FOOTBALL

Saka ruled out for Arsenal’s UCL opener

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
September 2025

Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka won’t make Arsenal’s Champions League opener, extending a hamstring layoff that began vs Leeds. He joins Ben White, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus on the absentee list, leaving the Gunners short of key starters. Arteta admitted timelines are fuzzy and stressed Saka’s eagerness to return. With multiple creators missing, expect Arsenal to lean on width from full-backs, set pieces, and Gyökeres/Zubimendi combinations, while youngsters like Nwaneri could absorb minutes in rotation.

Leverkusen Admit Ten Hag Hiring Was a Mistake

Bayer Leverkusen
September 2025

Bayer Leverkusen’s managing director Fernando Carro admitted hiring Erik ten Hag was a mistake, though he stressed the club acted quickly by sacking him after two games and installing Kasper Hjulmand, who started with a 3-1 win over Frankfurt. Ten Hag faced criticism for promoting players from his agency and struggled to inspire the squad after replacing Xabi Alonso. Carro called the decision an error but said swift action restored stability, with Hjulmand expected to provide calmer, principled leadership.

Ex-Red Devil Brown Urges United to Swoop for Guehi

Wes Brown
September 2025

Former United defender Wes Brown has urged his old club to sign Marc Guehi in January after the Palace captain’s deadline-day move to Liverpool collapsed. Guehi’s contract runs out next summer, putting him firmly in the spotlight again. Liverpool agreed a £35m deal but Palace pulled out at the last minute, leaving Guehi’s future in doubt. With multiple suitors circling, United may pounce to strengthen their defense while rivals hesitate, reigniting past interest from 2024 transfer windows.

Onana Backed for Career Revival at Trabzonspor

Andre Onana (Trabzonspor)
September 2025

Andre Onana’s loan move to Trabzonspor is seen as a lifeline for the embattled goalkeeper. Once signed by Manchester United for £48m, errors tarnished his reputation, but Cameroon coach Carlos Kameni insists the switch will rebuild his career. Onana struggled at United amid costly mistakes and criticism, eventually displaced by Senne Lammens. Kameni argued it’s better to start at a strong Turksh club than sit idle in England, suggesting reduced pressure could allow Onana to rediscover form.

Khedira Hails Lennart Karl as Germany’s Brightest Talent

Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich)
September 2025

German legend Sami Khedira labelled Bayern Munich teenager Lennart Karl the nation’s “hottest asset” after the 17-year-old impressed in preseason and debut appearances. Karl recently signed a contract extension until 2028, confirming Bayern’s belief in his long-term potential. Karl debuted at the Club World Cup and Bundesliga opener against RB Leipzig, impressing fans with composure and flair. Khedira praised his attitude, describing his mix of humility and “healthy arrogance” as qualities that can propel him to international stardom.

Brentford Open Talks for Dortmund’s Almugera Kabar

Almugera Kabar (Borussia Dortmund)
September 2025

Brentford are negotiating a €20m January deal for teenage left-back Almugera Kabar, who has struggled for minutes at Borussia Dortmund. The Bees view the 19-year-old as physically tailored for Premier League demands and a cornerstone for their future squad planning. Kabar rose through Dortmund’s academy and starred in Germany’s U17 European Championship and World Cup wins in 2023. Now a U19 international, his height and athleticism have impressed Brentford scouts, who consider him a long-term investment to bolster their defensive options.

Gnabry Builds Contract Case at Bayern with Latest Goal

Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich)
September 2025

Serge Gnabry strengthened his bid for a new Bayern Munich contract by scoring in a 5-0 rout of Hamburg. With his deal expiring next summer, he now has two goals and two assists, while interest grows from clubs eyeing a free transfer. Gnabry acknowledged his uncertain future, stressing performance as his focus, while Bayern’s management remain cautious on spending. With Max Eberl prioritising financial stability and loan signings, the winger must continue delivering consistently to convince the club he deserves a fresh long-term deal

Onana Howler Costs Trabzonspor in Debut Defeat

Andre Onana (Trabzonspor)
September 2025

Andre Onana’s Trabzonspor debut ended in disappointment as a costly error gifted Fenerbahce the decisive goal in a 1-0 loss. The Manchester United loanee failed to deal with a routine shot, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to strike into an empty net just before halftime. Despite Trabzonspor being reduced to 10 men after Okay Yokuslu’s red card, Onana kept his side competitive with several saves. However, his blunder overshadowed his otherwise strong performance, reinforcing doubts about his reliability after high-profile mistakes during his Manchester United stint before moving to Turkey.

Barcelona Thrash Valencia as Fermín, Raphinha Shine

Fermín López, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
September 2025

Barcelona produced a scintillating 6-0 win over Valencia, led by Fermín López’s brace and impactful substitute cameos from Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, who both scored twice. The emphatic result marked Barca’s return to form in their first home match of the La Liga season. Fermín dazzled with clinical finishes in each half, rejecting summer interest from Chelsea with his display. Raphinha netted twice after halftime, while Lewandowski’s lethal cameo sealed the rout. Despite missing Lamine Yamal, Barca dominated throughout, treating fans to a statement performance at the Olympic Stadium.

Slot Explains Kerkez Substitution in Liverpool Win

Milos Kerkez (Liverpool)
September 2025

Liverpool edged Burnley 1-0 thanks to Mohamed Salah’s late penalty, but the match saw Milos Kerkez withdrawn after just 38 minutes. Arne Slot admitted he substituted the young full-back early because he feared a second yellow card could leave the Reds vulnerable. Kerkez was booked for simulation, prompting Burnley to target his flank aggressively. Slot turned to Andy Robertson to steady the defense, a move that paid off as Liverpool contained the hosts before Salah converted the decisive spot-kick in stoppage time to maintain their winning momentum.