Football
Liverpool make first official bid for Florian Wirtz after Bayer Leverkusen talks
Liverpool have officially submitted their opening bid to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, with the offer reportedly exceeding £84 million plus additional incentives.
This development follows a tense battle with Bayern Munich, who had previously been considered frontrunners for the German international’s signature.
Reports suggest that a verbal agreement was in place between Wirtz and Bayern before Liverpool entered the race with a compelling proposal.
Wirtz is said to have already agreed to personal terms with Liverpool and has even been spotted in the northwest of England scouting for a new home, a clear indication that a move to Anfield is highly likely.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Merseyside club’s opening offer totals over €100 million, and discussions between the two clubs have resumed in an effort to finalize the deal swiftly.
The early opening of this summer’s transfer window, from June 1 to June 10, due to the upcoming Club World Cup, means Liverpool could complete the signing within days. The window will then reopen again on June 16.
At just 22 years old, Wirtz is considered one of the most talented attacking midfielders in world football. This season alone, he has recorded 10 goals and 13 assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen, playing a pivotal role in their historic league and cup double.
His performances earned him the Bundesliga Player of the Season award in 2024, underlining his influence and consistency.
Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has expressed support for Wirtz’s potential move to Anfield, describing it as a strong step in the player’s development.
He acknowledged that while Bayern Munich would have been a good fit, Liverpool offers a competitive environment where Wirtz can thrive and grow further.
Nagelsmann emphasized the importance of regular playing time and the right surroundings for Wirtz to continue his upward trajectory.
Interest in Wirtz wasn’t limited to Bayern and Liverpool. Arsenal and Manchester City also explored the possibility of signing the midfielder but have since dropped out of the race.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, are believed to be holding out for a fee in the region of €150 million, although Liverpool’s current offer falls slightly below that threshold.
There are suggestions that a player from Liverpool could be included in the deal to sweeten the agreement.
In addition to pursuing Wirtz, Liverpool have already secured a deal to sign Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen.
The club is clearly focused on bolstering its squad ahead of the new season, aiming to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title once again.
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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