Football
Why Liverpool can afford Alexander Isak despite spending more than £280m already
Liverpool could still be in a position to land Alexander Isak, despite having already spent over £280 million in the current summer transfer window, experts claim.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Isak has expressed a desire to leave Newcastle United during this transfer period, with growing rumors linking him to a move to Anfield. Should Arne Slot decide to pursue the Swedish forward, it would likely require a record-breaking British transfer fee.
Even with the heavy investment made so far, Liverpool’s financial situation appears to allow room for additional acquisitions. This flexibility comes partly from their decision to scale back spending last summer, with Federico Chiesa being the only major signing at £13 million.
That conservative approach didn’t slow down performance on the field. Slot’s side dominated the league, capturing the Premier League title and earning £174.9 million in prize money, significantly boosting the club’s coffers.
There have been concerns across the league regarding the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which cap clubs at £105 million in losses over a rolling three-year span. Breaches can result in points deductions—as both Everton and Nottingham Forest have experienced.
However, Liverpool appear well-positioned within those regulations. According to TBR Football, the club has benefitted from Fenway Sports Group’s move to extend their £350 million revolving credit facility by an additional £50 million. Although no funds have been drawn from the facility, the extension provides greater financial flexibility.
Based on PSR calculations, Liverpool could theoretically still have around £90 million to spend. Even if Isak were to cost £150 million, the impact on the current year’s financials would be softened due to amortization, which would spread the cost over five years. That would mean only £30 million would count against this year’s books.
This aggressive transfer strategy seems to be a deliberate move to assert Liverpool’s status at the top of European football. CEO Billy Hogan emphasized the club’s ambitions in an interview with The Athletic, noting the importance of both on-pitch success and off-pitch business execution.
“It’s a testament to how well everyone across the football and business operations have worked together to get to this point,” he said. “After securing our 20th league title, it’s vital we act like the global powerhouse we are.”
The Reds have already made significant moves in the market. On Wednesday, they completed the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69 million—a player Newcastle had also targeted. He became the second attacking arrival after the £116 million capture of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.
Liverpool have also strengthened their defense, bringing in Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth for £40 million and Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen for £29.5 million. To bolster their goalkeeping options, the Reds finalized the signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia in a deal that could reach £29 million. Although the agreement was made last summer, the Georgian shot-stopper remained on loan in Spain and is only now joining the squad.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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