Rian Rosendaal

FC Twente manager John van den Brom has selected Daan Rots to operate again as a number ten, despite the player normally featuring as a winger, for the Conference League play-off first leg against Qarabag FK. Lars Unnerstall starts in goal, while Ramiz Zerrouki and Daouda Weidmann anchor midfield and Wout Weghorst leads the attack.

Ajax coach Míchel has named a starting XI featuring four new signings for the Conference League play-off first leg away to FC Sion. Marc-André ter Stegen starts in goal, with Julian Brandt returning to the lineup and Marcos Leonardo leading the attack. The second leg will be played in Amsterdam on 27 August, with the winner advancing to the Conference League main stage.

Ajax have completed Josip Sutalo’s loan transfer to Lazio. Lazio will cover his €2.5 million salary, pay a €3 million loan fee and hold a €7.5 million purchase option that could rise to €12–15 million through achievable bonuses. Ajax also secured a 10% sell-on clause. The move follows Sutalo’s €22 million transfer to Ajax in 2023 and comes alongside Ko Itakura’s reported €5 million departure to Borussia Mönchengladbach, leaving Aaron Bouwman as Ajax’s only right-footed centre-back.

Ko Itakura has completed a permanent transfer from Ajax to Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he signed a contract through mid-2030. Ajax had acquired the Japanese defender from Gladbach for more than €10 million in 2025, but he made only 26 first-team appearances and was considered surplus to requirements. Reports differ on Ajax’s retained fee, placing it at either €3.5 million or €5 million. Itakura said he was delighted to return to Borussia, describing the move as coming home.

Lionel Messi scored for Inter Miami against Philadelphia Union and dedicated the goal to his recently deceased father, Jorge Messi, whom he described as a major source of support. Messi had previously questioned whether he would continue playing after his father's death. The match ended 2-2 after Inter Miami lost its lead, and Messi was involved in a confrontation with Quinn Sullivan. In stoppage time, Cavan Sullivan and Yannick Bright were sent off following another flare-up. Inter Miami remained second in the MLS Eastern Conference, seven points behind Nashville.

Davy Klaassen says Ajax must improve its decision-making after allowing a 2-0 lead against sc Heerenveen to slip, although he does not believe fitness is the main issue. He emphasizes the importance of Ajax’s two-legged Conference League qualification tie against FC Sion, saying nobody at the club wants to miss out on European football. Klaassen also praises the Ajax supporters for filling the away end and consistently backing the team.

Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen says the team’s second-half decline against SC Heerenveen was not necessarily caused by fitness, emphasizing the importance of making better decisions in difficult moments. Ajax are preparing for a crucial two-legged UEFA Conference League qualifying playoff against FC Sion, with the squad determined to avoid a season without European football. Klaassen also praised the supporters for filling the away end and providing consistent backing.

Frenkie de Jong was booed by part of the FC Barcelona support as he entered the pitch for the Joan Gamper Trophy friendly against Al Ahly SC. The reaction may have been connected to journalist Gerard Romero’s claims that De Jong refused to play against Atlético Madrid and had a poor relationship with coach Hansi Flick, allegations the midfielder firmly denied. De Jong is also working to regain full fitness after a knee injury sustained at the World Cup, with no confirmed return date.

Olympique Marseille are reportedly in talks with FC Porto over a possible transfer for Quinten Timber. Marseille coach Francesco Farioli wants to keep the midfielder, who joined from Feyenoord for €4.5 million in January and has made 16 appearances without scoring or assisting. Porto are said to be preparing a bid of €15 million to €18 million, while Timber reportedly prefers a move to the Premier League. His strong preseason, including one goal and one assist in two friendlies, comes ahead of Marseille’s Ligue 1 opener against Strasbourg.

Fenerbahçe drew 1-1 with Olympique Lyonnais in the first leg of their Champions League play-off. Lyon took the lead through Loïs Openda before Mason Greenwood equalized shortly after half-time. Both sides hit the woodwork in the second half, and Romelu Lukaku came on for Fenerbahçe in the 82nd minute to make his official debut. The tie will be decided in the return leg in France on 26 August.

PSV Eindhoven are set to take Lutsharel Geertruida on loan from RB Leipzig and have negotiated a non-obligatory €15 million option to sign him permanently in 2027. Geertruida, who has agreed personal terms and wants to return to the Netherlands, previously joined Leipzig from Feyenoord for €20 million and spent last season on loan at Sunderland. PSV beat interest from Real Sociedad, Everton and Ajax, though it remains uncertain whether the Netherlands international will debut against FC Groningen.

Ajax are set to receive more for Ko Itakura’s return to Borussia Mönchengladbach than initially reported. The agreed fee is reportedly €3.5 million, potentially rising to €4 million with bonuses, while Ajax have also negotiated a sell-on percentage. The defender joined Ajax from Mönchengladbach for €10.5 million a year earlier and is expected to sign a four-year contract after completing his medical.

FC Barcelona have signed Rodri from Manchester City for an initial €60 million, with the fee potentially rising to €75 million through bonuses. The Spanish midfielder has agreed a contract at Spotify Camp Nou through summer 2030 after Barcelona’s third bid was accepted. Rodri leaves City following a highly successful spell that included four league titles, a Champions League, two FA Cups and the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The potential €75 million fee would equal Manchester City’s record sale, matching Julián Alvarez’s transfer to Atlético Madrid.

Mika Godts and his management decided in 2025 that he should remain at Ajax rather than move to a mid-table club abroad. The Belgian winger subsequently delivered 17 goals and 15 assists in 44 appearances, won the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year award and earned a move to Paris Saint-Germain worth up to €55 million. PSG coach Luis Enrique outlined the club’s footballing vision to Godts, who is expected to compete with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for the left-wing role.

Fred Rutten said his appointment as Curaçao manager was overturned before the World Cup after Dick Advocaat returned and took charge. He described the episode as personally painful, including having to explain to his grandchild why he was not at the tournament, and suggested that the decision resulted from behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Rutten declined to provide further details, saying disclosure could hurt people. Press officer Kees Jansma supported him, resigned, and called the decision unlawful and unacceptable.

New Ajax signing Jofre Torrents attended Jong Ajax’s 6-4 defeat to FC Emmen shortly after joining from Barcelona on a four-year contract. Technical director Jordi Cruyff reportedly worked to secure the left-back permanently after initially considering a loan. Torrents will compete with Caio Henrique and Owen Wijndal, while Ajax’s other recent left-back signing, Fouad Zahouani, has been assigned initially to Jong Ajax.

Mika Godts said goodbye to Ajax and its supporters in an Instagram message following his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. The Belgian winger described Ajax as a special place and wrote that his departure felt like a reunion rather than a final goodbye, suggesting he could return in the future. Godts made 115 first-team appearances for Ajax, scoring 26 goals and providing 28 assists. PSG are paying up to €55 million, making him the fifth-most-expensive player to leave Ajax.

René van der Gijp criticized Ajax's €20 million purchase of Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo after the club drew 2-2 with SC Heerenveen. He questioned whether Ajax had properly scouted the player, while Rob Jansen added a sarcastic comment about the club's scouting. Leonardo, signed from Al-Hilal, has appeared as a substitute against PEC Zwolle and Heerenveen without scoring. He is competing with Kasper Dolberg and Tolu Arokodare, while coach Míchel has said he expects a strong season from him.

Ajax and Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed Mika Godts' transfer, with the fee potentially rising to €55 million. The 21-year-old Belgian forward joined Ajax from Genk in 2023, made 115 official appearances and scored 26 goals, and was named the 2025/26 Eredivisie Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year. Ajax technical director Jordi Cruyff said the club wanted to retain Godts but acknowledged that his development attracted interest from PSG, where he will join the reigning French and European champions.

Gianni Infantino reportedly stood to receive more than €30 million plus bonuses under a scrapped FIFA Forward Enterprise plan to sell 20% of World Cup rights, a scheme that could have generated about €3.65 billion for FIFA. Member associations were offered €35 million for supporting the proposal versus almost €9 million for opposing it. The plan drew criticism from UEFA, CONCACAF, sponsors and media outlets, while Infantino continues to lead FIFA and earns a regular salary of about €3 million.

Juventus have contacted Kenneth Taylor’s representatives about a possible transfer from Lazio, but the move appears difficult because Lazio reportedly want at least €50 million. Taylor joined Lazio from Ajax for €15 million and is contracted through the end of the 2029–30 season. His potential availability may be linked to uncertainty surrounding Teun Koopmeiners and Douglas Luiz’s return to Juventus, while Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are also monitoring developments. Taylor recently had a disagreement with Lazio coach Gennaro Gattuso, but the issue was resolved.

Leeds United have Igor Paixão on their shortlist, but Marseille are demanding at least €50 million for the Brazilian winger. Leeds are reportedly considering an offer of €30–35 million, while Marseille owner Frank McCourt is reluctant to sell cheaply. Paixão remains under contract for four more seasons and has recorded six Ligue 1 goals, five assists, four Champions League goals and one assist for Marseille.

Jan van Halst says Dutch football remains shaped by a conservative macho culture that makes it difficult for gay players to come out, often until after their careers. He argues that pressure, safety concerns, public attitudes and media coverage remain significant barriers, while suggesting some players may leave the sport before reaching the professional level. Van Halst remains optimistic that continued awareness efforts, including the Canal Parade, can help create a more inclusive football environment.

Former Dutch footballer and pundit Jan van Halst says football remains a conservative, macho environment where gay players may not feel safe coming out. He believes pressure from the public and press, more than dressing-room culture, is a major barrier and suggests some players may leave the sport before reaching the professional level. Speaking during Amsterdam’s Canal Parade, Van Halst called for continued work to improve safety and awareness, while expressing hope that progress will eventually reach professional football.

Real Madrid are reportedly seeking a new centre-back after injuries to Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rüdiger and Éder Militão weakened José Mourinho’s defensive options. The club may need to sell Raúl Asencio before signing another defender. Real Madrid have already spent €75 million on full-backs Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella, while Ibrahima Konaté is temporarily unavailable after France’s World Cup run. The team is expected to rely on young defenders Lamini Fati and Joan Martínez until reinforcements arrive.

Real Madrid are reportedly seeking a new centre-back after injuries to Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rüdiger and Éder Militão weakened the defense. José Mourinho may initially have to rely on young players Lamini Fati and Joan Martínez, while Ibrahim Konaté is also unavailable for a friendly. According to Marca, the club must sell Raúl Asencio before completing another defensive signing, having already spent €75 million on full-backs Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella.

Bas Nijhuis has endorsed Louis van Gaal as the ideal successor to Ronald Koeman as Netherlands head coach, although he doubts the 74-year-old will return. Arne Slot has reportedly rejected the position after disagreements over the proposed contract length, while KNVB director Nigel de Jong favored a deal through 2030. The vacancy has been open since Koeman’s departure following the Netherlands’ World Cup round-of-16 defeat by Morocco, and Jong Oranje coach Michael Reiziger is emerging as a serious candidate.

Bas Nijhuis has endorsed Louis van Gaal as the next Netherlands head coach, although he doubts the 74-year-old will return. Arne Slot is reportedly not interested in the vacancy after disagreements over the proposed contract duration, while Nijhuis believes the job may come too early for him. The position has been open since Ronald Koeman's departure, and Jong Oranje coach Michael Reiziger is viewed as a serious candidate for promotion by the KNVB.

Ajax will donate all ticket-sale proceeds from its friendly against FC Volendam to the Keuken Kampioen Divisie club. The gesture follows Ajax’s use of FC Volendam’s Kras Stadion for European playoff matches after Harry Styles’ concerts made the Johan Cruijff ArenA unavailable. FC Volendam technical director Patrick Busby praised Ajax’s hospitality arrangements, the condition of the pitch, and the clubs’ broader cooperation, including plans to increase knowledge sharing between their coaching staffs.

PSV Eindhoven may need to act quickly to sign free-agent Filip Kostic, who has reportedly received a two-year offer from AEK Athens. PSV have made their own proposal but are still awaiting a response from the 33-year-old Serbian attacker. The club is also considering alternatives at left-back after failing to agree a permanent deal for Anass Salah-Eddine, while Sven Mijnans has joined from AZ and Lutsharel Geertruida remains on the radar.

Feyenoord right-back Givairo Read says he is calm about reported interest from Nottingham Forest and AS Roma, with his agents limiting his exposure to transfer speculation so he can focus on preseason fitness and form. The 20-year-old remains open to a move if it feels right but insists he still has much to learn at Feyenoord. If he stays, he wants to challenge for the Eredivisie title and eventually earn a Netherlands call-up. Read also praised assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff for the support he provided during Read’s development at FC Volendam and Feyenoord.

Ajax are expected to make only one change for their Conference League qualifying second leg against FK Vojvodina, with Owen Wijndal dropping to the bench and Caio Henrique starting in defence. Míchel is otherwise expected to retain the side that won 4-1 in Serbia, including Kasper Dolberg up front and a midfield of Youri Regeer, Davy Klaassen and Oscar Gloukh. New signing Marcos Leonardo could appear as a substitute. Ajax would likely face Shelbourne FC in the next round if they avoid a major upset.

Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso ordered midfielder Kenneth Taylor off the training pitch after an angry exchange during Thursday's session. Footage showed Gattuso stopping play and directing Taylor to the dressing room, while the cause of the dispute remains unclear. Taylor joined Lazio from Ajax for about €17 million in January and has recorded three goals and two assists in 21 appearances.

AS Roma have made an opening bid for Feyenoord right-back Givairo Read, with the total package reportedly exceeding Nottingham Forest’s latest €21 million offer. Read is said to be open to joining Roma, while Forest have agreed personal terms with his representatives and could offer a contract through mid-2031. Feyenoord want a higher fee and are considering improving and extending Read’s contract to keep him in Rotterdam for at least another season. Former technical director Dennis te Kloese denied that Read has a €25 million release clause.

Seventeen-year-old Ajax midfielder Abdellah Ouazane described his breakthrough week, which included an assist against FK Vojvodina and a winning goal against Burnley at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. He also discussed Real Madrid's decision to abandon a transfer after medical issues emerged a year earlier, saying the setback motivated him to return to Ajax and prove his potential. Ouazane is now focused on earning Eredivisie minutes, progressing toward senior football, and maintaining humility as his career develops.

Casper Tengstedt has emerged as a potential transfer target for Seattle Sounders FC, according to journalist Niko Moreno. However, Seattle currently lacks room for another Designated Player under Major League Soccer's salary and roster rules, making a deal difficult. Feyenoord signed the Danish striker from Benfica for €6 million and has him under contract until 2029, but his first season was disappointing amid competition from Ayase Ueda. It remains unclear whether Seattle wants to pursue an agreement or whether Feyenoord would sell Tengstedt, particularly with Ueda potentially leaving for a major European league.

Ajax are expected to make only one change for the Conference League second-leg match against FK Vojvodina, with Caio Henrique replacing Owen Wijndal in defence. Maarten Paes, Lucas Rosa, Aaron Bouwman, Daley Blind, Youri Regeer, Davy Klaassen, Oscar Gloukh, Steven Berghuis, Mika Godts and Kasper Dolberg are projected to start, while Marcos Leonardo could appear from the bench. Ajax lead 4-1 from the first leg and would likely face Shelbourne FC next, followed by potential play-off matches before the league-phase draw.

Zakaria Ouazane is leaving Ajax after eleven years to join the joint youth academy operated by FC Twente and Heracles Almelo. The striker announced his departure on Instagram, thanking Ajax coaches, teammates and staff for supporting his development. He made 13 appearances and scored once for Jong Ajax last season, with injuries limiting his playing time.

Seventeen-year-old Ajax midfielder Abdellah Ouazane has chosen to represent Morocco at senior international level rather than the Netherlands, despite having played for both countries in youth football. His decision followed extensive consideration and was reportedly driven by personal feelings rather than Morocco’s recruitment strategy. Former Moroccan Football Association technical director Chris van Puyvelde described the association’s diaspora-focused approach and his contacts with Ouazane’s family. Ouazane is now targeting Morocco and a place in Ajax’s first team after a proposed move to Real Madrid collapsed a year earlier.

Ajax midfielder Abdellah Ouazane has chosen to pursue a senior international career with Morocco rather than the Netherlands, despite representing both countries at youth level. His decision followed extensive consideration and contact between his family and Morocco’s football authorities, whose diaspora-focused recruitment policy helped build the relationship. Ouazane is now aiming to break into Ajax’s first team under Míchel after a proposed move to Real Madrid collapsed the previous year.

Denzel Dumfries began his first working day at Real Madrid by completing his medical and signing a four-year contract after the club paid Inter approximately €20 million. In an interview with the club channel, the Dutch right-back amused reporters by naming Surinamese food, particularly tajerblad, as his favorite cuisine. He could make an unofficial debut against Fiorentina before potentially playing his first La Liga match away to Espanyol on August 22.

Feyenoord have offered Gjivai Zechiël a new contract to prevent him from leaving this summer and to establish terms for a possible future transfer, reportedly including a release clause. Lille OSC's €10 million offer, excluding bonuses, was rejected despite Zechiël reaching a personal agreement with the French club. Feyenoord and head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst consider the 22-year-old midfielder important for next season; he is currently contracted until mid-2028 after spending last season on loan at FC Utrecht.

Inter have reached an agreement in principle to sign England international John Stones on a free transfer after his departure from Manchester City. The 32-year-old defender and midfielder is expected to undergo a medical and sign a contract running until mid-2028, despite interest from Premier League clubs and Juventus. Stones has won 94 caps for England, but his future under manager Thomas Tuchel remains uncertain.

Liverpool are reportedly in talks with Bradley Barcola’s representatives and Paris Saint-Germain over a potential transfer. Barcola is said to be Liverpool’s top summer target, but the deal could be difficult because PSG may demand more than €160 million, despite Transfermarkt valuing him at €90 million. The 23-year-old has reportedly decided not to extend his contract, which runs until 2028, after losing his starting place in some major matches. A move to Liverpool would create competition for Cody Gakpo, whose own future remains uncertain.

Liverpool are reportedly in talks with Bradley Barcola’s representatives and Paris Saint-Germain over a possible summer transfer. Barcola is said to be Liverpool’s top target, but any deal would be difficult because of the finances involved, with reports suggesting PSG could demand more than €160 million despite a €90 million Transfermarkt valuation. The 23-year-old winger has not been an undisputed starter under Luis Enrique and reportedly does not want to extend his contract beyond its current 2028 expiry. A move would create competition for Cody Gakpo on Liverpool’s left flank.

New NEC Nijmegen signing Dušan Tadić says he remains strongly connected to former club Ajax but is fully committed to performing for NEC and winning trophies. The 37-year-old has signed a two-year contract, praised coach Dick Schreuder and the club’s project, and highlighted NEC’s participation in European competition. Tadić also sees the move as a possible first step toward coaching, although he remains focused on his playing career.

Anco Jansen identifies FC Twente right-back Bart van Rooij as the best Dutch replacement for Givairo Read if Read leaves Feyenoord, though he notes Van Rooij would also be the most expensive option. FC Twente previously rejected a €10 million bid from Wolverhampton Wanderers and have Van Rooij under contract until mid-2028. Nottingham Forest continue to pursue Read, but Feyenoord reportedly want at least €30 million. Feyenoord also regard OH Leuven defender Davis Opoku as a potential successor.

Luis Suárez scored an 81st-minute lob from the penalty spot to give Inter Miami a 1-0 away win over Montréal. The Uruguayan striker had also scored twice against Chicago Fire earlier in the week, helping Miami move to second in the MLS Eastern Conference, two points behind Nashville SC. Lionel Messi was absent while on holiday. Robert Lewandowski failed to score as Chicago Fire lost 3-1 to New York City FC, while Antoine Griezmann also went scoreless but celebrated a winning home debut as Orlando City beat Nashville SC 1-0.

Sven Mijnans explains that he joined PSV Eindhoven from AZ Alkmaar because of the club’s attacking football under Peter Bosz and its regular Champions League participation. The midfielder aims to win the Dutch title, become more direct and prolific in front of goal, and earn a call-up to the Netherlands squad. He believes his qualities can complement Ismael Saibari despite their differing styles.

Mark van Bommel has officially been appointed Belgium head coach on a contract running through the 2028 European Championship. Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens and Reinier Robbemond will join his coaching staff. Van Bommel said he aims to build a disciplined, ambitious team capable of competing with the best, with Belgium scheduled to face France and other opponents in the Nations League in September.