Sydney Jordan

Crysencio Summerville missed a Panenka-style penalty for Al-Hilal against Al-Fayha after taking an unusual run-up, drawing immediate criticism from team-mate Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The miss recalled Summerville's earlier penalty failure against Morocco, but it had little impact as Al-Hilal won 3-0 through goals from Milinkovic-Savic, Sultan Mendash and Nasser Al-Dawsari. Simone Inzaghi's team remained top of the Saudi Pro League with six points from two matches.

FC Twente lost 1-0 at home to Qarabag FK in the first leg of their Conference League qualifying tie. Despite a strong start and sustained pressure, Twente created few clear chances, while Kady converted after a Qarabag counterattack. Qarabag’s compact defensive block held firm, leaving Twente needing to overturn the deficit in the return leg in Baku to secure participation in the competition.

Irish striker Troy Parrott has completed his transfer from AZ Alkmaar to Real Betis after two years in the Netherlands. Parrott credited AZ’s players and staff with helping him rediscover his form and make the move to LaLiga, while technical director Niels van Duinen praised his development and character. Parrott joined AZ from Tottenham Hotspur in 2024 for approximately €4 million after impressing on loan at Excelsior.

Rafael van der Vaart enthusiastically supports Ajax pursuing Noa Lang as a successor to Mika Godts, arguing that Lang could thrive in the Dutch league and potentially outperform Godts. He says Lang would benefit from confidence and close guidance to realize his talent. Ajax are exploring several options for the left wing, including Leon Bailey, while Galatasaray are reportedly negotiating with Lang and Napoli are open to selling him permanently.

Rafael van der Vaart strongly supports Ajax signing Noa Lang as a replacement for Mika Godts, arguing that Lang could excel in the Dutch league and potentially outperform Godts if given confidence and guidance. Ajax technical director Jordi Cruyff is considering several left-wing options, including Leon Bailey, while Galatasaray are reportedly competing for Lang and Napoli are open to selling him permanently.

Luciano Valente scored the only goal in Feyenoord’s 1–0 city-derby win over Sparta Rotterdam and praised teammate Gjivai Zechiël for creating the goal. Valente also discussed becoming Feyenoord’s new captain, describing the role as a positive career development and a responsibility rather than a source of pressure. He said he has the support of his teammates and wants to provide leadership during matches.

Feyenoord midfielder Luciano Valente scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam and praised teammate Gjivai Zechiël for setting it up. Valente also discussed becoming Feyenoord’s new captain, describing the appointment as an important career development and a responsibility rather than a source of pressure. He said he has the support of his teammates and intends to provide leadership during matches.

Feyenoord defeated Sparta Rotterdam 0-1 in the Rotterdam derby through a 35th-minute goal from captain Luciano Valente, assisted by Gjivai Zechiël. Feyenoord created numerous chances but repeatedly failed to extend its lead, allowing Sparta to remain in contention. Sparta appeared to equalize twice late in the match through Milan Zonneveld, but both goals were disallowed—first for offside and then for a foul—securing Giovanni van Bronckhorst's first three points.

Fenerbahçe have reportedly reached a personal agreement with Romelu Lukaku, leaving only negotiations with Napoli to complete the transfer. Napoli are seeking about €12 million after rejecting an initial €6 million bid. The Turkish club has also bid roughly €25 million for Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda, but Lukaku’s possible arrival could affect that interest. Feyenoord’s technical director Devy Rigaux is open to talks if Ueda agrees to move to the Turkish Süper Lig.

Kodai Sano has been left out of NEC Nijmegen’s Champions League qualifying squad against Olympiakos so he can return to the Netherlands for a medical examination with PSV Eindhoven. The clubs are reportedly close to an agreement worth €15 million including bonuses, down from NEC’s initial demand of approximately €18 million. The 22-year-old Japanese midfielder is expected to complete a move to the reigning Dutch champions after PSV previously ended negotiations over his valuation.

Feyenoord are reportedly interested in Fenerbahçe winger Oğuz Aydın as they search for a new left winger. The 25-year-old Turkey international is valued at about €7 million and is also being tracked by Espanyol, Hamburger SV and Rangers. Feyenoord are seeking an attacking upgrade because Gaoussou Diarra and Gonçalo Borges have not yet convinced, while Aydın joined Fenerbahçe from Alanyaspor in 2024 for €6 million.

Feyenoord have offered midfielder Gjivai Zechiël a contract extension after he emerged as one of the standout performers during pre-season. Shaqueel van Persie has also impressed, scoring against Rayo Vallecano, Club Brugge and Atalanta, and is expected to feature prominently next season. Despite improved performances and discipline, Feyenoord still need to resolve concerns on the left flank, reduce an oversized squad and decide the futures of several players before the transfer window closes.

AS Roma have submitted a counter-offer for Feyenoord right-back Givairo Read after Feyenoord declined to accept the proposed €25 million as a fixed fee. The clubs are negotiating the payment structure, bonuses and other transfer terms. Roma currently lead the race, while Nottingham Forest remain interested but are unlikely to advance unless the Italian club fails to complete the deal. Read has reportedly spoken with Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini and is open to a move to Italy, where he could earn €4 million.

NEC Nijmegen lost 2–1 to Sevilla in their final friendly before Champions League qualifying. Sami Ouaissa gave NEC the lead after a strong combination with Bryan Linssen, but Isaac Romero equalized before half-time following a defensive error. The match became increasingly scrappy, and Sevilla secured the win when Sow finished after another lapse at the back. NEC now turn their attention to Tuesday’s third qualifying-round match in Piraeus.

RB Leipzig are seeking €20 million for Lutsharel Geertruida, making a permanent move to PSV unlikely for now because PSV would prefer a loan. PSV have reportedly agreed personal terms with the Netherlands international, but no agreement has been reached with Leipzig. Feyenoord are also preparing a bid to re-sign their former defender, who returned to Leipzig after Sunderland declined its purchase option and is not expected to remain in the German club’s plans.

Dusan Tadic said he discussed a possible coaching role with Ajax technical director Jordi Cruijff but rejected a return because he still wants to play. The 37-year-old Serbian chose NEC Nijmegen for its project, coach Dick Schreuder, staff, board and style of play, and expressed optimism about Cruijff’s prospects at Ajax.

Timon Wellenreuther, who recently transferred from Feyenoord to VfL Wolfsburg for approximately one million euros, has suffered a knee injury in a friendly against Olympique Lyon. The 30-year-old goalkeeper is expected to miss several weeks but will not require surgery. Wellenreuther previously won the league title, KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield with Feyenoord.

AZ Alkmaar have signed 18-year-old Italian defender Andrea Natali permanently from Bayer 04 Leverkusen for €2 million, giving him a contract through mid-2031 after a successful loan spell. The club have also extended Hungarian forward Bendegúz Kovács's contract until mid-2029 following his prolific youth performances and first-team debut. AZ sporting director Niels van Duinen praised Kovács's potential, while both moves reinforce the club's strategy of developing and retaining young talent.