Carlos Baleba (Brighton)
August 2025
Manchester United are pursuing Brighton’s £105m-rated Carlos Baleba but will not include academy graduate Toby Collyer in the deal, despite initial reports. Baleba made 40 appearances last season, scoring four goals and adding two assists. His contract runs until 2028, making Brighton reluctant sellers without a huge offer.
Rasmus Hojlund (Manchester United)
August 2025
Rasmus Hojlund reportedly lost favour in the United dressing room after joining Erik ten Hag’s SEG agency before arriving in 2023. Poor form — just 3 goals in his last 35 games — has fuelled exit rumours. Team-mates questioned his work rate and aerial threat. Tensions surfaced during pre-season after an on-pitch spat with Patrick Dorgu. AC Milan are interested, with United open to a summer departure.
Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig)
August 2025
Xavi Simons has agreed personal terms with Chelsea, but no formal bid has been made. Leipzig want at least €70m, while Chelsea are only willing to offer €50–55m. Leipzig are targeting Harvey Elliott as his replacement. Simons impressed last season with 11 goals and 8 assists in 33 matches. His fitness and ambition for a Premier League move keep him on top clubs’ radars, alongside soon-to-depart teammate Benjamin Sesko.
Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
August 2025
Jayson Tatum, recovering from May surgery on a ruptured right Achilles tendon, was spotted at the New England Patriots’ joint training camp without a boot or brace. He is expected to miss most or all of next NBA season. Tatum stood on the sidelines, chatting with Patriots players and Washington QB Jayden Daniels. He has been seen in Celtics facility workouts, with Brad Stevens confirming steady progress but no rushed return timeline.
Jamie Gittens (Chelsea)
August 2025
New signing Jamie Gittens has chosen Chelsea’s No.11 jersey ahead of debut matches against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan. The shirt has been worn by club legends like Didier Drogba, adding pressure and prestige to the young winger’s arrival.
Endrick (Real Madrid)
August 2025
Endrick is upset after the No.9 shirt was given to academy graduate Gonzalo Garcia instead of him. Garcia impressed at the Club World Cup, leapfrogging Endrick in the pecking order amid fierce competition from Mbappe and others.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
August 2025
Ronaldo scored three goals in a 4-0 pre-season win over Rio Ave, with new signing Joao Felix assisting one. Goals came via a one-two with Felix, a header after a failed clearance, and a penalty. Mohamed Simakan also scored for Al-Nassr.
Ben Doak (Liverpool)
August 2025
Leeds and West Ham are in the hunt for 19-year-old winger Ben Doak, valued at £20m by Liverpool. Liverpool rejected similar bids in January and will only sell if their valuation is met; otherwise, they’ll keep him as a squad option.
Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig > Manchester United)
August 2025
Manchester United have sealed an €85m deal for Sesko, six years after first scouting him at 16. The striker waived part of his salary and his agency cut commission to finalise the move, rejecting higher wages from Newcastle. A secret trip to Germany by recruitment chief Christopher Vivell helped close the deal. Sesko signs until 2030, aiming to lead Ruben Amorim’s new-look attack.
