Premier League
Premier League and European Clubs Active in High-Profile Transfer Negotiations
Key transfer dealings involve Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez, Barcelona’s Ronald Araújo, and other major European clubs.
The summer transfer window remains lively with multiple Premier League and European clubs pursuing notable targets. Juventus has shown interest in Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez, with the Reds potentially open to a loan deal including an option to buy. Liverpool are reportedly preparing to negotiate a deal valuing Núñez at around €65 million. Meanwhile, Arsenal are maintaining contact with Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, although they are hesitant to meet his £60 million release clause.
Chelsea are progressing towards a deal for Xavi Simons while RB Leipzig look to re-sign Christopher Nkunku. Bayern Munich’s continued interest in Luis Díaz complements their summer strategy to offload David Alaba and Ferland Mendy, though neither player is currently keen on leaving.
Manchester United have ruled out a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez after failing to meet Villa’s demand for a permanent sale. Nottingham Forest’s £25 million offer for Manchester City’s James McAtee was also rejected, with the Premier League champions seeking a higher fee.
Tottenham Hotspur are set to submit a £45 million bid for João Palhinha following talks with Bayern Munich. Additionally, Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Tottenham are all tracking Parma center back Giovanni Leoni, valued at €35 million.
Aston Villa are increasing their offer for Galatasaray forward Barış Alper Yılmaz, though still fall short of a €40 million valuation. Barcelona face pressure from Real Madrid over defender Ronald Araújo, prompting President Joan Laporta to negotiate with Liverpool, who are readying an offer exceeding €40 million for the player. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Gerard Martín may be sold after teammate Jofre Torrents’ rise secured coach Hansi Flick’s approval.
Lastly, Barcelona lead interest in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, favouring a loan with an option to buy over the Blues’ €50 million asking price. Across the board, this summer’s transfer activity signals significant squad reshaping among top European clubs.
Manchester City
Manchester City Marks End of an Era with Sporting Director Transition
Manchester City confirms Txiki Begiristain’s departure as Hugo Viana takes over sporting director role.
Manchester City have confirmed the departure of Txiki Begiristain, their long-serving sporting director, signaling a new era for the club. Over 13 years, Begiristain played a pivotal role in securing seven Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the Champions League, contributing to 21 major trophies in total. His tenure included the recruitment of Pep Guardiola and iconic players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and İlkay Gündoğan. The club recognizes him as one of football’s ‘greatest directors of football.’ His exit was announced in October 2024 alongside the introduction of Hugo Viana as his successor.
Viana, a former Newcastle United midfielder, began working with Begiristain in April and now assumes full responsibility as the new season starts. Together, they facilitated six new signings across June and July with expenditures exceeding £150 million. The final arrival was goalkeeper James Trafford for £27 million. Whether this marks the end of transfer activity remains to be seen ahead of the September 1 deadline.
At 42, Viana is regarded as one of Europe’s most promising football executives. Having spent seven years as Sporting CP’s sporting director, the club where he started his professional career, he played an instrumental role in recruitment and management, including bringing in Ruben Amorim in 2020. Viana contributed to Sporting’s first Primeira Liga title since 2001–02 and helped guide the club to consecutive championships in 2023–24 and 2024–25.
Liverpool
Liverpool Navigates Major Transfers: Slot on Díaz’s Departure and Isak Pursuit
Slot praises Liverpool’s sale of Luis Díaz as strategic amid pursuit of Alexander Isak and squad plans.
Liverpool’s summer transfer activities have been marked by significant business, with manager Arne Slot describing the sale of Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich as a strategic move. Díaz, a crucial figure in Liverpool’s recent Premier League title success, joined Bayern for £65.5 million ($86.7 million), helping to balance the club’s expenditures amid ongoing recruitment efforts.
Slot acknowledged the bittersweet nature of losing a key player: “Luis is a player we won the league with and there’s a reason we won it with him because he’s a very good player. It’s always disappointing to see someone like that leave, to a certain extent.”
Despite the departure, Slot emphasized that the sale aligns with Liverpool’s broader financial strategy. “We’ve sold him for a lot of money and, as you probably know even better than I do, this football club brings in unbelievable signings over the years, but part of the strategy is also that once in a while we have to sell someone. I think we did great business by bringing in Lucho for a number of years and then selling him for a very good profit.”
Looking ahead, Liverpool could still make a high-profile signing by pursuing Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, which would see their spending surpass £400 million ($529.2 million). However, Slot hinted that the club’s options for wingers are currently sufficient, despite Federico Chiesa’s expected departure. “At this moment in time, we still have Cody Gakpo, Rio [Ngumoha] is showing very good signs, and I think Florian Wirtz can play from the left side as well. There are enough options for me to choose from,” he stated.
Liverpool remain active in the transfer market, balancing reinvestment with strategic sales, as they aim to maintain their competitive edge this season.
Chelsea
Nicolas Jackson Addresses Chelsea Role Amid Transfer Speculation
Nicolas Jackson stays focused at Chelsea amid summer transfer links and new striker arrivals.
Chelsea’s Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson remains composed despite summer transfer rumours linking him to Manchester United following the arrivals of Liam Delap and João Pedro. Since his 2023 move from Villarreal, Jackson has faced challenges, netting 13 goals across all competitions last season.
Jackson responded to questions about competition for places, stating, “Competition? I have no competition. We’re all here to help the club. Everyone has their role to play. I’m on a mission. It’s up to the coach to make his choices. I focus solely on my work.”
He emphasized his commitment to Chelsea, adding, “I’m a Chelsea player. The future belongs to God. If there are any changes, you’ll know. For now, I’m focused on my preparation.”
With João Pedro impressing early in his Chelsea tenure, he is expected to start the Premier League season ahead of Jackson. Chelsea’s squad depth means the club could let Jackson move on if an appropriate offer emerges, especially with prospect Marc Guiu likely to go on loan to Sunderland.
Jackson has scored double digits in the Premier League across his two seasons at Stamford Bridge but Chelsea require a more prolific forward to bolster their Champions League ambitions and challenge top rivals such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City.
