Arsenal are in talks to sign 19-year-old Lyon winger Malick Fofana as a potential replacement for Gabriel Martinelli, with Fofana agreeing personal terms. A deal with RB Leipzig has collapsed. However, Arsenal refuse to meet Lyon's €40 million asking price, and negotiations continue as the transfer window closes. Fofana is keen on the move, having rejected Crystal Palace for Champions League ambitions.
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez suffered an apparent injury just seven minutes into a pre-season friendly against Sunderland in Nashville on July 25, 2026. The setback, described as likely precautionary, compounds a severe defensive crisis for new manager Andoni Iraola. Key defenders Ibrahima Konate has left for Real Madrid, Giovanni Leoni is recovering from an ACL rupture, new signing Jeremy Jacquet is sidelined with a shoulder injury, and Virgil van Dijk is on extended leave. Iraola admitted the squad is "very thin" and may need urgent defensive reinforcements.
Eddie Howe has departed as Newcastle United head coach after five years, including a historic 2025 Carabao Cup win—the club’s first trophy in 70 years. Following a downturn last season (12th in Premier League, Champions League exit), Howe chose to take a break. Al Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle, who won consecutive Asian Champions League titles, is in advanced talks to replace him. Both clubs are majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola spoke after a 1-0 pre-season friendly victory over Wrexham at Yankee Stadium. He expressed satisfaction with the team's improved defensive solidity and cohesion compared to the previous match, despite fewer goals. Iraola highlighted the strong performances of young players like Chambers, Kieran Morrison, Kumas, and Will Wright, praising their pressing and link-up play. He acknowledged that the team has not yet reached the level of his ideal tactical system, citing occasional late positioning, but noted progress since the Sunderland match. Iraola emphasized a step-by-step approach and the gradual integration of senior players returning from Chicago, including Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz, Alex Isak, and Jeremy Jacquet, who are expected to feature against Leeds United. He also praised young midfielder Trey Nyoni for his composure, ball control, and confidence under pressure, encouraging him to attempt ambitious passes. Iraola reflected positively on returning to Yankee Stadium, noting its narrow pitch requires precision.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Ryan Gravenberch, Alexander Isak, Jeremy Jacquet, and Florian Wirtz will make their preseason debuts in the upcoming match against Leeds United in Chicago. The four players were not included in Liverpool's squad for the previous match against Wrexham in New York. Gravenberch, Isak, and Wirtz only began training last Sunday after participating in the World Cup, while Jacquet also missed the win over Sunderland in Nashville as a precaution. Iraola stated that the decision to hold them back was to give more minutes to young players in the Wrexham game, but all four are scheduled to feature as Liverpool concludes their US tour against Leeds United this Sunday.
Toulouse president Olivier Cloarec has broken his silence regarding the potential transfer of 20-year-old left-back Dayann Methalie to Sunderland. Methalie, a revelation for Toulouse last season with 30 appearances, 2 goals, and 2 assists, has reportedly agreed personal terms with the English Premier League club. However, Cloarec stated that no agreement has been reached between the clubs yet, though discussions have been ongoing for 3-4 weeks. He emphasized that Methalie is a key player for Toulouse's project with a contract until 2030, but acknowledged that if a certain transfer fee threshold is met, selling would be a necessary management decision. Other clubs are also interested in the player.
Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States has been disrupted by travel chaos after their flight from Chicago to New York was cancelled due to thunderstorms and heavy rain. The Reds were scheduled to arrive in New York on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium, but will now land just hours before kick-off. The cancellation also affected the planned reveal of Liverpool's new away kit, with club legends Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler stepping in to model the Adidas kit at a Brooklyn event. Manager Andoni Iraola, who ended his playing career at New York City FC, will have a larger squad to choose from as Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Isak have returned to training, though they may not feature in the match. Meanwhile, Alisson Becker, Cody Gakpo, and Virgil van Dijk will begin individual training programs at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre.
A comprehensive list of preseason friendly matches for Premier League clubs ahead of the 2026-27 season has been compiled. Arsenal's schedule includes matches against Girona, Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund, and Como, culminating in the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 16. Aston Villa's extensive preseason includes a 5-0 win over Walsall, matches in Indonesia and Hong Kong, and the UEFA Super Cup against PSG on August 12. Other clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United have fixtures in Australia, the US, Asia, and Europe. The schedule covers matches from mid-July to mid-August 2026, with many games serving as preparation for the upcoming league campaign.
RC Lens played a second 45-minute friendly match against Portuguese side Famalicao on July 28, 2026, following a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace earlier in the evening. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, with a subsequent penalty shootout won by Famalicao 8-7. Lens coach Dino Toppmöller completely changed his starting lineup from the first match, with only Bulatovic starting both games (he scored against Crystal Palace). The next pre-season friendly for Lens is scheduled for August 8 against Sunderland. The article, published by Foot Mercato, provides a brief update on Lens' pre-season preparations.
Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has definitively ended speculation over captain Granit Xhaka's future, stating Chelsea's £8 million bid for the 33-year-old midfielder has been rejected and the matter is closed. Xhaka, who joined Sunderland last summer and helped them qualify for the Europa League, has committed to staying. New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who coached Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen, was keen on a reunion. Sunderland has had a quiet transfer window, signing only Thomas Meunier on a free transfer.
According to RMC Sport, Sunderland and Toulouse left-back Dayann Methalie have reached a contractual agreement for a five-year deal. The 20-year-old, a product of Toulouse's youth academy, is valued at around 30 million euros including bonuses. If completed, this transfer would become the biggest sale in Toulouse FC's history, surpassing previous records. Methalie made 30 appearances in Ligue 1 during the 2025-2026 season and has represented France's U21 team. The deal highlights Toulouse's ability to develop young talent and maximize transfer value, providing a significant financial boost to the club amid economic challenges facing French football. Discussions between the two clubs are ongoing to finalize the operation.
Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall, 20, has informed Tottenham Hotspur he wants to leave this summer after losing his starting role under recent managers. Despite a strong debut season under Ange Postecoglou—winning the Europa League and being named Player of the Year—Bergvall saw reduced minutes under Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor, and Roberto De Zerbi. Currently playing for Sweden at the 2026 World Cup, he seeks a new challenge. Tottenham, holding a contract until 2031, will demand a substantial fee, with interest from clubs like Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.
A report from The Sun, republished by Hupu, reveals that eight Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, have raised replica shirt prices for the upcoming season. Tottenham's adult shirt is the most expensive at £90, up £5 from last season, while Chelsea's costs £89.99. The largest increases come from Sunderland and Coventry City, both up £10 to £70. The average adult replica shirt price now stands at £77.20, with ten clubs selling shirts for £80 or more. Tottenham also has the highest children's shirt price at £70. Consumer affairs expert Scott Dixon criticized the increases as 'sheer greed' that could price out fans, especially the next generation. Brentford is the only club adopting a two-year kit cycle to keep prices affordable.
Liverpool began the Andoni Iraola era with a 4-2 pre-season friendly victory over Sunderland in Nashville, Tennessee. The win was marred by an early injury to defender Joe Gomez, forcing teenage centre-backs into action and exposing Liverpool’s thin defensive depth. Goals from Kieran Morrison, Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa, and Lewis Koumas secured the result. Iraola expressed concern over squad depth, with several key players absent. The match also featured a sparse crowd of 24,897 due to high ticket prices.
Andoni Iraola began his tenure as Liverpool head coach with a 4-2 pre-season friendly win over Sunderland in Nashville. The article highlights three key takeaways: Liverpool urgently needs defensive reinforcements after Joe Gomez was injured within 10 minutes, highlighting the fragility of their center-back options; fans are likely to enjoy Iraola's energetic, high-pressing style ('Iraola-ball') more than the possession-heavy approach of predecessor Arne Slot; and Dominik Szoboszlai remains Liverpool's most dynamic and important midfielder, having recently signed a new five-year contract. The analysis notes that while no firm conclusions can be drawn from one match, the performance showed glimpses of Iraola's desired style.
Federico Chiesa has expressed his desire for a 'new chapter' at Liverpool under new head coach Andoni Iraola, following a frustrating two-year period under Arne Slot. The 28-year-old Italian forward scored in Liverpool's 4-2 friendly win against Sunderland in Nashville. Chiesa made 36 appearances last season but only five were starts, leading to speculation about a return to Italy with Como and Juventus linked. He admitted he has not discussed his future with Iraola but is focused on proving himself. Chiesa also criticized Liverpool's Champions League qualification as 'lucky' and called for improvement in the upcoming season.
In a pre-season friendly match held in Nashville, USA, on Saturday, former Lorient player Enzo Le Fée scored a spectacular long-range goal for Sunderland against Liverpool, though Sunderland ultimately lost 2-4. The 26-year-old midfielder, who had a standout season with Sunderland last year, helping them finish 7th in the Premier League and qualify for the Europa League after promotion, has become a key player under manager Régis Le Bris. Le Fée started 37 of 40 matches, showcasing versatility across central midfield, attacking midfield, and left wing, contributing 6 goals and 6 assists. His performances have marked a full recovery from his unsuccessful stint at AS Roma and have put him in contention for a call-up to the French national team.
In a pre-season friendly match held in Nashville, USA, on Saturday, former Lorient midfielder Enzo Le Fée scored a spectacular long-range goal for Sunderland against Liverpool, though his team ultimately lost 2-4. The 26-year-old Frenchman, who had a standout season with Sunderland (7th in the Premier League and Europa League qualification), has become a key player under manager Régis Le Bris, starting 37 of 40 matches. Le Fée showcased his versatility by playing as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, and left winger, contributing 6 goals and 6 assists. His performances have marked a full recovery from his unsuccessful stint at AS Roma, and he is now considered a candidate for the French national team.
Andoni Iraola won his first match as Liverpool head coach, with his side defeating Sunderland 4-2 in their opening game of a US summer tour in Nashville. Young midfielder Kieran Morrison scored the first goal of the Iraola era after a fine team move. Sunderland took a 2-1 lead in the second half, but Liverpool responded with goals from substitutes Dominik Szoboszlai (a stunning volley), Federico Chiesa, and Lewis Koumas. The only negative was an early injury to stand-in captain Joe Gomez, which Iraola described as the worst news of the day. Iraola praised the performance as a good starting point but noted many areas to correct, citing heavy legs from training. The match featured 22 Liverpool players and showcased promising attacking play despite the heat.
During a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool and Sunderland on July 26, Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez suffered an unexpected injury in the 10th minute and was forced to leave the field. Additionally, new Liverpool centre-back signing Jeremy Jakub withdrew from the match early due to a minor injury. The injuries occurred in the early stages of the game, raising concerns about Liverpool's defensive depth ahead of the new season. The report originates from Hupu Football News, citing source X.
In the English Premier League summer series, Liverpool faces Sunderland. The starting lineups have been announced before the match. Liverpool's starting XI includes Mamardashvili, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, Elliott, Tsimikas, Frimpong, McConnell, Kieran Morrison, Ngumoha, Moore-Talla Ndiaye, and Will Wright. Substitutes include Woodman, Harvey Davies, Kerkez, Szoboszlai, Chiesa, Josh Abbe, Trey Nyoni, Luke Chambers, Calvin Ramsay, Callum Scanlon, Lewis Koumas, Josh Sonny-Lambie, and Ifeanyi Ndouku. The match is part of the Premier League summer series.
New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola will take charge of his first game on Saturday against Sunderland in Nashville, but faces a significant challenge as 12 players are unavailable due to injury or extended post-World Cup rest. Key stars like Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, and Ryan Gravenberch are among the absentees. Iraola, who moved from Bournemouth with his coaching staff, emphasized the need for long-term planning, particularly for World Cup finalists like Alexis Mac Allister. The Reds are also working on new signings ahead of their Premier League opener at Newcastle on August 23. Iraola confirmed that Gravenberch, Alexander Isak, and Florian Wirtz will join the squad in Chicago next week.
Liverpool begin their 2026 pre-season with a friendly match against fellow Premier League side Sunderland, played at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee on July 25. Kick-off is at 11pm UK time. UK viewers can watch exclusively on LFCTV, with pre-match coverage starting at 10:30pm BST, and stream via LFCTV GO. US viewers can watch on ESPN+ and official Liverpool channels. Team news includes potential debut for Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet, while Hugo Ekitike is ruled out injured. Sunderland are without Brian Brobbey, Granit Xhaka, and Simon Adingra due to World Cup commitments, and Jocelin Ta Bi due to a rejected visa application.
English Premier League clubs are preparing to vote next week on a landmark ten-year agreement, known as the 'New Deal,' aimed at providing approximately £1.5 billion in additional funding to lower-league teams. The proposal, which has been discussed for over three years, includes increasing the Premier League transfer levy from 4% to 6% and a tiered payment plan starting in the 2026-27 season. Payments would begin below £100 million annually, rising to over £160 million. The deal also includes a gradual reduction of 'parachute payments' for relegated clubs, a £20 million 'lifeboat fund' for clubs in administration, and a requirement that 20% of funds be used for infrastructure. The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has backstop powers to enforce a redistribution agreement if the leagues fail to reach consensus. The Premier League aims to finalize the deal by the end of August before the IFR's 'State of Football Report' is released. The resolution requires support from 14 of the 20 Premier League clubs to pass.
According to journalist Pete O'Rourke, Sunderland are among the clubs interested in signing Liverpool playmaker Harvey Elliott this off-season. The 23-year-old English talent, who had a disappointing loan spell at Aston Villa last season with only nine appearances and one goal, is also being pursued by Crystal Palace and Coventry City. Elliott's contract at Liverpool expires at the end of next season, potentially making him available at a reduced price. The article analyzes whether Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris should pursue Elliott, noting his dribbling ability, vision, and versatility as an attacking midfielder, right winger, or box-to-box midfielder. It suggests Elliott could add quality and depth to Sunderland's frontline and help the club compete across competitions in the coming years.
Sunderland are looking to offload striker Ahmed Abdullahi after an injury-plagued two-year spell on Wearside. The 22-year-old, signed from Belgian side Gent in August 2024, has failed to make an impact due to injuries and is behind Brian Brobbey, Wilson Isidor, and youngster Trey Ogunsuyi in the pecking order. He has been playing for the under-21s in recent friendlies. Turkish side Eyupspor are leading the race to sign him, with talks described as 'ongoing.' It is unclear whether the move would be a loan or permanent transfer, or what the fee might be. A move for Abdullahi appears almost certain this summer as Sunderland continue to refresh their squad after establishing themselves in the Premier League.
Ligue 1+, the exclusive streaming platform for Ligue 1, announced it will broadcast more than 30 friendly matches of French clubs before the Ligue 1 season resumes on August 21. The matches will be shown live on the LFP's streaming platform. The first matches begin on July 25, featuring five pre-season games including Lens-Charleroi, Union Saint-Gilloise-Lille, Marseille-Nice, Rennes-Club Bruges, and Sporting-Monaco. A total of nine matches will pit Ligue 1 clubs against Premier League teams, such as Crystal Palace-Lens, Liverpool-Monaco, Sunderland-Rennes, Everton-Lille, and Newcastle-Strasbourg. The weekend of August 15-16 will feature around 15 matches, providing a substantial warm-up program for subscribers ahead of the new season.
Chelsea's £64 million bid for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has been rejected, with Bournemouth insisting the 22-year-old is not for sale this summer despite interest from Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Tottenham. Chelsea, under new manager Xabi Alonso, are prioritizing central midfield reinforcements. An £80 million offer would also be rejected. Chelsea also failed in an £8 million bid for Sunderland's Granit Xhaka after he reaffirmed loyalty to his club. The Blues have long-term interest in Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, whose transfer fee could approach £100 million given current market rates for midfielders like Tonali, Matheus Fernandes, and Anderson. Enzo Fernandez's future at Chelsea remains uncertain after Real Madrid ruled out a summer move despite Chelsea's £120 million price tag.
Sunderland's 2-1 victory over Chelsea secured 7th place in the Premier League, bringing European football back to Wearside for the first time in over 50 years. Sporting director Florent Ghisolfi recounted an older fan questioning whether European qualification was beneficial, given the challenges of competing in four competitions. Ghisolfi and CEO Tom Burwell outlined the club's cautious but ambitious approach: maintaining squad mentality, selling fringe players (e.g., Eliezer Mayenda to Rennes for £21.5m), and complying with UEFA's financial regulations. Belgian defender Thomas Meunier is the only new signing so far. The club's ownership, led by 28-year-old Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, faces rumors of a potential sale but remains committed to sustainable growth. Ghisolfi described this summer as a 'marathon' focused on stability, contrasting with last summer's 'sprint' to strengthen the Premier League squad.
Journalist Graeme Bailey reports that Sunderland are facing stiff competition from Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Everton, Leeds United, and Fulham to sign Monaco forward Folarin Balogun. The 25-year-old United States international scored 19 goals and provided 5 assists in 43 appearances for Monaco last season. His contract runs until 2028, making a cut-price deal difficult. Balogun has limited Premier League experience from his time at Arsenal but is considered a talented forward. The article argues he would be worth the fight for Sunderland, as he could add firepower to their frontline and has his best years ahead of him.
1 reports · 1 sources · Updated
Periodic recap
What changed for this subject in each tracking window — generated from matched events, delta-first.
→· 1 event in window
Sunderland completed a significant signing before the transfer window closed, bringing in centre-back Kevin Danso on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. The deal includes a mandatory £25 million buyout clause, with a medical scheduled for September 1 and personal terms already agreed. Tottenham reopened talks after initially rejecting a loan offer, having secured Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea as a replacement.
Tottenham defender Kevin Danso joins Sunderland on loan with a mandatory £25 million buyout clause
Clubs reached an agreement in principle, with a medical set for September 1 and personal terms agreed
Tottenham reopened talks after signing Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea, having initially rejected a loan bid
Earlier recaps
→· 1 event in window
Sunderland had no direct developments this period. The only matched event concerns Arsenal's pursuit of Lyon winger Malick Fofana, which has no material connection to Sunderland.
→· 2 events in window
Sunderland itself had no direct developments this period, but regional rivals Newcastle United underwent a major managerial change. Eddie Howe has departed after five years, with Al Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle lined up to replace him. Both clubs are majority-owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and this leadership change may have indirect implications for the North East football landscape.
→· 1 event in window
Sunderland itself had no direct developments this period, but there was movement among parties linked to its earlier transfer saga. Chelsea, who had pursued Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, have continued strengthening under Xabi Alonso by signing Jordan Henderson on a free transfer. This move further indicates Chelsea have moved on to other targets, indirectly corroborating Sunderland's stance that the Xhaka deal is dead and the player is staying.
→· 1 event in window
Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has publicly confirmed that the club has rejected an £8 million bid from Chelsea for captain Granit Xhaka and declared the matter closed. Xhaka has committed his future to the club, ending speculation of a reunion with former coach Xabi Alonso at Chelsea. The decision secures a key player for Sunderland during an otherwise quiet transfer window, in which the club has only signed Thomas Meunier on a free transfer.
→· 2 events in window
Sunderland played a pre-season friendly against Liverpool in Nashville, Tennessee, losing 4-2. The match itself drew limited attention, with a sparse crowd attributed to high ticket prices. The primary focus was on opponents Liverpool, where an early injury to defender Joe Gomez deepened a pre-existing defensive crisis for the new manager.
Tracked events
Events matched to this subject by the tracking pipeline, with signal scores.
· Signal 83.6
Tottenham's Kevin Danso joins Sunderland on loan with £25m mandatory buy option
Tottenham Hotspur defender Kevin Danso, 27, is set to join Sunderland on a season-long loan with a mandatory £25 million buyout clause, after the clubs reached an agreement in principle. The move was enabled by Tottenham signing Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea. Sunderland has arranged a medical for Danso on September 1, with personal terms already agreed. Tottenham initially rejected a loan offer but reopened talks after securing a replacement.