The Pulse of Football

Jul

2025

Sunderland are out to buck the trend for promoted sides

With just two weeks remaining until the start of the 2025/26 season, it’s fair to say that no team is more excited for the Premier League’s return than Sunderland.

By Zach Lowy

After spending the past eight years in the Championship and League One, the Black Cats are back in the top-flight, and they’ve prepared for their return by splurging a total of €130.9 million on new signings. But can they make a return on their investment by staving off the threat of relegation? FotMob spoke to three Sunderland supporters to find out.

When Sunderland appointed Régis Le Bris in June 2024, they were coming off a dismal 16th-place finish in England’s second tier. However, the Frenchman didn’t take long to make an impression on his players and turn around their fortunes, with Sunderland winning their first four league fixtures and ascending to first place, only to end up dropping out of the two automatic playoff spots and finishing fourth in the table. Sunderland would then proceed to edge past Coventry City in the promotion playoffs thanks to a 123rd-minute goal from Daniel Ballard, before erasing an early deficit and defeating Sheffield United 2-1 courtesy of Tom Watson’s 95th-minute winner.

“Le Bris has been hugely important,” stated Sunderland Echo journalist James Copley. “He’s brought clarity, pragmatism, and a calm authority to the club. He makes solid decisions and hasn’t wavered in his beliefs, even under pressure. That consistency has helped Sunderland rediscover belief – not just in themselves, but in the overall direction the club is going. Sunderland will need to adapt to the Premier League, but the core philosophy doesn’t need ripping up – it just needs evolving for a higher level.”

The Black Cats showcased a pragmatic approach throughout the 2024/25 campaign, switching between a 4-3-3 and a 4-4-2 and achieving success with their aggressive, counter-pressing setup. They thrived at grinding out games with their organized defensive setup, sitting deep and weathering the storm before transitioning with their speedy counter-attacking unit. Sunderland ranked 12th in the EFL Championship for accurate passes per match (335.8) and average possession (49.1%), and as such, they likely won’t have to tweak their style as the other promoted sides – Leeds and Burnley.

*Sunderland average goals for and against in the Championship*

“From virtually the first whistle of the season, Le Bris had us playing a pressing style that relied on sitting deep and countering with pace,” stated Gav Henderson of Roker Report. “It certainly developed over the course of the season, but that’s what we stuck with and that’s what ultimately got us promoted. Le Bris is meticulous and knows exactly what he’s doing…he spends every second of the day trying to be the best Head Coach that he can possibly be. I have never seen a more detail-obsessed manager at the helm at Sunderland; he is the key to our success.”

Each of the Premier League’s last six promoted sides have been immediately relegated back down to the Championship, and it will take a Herculean effort from Sunderland as they look to stop that trend. In order to do so, they’ve splashed the cash on a number of talented young players like 20-year-old midfielder Noah Sadiki (€17m), 20-year-old winger Chemsdine Talbi (€20m), 23-year-old winger Simon Adingra (€20m), and 21-year-old midfielder Habib Diarra, who has joined from Strasbourg for a club-record €31.5m. They’ve also brought in two battle-hardened veterans in Reinildo Mandava (free) and Granit Xhaka (€15m) and completed the permanent signing of Enzo Le Fée for €23m.

*Le Fée showed glimpses of his quality during his initial loan spell*

Judging by the quality of their new signings and the overall expenditure, it’s evident that Sunderland are not looking to make up the numbers – they’re seeking to thrive, not simply survive. These players not only have Premier League and Champions League pedigree, but they’ve also shown that they can flourish in high-pressure environments and deliver the goods, having helped their teams win Bundesliga, LaLiga and Belgian Pro League titles as well as AFCON titles. It’s why, despite losing two key figures in Watson (to Brighton) and Jobe Bellingham (to Dortmund), Sunderland appear well-equipped to not only return to the Premier League, but do so in style. Sunderland exhibit zero signs of slowing down in their investment and are keen to reinforce their attack with a versatile striker in addition to another goalkeeper and centre-back. But while they’ve put their faith behind Le Bris and given him a much-needed squad makeover, it’s evident there’s still plenty that they’ll need to work on going into the new season.

“The biggest room for improvement on last season is consistency; sometimes we blew teams out of the water with our press, and in other games, we sat off far too deep,” stated Sunderland journalist Ethan Todd. “Inconsistency is to be expected with a young squad, but we need to maintain the same identity and intensity every game next season. I don’t think it’s Le Bris’ style to overextend and go all out on the attack. They will not shirk responsibility and let teams have a free hit, but he always approaches games very pragmatically and in a calculated manner.”

Can Sunderland do something that Luton Town, Burnley, Sheffield United, Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton have all failed to do over the previous two years: avoid relegation as a promoted side? It remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: the Stadium of Light will be rocking on August 17 for their opening match against West Ham thanks to a legion of supporters who, for the first time in a while, are daring to dream.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow the every game from the Premier League with FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Jul

2025

Max Dowman is on the Gunners’ pathway to success

15-year-old Max Dowman made his mark on Newcastle in a recent pre-season friendly and could be next off the Hale End conveyer belt at Arsenal.

By Graham Ruthven

Viktor Gyökeres wasn’t even playing, but the Swedish striker’s unveiling as an Arsenal player was meant to be the headline act of the Gunners’ pre-season friendly against Newcastle United. This was the moment a summer-long saga came to an end with Gyökeres signed for £64m to be the number nine so many believe Mikel Arteta’s team has lacked.

Ultimately, though, Sunday’s match at the Singapore National Stadium might be remembered for the emergence of a 15-year-old wonderkid over the presentation of Gyökeres. Indeed, Max Dowman stole the show, putting in a performance off the bench that had many, including Arteta, gushing after full time.

“Yeah, it is special,” said the Arsenal manager when asked about Dowman’s obvious natural talent. “‘Obviously what he’s done today against this team in the time that he had on the pitch is something certainly not common to witness for a 15-year-old. We are extremely happy to have him.”

Dowman lit up the game off the bench, winning the penalty from which Martin Ødegaard scored the winner with a solo dribble and drive into the Newcastle box. The teenager was a constant thorn in the side of the Magpies and was electric in pushing Arsenal towards goal. It was an extremely memorable display.

This summer has already been transformative for Arsenal’s attack. They finally completed a deal to land Gyökeres from Sporting over the weekend, giving Arteta a natural attacking focal point possibly for the first time in his tenure at the club. The hopes is that Gyökeres will carry some of his scintillating goalscoring form from last season (54 goals in 52 games) into the upcoming campaign.

*Gyökeres’ goal-heavy final season in Portugal*

Noni Madueke has arrived from Chelsea primarily to give Arsenal another option on the right wing where Bukayo Saka has been run into the ground over the last three seasons. When Saka has been injured, the Gunners have suffered and so Madueke will help mitigate the burden on the 23-year-old who is Arsenal’s creative heartbeat.

It’s possible last season’s Premier League runners-up could also move for a left winger. Nico Williams had been linked with a move to North London before signing a new 10-year contract extension with Athletic Club while Rodrygo is reportedly on Arsenal’s radar amid speculation Real Madrid would entertain offers for the Brazilian.

Arteta’s comments after the pre-season win over Newcastle suggest Dowman will get his opportunity in the first team next season, giving Arsenal another option in the final third. It would be unrealistic to expect the 15-year-old to play anything more than 1,000 minutes, but he could still be afforded the chance to make an impact off the bench and in cup games.

For someone still so young, Dowman has the physical frame of a much older player. He can hold his own in the senior game. He has the natural intensity to press from the front and acts quickly with the ball whenever he has it in the attacking third. As a dribbler, a creator and a finisher who can operate on the right side or as a number 10, Dowman has the skill set to be a star.

The emergence of Dowman is another sign that Arsenal’s academy is becoming increasingly prolific. The North London club has always done a good job of bringing through young players (see Ashley Cole, Jack Wilshere, Tony Adams etc.), but Arteta has done his part to establish a consistent pathway into the first team.

That pathway started with Saka making himself one of the most important first team figures at the Emirates Stadium. It continued with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri breaking through last season. Dowman is seemingly next off the conveyer belt rolling out of Hale End. He might be the most exciting prospect since Saka.

*Could Arsenal go one better this season?*

To become Premier League winners for the first time since the days of Arsene Wenger, Arsenal needed to improve their first team this summer. They look to have done that primarily with the addition of Martin Zubimendi who has been signed to be the Gunners’ Rodri-type figure at the base of the midfield.

Gyökeres could also be Arsenal’s new starting centre forward, although Kai Havertz will take some dislodging from the position. Havertz might not be the most instinctive of finishers, but his all-round game in and around the penalty box helps Arsenal become a better attacking outfit as a whole. Arteta knows what the German offers.

In Dowman, though, Arsenal have a youngster who could develop into someone good enough to improve the first team. Someone good enough to make them Premier League champions if they haven’t already scaled that mountain. If Dowman is this good at the age of just 15, imagine how much better he could become very quickly.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow all Arsenal games on FotMob in the 2025/26 season – with in-depth stat coverage and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Jul

2025

The Premier League is on course to break transfer spending record

Premier League clubs are on track to set a new record for transfer spending this summer as their European rivals scrimp on signings.

By Graham Ruthven

It took English clubs less than a month to rack up over £1.6 billion of transfer business this summer. That totaliser will reach £2 billion in the coming weeks and could even top £3 billion before the window closes at the end of August. A Premier League-record move for Alexander Isak to Liverpool would certainly push things in that direction.

This would set a new record for the most money spent by a single league in a single transfer window. Even if the landmark of £3 billion isn’t breached, this summer has already highlighted the growing gap between the Premier League and the other ‘Big Five’ European leagues. They simply can’t keep up.

Liverpool alone have spent more on transfers (£269m) this summer than Ligue 1’s 18 clubs combined (£220m). Should their record signing of Isak for a reported £150m go through, the Premier League champions will have also spent more than all of LaLiga, Serie A and the Bundesliga.

*Isak’s shot map from the Premier League, 2024/25*

Chelsea aren’t far behind Liverpool in terms of their transfer spending this summer, splurging £212m on seven new players. The Blues aren’t done either with a deal for Jorrel Hato in the offing and Xavi Simons still someone they would like to add to their squad before the start of the new Premier League season.

Arsenal passed the £200m mark with the capture of Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting last week while Manchester City have spent close to £150m having parted with the best part of £200m in January to kick start their squad reconstruction under Pep Guardiola. Both clubs could spend even more before the summer window closes.

Manchester United have also passed the £150m mark, signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo with the Old Trafford outfit still in the market for a new number nine. Then there’s Tottenham Hotspur who have ran up £110m of business through the capture of Mohamed Kudus and Mathys Tel. They too are still hoping to get more signings through the door.

Of the total £1.6 billion spent by Premier League clubs this summer, over £1 billion can be attributed to the so-called ‘Big Six’ with Newcastle United expected to ramp up their transfer activity at some point of the window, especially if they lose Isak. The financial gulf between the richest and the rest is gigantic.

Comparatively, though, the bottom half of the Premier League has the sort of transfer market muscle that not even Europe’s biggest clubs can match. Sunderland, for example, will have spent over £120m with the addition of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen. For context, this is nearly as much as Real Madrid have spent.

*Xhaka returns to the Premier League after two successful seasons at Leverkusen*

While Liverpool are considering breaking the Premier League transfer record for the second time in a number of weeks, Barcelona are scrimping on loan signings, taking Marcus Rashford from Manchester United despite the fact he was deemed surplus to requirements for a team that finished 15th in the English top division table last season.

Behind the ‘Big Six,’ the promoted trio of Sunderland, Burnley and Leeds United have spent the most in the Premier League this summer, possibly pointing to the nervousness of sides going up to the English top flight from the Championship. The fate of the last six promoted teams in the Premier League says these clubs need to spent a lot to have a chance of staying up.

None of this should be surprising. This has been the landscape of European football for some time with the Premier League long established as the most lucrative league in the world, but this summer’s transfer window is making this fact clearer than ever. How can anyone outside the Premier League possibly compete?

Of course, last season’s Champions League was won by Paris Saint-Germain who are doing just fine without the Premier League’s gushing pipeline of cash. The Qatari-owned outfit, however, have another gushing pipeline of cash (and oil) to draw from. Being owned by a sovereign wealth fund might be the only way to keep up.

Within the Premier League, clubs won’t feel as if they can spend freely due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). These regulations were brought in to put a cap on reckless transfer expenditure and has had a real impact on a number of clubs who have been handed punishments and points deductions for breaching them.

However, PSR does nothing to stop Premier League clubs outspending their European counterparts when the league’s broadcast rights are worth over £2 billion season alone. The European Super League was designed to level the playing field across the continent’s elite. While fans celebrated its failure, the consequence might now be playing out in the transfer market.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can track all the summer moves via the FotMob Transfer Centre. Download the free app here.

Jul

2025

Preview: Inter Miami start Leagues Cup campaign against Atlas

The 2025 edition of the Leagues Cup, a mid-season tournament that pits teams from Major League Soccer against their Liga MX counterparts, kicks off this week.

By James Nalton

Lionel Messi has returned from his one-game suspension for missing the All-Star game and his Inter Miami team will face Mexican side Atlas in their opening game, looking to relive their 2023 success in this tournament.

Messi’s chance at another trophy

Though Inter Miami failed to win the MLS Cup in Messi’s first full season in 2024, they had won the inaugural edition of the expanded Leagues Cup in 2023, just after Messi arrived.

It was seen as a sign of things to come and the beginning of Inter Miami’s dominance of North American soccer, but though they did win the MLS Supporters’ Shield for topping the overall standings in 2024, they are yet to follow-up that 2023 Leagues Cup triumph in other cup competitions.

This tournament offers a chance for Inter Miami to get back in the hunt for trophies and meet the levels expected of them since Messi joined.

The arrival at Miami of Messi’s buddy Rodrigo De Paul from Atlético Madrid should help, and he’s expected to appear at some point during this tournament.

New Leagues Cup format

The Leagues Cup (which you can follow in the app – here) has changed format once again, and rather than involving all 30 teams from MLS, only includes 18 to match the number of teams from Liga MX.

MLS versus Liga MX games have understandably been the most intriguing matchups in previous editions of this tournament, and the big advantage of the new format is that it guarantees such matches throughout the league stage and in the quarterfinals.

A new league phase, not dissimilar to the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League but with two leagues rather than one, replaces the original group stage.

Though Mexican sides will face MLS sides in all league phase games, the 18 participating MLS teams will be in one league table and the 18 from Liga MX in another. The top four from each advance to the knockout stage.

When Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup in 2023, they only faced one Mexican team in the seven games they played.

This edition, therefore, should provide them with a proper test against Mexican opposition.

Opposition watch: Atlas

Atlas have begun the new Liga MX season with a win, a draw, and a defeat in the opening three games of the Apertura, taking a mixed bag of form into the Leagues Cup.

They were knocked out in the last 32 by compatriots Club América last year, and lost on penalties to New England Revolution at the same stage in 2023.

Atlas attacking star Eduardo Aguirre has started the new Mexican season with a goal and an assist in the three games they have played, while 22-year-old Paraguayan Diego González looks set to contribute more regularly this season.

Montenegro international forward Uroš Đurđević will be looking to get in the goals, and their back line features the one-time Brazilian wonderkid, Dória, the left-footed centre-back who is now aged 30.

Prediction

An early tournament statement win for Messi and Miami.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Inter Miami game live this season with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Jul

2025

Can Evan Ferguson take his big chance in Serie A?

It feels like it’s make or break for Evan Ferguson now that he’s joined Roma, despite the fact he’s only 20-years-old. A couple of underwhelming seasons in England have seen his stock fall so far, not even West Ham wanted to keep him.

By Alex Roberts

Ferguson exploded onto the scene all the way back in 2022, another product of Brighton’s fabled scouting department, who scooped him up from Dublin side Bohemians in January 2021, when he was just 16.

Lots has happened since then. Several injuries, a drop in confidence, and irregular playing time have all contributed to his fall off over the past year and a half. Once hailed as Brighton’s next £100 million player, Roma now have an option to buy for a reported fee of around £30 million in their loan deal.

A huge, pressing machine, Ferguson came into the Premier League as a completely unknown quantity, bullying defenders ten years his senior, out manoeuvring them with his deceptive pace before finding himself in the perfect position to slot the ball home. It felt like the second coming of Cú Chulainn never mind Robbie Keane.

He ended that first season with ten goals and three assists in his 25 games across all competitions, forming quite the understanding with the likes of Kaoru Mitoma and Alexis Mac Allister along the way.

2023-24 wasn’t quite as productive for the Irishman, even though he did play more, bagging six goals and one assist in his 36 games. The biggest news from that season was his cruciate ligament tear towards the back end of the season that would subsequently keep him out for the next 147 days.

Last summer, Roberto De Zerbi, the man who had put so much faith in young Ferguson made his dramatic exit, and Fabian Hürzeler came in to replace him. Ferguson found himself on the periphery after missing pre-season with his new manager.

Danny Welbeck and João Pedro took their chances up top, and Ferguson simply couldn’t break back into the first team. By the time January rolled around, he found himself shipped out on loan to West Ham, but, again, he failed to establish himself, failing to score a single goal during his time in East London.

*Ferguson’s shot map from the 2024/25 Premier League season (at Brighton and West Ham)*

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side were in desperate need of a striker at the start of the summer transfer window. Tammy Abraham departed for Beşiktaş on loan, leaving Artem Dovbyk as the only recognised number nine at the new manager’s disposal.

Abraham leaving Roma is a sad story. Unloved by boyhood club Chelsea despite some fine performances, he made the trip to Italy, starting well before an ACL injury during his second season at the club ruined any chances of becoming their main man.

The fact that Hürzeler was willing to let Ferguson go in the same month he lost Pedro to Chelsea, clearly shows he doesn’t feature in the German’s plans despite his insistence that he could still make it on the South Coast.

“For sure, he has a future at Brighton,” Hürzeler told The Athletic. “I am very happy for him that we found a good solution, that he now has an opportunity to get game time. That is the most important thing for Evan. I still see a lot of potential, and I still see that he is a player for us for the future.”

The move to Roma does appear to suit all parties. Ferguson gets game time in a highly competitive league, Brighton could, technically, still keep a hold of him if he does end up bagging a load of goals, and Roma have the chance to buy a striker with bags of potential for a relatively low fee, potentially selling him on for double in a year or two, most likely to Chelsea.

Plenty of ex-Premier League players have found a home in Italy over the past few seasons. Along with Abraham, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Fikayo Tomori, and Christian Pulisic all left Chelsea for AC Milan, and have done well.

Napoli’s cigarette smoking, three-piece suit wearing maestro Scott McTominay is the obvious architype, however. Since joining from Man United, he’s earned the adoration of an entire city and won the Scudetto, all the while his old club endured their worst ever Premier League season.

There is no reason Ferguson can’t recreate that success. He’s combative enough to be able to go at all those infamously tough Italian defenders. Experience in a faster paced league will also leave him in good stead when it comes to making the right runs.

Gasperini is also a good fit as manager for a player like Ferguson. The veteran Italian coach is pretty old school, notably falling out with Ademola Lookman after he described him as “one of the worst penalty takers he has ever seen.” He does have a habit of getting the best of players that have struggled elsewhere, however, Lookman is testament to that.

If his start is anything to go by, he may just win the Ballon d’Or. Ferguson scored four goals in his first Roma game, including a 24-minute hattrick against Serie D side UniPomezia. He actually had a direct hand in five of their nine goals without reply.

His first was a header from a corner within eight minutes, he then latched on to a through ball and fired high into the roof of the net for his second before the Republic of Ireland international completed his hat-trick with a close-range finish. His fourth was the cherry on top of the cake, again from a corner only this time he scored with his foot.

Ferguson wasted no time getting on the scoresheet in his next game too. Bagging the one and only goal in Roma’s win over Kaiserslautern in their second pre-season friendly, taking advantage of some shocking defensive decision making from the Germans.

Five goals in his first two games, albeit against lesser opponents, will doubtless have him bouncing off the walls. Building confidence for a striker is half the battle, once he has that, Ferguson 2.0 could be a real problem.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow all AS Roma game on FotMob in the 2025/26 season – with in-depth stat coverage and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Jul

2025

Harvey Elliott could be the bargain buy of the summer

Harvey Elliott is at a crossroads in his career.

By Sam McGuire

The 22-year-old was a firm favourite of former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp. After returning from a loan spell with Blackburn Rovers during the 2020/21 campaign, Elliott was part of the starting XI as the 2021/22 season kicked off. Deployed as the right-sided No. 8, he struck up quite the relationship with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold before suffering an ankle dislocation against Leeds United.

He returned in February and Klopp managed his minutes, starting him just once for the remainder of the season in the Premier League. The following season, the former Fulham man made 18 starts in the English top-flight, racking up near 1,700 minutes. He was very much part of the first-team picture. During the 2023/24 season, the versatile attacker appeared in 34 Premier League matches, chipping in with three goals and six assists.

The arrival of Arne Slot was supposed to help Elliott kick on. The Dutchman favoured a more possession-based style and that, in theory, should’ve favoured Liverpool’s No. 19. A broken foot disrupted his season but even after returning to the fold in November, Elliott struggled for minutes. He was barely used as the Reds won the Premier League title, making just two starts and finishing the campaign with just 360 minutes to his name in the English top-flight.

Elliott isn’t physical enough to replicate what Dominik Szoboszlai does for Liverpool and he’s not quick enough to offer adequate cover for Mohamed Salah as the right-sided attacker (who is?). The 22-year-old has fallen further down the pecking order this summer with the arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong coupled with the emergence of Rio Ngumoha.

Elliott is now homeless in this team.

*Elliott’s player traits comparison against midfielders in top five leagues*

That is why, despite his many talents, he’s currently in limbo.

In the right environment, he’s brilliant. He showcased that at the Under-21 European Championships this summer. He claimed the Player of the Tournament having had a key role in England retaining their crown. The highly-sought after attacker scored five goals and really dominated a star-studded competition.

His performances only increased the interest in him.

Brighton want him. Fulham are seemingly keen on a reunion. Spurs are now being linked with him having missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White. There’s interest from foreign teams too, with RB Leipzig seemingly earmarking him as a replacement for Xavi Simons.

Liverpool should be doing everything they can to retain Elliott. But there’s an openness to let him leave. It feels like a case of right player, wrong time. And he’s well aware of this.

“Look, if I had it my way, I’d be here for the rest of my career, it’s as simple as that, I love everything about the club,” Elliott told The Anfield Wrap in Hong Kong.

“But at the same time I kind of need to be selfish with myself and see what’s best for me. I have big ambitions. I want to go to the World Cup. I want to keep being successful as a player. ‘I think it’s still something I need to review. I need to have a talk with everyone, really and review the situation because we’ve had many new players come in, so whether it blocks the path for me I’m not sure, it’s something I need to decide and have a look at.

“My main focus is here now. At the moment I’m here for the season, as far as I’m aware, unless if anything changes, we have a busy pre-season, it’s non-stop, I need to make sure I’m focus on that and just be ready for everything.”

Elliott scored five goals in England’s triumph at the U21 Euros

Elliott has aspirations of playing at the 2026 World Cup for England. That would be the next step having dominated at U21 level. However, he’s not going to break into Thomas Tuchel’s thinking as a bit-part player at Liverpool.

It appears to be the perfect storm for a sale. In previous years, Elliott may have been priced out of a move. He’s young, homegrown and versatile. Noni Madueke went for £52million this summer, yet Liverpool, reportedly, only want £40million for their No. 19.

Why? Well, they likely want to raise funds to bankroll a British record bid for Alexander Isak. Elliott may be a utility player for the Reds, the sort that provides a lot of value for a team, but it is apparent that Slot, for whatever reason, just doesn’t truly rate him. So why keep him around when you can bank big money for a squad player?

If he moves for that sort of money, he has the potential to be one of the bargains of the summer. It isn’t often you see a player of his talent and profile – homegrown, left-footed, experienced and a winner, on the market. In a grossly inflated market, if Elliott moves for sub-£50million, the buying club are getting an unbelievable deal.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can track all the summer moves via the FotMob Transfer Centre. Download the free app here.

Jul

2025

Chloe Kelly, Hannah Hampton & ‘Proper England’ bring football home again

The Lionesses have won back-to-back European Championships after becoming the first senior England team to triumph at a tournament on foreign soil.

By Jamie Spencer

England lost on penalties in the final of the inaugural European Competition for Women’s Football, as it was called back in 1984. But, 41 years later, the Lionesses emerged victorious in what was the first Women’s Euros final since then to be decided by a shootout.

Including 2017 with the Netherlands, Sarina Wiegman has won each of the last three continental tournaments as a coach and, remarkably, England’s two victories now make them the joint second most successful country in the competition’s entire history.

Yet despite their status as holders from 2022, England didn’t come into this Euro 2025 as favourites to lift the trophy again. A humbling opening defeat to France immediately suggested the reign would be short, while they were on the brink of elimination in both the quarter and semi-finals.

Even the final against Spain in Basel on Sunday evening had threatened to run away from England.

But Wiegman has built her reputation on being the ultimate problem solver. “We say we can win by any means,” she told the BBC after being draped in a winners’ medal once more.

It was what has come to be known this summer as ‘Proper England’, a phrase coined in the wake of the France defeat – when the Lionesses failed to turn up – and rolled out at each game since. This is the idea that England, immeasurably bonded in collective togetherness, leave absolutely everything out on the pitch more than anyone else – Lucy Bronze revealed after the final that she had played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia – and never know or accept they are beaten.

Spain was always going to be the biggest challenge. The reigning world champions had set the standard throughout the rest of the month, technically outstanding, and heading into the final off the back of 10 consecutive wins – ironically, since the Lionesses beat them in February.

Until Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey headed La Roja ahead midway through the first half, England marginally edged the xG, 0.46 to 0.45, and Alessia Russo had seen a decent chance saved in the opening moments of the game. But Spain were imperious after taking the lead, keeping the ball away from England in what was fast becoming a really dominant performance.

A killer second only seemed like a matter of time, until Russo equalised 12 minutes after the second half began, pretty much out of nowhere. Where Spain’s goal had been crafted through neat link up play before a final cross went into the box, there was a directness from England, familiar to earlier rounds. Chloe Kelly, on for the injured Lauren James towards the end of the first half, supplied the in-swinging cross immediately after receiving the ball on the left. Russo’s headed finish came only 12 seconds after Hannah Hampton had the ball at her feet deep in England territory.

Kelly has rightly earned the label as England’s clutch player. She didn’t start any of the six games en-route to glory but had arguably more of an impact than anyone individual. The assist for Russo’s equaliser was almost an exact copy of the two crosses that saw the Lionesses strike back from 2-0 down against Sweden in the last eight. She converted a key penalty in the subsequent quarter-final shootout, then netted the semi-final winner against Italy. It felt fitting that she had last say in the final as well, scoring the decisive penalty with her usual swagger. Let’s not forget that Kelly had previously also bagged the dramatic extra-time winner at Euro 2022 three summer ago.

During the original 90, it was only Cata Coll’s fingertips that stopped Kelly putting England 2-1 ahead. But, in another timeline, she might not have been selected for this tournament at all. Out of favour at Manchester City in the first half of the domestic season, she successfully forced her way to Arsenal at the end of the January transfer window, and it doesn’t feel an overstatement to call it a sliding doors moment that has helped write and define international football history.

Motivated by the doubt, “Thank you to everyone that wrote me off,” she concluded.

Along with Kelly, England’s success throughout the tournament owes much to Hampton. Mary Earps’ very sudden international retirement dominated headlines in May, but Hampton had already permanently dislodged the two-time Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper many months earlier. Still, she had enormous gloves to fill when Earps had been such a main character in England’s recent success and rose to the occasion marvellously well in pressurised circumstances.

Hampton, of course no stranger to winning after playing a key part of Chelsea’s unbeaten domestic treble last season, saved two penalties in the final shootout. She had earlier saved two in the Sweden shootout and fully justified the decision about starting her. “[Sarina Wiegman] knew what I was capable of and she really put that in me to showcase what I can do,” she said.

At 24, Hampton will be back for tournament after tournament. Most of this Lionesses group are still young enough to keep returning for the next few cycles and right now there doesn’t seem to be a limit on what ‘Proper England’ can do.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jul

2025

Preview: England take on Spain in the Euros Final

In a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final, either England or Spain will be crowned European champions in Basel on Sunday evening.

By Jamie Spencer

England back in the final

Hoping to retain their title, England have reached three consecutive European Championship and World Cup finals since 2022. Sarina Wiegman has successfully navigated her way to five – including 2017 and 2019 with the Netherlands.

4-0 and 6-1 wins over the Dutch and Wales in the group stage were impressive, but France and Sweden highlighted vulnerabilities with intense pressing, while Italy’s low block was seconds away from getting the job done in the last four. The Lionesses still deserve enormous credit for refusing to give up at any point, launching late comebacks in each of the last two rounds.

Spain’s road to Basel

Spain are looking to become the first country to simultaneously hold the World Cup and European Championship trophies since Germany kept the pair locked away between 2003 and 2011. La Roja have never won the Euros and this is their first final in the competition.

They navigated the group stage with relative ease, scoring five against Portugal, six against Belgium and three against Italy. Switzerland frustrated them until midway through the second half in the quarter-finals, before succumbing to a 2-0 score-line, while Aitana Bonmatí’s 113th minute strike was the sole difference against Germany in the last four.

Head-to-head

Spain won the previous encounter that matters most, 1-0 in the World Cup final two summers ago, but England are no strangers to beating them – Jess Park scored the only goal of a Nations League win at Wembley in February of this year. Spain were victorious in a meeting in Barcelona as recently as June, 2-1, although the Lionesses scored first then.

The final will be a milestone 20th game between the countries. England have won eight of the previous 19 – including the quarter-final at Euro 2022, compared to Spain’s five.

Team news

England medical staff have been monitoring Lauren James since an ankle injury forced her out of the semi-final at half-time. If the Chelsea forward isn’t fit enough to start, Beth Mead, who replaced her against Italy, or Chloe Kelly, who has made transformative impacts off the bench at this tournament, are the most likely options to come into the lineup on the right flank.

Spain centre-back Laia Aleixandri was suspended for the semi-final and is expected to return in place of María Méndez, who filled in against Germany. Coach Montse Tomé had a more fluid selection during the group stage, but Aleixandri’s enforced absence last time out was the only change from the quarter-final against Switzerland.

Prediction

After 30 games over the last four weeks, it all comes down to this.

Spain and England have been the two best teams at this tournament, but in very different ways. La Roja have been technically superior to everyone, while the Lionesses never know they’re beaten.

Spain have won 10 straight games since England beat them in February, in front of a Wembley crowd, and it will take a huge performance to halt that kind of momentum against a side expected to dominate the ball and play the final on their terms.

If Wiegman’s team can keep things tight and frustrate Spain, which hasn’t been their forte, there is a chance. Otherwise, there could be more English heartbreak and more Spanish delight after an international final. England 1-2 Spain (aet).

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jul

2025

Preview: Messi-less Inter Miami host Cincinnati

Inter Miami face FC Cincinnati for the second time in three games having lost the previous meeting 3-0 in Ohio.

By James Nalton

Ahead of this latest encounter back in Florida, there was uncertainty and controversy surround Lionel Messi’s availability following his no show at the MLS All Star game.

Lionel Messi All-Star saga

Messi was called up for the MLS All-Star team which faced off against counterparts from Mexico’s Liga MX in Austin, Texas, last weekend, but the Inter Miami star and reigning MLS MVP failed to show.

MLS rules state that any players called up for the All-Star game who then don’t show up will miss the next league game as a punishment.

This rule obviously doesn’t apply if the player in question is injured, but Messi played the full 90 minutes in Inter Miami’s last league game, against New York Red Bulls, and there has been no indication that he is carrying a knock.

Head coach Javier Mascherano said fatigue was the reason for Messi missing out on the All Star game, and MLS decided on Friday that Messi, and Jordi Alba, who was also absent having been selected, will indeed be suspended against Cincinnati.

Messi’s absence from the All-Star game was controversial in itself and led to questions being asked about the existence of such a mid-season exhibition match in the first place.

A one-game suspension for Messi seems far from ideal for MLS, but had he played in the All Star game and picked up an injury, it might have been much worse for the league.

Miami seek revenge

When these two teams met just over a week ago in Cincinnati, the home side inflicted Inter Miami’s only MLS defeat in their last eight games.

A convincing defeat it was too. As well as the three goals they scored, Cincy kept Inter Miami scoreless for only the third time in the 2025 MLS season.

Messi and co. bounced back with a 5-1 win against New York Red Bulls last weekend, and will now be looking to carry this momentum into this weekend and get revenge on the Ohio club.

Familiar threats

Evander’s two second-half goals in the recent meeting between these two turned Cincinnati’s win into a resounding victory.

The Brazilian, signed from Portland Timbers for an intra-league transfer record ahead of this season, is one of the players challenging Messi for the title of 2025 MLS MVP.

Standout performances in games against Messi’s club do his chances of competing for that individual honour no harm at all, and he’ll be looking to put on another show in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday night.

Unlike Messi, though, Evander played in the All Star game, so despite having dealt with the travel to Auston and back, plus a 45 minute stint the game itself, will at least be available for the game against Inter Miami.

Prediction

With Messi, Inter Miami would have been favourites, but without him home advantage might be enough to get them a draw.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

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Jul

2025

Napoli are tooling up for a strong defence of their Serie A title

Napoli’s summer transfer business has put them in a better position to defend their Serie A crown than the last time they were Italian champions.

By Graham Ruthven

History could have repeated itself within days of Napoli winning their second Scudetto in three seasons. Antonio Conte, like Luciano Spalletti, could have left after guiding the club to Serie A glory. Just like his predecessor, the former Chelsea, Inter and Juventus boss wanted Napoli to match his ambition in the transfer market. Spalletti didn’t get his wish, but Conte might.

*A repeat of Napoli’s 2023/24 nosedive looks unlikely*

Talks with Aurelio De Laurentiis kept Conte beyond the end of the 2024/25 campaign with the Napoli owner vowing to improve the squad this summer, and the 76-year-old has so far kept his promise. Indeed, Napoli have strengthened, raising hope at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona that this season’s title defence will be better than the last one.

Kevin De Bruyne’s arrival was a particularly notable capture. The Belgian might be the biggest statement signing made by a Serie A club this summer with De Bruyne someone who could help evolve Conte’s Napoli into a more rounded outfit capable of fighting for silverware on multiple fronts.

Conte has already changed his ways as Napoli manager. The way he used Scott McTominay as a box-crashing merchant of chaos in an advanced midfield role was knew for him. For Chelsea, Inter and Juventus, there wouldn’t have been a role like this for the Scotland to fill. For Napoli, though, Conte recognised McTominay could offer a different dimension.

De Bruyne is expected to be used in a deeper role where he can utilise his passing range to give Napoli more control of matches. Andrea Pirlo played the best football of his career under Conte and De Bruyne could follow in the footsteps of the legendary Italian midfielder in becoming more of a pace-setter than a game-breaker.

Sam Buekema is another notable summer addition to the Napoli squad with the Dutch defender arriving from Bologna in a deal worth a reported €30m. Buekema had been linked with Inter Milan, but was instead sold on Conte’s vision for Napoli. Standing at 6′ 2”, the 26-year-old is a physical presence, but is also comfortable with the ball at his feet. He is the complete modern centre back.

*Buekema Serie A numbers with Bologna – he dominated in aerial duels and recoveries*

Napoli also beat AC Milan to the punch when landing Noa Lang in a €25m deal from PSV. The Netherlands international will give Conte another option in the forward line, arriving in Serie A on the back of a title-winning campaign in the Eredivisie. Striker Lorenzo Lucca and defender Luca Marianucci will give Napoli even greater depth, joining from Udinese and Empoli respectively.

Recent reporting claims Napoli aren’t done in the transfer window either. The Italians champions are believed to be in the market for a starting winger and have been linked with the likes of Jack Grealish, Alejandro Garnacho and Federico Chiesa with Chelsea reportedly offering Raheem Sterling as an option.

Darwin Núñez is another top-level target on Napoli’s radar, although talks with Liverpool over a move for the Uruguayan striker have recently stalled. That the Serie A champions are weighing up an offer for someone like Núñez, however, indicates their determination to build on the remarkable success of last season.

Two years ago, Spalletti didn’t get the players he wanted. He left Napoli after delivering the club’s first Scudetto since the days of Diego Maradona and Gli Azzurri went through three different managers as they put up the worst title defence of any Serie A side in the modern era – for which De Laurentiis was widely blamed.

He might have had his arm twisted by Conte who reportedly threatened to leave without assurances about Napoli’s transfer plans for the summer, but De Laurentiis has surely learned something from past failures. The club’s summer business suggests they will be competitive once more near the top of Serie A next season.

A resolution on Victor Osimhen’s future will bring the curtain down on a regrettable episode that saw the Nigerian striker spend last season on loan at Galatasaray. Osimhen is now seemingly set to join the Turkish champions permanently in a deal worth a reported €75m, but Napoli could have got more than that for their prize 12 months ago.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia left the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona for Paris Saint-Germain in January, marking a further disintegration of the Napoli team that won the Scudetto in 2022/23. That they have been able to retool so quickly with Romelu Lukaku, Alessandro Buongiorno now central pillars of Conte’s side after joining last year.

Conte has moulded Napoli in his own image, it’s just that his image is changing from season to season. Napoli won the Scudetto playing one way and they might defend it playing another. With De Bruyne, Buekema and others already through the door and more still to follow, Conte’s title winners are getting even stronger.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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