Premier League
Gyökeres Backs Isak and Reflects on Player Power After Record Liverpool Transfer
A striker defends a record transfer, addresses player power and recalls similar transfer struggles .
The first international break of the season arrives in the immediate aftermath of Liverpool completing the Premier League record-transfer of Alexander Isak. The move was made official a day earlier, bringing an end to what had been the biggest transfer saga of the summer.
In an interview, Gyökeres admitted he congratulated him on the move. When asked about the wider debate over player power — players forcing their way out of a club — he offered a measured perspective. “I think the clubs have the most power,” Gyökeres said. ”It’s maybe difficult for the players to choose in a lot of cases. When it’s a player that’s not wanted in a club it’s the total opposite, he doesn’t have any power and the club can literally do whatever they want with the player. It’s difficult, but it’s how the situation is.”
That view is informed by recent events. Newcastle United were adamant on keeping Isak despite the player making his desire to join Liverpool abundantly clear. After training by himself for a month, Isak finally got his dream move to Anfield.
Gyökeres experienced comparable resistance during his own transfer. Before joining Arsenal, Sporting CP made it hard for the Gunners to complete the transfer, with the striker’s agent eventually accusing his former club for disrespecting Gyökeres in the negotiations.
Both Swedes were among the most coveted strikers in the transfer window, with major European clubs vying for their services. In the end, both players landed at the destinations they wanted.
On the international stage the pair continue to carry expectation. Gyökeres and Isak have scored 31 goals between them for the national team, and they will begin their World Cup qualifier campaign when they visit Slovenia on Friday. The recent transfers and the comments around player influence ensure the topic remains central as national teams regroup.
Arsenal
Arsenal Restore Yellow For 2026-27 Third Kit
Arsenal have brought back yellow for their 2026-27 third kit, with ambition driving the new design.
Arsenal have revived a familiar look for their 2026-27 third strip, bringing back yellow for the first time in five years.
The colour had not appeared on the pitch since 2021-22, when it was last used in match kit form. Since then, it has been kept largely for lifestyle collections, but it now returns for Mikel Arteta’s side as they prepare for the new campaign.
Released with the tagline “Arsenal State of Mind,” the design is built around the idea that the club is “more than a club” and instead “a shared sense of possibility.” That message fits the mood around Arsenal this season, with expectations high after last season’s Premier League title and a drive to add European success.
Alessia Russo spoke about what the kit represents from a player’s perspective. “Being part of Arsenal means being part of something bigger than yourself,” said Arsenal Women forward Alessia Russo. “There’s a sense of belief, ambition and togetherness that connects everyone who loves this club.
“That’s what Arsenal State of Mind means to me. It’s the feeling that we’re all part of the same journey and pushing towards the same goals. We can’t wait to wear this kit and create more amazing memories with our supporters this season.”
The third kit is completed with navy shorts and socks, and is now available through Arsenal and adidas.
The club’s ambitions do not stop there. Kai Havertz made clear that the target is to keep pushing after last season’s league triumph. “We want all the trophies,” he vowed. “That’s what we’re here for. We won the Premier League now but there’s a lot more that we can do.
“We have to reach another level to make that happen because we know how long the season is and how hard it is to go through all the competitions. We want to do it better again this year and make things happen again.”
He continued: “I think we can, or we have to go further. ”
Liverpool Match Reports
Liverpool’s Chicago setback exposes familiar defensive concerns
Wirtz impressed, Nyoni shone, but Liverpool’s long-ball defending was exposed in Chicago.
Liverpool’s final stop on their U.S. preseason tour ended badly, as Leeds United ran out 4-2 winners in Chicago at Soldier Field. It was only the second time since 2001 that Leeds have beaten the Merseyside club, and while the result will not count in the standings, it left Liverpool with several issues to examine before the campaign gathers pace.
The most encouraging figure for Liverpool was Florian Wirtz. The German attacker, who had been under pressure after a difficult first season at Anfield and a disappointing summer with Germany, looked far more at ease in his first appearance of the new season. Used in the No. 10 role by Iraola, Wirtz settled quickly, linked play with confidence and finished the move for Liverpool’s second goal after combining with Jeremie Frimpong. It was the sort of performance that suggested he may finally be finding his best level in a Liverpool shirt.
Iraola will also take satisfaction from how Trey Nyoni performed. The 19-year-old helped build the move for Wirtz’s goal with a smart lofted pass to Frimpong and once again showed composure in midfield. After strong displays earlier in the tour, he strengthened his case for more first-team involvement.
The defensive side told a very different story. Ifeanyi Ndukwe looked uncertain against Leeds after previously impressing, while Mor Talla Ndiaye also struggled after coming on in the second half. Liverpool were punished twice from long throws, with the back line failing to deal with the aerial threat. That left questions over organisation, timing and defensive depth.
Liverpool had looked set to finish their U.S. trip unbeaten, but instead they return home with a loss and a clear list of problems to address. The attack showed promise, yet the defensive structure was exposed in a way Iraola cannot ignore.
Arsenal
Vinícius Jr salary link would push Arsenal’s wage bill to new heights
Vinícius Jr could top Arsenal’s wage bill, but Erling Haaland still leads Premier League pay.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Vinícius Jr. has been described as one that could reshape the club’s wage structure from top to bottom. Reports suggest the reigning Premier League champions are prepared to do whatever it takes to land the Real Madrid forward, with The Athletic also indicating that any package could be strengthened by a substantial sign-on bonus and image rights arrangement.
If a move is completed, the financial impact would be immediate. Even if Vinícius Jr. arrived on the same salary he currently earns at Real Madrid, he would still leap ahead of every player in the Arsenal squad. That alone shows the scale of the proposed deal and why it would be viewed as a major statement from the champions as they look to protect their crown.
At present, Bukayo Saka is Arsenal’s highest earner after signing a new five-year contract earlier this year reportedly worth around £300,000 ($402,000) per week. Kai Havertz follows on approximately £280,000 ($378,000) weekly, according to The Guardian. Declan Rice is reported by The Independent to earn around £250,000 ($337,000) per week, while Martin Ødegaard is said by The Athletic to be on approximately £240,000 ($319,000) per week, with his current deal running until 2028.
Those figures would all sit below a Vinícius-level salary. The Brazilian would move clear of Arsenal’s current top tier and become the club’s most expensive player by a significant distance.
Even so, that would not place him at the summit of Premier League pay. That position remains with Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker signed a nine-and-a-half-year extension in January 2025, with The Guardian reporting that the contract is worth around £500,000 ($674,000) per week.
