Southampton

Fulham has completed the signing of 22-year-old Northern Irish midfielder Shea Charles from Southampton for a fee up to £30 million, making him the most expensive Northern Irish footballer ever. The deal includes £26 million upfront and £4 million in add-ons, with a five-year contract. Charles, a Manchester City academy product, made 76 appearances for Southampton and had a loan at Sheffield Wednesday. The transfer is part of Fulham’s busy summer under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 11, 09:09 AM UTC

Crystal Palace has officially announced that 35-year-old English defender Nathaniel Clyne has left the club following the expiration of his contract. Clyne, a product of Crystal Palace's youth academy, was promoted to the first team in 2008. He subsequently played for Southampton, Liverpool, and Bournemouth before returning to Crystal Palace in 2020. During his two spells with the club, he made a total of 252 appearances, scoring one goal and providing 11 assists. In the announcement, Crystal Palace described Clyne as 'a true Crystal Palace man,' thanking him for his contributions and wishing him well in the future. The news was reported by Hupu Football on July 29, citing a post on X.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 03:09 PM UTC

Marieanne Spacey-Cale, director of women's football at Southampton, has announced she will step down later this year after eight years at the club. She was instrumental in developing the women's and girls' programme and served as first-team coach during back-to-back promotions in 2021 and 2022 that brought the team to WSL 2. She became director of football in 2024. Her departure comes amid reports that Southampton are significantly cutting investment in the women's team, following new licence criteria introduced in 2025 that increased demands on clubs. Several clubs have scaled back women's plans due to these requirements. The announcement also follows the Spygate scandal in May, which saw Southampton kicked out of the Championship play-offs, and last week head coach Tonda Eckert was charged with misconduct by the Football Association.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:05 PM UTC

French Ligue 1 club Le Havre is in active negotiations with Turkish side Galatasaray to secure the loan of Danish right-back Elias Jelert. The 23-year-old, who has three caps for Denmark, is under contract with Galatasaray until 2029. Jelert, a long-standing target for Le Havre, spent last season on loan at Southampton, making 11 appearances across all competitions. He joined Galatasaray from Copenhagen in the summer of 2024 for a transfer fee of €9 million. Le Havre hopes to finalize the loan deal to bolster their defensive options.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 08:38 AM UTC

Southern Brave defeated MI London by a single run in a dramatic Women's Hundred match at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton. Batting first, the Brave posted 126-7, led by Laura Wolvaardt (35), Jemima Rodrigues (32), and Maia Bouchier (31), while Hayley Matthews took 4-22 for MI London. In reply, Danni Wyatt-Hodge scored an unbeaten 52 and captain Hollie Armitage added 27, putting MI London in a strong position. However, needing eight runs from the final five balls, Lauren Bell bowled a superb last over, conceding only four runs and denying Wyatt-Hodge the boundary on the final ball. The win gave Southern Brave their third consecutive victory, extending their lead at the top of the standings, while MI London remained winless at the bottom.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 03:17 PM UTC

Newcastle United have officially signed goalkeeper Kayla Rendell on loan from Manchester United for the 2026/27 season. The move comes after Manchester United signed Janina Leitzig from Leicester City, further strengthening their goalkeeping ranks and making a loan departure likely for Rendell. Rendell joined Manchester United from Southampton in 2025 and was given the number one jersey but served as backup to Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Earlier the same day, Manchester United also announced the signing of Wales under-21 goalkeeper Kit Margetson from Swansea City. Rendell expressed excitement about joining Newcastle, calling it a 'massive club with a lot of ambition' and stating her desire to help the squad progress. She will look forward to the Women's Super League schedule release to see where she can make her debut for Newcastle United.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 10:40 AM UTC

RC Strasbourg, the Alsatian Ligue 1 club, unveiled its new home jersey for the 2026-2027 season on Thursday. The kit, produced by Adidas, features a horizontal stripe across the chest in a darker blue, reviving the design of the club's first known jersey. The presentation highlighted the club's history, including its founding in 1906 as FC Neudorf, and featured former midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who left for Southampton in 2008 after 13 years in the academy. The collar bears the inscription '1906-2026' to commemorate the club's 120-year history. The club has been known as RC Strasbourg since 1919.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 09:53 AM UTC

Leeds United face a major setback in their pursuit of Southampton midfielder Shea Charles as Crystal Palace emerge as frontrunners for the £25-30 million-rated Northern Ireland international. Palace, fresh off winning the UEFA Conference League and securing Europa League qualification, hold a significant advantage by offering European football—a lure Leeds cannot match as they focus on Premier League survival. Charles, 22, impressed in the 2025/26 Championship with six goals and two assists in 38 appearances, while averaging 2.1 tackles and 5.7 ball recoveries per 90 minutes. Leeds have had two formal offers rejected by Southampton. The article advises Leeds to avoid a bidding war and consider walking away from the deal.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:00 PM UTC

Former Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita is on the verge of signing for English Championship side Hull City. The Japanese international is currently in England undergoing medical tests after receiving a proposal for a two-year contract with an option for an additional year. The article also includes brief updates on other football transfers and news: Issa Diop swapping Fulham for Ipswich Town on a four-season deal, Phil Foden extending his Manchester City contract until 2030, and an espionage scandal involving Southampton manager Tonda Eckert accused of three breaches of conduct rules by the Football Association.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:24 PM UTC

Southampton FC was expelled from the Championship play-offs in May 2026 after admitting to spying on three clubs (Middlesbrough, Oxford, Ipswich) under manager Tonda Eckert’s orders. Intern Will Salt, who filmed Middlesbrough’s training, was later given a permanent academy role. Eckert faced threats requiring police protection, was charged by the FA, and the club received a minus-four point deduction. Owner Dragan Solak retained Eckert despite the controversy.

13 reports · 7 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:43 PM UTC

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert faces three breaches of conduct rules after a spying scandal that has rocked English football. The Football Association (FA) stated that Eckert 'acted improperly and damaged the reputation of football.' The scandal led to Southampton's expulsion from the Premier League promotion playoff final after Eckert admitted to sending a spy with professional equipment to monitor Middlesbrough's training session. Middlesbrough has called for Southampton to be expelled from the Championship playoff final. The FA is investigating the alleged spying, and Eckert could face dismissal from his managerial position. The article also briefly mentions that Will Still has taken charge of Auxerre, returning to French football after stints with Reims and Lens.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:24 AM UTC

According to Lee Ryder of the Newcastle Chronicle, Newcastle United have not followed up on their previous interest in Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford. The 23-year-old England international is on holiday after the World Cup, and Newcastle did not mention him in recent transfer discussions. Manchester City confirmed no contact has occurred since the England team returned from the US World Cup. The £50 million asking price is seen as a potential obstacle. Newcastle are preparing for the new season with Nick Pope as starting goalkeeper, who has been given the number 1 shirt. Pope regained his starting spot after being dropped following a mistake last season. Newcastle also decided not to permanently sign Ramsdale, indicating confidence in Pope. Trafford has been linked with Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Juventus, with his family handling his future. Newcastle attempted to sign Trafford last summer but were thwarted when City activated a buy-back clause for £27 million. City later signed Donnarumma from PSG for £26 million as their number one. Additionally, Parma recommended Japanese international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to Newcastle two weeks ago, but no formal offer has been made. Pope's contract has one year remaining with no extension offered yet.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:25 AM UTC

Fulham are preparing a £24 million bid for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, according to Daily Mail reporter Simon Jones. Leeds United have failed to meet Southampton's £25 million plus add-ons asking price for the Northern Ireland international, despite three offers. Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has agreed to sign the 22-year-old Manchester City academy product, and negotiations are expected to progress. Charles scored a winning goal against Middlesbrough but was left out of a recent friendly due to rest. Additionally, Fulham are interested in Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono, and Trabzonspor center-back Chibuike Nwaiwu. Valencia are also considering re-signing Largie Ramazani, who was left out of Leeds' US tour squad.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:39 AM UTC

A forum post on RedCafe.net compiles the preseason friendly schedules for Premier League clubs ahead of the 2026-27 season. Key fixtures include Arsenal playing Girona, Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund, and Como, plus the Community Shield against Manchester City. Aston Villa faces Porto, Bayern Munich, and PSG in the UEFA Super Cup. Chelsea and Tottenham tour Australia and Asia, playing each other in Sydney. Liverpool and Manchester United have matches in the US and Europe. The schedule covers over 20 clubs, with matches from mid-July to mid-August 2026, across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:53 PM UTC

The Daily Telegraph reports that Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, 22, is being pursued by Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea despite the club insisting he is not for sale. Scott has rejected a contract extension offer, with his current deal running until 2028. Bournemouth has not set a price, but the Telegraph argues that in the inflated 2026 transfer market, Scott could be worth close to £100 million. The article cites comparable deals: Elliot Anderson (£116m), Sandro Tonali (£100m), Matheus Fernandes (£85m), and Morgan Rogers (£117m), all for midfielders. Scott joined Bournemouth from Bristol City for £25 million in 2023 and has made 80 Premier League appearances, scoring four goals. He was also called up to England's World Cup preparation camp.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 12:31 PM UTC

The Daily Mail profiles Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who has rejected a new contract and is valued at £80 million. The article highlights his exceptional intangible qualities—attitude, resilience, tactical intelligence—and his versatility across midfield roles (No. 6, No. 8, No. 10). Despite early career setbacks (released by Southampton, injury struggles), Scott has become a key player for Bournemouth, helping them qualify for Europe. Statistical data shows he ranks among the Premier League's best midfielders in progressive carries, ball recoveries, and fouls won. Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham are circling, though Bournemouth insists he is not for sale. Coaches praise his bravery, creativity, and ability to perform under pressure.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:11 AM UTC

Werder Bremen won their first pre-season test match 6-2 against Oberliga side FC Verden. Transfer candidates Justin Njinmah (25) and Jens Stage (29) were the standout performers in the first half, each scoring a brace before being substituted. Stage had previously agreed a move to Hoffenheim that fell through over the transfer fee, but still wants to leave. Njinmah is attracting interest from Premier League promoted side Hull City and Championship club Southampton. Werder struggled defensively early on, with Verden equalizing through Röpe in the 20th minute. Goals from Stage (25', 36') and Njinmah (16', 31') gave Werder a halftime lead. In the second half, coach Thioune made nine substitutions, and U23 player Paul Erevbenagie scored to make it 5-1. New signing Chuki hit the post, and Kenny Quetant added a sixth goal before Verden converted a late penalty. Werder's training camp in Austria begins Monday.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 03:37 PM UTC

Kiran Kaur, 53, mother of convicted murderer Vickrum Digwa, has been sentenced to three years in prison by Southampton Crown Court for removing and hiding the murder weapon after her son fatally stabbed 18-year-old British student Henry Nowak in December 2025. Digwa, a Sikh, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years in June 2026. Kaur removed the 20-centimeter ceremonial dagger from the crime scene and hid it among other weapons in her son's room, delaying police identification of the murder weapon by about a week. The court found her guilty of assisting an offender on July 17, 2026. Her defense sought a suspended sentence but failed. With good behavior, early release is possible. Kaur has no prior convictions and is a mother of five.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 07:29 AM UTC

Leeds United are reportedly set to abandon their pursuit of Southampton midfielder Shea Charles after refusing to meet the £30 million asking price. According to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, the Whites have already had bids of £20m and £23m rejected. Charles, 22, has one year left on his contract and has yet to play a Premier League minute as a starter, though he impressed in the Championship with four goals and three assists in 33 appearances before a hamstring injury. Southampton face a points deduction and are not in a strong negotiating position, while Manchester City hold a 15% sell-on clause. Leeds manager Daniel Farke may revisit the deal later in the window if Charles remains available, but for now the club is shifting focus to other targets. The analysis concludes that walking away at £30m is the correct short-term decision to avoid overpaying and setting a damaging precedent.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 07:30 PM UTC

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert, in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports' Mark McAdam, has disclosed the severe personal and professional challenges he has faced following the 'Spygate' scandal. The controversy resulted in Southampton's expulsion from the Championship play-offs. Eckert revealed that the fallout has included receiving threats and requiring police protection, highlighting the intense pressure and security concerns stemming from the incident. The interview sheds light on the ongoing impact of the scandal on the manager and the club.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 06:12 PM UTC

Como 1907 president Mirwan Suwarso announced that the club has received a €10 million offer from Southampton for striker Iván Azón, whom they signed from Real Zaragoza for €2 million in January 2025. Azón, 23, never made an official debut for Como due to a muscle injury and lack of playing time under coach Cesc Fàbregas. He was loaned to Ipswich Town, where he scored 5 goals and provided 4 assists in 38 Championship matches, helping the club gain promotion to the Premier League. However, Ipswich declined their €15 million purchase option. Southampton, who failed to gain promotion to the Premier League after being expelled from the playoffs for unauthorized filming of training sessions, now leads negotiations. Azón prefers a move to La Liga, but the Championship return appears most likely. Talks are in early stages, but all parties expect a deal.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 05:05 PM UTC

Como 1907 president Mirwan Suwarso announced that the club has received a 10 million euro offer from Southampton for striker Iván Azón, quintupling the 2 million euro fee paid to Real Zaragoza in January 2025. Southampton failed to gain promotion to the Premier League after being expelled from the promotion phase due to multiple breaches of EFL Regulations for unauthorized filming of training sessions, so Azón would return to the Championship if the deal proceeds. The 23-year-old never made an official debut for Como due to injury and lack of playing time under Cesc Fàbregas. He was loaned to Ipswich Town, where he scored 5 goals and provided 4 assists in 38 matches, helping them win promotion to the Premier League, but Ipswich declined their 15 million purchase option. Azón signed with Como until 2029 and has received other offers, including loan interest from Spanish clubs, but Southampton's bid is currently the most advanced.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 05:05 PM UTC

On July 16, Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy officially announced that Japanese defender Maya Yoshida has obtained U.S. permanent residency (green card), meaning he will no longer occupy an international roster spot. In MLS, players with permanent residency are considered domestic players and do not count against the foreign player limit. The 37-year-old veteran previously played for Southampton, Sampdoria, Schalke 04, and other clubs. He transferred to LA Galaxy in the summer of 2023 and helped the team win the MLS Cup the following year. The news was reported by Yahoo Japan and shared by Hupu Soccer.

1 reports · 1 sources

In the third T20I at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England defeated India by 125 runs—India's worst-ever T20I defeat by margin. England posted 201-7, led by Phil Salt's 70 and Sam Curran's 44*, then bowled India out for 76 in 11.4 overs, with Josh Tongue (4-28) and Jofra Archer (3-29) starring. India captain Shreyas Iyer called the performance "atrocious." The win gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series, with the first match abandoned due to rain.

12 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 11, 09:53 PM UTC

A British Indian Sikh man, Vickrum Digwa, is standing trial at Southampton Crown Court for the murder of 18-year-old university student Henry Nowak. The incident occurred in December when Nowak was walking home in Southampton. Prosecutors allege that Digwa stabbed Nowak four times with a 21-inch knife after an altercation in which Nowak reportedly knocked off Digwa's turban. Digwa claims he acted in self-defense using a kirpan, but evidence suggests he used a larger blade and pursued the victim. His mother, Kiran Kaur, is also on trial, accused of removing the weapon from the scene to assist her son. Both defendants deny the charges. Video footage from Nowak's phone and CCTV captured key moments, including Digwa carrying the large knife and his mother returning it to their home. The case has drawn attention due to the racial dynamics and the specific cultural elements involved, such as the turban and kirpan. The trial continues as the court examines whether the force used was justified or constituted murder.

1 reports · 1 sources

Southampton Football Club has formally requested additional time to conduct an internal review after being charged by the English Football League (EFL) with spying on Championship play-off rivals Middlesbrough. The charges stem from allegations that a Southampton staff member observed and recorded a Middlesbrough training session shortly before their semi-final first leg. While the EFL seeks an expedited hearing due to the ongoing playoff schedule, Southampton CEO Phil Parsons emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to establish full context. Potential sanctions range from fines to expulsion, sparking significant debate on ethical conduct in professional football.

18 reports · 11 sources · Updated May 19, 06:50 PM UTC

Southampton FC intends to exercise its €7 million purchase option to permanently sign goalkeeper Daniel Peretz from Bayern Munich, according to reports from Sky Germany. The 25-year-old Israeli international has been instrumental in Southampton's campaign, helping the club reach the Championship play-off final after joining on loan in January. He has made 26 appearances across all competitions during his stint in England. Although the purchase option does not automatically become an obligation even if Southampton achieves promotion to the Premier League, negotiations are ongoing and a permanent deal appears likely. This move would conclude Peretz's tenure at Bayern Munich, where he struggled for playing time, making only seven appearances since his €5 million transfer from Maccabi Tel Aviv in August 2023. Consequently, Bayern Munich stands to make a profit on the sale of the goalkeeper. The potential transfer highlights Southampton's strategic planning for their squad regardless of their final league status, securing a key performer who has proven vital to their recent success.

1 reports · 1 sources

A court heard that Henry Nowak, a university student of Anglo-Polish heritage, died after being stabbed and subsequently handcuffed by police who acted on the attacker's false allegation of racial abuse. Nowak was attacked by 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa following a verbal altercation in Southampton. Despite Nowak protesting that he was the victim, officers restrained him based on Digwa's claim that Nowak had been drunk and racist. Nowak died at the scene from four stab wounds, including one that punctured his lung. Digwa is accused of murder and carrying a knife, while his mother, Kiran Kaur, faces charges for allegedly removing the weapon and hiding it at their home. The defense argues Digwa acted in self-defense and was carrying ceremonial Sikh knives legally, though prosecutors note he possessed an unusually large blade. The incident highlights critical failures in police assessment of the scene, as the actual victim was detained while the aggressor remained free initially. Both defendants deny all charges as the trial continues.

1 reports · 1 sources

Southampton FC has announced that goalkeeper Fran Stenson has signed a new one-year contract with the club, securing her services for the 2026/2027 season. The 25-year-old former England youth international joined Southampton in the summer of 2024 from Sheffield United. Since arriving at St Mary’s Stadium, Stenson has become a key figure for the team, making 47 appearances across all competitions. She played every minute of the 22 league matches in the recent Barclays WSL2 season, contributing to the club's fifth-place finish with six clean sheets. Previously associated with Manchester City and Arsenal, Stenson is now regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in the second tier. Expressing her delight at re-signing, Stenson described the club as feeling like home and stated her excitement to continue progressing with the group. The announcement was made officially via the club's website, highlighting the importance of retaining such a consistent performer for the upcoming campaign.

1 reports · 1 sources

A pioneering pilot project in New York state has demonstrated that adding crushed olivine sand to the ocean to remove atmospheric carbon dioxide did not cause significant harm to marine ecosystems during its first year. The trial, conducted by US start-up Vesta along a beach in Southampton, Long Island, involved depositing 650 tonnes of olivine alongside regular sand for shore protection. Researchers monitored sediment and marine life up to 160 meters offshore, comparing areas treated with olivine against control sites. Results indicated that while the fringed blood worm population declined slightly, overall species diversity and abundance recovered within two months. Crucially, levels of potentially toxic heavy metals like nickel and chromium in marine organisms remained low, suggesting rapid dilution in the dynamic ocean environment. Although some changes in species composition occurred, these were attributed to general beach nourishment practices rather than the olivine itself. Experts caution that further trials are necessary to fully understand long-term biological responses and potential impacts, such as calcium carbonate precipitation. However, the study provides critical real-world evidence supporting the potential safety of this carbon removal technique, which aims to enhance the ocean's capacity to absorb CO2 by converting it into stable bicarbonate.

1 reports · 1 sources