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Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Spain lose final despite Merino penalty & Zubimendi goal
Portugal won the UEFA Nations League on Sunday despite Arsenal's Mikel Merino converting a penalty for Spain and Gunners target Martin Zubimendi scoring early on. Photo byArsenal fans had quite a few players to keep an eye on in the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain on Sunday, but almost exclusively from the Spanish side of the field. Advertisement Mikel Merino and David Raya were both in the matchday squad, though neither started the game. Merino came on in the 75th minute, whilst Raya was an unused substitute. Martin Zubimendi has been heavily linked with Arsenal, and he was involved from the start, whilst another rumoured target in Nico Williams also started. Photo byZubimendi opened the scoring in the final, driving his team forwards before capitalising on a loose ball in the penalty area for 1-0. Portugal's Nuno Mendes equalised in the 26th minute, Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal retook the lead in the 45th, but Portugal bounced back again through Cristiano Ronaldo to level the game at 2-2 just after the hour mark. Advertisement After that, Merino was introduced, but the Arsenal 28-year-old couldn't break the deadlock in the remainder of normal time and extra time. The contest went to penalties. Photo byMerino stepped up first for Spain, converting with a confident spot-kick to send the goalkeeper the wrong way. But Portugal came out on top as Alvaro Morata was the only player to fail to convert.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How every Premier League club's summer business is shaping up
Arsenal Recruitment was cast as the main reason for the club's disappointment last season. Mikel Merino playing as an auxiliary centre-forward after Kai Havertz had broken down made that apparent. This will be a summer with a marked difference with Andrea Berta ready to go as the club's new sporting director. Berta spent 12 years at Atlético Madrid, supplying the players and foundation behind Diego Simeone's dynasty. Arsenal seek to avoid friction between Arteta dictating as he did previously and Berta wielding the same kind of power that was so effective in Madrid. Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig is heavily linked to the striking vacancy with Sporting's Viktor Gyökeres seen as too costly. Martin Zubimendi is expected to reunite with Merino in Arsenal's midfield, though Real Madrid may yet turn the midfielder's head. Kepa Arrizabalaga will come in as a back-up goalkeeper within a squad well set for success but missing the final pieces. John Brewin Aston Villa There is another profit and sustainability-shaped hole to fill this summer, though the picture is not thought to be as pressing as last year, when Villa's director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, compared the situation to a ticking timebomb before they sold Douglas Luiz to Juventus. At the same time, another big sale would be a welcome relief to the bottom line, which is why Villa are preparing for the departure of Emiliano Martínez. Villa are targeting the additions of two goalkeepers, with Lille's Lucas Chevalier among those on the shortlist, and will need to replace the loanees who arrived in the winter window, with none of Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi expected to return permanently. Villa immediately targeted a young striker after agreeing to sell Jhon Duran in January and have agreed a deal for the 18-year-old Zépiqueno Redmond to join from Feyenoord next month. Ben Fisher Bournemouth No wonder the Bournemouth technical director, Simon Francis, recently conceded they are victims of their own success. Even before last season ended, the club were being mined for their prized assets, with Real Madrid triggering the £50m release clause in Dean Huijsen's contract. Milos Kerkez, who has been a superb signing from AZ Alkmaar, is poised to join Liverpool, so a left-back is high on the agenda. Paris Saint-Germain have also inquired about Illia Zabarnyi, another consistent performer. The official line is Zabarnyi is not for sale but it will be tough to keep him if PSG stump up. Regardless, Bournemouth will generate significant funds to strengthen and view a new goalkeeper as perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle. Kepa Arrizabalaga, who spent last season on loan from Chelsea and remains the world's most expensive goalkeeper, has a modest £5m release clause in his contract but Bournemouth are exploring all options in their search for a permanent No 1. BF Brentford This could be a summer of change at the Gtech. Thomas Frank continues to be touted as the next Tottenham manager and there is a possibility that Brentford will be forced to replace the goals and assists of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoanne Wissa. Both forwards have interest from elsewhere – Mbeumo is likeliest to leave, with United circling, while Wissa was targeted by Nottingham Forest in January. But Brentford will back themselves to bounce back. They recovered from losing Ivan Toney last summer and tend to use their funds wisely. They have already made an eye-catching addition in goal, signing Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool after selling Mark Flekken to Bayer Leverkusen. Michael Kayode, the 20-year-old Italian defender, has joined from Fiorentina for £14.8m. Jacob Steinberg Brighton Summer 2025 recruitment will have been planned some time ago with the ad-hoc approach some clubs still favour a stranger to Tony Bloom's set-up. Tommy Watson scored the playoff final goal that sent Sunderland to the Premier League when the teenage winger was already set to become a Brighton player. Note that Brighton refuse to loan to other Premier League clubs, which may see Watson returned to the north east. The Olympiakos striker Charalampos Kostoulas, for whom a bid is logged, fits the brand of hot property bigger clubs will end up paying more for in the coming years. Brighton can be a selling club but only at the right price, so moves for Kaoru Mitoma will have to be credible, though could fund a defensive rebuild where Lewis Dunk and Joël Veltman are both 34. Olivier Boscagli, 27, out of contract at PSV, is signed as a centre-back. JB Burnley As one of the six clubs to have won promotion to the Premier League and suffered an immediate return to the Championship in the past two seasons, Burnley are painfully aware of the leap they need to make this summer. Two years ago, having won the Championship with 101 points, the Clarets invested more than £100m in Vincent Kompany's squad, only to finish second from bottom of the Premier League with 24 points. This summer, having won automatic promotion with 100 points, Scott Parker intends to keep the core of his squad intact while strengthening in several departments. He may also have holes to fill in goal and in central defence should James Trafford and Maxime Estève depart. Burnley have already signed last season's loanees Marcus Edwards, Zian Flemming, Jaidon Anthony and Bashir Humphreys on permanent deals and released veterans Nathan Redmond and Jonjo Shelvey. A big summer is required to buck a worrying trend at the top of English football. Andy Hunter Chelsea Champions League qualification and Conference League glory should be followed by another flurry of activity. The aim is to move quickly given that Chelsea compete in the Club World Cup this month, and there is satisfaction at winning the race to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30m. A new striker was the top priority, but other positions are being targeted. Chelsea want a right-footed winger after sending Jadon Sancho back to Manchester United, view Ajax's Jorrel Hato as a good option in defence and have checked on the Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Another striker is a possibility, too. The pace is relentless. Chelsea will look to make a lot of sales – Noni Madueke could leave for the right price – and a lot of business was done before this window, with deals concluded for youngsters such as Dario Essugo, Willian Estêvão, Mamadou Sarr, Kendry Páez and Mike Penders. JS Crystal Palace Selhurst spending power is likely to be decided by the ongoing dispute over the club's participation in the Europa League. Should Palace be excluded, their status as a destination – and a place to stay – will be much reduced. Anyone wishing to buy Eberechi Eze will have to pay a release clause of £68m, a hefty premium following the previous practice of pricing Wilfried Zaha highly. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Adam Wharton and Marc Guéhi will have similar premiums; Wharton would cost significantly north of £60m for interested parties like Liverpool. Who makes the decisions? Dougie Freedman was a hugely admired sporting director but departed to Saudi Arabia, a combination of deputy Ben Stevens and the experienced consultant Iain Moody has stepped in, a hotline to Freedman kept open, too. Oliver Glasner needs bodies if European football happens, particularly in defence and midfield. JB Everton The theory that a new stadium plus new owners equals a new start for Everton is appealing, but the reality is not so straightforward. The mess left by the previous regime still lingers. The contracts of 13 members of last season's squad, including loanees, expire this summer. Eight departures have been confirmed and the futures of four others are yet to be resolved. On the bright side, the impressive Carlos Alcaraz has been signed on a permanent deal. A comprehensive rebuild is unavoidable, there are profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) issues to contend with, Jarrad Branthwaite is coveted again and both the club's head of recruitment and director of football have left, the latter at Everton's behest. David Moyes has admitted being worried at the scale of the overhaul required and no wonder. The Friedkin Group need him to perform heroics in the transfer market once again. AH Fulham The most important thing is to hold on to Marco Silva. The manager has been linked with Juventus, Spurs and Saudi Pro League clubs in recent months and would not be easy to replace if he leaves. Silva's influence at Craven Cottage is vast and he will want Fulham to show ambition. A new striker is wanted to compete with Raúl Jiménez and Rodrigo Muniz. PSV Eindhoven's Ricardo Pepi has been linked, although he suffered a serious injury in January. The Benfica winger Rafa Silva is also on the club's radar. Fulham need a new wide player following the end of Reiss Nelson's loan from Arsenal. They are also waiting to see if Kenny Tete and Tom Cairney sign new deals. Willian and Carlos Vinícius have been released. JS Leeds Daniel Farke will aim to strengthen the spine of his promoted side. The Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope and central midfielder Sean Longstaff loom large on his wish list, while the Leeds manager is also a fan of the Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga. A forward is also being targeted, with Lecce's Nikola Krstović under consideration. Manor Solomon, excellent as the Championship was won last season, is likely to return to Spurs after the end of his loan deal and there could be other high-profile exits, including those of Patrick Bamford and Illan Meslier. Farke should have around £100m to spend, although it is not ideal that the transfer window's opening has coincided with the departure of the club's influential chief executive, Angus Kinnear, to Everton. Louise Taylor Liverpool The busy summer that Virgil van Dijk predicted – or was promised during contract negotiations – has commenced in impressive style as the Premier League champions revamp Arne Slot's squad from a position of strength. The disappointment of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold has been quickly offset by the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, although, Liverpool do not consider the £29.5m signing a like-for-like replacement. Moves are afoot to strengthen on the opposite flank with a deal close for the Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez. But it is the pursuit of Frimpong's former Leverkusen team-mate Florian Wirtz that promises to be the most spectacular piece of business by a club that has kept its powder relatively dry in the last three transfer windows. Wirtz will cost Liverpool a club record fee whatever the final sum proves to be and will bring the creativity and finishing touch that Slot believes can elevate his champions next season. And a new striker is wanted. There will be several exits to help fund a statement of intent this summer. AH Manchester City The Manchester City chair, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, promised the club would be 'aggressive' in this summer window despite the fact they still await the outcome of their hearing into alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. City certainly have not been shy with their early moves in the market, agreeing a £46.3m fee for Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and pursuing Wolves' Rayan Aït-Nouri, who is expected to move for around £30m plus add-ons. City were admirers of Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz as they eye attacking midfield reinforcements in the wake of Kevin De Bruyne's departure. Lyon's Rayan Cherki looks set to fit the bill instead, although City have until 7pm on 10 June to finalise all three deals if the trio are to feature in the Club World Cup. In terms of outgoings, James McAtee and Jack Grealish could follow De Bruyne through the exit door. Dominic Booth Manchester United Bruno Fernandes' decision to reject a move to the Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who were prepared to offer Manchester United £100m for their captain, was an early boost in the window for Ruben Amorim's side. Although the fee may have helped United's delicate PSR situation, the club's priority was always to keep Fernandes. That, coupled with the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolves, with United meeting the Brazilian's £62.5m release clause, has given supporters cause for summer optimism. Bryan Mbeumo is next on United's radar, but Brentford have rebuffed an initial bid, requiring a fee similar to the one paid for Cunha. The club would still like a striker, central midfielder and possibly a goalkeeper to go with the attacking midfield pair. They won't get them all without significant sales, with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho among those deemed surplus to requirements. DB Newcastle Newcastle are in a state of flux. The club's sporting director, Paul Mitchell, is leaving at the end of June, with chief executive, Darren Eales, also poised to depart on health grounds. While the club's Saudi Arabian ownership consider replacing Eales with David Hopkinson, a Canadian with previous executive experience at Real Madrid, Eddie Howe seeks a new goalkeeper, a right-sided centre half, a right winger and a striker to understudy Alexander Isak. The Burnley keeper James Trafford and the Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi remain at the top of his wish list. Having missed out on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap, Howe is likely to target Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga and Brighton's João Pedro. Fraser Forster or Tim Krul could also return as back-up goalkeepers, boosting the squad's homegrown contingent demanded by Uefa's Champions League rules. LT Nottingham Forest Nuno Espírito Santo wants to add depth after returning Forest to European competition for the first time since 1996. Providing support for Chris Wood is a priority and Forest could revisit a move for Brentford's Yoane Wissa, for whom they bid £22m in January. There is a familiar figure working in the shadows – Edu Gaspar, the former Arsenal sporting director, who, for now, is working for Evangelos Marinakis on an unofficial basis. First up? A triple signing from Botafogo is in the pipeline, with striker Igor Jesus, centre-back Jair Cunha and left-back Cuiabano being pursued. A backup goalkeeper and a central midfielder are also on their wanted list. Murillo and Morgan Gibbs-White are of interest to the elite but Forest are hopeful of holding on to their best players. BF Sunderland Régis Le Bris has already made his first summer signing following promotion, with Enzo Le Fée's loan from Roma becoming a £20m record transfer. Although Sunderland would like to keep Jobe Bellingham, the England Under-21 midfielder is poised to join Borussia Dortmund for an initial fee of around £28m, while winger Tommy Watson, scorer of the winning goal in the playoff final against Sheffield United, has already joined Brighton for £10m. While Sunderland's sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, will not be drawn on suggestions that the Ajax captain Jordan Henderson could return to the club where he began his career, he has indicated that a handful of high-calibre recruits capable of stepping straight into Le Bris's youthful team are being sought. The idea is that four or five new arrivals will solidify the spine ofthe starting XI. Those targeted could include the Monaco defender Wilfried Singo. LT Tottenham There had been only one story at the club since the end of the season – whether Ange Postecoglou would stay on as the manager or go. We now have the answer. However, the hierarchy have been pushing on with moves for transfer targets, with the technical director, Johan Lange, prominent. There is also the possibility that Fabio Paratici, the former recruitment chief, who has been working for them in a consultancy role, will return in a more formal capacity. With a Champions League campaign to come, it will be important to add depth. The future of the captain, Son Heung-min, must be resolved – he has one year on his contract and turns 34 next summer – and a decision must be taken on Cristian Romero, who is a target for Atlético Madrid. Will Mathys Tel be added permanently? The 18-year-old Croatian defender Luka Vušković will join from Hajduk Split in a deal put in place in 2023. Fraser Forster, Alfie Whiteman and Sergio Reguilón have been released. Timo Werner's loan has ended. David Hytner West Ham Money is tight because of PSR concerns caused by years of costly, ill-advised deals. The recruitment team have been told that little can be done before sales are made. The problem, though, is that West Ham have few lucrative assets. Much will depend on whether a buyer appears for Mohammed Kudus. Lucas Paquetá could also leave if he is declared not guilty of breaking the Football Association's betting regulations. As it is, though, Graham Potter knows that he has to be creative as he looks to revamp an ageing squad. West Ham need more legs and youth in midfield, and have scouted Sunderland's Chris Rigg, Sheffield United's Sydie Peck and Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney. There is also interest in the Sunderland forward Eliezer Mayenda. West Ham want a goalkeeper but are lukewarm on Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale. A new left-back is needed. JS Wolves This summer has so far taken on a familiar theme: headline departures. Matheus Cunha is the latest key player to exit, Manchester United triggering his £62.5m release clause, while Rayan Aït-Nouri is primed to join Manchester City. Twelve months on from Max Kilman leaving for West Ham, Wolves look likely to lose another captain, with Nelson Semedo out of contract this month. It is shaping up to be another rebuild, which Vitor Pereira will oversee. He wants to focus on bringing in at least one forward, while new full-backs will be necessary if Aït-Nouri and Semedo depart. The departure of sporting director, Matt Hobbs will likely give Pereira greater autonomy, with the Italian Domenico Teti, whom Pereira worked with in Saudi Arabia, poised to take on an influential role. The intriguing bit will be whether Jorge Mendes, who represents Pereira, also gains greater control. BF
The Guardian
a day ago
- Business
- The Guardian
How every Premier League club's summer business is shaping up
Recruitment was cast as the main reason for the club's disappointment last season. Mikel Merino playing as an auxiliary centre-forward after Kai Havertz had broken down made that apparent. This will be a summer with a marked difference with Andrea Berta ready to go as the club's new sporting director. Berta spent 12 years at Atlético Madrid, supplying the players and foundation behind Diego Simeone's dynasty. Arsenal seek to avoid friction between Arteta dictating as he did previously and Berta wielding the same kind of power that was so effective in Madrid. Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig is heavily linked to the striking vacancy with Sporting's Viktor Gyökeres seen as too costly. Martin Zubimendi is expected to reunite with Merino in Arsenal's midfield, though Real Madrid may yet turn the midfielder's head. Kepa Arrizabalaga will come in as a back-up goalkeeper within a squad well set for success but missing the final pieces. John Brewin There is another profit and sustainability-shaped hole to fill this summer, though the picture is not thought to be as pressing as last year, when Villa's director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, compared the situation to a ticking timebomb before they sold Douglas Luiz to Juventus. At the same time, another big sale would be a welcome relief to the bottom line, which is why Villa are preparing for the departure of Emiliano Martínez. Villa are targeting the additions of two goalkeepers, with Lille's Lucas Chevalier among those on the shortlist, and will need to replace the loanees who arrived in the winter window, with none of Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi expected to return permanently. Villa immediately targeted a young striker after agreeing to sell Jhon Duran in January and have agreed a deal for the 18-year-old Zépiqueno Redmond to join from Feyenoord next month. Ben Fisher No wonder the Bournemouth technical director, Simon Francis, recently conceded they are victims of their own success. Even before last season ended, the club were being mined for their prized assets, with Real Madrid triggering the £50m release clause in Dean Huijsen's contract. Milos Kerkez, who has been a superb signing from AZ Alkmaar, is poised to join Liverpool, so a left-back is high on the agenda. Paris Saint-Germain have also inquired about Illia Zabarnyi, another consistent performer. The official line is Zabarnyi is not for sale but it will be tough to keep him if PSG stump up. Regardless, Bournemouth will generate significant funds to strengthen and view a new goalkeeper as perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle. Kepa Arrizabalaga, who spent last season on loan from Chelsea and remains the world's most expensive goalkeeper, has a modest £5m release clause in his contract but Bournemouth are exploring all options in their search for a permanent No 1. BF This could be a summer of change at the Gtech. Thomas Frank continues to be touted as the next Tottenham manager and there is a possibility that Brentford will be forced to replace the goals and assists of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoanne Wissa. Both forwards have interest from elsewhere – Mbeumo is likeliest to leave, with United circling, while Wissa was targeted by Nottingham Forest in January. But Brentford will back themselves to bounce back. They recovered from losing Ivan Toney last summer and tend to use their funds wisely. They have already made an eye-catching addition in goal, signing Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool after selling Mark Flekken to Bayer Leverkusen. Michael Kayode, the 20-year-old Italian defender, has joined from Fiorentina for £14.8m. Jacob Steinberg Summer 2025 recruitment will have been planned some time ago with the ad-hoc approach some clubs still favour a stranger to Tony Bloom's set-up. Tommy Watson scored the playoff final goal that sent Sunderland to the Premier League when the teenage winger was already set to become a Brighton player. Note that Brighton refuse to loan to other Premier League clubs, which may see Watson returned to the north east. The Olympiakos striker Charalampos Kostoulas, for whom a bid is logged, fits the brand of hot property bigger clubs will end up paying more for in the coming years. Brighton can be a selling club but only at the right price, so moves for Kaoru Mitoma will have to be credible, though could fund a defensive rebuild where Lewis Dunk and Joël Veltman are both 34. Olivier Boscagli, 27, out of contract at PSV, is signed as a centre-back. JB As one of the six clubs to have won promotion to the Premier League and suffered an immediate return to the Championship in the past two seasons, Burnley are painfully aware of the leap they need to make this summer. Two years ago, having won the Championship with 101 points, the Clarets invested more than £100m in Vincent Kompany's squad, only to finish second from bottom of the Premier League with 24 points. This summer, having won automatic promotion with 100 points, Scott Parker intends to keep the core of his squad intact while strengthening in several departments. He may also have holes to fill in goal and in central defence should James Trafford and Maxime Estève depart. Burnley have already signed last season's loanees Marcus Edwards, Zian Flemming, Jaidon Anthony and Bashir Humphreys on permanent deals and released veterans Nathan Redmond and Jonjo Shelvey. A big summer is required to buck a worrying trend at the top of English football. Andy Hunter Champions League qualification and Conference League glory should be followed by another flurry of activity. The aim is to move quickly given that Chelsea compete in the Club World Cup this month, and there is satisfaction at winning the race to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30m. A new striker was the top priority, but other positions are being targeted. Chelsea want a right-footed winger after sending Jadon Sancho back to Manchester United, view Ajax's Jorrel Hato as a good option in defence and have checked on the Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Another striker is a possibility, too. The pace is relentless. Chelsea will look to make a lot of sales – Noni Madueke could leave for the right price – and a lot of business was done before this window, with deals concluded for youngsters such as Dario Essugo, Willian Estêvão, Mamadou Sarr, Kendry Páez and Mike Penders. JS Selhurst spending power is likely to be decided by the ongoing dispute over the club's participation in the Europa League. Should Palace be excluded, their status as a destination – and a place to stay – will be much reduced. Anyone wishing to buy Eberechi Eze will have to pay a release clause of £68m, a hefty premium following the previous practice of pricing Wilfried Zaha highly. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Adam Wharton and Marc Guéhi will have similar premiums; Wharton would cost significantly north of £60m for interested parties like Liverpool. Who makes the decisions? Dougie Freedman was a hugely admired sporting director but departed to Saudi Arabia, a combination of deputy Ben Stevens and the experienced consultant Iain Moody has stepped in, a hotline to Freedman kept open, too. Oliver Glasner needs bodies if European football happens, particularly in defence and midfield. JB The theory that a new stadium plus new owners equals a new start for Everton is appealing, but the reality is not so straightforward. The mess left by the previous regime still lingers. The contracts of 13 members of last season's squad, including loanees, expire this summer. Eight departures have been confirmed and the futures of four others are yet to be resolved. On the bright side, the impressive Carlos Alcaraz has been signed on a permanent deal. A comprehensive rebuild is unavoidable, there are profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) issues to contend with, Jarrad Branthwaite is coveted again and both the club's head of recruitment and director of football have left, the latter at Everton's behest. David Moyes has admitted being worried at the scale of the overhaul required and no wonder. The Friedkin Group need him to perform heroics in the transfer market once again. AH The most important thing is to hold on to Marco Silva. The manager has been linked with Juventus, Spurs and Saudi Pro League clubs in recent months and would not be easy to replace if he leaves. Silva's influence at Craven Cottage is vast and he will want Fulham to show ambition. A new striker is wanted to compete with Raúl Jiménez and Rodrigo Muniz. PSV Eindhoven's Ricardo Pepi has been linked, although he suffered a serious injury in January. The Benfica winger Rafa Silva is also on the club's radar. Fulham need a new wide player following the end of Reiss Nelson's loan from Arsenal. They are also waiting to see if Kenny Tete and Tom Cairney sign new deals. Willian and Carlos Vinícius have been released. JS Daniel Farke will aim to strengthen the spine of his promoted side. The Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope and central midfielder Sean Longstaff loom large on his wish list, while the Leeds manager is also a fan of the Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga. A forward is also being targeted, with Lecce's Nikola Krstović under consideration. Manor Solomon, excellent as the Championship was won last season, is likely to return to Spurs after the end of his loan deal and there could be other high-profile exits, including those of Patrick Bamford and Illan Meslier. Farke should have around £100m to spend, although it is not ideal that the transfer window's opening has coincided with the departure of the club's influential chief executive, Angus Kinnear, to Everton. Louise Taylor The busy summer that Virgil van Dijk predicted – or was promised during contract negotiations – has commenced in impressive style as the Premier League champions revamp Arne Slot's squad from a position of strength. The disappointment of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold has been quickly offset by the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, although, Liverpool do not consider the £29.5m signing a like-for-like replacement. Moves are afoot to strengthen on the opposite flank with a deal close for the Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez. But it is the pursuit of Frimpong's former Leverkusen team-mate Florian Wirtz that promises to be the most spectacular piece of business by a club that has kept its powder relatively dry in the last three transfer windows. Wirtz will cost Liverpool a club record fee whatever the final sum proves to be and will bring the creativity and finishing touch that Slot believes can elevate his champions next season. And a new striker is wanted. There will be several exits to help fund a statement of intent this summer. AH The Manchester City chair, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, promised the club would be 'aggressive' in this summer window despite the fact they still await the outcome of their hearing into alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. City certainly have not been shy with their early moves in the market, agreeing a £46.3m fee for Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and pursuing Wolves' Rayan Aït-Nouri, who is expected to move for around £30m plus add-ons. City were admirers of Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz as they eye attacking midfield reinforcements in the wake of Kevin De Bruyne's departure. Lyon's Rayan Cherki looks set to fit the bill instead, although City have until 7pm on 10 June to finalise all three deals if the trio are to feature in the Club World Cup. In terms of outgoings, James McAtee and Jack Grealish could follow De Bruyne through the exit door. Dominic Booth Bruno Fernandes' decision to reject a move to the Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who were prepared to offer Manchester United £100m for their captain, was an early boost in the window for Ruben Amorim's side. Although the fee may have helped United's delicate PSR situation, the club's priority was always to keep Fernandes. That, coupled with the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolves, with United meeting the Brazilian's £62.5m release clause, has given supporters cause for summer optimism. Bryan Mbeumo is next on United's radar, but Brentford have rebuffed an initial bid, requiring a fee similar to the one paid for Cunha. The club would still like a striker, central midfielder and possibly a goalkeeper to go with the attacking midfield pair. They won't get them all without significant sales, with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho among those deemed surplus to requirements. DB Newcastle are in a state of flux. The club's sporting director, Paul Mitchell, is leaving at the end of June, with chief executive, Darren Eales, also poised to depart on health grounds. While the club's Saudi Arabian ownership consider replacing Eales with David Hopkinson, a Canadian with previous executive experience at Real Madrid, Eddie Howe seeks a new goalkeeper, a right-sided centre half, a right winger and a striker to understudy Alexander Isak. The Burnley keeper James Trafford and the Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi remain at the top of his wish list. Having missed out on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap, Howe is likely to target Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga and Brighton's João Pedro. Fraser Forster or Tim Krul could also return as back-up goalkeepers, boosting the squad's homegrown contingent demanded by Uefa's Champions League rules. LT Nuno Espírito Santo wants to add depth after returning Forest to European competition for the first time since 1996. Providing support for Chris Wood is a priority and Forest could revisit a move for Brentford's Yoane Wissa, for whom they bid £22m in January. There is a familiar figure working in the shadows – Edu Gaspar, the former Arsenal sporting director, who, for now, is working for Evangelos Marinakis on an unofficial basis. First up? A triple signing from Botafogo is in the pipeline, with striker Igor Jesus, centre-back Jair Cunha and left-back Cuiabano being pursued. A backup goalkeeper and a central midfielder are also on their wanted list. Murillo and Morgan Gibbs-White are of interest to the elite but Forest are hopeful of holding on to their best players. BF Régis Le Bris has already made his first summer signing following promotion, with Enzo Le Fée's loan from Roma becoming a £20m record transfer. Although Sunderland would like to keep Jobe Bellingham, the England Under-21 midfielder is poised to join Borussia Dortmund for an initial fee of around £28m, while winger Tommy Watson, scorer of the winning goal in the playoff final against Sheffield United, has already joined Brighton for £10m. While Sunderland's sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, will not be drawn on suggestions that the Ajax captain Jordan Henderson could return to the club where he began his career, he has indicated that a handful of high-calibre recruits capable of stepping straight into Le Bris's youthful team are being sought. The idea is that four or five new arrivals will solidify the spine ofthe starting XI. Those targeted could include the Monaco defender Wilfried Singo. LT There had been only one story at the club since the end of the season – whether Ange Postecoglou would stay on as the manager or go. We now have the answer. However, the hierarchy have been pushing on with moves for transfer targets, with the technical director, Johan Lange, prominent. There is also the possibility that Fabio Paratici, the former recruitment chief, who has been working for them in a consultancy role, will return in a more formal capacity. With a Champions League campaign to come, it will be important to add depth. The future of the captain, Son Heung-min, must be resolved – he has one year on his contract and turns 34 next summer – and a decision must be taken on Cristian Romero, who is a target for Atlético Madrid. Will Mathys Tel be added permanently? The 18-year-old Croatian defender Luka Vušković will join from Hajduk Split in a deal put in place in 2023. Fraser Forster, Alfie Whiteman and Sergio Reguilón have been released. Timo Werner's loan has ended. David Hytner Money is tight because of PSR concerns caused by years of costly, ill-advised deals. The recruitment team have been told that little can be done before sales are made. The problem, though, is that West Ham have few lucrative assets. Much will depend on whether a buyer appears for Mohammed Kudus. Lucas Paquetá could also leave if he is declared not guilty of breaking the Football Association's betting regulations. As it is, though, Graham Potter knows that he has to be creative as he looks to revamp an ageing squad. West Ham need more legs and youth in midfield, and have scouted Sunderland's Chris Rigg, Sheffield United's Sydie Peck and Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney. There is also interest in the Sunderland forward Eliezer Mayenda. West Ham want a goalkeeper but are lukewarm on Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale. A new left-back is needed. JS This summer has so far taken on a familiar theme: headline departures. Matheus Cunha is the latest key player to exit, Manchester United triggering his £62.5m release clause, while Rayan Aït-Nouri is primed to join Manchester City. Twelve months on from Max Kilman leaving for West Ham, Wolves look likely to lose another captain, with Nelson Semedo out of contract this month. It is shaping up to be another rebuild, which Vitor Pereira will oversee. He wants to focus on bringing in at least one forward, while new full-backs will be necessary if Aït-Nouri and Semedo depart. The departure of sporting director, Matt Hobbs will likely give Pereira greater autonomy, with the Italian Domenico Teti, whom Pereira worked with in Saudi Arabia, poised to take on an influential role. The intriguing bit will be whether Jorge Mendes, who represents Pereira, also gains greater control. BF
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'Genius' Yamal & all-time classic - why Spain are World Cup favourites
Spain and France played out a Nations League semi-final game for the ages with a scoreline that looks like it belongs in a penalty 5-4 win for Spain has everyone wondering if anyone can stop these attackers - although the less said about the defenders, the who play Portugal in Sunday's final, are looking for a third Uefa tournament success in a row having won the last Nations League and Euro they are favourites for the World Cup coming up next summer, with France second on the showed why they will be tough to stop after one of the most exciting international games in memory.A total of 40 shots, 17 on target, nine goals. Spain led 4-0 and 5-1 - and threatened to blow France away - before their rivals only every match was like this."It was a crazy game," said Spain goalscorer Mikel Merino. "Not the best game for the coaches - nobody wants to concede so many goals - but an amazing game for the fans."We're going to remember this one for a long time."Lamine Yamal, who turns 18 later this summer, netted twice for Spain to cement his credentials as a Ballon d'Or contender. He is up to six goals for his country now, to add to 25 for club side Barcelona. Yamal impressed more than France's PSG stars - Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue - who were hyped up pre-game after phenomenal club Bleus debutant Rayan Cherki help spark France's fightback after coming off the bench to show why he is being linked to Liverpool and Manchester City. So what happened? It would almost take too long to address everything that happened in the game. But here Oyarzabal picked out Nico Williams to net Spain's opener, before also setting up Merino four minutes was almost 3-0 when Dean Huijsen had a goal disallowed for offside after a sensational free-kick routine."That belongs in a musuem," said Prime Video summariser Karen the break Yamal was fouled and scored the resulting penalty, with Williams finding Pedri shortly after for their Mbappe netted a penalty to pull one back, but Yamal bagged his second with a fine first touch and finish."It's hard to argue with the genius that you see before you," said Bardsley on seeing Yamal poke home his was 5-1 but then France came hit the post, before debutant Cherki volleyed in from the edge of the box. Dani Vivian turned a cross into his own net and then Randal Kolo Muani nodded in from Cherki's good they could not create another chance in the remaining two minutes of stoppage time to force the extra-time period every neutral wanted. 'A typical Spain performance' After 75 minutes it looked as if the story was going to be about Spain blowing France away to cement their place as favourites to win everything were the best side by some way at Euro 2024 and show no signs of slowing Yamal, who seems to improve with every game - which is actually to be expected at the age of 17 - and Williams were electric. Midfielders Merino and Pedri were on the scoresheet. Oyarzabal had two assists to his oldest player was 28, and the team had an average age of there will be question marks about a defence that let in four goals - and a team who almost blew a 5-1 said: "When two great teams like this play, you sometimes see a lot of goals. They will make you suffer until the end but we went to the final despite the mistakes we made."Unai Simon had to make six saves, so this was far from a story of an opponent who scored every shot."That was a typical Spain performance," said Spanish journalist Guillem Balague."These players come out on the pitch with the feeling they can beat anyone."The interesting thing is they are doing it, winning and creating magic within a structure. "Spain have been playing in a way that represents the predominant model of our times. Not only are these players intelligent, creative but they are committed as well. They work so hard to get the ball back."Even though at the end Spain relaxed, when you do that you believe you belong to the right path. "You have special players all over the park and of course the feeling is more people are watching Spain because its really enjoyable and winning seems to be a habit." 'It's not all negative' for France France's attackers were pretty when they were getting whacked by Spain before the hour-mark, they were still having plenty of had more shots than Spain did in both halves - and more efforts on target in speaking to RTVE, said: "We had some bursts of play we haven't had for a long time. But in just 10 minutes of the first-half, we conceded two goals - and the same thing happened in the second-half."We weren't consistent throughout the 90 minutes, but we did improve. It's not all negative."PSG's two-goal Champions League final scorer Doue went close, team-mate and Ballon d'Or contender Dembele hit the post - and Mbappe had chances before scoring his 21-year-old Lyon attacker Cherki had a big role after coming on. His sweet volley from the edge of the box was probably the best goal of the game - and his cross for Kolo Muani to make it 5-4 was though, like Spain, it was the defending which was the issue. Juventus full-back Pierre Kalulu, making his debut on his 25th birthday, struggled. Clement Lenglet, winning his first cap since 2021, was caused problems added: "A bit of a crazy game. If you look at the whole game, we played pretty well. We lacked accuracy in some areas of the field. We lacked concentration in the stretches when they scored against us." What did BBC Sport readers think about it? Sulaimon Adelekan: This Spain side is so good and young, they could rule world football for the next six years with Yamal, Pedri, Gavi and Nico Williams still yet to peak. They are dismantling and destroying With the way it's going, this Spanish team will easily win the next World Cup. There is simply no need traveling to Spain are the best team in the world at moment and it's not even Spain probably are currently the best team in the world, but a full-strength Germany (they were missing Rüdiger, Musiala and Havertz yesterday) are close - they were the only team that can really claim they should have beaten Spain at the Euros with the chances they created - and Argentina are strong, too. I feel like France will be incredible at the next World Cup - they just need to work out what their best XI is, because they've arguably got too many good players!
New York Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Spain 5 France 4 – Genius Yamal, sublime team goal and Cherki wonderstrike in nine-goal thriller
Lamine Yamal was the star as Spain beat France in a nine-goal thriller in Stuttgart to set up a Nations League final against Portugal on Sunday. The game was billed as a battle of the Ballon d'Or contenders and featured some of the brightest names in European football, including Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, Nico Williams, Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele. Advertisement Williams, the Athletic Club forward, who is on the shortlist of many clubs this summer, put Spain in front before Arsenal midfielder-come-forward Mikel Merino doubled the lead. Martin Zubimendi, who is in the final stages of a move to Arsenal this summer, was the provider for Merino. After the break, Yamal calmly put away a penalty before Pedri finished off a brilliant team goal. A Kylian Mbappe penalty brought hope for France until Yamal, just 17, again showed his brilliance when he scored Spain's fifth. Rayan Cherki, another in-demand player, then topped his France senior debut with a brilliant finish to make it 5-2 before a late own goal and Randal Kolo Muani header made it 5-4. Here, Stuart James, Dermot Corrigan and Thom Harris break down the action from Stuttgart. This was another stellar night for Yamal in a Spain shirt, and once again France were on the receiving end. Eleven months on from his wonder strike in the European Championship semi-finals, Yamal inflicted more pain on France with an outstanding performance that featured two goals, the first from the penalty spot and the second finished with such coolness and confidence that you have to keep reminding yourself he's still only 17 years old. He was, quite simply, unplayable. With 10 minutes remaining, Theo Hernandez decided enough was enough as Yamal wriggled away from him in the centre of the pitch after producing another piece of superb skill. The France full-back wrapped both arms around Yamal, almost like a rugby tackle. He may as well have thrown in a towel too. There is something truly joyous about watching Yamal play. Absolutely fearless and blessed with the most extraordinary talent, he is a genuine superstar already. And he doesn't turn 18 for another month. Stuart James When Nico Williams thrashed an unstoppable 12-yard shot high to the net, it was another reminder of the tendency of the Basque to make an impact on the biggest stages. His last three international goals have come against England in last summer's Euro 2024 final, versus the Netherlands in the Nations League quarter-finals in March, and now a crucial strike against France in the competition's semi-final. Advertisement The goal was a welcome boost for Williams, who last month suffered the disappointment of losing with Athletic to Manchester United in the Europa League semi-finals. The 22-year-old looked fine tonight, and his 'camera' goal celebration and hug with young Spain defender Dean Huijsen was also noticeable. Huijsen has just joined Real Madrid, who activated his £50m release clause at Bournemouth. Williams himself has a release clause of around €60m. Arsenal are also long-term admirers of Williams, while Barcelona were interested in him after last summer's Euros. But he has always so far decided to stay at Athletic, who have qualified for next season's Champions League. Athletic Club sporting director Mikel Gonzalez suggested earlier on Thursday that there was 'constant contact' with Williams' camp about extending a contract which still has two years left to run. Tonight's display was another reminder that, as long as that clause remains around €60m, Williams will continue to have suitors among Europe's richest clubs. Dermot Corrigan Spain's fourth goal was just tremendous — even at 3-0 ahead, De la Fuente's team were still pushing up the pitch to get another. When right-back Pedro Porro took a throw-in just inside the France half, Pedri came short to play a one-two. The Tottenham defender played a direct low ball towards centre-forward Mikel Oyarzabal, but marker Ibrahima Konate came out ahead of him to try and intercept. When the ball spun up in the air, Pedri was the quickest to react, throwing up his right boot to connect with a sublime first touch. That set him up perfectly to immediately spread the ball wide with his left foot to Nico Williams on the far wing. Nico ran at his defender, but was really just waiting for Pedri to arrive in the box, and he threaded the ball through to the fast-arriving midfielder. The pass was just behind him, but Pedri produced another fantasy first touch to bring the ball under control and into his path. Then, all in the same movement, he was able to deftly lift the ball over the outstretched leg of France keeper Mike Maignan to the net. You could tell from Pedri's celebration, with his tongue out and a huge smile spread across his face, that the Canary Islander knew he had just scored a really special goal. He had been involved three times, needing just five touches to start and finish the move. What made it all the more amazing was that Pedri is right-footed. He does not score many goals — this was his third in his 31st cap – but this was tremendous. Dermot Corrigan This doesn't happen often to France — it's the first time they have conceded five goals in a game for over 56 years — on the receiving end of Ole's from the crowd with 15 minutes to play. But for all the mistakes, the lapses in concentration in build-up, the wastefulness in front of goal, there were some outrageous moments of quality on show, particularly as Les Bleus looked to mount an unlikely comeback in the closing moments. Advertisement There were flashes of technical brilliance from Mbappe, Doue, Dembele in the first half, thwarted by a number of excellent saves from Unai Simon, but things were turned up a notch when Cherki entered the fray. He played a number of splitting passes before his wonderful goal, volleying past Simon after a wonderful piece of control, his mix of technique and nonchalance so pleasing on the eye. Combined with the electricity of Bradley Barcola from the bench, there were some exciting glimpses into the future. It feels odd to say after what could have been an embarrassing defeat — France crumbled in 12 second-half minutes, injuries to key defensive players not helping confidence in that torrid spell — but as the game verged upon lunacy towards the end, there was a reminder of the incredible attacking quality that this team holds. Thom Harris Zubimendi seemed to cool suggestions that a summer move to Arsenal was nearing completion this week, but this was still a great opportunity to see the much-discussed midfielder in action. As The Athletic reported in the Dealsheet on Tuesday, the transfer is effectively agreed, pending a medical. The 26-year-old rarely catches the eye, by no means the flashiest player in a star-studded side. But watching how he moves when his teammates have the ball helps to explain the clamour around him; constantly dropping into pockets of space, recognising when others are under pressure and becoming the spare man to help them escape. If the ball does come his way, the next pass is often quick, snappy and secure — still careful but slightly more adventurous when he's given time to amble forward with it at his feet. Steady if unspectacular, smooth in possession, he is everything you expect a classic Spanish pivote to be. Defensively, Zubimendi was dragged around more than he usually likes to be in the first half, tasked with following Manu Kone and sometimes Michael Olise further up the pitch when Spain looked to press high. But while he committed two cynical fouls in the opening 15 minutes, he timed his tackle perfectly to dispossess Kylian Mbappe in the moments leading up to Spain's second goal, eventually dropping between the two centre-backs and firing a crisp pass into Mikel Merino between the lines. That took six players out of the game, allowing the Arsenal midfielder to link up with Mikel Oyarzabal and finish past Mike Maignan. Advertisement There was another delightful pass in the second half too, releasing Pedro Porro with a spinning, sand-wedged ball that led directly to Spain's fifth. Though rarely in the final third himself, Zubimendi is so often the one to set his talented teammates on their way. This was classic Zubimendi — understated, generally safe, but finding a handful of moments — two crucial — to pick up the pace. Thom Harris We will bring you this after he has spoken at the post-match news conference. We will bring you this after he has spoken at the post-match news conference. Sunday, June 8: Portugal; Nations League third-place play-off (Stuttgart), 2pm UK, 9am ET or final (Munich), 8pm UK, 3pm ET Sunday, June 8: Germany; Nations League third-place play-off (Stuttgart), 2pm UK, 9am ET or final (Munich), 8pm UK, 3pm ET
