FOOTBALL

Brentford Near Jaidon Anthony Deal

Brentford, Burnley and Jaidon Anthony
Sunday

Brentford are closing in on a deal to sign Burnley forward Jaidon Anthony for £15m, rising to £17m with add-ons. The 26-year-old is ready to agree a four-year contract, with a medical provisionally scheduled for Monday.

Anthony scored nine goals and made four assists last season despite Burnley’s relegation. The London-born winger fits Keith Andrews’ plans, while Brentford continue strengthening after narrowly missing European qualification on goal difference last term.

Klopp Agrees Germany Job

Jurgen Klopp, Germany and Julian Nagelsmann
Sunday

Jurgen Klopp has reportedly agreed to become Germany’s new national team manager after Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation. The former Liverpool boss is set to return to coaching after working as Red Bull’s head of global football.

Germany moved quickly after their World Cup last-32 exit to Paraguay, with talks already signalled by the DFB. Final details around Klopp’s Red Bull departure remain, but his acceptance would mark a major reset for Die Mannschaft.

Saibari Injury Blow Hits Morocco

Ismael Saibari and Morocco
During Morocco’s win over Canada

Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari was forced off after 20 minutes of the 3-0 World Cup win over Canada, clutching his right thigh. The new Bayern Munich signing left visibly distressed, creating fresh concern before Morocco face France next.

Saibari had been one of Morocco’s standout players, scoring three goals before the knockout stage and recently completing a reported €50m move from PSV. Soufiane Rahimi replaced him and later scored, but his absence could damage Morocco’s title hopes.

USMNT Blocks Training Views

USMNT and U.S. Soccer staff
Before the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium

USMNT staff have erected barriers around their Seattle training ground before the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium. The move came after staff noticed elevated university buildings near Husky Soccer Stadium could offer views of tactical sessions.

U.S. Soccer said there is no specific suspicion of Belgian spying, but the team wanted to close gaps around the pitch. The precaution follows wider tournament concern over training privacy and past international football espionage cases.

Everton Agree Tyrique George Deal

Everton, Chelsea and Tyrique George
Saturday

Everton have agreed a deal worth up to £24m to sign Chelsea winger Tyrique George after his loan spell at Goodison Park. The package includes an £18m upfront fee, £6m in add-ons and a 15% sell-on clause.

George made 11 Everton appearances last season and impressed David Moyes with his work rate. The move remains subject to personal terms and a medical, and would make him Everton’s second summer signing after Hayden Hackney.

Morocco Beat Canada to Reach Quarters

Morocco, Canada and Azzedine Ounahi
Saturday in Houston

Morocco beat co-hosts Canada 3-0 in Houston to reach a second consecutive men’s World Cup quarter-final. Azzedine Ounahi scored twice and Soufiane Rahimi added a stoppage-time third as the Atlas Lions extended their unbeaten run to 34 matches.

Canada started strongly but failed to convert early chances before Morocco grew into the game. Brahim Diaz supplied two assists, Bono made key saves, and Morocco’s counter-attacking edge punished Canada’s lack of finishing after the interval.

Davies Sat Out Canada Exit

Alphonso Davies and Canada
After Canada’s World Cup defeat by Morocco

Alphonso Davies says it was his own decision not to play in Canada’s World Cup elimination against Morocco. The Bayern Munich left-back felt his hamstring was not ready, despite running at half-time and being described as available before kick-off.

Jesse Marsch said an MRI showed no fresh injury, but Davies still did not feel right after training. Canada chose caution because of his repeated hamstring issues, leaving their captain on the bench during the biggest match in programme history.

Mahrez Leaves Al-Ahli After Exit

Riyad Mahrez and Al-Ahli
Saturday

Al-Ahli have terminated Riyad Mahrez’s contract with immediate effect, ending his three-year stay in Jeddah. The Saudi Pro League club confirmed the decision shortly after the former Manchester City winger announced his retirement from international football with Algeria.

Mahrez had one year left on his deal and remained a major figure for Al-Ahli fans after joining in 2023. His exit has already fuelled transfer speculation, with a return to Europe and several ambitious clubs expected to monitor him.

James Doubtful as Quansah Returns

Reece James, Jarell Quansah and England
Before England face Mexico

Reece James missed England’s final training session before the World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico, leaving him doubtful for the Azteca match. Jarell Quansah has returned to full training and is available again after a hamstring issue.

James has missed two matches since injuring his hamstring against Ghana and is now following an individual programme. Quansah’s recovery eases England’s right-back problem, with Djed Spence also an option and Declan Rice expected to remain in midfield.

France Edge Paraguay to Face Morocco

France, Paraguay and Kylian Mbappe
Saturday in Philadelphia

France beat Paraguay 1-0 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, with Kylian Mbappe scoring a second-half penalty in extreme Philadelphia heat. The result sends Didier Deschamps’ side into a last-eight meeting with Morocco on Thursday.

Paraguay frustrated France with a deep block, physical challenges and repeated provocation, but Diego Gomez’s foul on Desire Doue eventually brought VAR intervention. Mbappe converted calmly, levelling Lionel Messi on seven tournament goals and keeping France’s title push alive.