CF Montreal signed Ivan Jaime on loan from FC Porto with an option to buy Friday.  The 24-year-ol...

<p>CF Montreal signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/102879" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/102879">Ivan Jaime</a> on loan from FC Porto with an option to buy Friday.</p><p>The 24-year-old midfielder becomes the club's second designated player after Italian forward Giacomo Vrioni.</p><p>Jaime's loan spell runs until June 30, 2026. Should Montreal exercise the option to make his stay permanent, the Spaniard will be under contract until the end of the 2027 MLS season. There are additional options for the 2028 and 2029 campaigns.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jaime cost Porto around $10 million to sign from fellow Portuguese side Famalicao in 2023, according to <a href="https://x.com/tombogert/status/1958181831280345339">GiveMeSport's Tom Bogert</a>.</p><p>"We are very pleased to welcome Ivan Jaime to our squad," said Luca Saputo, the club's managing director of recruitment and sporting methodology. "His profile and qualities are fully in line with the sporting vision we want to build within our club. His technical talent and ability to make a difference in the offensive third will bring a new dimension to our team."</p><p>CF Montreal were busy in the days leading up to Jaime's arrival.</p><p>The club sent Joel Waterman to Chicago Fire on Wednesday in exchange for $500,000 in general allocation money (GAM) spread over the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Montreal also sent $175,000 in GAM to Sporting Kansas City to acquire an international roster spot.</p><p>On Thursday, Montreal sold Caden Clark to D.C. United for a guaranteed $700,000 fee plus $100,000 in add-ons and a percentage of his resale value. Later that day, Montreal acquired Bode Hidalgo from Real Salt Lake for $200,000 in 2025 GAM, plus a conditional amount of up to $150,000 in GAM and a second-round pick in the 2026 MLS Superdraft.</p>

Ivan Jaime of FC Porto reacts during the UEFA Europa League match between FC Porto and FC Midtjylland at Estadio Do Dragao in Porto, Portugal, on December 12, 2024.

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Mikel Arteta said Arsenal's anticipated signing of Eberechi Eze proves the club is "showing the a...

<p>Mikel Arteta said Arsenal's anticipated signing of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/90906" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/90906">Eberechi Eze</a> proves the club is "showing the ambition" that's required to win major trophies.</p><p>"We want to be in front in the league, not just chasing or reacting or being behind, but in front of it, and every decision that we make in every area of the club is to achieve that," the manager <a href="https://www.thescore.com/eng_fed/news/3329299">added</a>.</p><p>The Gunners reached an agreement to sign Eze from Crystal Palace for over £60 million, beating out local rivals Tottenham Hotspur to his signature, reports transfer insider <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1958270938765533643">Fabrizio Romano</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Palace boss Oliver Glasner all but confirmed that Eze is leaving after omitting the 27-year-old from his squad for Thursday's 1-0 win over Fredrikstad in the Conference League playoffs. The Austrian tactician wished the attacking midfielder "all the best for his new club."</p><p>"Honestly, I expected that he would start today for us, but he called me this morning and said that he doesn't feel well to play in the evening," Glasner explained, according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/eberechi-eze-arsenal-palace-348da744f5626dcef00dcf94f58c4b51">Associated Press</a>.</p><p>After the match, Glasner conceded that Eze will likely not play for the Eagles again.</p><p>Eze will become Arsenal's seventh signing of a busy summer, the club's first under new sporting director Andrea Berta. Arsenal matched the financial package offered by Spurs, and Eze, a boyhood Arsenal fan who played for the club's academy, reportedly made the final decision on which of the north London teams he preferred to join.</p><p>"The better the feeling, the stronger the feeling, I think the better," Arteta said of Eze's Arsenal allegiance.</p><p>"It brings a different edge, a different will and emotion to what you do. I think that always brings something extra."</p><p>Arsenal's move for Eze appeared to accelerate after the team learned of an injury to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/86595" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/86595">Kai Havertz</a>. However, Arteta said there was no relation between the German forward's knee issue and Eze's arrival.</p><p>"We are not reacting to anything," he insisted. "We've been very prepared and understanding what we could do, and we have decided this is the moment to do it."</p><p>Eze has made 169 appearances for Crystal Palace since his transfer from Queens Park Rangers in 2020, scoring 40 goals.</p><p>His potential arrival would give Mikel Arteta another creative playmaker who can operate in multiple positions.</p><p>Though most comfortable as a No. 10, Eze will likely slot into Arsenal's lineup as a left-sided attacker, further strengthening a positional group that already includes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/161088" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/161088">Gabriel Martinelli</a> and summer signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/162571" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/162571">Noni Madueke</a>.</p>

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace controls the ball during the 2025 FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2025 in London, England.

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<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/17673" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/17673">Mohamed Salah</a> was crowned the Professional Footballers' Association Men's Player of the Year for a record third time Tuesday after he starred during Liverpool's 2024-25 Premier League title-winning campaign.</p><p>The Egyptian attacker dominated the scoring and assists charts as he struck 29 times while creating 18 goals for his teammates, equaling the record for goal involvements in a single Premier League season. Salah also claimed his fourth Golden Boot, tying Arsenal icon Thierry Henry's record.</p><p><strong>Most goal involvements in a season</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Season</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Goal involvements</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2024-25</td>
<td>Mohamed Salah</td>
<td>47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1994-95*</td>
<td>Alan Shearer</td>
<td>47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1993-94*</td>
<td>Andy Cole</td>
<td>47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2022-23</td>
<td>Erling Haaland</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2002-03</td>
<td>Thierry Henry</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>* <em>42-game Premier League season. England's top flight changed to a 38-game season for the 1995-96 campaign.</em></p><p>Salah, 33, won the 2024-25 PFA Player of the Year prize ahead of Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, Chelsea's Cole Palmer, Arsenal's Declan Rice, and Liverpool teammate Alexis Mac Allister.</p><p>Salah was also voted the country's top player by his contemporaries after the 2017-18 term - his first campaign with Liverpool after moving to Merseyside from Serie A side Roma - and following the 2021-22 season.</p><p>Aston Villa's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/101913" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/101913">Morgan Rogers</a> was named the PFA Young Player of the Year after registering eight goals and 10 assists in the first full Premier League season of his career. The other nominees were Arsenal duo Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, plus three players who've cost around £120 million in transfer fees since the 2024-25 season concluded: Liam Delap, Dean Huijsen, and Milos Kerkez.</p><p>Versatile Arsenal star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/122481" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/122481">Mariona Caldentey</a> won the PFA's distinction for the best women's player in the 2024-25 season. Twenty-one-year-old Canadian forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wwcup/players/199855" href="https://thescore.com/wwcup/players/199855">Olivia Smith</a>, who recently joined Arsenal in a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3310264" href="https://thescore.com/news/3310264">record-breaking transfer</a>, became the first overseas recipient of the PFA Young Player of the Year award.</p><p>Liverpool earned four selections and Arsenal claimed three in the 2024-25 season's Premier League Team of the Year. In the women's lineup, European champions Arsenal had the most representatives with four.</p><p><strong>PFA Premier League Team of the Year</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The PFA Premier League Team of the Year - voted for by the players. 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PFAawards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PFAawards</a> <a href="https://t.co/j85lXebf9d">pic.twitter.com/j85lXebf9d</a></p>— PFA (@PFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFA/status/1957885902342013093?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>PFA Women's Super League Team of the Year</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The PFA <a href="https://twitter.com/BarclaysWSL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BarclaysWSL</a> Team of the Year - voted for by the players. 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PFAawards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PFAawards</a> <a href="https://t.co/IUyQqywz1U">pic.twitter.com/IUyQqywz1U</a></p>— PFA (@PFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFA/status/1957884527373676960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ex-England manager Gareth Southgate and Emma Hayes, the legendary Chelsea boss now in charge of the United States women's national team, picked up PFA Merit Awards for their contributions to the country's game.</p>

Liverpool's Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah poses with the Men's PFA Players' Player of the Year award backstage during the 2024-2025 Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) awards, at the Opera House in Manchester, northern England, on August 19, 2025.

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<p><em>After a brief summer break, the 2025-26 Premier League campaign kicks off Friday. We're looking into our crystal ball to predict what'll happen in the top flight of English football this season. Don't fact-check these in May.</em></p><h3>Title winners</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790959/cropped_GettyImages-2216378481.jpg?ts=1750249180" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790959/w220xh124_GettyImages-2216378481.jpg?ts=1750249180 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790959/w320xh180_GettyImages-2216378481.jpg?ts=1750249180 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790959/w640xh360_GettyImages-2216378481.jpg?ts=1750249180 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790959/w768xh432_GettyImages-2216378481.jpg?ts=1750249180 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790959/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2216378481.jpg?ts=1750249180 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Peter Byrne - PA Images / PA Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Daniel Rouse</strong>: Liverpool. It's a common mistake to base preseason predictions primarily on transfer business, but it's impossible not to be seduced by Liverpool's deals. Areas of need were addressed, particularly with Milos Kerkez's arrival, while the attack received a significant upgrade. And at times of tragedy, people come together: The squad is likely to be closer than ever after Diogo Jota's death.</p><p><strong>Gianluca Nesci</strong>: Arsenal. Picking against Liverpool is probably unwise. After running away with the title last season, the Reds went on a massive summer spending spree - which isn't even over yet - to set themselves up for long-term dominance; if they get Alexander Isak, it's a wrap. But those new players need time to adapt. Arsenal have the most continuity of the title challengers, and they finally landed the kind of striker who can push them over the top. It feels like now or never for Mikel Arteta's Gunners after three consecutive second-place finishes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Champions League places</h3><p><em>We predict that the Premier League will again earn a fifth Champions League place through strong performances in Europe this season.</em></p><p><strong>Rouse</strong>: Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Newcastle United. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have a long way to climb, and the other teams trying to break into the top places - like Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest - have barely improved, if at all.</p><p><strong>Nesci</strong>: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur. The gap between the top four and everyone else is large. Assuming fifth place again yields a Champions League berth, Tottenham's continued revamp makes them an intriguing choice. The other clubs in the mix have either been too stagnant this summer or have regressed, but Spurs have plenty of room to improve with Thomas Frank at the helm, especially if they can land Savinho and Eberechi Eze.</p><h3>Relegated clubs</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797220/cropped_GettyImages-2227467600.jpg?ts=1754931086" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797220/w220xh124_GettyImages-2227467600.jpg?ts=1754931086 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797220/w320xh180_GettyImages-2227467600.jpg?ts=1754931086 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797220/w640xh360_GettyImages-2227467600.jpg?ts=1754931086 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797220/w768xh432_GettyImages-2227467600.jpg?ts=1754931086 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797220/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2227467600.jpg?ts=1754931086 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ed Sykes / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Rouse</strong>: Burnley, Leeds United, and Sunderland. This will be the third consecutive season that the three promoted teams go straight back down. The chasm between the Premier League and Championship is huge.</p><p><strong>Nesci</strong>: Brentford, Burnley, and Sunderland. I want to believe that exciting signings like Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi will help Sunderland stay up, but the leap from the second tier has become almost impossible to navigate. Brentford could be in big trouble after losing their coach, captain, and best player this summer, with Yoane Wissa possibly joining the exodus.</p><h3>Full predicted table</h3><p><em>In our predicted table, the top five qualify for the Champions League, while sixth place yields a Europa League berth. The winners of the League Cup secure a spot in the Conference League.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-hObuY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/hObuY/28/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="1029" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><h3>PFA Player of the Year</h3><p><strong>Rouse</strong>: Bukayo Saka. Arsenal can now give more consideration to their most influential player's workload following the arrival of Noni Madueke, so Saka will hopefully stay fit and fresh for his team's latest push for a long-awaited Premier League title. He's remarkably consistent for the Gunners, and creating goals for his team <em>should</em> be easier with Viktor Gyokeres - rather than, say, a defensive midfielder like Mikel Merino - spearheading the frontline.</p><p><strong>Nesci</strong>: Declan Rice. It's not uncommon for a player to take home the PFA honor without winning the league title - Salah did exactly that just a few years ago - but being part of a championship-winning side obviously strengthens your case. While Saka is Arsenal's best player, Rice is the engine that powers Arteta's team. He should also have more freedom this season with Martin Zubimendi pulling the strings alongside him.</p><h3>Golden Boot winner</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794384/cropped_GettyImages-2223100895.jpg?ts=1752590276" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794384/w220xh124_GettyImages-2223100895.jpg?ts=1752590276 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794384/w320xh180_GettyImages-2223100895.jpg?ts=1752590276 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794384/w640xh360_GettyImages-2223100895.jpg?ts=1752590276 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794384/w768xh432_GettyImages-2223100895.jpg?ts=1752590276 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794384/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2223100895.jpg?ts=1752590276 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Francois Nel / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Rouse</strong>: Mohamed Salah. Manchester City could share the goals more evenly this campaign, likely reducing Erling Haaland's output, while Alexander Isak is unhappy at Newcastle. And in the Premier League era, only Haaland and Kevin Phillips have finished as top scorer in their debut seasons, so can we really expect the same from Gyokeres, Hugo Ekitike, and other newcomers? The service should also improve for Salah after the signings of Kerkez, Florian Wirtz, and Jeremie Frimpong. Even with taking time off for Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations campaign, Salah is well-positioned for another scoring title.</p><p><strong>Nesci</strong>: Haaland. By his otherworldly standards, scoring 22 league goals last season was a letdown. Expect the insatiable Norwegian to stay healthy this year and come back with a vengeance. Salah's AFCON participation does give Haaland the edge for me.</p><h3>Best signing</h3><p><strong>Rouse</strong>: Rayan Cherki. Cherki might need time to adjust, but he could already be the most technically gifted player in the league. Manchester City paying just €36 million for the playmaker, who turns 22 on Sunday, is frankly ridiculous.</p><p><strong>Nesci</strong>: Wirtz. There will be several others who offer better value relative to their price tag, but Wirtz is such an enchanting talent that even his monstrous transfer fee won't hold him back. The 22-year-old German is one of the few players who can justify the potential €150 million that Liverpool dropped to acquire him from Bayer Leverkusen.</p><h3>Worst signing</h3><p><strong>Rouse</strong>: Armando Broja. Although there will be more expensive flops this season, how have Burnley not gotten the hint that Broja, who'll represent his fifth Premier League club in the last five years, isn't up to standard? The 23-year-old cost around £15 million to sign from Chelsea.</p><p><strong>Nesci</strong>: Jamie Gittens. This has little to do with Gittens himself and speaks more to Chelsea's hoarding. There will be worse newcomers than the 21-year-old this campaign, but the Blues could end up paying £52 million for a raw player who needs top-level minutes to develop. Can Chelsea offer Gittens that? He'll battle with Pedro Neto and Estevao on the wing. Joao Pedro can also occupy that spot. Chelsea are still chasing Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons, too. Having already gone through the stockpiling phase, this summer was the time to make moves that would push the team to the next level.</p><h3>First manager sacked</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766039/cropped_GettyImages-2193936727.jpg?ts=1737222050" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766039/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193936727.jpg?ts=1737222050 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766039/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193936727.jpg?ts=1737222050 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766039/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193936727.jpg?ts=1737222050 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766039/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193936727.jpg?ts=1737222050 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/766039/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193936727.jpg?ts=1737222050 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Justin Setterfield / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Rouse</strong>: Graham Potter. A rotten start to his West Ham United tenure has already lost him a lot of support among the club's fans. The summer exodus of many experienced and well-respected players from the club has only compounded that early unrest. The Irons could be in relegation trouble.</p><p><strong>Nesci</strong>: Nuno Espirito Santo. After the incredible highs of last season, it's not hard to envision a scenario where Nottingham Forest get off to a slow start, especially with the added strain of balancing their Europa League commitments with the demands of the Premier League. Evangelos Marinakis is one of the most volatile owners in the game, and he's already clashed very publicly with Nuno before. The ingredients are all there.</p><h3>Breakout star</h3><p><strong>Rouse</strong>: It's easy to forget about Oscar Bobb, a skillful and composed attacker with an exceptionally high ceiling. The 22-year-old Norwegian seemed set for an important role at Manchester City before he broke his leg on the eve of last season. He could be set for a big campaign this time around.</p><p><strong>Nesci</strong>: Estevao already looks like a phenom, and I'm hopeful that 16-year-old preseason standout Rio Ngumoha will get some opportunities at Liverpool this year. Still, Charalampos Kostoulas is my pick here. Given their track record with talent identification, any time Brighton decide to spend €35 million on a largely unknown teenager, we should all take notice. The 18-year-old Greek forward could be the next great success story of the club's scouting network.</p><h3>Biggest surprise</h3><p><strong>Rouse</strong>: David Moyes expressed his irritation at Everton's failure to get deals over the line earlier in the summer, but the Scot's return last January and the new stadium have lifted the club's mood. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could be a low-key great signing.</p><p><strong>Nesci</strong>: Liverpool's slow start. Arne Slot's reigning champions are better on paper than last year, but preseason has exposed some vulnerabilities, particularly on the counterattack. Crystal Palace took full advantage of Liverpool's high full-backs and exploited big open spaces in midfield during the Community Shield. We shouldn't read <em>too much</em> into preseason results, but Slot has work to do to find the right balance of attacking verve and defensive solidity.</p><h3>Most excited about ...</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795996/cropped_GettyImages-2227289633.jpg?ts=1753818630" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795996/w220xh124_GettyImages-2227289633.jpg?ts=1753818630 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795996/w320xh180_GettyImages-2227289633.jpg?ts=1753818630 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795996/w640xh360_GettyImages-2227289633.jpg?ts=1753818630 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795996/w768xh432_GettyImages-2227289633.jpg?ts=1753818630 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795996/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2227289633.jpg?ts=1753818630 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Alex Pantling / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Rouse</strong>: With a stronger promoted trio last season, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur would've been in danger of relegation. How they respond will be fascinating. United have doubled down on Ruben Amorim, bankrolling a whole new strikeforce for the oft-gloomy boss. Meanwhile, Spurs are entering a new era with the highly rated Thomas Frank.</p><p><strong>Nesci</strong>: Giant strikers being back in fashion. This has been a theme for a couple of seasons now, with the likes of Haaland, Chris Wood, and Jean-Philippe Mateta thriving. Fellow big boys Benjamin Sesko, Thierno Barry, and Gyokeres have now joined the party. Diminutive, tricky forwards are brilliant to watch, but there's something fun about the shift back toward imposing No. 9s leading the line. Just chuck it into the mixer, lads.</p><p><em>Leave your own predictions in the comments below!</em></p>

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Premier League predictions: Title winners, UCL spots, and more

Jack Grealish will try to revive his career at Everton after Manchester City allowed him to leave...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/17264" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/17264">Jack Grealish</a> will try to revive his career at Everton after Manchester City allowed him to leave for Merseyside on a season-long loan Tuesday.</p><p>The Toffees have an option to buy the 29-year-old for £50 million at the end of the loan agreement, according to transfer insider <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1954990364252835905">Fabrizio Romano</a>. Grealish's Manchester City contract expires in June 2027.</p><p>Before they entertain a permanent transfer, Grealish's wages and loan fee over the 2025-26 campaign could cost Everton more than £12 million, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/11/jack-grealish-agrees-to-join-everton-season-loan-manchester-city">The Guardian's Andy Hunter and Will Unwin report</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I'm over the moon to have signed for Everton - it's massive for me, honestly. This is a great club, with great fans," Grealish said.</p><p>The English winger joined Manchester City from Aston Villa in a £100-million transfer in 2021, which held the British record for an incoming transfer before Enzo Fernandez moved to Chelsea for about £107 million around 18 months later.</p><p>Grealish won the Champions League, three Premier League titles, and the FA Cup with Manchester City, including his crucial role in the club's historic 2022-23 treble-winning season. However, his form tailed off and his minutes dwindled after that high point, resulting in 10 league starts over the 2023-24 campaign and just seven last season. He was omitted from City's Club World Cup squad this summer.</p><p>Aside from getting his club career back on track, one of the main motivating factors behind Grealish's move is regular first-team football ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3069358" href="https://thescore.com/news/3069358">described</a> the last offseason as his "worst summer" after he was left out of Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024. The Three Lions, who are now overseen by Thomas Tuchel, have opened their World Cup qualification campaign with wins over Albania, Latvia, and Andorra.</p><p>"Thomas Tuchel ... is a massive fan and sees Jack Grealish as a starter in his team, if only he can get back up and running and playing on a regular basis," <a href="https://x.com/5liveSport/status/1953425842681397751">BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel</a> said last week.</p><p>Everton are steadily recruiting this summer before their first season in the Hill Dickinson Stadium. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/209327" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/209327">Thierno Barry</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/165412" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/165412">Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/205407" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/205407">Adam Aznou</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/101896" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/101896">Mark Travers</a> were signed this summer, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/192919" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/192919">Carlos Alcaraz</a>'s loan from Flamengo was turned into a permanent deal, before Grealish made the trip west on the M62.</p>

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 2: Manchester City's Jack Grealish celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Leicester City FC at Etihad Stadium on April 2, 2025 in Manchester, England.

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Grealish joins Everton on loan after Man City spell sputters out

The Manchester United boardroom is putting its trust in Ruben Amorim.  Benjamin Sesko officially ...

<p>The Manchester United boardroom is putting its trust in Ruben Amorim.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///gerdfbp/players/166129" href="https://thescore.com/gerdfbp/players/166129">Benjamin Sesko</a> officially joined United from RB Leipzig on Saturday. His arrival for an initial €76.5 million plus €8.5 million in add-ons, according to figures from <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6538359/2025/08/07/benjamin-sesko-manchester-united-transfer/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwMBkOlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp9uUhpPzQjVFkUoM2FZOWP5dVP7T46SRLZ_DUiUPcom1fACPEkwtE_0yBZF-_aem_xwcRkDXXq9LHpxMaLCOTXQ">The Athletic's David Ornstein</a>, means the club's summer refresh of Amorim's attack now potentially exceeds £207 million.</p><p>The 22-year-old Slovenian was unveiled at Old Trafford after signing a five-year contract.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Huge roar as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> new boy Benjamin Sesko is unveiled at Old Trafford <a href="https://t.co/1YsslD5LZL">pic.twitter.com/1YsslD5LZL</a></p>— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) <a href="https://twitter.com/SimonPeach/status/1954146836010197192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Sesko, a physical forward who stands at six-foot-five, is a natural fit to spearhead Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 formation. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcqcon/players/100524" href="https://thescore.com/wcqcon/players/100524">Matheus Cunha</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/99561" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/99561">Bryan Mbeumo</a>, the other attackers signed this summer for a combined fee of up to £133.5 million, could operate on either side of Sesko, while captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/23312" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/23312">Bruno Fernandes</a> busies himself in midfield.</p><p>The revamp was prompted by United scoring just 44 goals in the Premier League last term. Only Everton and the relegated trio of Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton scored fewer goals than Amorim's side. United finished the season in 15th place.</p><p>Newcastle United were also trying to sign Sesko. The Magpies' bid of a guaranteed €82.5 million with €2.5 million in bonuses was also accepted by Leipzig, Ornstein reports. However, Sesko picked Manchester United over Newcastle despite the latter's promise of Champions League football.</p><p>"The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future," said Sesko. "When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon."</p><p>"From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created," he added. "It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions. I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben and connecting with my team-mates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together."</p><p>Sesko has scored 39 goals and assisted eight times over 87 appearances for Leipzig since joining from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023. United were first alerted to him in 2019 when he broke into Slovenian PrvaLiga side NK Domzale's senior team at 16, The Athletic's Carl Anka reports.</p><p>In addition to their attacking recruits, Manchester United signed full-back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/216661" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/216661">Diego Leon</a> from Paraguay's Cerro Porteno earlier this summer. That deal could surpass £6.5 million after add-ons, according to figures from <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6474574/2025/07/05/manchester-united-diego-leon-signing/">The Athletic's Mark Critchley and Jessica Hopkins</a>.</p>

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 9: (L-R) New Manchester United signings Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko & Matheus Cunha pose together with team shirts prior to the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and ACF Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9, 2025 in Manchester, England.

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Man United sign Sesko as attacking rebuild reportedly surpasses £200M

Men's soccer is still embracing a new era while the women's game might be ready to shake things u...

<p>Men's soccer is still embracing a new era while the women's game might be ready to shake things up.</p><p>The men's Ballon d'Or will be awarded to a first-time winner for the second straight year. The best player of 2024, Manchester City midfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/67114" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/67114">Rodri</a>, and the winners over the 15 editions before Rodri's triumph - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a> (eight wins), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wcquefa/players/1310" href="https://thescore.com/wcquefa/players/1310">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> (five), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///espcr/players/1308" href="https://thescore.com/espcr/players/1308">Karim Benzema</a> (one), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///itaci/players/1910" href="https://thescore.com/itaci/players/1910">Luka Modric</a> (one) - weren't among the 30 nominees announced Thursday for the coveted individual award.</p><p>Barcelona and Spain's four-year sweep of the Women's Ballon d'Or is under threat. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/122479" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/122479">Alexia Putellas</a> (2021 and 2022 winner) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/122471" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/122471">Aitana Bonmati</a> (winner at the past two ceremonies) are still in contention to collect the prize, but representatives from Arsenal and England threaten to end the Iberian reign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The winners will be announced Sept. 22 in Paris, France.</p><h3>2025 Men's Ballon d'Or nominees</h3><p>Paris Saint-Germain equaled Real Madrid's record of nine nominations from 2018 after they finally clinched the Champions League crown - with a 5-0 rout of Inter Milan, no less - while winning their 11th French title in 13 years and hoisting the Coupe de France. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/players/61590" href="https://thescore.com/fran/players/61590">Ousmane Dembele</a> is a strong contender to win the Ballon d'Or after he scored 32 goals and provided 13 assists across those three competitions.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Country</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jude Bellingham</td>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ousmane Dembele</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gianluigi Donnarumma</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>Italy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Desire Doue</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Denzel Dumfries</td>
<td>Inter Milan</td>
<td>Netherlands</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Serhou Guirassy</td>
<td>Borussia Dortmund</td>
<td>Guinea</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Viktor Gyokeres</td>
<td>Sporting CP/Arsenal</td>
<td>Sweden</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Erling Haaland</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>Norway</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Achraf Hakimi</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>Morocco</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Harry Kane</td>
<td>Bayern Munich</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia</td>
<td>Napoli/PSG</td>
<td>Georgia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert Lewandowski</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Poland</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alexis Mac Allister</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>Argentina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lautaro Martinez</td>
<td>Inter Milan</td>
<td>Argentina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kylian Mbappe</td>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scott McTominay</td>
<td>Napoli</td>
<td>Scotland</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nuno Mendes</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>Portugal</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joao Neves</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>Portugal</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Olise</td>
<td>Bayern Munich</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cole Palmer</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pedri</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Raphinha</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Brazil</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Declan Rice</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fabian Ruiz</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mohamed Salah</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>Egypt</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Virgil van Dijk</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>Netherlands</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vinicius Junior</td>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>Brazil</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vitinha</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>Portugal</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Florian Wirtz</td>
<td>Bayer Leverkusen/Liverpool</td>
<td>Germany</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lamine Yamal</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><div><h3>2025 Women's Ballon d'Or nominees</h3></div><p>Will a Women's Super League player win this time around? <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wwcup/players/122177" href="https://thescore.com/wwcup/players/122177">Chloe Kelly</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wwcup/players/199433" href="https://thescore.com/wwcup/players/199433">Alessia Russo</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wwcup/players/122161" href="https://thescore.com/wwcup/players/122161">Leah Williamson</a> are among the 30 nominations after winning the Champions League with Arsenal and Euro 2025 with England. The trio counts four more club colleagues and two additional England teammates in the list. Although it's impossible to rule out Bonmati and Putellas, there's a chance that a non-European player wins the award while four other continents are represented, with the effervescent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/159314" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/159314">Marta</a> and Amanda Gutierres among the standouts after they helped Brazil win another Copa America Femenina title. There are only two Americans nominated.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Country</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Sandy Baltimore</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Barbra Banda</td>
<td>Orlando Pride</td>
<td>Zambia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aitana Bonmati</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lucy Bronze</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Klara Buhl</td>
<td>Bayern Munich</td>
<td>Germany</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mariona Caldentey</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sofia Cantore</td>
<td>Juventus/Washington Spirit</td>
<td>Italy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steph Catley</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>Australia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Temwa Chawinga</td>
<td>Kansas City Current</td>
<td>Malawi</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Melchie Dumornay</td>
<td>Lyon</td>
<td>Haiti</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Emily Fox</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>United States</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cristiana Girelli</td>
<td>Juventus</td>
<td>Italy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Esther Gonzalez</td>
<td>Gotham FC</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Caroline Graham Hansen</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Norway</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patri Guijarro</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Amanda Gutierres</td>
<td>Palmeiras</td>
<td>Brazil</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hannah Hampton</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pernille Harder</td>
<td>Bayern Munich</td>
<td>Denmark</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lindsey Heaps</td>
<td>Lyon</td>
<td>United States</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chloe Kelly</td>
<td>Manchester City/Arsenal</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Frida Leonardsen-Maanum</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>Norway</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marta</td>
<td>Orlando Pride</td>
<td>Brazil</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Clara Mateo</td>
<td>Paris FC</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ewa Pajor</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Poland</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Claudia Pina</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alexia Putellas</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alessia Russo</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Johanna Rytting Kaneryd</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>Sweden</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Caroline Weir</td>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>Scotland</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Leah Williamson</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><div><h3>Kopa Trophy nominees</h3></div><p>No prizes for picking the frontrunner in the best young men's player category. Eighteen-year-old phenom <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/193783" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/193783">Lamine Yamal</a> isn't just producing on a different stratosphere when compared to his rivals, he's also putting together numbers that far outweigh those tallied by Messi and Ronaldo at the same age.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Country</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ayyoub Bouaddi</td>
<td>Lille</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pau Cubarsi</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Desire Doue</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Estevao</td>
<td>Palmeiras/Chelsea</td>
<td>Brazil</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dean Huijsen</td>
<td>Bournemouth/Real Madrid</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Myles Lewis-Skelly</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rodrigo Mora</td>
<td>FC Porto</td>
<td>Portugal</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joao Neves</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>Portugal</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lamine Yamal</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kenan Yildiz</td>
<td>Juventus</td>
<td>Turkey</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><div><h3>Yachine Trophy nominees</h3></div><p>Each player among the best men's goalkeeper nominees has been in contention for the honor before. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/49561" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/49561">Emiliano Martinez</a> is the only one to have won the trophy twice (2023 and 2024), but Paris Saint-Germain's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/players/43614" href="https://thescore.com/fran/players/43614">Gianluigi Donnarumma</a> may match his haul after he last collected the award in 2021. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/55092" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/55092">Alisson Becker</a> (2019) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/9963" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/9963">Thibaut Courtois</a> (2022) are also previous winners.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Country</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Alisson Becker</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>Brazil</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yassine Bounou</td>
<td>Al-Hilal</td>
<td>Morocco</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lucas Chevalier</td>
<td>Lille</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Thibaut Courtois</td>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>Belgium</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gianluigi Donnarumma</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>Italy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Emiliano Martinez</td>
<td>Aston Villa</td>
<td>Argentina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jan Oblak</td>
<td>Atletico Madrid</td>
<td>Slovenia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Raya</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matz Sels</td>
<td>Nottingham Forest</td>
<td>Belgium</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yann Sommer</td>
<td>Inter Milan</td>
<td>Switzerland</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Yohann Cruyff Trophy</h3><p>It's just the second year that these awards will be handed out and we're set for two more first-time winners after the pair recognized in 2024, Carlo Ancelotti and Emma Hayes, weren't nominated. Luis Enrique is a strong favorite to win the men's award after steering Paris Saint-Germain to the treble. Sarina Wiegman and Renee Slegers will presumably battle it out for the women's award following their impressive exploits in charge of England and Arsenal, respectively.</p><p><strong>Men's team coach of the year</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Coach</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Antonio Conte</td>
<td>Napoli</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luis Enrique</td>
<td>PSG</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hansi Flick</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Enzo Maresca</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arne Slot</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Women's team coach of the year</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Coach</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Sonia Bompastor</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arthur Elias</td>
<td>Brazil</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justine Madugu</td>
<td>Nigeria</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Renee Slegers</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sarina Wiegman</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

STUTTGART, GERMANY - JUNE 5: Lamine Yamal of Spain, Ousmane Dembele of France before the UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinal football match between Spain and France at Stuttgart Arena on June 5, 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany.

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Major League Soccer has another global star.  Son Heung-min joined Los Angeles FC from Tottenham ...

<p>Major League Soccer has another global star.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/12696" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/12696">Son Heung-min</a> joined Los Angeles FC from Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, reportedly becoming the most expensive signing in league history.</p><p>The cost of the 33-year-old's move is around $26.5 million, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6536835/2025/08/05/son-heung-min-tottenham-lafc-transfer-mls-record-fee/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=twhq&amp;source=twitterhq">The Athletic's Paul Tenorio</a>. The deal beats the previous record for an incoming MLS transfer, which was set in February when Atlanta United paid Middlesbrough $22 million to sign <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/85601" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/85601">Emmanuel Latte Lath</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Son signed a Designated Player contract with LAFC through 2027, with options for both the 2028 and 2029 MLS campaigns.</p><p>Son is arguably only third to Inter Miami's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a> and new Vancouver Whitecaps signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/2232" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/2232">Thomas Muller</a> in terms of recognizability in MLS. He has 14.5 million Instagram followers at the time of his move. He draws such a strong following from his homeland that many South Koreans were often seen in the stands and press box at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Now he moves to Los Angeles, a city with a sizable Korean population.</p><p>Son attended LAFC's 2-1 Leagues Cup win over Tigres on Tuesday evening. Nineteen-year-old <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/198614" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/198614">David Martinez</a>, whose minutes could be reduced following Son's arrival, produced a stunning brace in an impressive performance by Steve Cherundolo's side. LAFC's top scorer in MLS this season is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/59772" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/59772">Denis Bouanga</a> with 13 goals.</p><p>"Los Angeles has such a rich history of champions, and I am here to help write the next chapter," Son said in a statement. "I'm excited for this new challenge in MLS. I have come to L.A. to lift trophies and give everything for this club, this city, and its fans. I cannot wait to get started."</p><h3>'Spurs will always be in my heart'</h3><p>Son revealed his wish to leave Tottenham last Friday. The South Korean star was tearful during Spurs' friendly against Newcastle United in his homeland Sunday. He received a touching farewell from both teams when he was substituted and was later thrown in the air by Tottenham players. Members of his family also watched from the stands in Seoul.</p><p>"It was a beautiful moment, and it was really emotional," Son <a href="https://x.com/SpursOfficial/status/1952032418602328193">said</a>. "Oof. I'm getting emotional again."</p><p>He added while holding back tears: "Spurs will always be in my heart. I will cheer as a family member. All the best, guys."</p><p>Son said during Friday's press conference that the decision to leave "was the most difficult" of his career.</p><p>"I came to north London as a kid. A boy came to London who couldn't speak English. I leave this club as a man," he explained, according to <a href="https://x.com/AlasdairGold/status/1951452686039261397">Alasdair Gold of Football London</a>. "Thanks to all the Spurs fans who have given me so much love."</p><p>Saudi Arabian clubs reportedly showed interest in Son, but the former Puskas Award winner preferred a switch to LAFC. Spurs, in recognition of his decade of service to the club, apparently wanted to make his exit as smooth as possible.</p><p>One of Son's best friends at Tottenham, <a href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/16618">Ben Davies</a>, spoke about the forward's legacy at the club after the friendly against Newcastle.</p><p>"I'm pretty sure it's more than we could've ever dreamed of when we got him in, what he would've done for this club. Not just on the pitch, off the pitch," Davies <a href="https://x.com/SpursOfficial/status/1952039023062434130">said</a> about Son, who's the godfather to Davies' son. "His personality, his charisma, how hard he works - to do so much for this club. He deserves whatever comes next."</p><h3>Consistency for Spurs</h3><p>Son joined Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, scoring 173 times in 450 appearances across all competitions. A beloved figure at the club, he put together a run of eight consecutive seasons in which he hit double digits in Premier League goals, including in 2021-22 when he shared the Golden Boot with Liverpool's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/17673" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/17673">Mohamed Salah</a>.</p><p>Son was named captain by former manager Ange Postecoglou in 2023. His crowning achievement with Spurs came when he helped the club end its 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League in May.</p><p>"He told me a couple of days ago that he'd be leaving Tottenham this summer," Spurs midfielder <a href="https://x.com/MenInBlazers/status/1951629519376232791">James Maddison</a> <a href="https://x.com/MenInBlazers/status/1951629519376232791">said</a> Saturday. "It's weird for me. Since I joined the Premier League, even with Leicester City, Sonny is Tottenham, and Tottenham is Sonny to me."</p><p>Former Tottenham teammate <a href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/3022">Hugo Lloris</a> is LAFC's first-choice goalkeeper. Gareth Bale, another Spurs favorite, won the 2022 MLS Cup with the Californian side before his retirement.</p><p>Postecoglou, who Tottenham sacked as manager shortly after winning the Europa League final, is among the coaches under consideration to succeed current LAFC boss Cherundolo when he leaves after the 2025 MLS campaign, according to a report in June by <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/ce8zy854y4eo">BBC Sport's Ian Dennis</a>.</p>

South Korean football player Son Heung-min holds his LAFC jersey during a press conference as he joins the Los Angeles FC (LAFC) at BMO Stadium's Field Club in Los Angeles on August 6, 2025. South Korea star Son Heung-min has signed for Los Angeles FC, bringing to an end his 10-year stay at Tottenham, both clubs announced on August 6, 2025. The 33-year-old will reportedly cost a Major League Soccer record $26 million transfer fee, according to ESPN and The Athletic.

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Son moves to LAFC in reported record-breaking deal

The Vancouver Whitecaps signed Bayern Munich and Germany legend Thomas Muller on Wednesday.  Mull...

<p>The Vancouver Whitecaps signed Bayern Munich and Germany legend <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/2232" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/2232">Thomas Muller</a> on Wednesday.</p><p>Muller will wear No. 13, his preferred shirt number while on international duty, for the Canadian outfit.</p><p>The Whitecaps agreed to acquire Muller's MLS discovery rights from FC Cincinnati before sealing the move. Cincinnati will receive $200,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM), $100,000 in 2026 GAM, and a conditional $100,000 in 2026 GAM from Vancouver.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Muller isn't immediately a Designated Player in Vancouver, but his contract includes a DP option for 2026.</p><p>"I'm looking forward to coming to Vancouver to help this team win a championship," Muller <a href="https://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/tm13">said</a>. "I've heard great things about the city, but first and foremost, I'm coming to win. I've had great conversations with (CEO and sporting director) Axel Schuster and (head coach) Jesper Sorensen, and now I can't wait to play in front of the supporters and to see all of the fans come out to BC Place as we head towards the playoffs."</p><p>Schuster described Muller as a "world-class player" and highlighted the qualities that established the 35-year-old as one of the finest tactical footballers in Europe.</p><p>"He not only brings a winning pedigree and exceptional football intelligence, but also a tireless work ethic that will elevate the entire team," Schuster said. "Thomas is a natural leader whose passion for the game is infectious. This is a statement signing by our club and our ownership - a transformative moment for our club and our city."</p><p>The World Cup winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3258967" href="https://thescore.com/news/3258967">announced</a> in April that he'd be leaving his boyhood club after 25 trophy-laden years. Bayern Munich opted not to offer the veteran forward a new contract, a decision Muller said he respected although it didn't "reflect (his) personal wishes."</p><p>He played his final match for Bayern at the Club World Cup this summer.</p><p>Muller joined the German giants when he was 10 and went on to craft one of the most decorated careers in the sport's modern era.</p><p>He made more appearances for Bayern than any player in history - over 500 in the Bundesliga alone - and won 33 trophies. That list includes 13 Bundesliga titles, six German Cups, and two Champions League crowns.</p><p>He racked up 250 goals and 276 assists in 756 appearances across all competitions for the Bavarian side.</p><p>Muller also earned 131 caps for Germany. He won the Golden Boot as the top scorer at the 2010 World Cup and then helped Germany lift the trophy four years later in Brazil.</p>

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 20: Thomas Muller #25 of FC Bayern Munchen celebrates after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group C match between FC Bayern Munchen and CA Boca Juniors at Hard Rock Stadium on June 20, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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German legend Muller joins Vancouver: I want to 'win a championship'

Newcastle United have turned down Liverpool's opening offer of £120 million plus add-ons for Alex...

<p>Newcastle United have turned down Liverpool's opening offer of £120 million plus add-ons for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/91018" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/91018">Alexander Isak</a>, according to transfer insider <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1951243206063948071">Fabrizio Romano</a>.</p><p>Liverpool won't submit a second bid unless Newcastle show a willingness to conduct business after finding a replacement for Isak, <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45879665/alexander-isak-liverpool-not-planning-second-isak-bid-bid-snubbed-source">ESPN's Beth Lindop</a> reports. The Magpies value the 25-year-old at about £150 million.</p><p>Isak has been training alone at his former club, Real Sociedad, while Newcastle are on a preseason tour of Asia. His omission from Eddie Howe's squad was his own decision amid uncertainty around his future, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6526892/2025/08/01/liveroool-bid-transfer-newcastle-alexander-isak-future/">The Athletic's David Ornstein</a>. He <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3315208" href="https://thescore.com/news/3315208">reportedly</a> informed Newcastle of his desire to leave last week.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Liverpool's huge bid is larger than the record transfer fee paid by a British club. Chelsea's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/185698" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/185698">Enzo Fernandez</a> is currently the most expensive recruit at £107 million, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/166018" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/166018">Florian Wirtz</a>, who arrived at Liverpool earlier this summer, could <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3299718" href="https://thescore.com/news/3299718">reportedly</a> cost £116 million after bonuses. The eventual sum for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/167739" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/167739">Moises Caicedo</a>, another Chelsea player, could reach £115 million.</p><p>Liverpool's summer outlay could exceed £250 million before the potential acquisition of Isak. The reigning Premier League champions have signed Wirtz and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/162728" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/162728">Jeremie Frimpong</a> from Bayer Leverkusen, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/183614" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/183614">Milos Kerkez</a> from Bournemouth, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/166446" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/166446">Hugo Ekitike</a> from Eintracht Frankfurt in an eye-catching spree.</p><p>It's been a largely frustrating summer transfer window for Newcastle. Despite offering the incentive of Champions League football, their only addition to Howe's senior squad is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/167255" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/167255">Anthony Elanga</a> from Nottingham Forest for around £55 million. Their attempts to sign Ekitike and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/168160" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/168160">James Trafford</a>, the latter of whom left Burnley for Manchester City on Tuesday, fell short, and they risk missing out on Brentford's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/69598" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/69598">Yoane Wissa</a> and RB Leipzig's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///gerdfbp/players/166129" href="https://thescore.com/gerdfbp/players/166129">Benjamin Sesko</a>. Newcastle were also linked with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/99561" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/99561">Bryan Mbeumo</a> (who joined Manchester United) and new Chelsea signings <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/167323" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/167323">Liam Delap</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/165016" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/165016">Joao Pedro</a>.</p><p>Newcastle have tried to tie Isak down to a contract beyond his current agreement, which runs until 2028, with a release clause available from next summer, Ornstein reports. There's been no luck on that front, either, as the Magpies face the prospect of losing a forward who recorded 23 goals and six assists in the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.</p>

INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA - JULY 14: Alexander Isak during the Pre Season Training Camp at FC Seefelder Plateau on July 14, 2025 in Innsbruck, Austria.

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Victor Osimhen joined Galatasaray on a permanent basis Thursday after helping fire the club to th...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/90910" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/90910">Victor Osimhen</a> joined Galatasaray on a permanent basis Thursday after helping fire the club to the Super Lig title during last season's loan spell from Napoli.</p><p>Napoli will receive €75 million from the transfer and take 10% of any profit that Galatasaray make from the next sale of Osimhen, the Turkish club <a href="https://www.galatasaray.org/haber/gs-sportif-a-s/victor-osimhen-galatasarayda/58214">revealed</a>.</p><p>The 26-year-old striker will be guaranteed €15 million in salary, plus a €1-million loyalty bonus and €5 million for image rights if he sees out his four-year contract in Istanbul.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="it" dir="ltr">SOLO IL GALA! 🦁 <a href="https://t.co/akj1heiN4B">pic.twitter.com/akj1heiN4B</a></p>— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) <a href="https://twitter.com/GalatasaraySK/status/1950999156731875723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Osimhen's move ends a transfer saga that's rumbled on since Napoli's 2022-23 Serie A triumph. The former Lille forward was linked with moves to Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Saudi Pro League after he hit 26 goals en route to Napoli's Scudetto success. However, no club could match both the Italian club's asking price and Osimhen's wage demands, and he remained in southern Italy for another year.</p><p>The Nigerian's relationship with Napoli reached its breaking point last summer. He was omitted from Antonio Conte's roster and denied a squad number after agitating for a move. Galatasaray pounced last September, brokering a loan deal for the unwanted goal-scorer after Al-Ahli <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3057146" href="https://thescore.com/news/3057146">reportedly</a> backed away from a transfer due to their valuation of Osimhen being €5 million short of Napoli's.</p><p>Osimhen was an instant hit at Galatasaray: He crammed 26 goals and five assists into just 30 league appearances, and also netted six times and provided one assist over seven Europa League outings.</p><p>Galatasaray won the 2024-25 Super Lig title, finishing 11 points above second-placed Fenerbahce. Napoli also won the league without Osimhen - and, perhaps more importantly, without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/players/154299" href="https://thescore.com/fran/players/154299">Khvicha Kvaratskhelia</a> for half of the campaign - thanks to starring roles from the likes of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/2204" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/2204">Romelu Lukaku</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/92608" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/92608">Scott McTominay</a>.</p>

ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - JULY 30: Nigerian footballer Victor Osimhen, whose transfer talks with Galatasaray have begun, arrives at Ataturk Airport's General Aviation Terminal by private jet, where club officials and numerous fans welcome the 26-year-old player in Istanbul, Turkiye, on July 30, 2025.

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Birmingham City minority owner Tom Brady wants the club to continue spending to fuel its rivalry ...

<p>Birmingham City minority owner Tom Brady wants the club to continue spending to fuel its rivalry with Wrexham in the Championship.</p><p>"We've got to. We've got to keep up with one another," Brady told "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yAPved_2cI">The Sports Agents</a>" podcast.</p><p>Birmingham and Wrexham were both promoted from the third tier last season after making huge splashes in the transfer market. Their two League One meetings were dubbed the "Hollywood derby" due to the presence of seven-time Super Bowl champion Brady and Wrexham's co-owners, actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Brady joined the Birmingham ownership group in August 2023. The team subsequently suffered relegation to League One, then secured an instant return to the Championship following last summer's record-breaking recruitment drive. Wrexham have been similarly aggressive with their transfer business since Reynolds and McElhenney assumed control in 2021, but their journey - which is tracked on the award-winning documentary series "Welcome to Wrexham" - has encountered few hurdles during three successive promotions that began in the fifth division.</p><p>"Wrexham have, I'd say, done an incredible job. I mean, you can't be anything but excited about what they've done for that club," Brady said. "To invest in the club, where they were at, and to create the awareness around the world for this amazing team and a pretty small city, and the way the players have responded has been nothing short of remarkable. I'm so impressed by Wrexham, what they do on the pitch, off the pitch - again, they're in a great position to succeed as well."</p><p>Birmingham and Wrexham's first meeting of the 2025-26 Championship campaign is currently set for October. Birmingham are considered more likely than Wrexham to earn promotion to the Premier League, according to <a href="https://www.oddschecker.com/football/english/championship/promotion">Oddschecker</a>'s comparison of British betting companies.</p><p>"We're going to talk a lot of smack in the meantime between all of us because it's pretty fun theater, and I think there's some little friendly side bets going on," Brady said. "But make no mistake, the people who are going to decide the fate of those games are the players wearing those jerseys."</p>

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Rob McElhenney co - owner of Wrexham speaks to Tom Brady ahead of the Sky Bet League One match between Birmingham City FC and Wrexham AFC at St Andrew’s at Knighthead Park on September 16, 2024 in Birmingham, England.

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Brady hypes Birmingham-Wrexham rivalry: We'll 'talk a lot of smack'

Pep Guardiola is shaking up Manchester City's goalkeeping department.  James Trafford returned to...

<p>Pep Guardiola is shaking up Manchester City's goalkeeping department.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/168160" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/168160">James Trafford</a> returned to the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, two years after he left for Burnley. The 22-year-old made the switch to City in a deal worth an initial £27 million but could surpass £30 million after bonuses, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5533703/2025/07/25/james-trafford-man-city-transfer/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's David Ornstein</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/53437" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/53437">Jordan Pickford</a> became the most expensive British goalkeeper in history when he joined Everton from Sunderland for £30 million in 2017.</p><p>Trafford inked a five-year contract with City.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"This is the place I call home - it's a truly special football club with fantastic people who make it such a unique place to work and play," he said in a statement. "I am still very young and hungry to keep learning and improving - and I know there is no better environment than Manchester City to help make me become the best goalkeeper I can be."</p><p>Newcastle United had the opportunity to sign Trafford about two months ago, before City decided to make an approach for their former academy player, Ornstein reports.</p><p>Trafford's arrival casts doubts on the futures of the other goalkeepers in Guardiola's squad. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/58740" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/58740">Ederson</a>, who's been a regular starter for the past eight seasons, said in June that rumors about him leaving were "fake news" and that he'd remain at the club for next season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/53316" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/53316">Stefan Ortega</a> is linked to Fenerbahce and three Premier League clubs, <a href="https://x.com/Plettigoal/status/1948790982998176156">Sky Sport Germany's Florian Plettenberg</a> reported Friday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/15678" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/15678">Marcus Bettinelli</a> joined City on a free transfer from Chelsea earlier this summer.</p><p>Trafford was a highly regarded member of City's youth ranks before he flourished during an 18-month spell on loan in League One with Bolton Wanderers. He then played a starring role for England during its triumphant run at the European Under-21 Championship ahead of his transfer to Burnley in July 2023.</p><p>The Cumbria native had a difficult first season in the Premier League with Burnley and eventually lost his place in the starting lineup to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///engch/players/94368" href="https://thescore.com/engch/players/94368">Arijanet Muric</a>. However, Trafford was back at his best last term, conceding 16 goals in 45 Championship outings to help the Clarets secure an instant top-flight return.</p>

James Trafford trains during the match between the national teams of Andorra and England, corresponding to Matchday 3 A of Group K of the World Cup Qualifying, at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on June 7, 2025.

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Man City re-sign Trafford in deal reportedly worth initial £27M

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas is worried about the future of Lionel Messi's relationship with Ma...

<p>Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas is worried about the future of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a>'s relationship with Major League Soccer after the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and his teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1341" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1341">Jordi Alba</a> were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3315527" href="https://thescore.com/news/3315527">suspended</a> for one match after skipping Wednesday's MLS All-Star Game.</p><p>"He's very upset, extremely upset today, as expected," Mas said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6515822/2025/07/25/messi-suspension-mls-all-star-game-miami-owner-jorge-mas/">The Athletic's Paul Tenorio</a>. "I'm hopeful it doesn't have an impact long-term. Will it have an impact initially, in the players' perception of how the league rules work? Absolutely no doubt."</p><p>Messi and Alba will both miss Saturday's visit from FC Cincinnati because league rules state "any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club's next match," an MLS statement <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/inter-miami-cf-players-unavailable-for-july-26-match-vs-fc-cincinnati-due-to-all-star-game-absence">read</a> Friday. Messi and Alba had returned to Inter Miami training shortly before MLS announced their suspensions.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>MLS commissioner Don Garber told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6515641/2025/07/25/messi-jordi-alba-suspended-mls-all-star-game-miami-cincinnati/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=twhq&amp;source=twitterhq">The Athletic's Paul Tenorio</a> after Messi and Alba's bans that the league would reconsider the policy for future All-Star Games. He also said "nobody has done more for Major League Soccer than Lionel Messi" and backed the attacker's decision to skip the match against the Liga MX All-Stars to prioritize being fit for Inter Miami.</p><p>Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said Messi missed the All-Star Game due to fatigue, while Alba was recovering from a knock from the team's match last weekend. Mas said their omission from the MLS squad in Austin, Texas, was made by the club because "they were coming off a run of nine games in 35 days."</p><p>Messi's importance to Inter Miami was underlined over his last five MLS outings - the superstar scored eight goals and provided two assists to help his side win four games.</p><p>"The reaction was exactly as expected out of two competitive players who don’t understand the decision, who don't understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension. The rule is what it is, but they don’t understand it," Mas said of the pair's response to the bans.</p><p>"The punishment is, frankly, draconian," he added, according to <a href="https://x.com/tombogert/status/1948819279174103058">GiveMeSport's Tom Bogert</a>.</p><p>Messi also missed the 2024 MLS All-Star Game. On that occasion, the decorated veteran was nursing an ankle injury he suffered on Argentina duty.</p><p>The timing of Messi's apparent frustration with MLS isn't ideal. The former Barcelona forward's talks over a new Inter Miami contract were <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3241195" href="https://thescore.com/news/3241195">reportedly</a> at an advanced stage in April, but the 38-year-old still hasn't officially signed fresh terms. His current deal expires at the end of the 2025 MLS season, and he's often been the subject of rumored interest from the Saudi Pro League since his Paris Saint-Germain exit in 2023.</p><p>Messi is the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3241193" href="https://thescore.com/news/3241193">highest-paid player</a> in Major League Soccer with a guaranteed compensation of $20.4 million in 2025, which is over 70% more than CF Montreal's overall compensation. With his signing-on fee and equity in the club, <a href="https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2023/lionel-messi-career-earnings-billion-mls-1234730823/">Sportico's Kurt Badenhausen</a> reported in 2023 that he would earn up to $150 million over the duration of his two-and-a-half-year contract in Miami. Those sums don't include his non-playing income, such as his revenue-sharing agreement with MLS broadcaster Apple and his sponsorship deal with Adidas.</p>

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 10: Inter Miami CF owners Jorge Mas celebrates with Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF as he holds his trophy during the Ballon d'Or trophy presentation at DRV PNK Stadium on November 10, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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Miami co-owner: Messi 'extremely upset' with ban for All-Star Game absence

Major League Soccer suspended Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for Inter Miami's meeting with FC Cinci...

<p>Major League Soccer suspended <a href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1341">Jordi Alba</a> for Inter Miami's meeting with FC Cincinnati on Saturday after they controversially missed Wednesday's MLS All-Star Game.</p><p>The league <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3314799" href="https://thescore.com/news/3314799">revealed</a> on the day of the match against Liga MX All-Stars that the pair wouldn't play despite being voted onto the roster by fans and media, leading to speculation that MLS would ban them for one match.</p><p>Miami head coach Javier Mascherano announced Friday that Messi and Alba returned to training in anticipation of Saturday's match against FC Cincinnati. However, MLS belatedly punished the former Barcelona players.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Per league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club's next match," MLS said in a statement.</p><p>MLS commissioner Don Garber said the league would look into changing the policy of suspending players who skip future All-Star Games and declared that "nobody has done more for Major League Soccer than Lionel Messi."</p><p>"His decision (not to attend) is not one that I really can argue with whatsoever, and I understand it," Garber added in a phone interview with <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6515641/2025/07/25/messi-jordi-alba-suspended-mls-all-star-game-miami-cincinnati/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=twhq&amp;source=twitterhq">The Athletic's Paul Tenorio</a>. "But unfortunately, we have a longstanding policy relating to player participation in the All-Star Game, and we had to enforce that policy.</p><p>"It was a very, very difficult decision, but one I hope both (Messi) and everyone else can understand and respect. He has shown up for his club, for his teammates, for our league time and time again, and I respect his decision."</p><p>Mascherano said Messi missed the showpiece game in Austin, Texas, due to fatigue, while Alba was reportedly dealing with a knock suffered in the team's 5-1 road win against the New York Red Bulls last Saturday.</p><p>"Look, players always have discomfort, especially when they play every three days. But luckily, (Messi) is returning today," Mascherano said, according to <a href="http://%22Look,%20players%20always%20have%20discomfort,%20especially%20when%20they%20play%20every%20three%20days.%20But%20luckily,%20he%20is%20returning%20today.%20Let's%20hope%20he%20can%20train%20alongside%20the%20group%20so%20we%20can%20count%20on%20both%20of%20them%20for%20tomorrow's%20game.%20We%20haven't%20received%20any%20%5Bsanction.%5D%22">ESPN's Lizzy Becherano</a>. "Let's hope he can train alongside the group so we can count on both of them for tomorrow's game."</p><p>Mascherano added before MLS suspended the two stars: "We haven't received any (sanction)."</p><p>Mascherano also voiced his support for the All-Star Game but suggested holding it on a weekend to allow players more rest.</p><p>The MLS All-Stars beat their Liga MX counterparts <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3241197" href="https://thescore.com/news/3241197">3-1</a> on Wednesday. Nashville SC's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/60583" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/60583">Sam Surridge</a>, Philadelphia Union's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/188141" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/188141">Tai Baribo</a>, and Vancouver Whitecaps' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/100493" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/100493">Brian White</a> scored for MLS. Club Tijuana's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fmf_ap/players/209295" href="https://thescore.com/fmf_ap/players/209295">Gilberto Mora</a> netted Liga MX's goal to become the youngest scorer in MLS All-Star Game history at 16.</p>

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - MARCH 15: Lionel Messi #10 and Jordi Alba #18 of Inter Miami CF are seen at an Inter Miami Training Session at Florida Blue Training Center on March 15, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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Messi, Alba suspended for skipping MLS All-Star Game

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba didn't participate in Wednesday night's MLS All-Star Game despite bei...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1341" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1341">Jordi Alba</a> didn't participate in Wednesday night's MLS All-Star Game despite being voted into the roster.</p><p>The Inter Miami pair wasn't included when MLS <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/allstar/2025/news/mls-provides-final-roster-for-2025-mls-all-star-game">confirmed</a> the final All-Star squad to face the best of Liga MX.</p><p>League rules state that opting out of the All-Star Game without an approved medical reason can result in a one-game suspension, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45794279/lionel-messi-jordi-alba-play-mls-all-star-game-mls">ESPN's Lizzy Becherano</a>. MLS will reportedly talk to Inter Miami before deciding on Messi's and Alba's availability for Saturday's league visit from FC Cincinnati.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Miami had a schedule that is unlike any other team. Most of our teams had a 10-day break. Miami hasn't. We had Leo playing 90 minutes in almost all the games. That's nine games in 35 days," MLS commissioner Don Garber said during a press conference prior to Wednesday's All-Star Game.</p><p>"We would have loved to have Leo here, we'd love to have every player that was selected for the All-Star team here."</p><p>Messi, who didn't feature in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game due to an ankle injury, is in exceptional form. The 38-year-old attacker scored eight goals and assisted twice across his past five MLS matches, helping Miami win four of its five outings since its last-16 elimination by Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup.</p><p>The Herons are fifth in Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference.</p><p>Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano admitted last week that he would prefer Messi and Alba rested rather than played in the showpiece match amid a demanding regular season, but he said the decision was out of his hands. "I know how important the All-Star (Game) is, and as far as I know, there is no decision from the club, everything is as normal," Mascherano <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45769486/miami-coach-prefers-rest-messi-all-star-game">said</a>.</p><p>Messi and Nashville SC's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/60583" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/60583">Sam Surridge</a> are the joint top scorers in the 2025 MLS campaign with 18 goals.</p>

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JULY 09: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami waves to fans following the MLS match between New England Revolution and Inter Miami CF on July 9, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA.

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Messi and Alba skip MLS All-Star Game, could face suspensions

Liverpool aren't resting on their laurels after capturing their 20th English title.  Hugo Ekitike...

<p>Liverpool aren't resting on their laurels after capturing their 20th English title.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///gerdfbp/players/166446" href="https://thescore.com/gerdfbp/players/166446">Hugo Ekitike</a> became the latest player to join the Reds on Wednesday after agreeing to move from Eintracht Frankfurt. The deal could be worth up to €95 million in total, according to <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1948088958229139819">transfer insider Fabrizio Romano</a>.</p><p>Liverpool will pay €80 million up front and €15 million in potential add-ons, Romano adds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The potential outlay on Ekitike and the other players who've joined during a summer of frenzied transfer activity at Anfield - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/166018" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/166018">Florian Wirtz</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/162728" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/162728">Jeremie Frimpong</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/183614" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/183614">Milos Kerkez</a> - could reportedly exceed £250 million. Wirtz is the most expensive of Liverpool's incoming deals as they could pay Bayer Leverkusen up to £116 million for his transfer.</p><p>Ekitike reportedly signed a six-year contract on Merseyside after Liverpool beat Newcastle United to his signature.</p><p>Newcastle attempted to sign Ekitike in three separate transfer windows, including this summer, when Frankfurt rejected their offer of around €75 million, per <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6493702/2025/07/16/hugo-ekitike-liverpool-transfer-eintracht-frankfurt/">The Athletic's David Ornstein</a>. At the same time as their last failed attempt to land Ekitike, Newcastle reportedly braced for Liverpool to make a roughly £120-million approach for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/91018" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/91018">Alexander Isak</a> after the Reds communicated their interest in the Swedish striker. However, Liverpool then unexpectedly swooped ahead of Newcastle in the race to sign Ekitike.</p><p>Meanwhile, Isak is still with the Magpies, with his coach expressing his belief that the 25-year-old will remain with the team.</p><p>"I'm confident he will be a Newcastle player come the end of the window," Eddie Howe said last week after omitting Isak from a 4-0 friendly loss at Celtic due to the speculation over his future, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jul/19/eddie-howe-confident-alexander-isak-will-stay-newcastle-striker-left-out-friendly-thrashing-celtic">The Guardian's Andy Hunter</a>.</p><p>Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal - who, like Newcastle, are owned by the Gulf nation's Public Investment Fund - are considering tabling a huge offer for Isak, <a href="https://gianlucadimarzio.com/isak-al-hilal-newcastle-transfers-news/">Sky Sport Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio</a> reported last week.</p><p>Ekitike, 23, notched 15 goals over 33 Bundesliga appearances last season and attempted more shots than any other player. He's also earned praise for his all-around attacking game, ranking sixth in successful take-ons and providing eight assists over the 2024-25 league campaign.</p><p>Frankfurt helped rebuild Ekitike's career after he scored just three Ligue 1 goals over an 18-month spell at Paris Saint-Germain. He spent most of that stint as backup for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/66967" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/66967">Kylian Mbappe</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsm/players/14263" href="https://thescore.com/olymsm/players/14263">Neymar</a>.</p><p>Ekitike, who started his career with hometown club Reims, is yet to make a senior appearance for France.</p><p>His arrival facilitates an overhaul of Arne Slot's strikeforce. The tragic death of Diogo Jota reduced Liverpool's forward options, and there are regular reports regarding outgoing deals for <a href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/101948">Luis Diaz</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/162705">Darwin Nunez</a>.</p>

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY - APRIL 13: Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 at Deutsche Bank Park on April 13, 2025 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

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Liverpool land Ekitike as summer spree reportedly exceeds £250M

Marcus Rashford completed his move to Barcelona on Wednesday.  Rashford's season-long loan deal i...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/66886" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/66886">Marcus Rashford</a> completed his move to Barcelona on Wednesday.</p><p>Rashford's season-long loan deal includes an option to buy worth €30 million, according to transfer insider <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1946945547232854174">Fabrizio Romano</a>.</p><p>Barcelona will cover the forward's full salary during the 2025-26 season, reports <a href="https://x.com/David_Ornstein/status/1946585899497656484">David Ornstein of The Athletic</a>. He'll reportedly earn £245,000 per week while he's in Catalonia.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I want to win the biggest trophies and feel like Barcelona is a huge club in the football world, so it is the perfect place," Rashford said at his unveiling, according to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cp863dzjv7jt?post=asset%3Aecf9d2ac-22ba-4887-a937-44104b51e45f#post">BBC Sport</a>. "You see with the team last season, they have a young ambitious team and I want to add my qualities, my personality, improve the team, and help them win."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">📞 "Yeah… It’s official."<br>Rashford follows in Lineker’s footsteps. <a href="https://t.co/ZvbnDAtbax">pic.twitter.com/ZvbnDAtbax</a></p>— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1948062283407434027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Rashford's time at Manchester United was tainted by accusations that he lacked professionalism and had lost the drive to perform for his boyhood club.</p><p>The door isn't completely closed on Rashford returning to Old Trafford while he's on loan in Spain, but it's hard to imagine him playing again for United while Ruben Amorim is in charge.</p><p>Rashford had well-documented disciplinary issues during the reign of Amorim's predecessor, Erik ten Hag, but he briefly appeared to be back on track when he scored 80 seconds into the Portuguese coach's first match at the helm Nov. 24, 2024. Rashford and Amorim's relationship quickly deteriorated thereafter. He didn't play a minute for the club after a 2-1 win at Viktoria Plzen on Dec. 12, 2024, amid reports that he was available for transfer.</p><p>Amorim famously <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3201678" href="https://thescore.com/news/3201678">said</a> he'd rather select his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach in the starting lineup rather than a player "that doesn't give the maximum every day" when he was questioned about omitting Rashford.</p><p>"Our team should be so much better with Rashford, but he has to change," Amorim <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3204053" href="https://thescore.com/news/3204053">added</a> on Rashford's apparently poor effort in training days before the forward joined Aston Villa at the end of the winter transfer window.</p><p>Rashford, 27, scored four goals and logged five assists over 17 appearances while on loan at Aston Villa. He provided flashes of inspiration during his spell with the club, including when he almost helped Unai Emery's side launch an improbable comeback in the second leg of its Champions League quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain.</p><p>The English attacker was earning more than £325,000 per week at United. Villa covered 75% of his wages and performance-related bonuses during his half-season loan spell,<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6505085/2025/07/20/marcus-rashford-barcelona-transfer-latest/"> The Athletic's Laurie Whitewell</a> reports. Like the rest of the Manchester United squad, Rashford's salary dropped by 25% after the team's failure to qualify for the Champions League, according to <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/07/19/barcelona-make-move-for-marcus-rashford/">The Telegraph's James Ducker</a>. </p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769293/cropped_GettyImages-2187354385.jpg?ts=1738886321" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769293/w220xh124_GettyImages-2187354385.jpg?ts=1738886321 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769293/w320xh180_GettyImages-2187354385.jpg?ts=1738886321 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769293/w640xh360_GettyImages-2187354385.jpg?ts=1738886321 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769293/w768xh432_GettyImages-2187354385.jpg?ts=1738886321 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769293/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2187354385.jpg?ts=1738886321 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Justin Setterfield / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>"The situation with United is the club is in a period of change and they have been for a while. I don't have anything bad to say as it has been an important part not just of my career but my life. So I was grateful for the opportunity," Rashford <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cp863dzjv7jt?post=asset%3Ab9389869-d5a4-41ad-a52d-dcd5532ae18a#post">said</a>.</p><p>He added, "I have nothing bad to say about United. I wish them all the best and hope they are successful in the future."</p><p>Barca's financial commitment to the season-long deal - believed to be around £12.75 million (€14.7 million) - could be construed as a sign of their trust that Rashford will return to his best. But it could also be interpreted as the club taking desperate measures after its links with Athletic Bilbao's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/170285" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/170285">Nico Williams</a> and Liverpool's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/101948" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/101948">Luis Diaz</a> failed to result in a transfer.</p><p>Rashford can fulfill any role across the attack but regularly operated from the left for United, where he would try to wreak havoc via dribbles into the 18-yard box from his wide position. However, he scored five goals and assisted twice in the seven matches he started as a center-forward last season, according to <a href="https://www.whoscored.com/players/300299/show/marcus-rashford">WhoScored</a>.</p><p>Barcelona's strikeforce last season regularly featured <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/193783" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/193783">Lamine Yamal</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/96238" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/96238">Raphinha</a> on either side of veteran striker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///liga/players/9563" href="https://thescore.com/liga/players/9563">Robert Lewandowski</a>. Hansi Flick's team won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de Espana but was eliminated in the Champions League semifinals by Inter Milan.</p>

English forward Marcus Rashford who joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United holds up his jersey during his official presentation at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on July 23, 2025. Barcelona and Manchester United have reached a deal for the loan of the player Marcus Rashford until June 30, 2026," announced the La Liga champions in a statement.

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Rashford joins Barca on initial loan after Man Utd relationship sours

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Daniel Rouse

Senior News Editor

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