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New York Mets billionaire owner Steve Cohen on Saturday opened up about the club's negotiations with free agent first baseman Pete Alonso, telling the media at a Mets' Amazin' Day event that talk with the four-time All-Star have been "exhausting."

"We've made a significant offer to Pete," Cohen said, moments after Mets fans at the event chanted "We want Pete!" "And what David said is correct, he's entitled to go out and explore his market, and that's what he's doing. Personally, this has been an exhausting conversation and negotiation. Soto was tough, this is worse. A lot of it is, we made a significant offer."

"I don't like the structures [of the offer] that are being presented back to us. I think it is highly asymmetric against us. I feel strongly about it."

New York reportedly offered Alonso a three-year contract worth between $68 and $70 million, with none of the offered money coming in the form of deferrals, the terms of which the two sides were unable to agree upon.

Alonso initially was seeking a long-term deal but is reportedly open to a return to Queens on a three-year deal. And while Cohen and Alonso's camp quibble over the financials, the star first baseman has also been in contact with other teams, most notably, the Toronto Blue Jays, according to SNY's Andy Martino.

Alonso, the 2019 National League Rookie of the Year, set the record for the most home runs by a rookie with 53, and has belted 40-plus home runs two times since his standout first year. He has also earned the respect of his teammates. Count the likes of star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who acknowledged things would be "different" should Alonso not return, and outfielder Brandon Nimmo, who said he "would love" to see the slugger back in Queens, among them.

The Mets, in addition to importing Juan Soto, Clay Holmes, Frankie Montas and A.J. Minter, re-signed Jesse Winker and Sean Manaea this offseason. And Cohen, while saying he'll "never say no,” acknowledged that the longer the talks with Alonso stretch out, the more likely it is the club may move forward with an in-house option at first base.

"I'm being brutally honest," Cohen said. "I don't like the negotiations. I don't like what's been presented to us. Listen, maybe that changes. I'll always stay flexible. If it stays this way, we may have to go forward with the existing players we have."

A fairly low-profile tri-series in Zimbabwe continues to bring a number of high moments for Ish Sodhi. In New Zealand’s opening game, he made his 200th international appearance and then he marked his 201st appearance by becoming the third player to 150 wickets in men’s T20Is after Tim Southee and Rashid Khan. Along the way, Sodhi, 32, bagged his career-best T20I figures of 4 for 12 against Zimbabwe in the lead-up to the final against South Africa.Sodhi is uncontracted – young legspinner Adithya Ashok pipped him and earned his maiden deal – but he certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed by new coach Rob Walter. In the final, Sodhi is set to tick off another landmark: New Zealand’s most capped T20I player. He’s currently level with Southee on 126 T20Is.Related

• Bracewell replaces Phillips for NZ's first Test against Zimbabwe

A numbers man, Sodhi is savouring every high. “It’s really nice. I’m really proud of the achievement. To get 150 wickets in a format for your country, obviously you have to play for a long period of time to be able to do that. It’s something I’m really proud of and hopefully there’s a lot more on the bank.”On Thursday, Sodhi also took a moment to reflect on his early years. Born in India, Sodhi moved to Auckland with his parents when he was a child. After impressing Daniel Vettori during an Auckland playing trial he broke into the New Zealand squad when he was 20. He has since become a key player for New Zealand, especially in white-ball cricket.”It has been an incredible journey,” Sodhi said. “I think something came out of the other, I think I debuted in 2013. I think my first ODI was here in Harare. It’s nice to be here and still being able to perform for New Zealand. Hopefully it’s something I can still do for a time to come.”Contracted or not, Sodhi is eager to play for New Zealand and win games for them. Having been thrown a lifeline by Walter, Sodhi could form a potent partnership with captain Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell as New Zealand tune up for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.”There’s always incentive to win games for your country, I like playing international cricket,” Sodhi said. “Growing up, it’s the only thing I ever wanted to do and I think it’s probably the same for all the guys that are in there now. International cricket is really special. You pop the fern on, certainly things you dreamed of in the backyard growing up playing. Any game for New Zealand, there’s always motivation out there to be playing your best.”ESPNcricinfo Ltd

The 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean was a forgettable one for Sodhi and New Zealand. In spin-friendly conditions, Sodhi sat out three of New Zealand’s four games, but in the lead-up to the next World Cup, he’s trying to reinvent himself. On Thursday, he fronted up to bowl in the powerplay – after Zimbabwe had run away to 21 for 0 – and claimed figures of 2-0-5-3 during this phase. Sodhi had also operated in the powerplay against South Africa in New Zealand’s series opener. This tri-series is the first time since 2021 that Sodhi has bowled in the powerplay in T20Is and it’s a role he relishes playing for the Black Caps.”It’s quite a new role for me and I haven’t bowled a lot in the powerplay in my career,” Sodhi said. “So, this is a really strong New Zealand side nowadays, so trying to get into the side and almost have to learn to be able to bowl in the powerplay. So, it’s really nice it could come off as it is relatively a new role. I’m trying to play for New Zealand and yeah to get some wickets was quite pleasing and it shows me I can do it at this level and yeah something I want to keep building.”Sodhi also delivered a glowing appraisal of Tim Seifert, who is currently the leading run-getter in the tri-series, with 166 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 145.61. Sodhi believes that Seifert has become a more versatile and dangerous batter after playing franchise T20 cricket around the world. In the lead-up to the tri-series, Seifert was part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL and San Francisco Unicorns in the MLC, and his next franchise assignment is with CPL champions St Lucia Kings.”Yeah, look Seife is incredible,” Sodhi said. “I’ve sort of seen him come through when he was 18 years old playing cricket in all the districts he came through. A lot of talent, hit the ball really nice and cleanly. But I think the product of franchise cricket that’s made him such a good player is that he’s been able to play on surfaces that aren’t actually that great for batting.”If you look at that surface out there, it wasn’t the truest of surfaces but to score at the rate that he did shows great growth in his game. It shows that he’s rallied around a lot of great players all around the world in the franchise tournaments that he’s played and it’s making him a lot better player. It’s a huge asset for New Zealand cricket the way that he’s playing and he’s still so young.”The way he’s batting is showing a lot of leadership. He’s leading from the front and it’s great to see him being in my shoes having seen him come through when he was an 18, 19-year-old. It’s brilliant to see.”

Jamie Vardy described his first home start for Cremonese as a “special feeling” but admitted frustration after being held to a 1-1 draw by Udinese. The former Leicester City striker, who completed a shock move to Italy this summer, came close to scoring in a lively full debut but couldn’t prevent his side from dropping points at Stadio Giovanni Zini.

• Vardy’s full Cremonese debut ends in frustration

  The veteran English international Vardy’s first home start for Cremonese ended in mixed emotions as his new side were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Udinese in Serie A. The 38-year-old, who joined the Italian outfit on a free transfer after ending his legendary 13-year spell with Leicester City, played the full 90 minutes and showed flashes of his trademark energy and movement despite not finding the net.

  Cremonese made an electric start at the Stadio Giovanni Zini, taking the lead in the fourth minute through Filippo Terracciano’s header from a well-worked set piece. However, Udinese hit back early in the second half when Nicolo Zaniolo levelled the score with a powerful header. Despite several late chances, including two near misses from Vardy himself, the hosts were unable to reclaim the lead.

  The draw leaves Cremonese mid-table after seven league games, boasting two wins, four draws, and just one defeat,a promising start for a team newly promoted to Serie A. But for Vardy, the night was tinged with disappointment after missing two clear chances to secure all three points in front of an excited home crowd.

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• Vardy admits 'special feeling' but rues result

  After the final whistle, Vardy took to Instagram to express both pride and also disappointment following his first start in Italy. “A special feeling to make my home debut last night. Another point on the board but I really wish it could have been more,” he wrote, reflecting on a night that could have easily ended in triumph.

  It was a performance that encapsulated the spirit that made Vardy one of English football’s great late bloomers, tireless running, sharp instincts, and relentless determination. He may have had the fewest touches of any outfield player to complete the match, but his work rate and pressing caused problems for Udinese’s back line throughout.

  Playing alongside Federico Bonazzoli in a two-striker setup, Vardy was tasked with leading the line for Davide Nicola’s side, and despite the lack of goals.

• A new chapter after Leicester legacy

  Vardy’s journey to Cremonese has been one of the most surprising moves of the summer. After scoring 200 goals in 500 appearances for Leicester City, including a fairy tale Premier League title in 2016, he opted to leave the Foxes following their relegation to the Championship.

  The veteran forward was linked with several clubs across England and Europe, including Brentford, West Ham, Celtic, Wrexham and even Manchester United, before ultimately choosing to take on a new challenge in northern Italy. The deal, a one-year contract with the option to extend if Cremonese avoid relegation, gives both parties a fresh opportunity to write another chapter in their respective stories.

  In Cremonese, he’s found a club that mirrors some of that underdog spirit, newly promoted, full of fight, and aiming to defy the odds once more. 

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  What’s next for Vardy and Cremonese?

  Cremonese’s next challenge comes at home against Atalanta this weekend, where Vardy will be eager to get off the mark in Serie A. Vardy’s continued integration will be key to their survival hopes. His experience in high-pressure games could prove invaluable in guiding Cremonese through the winter fixtures, particularly as they prepare for back-to-back clashes against Juventus, Roma and Napoli in December.

  For the English striker, the coming weeks present a chance to turn promise into productivity, and if his debut is any indication, Vardy’s trademark resilience and hunger remain very much alive, and Italy might just witness another chapter of his impressive career.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has been told by one source that a potential £70 million bid could be accepted for an unsettled PSG star, with Mikel Arteta’s side now taking a “concrete” interest.

Arsenal back Mikel Arteta with new deals and £255m summer spend

Arteta is under serious pressure to deliver the club’s first Premier League title in over 20 years, especially following Berta’s undisputed backing.

Liverpool

£415,000,000

£187,000,000

£228,000,000

Chelsea

£285,000,000

£288,000,000

-£3,000,000

Arsenal

£255,000,000

£9,000,000

£246,000,000

Newcastle

£250,000,000

£152,000,000

£98,000,000

Man Utd

£216,000,000

£68,000,000

£148,000,000

Nottm Forest

£205,000,000

£107,000,000

£98,000,000

Tottenham

£181,000,000

£36,000,000

£145,000,000

Sunderland

£162,000,000

£44,000,000

£118,000,000

Man City

£152,000,000

£53,000,000

£99,000,000

West Ham

£124,000,000

£55,000,000

£69,000,000

via BBC

After spending north of £250 million on eight major signings in the summer transfer window, Berta also tied down star defender William Saliba with a brand-new contract which will run until 2030 — thwarting Real Madrid in the process.

This comes after he agreed fresh terms with Gabriel earlier this year too, with reports suggesting that Arsenal are also in talks with Bukayo Saka over a new deal which could be sorted before Christmas (Football Transfers).

Defender Jurrien Timber could also be rewarded for his exceptionally consistent displays over the last 12 months, as Arsenal are in negotiations to take his Emirates Stadium stay past 2028.

Off the field, Arsenal are doing basically everything right (except maybe player sales), and Berta is still showing some intent in the transfer market even after a record-breaking transfer window for the Gunners.

Now, as per reporter Mark Brus, the Arsenal transfer chief is registering a serious fondness for PSG sensation Warren Zaire-Emery.

Arsenal told £70m bid for Warren Zaire-Emery could be accepted

Sharing what he calls “exciting information” via the journalist’s Daily Briefing, Brus says that the “elite” Ligue 1 starlet is growing unsettled under Luis Enrique and wants more clarity over his role in the team.

The 19-year-old has played as the defensive midfield anchor, a traditional centre-midfielder and even at right-back over his nine games in all competitions so far, and this is believed to be slightly frustrating Zaire-Emery.

Arsenal are described as having a “concrete” interest in signing Zaire-Emery, alongside the likes of Man City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, but Pep Guardiola’s side are believed to be the biggest admirers, as City’s boss is a major fan.

As well as this, the source goes on to state that a £70 million offer from Arsenal, or any interested side, could be enough.

The teenager has already drawn comparisons to Cesc Fàbregas, and club legend Thierry Henry was effusive in his praise of Zaire-Emery’s star potential when speaking on CBS Sports in late 2023.

Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes will continue as Manchester United's first-choice penalty taker, despite costly recent misses against Fulham and Brentford in the Premier League. The Portuguese has scored just one of three from the spot so far this season, the decider at home to Burnley, but Amorim maintains full faith in his club captain ahead of the Red Devils trip to face Liverpool on Sunday.

• Fernandes to remain Man United's penalty taker

  Speaking ahead of taking his team to Anfield, Amorim backed his captain to return to goalscoring form from the spot after missing two from three so far this season.

  He made sure to underline the 31-year-old's impressive previous penalty return across his time at Old Trafford and his career as a whole. Fernandes has scored 62 of 70 penalties, missing just eight, a conversion rate of 88.6%. His rate at United is slightly lower, scoring 39 from 45 for an 86.6% conversion rate, an impressive return nevertheless.

  Amorim's words reflect the fact that Fernandes has been a reliable penalty taker throughout his time as a professional, and has bounced back from missing from the spot in the past. Though he had never previously missed twice in the same calendar year before, meaning this is new territory, but he maintains the faith of his manager ahead of Sunday's crucial North West derby (16:30 BST).

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  Amorim: He's really confident

  Amorim said: "Yes, he's the main taker. I think he has 70 penalties and he misses nine – two with me."

  The head coach reflected on the two Fernandes has missed under him. "I'm really annoyed with that," Amorim said. "But he's really confident. He’s training [to take] the penalties, trying to understand that people are watching the way he [tries to] score penalties. So he will be ready."

• United's head coach reflects on important Anfield trip

  "The environment is going to be loud but we are ready to play in that," he said. "If you look at last year, sometimes we play better in that kind of environment than the pressure at home. We never know what is going to happen. We showed last year there, we can handle it. The way we start the game is more important than the environment. To do a really good warm-up. To have a feeling. To understand that it's going to be tough in the first moments. I know they are ready."

  Amorim claimed many in his side may not be aware of United's poor recent record at Anfield, where they have won just once in the past decade. "Football players nowadays don't watch many games, unfortunately," he said. "I have so many things to use [as inspiration] with our players. Like winning back-to-back games [in the league for the first time]. We have so much to win if we perform and win the next game. I don’t need to use those games in the past."

  Amorim said of reports linking Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee with possible moves in January: "I know that in our club there is a lot of noise. You have to have news. Players are not playing. They want to play. There's a World Cup. I understand that but they are our players and we need everyone to have a good season. I'm just focused on the future of the club, on the present of the club. That is the most important thing."

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  A huge North West derby clash awaits

  United face Liverpool knowing that defeat against their greatest rivals is never acceptable to fans. The Red Devils fell to some humiliating defeats at the hands of the Reds several times during the Jurgen Klopp era, with 2023's 7-0 trouncing the worst defeat United have experienced to their rivals in history.

  But the Red Devils have drawn on their last two visits to Anfield, which will give increased optimism ahead of the anticipated showdown. In the all-time charts of matches between the two sides, United have the slight edge with 91 wins to Liverpool’s 82, while the pair have drawn 71 times.

  Liverpool come into the match on the back of three defeats in a week prior to the international break, while United have had a mixed start to the season and sit in 11th place despite picking up just one point away from home. Victory could prove season-changing for both sides, as it always is in a fixture of this magnitude, but its timing appears particularly significant – particularly for the under-pressure Amorim.

Sussex 528 and 126 for 3 (Haines 34, Hughes 33, Yates 2-29) lead Warwickshire 454 (Yates 115, Barnard 82, Davies 66, Mousley 63) by 200 runsWarwickshire and Sussex appear destined to start their Rothesay County Championship Division One season with a draw after three sun and run-soaked days at Edgbaston.Sussex closed the third day on 126 for 3 in their second innings, 200 ahead overall, having taken a first innings lead of 74. It is a solid advantage but taking ten wickets quickly on the final day on a pitch offering some turn but which remains batter-friendly would require something special from the bowlers.The match was pretty much consigned to a draw on the third afternoon when Warwickshire, replying to 528, reached 379 to avoid the follow on. They went on to total 454 thanks to Rob Yates with 115 off 159 balls and half-centuries to Ed Barnard, Alex Davies and Dan Mousley. Jack Carson took 4 for 92, a highly commendable effort in the excellent batting conditions.Sussex have a significant lead but, in such conditions, a last-day declaration would have to be very carefully judged as a run-chase would heavily favour the batting side.After Warwickshire resumed on the third morning on 223 for 3, Sussex struck early. Ollie Robinson needs to fire early this season to advance his case for an England recall and he has started strongly in this match with several hostile spells in conditions favouring the bat. He removed the well-set Yates with the 21st ball of the day, a perfectly-pitched leg-cutter which was edged behind.Robinson then unfurled another fine ball which Mousley, still to score, edged to slip, but Tom Alsop grassed the catch. Less impressive was his next wicket-taking ball – a full toss which Ethan Bamber belted straight to midwicket.At 252 for 5, still 127 short of the follow on, Warwickshire needed steadying and Mousley and Barnard provided the necessary stability with a stand of 124 in 32 overs. Mousley exploited his early reprieve to bat attractively but departed furious at himself for missing a sweep at Carson and falling lbw. Barnard struck seven fours and two sixes in an increasingly fluent innings before he fell lbw to a fine ball from Danny Lamb.Kai Smith’s punchy 27 from 32 balls ended when he lifted Carson to long on and Michael Booth fell in similar fashion after Tazeem Ali edged Lamb to second slip.Sussex were left with a session to bat and they spent it enhancing their lead in less than scintillating fashion for the loss of three wickets to the spinners. Yates added two wickets to his earlier century as he had Daniel Hughes caught at slip and Tom Haines lbw, half-forward.Tom Clark offered no shot to a sharply turning ball from Tazeem and was adjudged lbw. The degree of turn in that last dismissal offers some hope of purposeful cricket tomorrow but it will take some monumentally good or careless cricket for this match to yield a winner and a loser.

Glasgow Rangers have reportedly submitted an offer worth over £1m in an attempt to sign their latest EFL star for Russell Martin.

Latest Rangers transfer news

The Gers have endured a frustrating start under Martin. After such a promising summer, which has been full of incomings, there was plenty of hopes that a new manager, new owners and a new season would result in the ultimate change. So far, however, that has been far from the case.

"Talented" Rangers player agrees Ibrox departure days after Plzen defeat

He struggled in the defeat.

ByTom Cunningham Aug 14, 2025

Whilst Rangers did find a way past Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday night, it wasn’t without suffering defeat and falling back on their first-leg smashing to sneak in to the next round of Champions League qualifiers.

Outside of European football, things haven’t been much better, either. For the first time since 1989, the Scottish giants have failed to win either of their opening two league games – drawing against Motherwell and Dundee – and Martin wasted no time before airing his particular discontent about their opening day struggles.

Since his scathing review, it remains to be seen whether the former Southampton boss can tame the egos within the Rangers squad as more reinforcements potentially arrive this month.

Rangers submit opening offer to sign Charles

According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Rangers have submitted an opening offer to sign Pierce Charles worth over £1m but are yet to receive a response from Sheffield Wednesday. The Owls could certainly do with such a sale amid their financial troubles, but Dejphon Chansiri’s failure to respond currently means that any deal is off the table.

Whether the Gers attempt to get a response for a second time remains to be seen. Charles’ sale would reportedly go a long way towards paying staff wages at Sheffield Wednesday, which makes it all the more frustrating for all involved at the club that neither Rangers nor West Ham United have had a reply regarding their offers.

What’s more, it’s easy to see why clubs like Rangers and West Ham are interested in Charles. At just 20 years old, Charles forced his way into Sheffield Wednesday’s plans last season and earned the praise of former boss Danny Rohl, who said: “We have two young, good goalkeepers.

“We have James Beadle who deserves a lot of credit since he arrived last year in the relegation fight, he helped us to get a lot of points. On the other side we have our own goalkeeper with Pierce, who has worked very hard. He is now the number one for his national team and has improved a lot – he deserved it as well.”

Manchester United are looking to spark a resurgence this year, but the first couple of fixtures since the off-season have issued a reminder that this squad has a long way to go before it gets to where they need to be.

Ruben Amorim has recently spoken of his belief that the Red Devils are closer to their goals this season, but then you would hope that this is so, for United finished 15th in the Premier League last season and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, now excluded from European competition.

Fans would be understood for wanting a few more additions before the close of the transfer window, United having claimed one point from their opening two league fixtures.

The frontline has been reshaped, and efforts for Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens continue, yet Amorim remains intent on signing a central midfielder to establish the balance he needs for his tactical engine to start purring.

Man United searching for a midfielder

Much had been put into the bid for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this month, but the Seagulls have barred the Cameroonian’s exit, and so INEOS have shelved their interest for the time being.

But a deal for another midfielder could yet be struck before the end of the window, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that Kobbie Mainoo could leave Old Trafford, and a replacement brought in.

It’s an ambitious one, but that player could be Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, with The Athletic’s Mark Critchley and Laurie Whitwell confirming on Tuesday United’s interest in the England international.

It seems unlikely that the Eagles would sanction their prized midfielder’s exit at this late stage, but it’s encouraging to note that Man United’s interest is genuine, though they would have to cough up something in the ballpark of £100m, a fee that would eclipse the club’s transfer record.

What Adam Wharton would bring to Man United

Described as “the best deep-lying English midfielder since Scholes” by a CONCACAF-certified coach, need we really say anymore?

Wharton, 21, has only been at Crystal Palace since January 2024, joining from Blackburn Rovers in the Championship, but already he has showcased a considerable degree of quality in Oliver Glasner’s trophy-winning system, and England’s top outfits have taken note.

At the Theatre of Dreams, Wharton would occupy a role currently being filled by Bruno Fernandes, who has moved into a deeper berth than he has principally played across his four-and-a-half years as a Red Devil.

Fernandes, 30, has been the subject of transfer speculation brewing from the Saudi Pro League this summer, but he issued an emphatic response, rejecting the concerted approach from Al Hilal.

It’s a good thing too. Not only did the Portugal international score 19 goals and supply 19 assists across all competitions for Man United last season, but he also inspired and roused the rabble as they flattered to deceive.

His playmaking knows no bounds, and that’s why signing Wharton could work so well for the overall fluency of Amorim’s unit, allowing Fernandes to shift back into a more advanced role, facilitated by Wharton’s presence.

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Hailed as a “generational talent” by journalist Matthew Stanger, Wharton’s 2024/25 campaign was affected by injury, limiting him to just 16 Premier League starts, but he still ranks among the top 12% of midfielders across Europe for progressive passes and the top 8% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Signing him would open up a fluent channel between the thirds, Wharton’s passing feeding into Fernandes’ more prolific take on the ball-playing art.

There’s no denying that Man United’s midfield talisman has looked somewhat out of sorts over the first couple of weeks of the term, but Wharton could revive him, all right, and take this proud football club right back to the forefront of domestic and continental football.

Better signing than Baleba: "Phenomenal" star now wants to join Man Utd

Manchester United could make an even better signing than Carlos Baleba by landing this star.

ByDan Emery Aug 25, 2025

After being handed the encouragement they so desperately craved to pursue Alexander Isak, Liverpool could now reportedly see their big-money raid funded by one player’s departure – and it’s not Luis Diaz.

Alexander Isak asks to leave Newcastle

The line all summer long has been that if Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes believe there is a chance, they will go for Isak. In recent months, however, it looked as though that chance would not arrive. The Reds instead welcomed Hugo Ekitike, stealing Newcastle’s top target in the process, and had seemingly solved their striker problem.

Since the Frenchman’s arrival though, there’s been an almighty twist. In a matter of days, Isak’s thigh injury quickly transformed into a desire to leave Newcastle this summer as the real reason why he didn’t join the Magpies on their Asia tour became clear. Now, the ball is in Liverpool’s court as they look to fund another big-money move and take their spending beyond the £300m-mark this summer.

There will be question marks over how Liverpool would play both Ekitike and Isak, but those are questions that Arne Slot would rather see answered in reality rather than in mere fantasy teams.

On paper, Florian Wirtz, Isak, Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong represent Liverpool’s greatest-ever transfer window. On the pitch, meanwhile, it could yet take the Reds to a second-consecutive Premier League title.

AI names and ranks the formations Liverpool can play with Ekitike and Isak

Slot could have an unbelievable side at his disposal next season…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 24, 2025

There’s still a long way to go before Isak is a Liverpool player, however. Before then, those at Anfield must work their magic in the transfer window and fund what would be the deal of the summer.

Saudi giants now discussing Nunez move

One way they could fund their move is by selling a player who’s looked likely to depart all summer long. According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, Al Hilal are now holding internal talks about signing Darwin Nunez at the request of manager Simone Inzaghi. The struggling forward is likely to cost the Saudi side more €70m (£61m) after Liverpool turned down such a fee to sell Nunez back in January.

As reported by The Athletic, the Isak package could cost as much as £250m with agent fees and other add-ons, which should make the sale of Nunez a top priority for Liverpool.

The forward endured greater struggles than ever at Anfield last season and now finds himself even further down the pecking order after Ekitike’s arrival. As such, it goes without saying that if Liverpool sign Isak, it would be the nail in the coffin for Nunez’s time in Merseyside.

Everton are now believed to be interested in completing the signing of a highly rated Spanish defender during the summer transfer window.

Moyes positive after Everton draw with Man Utd

The Blues continued their pre-season with a 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Sunday night, as they prepare for the new Premier League season. Manager David Moyes has been slightly downbeat of late, saying Everton are “not ready” as the 2025/26 campaign approaches, but he was in more positive spirits after the United game.

“I’m more pleased with tonight’s game than I was with the other games because we got something from it.” But it wasn’t so much the result, it was more the performance was much more encouraging. And look, to be fair, we weren’t probably ready in the first two games regarding players fit and available for the games.

“But we knew that tonight we were a bit closer to something which looked like an Everton team. The other games, we’ve not really looked that way. So, yes, much happier tonight.”

Everton still need new signings before the summer transfer window closes, though, and it looks as though they are targeting a player in a key area.

Everton considering offer for £13m Juanlu

According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Everton are “considering” tabling an offer for Sevilla right-back Juanlu Sanchez this summer, with his current club willing to allow him to leave.

The Spaniard is valued at around £13m, and it is claimed that Moyes is now “prioritising the signing of a new right-back following the departure of Ashley Young” at the end of last season.

Juanlu has the potential to be just what Everton are looking for at right-back this summer, having been an ageing area of the pitch in recent years, with Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman limited there. The Sevilla ace is an exciting young player who won the gold medal for Spain at last summer’s Olympics, also being lauded by Garcia Pimienta.

“He has played as an inside midfielder [before], we were short on space in midfield due to Saul [Niguez]’s suspension and [Albert Sambi] Lokonga’s injury. I spoke to him, I knew he could do well in that position. Juanlu has an incredible present and a better future.”

Juanlu has already won four caps for Spain, scoring once for his country in that time, while 74 appearances for Sevilla by the age of 21 is already an impressive return, showing that he can shine in one of Europe’s top leagues.

The youngster would add defensive nous and attacking quality to Everton’s side, giving Moyes much-needed youth at right-back into the future, with his peak still likely to be a number of years away, too.