports that Viessmann entrepreneur Max Viessmann and the Viessmann Generations Group are under no pressure to invest, making a short-term agreement unlikely. Any delay would postpone Bayern’s expected cash injection, and no exact deal value has been formally established.

Borussia Dortmund’s signing of 18-year-old Konstantinos Karetsas from KRC Genk has been praised by former Genk coach Thorsten Fink, who calls him a creative and exciting midfielder well suited to Dortmund’s possession-based style. Fink cautions that Karetsas still needs to improve his decision-making, gain experience and remain patient, while warning that the €32 million transfer fee could create excessive pressure. Karetsas has already scored on his Dortmund debut in a friendly against Arsenal, and the club may make further additions including Giannis Konstantelias and Joey Veerman.

Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has suggested Carlos Sainz as a potential successor to Max Verstappen at Red Bull if Verstappen leaves the team or Formula 1. Sainz has reportedly rejected a lucrative Williams contract extension amid frustration with the team's underperforming 2026 car, though he says he still believes in its long-term project. Sainz's previous experience with Red Bull's junior program and Toro Rosso makes him a plausible candidate, while Oscar Piastri is also identified as a possible option.

RB Leipzig have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Strasbourg winger Diego Moreira to replace Yan Diomande, who recently joined Real Madrid for a fee reported at €125 million, potentially rising to €140 million with bonuses. However, Leipzig and Strasbourg remain significantly apart on the transfer fee, making a quick deal unlikely. Leipzig are also considering Strasbourg midfielder Samir El Mourabet as another option.

SC Paderborn have agreed to sell 22-year-old midfielder Mika Baur to reigning Scottish champions Celtic. The transfer fee is reportedly €8 million, making Baur Paderborn’s record sale and surpassing the €4.5 million received for Aaron Zehnter’s move to VfL Wolfsburg. Paderborn sporting director Sebastian Lange said the club preferred to keep Baur but accepted his request because less than a year remained on his contract, with the proceeds intended to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes.

Armindo Sieb is leaving Bayern Munich for Los Angeles FC of Major League Soccer during the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old striker spent the previous two seasons on loan at FSV Mainz 05, scoring two goals in 22 league appearances in his most recent campaign. Sieb previously developed at TSG Hoffenheim, joined Bayern in 2020, made his professional debut in the DFB Cup, and later played for SpVgg Greuther Fürth. Bayern had exercised a buy-back option and contracted him through 2027 before loaning him to Mainz.

Bayern Munich may still consider signing Brentford forward Igor Thiago as backup for Harry Kane despite recently declaring that its incoming transfer business was complete. Thiago reportedly scored 25 goals last season, but his long contract and lack of a release clause could make him expensive. Bayern is also considering a loan move for teenage midfielder Felipe Chavez, who has attracted interest from several clubs. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has left open the possibility of continuing beyond the 2026/27 season, although he still expects to retire. The club has also announced new squad numbers for several young players and listed its upcoming fixtures.

Kaua Santos has reportedly moved slightly ahead of Michael Zetterer in Eintracht Frankfurt’s preseason battle to start in goal, potentially beginning with the club’s DFB-Pokal match against SC St. Tönis. The decision is not final, however, and coach Adi Hütter has promised Zetterer a fair opportunity. Zetterer, who became the club’s first choice last season after initially serving as Santos’s backup, intends to remain at Frankfurt and compete for the position.

Jose Mourinho reportedly intends to keep Endrick at Real Madrid rather than allow another loan move during the current transfer window. The 20-year-old is expected to remain at least until the end of the first half of the season, when his future will be reassessed. Despite competition from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, Endrick impressed during a loan spell at Olympique Lyon, recording eight goals and eight assists in 21 matches, and has also performed well in Real Madrid’s preseason.

Liverpool have taken Ronald Araujo from Barcelona on a season-long loan, with a reported €55 million purchase option for next summer. The Uruguay international said he was very happy to join Liverpool and viewed the move as the right step in his career. Araujo had fallen down Barcelona’s defensive hierarchy after Pau Cubarsi’s emergence, while coach Hansi Flick said the defender’s playing style did not suit his tactical preferences. Liverpool see Araujo as a potential successor to Ibrahima Konate, who joined Real Madrid, amid limited centre-back options alongside Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool have completed the loan signing of Uruguay centre-back Ronald Araujo from Barcelona for the 2026–27 season, with an option to buy for €55 million next summer. Araujo said he was delighted to join a club with Liverpool’s tradition and viewed the move as the necessary next step in his career. His Barcelona future had diminished after Pau Cubarsi displaced him, while coach Hansi Flick acknowledged that Araujo’s style did not fit his preferred tactical system. Liverpool are positioning him as a replacement for Ibrahima Konate, who has joined Real Madrid, amid injuries and limited depth at centre-back.

Barcelona are reportedly pursuing Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who has allegedly agreed to join the Catalan club in principle, although negotiations and a potential €50–60 million transfer fee remain unresolved. His arrival could displace Frenkie de Jong from a leading midfield role and potentially force the Dutchman to consider leaving despite his contract running until 2029. De Jong is also dealing with knee problems and is expected to miss the start of the season.

Barcelona’s potential signing of Manchester City midfielder Rodri could threaten Frenkie de Jong’s established role in Hansi Flick’s midfield and, in the most extreme scenario, prompt the Dutchman to consider leaving despite his contract running until June 2029. De Jong was an important player last season but is currently dealing with knee problems and is expected to miss the start of the campaign. Rodri has reportedly committed to Barcelona over Real Madrid, although negotiations remain unresolved and Manchester City are seeking approximately €50 million to €60 million, a significant expense for Barcelona given its financial constraints.

FC Barcelona’s potential signing of Manchester City midfielder Rodri could threaten Frenkie de Jong’s leadership role and even his place in the squad. Spanish reports suggest Rodri has approved a move to Barcelona, but negotiations with Manchester City remain and the club is reportedly seeking €50–60 million. De Jong, who renewed his Barcelona contract through June 2029 and played 38 matches last season, is currently struggling with a knee problem and will miss the start of the season. Barcelona’s financial difficulties could make the transfer difficult to complete.

Arsenal are reportedly targeting Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito after Vinicius Junior rejected a potential move and renewed his Real Madrid contract. Arsenal scouts allegedly watched the 21-year-old during a friendly against AC Milan, with the club seeking greater depth and variety in attack. Inter are said to want around €85 million for Esposito, who scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 48 competitive appearances last season. Manchester United are also interested, but Arsenal are reportedly in pole position.

Arsenal are reportedly targeting Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito after Vinicius Junior rejected the club and renewed his Real Madrid contract. Arsenal scouts watched the 21-year-old during Inter’s friendly against AC Milan in Perth, while Inter are said to want approximately €85 million to consider a sale. Esposito would add height and a different profile to an Arsenal attack currently featuring Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres. Manchester United are also interested, but Arsenal are reportedly in pole position.

VfB Stuttgart have reportedly agreed a €25 million transfer with VfL Wolfsburg for striker Dzenan Pejcinovic. Wolfsburg sporting director Dieter Hecking confirmed an agreement with an unnamed club, while kicker identified Stuttgart as the buyer. The 21-year-old German-Montenegrin, who scored 12 goals in 34 appearances last season, reportedly favored Stuttgart over foreign and other Bundesliga offers. The transfer is subject only to a medical examination and official confirmation.

VfB Stuttgart have reportedly agreed a €25 million deal with VfL Wolfsburg to sign 21-year-old striker Dzenan Pejcinovic. Wolfsburg sporting director Dieter Hecking confirmed that an agreement had been reached with an unnamed club, while kicker identified Stuttgart as the destination. Pejcinovic reportedly rejected offers from foreign and other Bundesliga clubs because he preferred Stuttgart. The transfer is subject only to a medical examination, and would move the striker after a season in which he scored 12 goals in 34 appearances for relegated Wolfsburg.

Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich and Luis Diaz are reportedly the best-selling Bayern Munich shirt names during the club’s tour of South Korea and Hong Kong. Younger players Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof are also attracting significant interest. Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala were not included on the tour because of holiday and injury-related circumstances. Bayern defeated Jeju SK FC 2-1 and faced Aston Villa in Hong Kong before returning to Germany, where friendlies against RB Leipzig and a Super Cup match against Borussia Dortmund are scheduled.

Bayern Munich marketing chief Rouven Kasper says Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich and Luis Díaz are among the club’s strongest shirt sellers during its Asia tour of South Korea and Hong Kong. Younger players Aleksandar Pavlović and Tom Bischof are also proving popular. Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala were not included because they remained in Germany for holiday or injury-related reasons. Bayern defeated Jeju SK FC and then faced Aston Villa before returning to Munich, with friendlies against RB Leipzig and a Super Cup match against Borussia Dortmund to follow.

Chelsea are reportedly close to signing 28-year-old Spanish left-back Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano for an initial €19 million, potentially rising to €21 million. Xabi Alonso is said to have strongly backed the move and intends to use Chavarria as a first-choice defender. The transfer would be Chelsea's seventh major addition of the window, taking the squad to 39 players, while the club has made comparatively few sales and must reduce its numbers before the transfer window closes.

Fabrizio Romano rose from an early exclusive about Mauro Icardi to become football’s most influential transfer journalist, building a global following around his “Here we go” announcements. His reputation has recently suffered amid accusations that he prioritizes speed, clicks and personal reach over journalistic standards, including criticism of his coverage of Diogo Jota’s death and his platforming of Mason Greenwood. Reddit banned his posts as sources, while a public dispute with Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg over Yan Diomande’s proposed move from RB Leipzig to Real Madrid intensified questions about Romano’s methods. RB Leipzig executive Marcel Schäfer also rejected claims that the deal was already completed, raising doubts about Romano’s previously near-infallible image.

Darts world champion Luke Littler claims he may be the world’s best sportsperson and mocks Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal’s contribution to Spain’s 2026 World Cup victory. Littler argues that his own string of victories and titles gives him an edge over Yamal. The article notes that Yamal had a less influential tournament than during Spain’s 2024 European Championship triumph, recording one goal and one assist in eight matches, but adds that a thigh injury suffered late in Barcelona’s season affected his fitness. Littler, meanwhile, has won all six PDC television majors in 2026, surpassed £3 million in career prize money, and won 66 of his last 76 major-tournament matches.

Mario Götze criticised former Eintracht Frankfurt coach Albert Riera’s public remarks about his role and status at the club, saying their limited communication did not support Riera’s characterisation of him. Götze described his four months under Riera as extremely intense and acknowledged that the season failed to meet expectations, but rejected placing responsibility on one person alone. Riera was dismissed after recording four wins, five draws and five defeats in 14 matches, and Adi Hütter was appointed as his successor.

Karim Adeyemi made his Barcelona debut in a 2-2 preseason draw with Birmingham City, playing the first half before being replaced by Roony Bardghji. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said Adeyemi showed less than he had in training, criticizing his passing and finishing while stressing that the Germany international had only completed his first week of training and possessed significant pace, finishing ability and potential. Barcelona reportedly paid Borussia Dortmund €22 million plus up to €7 million in bonuses, with Adeyemi signing through 2031. Hamza Abdelkarim scored both Barcelona goals, while several of the club’s Spanish world champions and Marc-Andre ter Stegen were absent.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said Karim Adeyemi produced a disappointing debut in the club’s 2–2 friendly draw with Birmingham City, highlighting misplaced passes and weak finishing while stressing that the 24-year-old signing has significant pace, finishing ability and potential. Adeyemi played the first half after joining from Borussia Dortmund for a reported €22 million plus up to €7 million in bonuses and signing through 2031. Eighteen-year-old Al Ahly recruit Hamza Abdelkarim scored both Barcelona goals. Barcelona’s World Cup-winning players and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen were absent, and Adeyemi is expected to begin the LaLiga season against Elche on August 23.

Mario Götze criticized former Eintracht Frankfurt coach Albert Riera’s remarks about his role and conduct, saying the two had rarely communicated and that Riera’s interpretation of their relationship was questionable. Götze described his four months under Riera as extremely intense but said he did not blame the coach alone for the team’s poor performance. Riera was dismissed after recording four wins, five draws and five defeats in 14 matches, and Adi Hütter has taken over as Frankfurt’s coach.

Real Madrid's pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has stalled because Leipzig are reportedly demanding €120 million, while Madrid have not matched that valuation. Leipzig allegedly ignored Madrid's latest offer, though the transfer remains possible. Diomande missed Leipzig's training-camp departure because of an infection, with coach Martín Demichelis saying he should join the squad once fit. Sky reports that the 19-year-old has mentally moved on from Leipzig after a strong season featuring 15 goals and 11 assists, plus notable performances for Ivory Coast at the World Cup.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola plans to use Florian Wirtz primarily as a central attacking midfielder rather than on the wing. Iraola believes the Germany international can further develop his existing strengths, following a mixed debut season at Liverpool in which his output was stronger when playing centrally. Wirtz previously excelled as a No. 10 for Bayer Leverkusen, recording 18 goals and 20 assists during the club’s 2023/24 double-winning campaign.

Real Madrid’s pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has stalled over the German club’s reported €120 million asking price, which Madrid has not agreed to meet. Leipzig reportedly ignored a recent offer, although a transfer remains possible. Diomande missed the club’s training-camp departure because of an infection, while coach Martín Demichelis said he would join the squad after recovering. The 19-year-old reportedly feels he has already mentally moved on from Leipzig after scoring 15 goals and providing 11 assists last season.

Uli Hoeneß admitted that he mishandled Max Eberl before Bayern Munich’s DFB Cup final by publicly rating Eberl’s chances of staying beyond 2027 at 60:40. Hoeneß said he had been naive to expect the comments to remain unpublished until after the match and apologised to Eberl. He now puts Eberl’s chances of continuing at Bayern at 100%, although any contract extension will ultimately be decided by the club’s supervisory board, potentially at a meeting in late August.

Robert Lewandowski rejected a reported two-year, €200 million contract from an unnamed Saudi Arabian club after initially considering the move. According to his agent, Pini Zahavi, regular playing time became more important than money when Barcelona and coach Hansi Flick could no longer guarantee the 37-year-old a starting role. After his Barcelona contract expired, Lewandowski joined Chicago Fire without a transfer fee and began his MLS career, following former Bayern Munich teammate Bastian Schweinsteiger, although his debut ended in a 3–2 defeat to Inter Miami.

Lazio are reportedly considering a move for Niclas Füllkrug after his unsuccessful loan spell at AC Milan, where he scored once in 20 competitive appearances. West Ham United are reportedly open to another loan or a permanent sale because the striker has little future at the club, but any transfer to Italy would likely require him to accept a substantial pay cut. Werder Bremen also explored a move but ruled it out because of the financial terms. Füllkrug’s poor form contributed to his omission from Germany’s World Cup squad.

Yan Diomande is reportedly attracting intense competition from Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Manchester City, with Real Madrid allegedly agreeing personal terms on a contract through 2031. Leipzig are seeking €150 million and have already rejected Liverpool’s offer of about €100 million. The club may offer Diomande improved terms to keep him after his impressive first Bundesliga season, in which he scored 15 goals and supplied 11 assists.

Former Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn warned that Jürgen Klopp is unlikely to deliver an immediate transformation as Germany's new national coach, arguing that deeper questions about player development, squad composition and playing style must first be addressed. Kahn nonetheless acknowledged Klopp's experience and potential impact, while Bastian Schweinsteiger backed the appointment. Klopp replaces Julian Nagelsmann after Germany's round-of-32 World Cup defeat by Paraguay and will begin with a Nations League match against the Netherlands on 24 September.