Football
Tuesday’s Transfer Round-Up Featuring Zirkzee, Hojlund & De Bruyne
Although the current transfer window has officially closed, football clubs across Europe are already setting their sights on potential moves ahead of the upcoming season.
Transfer speculation continues to dominate headlines as top teams begin early planning for key signings and squad overhauls.
Chelsea and Arsenal have reportedly received a major boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund’s rising star Jamie Gittens. The young winger is said to have outlined his stance on a potential move, sparking fresh hope for a summer transfer.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are ramping up efforts to secure a new striker, with a 22-year-old Premier League centre-forward emerging as the top target for incoming manager Ruben Amorim.
In other developments, Viktor Gyokeres’ agent is expected to attend a Champions League quarter-final match this week, further intensifying speculation around a potential move to Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain.
The Swedish striker has been in outstanding form, and interest in his services is growing rapidly.
Manchester City icon Kevin De Bruyne is reportedly on the radar of an MLS club, who are preparing a contract offer following news of his anticipated departure from the Etihad.
As he weighs up his next move, the decision could mirror Lionel Messi’s journey to the U.S., adding intrigue to De Bruyne’s future.
Manchester United are also eyeing Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, who has been linked with Arsenal. Reports suggest the Red Devils have entered the race to secure his signature.
Additionally, Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo has revealed the club’s intentions to sign Manchester United loanee Antony on a permanent deal.
Arsenal are said to be willing to spend £30 million to bring in a creative Premier League playmaker this summer, reinforcing their ambition to build on recent progress under Mikel Arteta. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka has spoken publicly about his future at Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta also dropping a hint about Real Madrid’s potential interest, as the star enters the final two years of his contract.
Three Premier League giants—Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea—are reportedly keeping close tabs on Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara. The Frenchman is attracting strong interest ahead of a summer bidding war.
Liverpool are also in talks to sign Freiburg right-back Kilian Sildillia as a possible replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid.
On the other end of the pitch, Virgil van Dijk has hinted at a possible contract extension, while drawing comparisons to veteran defenders Sergio Ramos and Giorgio Chiellini.
Elsewhere, Liverpool and Manchester City are set for a transfer battle over Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci, with Serie A giants also in the mix.
The Reds are further strengthening their attacking options and have opened talks with a top Ligue 1 striker, potentially viewing him as an alternative to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.
Arsenal continue to push forward in the market, reportedly entering direct negotiations to sign a £17.1 million-rated goalkeeper from La Liga as a successor to Aaron Ramsdale. Meanwhile,
Kevin De Bruyne’s next destination remains uncertain, with a prominent Serie A club reportedly ruling out a move due to concerns about the midfielder’s age and high wage demands.
With months to go until the next transfer window opens, these early moves and negotiations suggest the summer is shaping up to be another blockbuster period for the football world.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.
After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.
Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”
The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.
Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.
After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.
So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.
Football
Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen
Alexandre Lacazette’s home was targeted by burglars while he was on the pitch for Lyon last night, according to French outlet Le Progrès.
The 33‑year‑old, playing his 391st and final match for his boyhood club, was facing Angers at Groupama Stadium when two intruders are reported to have broken into his residence in Lyon’s fifth arrondissement around 9.30 pm local time.
Once inside, they accessed a safe and made off with jewellery, luxury leather goods and cash, with the stolen haul “claimed to be tens of thousands of pounds.”
Security cameras captured the suspects, and police launched an investigation after the burglary was officially reported at 1.30 am.
Lacazette rose through Lyon’s youth system before joining Arsenal in 2017, then returned to France in 2022.
Manager Paulo Fonseca recently confirmed that Lacazette will depart when his contract expires this summer, as Lyon look to balance the books amid financial concerns.
In recognition of his service, supporters unveiled a giant tifo before kick‑off, and Lacazette honored them by scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Angers—his 200th and 201st for the club—securing a sixth‑place finish.
He joins several teammates who have suffered similar crimes in recent seasons, including Georges Mikautadze, who was robbed at gunpoint last December, and Dejan Lovren, who faced an attempted break‑in in October 2023.
Football
Inside Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool ‘leaving party’ as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk attend
Liverpool recently held a summer celebration to honor Trent Alexander-Arnold as he prepares to leave Anfield after the 2024-25 season. The 26-year-old fullback, who has been with the club since he was just six, confirmed his departure earlier this month.
Despite spending two decades with Liverpool and making over 350 appearances, the news has divided fans—some even booed him during the recent 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
The event, which appeared to take place at Liverpool’s training base in Kirkby, featured teammates, family, and festive touches including food vendors, games, and a “Summer of 66” theme—referencing Alexander-Arnold’s shirt number.
TikTok user Nevada Linton shared footage from the event with a heartfelt message encouraging the defender to chase his dreams.
Key players including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and Luiz Diaz were spotted enjoying the gathering.
The party served as an internal gesture of appreciation despite the tension from parts of the fanbase.
Throughout the season, Liverpool pushed to secure contract extensions for Alexander-Arnold, Salah, and Van Dijk. While the latter two signed new deals, Alexander-Arnold opted to move on, with Real Madrid widely expected to be his next destination.
His farewell statement emphasized how difficult the decision had been, citing the need to step outside his comfort zone for new personal and professional challenges.
The backlash from some supporters has sparked reactions from fellow players. Salah voiced disappointment over the treatment Alexander-Arnold received, saying fans should recognize the defender’s loyalty and contributions over the years.
Van Dijk echoed the sentiment, stating that the team aims to win their final matches and celebrate together, including honoring Alexander-Arnold’s legacy.
Liverpool’s final fixtures of the season include a clash with Brighton and a home finale against Crystal Palace at Anfield, where the hope remains for a more appreciative farewell from the stands.
-
Football1 week agoAntony scores another worldie with stunning free-kick vs ex-Man Utd team-mate
-
Football1 day agoGuardiola refuses to shake hands with Palace star as Man City boss makes his feelings clear at the final whistle
-
Football1 week agoREVEALRD: Why do Man Utd have (Red) as their shirt sponsor vs West Ham
-
Football1 week agoMan Utd wonderkid dubbed ‘Next Yamal’ could snub Spain for England
-
Football2 weeks agoWatch Harry Maguire turn into Lamine Yamal as he humiliates Bilbao defender
-
Football1 week agoMan Utd fans name two players who ‘can’t start’ in the Europa League final despite win vs Athletic Bilbao
-
Football3 days agoLionel Messi involved in furious argument with referee after Inter Miami game
-
Football1 week agoAmorim spotted with new plaster on his knuckles after half-time vs Bilbao