Torrential rain scuppered any chance of Notts Outlaws building on Friday’s first win of the season, forcing their North Group clash with Durham to be abandoned with just five overs possible at Trent Bridge.Wet weather early in the day meant the scheduled 2.30pm start was put back to 4pm, with the intention to stage a contest of 17 overs per side.Outlaws skipper Joe Clarke won the toss and elected to bowl first, after which Durham openers Alex Lees and Graham Clark enjoyed a flying start, putting on 58, of which 28 came in two overs from England paceman Olly Stone.Clark picked up two boundaries in Stone’s opening over and another two in his second, before pulling a huge six into the Fox Round stand.New Zealand left-armer Ben Lister completed the fifth over of the Durham innings – the minimum each side must face to constitute a match – but then rain returned with a vengeance, accompanied by thunder and lightning.It was a short-lived storm, barely lasting a quarter of an hour, but it deposited so much water on a playing area with little capacity to absorb more that umpires Paul Baldwin and James Middlebrook had no option but to call the game off, ironically during the sunniest weather of the day.The Outlaws, who had broken their duck for the season against Worcestershire on Friday night by exceeding their DLS target by one run in another rain-affected contest, take another point for a no-result.Bottom of the table with only three points at the halfway stage, the Outlaws would seem to have little chance of qualifying for the knock-out stages. Yet in an open group in which no team apart from leaders Lancashire Lightning has more than six points, a string of wins in the second half of the season could still see them go through.The same applies to Durham, third from bottom but on five points only one behind second-placed Yorkshire Vikings.
Liverpool are not resting on their laurels after they won the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season in England, having joined from Feyenoord last summer.
The Reds boss has already added Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen to bolster his squad, whilst Milos Kerkez is set to be confirmed as their latest signing from Bournemouth.
These moves show that the Reds want to build on their success to push on and compete for even more trophies in Slot’s second season at Anfield.
Of course, signing new stars in several positions also means that some players may have to be moved on to make space in the squad, as Jarell Quansah is reportedly set to leave the club.
Jarell Quansah for Liverpool
Fabrizio Romano claims that Bayer Leverkusen have agreed a deal that could be worth up to £35m to sign the England U21 international this summer.
Why selling Jarell Quansah makes sense for Liverpool
Selling a homegrown, 22-year-old, England U21 international may not make much sense at face value, given that he is valuable for the homegrown quota and has plenty of room left to improve.
However, the Reds are in win-now mode after their Premier League success and with the likes of Alisson, Mo Salah, and Virgil van Dijk in the latter stages of their respective careers.
Unfortunately, Quansah has not proven that he has the quality to be a key player when called upon in the Premier League for Liverpool, given his performances for the team in the 2024/25 campaign.
The English youngster was handed a start against Ipswich Town on the opening day of the top-flight season, but was hauled off for Ibrahima Konate at half-time.
After the match, Slot explained that it was because he lost too many duels, telling TNT Sports: “First thing I said is we don’t have to speak about tactics if we lose so many duels and that was what we did. Not that Jarell [Quansah] lost every duel – many of us lost too many duels. But I think we needed Ibou Konate to win these long balls in the air from their No.9.”
Appearances
13
Starts
4
Error led to shot
1
Error led to goal
0
Penalties committed
1
Ground duel success rate
47%
Aerial duel success rate
41%
As you can see in the table above, losing duels was a theme for Quansah throughout the Premier League campaign, as he lost the majority of his battles on the ground and in the air.
The 22-year-old defender, who has lost 53% of his ground duels in the U21 Euros for England this summer, has not shown enough strength as a centre-back to compete week-in-week-out for Liverpool, which is why cashing in on him makes sense at this moment in time.
Premier League club eyeing up Liverpool midfielder
Quansah may not be the only England U21 international to move on from Anfield before the end of the summer transfer window, though, as Harvey Elliott is now being eyed up by a Premier League.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to Football Insider, Brighton & Hove Albion are interested in a move to sign the former Fulham prodigy from Liverpool to bolster their midfield options.
The report claims that the Seagulls are confident that they can agree a deal with the Reds to bring the left-footed star over to the AMEX this summer, and that they are one of the frontrunners to land his signature.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
It adds that Brighton are capable of matching Liverpool’s £40m valuation of the English playmaker, and it now remains to be seen when they will make an official swoop for his services.
Why Harvey Elliott would be a bigger loss than Jarell Quansah
Losing Elliott would be a bigger blow than losing Quansah this summer because he is more suited to making an impact on the pitch in the here and now.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
As aforementioned, the central defender has been disappointing when called upon at the back for the Reds, which is why it makes sense to move him on, but that has not been the case with the attacking midfielder.
When given opportunities to impress, the 22-year-old star has shown plenty of promise for the Reds, with five goals and three assists in 28 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign.
The England U21 international, who has scored two goals in four games at the Euros this summer, also produced four goals and 11 assists in all competitions for the Reds in Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Anfield.
Non-penalty goals
0.66
Top 1%
Assists
0.33
Top 14%
npxG + xAG
0.60
Top 15%
Shot-creating actions
4.48
Top 23%
Progressive passes
8.80
Top 2%
Passes made
64.76
Top 2%
As you can see in the table above, Elliott has been particularly impressive over the past 365 days when called upon by Slot, ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of attacking and possession-based metrics.
These statistics show that the young attacking midfielder offers a lot of value on the ball as a player who can score and create goals, whilst also progressing the play with his passes, which is why it would be a blow to lose him from the squad this summer.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
Whilst he may not be a frontline option who is likely to start 50 games next season, his form in the last couple of years shows that he is a very good squad player who can be relied upon when needed, as a starter or off the bench.
This is why losing him to Brighton this summer would be a bigger blow than Quansah’s move to Leverkusen, as the centre-back has not proven himself to be as valuable to the team.
He'd be unplayable with Gordon: Liverpool submit bid to sign £64m forward
Liverpool are planning to sign a new striker this summer.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is now upon us, with the new-look format scheduled to get underway on June 14 and end on July 13.
There are 32 teams battling it out to win the first edition of the newly expanded competition, which will take place in the United States of America.
12 stadiums across 11 states will host games, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham some of the top superstars fighting for a place in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Watch the FIFA Club World Cup live and on-demand here
What is the new FIFA Club World Cup?
Previously, the Club World Cup would take place mid-season and only be formed of up to seven sides, with Manchester City winning the most recent iteration at the end of 2023.
However, 32 teams have qualified in the new format, and the competition will only take place every four years, similar to the international FIFA World Cup.
In total, there will be 63 games over 29 days and there promises to be incredible match-ups, unmissable clashes and must watch football at the highest level.
Where can I watch the 2025 Club World Cup?
One of the main questions fans will want to know is where to watch the 2025 Club World Cup. Well, you can watch the unmissable 2025 FIFA Club World Cup for free on DAZN – the global home of football.
DAZN has secured the exclusive broadcasting rights for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and will broadcast all of the matches live, available worldwide in 14 languages. Whether it be on a Smart TV, mobile, streaming stick, or games console, the DAZN app will provide the ultimate viewing experience.
Already a DAZN subscriber? Great, the Club World Cup will already be included as part of your membership. However, new customers can sign up for free using an email address, and will then be able to watch all the action.
FIFA Club World Cup
Current Champions
Manchester City
Founded
2000
Most Championships
Real Madrid (5)
DAZN
Watch all FIFA Club World Cup games free on DAZN. The biggest clubs and the best players in the world compete in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Watch Every Game Live on DAZN
List of qualified teams for 2025 Club World Cup
32 of the best club teams around the world have qualified for the tournament. Europe have the most clubs with 12, spaces which were allocated based on Champions League performances since 2020/21.
There are six teams from South America, four clubs each from Asia, Africa and North America, one from Oceania and Inter Miami representing the USA as host nation.
Europe
Manchester City
Real Madrid
Chelsea
Bayern Munich
Paris Saint-Germain
Inter Milan
FC Porto
Benfica
Borussia Dortmund
Juventus
Red Bull Salzburg
Atletico Madrid
Africa
Al Ahly
Wydad
Esperance de Tunis
Mamelodi Sundowns
Asia
Al Hilal
Urawa Red Diamonds
Al Ain
Ulsan HD
North America
Monterrey
Seattle Sounders
Pachuca
Inter Miami
Los Angeles FC
Oceania
Auckland City
South America
Palmeiras
Flamengo
Fluminense
River Plate
Boca Juniors
Botafogo
Club World Cup groups and format
In total, there are eight groups of four teams in the Club World Cup, with each team playing three group games.
The top two teams in each group will qualify to the last 16, where the tournament will enter the knockout rounds. Quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final will follow, but there is no third/fourth play-off game at the Club World Cup.
The quarter-finals will take place across July 4 and 5 with the two semi-finals on July 8 and 9. The tournament will end with a spectacular showpiece final on Sunday July 13, featuring a half-time show by J Balvin, Doja Cat and Tems.
FIFA Club World Cup Groups
Group
Teams
A
Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami
B
Paris St-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders
C
Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica
D
Flamengo, Esperance de Tunis, Chelsea, Los Angeles FC
E
River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter Milan
Russell Martin’s first game as Rangers manager is just a month away, with a Champions League qualifier scheduled against Panathinaikos.
The Gers will take on the Greek side in a two-legged tie towards the end of July, so new owners the 49ers Enterprises don’t have long to act in the transfer market.
Many will be intrigued to see how Martin sets his Rangers side up as they look to win just their second Scottish Premiership title in 12 years in 2025/26.
£6m star returns to Ibrox: AI predicts who Rangers will sign this summer
It could be a busy few months for the 49ers.
ByCharlie Smith Jun 14, 2025
Grok, X’s AI tool, has already predicted some Rangers signings this summer, and they have now forecasted the starting line-up at Ibrox for 25/26, with a few surprises in store.
AI predicts Rangers’ 2025/26 starting line-up GK: Liam Kelly
Described as a ‘dependable option’, Liam Kelly has been backed to start in goal for Rangers, with Jack Butland’s future seemingly up in the air.
They say ‘Kelly’s experience makes him a solid choice’, despite the 29-year-old only making 13 appearances in all competitions last season.
RB: James Tavernier
Club captain James Tavernier is regularly linked with a Rangers exit but Grok believes he is ‘likely to stay for another season unless a significant offer arrives’.
Games
513
Goals
130
Assists
142
Minutes played
45,296
Trophies won
5
AI adds that Tavernier ‘remains a key figure despite speculation about his exit’ and believes he could add to his 513 Gers appearances.
CB: Aaron Donnelly
Interestingly, Dundee centre-back Aaron Donnelly has been predicted to make the move to Ibrox, despite being a diehard Celtic supporter.
The 22-year-old made the move to Scotland from Nottingham Forest at the beginning of 2025 and actually scored against the Hoops in a 3-3 draw. There haven’t been concrete rumours over a transfer for Donnelly, so this would be a surprise.
CB: Robin Propper
Robin Propper has been heavily linked with a return to the Netherlands with FC Twente, however, a transfer has seemingly stalled, and he has been predicted to start under Martin.
The central defender made 43 appearances in all competitions during his first season at Ibrox and was even named as captain on one occasion.
LB: Ridvan Yilmaz
There has been a lot of talk about the future of Ridvan Yilmaz and a potential Rangers exit, however, the Turkey international is still on the books at Ibrox and has two years remaining on his contract.
Grok says that should he depart, Jefte would come in, but have backed Yilmaz to start for now.
CM: Connor Barron
After making 46 appearances in his first season as a Rangers player, Connor Barron has been backed to keep his place in the side under Martin, despite the arrival of Lyall Cameron.
A defensive midfielder, Barron is described as a ‘long-term asset and a guaranteed starter in the double pivot, aligning with the club’s youth focus’.
CM: Nicolas Raskin
Next to Barron is Nicolas Raskin, who has been linked with a big £25m exit from Rangers this summer.
Clubs linked with signing Nicolas Raskin
Aston Villa
Leeds United
Marseille
It would be a big boost if the Belgium international remained in Glasgow, and his ‘tenacity and work rate make him a mainstay in midfield’ according to Grok.
RM: Nedim Bajrami
Nedim Bajrami was used mainly as an attacking midfielder or on the left during his first season at Rangers, however, he has been predicted to move over to the right in 25/26.
The Albania international is ‘expected to develop further’ and Grok adds Bajrami’s ‘versatility and creativity on the right wing add flair’.
AM: Mohamed Diomande
Another versatile midfielder, Mohamed Diomande played as a defensive, central and attacking midfielder last season.
He has been described as a ‘cornerstone of the midfield’ and is predicted to turn out in a more advanced role under Martin.
LM: Kwame Poku
The second new signing predicted to make the starting XI under Martin is Kwame Poku. Set to leave Peterborough United on a free transfer this summer, Rangers have been backed to win the race for the Ghana international.
A left-footed winger, Grok is predicting Poku to bring ‘pace and directness to the left flank’ at Ibrox.
ST: Hamza Igamane
Finishing off the side is Hamza Igamane, who like Raskin, is also becoming a man in demand. Should he stay, though, could be a guaranteed starter in the final third.
Last season’s Scottish Premiership top scorer, Cyriel Dessers, could leave Rangers this summer, meaning ‘Igamane is poised to lead the line at 22’.
It is practically indisputable that Arsenal are in the market for a new striker this summer, and Mikel Arteta’s side have now been handed the chance to get one over on arch rivals Tottenham by signing a key target of Thomas Frank’s side.
Arsenal make contact to sign trophy-laden £400k-per-week ex-Man City star
He’d be quite the addition to Arteta’s dressing room.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 17, 2025
New sporting director Andrea Berta is currently busy attempting to negotiate agreeable terms on a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, but find themselves some way off the Bundesliga side’s asking price of around £68-85 million, according to Sky Germany’s (Florian Plettenberg).
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)
Money on new signings
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
Arsenal negotiations for Sesko have been ongoing since late May, but if a deal cannot be struck for the Slovenia international, Berta does have other reported striker targets on his shortlist.
Arsenal have also worked on a deal for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, who is currently keen on a move to north London and open to joining other high-profile Premier League suitors like Man United.
“Viktor Gyökeres prefers a move to the Premier League, and would welcome an Arsenal bid,” reported Ben Jacobs on X recently.
“Arsenal still deciding between Benjamin Sesko and Gyökeres. Andrea Berta simultaneously advancing both deals. Gyökeres would be open to Manchester United. There has been no formal rejection, but a deal to date has also never been at an advanced stage, despite suggestions.
“United have not made any formal approach to Sporting. Swedish striker one of several striker options discussed. Gyökeres believes he’ll still be allowed to leave Sporting for €70m. Arsenal have always been one to watch, but it will depend on Berta now because he is also in ongoing talks for Sesko at the same time, with a bid for one of the two targets expected soon.”
Either centre-forward would be an upgrade on Arteta’s current options. Sesko is fresh off a career-best Bundesliga campaign at Leipzig, while Gyokeres has just guided Sporting to their first domestic double in 20 years after scoring 54 goals in all competitions.
However, Arsenal now also have a new left-field option.
Arsenal offered Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat
According to website Just Arsenal, Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat has been put forward to Arteta’s side.
Vanat scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, helping Kyiv to lift the Ukranian Premier League title whilst ending the season unbeaten. He also finished 2024/2025 as the division’s top scorer with 17, and this has attracted some attention from England.
It is now believed that Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Vanat, who has a reported £17 million release clause in his contract. Arteta doesn’t view the 23-year-old’s signing as an urgent need right now, but is fully aware of Vanat’s quality, so it’s apparently a situation they could revisit later in the window.
However, if they do decide they want him, Arsenal will need to be wary of rival interest. Manchester United, Leeds United, Everton, and Tottenham are all keen on Vanat, with the latter even viewing him as a “priority signing” for new manager Frank.
West Bromwich Albion are now making moves to sign a new target, having registered their interest in a forward who Ryan Mason knows very well, according to a report.
Mason era underway at the Hawthorns
West Brom have arguably taken a risk by appointing Mason, given that his only experience as a senior manager has been as interim boss of Tottenham Hotspur, but the 33-year-old believes he is now ready for his first permanent role in the dugout.
While the young manager is yet to prove himself in the hot seat, he has certainly had the opportunity to learn from some top managers during his time at Tottenham, working under the likes of José Mourinho, Antonio Conte and most recently Ange Postecoglou.
That experience should stand the London-born coach in good stead to be a success at the Hawthorns, and the manager is now looking to put his own stamp on the squad he inherited by bringing in a player he worked with during his time at Spurs.
That is according to a report from Football Insider, which states West Brom are now making moves to sign Tottenham forward Mikey Moore, having registered their interest in the 17-year-old, alongside Championship rivals Birmingham City.
The Baggies are keeping close tabs on the teenager, and want to take him on loan next season, as there is a belief the youngster would be capable of being a stand-out player in the second tier, despite his age.
"Fearless" Moore has already built up first-team experience
With Tottenham suffering an injury crisis in the 2024-25 campaign, Moore was perhaps called upon more times than he would’ve expected, making 15 appearances in all competitions, during which time the starlet picked up one goal and two assists.
Much like Mason, a move to the Championship could be ideal for the left-winger, as it would provide him with the opportunity to get more first-team experience, and there are signs the starlet could be capable of making a real impact at the Hawthorns.
West Brom now very keen on "incredible" £45k-p/w player with UCL experience
The Baggies are showing strong interest in a player with seven Champions League appearances to his name.
ByDominic Lund Jun 11, 2025
James Maddison was left impressed by what he saw from his teammate last season, with the England international saying: “[He has] that young, fearless mentality and you never want to take that away from him. He’s a young kid, a brilliant lad, a lovely boy. He takes in information, and he’s got bags of ability.”
Moore clearly has a lot of potential, and West Brom will be hoping that the opportunity to work under Mason will help them win the race for the forward’s signature, despite the interest from Championship rivals Birmingham.
The punchline when day-night cricket first started was “big boys play in the night”. Nearly five decades later, at a T20 World Cup, the big boys from India are playing all their games in the morning. Afghanistan come into this crucial Super Eight match having played all their four league matches in the night. That, though, is not a disadvantage. In fact, their coach Jonathan Trott said they prefer playing in the morning. They quite fancy themselves as the big boys.”I think day games actually suit us better,” Trott said. “So, quite excited to play India in a day game. Obviously, they’re a very, very good side in the day. Obviously one of the favourites and with being favourites obviously it has added pressure for India, and hopefully we can come in obviously perceived as underdogs but in my mind very much not underdogs and fully prepared and ready for the battle that confronts us tomorrow, which I’m very excited about.”Part of the reason Afghanistan fancy themselves during the day is their bowling attack. Their spinners are world-class, and in Fazalhaq Farooqi, they have a swing bowler in the mould of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. These are exactly the kind of bowlers that can do without any threat of dew.Related
Trott: 'To play at this level with their upbringing – it's truly mind-blowing'
Afghanistan's bowlers will ask questions, and India's batters must answer them
“I think when you’ve got the spinners with the experience of T20 cricket, like we have, I think you would obviously say that’s one of our strengths, but yet one of our seamers is a leading wicket-taker in the tournament,” Trott said. “We’ve seen, certainly over the last couple of years, a more rounded side with regards to the ball and on conditions. So, if it swings and seams, we can take wickets; if it spins, hopefully, we can take wickets as well.”However, Trott did say the spinners can’t relax just because there won’t be dew. “If it’s going to spin, it’ll probably help us,” Trott said. “If it doesn’t spin, we’ve got to bowl well as spinners. Spinners can’t just rely on spin to be able to take wickets and pressure. So that goes for both sides, I’m sure. And India have got some good spinners themselves. So, it’s going to be a good contest.”Afghanistan might be surprise entrants into the Super Eight, having come through ahead of New Zealand, but they command respect from their opponents. “If you just look at their squad,” India’s coach Rahul Dravid said, “they might not have a lot of international experience as in the other formats of the game, but a lot of their players do play in a lot of T20 leagues, more than in fact some of our players do. They are sort of well-travelled cricketers, especially in the T20 circuit, T20 league, a lot of them. They are very prominent members of their IPL teams, other teams as well. So, certainly in this format they are not a team to be taken lightly. They are deservedly in the Super Eight, and we will not treat them any differently than any other team that we expect to play in the Super Eight.”
Pakistan captain felt “given the bowlers we have, we should have defended that total” against USA
ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jun-20241:23
Mumtaz: Pakistan seemed to lose their cool
After losing to USA in the Super Over in their opening match of T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan captain Babar Azam felt that their total of 159 for 7 in the regular time was a defendable one given the conditions and their bowling attack.Sent in after losing the toss, Pakistan lost three early wickets and were 30 for 3 at the end of the powerplay. Babar and Shadab Khan helped them recover with a stand of 72 off 48 for the fourth wicket but USA tied the game and went to win in the Super Over.”Today’s wicket had help for the fast bowlers in the first six overs,” Babar said at the post-match presentation. “But later on, I didn’t feel it was a different wicket. It settled down a bit. Because of the early start – the matches are starting at 10.30am – the fast bowlers will obviously get a little help. There was some juice in the pitch early morning. So they utilised that and executed their plan.”Even in the second innings, I think we also got help, but we were not up to the mark in terms of our bowling areas. We lacked in that in the first ten overs. We came back after that but they had already taken the momentum. But given the bowlers we have, we should have defended that total. On this pitch, I think it was a defendable total for our bowling.Related
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USA outclass sloppy Pakistan in thrilling Super Over finish
“We are better than that in the bowling. We did not take wickets in the first six overs. In the middle overs, if your spinner is not taking wickets, then the pressure is on you. After ten overs, we did come back but I think the way they finished game in the Super Over, the credit goes to the US team.”For Pakistan, Mohammad Amir conceded 18 in the Super Over. It included three wide deliveries, and seven extras in all as the USA batters, Aaron Jones and Harmeet Singh, kept running for wides too. Pakistan, in response, could manage only 13.”He [Amir] is an experienced bowler,” Babar said. “He knows how to bowl and we were just trying to bowl according to field. But I think the US batsmen were smart. Even when the ball went to the keeper, they were running. So I think that thing was a plus point for them in the Super Over.”Babar Azam never really got going and finished with a 43-ball 44•Associated PressAt the same time, Babar also rued not making use of the platform set by Shadab and him. They had taken Pakistan to 98 for 4 in the 13th over but left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige dismissed Shadab and Azam Khan off successive balls to dent them again.”In the first six overs, the ball was holding a bit and seaming around,” Babar said. “So it was important to build a partnership. When Shadab and I had that partnership, we got momentum. I think when we lost the wickets back to back, that was the turning point. The momentum we had was shifted towards the other side.”It was difficult in the beginning, but we covered it up. But as a professional unit, the middle order needs to step up in such situations. This is not an excuse – I don’t think it was that they played well, I think we played badly.”Did Pakistan, the runners-up of the 2022 edition, take first-timers USA lightly?”See, whenever you come to any tournament, you do the best preparation always,” Babar said. “You can say it’s a kind of mindset. When you come up against a team like this, you relax a little. If you don’t execute your plan against any team, then whatever team it is, they will make you pay. So I believe that our execution was not up to the mark. We were doing well in the preparation but in the match, we did not execute our plans as a team.”
Sunderland supporters will be trying to hold back their excitement ahead of the new Premier League season finally kicking off.
There’s no guarantee in place that signings galore will improve your chances of staying afloat in the tricky division, with Ipswich Town picking up 14 total purchases last season and still managing to fall through the relegation trapdoor.
But, the star-studded quality of signing Sunderland is managing to attract makes being giddy quite hard to contain, with the standout £20m purchase of Enzo Le Fee getting the ball rolling this summer, whilst a £30m deal for Habib Diarra to join from Strasbourg edges ever nearer to completion.
Reinildo is also set to join the Stadium of Light ranks after allowing his Atletico Madrid contract to expire, with plenty more notable names being tipped to call Wearside their fresh home shortly.
Atletico Madrid'sReinildoMandava before the match
Transfer latest at Sunderland
Most Sunderland supporters would have been initially apprehensive about all the business being conducted in this hectic transfer window, considering the window opened with both Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson deserting the Stadium of Light.
Now, however, the mood has flipped, with the likes of Georgian superstar Georges Mikautadze being tipped to join Le Bris’ enthused ranks alongside those already named, on top of an alleged £17m bid being lodged by the Black Cats to snap up Nantes attacker Matthis Abline.
The most intriguing purchase of them all could soon come in the form of Almeria goal-machine Luis Suarez moving to England, with reports from Spain now suggesting that Sunderland have enquired about landing the explosive attacker.
Such a deal would result in the Black Cats having to fork out £21m, with the La Liga 2 side upping their transfer valuation off the back of Suarez’s impressive 2024/25 offering.
It could even be argued that snapping up the clinical Colombian would see the newly promoted side land an even bigger talent than Diarra, despite the Senegal international costing Sunderland a club-record £30m to snap up.
Why Suarez could be a bigger talent than Diarra
After all, whilst Diarra was able to boast four goals and five assists from the midfield areas last season for Liam Rosenior’s men, Suarez’s numbers up top for Almeria in another demanding European setting are an even more majestic sight to take in.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Indeed, the “crazy” South American – as he was once labelled by talent scout Jacek Kulig – would take La Liga 2 by storm with his devastating goalscoring prowess.
That was seen in him collecting 27 of his bumper 31 strikes in the second division, away from also netting four of those efforts in the challenging Copa Del Rey when facing off against opponents from La Liga.
Suarez’s league numbers for Almeria (24/25)
Stat – per 90 mins*
Suarez
Games played
41
Goals scored
27
Scoring frequency
135 mins
Assists
8
Big chances missed
27
Stats by Sofascore
Staggeringly, Suarez would also chip in with eight assists across his 41 La Liga 2 outings, which is three more assists than Diarra managed in the heart of Strasbourg’s midfield, with the hope that the dangerous Almeria marksman can offer up similarly deadly displays when leaping up to the Premier League.
He could instantly displace Wilson Isidor on his arrival, therefore, considering the Frenchman blew hot and cold last campaign with just 13 Championship goals next to his name, away from Suarez wreaking havoc in the Spanish second division.
On the contrary, it doesn’t feel as set in stone that Diarra would instantly dive into Le Bris’ XI – irrespective of his lofty price tag – with Dan Neil already at the Frenchman’s disposal centrally who collected five goal contributions himself last season in league action, alongside Le Bris also possessing the star-quality of Le Fee who could kick on even more up a division.
Whilst Diarra will no doubt go on to be a success story under the ex-Lorient manager’s wing if Le Fee’s trajectory is anything to go off of, it does appear as if Suarez could really burst into life even more as a terrifying goalscorer on Wearside, with his blistering introduction into the English game perhaps helping the Black Cats to maintain their fraught Premier League status.
Better signing than Diarra: Sunderland now targeting "fantastic" £18m star
Sunderland’s rapid summer business is showing no signs of slowing down as a new target now appears on their shopping list.
Newcastle United have now moved ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign a £60 million star with a bid now being prepared and salary terms already agreed, according to a recent report.
Rashford among Newcastle targets as Howe seeks new forwards
The Magpies have added just one new player to their squad so far this summer, and that is winger Antonio Cordero, who joins the club on a free transfer at the start of July following the expiration of his contract at Malaga. Cordero is not expected to be the only arrival at St James’ Park, as the Magpies continue to be linked with several high-profile players.
Big upgrade on Burn: Newcastle open talks to sign "outstanding" £60m star
Newcastle are looking to overhaul their defence
2 ByJoe Nuttall Jun 19, 2025
It was reported earlier this week that Newcastle made contact over signing defender Evan Ndicka from AS Roma. Newcastle are in the market for a new central defender, as they’ve been heavily linked with a move for Marc Guehi, but Ndicka is another option who could come at a cheaper price.
Meanwhile, they are also in the market for attacking reinforcements, and they have held internal talks over signing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, as the forward is free to leave the Premier League side.
In fresh news, Newcastle are now also interested in signing Marcus Rashford on a season-long loan deal.
Aston Villa – Marcus Rashford
The Englishman’s future at Old Trafford looks to be coming to an end but he has yet to receive any concrete offers to leave United. The Magpies are now weighing up making a loan bid, as they can offer Rashford Champions League football, but the Red Devils are more interested in selling Rashford this summer than loaning him out again.
Newcastle move ahead of Chelsea in Joao Pedro race
As such, a permanent move for Rashford may not be on the cards for the Magpies, as according to Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte, Newcastle are now preparing a bid to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Brighton forward Joao Pedro
The report states that the Magpies have moved ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race to sign Pedro, as they have already agreed personal terms with the forward. However, Chelsea’s interest in Pedro has reportedly ‘shaken’ the player, and now both clubs are preparing to make an official offer.
It isn’t clear how much Newcastle would be willing to spend on Pedro, but it’s been previously reported that Brighton value the forward at around £60 million. The 23-year-old scored 10 goals in 27 league games during the 2024/25 season, but a falling out at the club means he is now likely to leave during this summer transfer window.
Apps
70
Goals
30
Assists
10
Newcastle chasing Pedro may be seen as them looking to replace Alexander Isak, but Pedro being able to operate anywhere across the frontline as, well as a number 10, makes him a player who could be a perfect partner for the Swede.
The Brazilian has had back-to-back impressive campaigns in the Premier League now, and a move to Newcastle could accelerate his career further, as he will be able to play on the biggest stage of them all, the Champions League.