Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
July 2025
Spain star Nico Williams has signed a new contract running until 2035, turning down top clubs like Barcelona and Bayern to stay at Athletic Club.
His deal raises the release clause by over 50%, reaffirming his commitment after helping Spain win the Euros. Williams stated the club is his home.
Damion Downs (Southampton)
July 2025
Southampton have agreed a deal with FC Koln worth up to £6.9m to sign USA striker Damion Downs, who netted 10 goals in the 2. Bundesliga last season.
The agreement includes £5m guaranteed with further add-ons. The 20-year-old is expected to add attacking depth after an impressive campaign in Germany.
Jaxson Hayes (Los Angeles Lakers)
July 2025
Free agent center Jaxson Hayes has signed a one-year deal to return to the Lakers after emerging as last season’s starting center. He shot a career-best 72.2% and averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds.
Hayes’ agents finalized the deal with Lakers president Rob Pelinka shortly after the franchise signed Deandre Ayton. Hayes will now serve as Ayton’s backup following limited playoff usage last season.
Antoni Milambo (Brentford)
July 2025
Brentford have signed 20-year-old midfielder Antoni Milambo from Feyenoord on a five-year deal, with an option for a sixth. The total deal is worth up to €22m, pending international clearance.
The Bees will pay €18m up front with €4m in add-ons. Milambo scored four goals in 40 Eredivisie games and is seen as a creative No. 8 addition, not a direct replacement for Christian Norgaard.
Lawrence Shankland (Heart of Midlothian)
July 2025
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland has re-signed with the club until 2028, ending months of speculation after becoming a free agent. He is now the club’s highest-paid player.
Manager Derek McInnes convinced Shankland to stay during pre-season in Spain. The striker has scored 68 goals in three seasons and remains a pivotal figure in Hearts’ European ambitions.
Diogo Jota (Liverpool)
July 2025
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain. Their Lamborghini veered off-road and caught fire. Both were confirmed dead by Spanish authorities.
The crash likely resulted from a tire blowout. Jota, 28, was returning to England after medical advice not to fly post-surgery. Tributes poured in from Liverpool, UEFA, Ronaldo, and the Portuguese FA.
Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
July 2025
Crystal Palace will not sell Eberechi Eze for less than his £68m release clause, despite growing interest from Arsenal in this transfer window.
Arsenal continue to explore terms, with Eze reportedly open to the move to fulfill his ambition of playing Champions League football. Palace remain firm unless the clause is met.
Dan James (Leeds United)
July 2025
Leeds winger Dan James has agreed to a new four-year contract that keeps him at the club until 2029. His previous deal was set to expire next summer.
Signed from Manchester United for £25m in 2021, James has impressed Leeds with his consistent performances and is now tied down long-term as part of their Premier League return plans.
Spencer Dinwiddie (Charlotte Hornets)
July 2025
Spencer Dinwiddie has signed a one-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets. He averaged 11 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds last season across 79 games, including 30 starts with Dallas.
Dinwiddie brings veteran leadership and scoring to the Hornets’ young core. Entering his 12th season, he’s expected to provide stability and experience in Charlotte’s rotation.
Dante Exum (Dallas Mavericks)
July 2025
Free agent guard Dante Exum has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Dallas Mavericks. He averaged 8.0 points and 2.8 assists over two injury-hit seasons with the team.
Exum rejoined Dallas after weighing offers from two contenders. He’ll help cover backcourt duties with D’Angelo Russell as Kyrie Irving recovers from injury until early 2026.
