Liverpool kick off their Premier League title defence against Bournemouth on Friday evening, providing a fitting curtain-raiser to the English top-flight campaign.

Arne Slot did suggest that fans should expect changes. But who could have foreseen spending on this scale?

When Florian Wirtz arrived at Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen in June, he arrived as a £100m player. That figure may yet rise to £116m, which would make him the most expensive signing in British history.

But perhaps not for that long. The German might only be 22, but he’s already established himself over a series of years as among the game’s world-class playmakers. It would take a special signing indeed to eclipse him financially.

But that might yet happen before the September 1st deadline, for Liverpool remain focused on signing Newcastle United’s wantaway striker Alexander Isak.

The latest on Liverpool's hunt for forwards

Liverpool have already signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, and the young French forward’s debut goal in the Community Shield illustrated his quality and potential, with further flicks and fluid connections with Wirtz eliciting much excitement within the fanbase.

But Isak would be the cream of the attacking crop.

Having already seen a £110m offer rejected for the Sweden international, Liverpool are now biding their time as they wait for encouragement on the Magpies’ part.

The 25-year-old scored 27 times for Newcastle last season, perhaps the most important of which came at Wembley against Liverpool, contributing toward United lifting the Carabao Cup.

Though signing the number nine is sporting director Richard Hughes’ priority, Slot has suggested that Liverpool could do with multiple attacking signings before the end of the window, saying: “We need to have one more attacker at least.”

With this in mind, it’s safe to say that Liverpool’s long-standing interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola is very much alive, with the French winger reported earlier in August to be on the Reds’ shortlist.

However, the 22-year-old won’t come cheap, should FSG wish to advance their interest. PSG, who hope to secure the winger’s future, have transfer-listed him at €100m (about £86m).

What Bradley Barcola would bring to Liverpool

It’s exciting to think that Barcola has yet to reach his potential, but is already considered to be such a devastating attacking threat. Last season, as PSG won the quadruple, the Les Bleus talent racked up 42 goal involvements.

But his goals and assists don’t define him. The rangy wide forward has emerged in recent years as one of the most talented dribblers in the business, with data-driven site FBref recording him to rank among the top 9% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries (5.45) per 90.

His pace and creativity would provide a welcome contrast to the goalscoring Cody Gakpo, and it could even work into forming the dream partnership with Isak and Wirtz, the latter of whom would pull strings and orchestrate from number ten to accommodate both forwards in their progress around the final third.

Analyst Ben Mattinson shares the opinion of many in stating that Barcola is “one of the best left wingers in Europe”, and the player’s specific qualities would appear tailor-made for both Isak and Wirtz, playing to their respective strengths in different ways, forming unbreakable connective attacking tissue on Merseyside.

It’s worth mentioning that this is without even mentioning a certain Salah out on the right, who might have turned 33 over the summer but remains one of the greatest forwards of his generation, with an uptick in creative output over the past few years to balance out the attacking output over the next year.

And all this while considering Ekitike already resides within Slot’s ranks. Barcola’s supreme level of balance in his output suggests Liverpool could achieve a state of true balance next season, evening out the frontline after Salah shouldered such a heavy burden across the 2024/25 season, albeit to a trophy-winning effect.

But this level of dynamism will ensure that Liverpool have enough dimensions about them to keep opponents guessing and ensure that not only can their Premier League title be defended this season, but the Reds can advance toward trophies across other fronts, boasting the depth to do so.

Isak, to be sure, would be the elite focal frontman to make it all happen from a goalscoring standpoint, but the Newcastle man is hardly restricted in his style of play, with pundit Ally McCoist actually remarking last season that he’s the “best all-round centre-forward” in the Premier League.

With Wirtz proving himself to be an attacking midfielder of the highest quality over the past few years, one who could indeed rival the likes of Cole Palmer for the throne in English football, now that Kevin De Bruyne has left Manchester City, both Barcola and Isak has the supply line to find space and opportunities with the kind of regularity that will make it an illustrious upcoming chapter on Merseyside.

Whether Liverpool manage to pull off an ambitious move for Barcola this summer remains to be seen, but if Slot’s comments are anything to go by, the interest is certainly genuine.

Awful Torres repeat: PL rival ready offer to sign £43m Liverpool "monster"

Liverpool run the risk of losing one of Slot’s biggest stars to a divisional rival this month.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 15, 2025

Birmingham City are now waiting to be given the “green-light” over the signing of a “valuable” £3m attacking player on deadline day.

Davies wants last-gasp signings for Birmingham

The Blues were beaten 2-0 away to Leicester City on Friday evening – their first Championship defeat of the season – perhaps highlighting the need for late summer transfer business.

That’s certainly the opinion of Birmingham manager Chris Davies, even though he has stressed that not a huge amount needs to be done on deadline day.

“I think we’re trying to finish the squad off in the next few days. I don’t think there’s going to be loads and loads going on, but we do need reinforcements in certain areas. We need to add to it a little bit, but there’s a lot of moving parts to that, like most clubs. So, I haven’t been too focused on that this last couple of days, but we can pick that up now this game’s finished.

“I think we need a little bit of reinforcement, just depth in our defensive area and again, we could do with a bit more depth, maybe higher up the pitch as well. But we have to see what the squad looks like in the next couple of days because there’s a lot of moving parts to it, as I said. But everyone’s trying, we’ll see what happens.”

Birmingham waiting for "green-light" over signing

Now, writing on X, Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph claimed on Sunday that Birmingham are awaiting the “green-light” to sign Hyun-jun Yang for £3m from Celtic, following talks over the weekend.

Signing Yang before the window closes would be ideal for the Blues, giving Davies that extra bit of attacking quality that he could crave in his side’s Championship promotion push. The South Korean can shine on both flanks and in a central role, so he feels ideal.

The 23-year-old has 16 goal contributions in 70 appearances, and his end product should only improve with age, with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers praising him as a player.

“He’s obviously a young player still developing and adapting to the culture and everything about the game here and the size of the club. But he’s made a valuable contribution for us this season. When he’s been asked to play, he’s done well.”

Related Birmingham City in "talks" to sign" 23 y/o attacker in "permanent" transfer

The forward has been praised for his work ethic.

Posts ByCallum Kemp Aug 28, 2025

Hopefully, a deal for Yang is agreed as soon as possible, potentially making him Birmingham’s final signing of a strong summer in the market.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na tarde desta segunda-feira (12), um treino técnico-tático com 14 jogadores marcou o início da preparação da Seleção Brasileira para os amistosos contra Guiné, no sábado (17), e Senegal, três dias depois (20). Mesmo no primeiro dia de trabalho, Ramon Menezes trabalhou várias situações de jogo com os atletas.

RelacionadasCopa do Mundo FemininaCBF anuncia a data da convocação da Seleção Brasileira Feminina para a Copa do MundoCopa do Mundo Feminina12/06/2023Seleção BrasileiraZagueiro do Fluminense, Nino é cortado da Seleção Brasileira e não participa dos amistosos contra Guiné e SenegalSeleção Brasileira12/06/2023Futebol InternacionalJorge Jesus na Seleção? Enigmático, técnico diz que espera realizar ‘sonho’ após deixar o FenerbahçeFutebol Internacional12/06/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

A atividade foi adaptada à reapresentação dos jogadores, levando-se em conta que alguns estão sem atuar há dias por causa do fim da temporada europeia. Na primeira parte, houve muita movimentação, com o objetivo de fazê-los suar bastante, dando ênfase à troca de passes, domínio e posse de bola.

Depois, situações específicas de defesa e ataque foram ensaiadas no centro de treinamento do Espanyol, em Barcelona, com direito a um gol de bicicleta de Malcom.

Por fim, Ramon dividiu os atletas em dois grupos – 7 contra 6, com o goleiro Alisson trabalhando em ambos. Então, pôde-se ver com mais intensidade ainda movimentações de ataque contra defesa.

+ Zagueiro do Flu é cortado da Seleção Brasileira e não participa de amistosos

Os jogadores Marquinhos, Weverton, Rony e Raphael Veiga chegaram na tarde desta segunda (12), em Barcelona. Nesta terça (13), será a vez de André, Pedro e Ayrton Lucas. O goleiro Ederson chegará na quarta-feira (14).

Newcastle United hold a “strong interest” in signing an exciting set-piece expert this summer, according to a new report from reliable journalist John Percy.

Two new signings agreed at Newcastle

It has been a tumultuous summer at St James’ Park, with the Magpies failing to bring in numerous transfer targets, being pipped by other Premier League clubs to the likes of James Trafford and Bryan Mbeumo, among others.

Still, there have been more positive signs in the past few days, with AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw agreeing a move to Newcastle, strengthening Eddie Howe’s defensive options, which has been a priority throughout the summer transfer window. He underwent a medical on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Magpies have also completed the signing of teenager Isaac Moran, who was formerly at Liverpool, with the 16-year-old midfielder coming in as a bright part of the club’s future.

It is important that further business is also completed between now and deadline day, not least signing a couple of strikers if Alexander Isak ends up sealing a move to Liverpool. Now, a positive update has emerged in that respect.

Newcastle have "strong interest" in set-piece wizard

According to Percy on X, Newcastle club chiefs have a “strong interest” in Leicester City attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, amid interest from other Premier League clubs.

El Khannouss is a big talent who could impress greatly for the Magpies, not least with his set-piece quality that he outlined over the weekend during the opening round of Championship matches.

The 21-year-old registered both assists in Leicester’s 2-1 win at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, both from set-pieces, and he is arguably too good a footballer to be playing in the second tier of English football.

El Khannouss has been hailed as an “elite” player by Ben Mattinson as recently as last year, and while an attacking midfielder by trade, he can also take up a deeper role if needed, and can shine on the left wing.

Newcastle agree two signings as ex-PSG and Liverpool gems both on Tyneside

Magpies supporters must be buoyed by this update…

3 ByHenry Jackson Aug 11, 2025

At 21, there is still so much more to come from the Moroccan, too, and he could add some extra midfield guile that is arguably needed for Newcastle, giving Howe a different option to the likes of Joelinton and Joe Willock in the current squad.

Liverpool have shut down around 145,000 ticket accounts in the past two years as part of a huge crackdown operation. The club say they took 'decisive action' to put an end to 45,000 fake ticketing accounts and they are currently investigating a further 10,000. The Reds added that this is a 'positive' drop in the almost 100,000 fake accounts that were created and closed in the 2023-24 season.

Ticket touting has been a rising problem

Back in 2023, BBC Sport reported that Premier League ticket touting was worth more than £50 million ($66.7m) per year.

In January of that year, Brighton blocked approximately 150 Liverpool fans from gaining entry to the home section of the Amex for their FA Cup clash, with the Sussex side discovering that touts had set up multiple fake accounts to buy tickets from the club and then resell them for up to £250.

Arsenal also said they had blocked "100,000 suspected bots" from their ticketing sites. Fast forward to the present, and this is still a raging battle, but one that Liverpool are seemingly determined to win.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLiverpool take decisive action

In addition to shutting down 145,000 ticket accounts, Liverpool also revealed that they issued a record 1,114 lifetime bans last season after discovering the mass manipulation of software used to buy tickets. This is in stark contrast to the 75 lifetime bans handed out across the 2023-24 season.

Almost 500 people were denied entry to Anfield for trying to enter the ground with a 'burner phone', and just under 400 targeted stops were carried out on matchdays. Investigators for the Reds also shut down 162 social media groups – with a combined membership of more than 'one million users' – involved in selling fake tickets that came to nothing or at 'extortionate rates'.

A statement on Liverpool's official website reads: "Liverpool FC continues to crack down on all forms of ticketing touting, both online and on the ground, to protect genuine fans from being ripped off or scammed. 

"Liverpool FC will continue to take robust action across this season, with increased resource targeting those involved in the proliferation of touting activity. Supporters should be aware that if they are in possession of a ticket that has not been forwarded in line with the club's terms and conditions, or are present inside Anfield without a valid ticket, they will be ejected by stewards or the police."

The club added that fans can report unofficial ticket sales or fraudulent tickets to them here.

Ticket touting 'endemic' in football

Tom Greatrex, the head of the Football Supporters Association, told that he had doubts over the Premier League's commitment to tackling this issue. 

"Long-term supporters are finding it impossible to get tickets because of the way they are made available through secondary agencies," he said. "This is becoming endemic across the game."

BBC's report adds that just 12 arrests were recorded by the Home Office last season for ticket touting across English football's top six tiers.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport said in a statement: "The unauthorised resale of football match tickets in England and Wales is illegal. Legislation is in place to minimise the risk of disorder, with football clubs responsible for implementing their own strategies to prevent ticket sales to unauthorised resellers. While the law applies only to domestic resales, it covers any element of an unauthorised sales chain that takes place within England and Wales."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Liverpool prepare for busy period

Aside from ticket touting crackdowns, the reigning Premier League champions and early pacesetters are gearing up for a busy period over the next week or so as the second international break of the season nears.

Arne Slot's team travel to unbeaten Crystal Palace on Saturday, before heading off to Turkey to face Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday. They then kick-off October with a trip to London to play Chelsea four days later. If they can win both of those league games, the Merseyside outfit may extend their lead at the top beyond the current gap of five points.

Mason Greenwood's Marseille have been dealt a massive blow as Roberto De Zerbi was slapped with a ban after his red card against Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian boss saw red deep into stoppage time when his protests over a foul crossed the line. Initially shown a yellow card, De Zerbi’s refusal to let the matter drop and his decision to step onto the pitch pushed the referee to escalate matters. Moments later, the 46-year-old was walking down the tunnel, leaving the Velodrome in a frenzy.

• Marseille's historic victory overshadowed

  Greenwood and his teammates had battled fiercely to secure a first home victory over PSG in 14 long years, a result that electrified the city and reignited belief in their project. But while the roar of the Velodrome still echoed, the fallout from De Zerbi’s dismissal quickly stole headlines, casting a shadow over what should have been an unblemished celebration.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  The hammer comes down

  France’s LFP Disciplinary Committee wasted little time in reaching a verdict. Their decision was clear: a one-match ban for De Zerbi, with an additional game suspended. The punishment bars him not only from the dugout but also from entering referees’ areas or carrying out official match duties during his enforced absence. The statement read:  "One match suspension and one match suspended from the bench, referees' locker room and all official duties."

• Defiance from De Zerbi

  Despite the red card, De Zerbi was in no mood to dwell on criticism. Instead, he turned the spotlight firmly on his squad’s display.

  "It’s one of the best days since my arrival,” he said after the game. I came here for the Velodrome and to beat PSG, the team that represents power, that has been winning unrivalled for years, which I don't accept in my philosophy. But we haven't done anything so far. The most important thing is Friday in Strasbourg to take another step towards building a great team."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  Crucial fixtures on the horizon

  Marseille travel to Strasbourg on Friday, before facing Ajax at home in a huge Champions League clash on September 30. Days later, they head to Metz in Ligue 1. De Zerbi will be back on the bench for the European night against Ajax, but he will miss both domestic fixtures against Strasbourg and Metz, matches that could prove vital in shaping Marseille’s league campaign.

It’s set to be a massive season for Wolverhampton Wanderers this year.

Vitor Pereira took over a struggling relegation-threatened side from Gary O’Neil early last season and guided them to a 16th-place finish in the Premier League, 17 points away from the drop zone.

However, the next ten months could be even tougher for the Portuguese coach, as he’s already lost two of his best players in Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Fortunately, Jørgen Strand Larsen’s stay has now been made permanent, and if reports are to be believed, the club is closing in on a striker who could be the next version of the Norwegian.

Wolves target the next Strand Larsen

It would be fair to say that with Cunha and Ait-Nouri leaving for other Premier League sides, this summer has not exactly gone the way many Wolves fans were hoping it would.

Transfer Focus

However, it’s not been all doom and gloom on the transfer front, as Jhon Arias and Fer Lopez have both made their way to Molineux and produced a combined 28 goal involvements last year, which is the sort of output that could help Pereira keep his side in the top-flight.

Moreover, the Old Gold appear determined to bring in some more new faces before the window slams shut next month, including a young forward who could be the next Strand Larsen.

At least that is according to a recent report from Sebastien Vidal, who claims that Wolves are very interested in David Datro Fofana.

In fact, the journalist has revealed that the West Midlands outfit have already approached Chelsea over the player and would be willing to pay £15m for his services, which could also be enough to seal the deal.

Now, there is undoubtedly a risk in signing a young player who hasn’t played that much football in recent seasons, but when he has played, he’s looked great, and on top of that, he shares some similarities with Strand Larsen.

Why Fofana could be the next Strand Larsen

It’s important to clarify that while we and many others believed Fofana to be an incredibly talented striker, he is three years younger than Strand Larsen, and therefore, it would be unfair to expect him to join Wolves this summer and instantly be as effective.

However, with that said, the two share some similarities, and there is no reason why the Ivorian couldn’t reach the level of the 25-year-old, or even surpass it, within a couple of seasons.

The first and most significant similarity between the pair is where they both started to make waves in senior football: Norway.

Before earning his move to Dutch side Groningen in September 2020, the Wolves star racked up a decent tally of nine goals and nine assists in 61 appearances for Norwegian outfit Sarpsborg 08.

Interestingly, the Ouragahio-born gem did even better than that during his time in the Nordic country, winning the league and cup while scoring 24 goals and providing eight assists in 65 appearances, totalling 3414 minutes.

That means the 22-year-old averaged a goal involvement every 2.03, or every 106.68 for Molde FK, and helps justify talent scout Jacek Kulig’s bold claim that he was “one of the biggest jewels in Norway.”

Unfortunately, his move to Chelsea in January 2023 hasn’t worked out for him, and while he impressed on loan with Burnley two seasons ago, scoring four goals and providing one assist in 15 Premier League appearances, his subsequent loan move to Goztepe was ruined by injury.

With all of that said, it is clear that the “outstanding” forward, as dubbed by former Clarets boss Vincent Kompany, is an incredibly talented player, and in the right environment, if he can remain fit, there is no reason his career couldn’t follow the same path as Strand Larsen’s.

Therefore, Wolves should do what they can to bring Fofana in this summer, as even if he only scores a handful of goals this season, that could be the difference between survival and relegation.

Matheus Cunha heir: Wolves plot late swoop for "generational" £20m star

The tremendously exciting talent could become as crucial to Wolves as Cunha was.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 13, 2025