Jeroen Van Poppel

Ajax supporters sharply criticized new striker Marcos Leonardo after he missed two early chances against FC Sion in the Conference League qualification match. The 23-year-old Brazilian, signed from Al-Hilal for just under €20 million on a five-year contract, has repeated similar errors in recent matches, prompting fans to question his quality and compare him with former Ajax flop Iván Gabrich. Julian Brandt created Leonardo's first clear opportunity, but the striker failed to convert either chance.

Ajax supporters strongly criticized new striker Marcos Leonardo after he missed two early chances against FC Sion in Conference League qualifying. The 23-year-old Brazilian, signed from Al-Hilal for nearly €20 million on a five-year contract, has repeated similar errors in previous matches, prompting fans to label him a flop and compare him with former Ajax disappointment Iván Gabrich.

A KIJK livestream of FC Sion versus Ajax suffered major technical problems, leaving paying viewers unable to watch the build-up and the opening 15 minutes. Presenter Johnny de Mol apologized during the post-match coverage but then described the evening as successful because the match produced six goals. Viewers criticized the comment on social media and called for refunds, while De Mol did not address possible compensation.

PSV midfielder Joey Veerman acknowledged growing interest from Borussia Dortmund after the club’s 2–1 victory over Excelsior. He described Dortmund as a fantastic club and a great potential next step, while confirming that no transfer has yet been completed. Veerman said he has enjoyed a highly successful spell at PSV but has long wanted a major move. Reports indicate he could leave for around €20 million before 20 August under a contract clause, and the coming days may determine his future.

PSV led Excelsior 1–0 at halftime after Ruben van Bommel scored from a rebound, but supporters focused on Paul Wanner's poor performance and missed early chance. Fans called Wanner the club's biggest flop, criticized his €15 million transfer from Bayern Munich and urged PSV to sell him or replace him with new signing Kodai Sano. Joey Veerman and Van Bommel received praise for their first-half displays.

Dusan Tadic faced widespread criticism on social media during NEC Nijmegen's Eredivisie match against Willem II. Viewers accused the 37-year-old forward of diving after he appealed for a penalty following minimal contact in the 23rd minute, with several calling for him to receive a yellow card. His limited impact in a difficult first half also revived complaints about his perceived theatrical behavior, while NEC struggled to create chances.

Dusan Tadic faced heavy criticism on social media during NEC Nijmegen’s Eredivisie match against Willem II after going down following minimal contact and appealing for a penalty around the 23rd minute. Viewers accused the 37-year-old former Ajax forward of diving and argued he should have received a yellow card. Tadic was also criticized for an ineffective first half as NEC struggled to create chances, while Willem II made the stronger start.

PSV Eindhoven earned its first Eredivisie win of the season by defeating Excelsior 2-1 away from home. Ruben van Bommel opened the scoring, Casper Widell equalized shortly after halftime, and Ricardo Pepi restored PSV’s lead less than two minutes later after a cross from Sergiño Dest. Excelsior created several chances, but PSV held on despite missing opportunities to extend its advantage; goalkeeper Stijn van Gassel also made several important saves.

Louis van Gaal reportedly told singer Dries Roelvink that he would have preferred Peter Bosz to become Netherlands head coach rather than Xavi, while emphasizing that he did not consider Xavi a bad choice. Van Gaal publicly congratulated Xavi on the appointment, reflecting their relationship from Xavi’s debut at Barcelona under the Dutch coach. Xavi credited Van Gaal, Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels and Frank Rijkaard with shaping his development and expressed a strong connection to Dutch football.

Hajduk Split have submitted an offer to Feyenoord for defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo. Feyenoord are willing to let the 24-year-old leave on a permanent transfer after several loan spells and limited opportunities since his €2 million move from FC Groningen in January 2023. His contract runs until summer 2027, while Transfermarkt values him at €1.5 million.

Barcelona are close to selling Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain for around €50 million, reuniting him with former Spain coach Luis Enrique. By declining to extend Torres’s contract and keeping the transfer fee below €55 million, Barcelona avoid an additional €8 million payment to Manchester City and a €10 million sell-on bonus. Torres leaves Barcelona after 207 appearances, 63 goals and 23 assists.

Barcelona are close to selling Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain for about €50 million. The deal is structured below the €55 million threshold that would trigger a €10 million sell-on payment to Manchester City, while Barcelona also avoids an additional €8 million obligation that would have applied if Torres’s contract had been extended. Torres is set to reunite with former Spain coach Luis Enrique after scoring 63 goals in 207 Barcelona appearances.

PSV Eindhoven forward Alassane Pléa is expected to miss at least until the end of September after suffering a new, non-knee injury in training. The setback follows a serious knee injury that sidelined him for much of the previous season. With Pléa unavailable and Myron Boadu no longer at the club, PSV may accelerate its search for a striker, although it still has options including Ricardo Pepi, Guus Til and two forwards from Jong PSV. The club was already pursuing 17-year-old Mikkel Bro Hansen of Bodø/Glimt but has not reached an agreement, with the Norwegian club demanding a significant fee.

PSV Eindhoven will be without Alassane Pléa until at least the end of September after the forward suffered a new training injury unrelated to last season's serious knee problem. With Pléa unavailable and Myron Boadu no longer at the club, PSV may return to the transfer market for a striker. The club is already pursuing 17-year-old Mikkel Bro Hansen of Bodø/Glimt, though no agreement has been reached because of the Norwegian club's high asking price.

Ajax striker Tolu Arokodare addressed reports that he sat down during a Wolverhampton Wanderers training session after being omitted from a friendly, allegedly disrupting preparations and prompting security intervention. He declined to detail the incident while stressing his respect for Wolves, its players and supporters, but said the truth would eventually emerge. Arokodare also indicated he would apologise and accept responsibility if he had done anything wrong.

PSV Eindhoven would like to re-sign Malik Tillman from Bayer Leverkusen, but the move is currently considered unrealistic. Leverkusen are open to selling the United States international for an exceptional fee, reportedly around €30 million to €35 million, while a loan is not currently available. PSV do not have the financial resources to meet that valuation, and Tillman remains under contract with Leverkusen until mid-2030.

Arne Slot reportedly came close to becoming head coach of the Netherlands national team, with the KNVB allegedly having reached a near-agreement and Slot considering John Heitinga as his assistant. According to former striker Youri Mulder, Slot withdrew at the last moment despite being far along in the process. A possible disagreement over a two- or four-year contract has been suggested, but Mulder believes the contract length was not the only factor.

Arne Slot reportedly came close to becoming head coach of the Netherlands national team, with the KNVB allegedly reaching a near-agreement with him and Slot considering John Heitinga as an assistant. Youri Mulder said Slot withdrew at the last moment, despite earlier claims that he preferred to remain in European club football. A possible disagreement over a two- or four-year contract was raised, but Mulder believes the precise reason for Slot’s change of heart remains unclear.

Noa Lang responded on Instagram to Ronald de Boer’s criticism of his personality and career. De Boer said he admires Lang as a footballer but questioned whether Ajax should sign him, citing concerns about his conduct, squad management and recent moves from Napoli and Galatasaray. He later softened the remarks, calling them a personal assessment and saying he would acknowledge being wrong if Lang proves himself. Ajax reportedly views Lang as a possible replacement for Mika Godts if the Belgian moves to Paris Saint-Germain, although Fabrizio Romano says the club has not yet submitted a bid.

Liverpool have confirmed the season-long loan signing of Ronald Araújo from Barcelona, with no loan fee but full salary coverage and an option to buy the defender permanently for €55 million. Araújo, who will wear number 33, said the transfer was the right step after losing prominence at Barcelona. He joined Barcelona from Uruguay’s Boston River in 2018 and made 213 appearances, winning multiple domestic titles.

Feyenoord remain unable to agree a new deal with 17-year-old winger Jerayno Schaken despite his contract running until mid-2028. FC Twente, which has already bid about €1 million, continues to pursue him and faces competition from foreign clubs. Schaken recently impressed for Feyenoord Under-21s and trained with the first team after Twente's interest became public. His father, former Feyenoord player Ruben Schaken, has accused the club of sabotaging his son's progress and breaking earlier promises. Separately, FC Twente are preparing to sign Norwegian winger Filip Thorvaldsen from Vålerenga for approximately €5 million.

Feyenoord have failed to agree a longer-term arrangement with 17-year-old winger Jerayno Schaken, whose representatives are reportedly dissatisfied with the club’s handling of his development. FC Twente remain interested after previously bidding about €1 million, while clubs abroad are also monitoring him. Schaken recently impressed for Feyenoord Under-21s and has trained with the first team, but FC Twente want to sign him on a three-year contract. His father, former Feyenoord player Ruben Schaken, has accused the club of sabotaging his son’s progress and breaking earlier promises.

Ronald Koeman Jr’s management publicly shared an abusive Instagram direct message he received after Telstar’s 2–1 victory over NEC. The homophobic and threatening message was described as especially painful given his mother Bartina Koeman’s ongoing battle with chronic breast cancer. His management said it intends to highlight similar abusive messages more often. Koeman played the full match in goal and received a late yellow card for time-wasting.

Ronald Koeman Jr’s management published an Instagram story exposing an extremely offensive private message he received after Telstar’s 2–1 upset victory over NEC Nijmegen. The abuse was particularly distressing because Koeman’s mother, Bartina, is living with chronic breast cancer. His management said it plans to highlight similar messages more often, while Koeman Jr played the full match and was booked for time-wasting.

PSV Eindhoven defender Ryan Flamingo made a costly headed error in the club’s match against Fortuna Sittard, allowing Ole Romeny to score. Opta data shows Flamingo has made four individual errors leading directly to goals since his Eredivisie debut for PSV in 2024–25, more than any other outfield player. ESPN analysts Mario Been and Ronald Waterreus criticized PSV’s defensive reliability and suggested that the team’s growing uncertainty, alongside the need for reinforcements, is contributing to further mistakes.

Ryan Flamingo’s first-half headed error allowed Fortuna Sittard’s Ole Romeny to score against PSV Eindhoven. Opta data shows that Flamingo has made four individual errors leading directly to conceded Eredivisie goals since debuting for PSV in 2024–25, more than any other outfield player. Analysts Mario Been and Ronald Waterreus sharply criticized PSV’s defensive reliability, arguing that repeated mistakes and public scrutiny are creating psychological pressure and that the club needs defensive reinforcement.

Ryan Flamingo made another costly error for PSV Eindhoven by heading the ball back toward his own goal, allowing Fortuna Sittard's Ole Romeny to score. Opta statistics show Flamingo has committed four individual errors leading directly to Eredivisie goals since his PSV debut in 2024-25, the most by any outfield player. Mario Been questioned his reliability as a central defender, while Ronald Waterreus said growing public criticism and PSV's need for defensive reinforcements were increasing psychological pressure on the back line.

PSV Eindhoven surrendered a late lead to draw 2-2 with Fortuna Sittard in their opening Eredivisie match. Fortuna took the lead before half-time after a defensive error, but Ryan Flamingo equalized and 18-year-old Noah Fernandez put PSV ahead on the counterattack. Édouard Michut’s deflected strike in the 92nd minute secured Fortuna a point, leaving PSV to rue missed chances and another disappointing result after their 4-0 defeat to AZ in the Johan Cruyff Shield.

Telstar goalkeeper Ronald Koeman Jr. criticized referee Martijn Vos after Telstar's surprise 2–1 victory over NEC Nijmegen. Koeman said he was singled out by the crowd and referee over alleged time-wasting, objected to a yellow card and a late corner awarded under the goalkeeper time-limit rule, and called Vos's comment about the coming season very odd. He ultimately played down the referee's performance and said Telstar's three points mattered more.

Telstar goalkeeper Ronald Koeman Jr. criticized referee Martijn Vos after his team’s surprise 2-1 victory over NEC Nijmegen. Koeman felt he was singled out for alleged time-wasting, including being booked for taking too long over a free-kick and being penalized under a new goal-kick timing rule. He was particularly upset when Vos reportedly told him to think about how he would manage the issue during the season, though Koeman ultimately said the referee otherwise handled the match well and that Telstar’s three points mattered more.

Telstar goalkeeper Ronald Koeman junior criticized referee Martijn Vos after Telstar's surprise 2–1 Eredivisie win over NEC Nijmegen. Koeman felt he was singled out for alleged time-wasting, including being booked for taking too long over a free-kick and being penalized when officials judged that he had delayed a goal-kick. He was particularly upset by Vos saying he should consider how he wanted to handle the situation for the rest of the season, although Koeman conceded that the referee otherwise performed well and said Telstar's three points mattered more.

Telstar goalkeeper Ronald Koeman junior criticized referee Martijn Vos after Telstar’s surprise 2-1 victory over NEC Nijmegen. Koeman said he felt singled out by the referee and crowd over alleged time-wasting, questioned a late yellow card and a decision to award NEC a corner for delaying a goal-kick, and called Vos’s remark about how he should approach the season unusual. Despite his complaints, Koeman acknowledged that Vos otherwise refereed well and said Telstar’s three points mattered most.

FC Twente winger Daan Rots says he has heard that Napoli forward Noa Lang would be interested in returning to Ajax. Ajax are considering Lang as a possible replacement for Mika Godts, who is attracting strong interest from Paris Saint-Germain and could leave for about €60 million. Lang may be available from Napoli for approximately €25 million.

NEC Nijmegen trailed Telstar 0-2 at half-time in Dusan Tadic’s Eredivisie debut, with Patrick Brouwer scoring and assisting Rui Mendes. Tadic had little involvement and was heavily criticized by viewers, NEC supporters and ESPN analyst Karim El Ahmadi, who said the 37-year-old struggled to get into the game. The performance also prompted reactions from Ajax supporters who had wanted the former captain to return to Amsterdam.

FC Twente are reportedly close to signing 20-year-old Vålerenga forward Filip Thorvaldsen after beating competition from Cercle Brugge and Hull City. The deal is expected to cost about €5.5 million guaranteed and up to €6.4 million with bonuses, making Thorvaldsen Twente’s most expensive signing of the modern era. He has made more than 50 appearances for Vålerenga and recorded five goals and three assists last season. The transfer would also set a club-record outgoing fee for Vålerenga and give Twente another option on the right flank and in the second-striker role.

Julian Brandt says he remains in regular contact with PSV coach Peter Bosz, whom he worked under at Bayer Leverkusen and deeply appreciates as both a person and coach. The new Ajax midfielder is looking forward to facing Bosz when Ajax meet PSV in September, stressing that there is no hostility despite their competitive ambitions. Brandt did not seek Bosz's advice before joining Ajax, instead consulting Jordi and Míchel.

Ajax midfielder Julian Brandt says he remains in regular contact with PSV coach Peter Bosz, whom he worked under at Bayer Leverkusen and greatly admires. The two will meet as opponents when Ajax faces PSV in September, but Brandt says there is no hostility despite Bosz’s ambition to win another Eredivisie title. Brandt consulted Jordi and Míchel rather than Bosz before moving to Amsterdam.

Excelsior have reached an agreement to sell 22-year-old winger Gyan de Regt to Holstein Kiel for approximately €2 million, potentially making it one of the most expensive outgoing transfers in the Rotterdam club’s history. De Regt, who joined Excelsior from Vitesse on a free transfer a year ago, still needs to agree personal terms and pass a medical before completing the move to the 2. Bundesliga.

The opening round of the 2026/27 Dutch Eerste Divisie season produced several dramatic finishes. Heracles Almelo defeated VVV-Venlo 4–3 after surrendering a three-goal lead, while NAC Breda scored in stoppage time to beat TOP Oss 2–1. Vitesse drew 1–1 with RKC Waalwijk after goalkeeper Connor van den Berg was sent off for an elbow and Finn Stokkers converted the resulting penalty. FC Dordrecht came from behind to beat Jong Ajax 2–1, and FC Emmen edged Roda JC 1–0 through Freddy Quispel's second-half goal.

Excelsior opened the 2026/27 Eredivisie season with a commanding 4–0 victory over promoted SC Cambuur in Leeuwarden. Irakli Yegoian scored after 17 minutes, Noah Naujoks added a first-half goal and later headed his second, while an own goal credited to David Garden made it 3–0 before the break. Cambuur improved after halftime but failed to convert its chances, and a late Excelsior goal was ruled out for offside by VAR.

Ajax goalkeeper Joeri Heerkens made another costly error while playing for Jong Ajax against FC Dordrecht, just six days after a mistake in the first team’s friendly against FC Volendam. Signed from Sparta Prague for up to €3.5 million, Heerkens misjudged Martin Vetkal’s effort to allow Dordrecht to equalise after Jong Ajax had taken an early lead. His earlier error did not affect Ajax’s 3–1 victory, but the latest mistake marks his second notable blunder in six days.

Ajax goalkeeper Joeri Heerkens made another costly mistake in Jong Ajax’s season opener against FC Dordrecht, misjudging a shot that allowed the hosts to equalize shortly after Ajax had taken the lead. The error came six days after he conceded an own goal following a back-pass in a friendly against FC Volendam. Heerkens, signed from Sparta Prague for up to €3.5 million, is now under scrutiny after two high-profile mistakes in quick succession.

Ajax are willing to consider selling defender Youri Baas if they receive an attractive offer, despite coach Míchel Sánchez rating him highly. Baas’s position has reportedly been affected by Daley Blind’s return, while Josip Sutalo could also leave amid reported interest from Benfica. A move to PSV Eindhoven is considered unlikely because Ajax do not want to strengthen their Dutch rivals unless PSV makes an exceptionally large bid.

Ajax are prepared to consider selling defender Youri Baas if they receive an attractive offer, despite coach Míchel Sánchez valuing him highly. Baas’s squad position has reportedly weakened since Daley Blind’s return. PSV Eindhoven have previously shown interest, but Ajax are unlikely to sell to their Dutch rivals unless PSV make an exceptionally large bid. Josip Sutalo could also leave, with Benfica reportedly among the clubs interested.

Ajax are willing to consider selling 23-year-old defender Youri Baas if an attractive offer arrives. Club watcher Mike Verweij says Baas has lost some standing since Daley Blind’s return, although coach Míchel Sánchez continues to rate him highly. PSV Eindhoven have previously been linked with the player, but Ajax are unlikely to sell to their Dutch rivals unless PSV makes an exceptionally large bid. Josip Šutalo may also leave, with Benfica reportedly among the clubs interested.

Ajax has warned supporters about a data breach at CEVA Logistics, the external company handling deliveries and returns for the club’s webshop. The full scope of the incident and whether personal data were stolen remain unclear, although Ajax says payment details, bank information, credit-card data, usernames and passwords were not involved. The club has urged fans to watch for phishing attempts, reported the incident to the Dutch Data Protection Authority and warned that webshop orders and returns may be delayed. The breach follows another Ajax security incident in March that reportedly enabled the theft of season tickets and the lifting of stadium bans.

Ajax confirmed that supporters may have been affected by a data breach at CEVA Logistics, the external company handling deliveries and returns for the club’s webshop. The scale of the incident and whether personal data were stolen remain unclear, although Ajax said payment details, bank information, credit card details, usernames and passwords were not involved. The club is warning fans about possible phishing attempts, has reported the incident to the Dutch Data Protection Authority, and cautioned that webshop orders and returns may be delayed. The breach follows another Ajax security incident in March involving stolen season tickets and lifted stadium bans.

Ajax supporters have expressed growing concern about €20 million signing Marcos Leonardo after he missed three close-range chances against Shelbourne FC in Conference League qualifying. Fans criticized his finishing and overall performance, with some calling the transfer a potential mistake, while others argued that he needs more time to adapt and noted that one chance was played awkwardly behind him. Leonardo’s early form has intensified scrutiny ahead of Ajax’s upcoming fixtures.

Ajax supporters expressed growing concern about €20 million signing Marcos Leonardo after he missed three close-range chances against Shelbourne FC in Conference League qualifying. Fans on social media and Ajax Showtime criticized his finishing and questioned whether he was worth the transfer fee, while a smaller group urged patience and argued that he needs time to adapt to the team.

Ajax defeated Shelbourne FC 3-1 in the first leg of their Conference League qualifying tie, taking an early lead through Mika Godts before Wijndal doubled the advantage. Kasper Dolberg added a third shortly after halftime, but Ajax missed further chances—including a second penalty—and Shelbourne pulled one back through Kelly in the 84th minute. The return leg in Ireland is scheduled for the following Thursday.

Ajax led Shelbourne 2-0 in a Conference League qualifying match after goals from Mika Godts and Owen Wijndal, but supporters focused heavily on Kasper Dolberg’s ineffective first-half performance and questioned his confidence and place in the team. Godts received strong praise for his penalty-winning and attacking contribution, while Daley Blind was applauded for his passing. Oscar Gloukh was criticized for missing a major chance, and Youri Regeer drew complaints for slowing play with conservative passing.

Ajax led Shelbourne FC 2–0 in a Conference League qualifying match after goals from Mika Godts and Owen Wijndal, but supporters focused heavily on Kasper Dolberg’s ineffective first-half performance. Fans criticized the Danish striker for lacking confidence and failing to contribute, with some calling for his contract to be terminated. Godts and Daley Blind received strong praise, while Oscar Gloukh and Youri Regeer were criticized for missed chances and overly conservative play, respectively.

Ronald de Boer says Ajax are preparing at least one more major signing after an encouraging summer transfer window. He argues that Ajax must take greater risks to return to the Champions League and European elite, while suggesting the club is particularly focused on recruiting a new number six. Ahead of the Conference League qualifier against Shelbourne, Ajax included only Daley Blind among its new signings in the starting XI, with several other experienced arrivals on the bench.

Ronald de Boer says Ajax are preparing at least one more major signing and may be targeting a new number six. He believes the club must take risks to return to the Champions League and regain its place among Europe’s elite, while praising the summer additions already made. Ahead of the Conference League qualifier against Shelbourne, Ajax’s lineup included Daley Blind as the only new arrival, with Marc ter Stegen and Julian Brandt among the substitutes.

Ajax are increasingly confident they can sign Noa Lang from Napoli as a successor to Mika Godts, who is expected to join Paris Saint-Germain. Technical director Jordi Cruijff has held personal talks with Lang, who previously came through Ajax’s academy and is reportedly warming to the club’s plans. Napoli have lowered their asking price from around €35 million to approximately €25 million, while a loan with an option—or conditional obligation—to buy is also under discussion. Ajax regard Lang as their preferred candidate, although no deal has been completed.

Ajax are increasingly confident they can sign Noa Lang from SSC Napoli as a successor to Mika Godts, who is expected to join Paris Saint-Germain. Technical director Jordi Cruijff has spoken with Lang, who previously came through Ajax’s academy and is reportedly warming to the club’s plans. Napoli have reportedly reduced their asking price to around €25 million, while a loan with an option or conditional obligation to buy is also under discussion. Lang spent the second half of last season on loan at Galatasaray, which chose not to exercise its €35 million purchase option.

During Ajax’s Conference League qualifying match against FK Vojvodina, supporters sharply criticize Oscar Gloukh for sloppy passing, poor decisions and excessive dribbling, with many calling for the Israeli midfielder to be sold. Ajax dominates the first half and creates several chances, but Vojvodina scores first through Crnomarkovic before Davy Klaassen equalizes just before halftime. Fans also criticize Kasper Dolberg for missed opportunities and Youri Regeer for slowing the team’s play, while praising Daley Blind’s positioning and Rosa’s passing and attacking contribution.

Ajax supporters reacted angrily to Oscar Gloukh’s first-half performance against FK Vojvodina, criticizing his passing, decision-making and tendency to over-dribble while calling for the Israeli midfielder to be sold. Ajax dominated much of the half and created several chances, but Vojvodina scored first through Crnomarkovic before Davy Klaassen equalized in stoppage time. Kasper Dolberg also faced criticism for missed opportunities, while Daley Blind and Rosa received praise for their positioning, passing and attacking contributions. Youri Regeer was criticized for slowing Ajax’s play.

Ajax defeated FK Vojvodina 4-1 at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, completing an 8-2 aggregate victory and advancing to the third qualifying round of the Conference League. Oscar Gloukh scored three second-half goals after Davy Klaassen equalized just before halftime. Ajax will face Shelbourne of Ireland over two legs, while Marcos Leonardo made his official debut for the club.

The KNVB will introduce three rules in the 2026/27 season to combat time-wasting: referees will count down five seconds for goal-kicks and throw-ins, substituted players must leave within ten seconds, and players treated for suspected injuries must remain off the pitch for at least one minute after play resumes. Exceptions apply for goalkeepers, serious injuries and fouls resulting in cards. VAR officials will also gain limited powers to correct wrongly awarded corners, overturn an incorrect second yellow that results in a red card, and fix mistaken player identities before play restarts.

The Royal Dutch Football Association will introduce three football rules from the 2026/27 season to reduce time-wasting and increase effective playing time. Referees will count down five seconds for goal-kicks and throw-ins, with violations resulting in possession being awarded to the opposition. Substituted players must leave by the shortest route within ten seconds, while players treated for suspected injuries must remain off the field for at least one minute after play resumes, subject to exceptions. VAR officials will also gain limited powers to correct wrongly awarded corners, erroneous second-yellow-card red cards and mistaken player identities before play restarts.

Ajax have loaned 21-year-old striker Julian Rijkhoff to FC Andorra for the 2026–27 season, with the Spanish club holding an option to buy. Ajax extended his contract through June 2028, with a further-season option, preventing him from leaving for free after the loan. Rijkhoff returned to Ajax from Borussia Dortmund for approximately €1.4 million in 2024 but made only 11 first-team appearances; he previously scored 19 goals and provided four assists during a loan spell at Almere City FC.

Dusan Tadic will not return to Ajax after the Amsterdam club made a final attempt to re-sign him. Instead, the 37-year-old Serbian forward has agreed to a two-year contract with NEC Nijmegen, following personal negotiations in Belgrade involving investor Marcel Boekhoorn, head coach Dick Schreuder and assistant Haris Medunjanin. Schreuder’s longstanding relationship with Tadic proved decisive. Ajax viewed Tadic mainly as a dressing-room leader, while Tadic believed he could still make a major contribution on the pitch, creating an irreconcilable difference. The move also supports Tadic’s ambition to become a coach after retiring.

SC Heerenveen have reached an agreement in principle with NEC Nijmegen to sign 21-year-old midfielder Dirk Proper for an estimated fee of around €1 million. The move would make Proper Heerenveen’s third summer signing and replace Joris van Overeem, who returned to FC Utrecht. Proper is expected to sign a multi-year contract after completing his medical and final formalities. He has made 185 first-team appearances for NEC, scoring 13 goals, but lost his starting place last season to Darko Nejasmic.

Feyenoord and right-back Givairo Read are reportedly at odds after the club rejected Nottingham Forest’s third offer, worth up to €21 million including bonuses. Read’s camp believed an earlier understanding would allow talks around €25 million, but new technical director Dévy Rigaux is seeking at least €30 million. Read is interested in a move to the Premier League, while Feyenoord considers him central to the coming season and may even make him captain. Forest would need to substantially improve its bid to change the club’s position.

Marc-André ter Stegen’s proposed loan move from FC Barcelona to Ajax has stalled again after disagreements over tax arrangements and how his salary would be divided. Barcelona is unwilling to make further concessions because of financial fair-play rules, while Ajax currently lacks room to advance the deal. Both clubs may still seek a compromise, but Ter Stegen remains in Barcelona and a quick resolution is not expected.

Marc-André ter Stegen’s proposed move from FC Barcelona to Ajax has stalled again after the clubs disagreed over how his salary would be divided, following earlier tax-related complications. Barcelona is unwilling to make further concessions because of financial fair play rules, leaving Ajax unable to progress the loan deal. Both clubs still hope to find a compromise in the coming days, but Ter Stegen remains in Barcelona and a quick resolution appears unlikely.

A pre-season friendly between FC Metz and Fortuna Sittard became chaotic shortly before half-time when a scuffle broke out after Fortuna striker Lequincio Zeefuik had his shirt pulled. Referee Mathilde Demoncay was struck while trying to separate the players, reportedly suffering a concussion and being unable to continue. An assistant referee took over in the second half, with an amateur referee from the crowd helping as an assistant. Metz won 3-1, with Justin Hübner scoring Fortuna's only goal.

José Mourinho has reportedly told Real Madrid’s hierarchy that he will not approve Vinícius Júnior’s transfer to Arsenal. Arsenal regard the Brazilian winger as their ideal left-sided attacker, but the clubs have not opened negotiations. Vinícius’s contract expires in 2027, with extension talks stalled, potentially forcing Real Madrid to consider a sale next summer. Arsenal would also face substantial wage demands and might need to abandon other targets and revise its transfer strategy.

José Mourinho has reportedly told Real Madrid’s hierarchy that he will not approve Vinícius Júnior’s proposed move to Arsenal. Arsenal regard the Brazilian winger as their ideal left-wing signing, but no talks have taken place and his €470,000 weekly salary would create substantial financial pressure. Real Madrid may need to consider a sale if Vinícius does not extend his contract, which expires in 2027. Arsenal’s recent recruitment, planned renewals for Declan Rice and Mikel Arteta, and other potential targets could force the club to rethink its transfer strategy.

PSV Eindhoven lost 3-1 to Villarreal in their first public pre-season friendly after a bright opening gave way to defensive uncertainty. Goalkeeper Matej Kovar made several saves to keep PSV in the match, but Villarreal eventually took the lead through Georges Mikautadze in the 66th minute and added a second six minutes later. Mauro Júnior briefly reduced the deficit, but another Kovar error allowed Cabanes to restore Villarreal’s two-goal advantage. PSV will next face FC Eindhoven before opening the season against AZ Alkmaar in the Johan Cruyff Shield.

PSV Eindhoven struggled defensively in the first half of a scoreless friendly against Villarreal, with goalkeeper Matej Kovar making several saves to keep the match level. Supporters sharply criticized Ryan Flamingo for poor positioning and a costly error that allowed Ayoze Pérez through, while Kiliann Sildillia also faced backlash. Fans called on coach Peter Bosz to bench Flamingo and criticized the club hierarchy, including sporting director Earnest Stewart, for failing to sign another centre-back after Jerdy Schouten's injury.

Barcelona are concerned that Frenkie de Jong's decision to treat a serious medial collateral ligament tear in his right knee without surgery could lead to a recovery lasting more than four months. The club respects his preference for conservative treatment but is prepared for surgery to become necessary if his rehabilitation fails. Barcelona fears a repeat of Ansu Fati's experience, when conservative treatment following a hamstring injury was followed by a return without his previous explosiveness and continued injury problems.

Frenkie de Jong has chosen conservative treatment for a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee, despite FC Barcelona preferring a different medical approach and keeping open the possibility of surgery later. The club fears his recovery could become prolonged, potentially lasting more than four months, and recalls Ansu Fati's decision to avoid surgery in 2022, which was followed by repeated injuries and a loss of explosiveness. De Jong sustained the injury while playing for the Netherlands at the World Cup after reportedly being told it was minor.

Nottingham Forest have reportedly made a second offer of up to €20 million for Feyenoord right-back Givairo Read, improving on an earlier €17.5 million bid. Read is open to the move, so negotiations now center on reaching an agreement between the clubs. Feyenoord coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst would prefer to retain the 20-year-old, who is contracted until 2029 and valued by Transfermarkt at €25 million.