Sports
Liverpool Moves Ahead as Newcastle Drops Interest in Ekitike

Newcastle United has reportedly withdrawn from negotiations to sign French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, paving the way for Liverpool FC to strengthen their attacking options. As Liverpool seeks to enhance their squad following a disappointing season, they are focusing on securing Ekitike after Newcastle’s rejection of a recent bid for Alexander Isak.
Liverpool has been linked with Isak throughout the previous season as they look to boost their attack. The club’s management is keen on backing their new manager, Arne Slot, by providing fresh talent. So far, Liverpool has already signed players such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, indicating a strong intent to improve their squad depth.
Despite ongoing interest, Newcastle is standing firm on their decision not to sell Isak, particularly after qualifying for the Champions League. This refusal has prompted Liverpool to shift their focus toward Ekitike, who had a notable performance last season, contributing 15 goals and eight assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances.
According to renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, the situation unfolded rapidly. He reported on social media platform X that Newcastle’s last bid for Ekitike was rejected on Monday, and no new proposal had been put forth since then. He noted, “Newcastle last bid was rejected on Monday by Eintracht and no new proposal has been sent by then.”
As Liverpool continues discussions with Eintracht Frankfurt regarding Ekitike, they are reportedly prepared to offer a higher bid than Newcastle. Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg highlighted that Liverpool has verbally indicated a willingness to pay more for Ekitike and that discussions are ongoing. As of the latest updates, there has been no formal offer submitted by Liverpool, but the conversations are progressing.
Romano later confirmed that Newcastle has officially exited negotiations to acquire Ekitike, marking the deal as “considered off” at this stage. He stated, “Understand Newcastle have now already left talks for Hugo Ekitike, deal considered off at this stage.” With Newcastle shifting their focus to other targets, Liverpool finds themselves in a more favorable position to secure Ekitike’s transfer.
As the transfer window continues, the dynamics between these two Premier League clubs could reshape their attacking strategies for the upcoming season. Liverpool’s pursuit of Ekitike, coupled with Newcastle’s steadfast approach to retaining Isak, illustrates the high stakes involved in this summer’s transfer activities. With significant investments already made, both clubs are keen on solidifying their positions in the league and enhancing their competitive edge.
Sports
Marcus Rashford Nears Loan Move to Barcelona as Talks Begin

Marcus Rashford is reportedly on the brink of a season-long loan move to Barcelona, with negotiations now underway following Manchester United’s consent for the forward to discuss terms with the La Liga champions. The 27-year-old has been training away from the first-team squad at United after head coach Ruben Amorim informed him that he does not fit into the club’s plans.
This potential transfer comes after a previous six-month loan arrangement did not lead to a permanent transfer, which was set at a pre-agreed fee of £40 million (approximately $53.6 million). Despite this, sources indicate that Rashford has consistently preferred a move to Barcelona since the prospect surfaced in January.
Barcelona Shifts Focus to Rashford
After missing out on their primary target, who opted to extend their contract with their current club, Barcelona has turned its attention to Rashford. Manchester United has reportedly agreed to a loan deal that includes an option for Barcelona to secure a permanent move for the player.
Rashford’s contract at United, valued at £325,000 per week, has three years remaining. Since making his debut as an 18-year-old in February 2016, he has scored an impressive 138 goals in 426 games for the club. His contributions have been pivotal in securing several trophies, including the Europa League and two FA Cup victories.
Recent Developments for Rashford
Despite his significant achievements, Rashford has not featured for Manchester United since their match against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League last December. Following that game, Amorim chose to exclude him from the squad for the subsequent 2-1 victory over another opponent, effectively sidelining him from first-team duties.
With permission granted for Rashford and his representatives to engage in discussions with Barcelona, there remains no finalized agreement among all parties at this time. The outcome of these negotiations could shape Rashford’s career trajectory in the upcoming season, as he seeks to reignite his impact in a new environment.
Sports
Ferrari Enhances SF-25 Following Driver Feedback; Newey Updates Aston Martin Project

Ferrari is set to implement an upgrade to its SF-25 power steering system ahead of the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix, responding to concerns raised by its drivers. Following the British Grand Prix weekend, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc expressed dissatisfaction with the car’s handling, specifically in high-speed cornering. The planned enhancements aim to address these issues and improve performance on the track.
New Developments for Aston Martin
In other news, renowned F1 designer Adrian Newey has provided insights into his ongoing work with Aston Martin. Since joining the team at the start of the 2025 season, Newey has reportedly been working “pretty much flat out” on their future projects. His recent presence at the British Grand Prix, where he was seen examining the championship-leading McLaren MCL39, suggests his deep involvement in competitive analysis and design strategy.
Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes, humorously reflected on his decision to supply McLaren with engines, suggesting that it may not have been his most “intelligent choice.” This comment highlights McLaren’s impressive resurgence in Formula 1, driven by the power of Mercedes engines, positioning them as a leading contender in the sport.
Driver Assignments and Future Speculations
Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda will continue with Red Bull until the end of the current season, according to Koji Watanabe, the motorsport boss at Honda. Tsunoda’s performance has faced scrutiny as he competes alongside Max Verstappen, prompting discussions about potential changes to the team lineup during the upcoming summer break.
As the season progresses, teams like Ferrari, Aston Martin, and McLaren are actively refining their strategies and vehicles in pursuit of championship success. The adjustments and improvements highlighted in these developments reflect the intense competitiveness of Formula 1, where every detail can impact race outcomes.
Sports
Noni Madueke Joins Arsenal for £48 Million, Aims for Glory

Noni Madueke has officially transferred from Chelsea to Arsenal in a deal valued at £48 million. This high-profile move marks the fourth signing of the summer for Arsenal, under the leadership of manager Mikel Arteta. The deal has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some expressing concerns over Madueke’s arrival.
Madueke’s transfer has increased Arsenal’s summer spending to over £120 million. The 23-year-old winger has signed a five-year contract and joins fellow new arrivals, including Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, and midfielder Christian Norgaard. Arsenal is also in the process of finalizing a £13 million deal for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera.
While Arsenal remains optimistic about adding striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, a deal worth up to £65 million is not expected to materialize in the immediate future. Madueke is set to bolster Arsenal’s attacking options, providing competition for established stars like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. The club aims to secure its first Premier League title in two decades, and Madueke’s addition is seen as pivotal to achieving that goal.
Despite the financial commitment, the transfer has faced backlash from some Arsenal supporters. A petition against Madueke’s signing has garnered over 5,000 signatures, reflecting a divide among fans regarding the decision. In response to the criticism, Madueke expressed confidence in his choice, stating, “I feel like it’s going to be a great success and I’m really happy to be here.” He emphasized his eagerness to contribute to the team’s success, aiming to win all competitions Arsenal competes in.
Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand spoke out in support of Madueke, criticizing the negative reactions he has received. Ferdinand remarked that while fans are entitled to their opinions, the intensity and public nature of the backlash are unwarranted. He urged fans to consider the personal impact of such criticism, saying, “Imagine this was your best friend, one of your family members… how would you feel if they were on the receiving end of this vulgar behaviour?”
Madueke’s journey to Arsenal began after he departed from Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign in the United States. Last season, he scored 11 goals across all competitions for Chelsea, earning his first senior international appearances under both interim manager Lee Carsley and permanent manager Thomas Tuchel.
Madueke will not participate in Arsenal’s upcoming tour of Singapore and Hong Kong due to Chelsea’s post-season commitments. As he settles into his new surroundings at the Emirates Stadium, the young forward is determined to silence critics and help propel Arsenal toward success in the coming season.
Sports
Juve Eyes Transfers: Sancho, Rashford, and Liverpool Stars Linked

The European transfer window has opened, sparking intense speculation about potential player movements. Reports indicate that both Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford could be targets for Juventus; however, various challenges make such deals seem unlikely. As the window progresses, insights into these and other transfer possibilities emerge.
Juventus currently faces significant financial constraints, which complicate their pursuit of top talent. The club must first address the situation with striker Moise Kean, whose contract runs for another year at a substantial salary. Juventus is weighing options to either extend his contract, which would require a considerable pay cut, or facilitate his departure. This dilemma mirrors that of Sancho, who also has a year remaining on his contract and has underperformed relative to his salary. A permanent move for Sancho appears improbable unless a loan arrangement is possible, with Manchester United potentially covering part of his wages.
Rashford’s situation is different but no less complex. With three years left on his United contract, a permanent transfer to Juventus seems unlikely. He is currently on loan from another club, and while Juventus would be interested, they would need to negotiate significant financial contributions from United to make a deal feasible.
In other transfer news, Liverpool FC remains resolute in its stance regarding Luis Díaz, who is not available for transfer this summer. The Colombian winger had a standout season, contributing significantly to Liverpool’s success. Recently, the club rejected a €67.5 million (£58.6 million) bid from Barcelona. Nonetheless, with just two years left on Díaz’s contract and no progress on a renewal, Liverpool’s position could be tested if a substantially improved offer arises.
Liverpool’s transfer activity is not limited to retaining stars; they are also looking to bolster their squad. After securing four major signings this summer, including a high-profile deal for Dominik Szoboszlai valued at £100 million from RB Leipzig, the club is now focusing on securing a new striker. Reports indicate that Liverpool has approached Newcastle United regarding the availability of Alexander Isak but have faced resistance. Instead, Liverpool has shifted its attention to Hugo Ekitike, having initiated discussions with his current club.
Meanwhile, Chelsea FC continues to navigate its own transfer complexities. Forward João Félix has a residual value of £36 million on Chelsea’s books, but the club may need to accept a loan deal to avoid financial losses. Chelsea is reportedly willing to cover some of his wages if he is sent out on loan, although interest from his former club Benfica remains unconfirmed.
In a similar vein, AC Milan has been linked with Christian Pulisic, who has yet to receive a formal offer despite his impressive form since joining from Chelsea. Milan is aware of interest from Al Nassr but is yet to see a concrete proposal for the 26-year-old winger.
Across Europe, other clubs are also making headlines. Manchester City has stated that midfielder Maximo Gonzalez is not available for transfer, as he remains part of Pep Guardiola‘s plans. The club is however open to offers for young talent James McAtee, valuing the England U21 captain significantly higher than the £20 million to £25 million range currently being discussed.
In Spain, Real Madrid has been active in the transfer market, securing new signings but also indicating that more acquisitions depend on player departures. The club’s messaging suggests they will not make further signings unless current squad members leave, particularly focusing on the futures of Marco Asensio and Federico Valverde.
Amidst these developments, Inter Miami is reportedly close to finalizing a loan deal with an option to make it permanent for a midfielder, adding further excitement to the MLS as it positions itself for a competitive edge.
As the transfer window progresses towards its September deadline, clubs will continue to navigate negotiations, financial implications, and the delicate balancing act of strengthening their squads while managing existing contracts. The coming weeks promise to bring further developments in this dynamic landscape of European football.
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