كشف فيديريكو فالفيردي، نجم نادي ريال مدريد، السبب الذي جعله يتواجد على مقاعد البدلاء خلال مواجهة فريقه أمام ريال سوسيداد، اليوم السبت بالدوري الإسباني.

ووضع تشابي ألونسو، مدرب نادي ريال مدريد، فالفيردي كبديل ودفع بدلًا منه بداني سيبايوس، وذلك خلال لقاء الفريق الملكي مع ريال سوسيداد ضمن الجولة الرابعة من بطولة الدوري.

ريال مدريد انتصر على ريال سوسيداد بهدفين دون رد، ليواصل صدارته لترتيب الدوري بالعلامة الكاملة.

طالع .. قرار ناري من ريال مدريد بعد الجدل التحكيمي في مباراة ريال سوسيداد

وقال فالفيردي في مقابلة مع قناة ريال مدريد عن جلوسه كبديل اليوم: “أشعر ببعض التعب من رحلتي نحو إسبانيا بعد العودة من المنتخب، 12 ساعة صعبة بعض الشيء، لكنني تحدثت مع المدرب وأخبرته أنني لست في كامل لياقتي للعب 90 دقيقة اليوم، لقد استمع إلي وتفهم الأمر”.

وعن الوصول إلى 150 انتصارًا له مع ريال مدريد أضاف فالفيردي في حديثه: “أشعر بالسعادة والفخر، إنه لشرف لي أن أواصل تمثيل هذا القميص وهذا الشعار، وأن أواصل الدفاع عن أفضل ناد في العالم، هذا أيضًا جزء من عائلتي”.

وعن ريال سوسيداد اختتم فالفيردي: “إنه فريق يلعب بشكل رائع، ويمتلك لمسات كروية رائعة ويضم لاعبين ممتازين، لقد أثبتوا ذلك وفي الشوط الثاني تصدينا للعديد من الفرص وفي النهاية، يجب أن يكون الحظ حليفنا، كان كورتوا متيقظًا للغاية في العديد من الهجمات وتمكن من صد بعض الانفرادات، أحيانًا تكون هذه المباريات هي مفتاح الفوز بلقب الدوري”.

Sussex took control against Derbyshire at Hove as they pushed for a victory that would strengthen their promotion push in the Vitality County Championship.The second division leaders reduced the visitors to 73 for 5 after Sussex had piled up 607 for 8, their highest total against Derbyshire.Wayne Madsen held them up and was unbeaten on 79 at stumps on day 2 as he put conditions in perspective but Derbyshire are still 429 runs behind on 178 for 6.They were soon in trouble as Indian left-armer Jaydev Unadkat, who is back at Sussex for the run-in, took 3 for 19 in a skilful five-over opening spell.Opener Harry Came edged Unadkat’s third ball to first slip where Tom Alsop took a good, low catch while Brooke Guest drove lavishly at another outswinger but straight to backward point.It was 19 for 3 in the seventh over when Fynn Hudson-Prentice struck with his fifth ball, which straightened enough to pin left-hander Luis Reece, and Derbyshire lost their fourth wicket on 24 when Tom Haines took a fine diving catch low to his left to remove skipper David Lloyd, after Unadkat pushed one across his defences.Madsen and Aneurin Donald added 49 for the fifth wicket but they were parted when off-spinner Carson, who earlier made a career-best 97, nipped one through Donald’s defensive push with his fifth ball.Madsen found another ally in Anuj Dal and they put on 84 for the sixth wicket in 24 overs but Carson made another important breakthrough just before stumps when Dal (45) was caught by Alsop at short leg playing a forcing shot off he back foot.Sussex skipper Simpson had earlier led the successful charge to secure the maximum five batting bonus points – for getting to 450 inside 110 first innings overs – with an early assault on Derbyshire pacemen Daryn Dupavillon and Zak Chappell.Simpson had already taken three lovely offside fours off Dupavillon’s opening over of the day when Alsop chipped Chappell’s loosener, at the start of the second over, straight to short mid-wicket after he had added just a single to his overnight 69, his third successive fifty and seventh of the season.Alsop swished his bat in annoyance at his mistake but Simpson, who had resumed on 25, was in no mood to waste an opportunity to score quick runs.Two extra cover fours off Chappell were followed by a straight driven four off Dupavillon that took him to a 68-ball fifty and another booming straight four, this time off Chappell, to reach 60.Hudson-Prentice (8) edged Anuj Dal’s medium pace to keeper Guest but Carson brought up Sussex’s 450 in the 108th over by slamming left-arm spinner Jack Morley high past mid off for four.Carson swung Morley over the short legside boundary for the first of his three sixes, the final one a massive blow over mid-wicket off Dupavillon as he went past his previous highest score of 87.Simpson eventually holed out to long off on 121, his fourth Championship hundred of a prolific season, after facing 167 balls and hitting a six and 13 fours. He also reached 10,000 first-class career runs in the process.And Carson’s bid for a maiden first-class hundred ended when he was bowled swinging at a full ball from Dupavillon. His excellent effort came from 125 balls, with six fours besides his trio of sixes, and Sussex’s declaration immediately followed. Sussex’s total was their biggest at Hove for seven years.

Newcastle United’s growing interest in Hugo Ekitike could boil down to any number of reasons, but the minds of Liverpool fans will no doubt be drawn toward the possibility of signing Alexander Isak.

Certainly, it makes little sense for the Magpies to fork out £86m on Eintracht Frankfurt’s covetous centre-forward only for him to contest with Isak for the focal berth. It’s a tussle he’s apt to lose, relegating himself to the backbenches or at least as the second fiddle to Eddie Howe’s offensive instrument.

Of course, there’s the possibility that Ekitike will jockey with the Sweden international for a term or two before taking his place upon an eventual transfer to one of Europe’s true powerhouses. Like Liverpool, perhaps.

But then Arne Slot isn’t going to want to hang about for a new number nine, one who can replace Darwin Nunez. A resolution of some regard will be reached this summer, bringing a striker to Anfield’s pitch.

FSG are proving themselves to be incisive now that they have returned to the pinnacle, champions of the Premier League. Just look at Liverpool’s move for Florian Wirtz.

Why Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz

When Liverpool lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, Slot knew his team needed to replace the creativity of a man who had been described in the past being “like having Kevin de Bruyne playing at right-back” by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher.

It would have been negligible to have attempted to sign a cardboard cutout at right-back, so instead, signing a world-class playmaker like Wirtz to nestle into midfield made much more sense. He cost a British record £116m, but it’s likely to be money well spent all the same.

The attacking midfielder, indeed, ranked among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe last season for both shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

Looking at his accomplishments in Germany’s top flight, it’s easy to forget that Wirtz is a 22-year-old who has already rebounded from a potentially detrimental ACL injury.

But that brutal setback in 2022 has only fuelled his ascent to the realm of the world-class.

24/25

31 (25)

10

12

23/24

32 (26)

11

11

22/23

17 (11)

1

6

21/22

24 (22)

7

10

20/21

29 (25)

5

5

19/20

7 (3)

1

–

For now, we wait with bated breath for the German international to grace the Premier League and lead Liverpool toward further riches.

Liverpool often strike gold when raiding the Bundesliga, and they appear ready to do so once more before the summer market slams shut, repeating their Wirtz acquisition.

Liverpool in contact to sign new striker

If Liverpool are to replace Nunez this summer, they will want to sign a striker fit for a Premier League title defence. Isak or Ekitike would do the trick, but an alternative pick has also been earmarked in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian striker, 22, has been on Arsenal’s radar for a long time, but the Gunners are pushing ahead with a move for Viktor Gyokeres, thus opening the door for Liverpool to pounce.

That’s according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, anyway, who revealed that Sesko’s agents have been in contact with Liverpool over a potential summer deal, offering his services to the Reds.

It’s unclear, however, whether the Bundesliga outfit will be inclined to budge on their €90m (£78m) valuation – a figure which proved to end Arsenal’s interest.

What Benjamin Sesko would bring to Liverpool

Sesko is a raw talent but one whose ceiling stretches far above the potential of most other forwards. His power and predatory instinct suggest he has what it takes to become a superstar in the Premier League.

Standing at 6 foot 5 but blessed with the high-speed running and ability to use his physicality to a great effect, he’s been hailed as a “monster” in the final third by analyst Ben Mattinson, who continued to remark he’s “raw but has excellent fundamentals”.

With some fine tweaks and Slot-led coaching, he could prove to be one of the very best in the English top flight, something talent scout Jacek Kulig definitely believes is within his grasp, having gone as far as to dub him “the new Haaland”.

It’s clear that this young and rising star could emulate Wirtz in travelling to England from Germany and becoming a superstar. The latter, of course, hasn’t actually kicked a ball in the country yet, but he’s regarded as one of the world’s best all the same.

RB Leipzig

24/25

45

21

RB Leipzig

23/24

42

18

RB Salzburg

22/23

41

18

RB Salzburg

20/21

37

11

RB Salzburg

20/21

1

0

FC Liefering

20/21

29

21

FC Liefering

19/20

15

1

As you can see, Sesko has improved steadily, continually, establishing himself as the kind of striker who can provide a steady source of goals in a top-five European division like the Bundesliga.

And he’s going to be supported and developed with a partnership with Wirtz, for sure. But more to the point, Sesko has the potential to become a superstar of equal proportions, so mobile and dynamic in his play, ranked among the top 11% of centre-forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Then, of course, Sesko’s goalscoring ability, the way in which he swings his leg and connects with ridiculous power (something Jurgen Klopp would attest to), emphasises that Haaland-esque ability that underscores his world-class potential.

Liverpool would be taking something of a risk by forking out a significant sum for a player who has yet to reach their potential, but Sesko has all the properties of a Liverpool-level forward, leading the line across a period of sustained success.

Given their success in raiding the Bundesliga, Liverpool might just want to take the punt, quickly repeating what promises to be a triumph in bringing Wirtz over from Bayer Leverkusen.

Perfect Diaz heir: Hughes racing to sign £43m "game-changer" for Liverpool

Liverpool winger Luis Diaz has been heavily linked with a summer sale.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 13, 2025

Liverpool don’t want to sell Luis Diaz this summer, but they might have to. Keeping a player on the books whose heart is set elsewhere is an ill-fated move, and the Colombian wants to leave Anfield.

You can see his case. Aged 28, Diaz is one of the finest wingers in the game, but he earns a comparatively modest salary at Liverpool and has entered the second-to-last year of his contract.

Diaz wants a pay rise, but Liverpool aren’t inclined to give him one, instead willing to see out his contract.

1

Mohamed Salah

£400,000

£20,800,000

2

Virgil Van Dijk

£350,000

£18,200,000

3

Florian Wirtz

£195,000

£10,140,000

4

Andrew Robertson

£160,000

£8,320,000

=5

Alexis Mac Allister

£150,000

£7,800,000

=5

Alisson

£150,000

£7,800,000

=5

Ryan Gravenberch

£150,000

£7,800,000

=5

Federico Chiesa

£150,000

£7,800,000

16*

Luis Diaz

£55,000

£2,860,000

He was a crucial part of last season’s success. Diaz scored 17 goals and supplied eight assists across all competitions for Liverpool, his best return for the club.

His electric pace, tenacious fight and versatility proved perfect for Arne Slot as the Dutch coach led the Reds to the Premier League title.

But Bayern Munich are persistent in their bid to sign the Colombian winger, having already seen a £58.5m bid knocked back this summer.

However, Sky Germany confirm that the Bundesliga champions continue to push, and with Liverpool set to sign a new striker, perhaps his sale for a mammoth fee wouldn’t be such a bad thing in the long run.

The latest on Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has been one of the more coveted names on the market this summer. Manchester United and Newcastle United have both shown an interest, but it’s the Reds who will likely prevail, the Frenchman submitting a transfer request on Thursday to seal a deal with the Anfield side.

Valued at €100m (£85m) Ekitike will cost a pretty penny, all right, but he’s worth it, already regarded “one of the best strikers out there” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

While Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak has been sporting director Richard Hughes’ first choice, the Magpies have rejected Liverpool’s advances, so the Reds have stolen their top target instead.

He’s not as good as Isak, but the 23-year-old does have sky-high potential, the genuine chance to make headway over a number of years at Liverpool and reach that pedestal.

While Diaz spent a fair share of time as a makeshift striker in 2024/25, he is at his core a left-sided forward. With Darwin Nunez supposedly off as well, Liverpool might need to sign a winger to go alongside Ekitike.

Liverpool line up Luis Diaz heir

According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Liverpool have retained an interest in signing Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, having come close to signing him one year ago.

The England international, 24, is valued at £75m and any concrete move is dependent on Diaz’s future. However, the long-standing interest and Gordon’s Merseyside affiliation could see him push for a return to Anfield, having left Liverpool’s academy as an 11-year-old.

While Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is also on Liverpool’s radar, with preliminary talks having taken place, Gordon might be the man to go for.

Why Liverpool want Anthony Gordon

In Cody Gakpo, Liverpool have a prolific and proven left winger. However, Diaz’s departure would call for a direct replacement, and while Rodrygo would be a stunning signing, Arsenal also have a vested interest, and Real Madrid are seeking upwards of £87m.

Gordon would be a more than acceptable fallback. A high-speed runner with a dogged approach to his football, the Newcastle star has bloomed into one of the Premier League’s finest over the past couple of years, with teammate Bruno Guimaraes describing him as “special”.

Technically sharp and physically robust, he certainly fits the mould that Diaz would leave behind, and this dynamic skill set could be the perfect thing for a young striker in Ekitike, who will need support as he steps into the cauldron of fire that is the English top flight.

Ekitike will, of course, have the likes of Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz to lead the supply line, but in Gordon, Liverpool could retain the sense of energy and completeness that Diaz brings to the table.

And anyway, the Toon talent has already demonstrated in the Premier League that he’s capable of throwing down with the likes of Diaz, and indeed Rodrygo, whose skill has led Luka Modric to describe him as a “world-class superstar” in La Liga.

Let’s dig a little deeper. Now, we’re going to skew the data a tad. Gordon’s 2024/25 campaign left plenty to be desired, but he was a force to be reckoned with the season prior.

Looking at that 2023/24 term, comparing it to Rodrygo and Diaz’s league efforts last term, we can see that he’s got the potential to make quite the impression at Liverpool.

Matches (starts)

35 (34)

30 (22)

36 (28)

Goals

11

6

13

Assists

10

5

5

Shots (on target)*

2.3 (0.9)

1.8 (0.7)

2.0 (0.8)

Big chances missed

9

1

11

Pass completion

82%

91%

86%

Big chances created

16

5

8

Key passes*

1.6

1.6

1.6

Dribbles*

1.5

1.6

1.5

Ball recoveries*

3.6

2.4

2.9

Tackles + interceptions*

1.8

1.1

1.3

Duels won*

5.3

3.8

3.8

Quite the effort. Gordon’s performances, notching 21 goal contributions across Newcastle’s injury-hit year, led to the honour of the club’s Player of the Year. It was his first full season on Tyneside, and an illustration of his capacity for high-level performances.

And while his high duel rate, creativity and potency in the final third would elevate Ekitike as he makes his maiden way in England, the centre-forward could certainly return the favour, with a style of play that is truly layered and vast.

Indeed, as per FBref, Ekitike ranked among the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, and the top 4% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.

Whichever way you look at it, it’s hard to imagine Liverpool’s transfer window being anything other than a success. Slot proved his worth last season, and now he’s being rewarded with the parts to create a lasting squad of champions.

Better than Isak & Ekitike: Liverpool make £142m "monster" a dream target

Liverpool have two primary candidates to bolster their forward line; Alexander Isak & Hugo Ekitike.

1 ByMatt Dawson Jul 17, 2025

Tottenham’s preparations for the 2025/2026 season are well underway, and the next few weeks of this transfer window will be pivotal for new manager Thomas Frank.

Levy holds Tottenham talks for "top" player with negotiations started at £50m

The Spurs chairman met with a club chief for talks.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 2, 2025

Spurs began this summer by sealing a permanent deal for versatile winger Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich, at the discounted rate of around £30 million, with the Frenchman already drawing praise from Frank, who’s excited to work with him.

“Very, very excited about Mathys signing with a permanent deal,” said Frank in his first interview as Spurs manager.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025	Average match rating
Son Heung-min	7.00
James Maddison	6.98
Pedro Porro	6.95
Dominic Solanke	6.84
Dejan Kulusevski	6.83
via WhoScored

“I think he’s a very talented player that can play across the front four positions. He’s a goalscorer that we can develop even further to be more consistent in his all-round game but also to more consistently land in the right positions in the box. So I’m looking forward to it.”

Tottenham then made quite a left-field signing soon afterwards, sealing a £5 million deal for Kawasaki Frontale defender Kota Takai, with chairman Daniel Levy green-lighting a J-League record move for a Japanese player.

He was identified by technical director Johan Lange as a promising young starlet who could make a Premier League impact similar to the likes of Pape Sarr, Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall, so supporters could expect to see him in and around the first team next season (Alasdair Gold).

While Takai boasts a decent level of experience as a 20-year-old, having played a key role during Frontale’s run to the Asian Champions League final last season – helping to thwart Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the semis – Spurs fans will still be eager to see bigger names come through the door.

Son Heung-min could leave Tottenham after 10 years this summer, with Saudi sides expressing a keen interest. If the Lilywhites legend does depart, Frank will need a proven replacement, which has perhaps contributed to their interest in West Ham star Mohammed Kudus.

Mohammed Kudus sees "great opportunity" to join Tottenham

According to reliable media sources, Spurs talks for Kudus are underway between all parties (Fabrizio Romano), with reports suggesting that the “underrated” Ghanaian has emerged as a top target.

GiveMeSport reported earlier this week that Levy has even contacted West Ham chairman David Sullivan for talks over a potential deal for the 24-year-old, starting the bidding at £50 million.

Now, journalist Graeme Bailey has told TBR Football that the Hammers will demand around £60 million for their most sellable summer asset, but his desire to make a move to N17 is clear.

While both Arsenal and Chelsea have held talks, and he’s likely open to both clubs, Kudus sees Tottenham as a “great opportunity” and really wants to join Frank’s side before deadline day.

To date, Spurs are also the “most advanced” in their approach for the former Ajax star, with Bailey also reiterating that Levy is indeed in contact with Sullivan regarding Kudus’ transfer.

If the two sides can agree a fee, it would be their first deal since Scott Parker’s move to Tottenham in 2011 – ultimately ending their 14-year unofficial transfer embargo.

Aston Villa have made contact with the representatives of a £40 million Atletico Madrid ace who Unai Emery is a big fan of, according to a recent report.

Aston Villa make striker enquiry amid Ollie Watkins exit rumours

Villa may not have been expecting it, but so far in this transfer window, there has been a lot of talk about the future of star striker Ollie Watkins. The England international has been a key player for the Villans for a number of seasons now, but given the recent speculation, his time at the club could be coming to an end.

Related Aston Villa make enquiry to sign £60m star who scored in win at Villa Park

Aston Villa are among the teams interested in signing a Premier League striker.

Posts ByBrett Worthington Jul 13, 2025

It’s been reported that Manchester United are considering a bid to sign Watkins as they continue their search for a new striker. Meanwhile, Arsenal previously opened talks over a deal to sign Watkins, which may be stopped now they are close to signing Viktor Gyokeres. But Newcastle United are another team that are interested in Watkins and have placed him on their list of potential targets.

Therefore, no one can blame the Midlands side for looking at potential replacements, and according to journalist Nabil Djellit, Villa have submitted an enquiry to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea. The forward could leave Stamford Bridge this summer and is said to have a £60 million fee on his head. Villa are not alone in their pursuit of the player, as Man United have also submitted an enquiry.

Aston Villa make contact with £40m+ Atletico Madrid star

As the Premier League side assess their forward options, they also look to be in the market for a new midfielder. According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa have made contact with Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher’s representatives in a bid to bring him to Villa Park.

The report states that despite only joining the Spanish giants last summer from Chelsea, Gallagher could be open to a return to England, as he wants regular minutes. Atletico are not actively looking to sell Gallagher, but they would be open to a departure should they receive a fee in the region of €45-50 million, which is roughly £39-43 million.

This has alerted Villa, but they do face competition from teams such as Nottingham Forest and Newcastle. However, the Villans are the only team to have made contact with Gallagher’s representatives. Villa’s interest is likely being pushed by Emery, who is said to be a big fan of Gallagher’s ‘energy and Premier League experience’.

Conor Gallagher’s Atletico Madrid stats

Apps

50

Starts

28

Goals

4

Assists

6

The 25-year-old’s search for regular minutes may come as a surprise given he played 50 times in all competitions. However, the England international, once dubbed a “pressing and transition monster”, was very much in and out of the starting XI.

He started 19 games in La Liga out of 32 but started just four of the nine Champions League games he played in. Given how Emery feels about Gallagher, a return to England could see him be a regular in the Villa side.

Each of the five sides at the Champions One-Day Cup – Pakistan’s newer, flashier version of the domestic 50-over competition – will be captained by Pakistan internationals. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Haris have been announced as captains of the sides they represent, taking charge of the Lions, Wolves, Panthers, Dolphins and Stallions respectively.Haris’ captaincy of the Stallions – chosen by the team’s mentor Shoaib Malik – appears to mark a remarkable, and sudden – return to favour with the PCB. He last played ODI cricket a year ago, and was left out of Pakistan’s World Cup squad. He also lost his place in the T20 side, the format most conducive to his skillset, during Wahab Riaz’s stint as chief selector. Now, however, he captains a team that also includes Babar Azam, Pakistan’s white-ball captain, as well as Haris’ captain at Peshawar Zalmi, where the two play at the PSL.Unlike previous iterations of the tournament, the PCB has pulled out all the stops to ensure maximum participation of Pakistan’s highest-profile players. There is no international cricket for Pakistan which coincides with the competition, with just about every fit centrally contracted player taking part.Related

• The Champions Cup: can it live up to the hype?

• Stump Mic: The good, the bad, and the Pakistan Cricket Board

• Misbah joins as one of five PCB mentors 'to reduce the gap between domestic and international cricket'

• Waqar, Misbah among five mentors appointed by PCB for domestic competitions

During the mentors’ unveiling press conferences, Misbah-ul-Haq, mentor of the Wolves, said any unfit players would be excluded from the competition. The PCB has provided a list of players who did not make the cut on that account, including former Pakistan opener Sharjeel Khan.All games will take place in Faisalabad, with the tournament running from September 12-29 with playoffs rather than semi-finals. The tournament concludes eight days before the start of the first Test between Pakistan and England.Each side has announced extended squad lists, which are to be trimmed by September 10. The sides do not have affiliated city names, though each name does have historical links to previous domestic cup sides: Lahore for Lions, Karachi for Dolphins, Peshawar for Panthers, Faisalabad for Wolves and, perhaps most famously, Sialkot for Stallions.Sarfaraz Ahmed is the only player-mentor, operating in that role with the Dolphins. Misbah (Wolves), Malik (Stallions), Saqlain Mushtaq (Panthers) and Waqar Younis (Lions) are the other mentors.

Arsenal are planning to hold talks with a club chairman about signing another forward, after their £50 million deal for Noni Madueke, with sporting director Andrea Berta making serious statements in the transfer market.

Eze's dream CF: Arsenal in talks to sign £69m "monster" & it's not Gyokeres

Arsenal could still change their mind on Viktor Gyokeres.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 10, 2025

Madueke is poised to make the switch to north London and will become the latest in a long line of deals between both Chelsea and Arsenal. The England international specifically comes as the seventh player to move from Cobham to London Colney in the past six years, not to mention the second in this window alone, following Kepa Arrizabalaga.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£75m

After opening formal club-to-club talks earlier this week, Arsenal reached a swift agreement for Madueke, worth over £50 million including add-ons. The 23-year-old agreed personal terms over this move a while ago, but Berta has now managed to convince Chelsea to sell their winger too.

Madueke joins Kepa, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard as Arsenal’s fourth signing in total this summer, and takes the club’s expenditure to around £125 million.

Arsenal are also in advanced talks to sign striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, with there being no sign of this deal collapsing just yet as Berta looks to end their long wait to bring in a prolific goalscorer

The Gunners could yet another attacking midfielder after Madueke too, as links still surround Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The 27-year-old would join Mikel Arteta’s side in a separate deal to his international teammate (Fabrizio Romano), following another electric campaign at Selhurst Park, where he racked up 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

Eze’s FA Cup-final-winning goal in a 1-0 win over Man City at Wembley ended the club’s history-long wait for a major trophy, but Palace face the very real prospect of losing their star man before deadline day on September 1.

Arsenal plan to contact Steve Parish over Eberechi Eze deal

The attacking midfielder joined Palace in a deal worth around £20 million from QPR in 2020, and he’s since justified that price tag time and time again.

His value has now more than tripled, with the Eagles holding steadfast in their demands for his full £68 million release clause to be paid.

That is according to The Guardian and journalist Ed Aarons, who also report that Arsenal are planning to contact Palace chairman Steve Parish directly about signing Eze, and he is unlikely to accept any proposal below the clause.

Reports suggest that Arsenal have held productive talks with Eze’s camp already, but formal negotiations are yet to open with the south London club, so this could be one to watch in the coming weeks.

Called a “sensational” footballer by members of the press, Sky Sports state that Arsenal are targeting their ex-academy ace to complement club captain Martin Odegaard in an attacking midfield, rather than out wide.

Everton are in the market for new additions under David Moyes and are now reportedly in the mix to sign a star that would create an intriguing reception among supporters.

Everton build for the future with key contract decision confirmation

The Hill Dickinson Stadium will feel like a very different environment to Goodison Park as the Toffees transition towards the future, but club captain Seamus Coleman has signed on for another year at Everton and will lead them out at their new stadium.

Upon putting pen to paper, the Irishman stated: “I love Everton, so to continue playing for this special club means everything to me and my family. Like every one of our passionate fans, I’ve lived and breathed what has been a difficult past few years for the club and have put my heart and soul into doing all I can to help us get through it.

“Thanks to the hard work of many people, we’ve been able to get into our magnificent new stadium and pave the way for a brighter future under ambitious new owners, which I want to be part of.”

Looking to make a mark on the transfer front, Everton are confident they can land Villarreal striker Thierno Barry amid rumours they are ready to meet his £34 million release clause, though they could instead opt to do a deal in installments.

Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika could strengthen the Toffees’ midfield, albeit West Ham United are also pursuing a deal for the Nigeria international.

Bigger talent than Ndiaye: Everton enquire over signing £42m "game-changer"

Everton have made an enquiry regarding a move for a Ligue 1 sensation

1 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 28, 2025

Transfer rumours involving Everton are starting to pick up and July will be a big month for the club once the PSR deadline has passed, and they could now make a controversial move that would make headlines across England.

Everton could make surprise move for Liverpool's Harvey Elliott

According to Everton News, Everton are interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott alongside a clutch of alternative Premier League clubs.

Shedding some light on the situation, Graeme Bailey said: “I am told nearly half of the Premier League are seriously looking at him, and Everton are one of those. Nothing is advanced, but they are keeping tabs on the situation, and why wouldn’t they? We are talking about one of England’s star players from the U21 Euros with a load of Premier League experience.”

Harvey Elliott’s peripheral role at Liverpool last campaign

Appearances

28

Goals

5

Assists

3

Due to their existence as arch-rivals, Liverpool could demand a serious fee for the £40,000 per week earner, though some may believe he is worth the gamble after his tally of five goals during England’s Under-21 European Championship triumph, where he netted in the final as the Three Lions toppled Germany.

Such form has led Elliott to be likened to Lionel Messi by Joe Cole after his brace against the Netherlands in the semi-final, albeit his opinion is likely to have been hyperbolic.

It does feel that this one has come out of the blue a little, but with Everton’s interest in Liverpool youngster Ben Doak public knowledge, there could be an opportunity for all parties to come to an agreement.

“What’s in my power right now is to play the Buchi Babu tournament, go on to play the Duleep Trophy and then see what happens”

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Aug-2024Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I captain, wants to have some “red-ball fun” but is aware the road back to the Test side will not be all that straightforward.As things stand, there are at least four others, including his Mumbai team-mates Sarfaraz Khan and Shreyas Iyer, along with KL Rahul and Rajat Patidar, ahead of him in the pecking order. But he wants to give the long-form cricket another proper crack in a bid to add to his one-Test appearance last year, against Australia in Nagpur.”There are a lot of people who have worked really hard to earn their place and even I want to earn that spot again,” Suryakumar told reporters in Coimbatore on Monday after Mumbai’s training session on the sidelines of the Buchi Babu Invitational tournament.Related

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“I made my debut for India in Tests. After that, I got injured as well. There were a lot of people who got an opportunity and have done well too. They deserve that opportunity right now.”Going forward, if I have to play, then I will automatically play. That’s not in my control. What’s in my power right now is to play the Buchi Babu tournament, go on to play the Duleep Trophy and then see what happens. But yes, I’m really looking forward. There are ten Test matches lined up and I’m obviously excited for some red-ball fun.”Suryakumar hasn’t played a first-class fixture since last year’s Duleep Trophy 13 months ago. Between then and now, he has recuperated from a groin surgery in Germany that kept him out of action for three months. During this period, he was part of the ODI and T20 World Cups.Suryakumar Yadav recently led India to a 3-0 sweep in the T20I series in Sri Lanka•Getty ImagesHe was named full-time T20I captain after Rohit retired from the format following India’s title win in the Caribbean. Recently, he led India to a 3-0 T20I series sweep in Sri Lanka. After the Buchi Babu fixture, he will head to Anantapur for the Duleep Trophy, where he has been named in the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led India C squad.”Red-ball cricket has always been my priority,” Suryakumar said. “When I grew up in the maidans of Mumbai and played a lot of local cricket, I started playing with the red cherry. The love for the longest format began there, and has always been there.”I have taken part in a lot of first-class matches for more than ten years now and I still cherish playing this format. There’s no question about it and that’s why I’m here before the Duleep Trophy.”I will always look for an opportunity to come and play for Mumbai, be it in first-class cricket or a tournament like the Buchi Babu. A lot of international players have played in this competition before and have gone on to represent the country.”Suryakumar’s return to long-form cricket comes at a time when India are slated to play ten Tests over the next four months, starting with the two-Test series against Bangladesh on September 19. That will be followed by three against New Zealand and five away, in Australia.

“I still cherish playing this format. There’s no question about it and that’s why I’m here before the Duleep Trophy”

For Suryakumar to make a pitch for a Test recall, he will need a series of tall scores. He is looking at the upcoming opportunity for Mumbai as a blessing to acclimatise to red-ball cricket quickly before the domestic season begins.”We are fortunate to have this tournament because we don’t get many multi-day games back home during this weather,” he said. “Yes, you can practise for a couple of hours, but standing in the heat for six hours and doing that three or four days in a row is only possible through a game. That’s very important going forward in the Duleep Trophy and, hopefully, in Tests.”Suryakumar has a decent red-ball record, having scored 5628 runs in 82 first-class matches at an average of 43.62. This includes 14 hundreds and 29 fifties. He could be a key player on turning tracks, where he can bring his attacking game to the fore. But he underlined the need to tailor his game to suit the demands of the format, and not bat like he would in a T20 game.”It’s necessary to adapt to the conditions well,” he said. “In Mumbai, you have red soil, but here [in Coimbatore] it is black soil and the wickets are a bit different. You have to be one step ahead in the challenging longest format and can’t bat like how you would in a T20.”But at the same time, intent is imperative. Everything else will take care of itself when you play. You can’t go into the game and ponder too much. You just have to go out, put your heart into it and enjoy the game. Stay humble if you do well. Go back to the drawing board and start again if you don’t.”