Oliver Maywurm

VfB Stuttgart have completed the sale of 21-year-old Serbia international Jovan Milosevic to SC Braga on a contract running until 2031. Braga will reportedly pay up to €9 million including bonuses, giving Stuttgart a potential sixfold return on the €1.5 million they paid Vojvodina Novi Sad in 2023. Milosevic made only six competitive appearances for Stuttgart and spent the past several seasons on loan, most recently at Werder Bremen. Braga beat late interest from Udinese and will use him as it competes for European football, although he faces strong competition for a starting place.

VfB Stuttgart have completed Jovan Milosevic’s transfer to SC Braga, reportedly for up to €9 million including bonuses. Stuttgart originally paid Vojvodina Novi Sad €1.5 million for the Serbian striker in 2023, creating a potential sixfold return. Milosevic made only six competitive appearances for Stuttgart and spent the subsequent seasons on loan at FC St. Gallen, Partizan Belgrade and Werder Bremen. He has signed with Braga until 2031 and could play European football if the Portuguese club defeats Austria Vienna in the Conference League play-offs. Udinese Calcio reportedly made a late attempt to sign him, while Braga coach Carlos Vicens is said to admire the forward.

VfB Stuttgart have completed the sale of 21-year-old striker Jovan Milosevic to SC Braga on a contract running until 2031. The Portuguese club will reportedly pay up to €9 million including bonuses, giving Stuttgart a significant profit on the €1.5 million it paid FK Vojvodina for him in 2023. Milosevic made only six competitive appearances for Stuttgart and spent much of the last three years on loan at FC St. Gallen, Partizan Belgrade and Werder Bremen. Braga beat late interest from Udinese and hope Milosevic can contribute as they pursue Conference League qualification.

Borussia Dortmund are reportedly considering loaning 18-year-old midfielder Justin Lerma only weeks after his official arrival from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle. Coach Niko Kovac left Lerma out of recent friendlies and said the teenager needs time to adapt physically and linguistically to German football. With competition for central-midfield positions intensified by several new signings, Lerma could either be loaned out or introduced gradually through Dortmund's second team in the Regionalliga. His contract runs until 2031.

Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly considering a move for AS Monaco defender Thilo Kehrer as they seek an experienced centre-back. Coach Adi Hütter is said to value the 29-year-old, who has Bundesliga, Champions League and international experience, but Frankfurt’s ability to afford the transfer is the main obstacle. Kehrer has 28 Germany caps but has fallen out of contention since his last call-up in June 2025. Frankfurt are also monitoring Diogo Leite, Ko Itakura and other defensive options after a 7-0 pre-season defeat to Brentford exposed weaknesses at the back.

Niclas Füllkrug’s career has deteriorated sharply since leaving Borussia Dortmund for West Ham United in 2024. Injuries, an ill-suited Premier League playing style and limited production—three goals in 29 West Ham appearances and only five goals in 52 club and national-team games over two years—were followed by an unsuccessful loan at AC Milan. With West Ham willing to sell and his World Cup hopes ended, the 33-year-old has returned to Werder Bremen on loan, accepting a lower salary in search of a revival at the club where he previously became a Germany international. High expectations await, while a future return to the national team under Jürgen Klopp remains uncertain.

Niclas Füllkrug’s move from Borussia Dortmund to West Ham United in 2024 has turned into a major setback. Injuries, an ill-fitting Premier League style and limited opportunities produced only three West Ham goals in 29 appearances, while a subsequent loan to AC Milan yielded one goal and no permanent transfer. With West Ham relegated and unwilling to rely on him, the 33-year-old has returned to Werder Bremen on loan, accepting lower wages in search of a revival at the club where he previously established himself. His form, fitness and role in Bremen could determine whether he can restore his reputation and revive hopes of playing for Germany under Jürgen Klopp.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Borussia Dortmund chief scout Sebastian Krug, with talks said to have taken place in London. Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also reportedly monitoring him. Krug, whose contract runs until 2028, has played a major role in Dortmund’s recruitment department and helped bring Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland to the club, making his potential departure a significant concern for Dortmund.

Bayern Munich defeated RB Leipzig 3-1 in a Telekom Cup friendly, with Luis Diaz, Nathaniel Brown and Jamal Musiala scoring. Arijon Ibrahimovic performed effectively as an emergency option at centre-forward, suggesting Bayern may not need to sign a traditional backup for Harry Kane. Teenager Tim Binder impressed on the right wing with fearless dribbling and drew comparisons to Lennart Karl, while Maycon Cardozo and Wisdom Mike also showed promise from the academy. Bayern overcame Leipzig’s second-half equaliser, though injuries to Konrad Laimer and Min-jae Kim and a late scare involving Musiala caused concern ahead of the competitive season.

Sheffield Wednesday are considering signing free agent Jamie Vardy, who supported the club and played in its youth system before being released at 16. Vardy went on to become a Leicester City legend, scoring 24 Premier League goals during the club’s 2016 title-winning season, and spent the previous season at US Cremonese. A return to his hometown is complicated by Wednesday’s severe financial problems, including an 18-point deduction and months of delayed wage payments, although owner David Storch says the club is seeking a viable offer.

Julian Alvarez has reportedly asked Diego Simeone not to play him for Atlético Madrid as he pushes for a transfer to Barcelona. His advisers want an urgent meeting with Atlético chief executive Miguel Angel Gil, while reports suggest Alvarez became furious after failing to meet the club's leaders. Barcelona are said to have had a €120 million offer rejected, with Atlético insisting on Alvarez's €500 million release clause despite his contract running until 2030. The striker may also miss Atlético's league opener because he is reportedly not mentally prepared to play, intensifying tensions with the club and its supporters.

Galatasaray and Arsenal have reportedly held talks about a possible Victor Osimhen transfer, with the discussions arising alongside Galatasaray’s interest in Arsenal forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri. Galatasaray have reportedly offered around €45 million for Martinelli, who may be open to leaving Arsenal with one year remaining on his contract. Nwaneri’s future is also uncertain after an unsuccessful loan at Marseille. A potential swap involving Martinelli and Nwaneri moving to Istanbul and Osimhen joining Arsenal has not been confirmed. Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray permanently for €75 million and is contracted until 2029, remains a possible alternative for Arsenal as other attacking targets appear unavailable.

Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly considering a move for VfB Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirovic as they seek an experienced, vocal forward. However, Demirovic is under contract until 2028, feels settled at Stuttgart and is not pushing for a transfer, while coach Sebastian Hoeneß has firmly backed him. Frankfurt may instead pursue Arnaud Kalimuendo, but must first reduce their surplus of centre-forwards.

Liverpool are reportedly preparing an offer of around €115 million for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, but PSG are expected to reject it and would reportedly demand at least €150 million upfront, potentially rising to €170 million with bonuses. PSG had hoped to retain Barcola, whose contract runs until 2028, but he has allegedly rejected an extension because he wants a more prominent role in major matches. Liverpool view him as a marquee replacement for Mohamed Salah, while Arsenal remain a possible competitor and Bayern Munich are also linked despite having doubts about the cost.

Fisnik Asllani’s proposed €25 million transfer from Hoffenheim to RB Leipzig collapsed after Leipzig identified medical concerns during his examination at the club’s Austrian training camp. Hoffenheim said the deal would not proceed but expressed confidence in the striker’s fitness and expected him to return to training. Asllani had reportedly been set to sign a five-year contract with Leipzig. Borussia Dortmund could revive their interest if Serhou Guirassy leaves, while Barcelona are also monitoring the 23-year-old, who scored 11 goals in 35 appearances during the 2025/26 season.

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Robert Andrich says he wants to return to Germany’s national team under new coach Jürgen Klopp. Andrich missed the 2026 World Cup and worked as a MagentaTV pundit, where he spoke with Klopp. Although Klopp has said the national-team door is open to eligible players, Andrich faces age-related competition from younger midfielders and must first establish himself as a regular starter at Leverkusen. Despite transfer speculation involving Eintracht Frankfurt, Andrich says Leverkusen do not appear keen to sell him.

James Trafford is leaving Manchester City for Leeds United after one season back at City. Leeds have signed the 23-year-old goalkeeper on a five-year contract for a reported club-record €47 million, making him the most expensive English goalkeeper ever and surpassing Georginio Rutter’s transfer fee. Trafford made only five competitive appearances for City in 2025/26 after Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival, but is expected to become Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper. The England international was also part of England’s recent World Cup squad without appearing.

Real Madrid announced that Vinicius Junior has signed a new contract keeping him at the club until 2032, ending 18 months of difficult negotiations over his financial demands and a reported signing bonus. The extension prevents the Brazilian forward from becoming available on a free transfer next year and blocks reported interest from Arsenal, whose manager Mikel Arteta was said to have contacted him. Real also completed the signing of 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a fee of up to €140 million.

Yan Diomande has completed a move from RB Leipzig to Real Madrid after the Spanish club reportedly agreed to pay a €125 million base fee, potentially rising to €140 million with bonuses. Leipzig used the announcement wording “HERE WE ACTUALLY GO,” appearing to reference Fabrizio Romano’s trademark “Here we go” transfer posts after he reported the deal prematurely. Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer criticized such early announcements, emphasizing that transfers require negotiations with multiple parties. Diomande, who attracted interest from Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, has signed a contract with Real Madrid through 2033.

Free agent Dušan Vlahović is delaying a lucrative Beşiktaş offer that reportedly includes a €5 million signing fee and an annual salary of €8 million because he still hopes to join Barcelona. Barcelona’s priority is Julián Álvarez, although Atlético Madrid are resisting a proposed €100 million transfer, while Vlahović is viewed as a lower-ranked alternative. Beşiktaş coach Vincenzo Italiano, who previously worked with Vlahović at Fiorentina, has urged the club to remain patient. Vlahović rejected a reduced Juventus extension after an inconsistent spell in Turin, despite scoring 68 goals in 168 appearances.

Dusan Vlahovic has reportedly rejected Beşiktaş’s offer for now while waiting to see whether Barcelona pursue him. The Turkish club is offering a signing-on fee of more than €5 million and an annual salary of €8 million on a two-year contract, with coach Vincenzo Italiano supporting continued patience. Barcelona’s primary target is Atlético Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, while Vlahovic is only an alternative and may rank behind Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis. Vlahovic has also rejected a reduced-term renewal from Juventus, making a return to Turin unlikely. The striker previously moved from Fiorentina to Juventus for about €85 million and has scored 68 goals in 168 appearances, but injuries and inconsistent form have weakened his position.

Eintracht Frankfurt coach Adi Hütter has ruled out Elias Baum leaving the club this summer, effectively ending Borussia Dortmund’s reported interest in the 20-year-old right-back. Baum impressed during a loan spell at SV Elversberg with three goals and eight assists but struggled for playing time and fitness at Frankfurt last season. Hütter now sees him as an important option, while Baum’s strong pre-season form could lead to regular first-team football, a return to Germany’s Under-21 squad and eventual consideration for Jürgen Klopp’s senior national-team rebuild.

Eintracht Frankfurt coach Adi Hütter has ruled out a summer departure for 20-year-old right-back Elias Baum, ending Borussia Dortmund’s reported interest. Baum impressed during a loan spell at SV Elversberg with three goals and eight assists in 37 appearances, but struggled for playing time at Frankfurt last season. Hütter now sees him as an important part of the team, and strong performances could lead to a return to Germany’s Under-21 squad and eventually consideration for Jürgen Klopp’s senior national team rebuild.

Trabzonspor have reportedly offered Mohamed Salah a two-year contract worth €17 million per year after meeting his adviser. Salah is said to be open to moving to Turkey but is consulting his family, while negotiations may include a 20–25% share of shirt sales. The Egyptian forward would be available without a transfer fee after leaving Liverpool, and the proposal follows the collapse of talks with Besiktas over adviser commissions. A move could help Trabzonspor challenge Galatasaray’s recent dominance of the Süper Lig.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka was substituted in the 23rd minute of a friendly against FC Tokyo after appearing to hurt his right knee without contact. The 22-year-old, who recently represented Austria at the World Cup and hoped to earn a larger role at Dortmund, had previously experienced knee problems. The severity of the injury remains unknown and may be precautionary. The incident follows Filippo Mane’s thigh injury and a 1–0 defeat to Cerezo Osaka during Dortmund’s Japan tour.

Barcelona have signed 18-year-old Belgian winger Jesse Bisiwu from Club Brugge on a five-year contract through 2031. The reported fee is €8.5 million, with Club Brugge retaining a 20% sell-on clause, a significant amount for a player who has not made a senior top-flight appearance. Bisiwu developed at Brugge, played for its B team and Under-19s, and impressed for Belgium at youth level. He is expected to gain experience with Barcelona’s second team while gradually joining Hansi Flick’s first-team training.

Barcelona have signed 18-year-old Belgian winger Jesse Bisiwu from Club Brugge on a five-year contract running through 2031. Fabrizio Romano reports that Barcelona will pay €8.5 million, with Club Brugge retaining a 20% sell-on clause, despite Bisiwu having no senior top-flight appearance. Bisiwu developed through Brugge's academy, made 15 second-division appearances last season, and impressed for Belgium at youth level. He is expected to gain experience with Barcelona's reserve team while regularly training with Hansi Flick's first team.

Borussia Dortmund have unveiled a bright purple third kit for the 2026/27 season during their Asia tour in Tokyo. The shirt features a red-and-white Vodafone logo, a neon-yellow collar and sleeve details, and matching neon-yellow names and numbers. Many supporters reacted negatively to the bold design. Dortmund's season begins on 22 August against Bayern Munich in the DFL-Supercup, followed by their Bundesliga opener against Hamburger SV and a DFB Cup match against HEBC Hamburg.

Leon Goretzka has reportedly offered himself to FC Barcelona after his Bayern Munich contract expired, potentially reuniting him with former coach Hansi Flick. Barcelona are not considered likely to pursue the midfielder because their priority is signing a centre-forward, with Atlético Madrid’s Julian Alvarez the preferred target. Goretzka has also been linked with Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus and Chicago Fire, but Juventus reportedly view his demands for a €10 million signing-on fee and €7 million annual salary as too high.

Real Madrid have invested about €90 million in their 2026 summer squad while maintaining a strongly positive transfer balance. Although direct sales have generated only €7.5 million, the club has earned more than €110 million from sell-on clauses and academy-developed players who were no longer in the first-team squad. Major contributions came from Nico Paz, Victor Munoz, Mario Gila and Alex Jimenez, whose subsequent transfers triggered 50% clauses or related entitlements. Real could also receive another €6 million if Sergio Arribas joins Benfica, demonstrating how the club’s long-term academy strategy continues to finance recruitment.

Borussia Dortmund lost 1-0 to Cerezo Osaka in a disappointing friendly in Osaka. Dortmund midfielder Takato Yamamoto, signed on loan from city rival Gamba Osaka, was repeatedly booed by the Cerezo crowd, despite impressing during pre-season and drawing comparisons with former Dortmund star Shinji Kagawa. Cerezo took the lead through Solomon Sakuragawa in the eighth minute and held on, while Dortmund created few clear chances. The match also brought an injury concern after young centre-back Filippo Mané was forced off following an attempted block, with a diagnosis still pending.

Borussia Dortmund lost 1-0 to Cerezo Osaka in a disappointing friendly, with Solomon Sakuragawa scoring in the eighth minute. Dortmund loanee Takato Yamamoto, formerly of city rivals Gamba Osaka, was repeatedly booed by the Cerezo crowd despite showing promise during pre-season. Coach Niko Kovac said the 18-year-old is initially intended for the second team but could earn a path to the senior squad. Young centre-back Filippo Mané was also substituted after suffering a leg injury while attempting to block a Shinji Kagawa shot, with a definitive diagnosis still pending.

Nadiem Amiri is reportedly close to agreeing personal terms with RB Leipzig over a move from Mainz, with the clubs discussing a fee of approximately €15 million to €20 million. Leipzig must first reduce its oversized squad, with Eljif Elmas and Conrad Harder among the possible departures, although Arthur Vermeeren could stay after impressing Martin Demichelis. A move would return Amiri to Champions League football, offer him a major late-career contract and potentially strengthen his chances of establishing himself under Germany coach Jürgen Klopp.

Harry Kane is reportedly expected to begin concrete negotiations with Bayern Munich in early August over a contract extension beyond 2027. Unlike the club’s usual policy for players over 30, Bayern is not expected to seek a pay cut, with Kane likely to remain one of its top earners alongside Jamal Musiala. The proposed deal could run at least until 2029, allowing Kane to target Euro 2028 with England, while a longer extension could keep him at Bayern through the 2030 World Cup. Examples set by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are reportedly encouraging Kane to continue playing at the highest level into his late thirties. Kane is said to have rejected approaches from Barcelona and Al-Hilal, and a return to Tottenham is currently not a priority; surpassing Alan Shearer’s Premier League scoring record is also reportedly not a major factor in his decision.

IFAB admitted that VAR should not have intervened when Switzerland’s Breel Embolo was given a second yellow card and sent off against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final. The law change allowed VAR reviews for mistaken identity, not for reconsidering whether a yellow card was deserved, meaning Embolo should have remained on the pitch. A similar misinterpretation occurred in the USA-Paraguay group match. The decision intensified recurring claims that Argentina received preferential treatment, including controversy over Lionel Messi’s challenge and allegations of manipulation from Egypt coach Hossam Hassan. Argentina ultimately reached the final but lost 1-0 to Spain, while Leandro Paredes faced a potential lengthy suspension over post-match violence.

Real Madrid have reportedly made a counteroffer to Vinicius Junior and his advisers in an effort to extend the Brazilian forward’s contract, which expires in 2027. The move follows reports that Arsenal are offering record wages and could intensify their pursuit if Vinicius does not agree to renew soon. Real fear losing him on a free transfer next year, while coach Jose Mourinho is reportedly determined to keep him. Vinicius scored 22 goals and provided 14 assists in 53 appearances last season.

Besiktas have halted negotiations with Mohamed Salah after the club says his agent sharply increased commission demands, but the Turkish club’s final offer remains available if Salah responds. Sporting director Önder Özen said Besiktas will not make another offer or violate its transfer policy. Salah, now a free agent after leaving Liverpool, is also reportedly being pursued by Saudi Arabian, American and Turkish clubs including Fenerbahce. Besiktas are attempting a major rebuild under new coach Vincenzo Italiano, with several high-profile signings aimed at challenging Fenerbahce and Galatasaray after finishing fourth in the previous Süper Lig season.

Real Madrid are reportedly considering sending Endrick out on another loan despite his desire to establish himself at the club after a productive spell at Olympique Lyon. New coach José Mourinho will help decide whether Endrick or Gonzalo García should leave to make room for new signings. Endrick recorded eight goals and eight assists in 21 appearances for Lyon, but his prospects in Madrid will depend on Mourinho’s preferred attacking system and whether the team uses one or two strikers alongside Kylian Mbappé.

Bayern Munich are expected to complete the permanent signing of 18-year-old Senegalese midfielder Bara Sapoko Ndiaye from Gambinos Stars Africa after clarifying the final details. Sporting director Christoph Freund said Ndiaye will undergo performance tests and join the training camp. The midfielder made four Bundesliga appearances last season and was called up to Senegal's World Cup squad. Although Vincent Kompany reportedly rates him, competition from Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Tom Bischof and potentially Joao Palhinha could lead Bayern to consider a loan move to secure regular playing time.

Fenerbahçe has denied reports that it is pursuing VfB Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirović, while Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß criticized the speculation and emphasized the striker's importance to the team. Demirović is reportedly under contract until 2028 and is not currently seeking a move, although Stuttgart could consider a €15–20 million offer. Juventus and Leeds United have also been linked. Fenerbahçe separately denied offering approximately €100 million for AC Milan forward Rafael Leão, despite reports that Leão wants to leave Milan.

Fenerbahce has denied reports that it is trying to sign VfB Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirovic. Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeneß said he was irritated and annoyed by the speculation, emphasizing that Demirovic is one of the club's best players. Reports claimed Stuttgart could consider selling the Bosnia international for €15–20 million, although Demirovic is reportedly content in Stuttgart and not seeking a move. Juventus and Leeds United were also linked. Fenerbahce separately denied making a €100 million offer for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao.

Manchester City have reportedly joined Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in pursuing RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande. City are said to have verbally indicated a willingness to pay up to €100 million including bonuses, while Real Madrid reportedly made a €90 million offer plus €10 million in add-ons that Leipzig rejected. Liverpool have also allegedly had a similar bid turned down, and Leipzig may demand about €130 million for the 19-year-old, who scored 15 goals and provided 11 assists in 46 appearances during his first Bundesliga season. PSG were previously viewed as the leading contenders, but Leipzig want to retain Diomande and could offer him improved contract terms.

Schalke goalkeeper Loris Karius believes strong Bundesliga performances could earn him a first senior Germany call-up under newly appointed coach Jürgen Klopp. Klopp previously signed Karius for Liverpool, where his career suffered a major setback after the 2018 Champions League final. Karius says he later experienced a serious mental-health decline but has rebuilt his form at Schalke, helping the club win promotion. With Manuel Neuer retired again, Germany's goalkeeper position is open, with Karius competing against contenders including Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nübel, Jonas Urbig and Marc-André ter Stegen. Germany's first match under Klopp is scheduled against the Netherlands at the end of September.

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi, who is also attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund and Roma. Roma are said to be Tresoldi's preferred destination and have already had a €35 million bid rejected, while Brugge currently intend to keep the 21-year-old under contract until 2029. Dortmund's pursuit could intensify if Serhou Guirassy leaves, and United's financial strength could give them an advantage if they make a formal approach. Tresoldi is also regarded as a major German striking prospect but has yet to decide whether to represent Germany, Italy or potentially Argentina at senior level.

Bayern Munich star Michael Olise joined amateur footballers for a spontaneous kickabout in New York, playing in socks and oversized checked trousers. A video posted by GoodRec attracted attention on social media. Olise had recently helped France finish fourth at the 2026 World Cup with seven assists in eight appearances. The article also reports continued Real Madrid interest, although Bayern officials have repeatedly ruled out selling him; his contract runs until 2029. He recorded 22 goals and 31 assists in 52 appearances for Bayern last season.