Owen Wolff, Sporting Kansas City and Austin FC
26 August 2026

Sporting Kansas City have completed the signing of United States youth international Owen Wolff from Austin FC. Austin will receive $4.5 million upfront and up to $3.1 million more, making it a record cash trade for an Under-22 Initiative player.

The 21-year-old joins Sporting Kansas City as a central piece of the club’s rebuild after making 147 first-team appearances for Austin. Wolff recorded seven goals and seven assists during his breakout 2025 MLS season across the full league campaign.

Joel Ordonez, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa
26 August 2026

Crystal Palace have opened talks with Club Brugge as they attempt to hijack Aston Villa’s move for Ecuador defender Joel Ordonez. Brugge value the 22-year-old at around £40 million, with discussions over his future continuing.

Palace accelerated their centre-back search after Chadi Riad was stretchered off against Everton and have already signed Axel Disasi on loan. Villa remain interested after failing to bridge Southampton’s valuation for alternative target Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Nico Gonzalez, Newcastle United and Manchester City
26 August 2026

Newcastle United have officially signed Nico Gonzalez from Manchester City for a fee that could rise to £52 million. The 24-year-old midfielder completed his medical on Tyneside and signed a long-term contract at St James’ Park.

The signing completes a hard update from the previously agreed transfer. Newcastle targeted Premier League experience after several major departures, while Gonzalez became City’s fourth senior midfield exit following Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders.

Ollie Watkins, Al-Hilal and Aston Villa
26 August 2026

Al-Hilal have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign Ollie Watkins after Villa accepted a final offer reported at €58.4 million plus €2 million in add-ons. The England striker is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia this week.

Villa’s willingness to release Watkins follows their advanced £65 million move for Nicolas Jackson. Watkins had already pushed for the Saudi transfer after Al-Hilal made multiple approaches, while Villa previously rejected four bids during the negotiations.

El Hadji Malick Diouf, Brentford and West Ham
26 August 2026

Brentford have reached a verbal agreement with West Ham to sign Senegal left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf for up to £40 million. West Ham accepted a £35 million initial bid with another £5 million available through add-ons.

Diouf has been cleared to undergo a medical after negotiations reopened this week. The deal would generate a sizeable profit for West Ham, who paid £19 million for him last year, and make him Brentford’s fifth summer signing.

Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona
26 August 2026

Atletico Madrid have declared there is a zero percent chance of selling Julian Alvarez to Barcelona, despite Joan Laporta saying Barcelona’s €100 million offer remains available. Atletico accused their rivals of spreading lies and damaging the club.

Barcelona intend to keep pursuing Alvarez until the deadline, while Arsenal are monitoring the dispute. Atletico’s public rejection significantly hardens their position after weeks of negotiations, although Alvarez has previously indicated he is open to leaving.

Nicolas Jackson, Aston Villa and Chelsea
26 August 2026

Aston Villa are close to signing Nicolas Jackson after reaching a broad agreement with Chelsea on a package worth up to £65 million. The proposed deal includes £47.5 million upfront and £17.5 million in add-ons.

Personal terms still need to be agreed before Jackson can complete the move and reunite with Unai Emery. His expected arrival would also clear the way for Villa to sanction Ollie Watkins’ proposed transfer to Al-Hilal.

Honest Ahanor, Chelsea and Atalanta
26 August 2026

Chelsea are closing in on a deal worth around €40 million for Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor. Direct talks between the clubs have advanced significantly and personal terms are being finalised for the highly rated Italy youth international.

Atalanta had earlier rejected a €34 million offer from Brighton and initially valued Ahanor at €60 million. Chelsea could complete the transfer by Friday, subject to final negotiations, a medical and the contract being signed.

Napoli, Atletico Madrid, Juan Musso and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic
26 August 2026

Napoli and Atletico Madrid are in advanced talks over a straight goalkeeper swap involving Juan Musso and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. Musso wants to return to Italy, while Milinkovic-Savic is open to moving to Atletico after falling outside Napoli’s plans.

Napoli currently prefer Alex Meret as their first-choice goalkeeper, creating room for Milinkovic-Savic to leave. The proposed exchange would send the Serbian to Madrid while bringing the 32-year-old Argentine back to Serie A after his earlier Udinese spell.

Omar Marmoush, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City
26 August 2026

Tottenham have agreed a season-long loan for Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, with an obligation to buy the Egypt international for £60 million next summer. The 27-year-old is expected to undergo a medical before completing the move.

Marmoush follows Savio from City to Tottenham during a major summer rebuild. City will effectively recover the £59 million paid to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2025, while Spurs gain another forward after Marmoush scored 16 goals in 62 City appearances.