Liverpool have had two bids (£50m and £60m) for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh rejected, with Brighton demanding around £70m. The 22-year-old Gambian, sidelined 2-3 months after leg surgery, is open to joining Liverpool as a replacement for departing Mohamed Salah. Liverpool is preparing a third offer, but Brighton’s tough stance and interest from Manchester City complicate the deal. Alternative targets include PSG’s Bradley Barcola.
Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion are close to finalizing a transfer for 22-year-old Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba. United’s offer is around £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons, slightly below Brighton’s valuation, but negotiations remain amicable. Personal terms are agreed, and Baleba is recovering from a minor ankle injury. The deal would bolster United’s midfield rebuild, following signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, amid Casemiro’s departure and Champions League return.
Aston Villa suffered a catastrophic 4-0 away defeat to Brighton in the 2026 Premier League opener, conceding four goals in the first 31 minutes. New signing Joao Gomes was sent off on debut. Manager Unai Emery refused to explain star striker Ollie Watkins' unexplained absence, fueling transfer rumors to Saudi club Al Hilal. Emery criticized defensive errors and the referee, but praised the second-half response with ten men. He acknowledged the squad is still under construction with the transfer window ongoing.
Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign veteran Brighton striker Danny Welbeck, 35, who scored a career-high 13 Premier League goals last season. The move signals a strategic shift under new manager Xabi Alonso, moving away from signing young players toward experienced, Premier League-proven talent. Brighton is willing to sell with one year left on Welbeck’s contract, provided a fair fee is agreed. The potential signing could lead to departures of current Chelsea strikers Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap.
Chelsea FC has finalized the £34 million (€40 million) transfer of Argentine midfielder Valentin Barco from Strasbourg, with all documents signed. The 22-year-old, who can play midfield or left-back, had a heated confrontation with England’s Jude Bellingham during the 2026 World Cup semi-final. Barco played 19 minutes in the tournament and scored 3 goals with 9 assists last season. He joins Chelsea’s summer signings under manager Xabi Alonso, as part of the BlueCo multi-club strategy.
Real Madrid has triggered the €25 million release clause for 21-year-old Levante forward Carlos Espi, disrupting transfer plans from Brighton, Hull City, and other European clubs. Espi, a breakout La Liga star with 11 goals last season, preferred to stay in Spain. Levante confirmed the deal as the highest transfer fee for a homegrown player in club history. Espi will serve as a backup forward under coach José Mourinho.
Premier League promoted side Ipswich Town has officially announced the signing of 26-year-old Dutch goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise on a contract running until 2030. Scherpen, who came through Emmen's youth academy, previously played for Ajax (winning Eredivisie and KNVB Cup), Brighton, and had loan spells at Oostende, Vitesse, and Sturm Graz (winning two Austrian Bundesliga titles and playing in Champions League group stages). In the 2025/26 season, he permanently joined Union Saint-Gilloise, making 43 appearances and winning the Belgian Cup. Scherpen has represented Netherlands U19 and U21 teams and was called up to the senior national team in 2022. He expressed pride in joining Ipswich and eagerness to prove himself in the Premier League. Manager Gary O'Neil called him a very important addition with extensive top-level experience. Scherpen is Ipswich's sixth summer signing for the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Chelsea began the Xabi Alonso era with a 6-4 pre-season friendly victory over Western Sydney Wanderers in Sydney. Brazilian striker Joao Pedro scored a nine-minute hat-trick off the bench, while teenage triallist Dastan Satpayev impressed. The match highlighted Chelsea's defensive frailties and the uncertain future of striker Liam Delap, with the club reportedly advancing a deal for veteran Danny Welbeck. Alonso used a youthful lineup before introducing senior players to secure the win.
Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma is suspected of experiencing a marital rift, according to reports from Japanese media including Nikkan Sports. On July 27, fans noticed that Mitoma's wife, Kenmochi, had deactivated her Instagram account, and Mitoma had deleted or hidden wedding posts and photos from his Instagram. The couple married in July 2022 after meeting as university classmates. This follows a difficult period for Mitoma, who suffered a left leg injury in May 2024, ruling him out of the upcoming World Cup, and was involved in a traffic accident in Tokyo on July 8. Fans have left comments expressing curiosity and sadness, while others urged respect for their privacy.
Strasbourg suffered their second consecutive pre-season friendly defeat, losing 0-2 to Blackburn Rovers. The match, played under the watchful eye of holidaying Diego Moreira, saw an early own goal from Andrew Omobamidele in the 3rd minute following a misunderstanding with goalkeeper Milosz Piekutowski. Despite some promising moments, including a curling shot from Diogo Sousa and a penalty won by Samuel Amo-Ameyaw, Strasbourg failed to score. Amo-Ameyaw missed the penalty with a weak low shot in the 52nd minute. Blackburn extended their lead in the 84th minute through a long-range strike from Cantwell. Strasbourg's performance was hampered by numerous substitutions and an injury to Rayane Messi. The team will face Brighton in their next friendly as they prepare for the Ligue 1 opener against Marseille on August 21.
Strasbourg suffered their second consecutive preseason defeat, losing 0-2 to Blackburn Rovers in a friendly match. The match began poorly for Strasbourg as Andrew Omobamidele scored an own goal in the 3rd minute following a misunderstanding with goalkeeper Milosz Piekutowski. Despite some offensive efforts, including a curling shot from Diogo Sousa in the 40th minute, Strasbourg struggled to equalize. Samuel Amo-Ameyaw won a penalty in the 52nd minute but missed with a weak low shot. Blackburn's Cantwell sealed the victory with a long-range low shot in the 84th minute. The match was played under the observation of Diego Moreira, who remains on holiday. Strasbourg's next preseason match is against Brighton, with six friendlies scheduled before their Ligue 1 opener against Marseille on August 21.
Brighton & Hove Albion have been forced to cancel a pre-season friendly against French Ligue 2 side Annecy after the training pitches they planned to use in Evian-les-Bains were damaged by helicopters used during the G7 summit in June. The summit, attended by world leaders including US President Donald Trump, former UK PM Sir Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron, used the pitches as landing grounds. Brighton staff arrived on Wednesday to prepare for the camp but found the pitches unusable. The club has abandoned the camp and arranged an alternative training base in Austria. The friendly against Strasbourg next Saturday is still expected to go ahead. Brighton will play an in-house match behind closed doors on Saturday before flying to Austria on Sunday. The club has qualified for the Conference League play-offs and begins its Premier League season against Aston Villa.
Newly-promoted Birmingham City have signed goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley as a free agent after she left Brighton. The 29-year-old returns to the club she joined at the age of six and where she made her senior debut in 2014. She has signed a two-year deal with an option for another year. After spells at Bristol City and Manchester United, Baggaley joined Brighton in 2023 and made 42 appearances. She was voted Brighton's player of the season in her debut campaign but struggled for game time after the arrival of Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Baggaley has been a regular feature in England squads since 2025 but is yet to receive a senior international cap. Birmingham manager Amy Merricks said Baggaley will add real quality, leadership and competition to the goalkeeping group.
Newly-promoted Birmingham City have signed England goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley from Brighton on a two-year deal with an option for a third year. The 29-year-old returns to the club where she began her career at age six and made her senior debut in 2014. After spells at Bristol City and Manchester United, Baggaley joined Brighton in 2023, making 42 appearances and being voted player of the season in her debut campaign. She has been a regular in Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses squad since 2025 but is yet to earn a senior cap. Baggaley's playing time at Brighton decreased following the arrival of Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and she left at the end of her contract. Birmingham manager Amy Merricks praised Baggaley's experience and leadership, while Baggaley expressed excitement about giving back to the club that built her career foundations.
Newly-promoted Birmingham City have signed goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley as a free agent after her departure from Brighton. The 29-year-old returns to the club she joined at age six and where she made her senior debut in 2014. She has signed a two-year deal with an option for another year. Baggaley previously played for Bristol City and Manchester United before joining Brighton in 2023, making 42 appearances. She was voted Brighton's player of the season in her debut campaign but lost playing time after the arrival of Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Baggaley has been a regular in England squads since 2025 but is yet to earn a senior cap. Birmingham manager Amy Merricks praised her experience and leadership.
Brazilian club Botafogo is investigating former owner John Textor for allegedly using player transfers to Nottingham Forest to repay a personal loan of $50 million from Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. The club suspects that transfers of Igor Jesus, Jair, and Cuiabano were undervalued. Specifically, Cuiabano was reportedly sold for $4 million despite a $10 million offer from Brighton, and only $10 million of the $20 million from Jair's transfer was accounted for. Botafogo is analyzing documents and considering legal action against Textor, who also faces allegations of tax debt related to unpaid employee salary taxes, potentially constituting embezzlement.
Birmingham City have signed goalkeeper Katie Startup on a free transfer following her departure from Manchester City after her contract expired. The 27-year-old was part of the City squad that won the Women's Super League title and the Women's FA Cup in the 2025-26 season, though she did not make an appearance for the club after joining from Brighton in 2024. Startup joins newly promoted Birmingham City on a reported two-year deal as they aim to establish themselves in the WSL. She cited the opportunity to work again with manager Amy Merricks and director Hope Powell, with whom she spent four years at Brighton, as a key factor in her decision. Merricks praised Startup as a dedicated professional and a brilliant teammate who will bring valuable experience to the squad.
Birmingham City have signed goalkeeper Katie Startup on a free transfer following her departure from Manchester City after her contract expired. The 27-year-old was part of the Manchester City squad that won the Women's Super League title and the Women's FA Cup in the 2025-26 season, though she did not make an appearance for the club. Startup previously played for Brighton, Charlton Athletic, and had loan spells at Liverpool and Everton. She joins newly promoted Birmingham City on a two-year deal, aiming to help the club establish itself in the WSL. Startup cited her previous working relationship with manager Amy Merricks and director Hope Powell at Brighton as a key factor in her decision. Merricks praised Startup's professionalism, experience, and ability to drive standards within the squad.
Birmingham City have signed goalkeeper Katie Startup on a free transfer following her departure from Manchester City after her contract expired. The 27-year-old was part of the City squad that won the Women's Super League and FA Cup double in 2025-26, though she did not make an appearance for the club. Startup, who previously played under Birmingham manager Amy Merricks and director Hope Powell at Brighton, joins the newly promoted WSL side on a two-year deal. She expressed excitement about reuniting with the coaching staff and being part of a new era at the club. Merricks praised Startup's professionalism, experience, and ability to drive standards. Startup began her career at Chelsea's academy and has had spells at Charlton Athletic, Brighton, Liverpool, and Everton.
According to a column by Tyrone Marshall of the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United is deliberately avoiding the Premier League's trend of nine-figure transfer fees this summer. Despite interest in midfielders like Wharton, Anderson, and Baleba, the club has been deterred by price tags exceeding £100 million. CEO Berrada emphasized the need for 'true discipline' and sticking to a long-term plan rather than letting the market dictate decisions. United's club record transfer (Paul Pogba) has remained unbroken for a decade, making them an outlier among Premier League giants. While rivals like Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool have spent heavily, United is prioritizing financial prudence. The article notes that while spending big doesn't guarantee success, it helps, and United's 'discipline' mantra is fully on display this summer—though joining the '£100 million club' is seen as inevitable eventually.
In an exclusive interview with The Athletic, Tottenham and France midfielder Xavi Simons revealed the emotional toll of his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear suffered in a challenge with Wolves' Hugo Bueno. He broke down crying upon diagnosis, realizing he could not help Tottenham avoid relegation and would miss the World Cup. Simons detailed his recovery routine, including strength training, learning latte art, and playing dominoes with childhood friends. He plans to watch Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'The Odyssey' and calls his mother before every match to listen to Hans Zimmer's 'Interstellar' theme, which he says calms him. Simons also discussed his family, including his wife Rinia's Alzheimer's awareness campaign, and his relationship with coach De Zerbi, who called him a 'leader.' He expressed confidence in his ability to perform under pressure and return to a key role at Tottenham.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Aston Villa's record £117 million sale of Morgan Rogers to Chelsea has eased but not eliminated the club's financial pressure. Villa remains bound by UEFA's three-year financial penalty agreement and the squad cost ratio rule, limiting spending to 70% of revenue. While the club insists no more key players will leave, Juventus is interested in goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Arsenal is monitoring defender Ezri Konsa. Manager Unai Emery aims to lower the team's average age and has already signed 20-year-old Manzambi from Freiburg. Villa has raised over £400 million in player sales since Emery took over, including profitable deals for Tielemans, Duran, and Douglas Luiz. The club plans further signings including Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes and a winger, but cannot make large investments without departures. Emery wants to diversify the attack beyond relying on Ollie Watkins' pace.
Sky Sports Football reports on 58 players who could move before the transfer deadline, following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. Key highlights include Julian Alvarez's desire to leave Atletico Madrid for Barcelona, with Arsenal also interested; Manchester United targeting Brighton's Carlos Baleba; Bradley Barcola's potential move from PSG to Liverpool or Arsenal; and PSG opening talks with RB Leipzig for Yan Diomande. Other notable players include Folarin Balogun, Lucas Bergvall, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Julian Brandt, Trevoh Chalobah, Harvey Elliott, and Pervis Estupinan. The article covers ongoing negotiations, club valuations, and player preferences across multiple European leagues.
This Sky Sports news roundup from July 20, 2026, covers multiple Premier League transfer rumors and other sports headlines. Manchester United are monitoring Newcastle's Lewis Hall and Fulham's Antonee Robinson to strengthen left-back options under manager Michael Carrick. Aston Villa continue discussions for Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson. Tottenham are set to add Brighton's Andrew Crofts to their backroom staff. Arsenal's Ben White has recovered from a knee injury for pre-season, while Jurrien Timber hopes to return soon. In World Cup news, Argentina's Leandro Paredes was not sent off after a brawl in the final defeat to Spain, contrary to initial reports. The 2030 World Cup may expand to 64 teams. Scottish football notes include Hearts agreeing a £500,000 deal for Laurent Mendy and Rangers' summer rebuild plans.
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly open to listening to offers for academy product Jamie Donley this summer, according to former journalist Darren Witcoop. The 21-year-old Northern Ireland international has been with Spurs since the age of eight and made his senior debut in December 2023. Donley had a breakthrough loan at Leyton Orient in 2024/25, scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists in League One, followed by loans at Stoke City and Oxford United. Tottenham have been active in the transfer market under manager Roberto De Zerbi, adding Andy Robertson, Sandro Tonali, and others after narrowly avoiding relegation. The club has also sold Luka Vuskovic to Brighton and moved on Radu Dragusin and Alfie Devine. With injuries to Xavi Simons and Dejan Kulusevski, Donley may get pre-season chances, but the club is willing to sell him if offers come in.
Chelsea have initiated formal discussions with Crystal Palace over the transfer of centre-back Maxence Lacroix, valued at a minimum of £55 million. The Blues are seeking to bolster their defense with more pace, aggression, and reliability, particularly for a high defensive line. Arsenal also hold an appreciation for the French international but have not yet advanced their interest to formal talks. Crystal Palace, leveraging Lacroix's three-year contract and recent Premier League defender fees (e.g., Jan Paul van Hecke's £52m move to Tottenham), are in a strong negotiating position. Journalist Ben Jacobs confirmed the talks, while The Times reported Chelsea may need to pay over £55m. The article advises Chelsea to avoid a bidding war but suggests a structured package near the valuation could be sensible business.
Jason Steele, the Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper, was not on England's official World Cup squad and had no prospect of playing in the tournament. Despite knowing he would not compete, he agreed to join the team as a training goalkeeper, contributing behind the scenes. After England secured a bronze medal, his teammates made a point of ensuring he came forward to collect his medal, recognizing his important role in the team's achievement. The gesture highlighted the squad's unity and appreciation for every member's contribution, regardless of playing time.
In the World Cup third-place match, England defeated France 6-4 to win the bronze medal. During the award ceremony, fans noticed 35-year-old Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele, who served as England's training partner and fourth-choice goalkeeper for the tournament, joining his teammates on the podium. Steele was not part of the official squad but traveled with the team, similar to the role of England's training goalkeeper Heaton at Euro 2024. After the match, he took photos with Morgan Rogers and Stones. Last season, Steele played 2 FA Cup matches and 3 League Cup matches for Brighton, serving as the club's cup goalkeeper in recent seasons.
In a World Cup semi-final, England lost 1-2 to Argentina. After Argentine player Enzo equalized in the 85th minute, Argentine left-back Barco ran in front of England players to celebrate, angering Bellingham and leading to a confrontation. Barco's wife, Yaz Jaureguy, posted a photo on social media showing Bellingham's hand hitting her husband's ear. She wrote, 'True strength should be proven on the field,' and used the Spanish word 'Muerto' (meaning useless). After netizens criticized her remarks, she deleted the post but defended her husband, saying, 'Now celebrating a goal is not allowed, but people support those who resort to violence.' Video footage later showed Barco ran onto the field to provoke English players, not to celebrate with teammates. Barco and Jaureguy started dating in December 2023, married over a year ago, and have a daughter named Gemma.
Paris FC has accelerated its summer recruitment, officially confirming the arrivals of defenders Emmanuel Mbemba (free transfer from PSG, signed until 2030) and Diego Coppola (€16M plus €4M bonuses from Brighton, signed until 2031). Pablo Pagis (23, from Ligue 1 with 10 goals and 5 assists) is also set to sign a five-year contract. The club is now focused on signing a striker, with two major targets: Matthis Abline (FC Nantes, €23M offer rejected, asking €30M) and Lassine Sinayoko (AJ Auxerre, €7M offer deemed insufficient, valued at €10-15M). Sinayoko has refused to train due to an alleged promise of release. Potential departures include Mathieu Cafaro (heading to Nantes), Vincent Marchetti, and Tuomas Ollila. Attacking midfielder Ilan Kebbal (9 goals, 4 assists) has interest from England, but coach Liam Rosenior wants to keep him. Defender Moustapha Mbow is expected back for training on July 22.
1 reports · 1 sources · Updated
Periodic recap
What changed for this subject in each tracking window — generated from matched events, delta-first.
→· 2 events in window
Brighton completed two signings around the summer transfer deadline day, bringing in midfielder Chema Andrés from Stuttgart and winger Femi Azeez from Millwall. The deal for Andrés could reach €23 million in total, with his former club Real Madrid set to receive over €11 million due to a sell-on clause. Azeez joined for a base fee of £12.5 million on a four-year contract, with the total package exceeding £15 million. Both moves strengthen the team's attacking depth.
Brighton signed 21-year-old Stuttgart midfielder Chema Andrés for up to €23 million, with Real Madrid receiving over €11 million from a sell-on clause.
Brighton signed Nigerian winger Femi Azeez from Millwall for a £12.5 million base fee on a four-year contract, with the total package exceeding £15 million.
Andrés signed a five-year deal and is undergoing a medical; Azeez prioritized Brighton after Millwall rejected earlier bids of £10 million and £12 million.
Earlier recaps
→· 1 event in window
Brighton opened their Premier League campaign with a 4-0 home rout of Aston Villa, scoring four times in the first 31 minutes. Villa's new signing Joao Gomes was sent off on debut, and manager Unai Emery declined to explain Ollie Watkins' absence, fueling speculation of a move to a Saudi club. On the transfer front, there were no new developments regarding Yankuba Minteh's future.
→· 1 event in window
Brighton saw only one transfer development this period: Liverpool's pursuit of winger Yankuba Minteh has stalled. Brighton have rejected two bids of £50 million and £60 million, holding firm on a valuation of around £70 million. Minteh is open to joining Liverpool but faces 2-3 months out after leg surgery. Interest from Manchester City further complicates the deal.
→· 1 event in window
Brighton saw one significant development this period: Manchester United are close to signing midfielder Carlos Baleba for around £65 million. Negotiations remain amicable, personal terms are agreed, and Baleba is recovering from a minor ankle injury. Unlike the previous period's indirect event involving related-club networks, this transfer directly concerns a potential change to Brighton's squad.
→· 1 event in window
Only one event indirectly related to Brighton occurred this period: Chelsea signed Valentin Barco from Strasbourg through their multi-club network. The transfer does not involve Brighton directly, but continues the previous observation about resource movement within related-club networks. Brighton's own squad saw no changes during this window.
→· 2 events in window
Brighton suffered a setback in the transfer market this period, as previously tracked Levante forward Carlos Espi was signed by Real Madrid after they triggered his €25 million release clause. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe's departure from Newcastle United and the appointment of Matthias Jaissle from PIF-owned Al Ahli continues the previous period's observation about personnel movement within the Saudi investment network. Neither event directly alters Brighton's own squad, but both reflect the club's position in transfer competition and related-club dynamics.
Tracked events
Events matched to this subject by the tracking pipeline, with signal scores.
· Signal 149.6
Brighton signs Nigerian winger Femi Azeez from Millwall for £12.5 million base fee
Brighton & Hove Albion completed the signing of Nigerian international winger Femi Azeez from Millwall on a four-year contract, with a base fee of £12.5 million and total package exceeding £15 million. The 25-year-old, who recorded 11 goals and 7 assists in the 2025-26 season, prioritized Brighton to fulfill his Premier League dream after Millwall rejected earlier bids of £10 million and £12 million.
5 reports · 1 sources
· Signal 165.0
Brighton signs Stuttgart midfielder Chema Andrés for up to €23 million, Real Madrid receives over €11 million
Brighton & Hove Albion finalized the transfer of 21-year-old Stuttgart midfielder Chema Andrés on September 2nd, the summer transfer deadline day. The deal, reported by Florian Plettenberg and Fabrizio Romano, includes a total fee package of up to €23 million with a sell-on clause. Real Madrid, which held a sell-on clause, will receive over €11 million and retains 50% of future transfer profit but loses all other rights. Andrés signed a five-year contract and is undergoing a medical.