Whatever happened to the transfer window closing at 7pm? That’s what I’d like to know. After all the post-10pm drama, it’s finally time for me to call time on a long, hard stint at the transfer coalface. For any further late deals, feel free to consult our transfer interactives. And with that, goodnight.
West Ham confirm Igor loan signing
An unwitting pawn in the Guéhi transfer palaver, Igor Julio has moved to West Ham on a season-long loan as flagged by Jacob Steinberg earlier.
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Zinchenko gets his Forest transfer
Props to Ben Fisher: Oleksandr Zinchenko has made a late move to Nottingham Forest from Arsenal. The Ukraine full-back has gradually drifted out of contention for a starting spot under Mikel Arteta and will now get a fresh start at the City Ground.
Solomon set for Villarreal?
Manor Solomon is now in talks to secure a move to Villarreal from Spurs, having seen a switch to Crystal Palace collapse. The proposal is for a loan.
Sunderland announce signings of Brobbey and Traoré
Two big signings for Sunderland at the transfer witching hour: Brian Brobbey, the Netherlands striker, has arrived from Ajax on a five-year deal, while the former Chelsea and Aston Villa forward Bertrand Traoré has also swapped the Johan Cruyff Arena for the Stadium of Light, signing a one-year deal with an option of an additional season.
Chelsea confirm Jackson has joined Bayern
Another one we’ve been waiting on: Nicolas Jackson has joined Bayern Munich from Chelsea on an initial season-long loan.
Manchester United confirm Lammens signing
Senne Lammens has joined Manchester United from Royal Antwerp on a five-year deal. Jamie Jackson has the full details:
Forest confirm arrival of Bakwa
Nottingham Forest have signed Dilane Bakwa for £35m. There are more 10pm moves to come …
Elliott joins Villa on loan with obligation to buy
Harvey Elliott has joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy for £35m. The 22-year-old – the player of the tournament as England retained the Under-21 European Championship in Slovakia – is keen to gain regular minutes and rhythm, something that has eluded him at Liverpool. He has made one appearance for the Premier League champions this season, starring in the buildup to Rio Ngumoha’s winner at Newcastle last week. Elliott was of interest to RB Leipzig, Everton and his former club Fulham earlier this window. Perhaps significantly, Liverpool have inserted a buyback clause in the deal.
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One in the bag for Aston Villa, another on the way. Unai Emery has signed Jadon Sancho on a season-long loan from Manchester United. Villa have committed to pay 80% of the 25-year-old’s wages. Sancho has spent the past 18 months out on loan at Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea but the latter pulled out of signing him permanently. We still expect Villa to wrap up a deal for Harvey Elliott.
Palace confirm Uche signing
It may be getting late, but Palace have pulled off the signing of Christantus Uche on an initial loan with an obligation to buy.
Aston Villa confirm loan deal for Sancho
Having spent last season on loan at Chelsea, Jadon Sancho has agreed to join Aston Villa for the rest of the season. It’s another outgoing for Manchester United, though there could be a new arrival at Old Trafford …
Palace opt against signing Solomon
Crystal Palace have pulled out of a loan deal to sign Manor Solomon from Tottenham despite agreeing an extension that would have allowed them to register the Israel forward before Monday’s 7pm deadline. The FA Cup winners were looking to add further attacking reinforcements to their squad after bringing in Yéremy Pino from Villarreal but a late approach for Solomon, who spent last season on loan at Leeds, will not go ahead. Palace are still expected to confirm the arrival of Christantus Uche from Getafe for around £17m, but it’s getting late now ...
Kevin joins Chukwueze at Fulham
Marco Silva can breathe a sigh of relief. Fulham have confirmed the signing of Kevin from Shakhtar Donetsk, further strengthening their attack after the arrival of Samuel Chukwueze. The Brazilian has signed a deal running to 2030. “I am happy to be in the biggest league in the world, at a huge club too,” he said.
Newcastle have released an extremely terse statement. “Newcastle United can announce the sale of striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a significant British record transfer fee. The Sweden international joined the Magpies from Real Sociedad in 2022 and made 109 appearances in all competitions.”
Rick Harris is the first to respond to Isak’s move via email. “Hardly a surprise that Newcastle caved in over Isak as there was no other club in the running to outbid Liverpool. For years Reds fans have been claiming that their club were not big spenders so that has been well and truly smashed out of the ground. Makes sense to reinforce from a position of strength but it will be a huge embarrassment if Liverpool don’t now go on and retain their title.”
Here’s the full lowdown on one of the most contentious transfers in recent memory. It is, undeniably, a fitting finale to a summer full of public posturing, rancorous negotiating and massive spending: the grotesque carnival of the transfer window in all its tarnished splendour.
Alexander Isak’s British-record transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool is done. The champions’ new £125m signing (no add-ons – how old-school) has signed a six-year contract and will wear the No 9 shirt at Anfield.
Isak joins Liverpool in British-record £125m deal
It’s the big one. It’s official. Alexander Isak has left Newcastle to join Liverpool, the Premier League champions, in a British-record £125m transfer that massively reinforces their status as title favourites. After all the acrimony, drama and one-man strike action, it’s over. What do we make of that, then?
More European transfer news: Breel Embolo, the Switzerland forward, has joined Rennes on a four-year contract in a deal which could net Monaco, the selling club, around £13m.
George's move to Fulham is off
Fulham’s move to sign Tyrique George from Chelsea for £22m has fallen through. It is believed to be down to Harry Wilson staying at Craven Cottage instead of joining Leeds. Fulham have wrapped up deals for two other wingers, however: Samuel Chukwueze and Kevin.
Zinchenko in left-field move to Forest?
This one has come out of nowhere ... Nottingham Forest are trying to push through a late loan deal for Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko. Nuno Espírito Santo wants depth at full-back to cope with the Europa League and Forest submitted a deal sheet to land the Ukraine left-back, who is into the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates Stadium. Forest paraded another full-back, Nicolò Savona, from Juventus, before Sunday’s defeat to West Ham.
Everton confirm Röhl signing
Everton have completed the signing of Merlin Röhl from Freiburg on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy for around €20m (£17.3m) next summer. The deal for the 6ft 3in Germany Under-21 international, who can play in a number of midfield roles, paved the way for Everton to allow Harrison Armstrong to join Preston on loan. Röhl, 23, is Everton’s ninth signing of the summer window.
Kari Tulinius writes in: “Hello Will. I should really be getting to bed, but I’m waiting to hear confirmation about Donnarumma. I desperately need him for my FPL team made up of guys named John, or variations thereof. Yoane Wissa completing his move was also good, though Jean-Philippe Mateta and João Pedro were holding their own up front.”
Dessers leaves Rangers for Panathinaikos
There’s been another outgoing at Ibrox, with Cyriel Dessers leaving Rangers to join Panathinaikos in Greece for a reported £3.5m fee. The Nigeria forward scored 52 goals in 115 appearances for the Glasgow club and, given the febrile mood at Ibrox, the move is bound to divide opinion.
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Killian King, a City fan, has some thoughts on the club’s goalkeeper recruitment. “Regarding the non-City fan who says Donnarumma isn’t a Guardiola goalkeeper, I say good. City playing the same way they have been for the past five years is no longer working. Time to try some new ideas.”
The Football League fax machine – which all Football League clubs have to use to make transfers, it’s a rule, don’t bother looking it up – is belching smoke at the moment. Wycombe have signed Donnell McNeilly, Cauley Woodrow and Niall Huggins from Nottingham Forest, Luton and Sunderland respectively, all on loan, while Huddersfield have borrowed Zépiqueno Redmond from Aston Villa and Hull have allowed Abu Kamara to join Getafe for the season.
Loving the email correspondence, keep it coming. Joshua Keeling writes in: “Not a City fan, but baffled at their goalkeeper moves. Ederson was perfect for Guardiola. Donnarumma is nowhere near as good with his feet. And I feel sorry for [James] Trafford. He should have gone somewhere he would be first choice. Another young English talent will now be wasted on a big club’s bench. Did they only sign him for the homegrown player rule?”
A signing for Fulham! An actual signing!
Well, isn’t that something. Fulham have announced the capture of Samuel Chukwueze from Milan, with the 26-year-old joining on a season-long loan with an option to make the move permanent. “I’m so happy to be here,” said the Nigeria winger, who will join his compatriots Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey at Craven Cottage. “It’s an amazing club. It feels like home, because I have my people around me.”
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Manchester City agree deal for Donnarumma
Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-German for €30m (£25.9m). He will get a five-year contract with an option for an extra year. Ederson leaves for Fenerbahce for €14m (£12.1m). Not official yet but no hitches anticipated by any of the clubs.
More Football League shenanigans: the experienced former Burnley left-back Charlie Taylor has joined West Brom on a season-long loan from Southampton. Portsmouth have loaned Tom McIntyre to Bradford to help with their League One promotion push. Harry Leonard has joined Peterborough from Blackburn on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee. Sheffield United have signed Mark McGuinness from Luton and Ben Mee, who was a free agent, while Blackpool have signed another free agent in Josh Bowler and Port Vale have signed Devante Cole from West Brom.
Jackson's move to Bayern is imminent
Nicolas Jackson’s loan from Chelsea to Bayern Munich is signed and sealed. Fulham have submitted a deal sheet for Tyrique George.
Richard Hirst is our latest email contributor. “I’m afraid as a Fulham supporter I’ve got limited sympathy for Tim Newcome, or supporters of just about any other club. Liverpool net spend £110m, Fulham net income £15m+. Not sure about our ability to get out of the bottom three.”
James returns to England with Leicester
It is, of course, the international break – hence Thomas Tuchel’s seemingly wise decision to delay his England squad reporting for duty until Tuesday – but Jordan James, one of the Wales players jetting off to Kazakhstan on Tuesday, has moved clubs. The 21-year-old all-action midfielder has joined Leicester on a season-long loan from Rennes, whom he joined from his boyhood club Birmingham City around this time last year. Leicester are also working on a deal to loan Aaron Ramsey – the brother of Newcastle’s Jacob – from Burnley.
Ed Aarons has the full rundown on Guéhi’s thwarted move to Liverpool. Have a read:
Here’s an email from Tim Newcome, whose worst deadline-day fears have been realised. “As a Liverpool fan, I’m disappointed about the Guéhi deal falling through. He would have added some much-needed solidity to our defence and been a potential medium to long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk. On the plus side, we may be able to get him for free next summer but there will be even more interest then. Bit worried that we are looking a bit light at centre-back. If VVD gets injured it would have a massive impact, which would be considerably lessened if we’d have got Guéhi. I do wonder whether we should have gone for Hincapié. We had serious interest in him last summer.”
Kiwior gets loan move from Arsenal to Porto
And, just like that, Arsenal have confirmed that Jakub Kiwior will spend the season on loan at Porto. The Poland international has made 68 appearances since joining from Spezia in 2023 but would have continued to play backup to William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães had he stayed at the Emirates, with Cristhian Mosquera providing further stiff competition. The deal includes a reported obligation to buy for €27m (£23.3m).
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Chermiti joins Rangers for initial £8m
Youssef Chermiti has completed a permanent move from Everton to Rangers for an undisclosed fee, which is believed to be £8m rising to £10m with add-ons. The 21-year-old Portugal Under-21 international spent two years at Everton, having been signed by their former director of football Kevin Thelwell, who is now Rangers’ sporting director.
Chelsea have recalled Marc Guiu from his loan at Sunderland, where the Spain Under-19 forward scored one goal in three appearances, as they await final confirmation of Nicolas Jackson’s move to Bayern Munich. Guiu only moved to the Stadium of Light at the start of August, but Liam Delap’s hamstring injury has diminished Enzo Maresca’s options up front and the 19-year-old could now find himself playing backup at Stamford Bridge.
Why Guéhi's move to Liverpool collapsed
Crystal Palace dramatically pulled the plug on Marc Guéhi’s move to Liverpool because they couldn’t find an adequate replacement, despite agreeing to sell the England defender for £35m.
It is understood that Guehi had been booked in to complete the first part of his medical in expectation of his move to Anfield going through, with a deal sheet having been submitted before Monday’s 7pm deadline. But despite Palace confirming the signing of the France Under-20 defender Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse for £21m, they decided not to sanction Guéhi’s departure at the last minute because they failed to bring in another more experienced option.
It is understood that the Palace manager, Oliver Glasner, was extremely unhappy at the decision to accept Liverpool’s offer and reiterated his plea not to sell his captain on the final day of the transfer window in talks with the club’s chair, Steve Parish, on Monday evening.
That, and the FA Cup winners’ failure to bring in a direct replacement in time, eventually persuaded Parish to inform Liverpool the deal was off.
Liverpool hold on to Gomez despite interest
Liverpool received approaches from Milan, Brighton and Crystal Palace for Joe Gomez in the final 24 hours of the transfer window but doubts over the Marc Guéhi deal – well-founded as it turned out – meant the champions did not consider letting Gomez go.
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Villa still hope to seal deals for Elliott and Sancho
Things have gone quiet but Aston Villa expect to complete the signings of Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho. Emi Martínez is also staying put. Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest have one more big deal in them – they are confident of signing the winger Dilane Bakwa from Strasbourg in a £35m deal.
Kolo Muani to Tottenham confirmed
Randal Kolo Muani has joined Spurs from PSG, further strengthening Thomas Frank’s hand after the arrival of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.
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Sassuolo have confirmed the signing of Woyo Coulibaly from Leicester, with the Mali right-back joining the Serie A side on a season-long loan.
Arsenal complete last-ditch deal for Hincapié
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Piero Hincapié on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen, with Fabio Vieira set to join Hamburg on loan. The Ecuador defender becomes Arsenal’s eighth signing of the summer after a deal was struck with Bayer Leverkusen to sign the 23-year-old on an initial loan, with an option to make the move permanent next summer for €52m (£45m). The move will allow Jakub Kiwior to move to Porto.
Guéhi's move to Liverpool falls through
Big news. Marc Guéhi to Liverpool is off. Palace couldn’t sort the necessary replacement.
Everton are on a Röhl
Everton’s move for the Freiburg midfielder Merlin Röhl remains on track. Another deal sheet job. The Germany Under-21 international is expected to sign on loan with an option for a permanent €20m (£17.3m) deal next summer.
Solomon's move to Palace still on
A deal sheet has gone in for Manor Solomon and his prospective move from Spurs to Crystal Palace.
Édouard leaves Crystal Palace for Lens
Having spent last season on loan at Leicester, Odsonne Édouard has left Crystal Palace for good. The former France youth international has returned to Ligue 1, joining Lens on a three-year contract in a move worth a reported £3.5m. He scored 21 goals in 104 appearances for Palace, having previously netted 89 in 196 games for Celtic.
A couple more Football League transfers have been confirmed: in the Championship, Sheffield Wednesday have wrapped up the loan signing of Harry Amass from Manchester United, while, in League One, Rotherham have secured a season-long loan for Luton’s Tom Holmes.
A fretful email here from Tim Hoy. “I’m panicking that, in the absence of formal announcements, Isak and Guéhi may be projecting their inner Frank Worthingtons and Asa Hartfords. Frankly I’ve got myself in quite a state.” It should be stated that, as far as we’re aware, Isak and Guéhi are both fine, but deadline-day anxiety is a very real thing.
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Udinese have confirmed the departure of Alexis Sánchez, posting: “Per sempre il nostro Niño Maravilla” (“For ever our Wonder Boy”). Sánchez is leaving the club for a second time after his first – and far more impactful – stay between 2006 and 2011. He appears to be nearing a move to Sevilla and a fitting swansong in La Liga, having left Barcelona for Arsenal 11 years ago.
Sunderland have loaned the Dutch centre-back Jenson Seelt to Wolfsburg, where he will wear the No 14 shirt. “I’m happy to be in Wolfsburg now,” he said. “I want to develop my strengths and help the team be successful. I’m excited to meet my new teammates and am looking forward to getting started in the Bundesliga.”
Watford have made a couple of late signings as they look to improve on a lukewarm start to the Championship season, bringing in Jeremy Petris from Charleroi on a four-year contract and Formose Mendy from Lorient on a season-long loan with an option to buy.
Let’s do another mini European roundup: Carlos Soler has left Paris Saint-Germain for Real Sociedad, signing a four-year deal with an option for an extra season. Marco Asensio has also found a way out of the Parc des Princes, joining a José Mourinho-less Fenerbahce on a three-year deal which also includes an option to extend for a year. In the Bundesliga, Victor Boniface looks set to leave Bayer Leverkusen for Werder Bremen. There are too many minor deals to rattle off but, needless to say, the last-minute loans are coming thick and fast.
Guéhi deal sheet submitted!
The deadline has passed but a deal sheet has been submitted for Marc Guéhi in a push to get his move to Liverpool done.
Could Canvot deal unlock Guéhi move?
Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse but it remains to be seen whether that will allow Marc Guéhi to complete his move to Liverpool.
Canvot, a 19-year-old who made his breakthrough last season in Ligue 1, will cost £21m, having completed his medical over the weekend, although it is understood that Oliver Glasner also wanted to bring in a more experienced defender to replace Guéhi. A move to loan Igor Julio from Brighton has fallen through, with Palace believed to have been exploring other options including moves for Strahinja Pavlovic, Fikayo Tomori or Axel Disasi right up to the 7pm deadline. They are expected to announce the arrival of the Nigeria forward Christantus Uche from Getafe for £17.3m and have held talks with Tottenham over a loan move for Manor Solomon.
Here’s another email on favourite controversies from this transfer window, this time from Ben Chia. “Lots of drama in this transfer window, but the one that amuses me the most is the eventual outcome of the Rowe-Rabiot fight in Marseille. Both players have been duly dispatched to Serie A, Rowe to Bologna and Rabiot down the road to Milan, presumably to resume their feud once more in another country.”
And, with that, the Premier League window is officially closed. There are obviously late deals that could still be confirmed, but it’ll be a tight squeeze now.
West Ham close in on Igor
It looks like it will be the Brighton defender Igor Julio to West Ham on loan. I’m told Axel Disasi to the London Stadun won’t happen. West Ham had held talks with Chelsea but Disasi wasn’t interested in the move.
Florentino swaps Benfica for Burnley
Burnley have completed the signing of Florentino Luís from Benfica. The defensive midfielder has joined on loan with an option for a permanent deal next summer.
Another email here, but on a different topic. “As a Fulham supporter I am pleased to read about the signing of the Chelsea youngster, Tyrique George,” writes Desmond Wheway. “He looked good at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and with all their present, expensive and incoming forwards he would be well down the pecking order there
“I agree with others that the lack of Fulham’s activity in the transfer market is galling, and is clearly frustrating Marco Silva. I would not be surprised if he is away next summer when his contract ends. The most major loss of all.”
Antony to Real Betis confirmed
After making his mark on loan last season, Antony has sealed a permanent move to Real Betis. It’s a €25m (£21.6m) package including a 50% sell-on clause, but no fee to the player.
And there’s more. “Reading that Newcastle Supporters’ [Club] statement made me laugh rather bitterly,” writes Tony Cross. “As a Brentford supporter and therefore the follower of a club without the cushion of Saudi Arabia’s billions, reading them complaining about Isak’s behaviour whilst benefiting from exactly the same behaviour by Wissa at Brentford is (mild) hypocrisy.
“I know this is the way of modern football but both Wissa and Isak were encouraged in their behaviour by the buying clubs – directly or indirectly. Both players have destroyed any real fondness their [former] clubs have for them. For Brentford this is, of course, par for the course. But occasionally the players make the whole thing much more depressing and pathetic.”
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There is, as you might expect, minimal sympathy with the Newcastle United Supporters’ Club over Alexander Isak from rival fans. “So do the Newcastle United Supporters’ Club think the same way about [Yoane] Wissa?” writes Bilal Ahmed Shariff. “Will the Newcastle Supporters’ Club be making a similar statement on Wissa’s legacy at Brentford?” writes Paul Walsh. “That statement by the Newcastle Supporters’ Club is a bit harsh on Yoane Wissa,” writes Wendell D’Souza. “The Isak and Wissa situations were bad but that is a bit much to say about anybody. A bit dramatic. I hope they don’t campaign for Wissa to be chucked into the reserves squad, that’d be funny.”
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Højlund to Napoli confirmed
After a teasing post from Aurelio De Laurentiis, the Napoli owner, the Serie A champions have confirmed the signing of Rasmus Højlund from Manchester United. The Denmark striker arrives at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on an initial loan with an obligation to buy.
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And, with that, I cartwheel stylishly back into the blog for the final half an hour of madness. What’s going on, then? In the Championship, the Ireland winger Chiedozie Ogbene has switched from Ipswich to Sheffield United. In League One, Scott Banks has joined Blackpool on a season-long loan from St Pauli. Doubtless there’s stuff going on in League Two and the National League, too, but we may have to come back to it.
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The 30 minutes-to-go gong has sounded … see you on the other side of the sky, as Will Magee gets to hear the window slamming shut.
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Interesting social media post from the Newcastle United Supporters’ Club on Alexander Isak: “Whatever Alexander Isak goes on to achieve in his career, he will always be remembered for the way he has acted this summer. His behaviour has permanently destroyed his reputation in football.”
It was under six months ago that Isak scored the goal that won the 2025 Carabao Cup final, the club’s first domestic trophy in 70 years. Against Liverpool, too.
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Manuel Akanji is in Italy to complete an expected loan move to lnternazionale from Manchester City.
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ESPN in the Netherlands and many other outlets are reporting Ajax will sell winger Bertrand Traore, once of Chelsea and Aston Villa, for £2.5m. Ajax have already sold striker Brian “Mr” Brobbey to Sunderland.
Erik ten Hag’s statement on his rapid departure from Bayer Leverkusen. Dignified, defiant, defensive?
The decision by Bayer Leverkusen’s management this morning to put me on a leave of absence came as a complete surprise. To part ways with a coach after just two league matches is unprecedented.
This summer, many key players who were part of past successes left the squad. Building a new, cohesive team is a careful process that requires both time and trust. A new coach deserves the space to implement his vision, set the standards, shape the squad and leave his mark on the style of play.
I started this job with full conviction and energy, but unfortunately the management was not willing to grant me the time and trust I needed, which I deeply regret. I feel this was never a relationship based on mutual trust.
Throughout my career, every season I have been able to see through to the end as a coach has brought success. Clubs that placed their trust in me have been rewarded with success and silverware.
Finally, I would like to thank the Bayer Leverkusen supporters for their warmth and passion, and I wish the squad and staff every success for the remainder of the season.
We still haven’t had confirmation of Isak to Liverpool, by the way. Not that anyone is too worried. Expect those details to trickle in. Save the best for last and all that.
We await news of Raheem Sterling. It seems as if he is likely to stay at Chelsea, two years left on a very expensive contract of the type the club’s owners no longer deal in. Ben Chilwell, too.
Donnarumma deal depends on Ederson
Regarding Gianluca Donnarumma going to Manchester City - told there is a hold-up on the Fenerbahce end re Ederson going there: if/when that is sorted then Donnarumma can happen - for circa 25-30m euros
Senne Lammens has passed his medical, I am told, regarding his move to Manchester United; Ilkay Gundogan could go to Galatasaray if he wants to. Their window closes later this month but they need to register Champions League players.
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Marc Guehi and Oliver Glasner are the key figures as the window enters its final hour. What will come of the talks going on, with Palace still waiting on a central defender.
Meanwhile, of the Manchester United bomb squad, Tyrell Malacia and Rasmus Hojlund remain.
Also via Sky in Scotland: “Celtic have agreed a £5.2m deal to sign Hammarby IF’s Tunsian winger Sebastian Tounekti.” The clamour for new players from Parkhead has been deafening.
They will also have Hyunjun Yang, whose move to Birmingham is reportedly OFF.
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Sky Sports News are reporting Manchester City have a deal in place for Gianluigi Donnarumma, and are waiting on assurances that Ederson will join Fenerbahce. Just over an hour to go. We are in the realm of the essence of deal sheets.
News from Germany and Spain is that Xavi has turned down the chance to coach Bayer Leverkusen and replace Erik ten Hag,
Eric Peterson gets in touch: “I’m following the news and analysis on multiple fronts, and I’m disappointed with the lack of rigor being applied to the Marc Guehi saga. It bears remembering that Crystal Palace did not know for certain until Thursday night whether they’d have six midweek matches of European football over the next four months. I don’t envy the Crystal Palace board from having to prepare dual transfer market plans to execute in the span of four days - specifically, arranging the buys to effectively replace Guehi. As much of a kick in the teeth this window has been for Palace, I think the current level of venom directed at the board is excessive.”
An accusation made is that those who run the club maybe hold on to assets too long. Wilf Zaha and Guehi would fit the ball, Eze maybe. Olise was a good sale, if too low for his talent, maybe.
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On Fulham, Richard Hirst: “Once again Fulham make their supporters despair. It’s approaching an hour to the close of the window and we have bought one back up goalkeeper. Why do we always leave things to the last minute and beyond? Where is the planning that Marco Silva talked about months ago? It would make us laugh if we weren’t already crying.”
I smell Raheem Sterling. And Ben Chilwell. Maybe.
More Richard: “So, apropos my last email, we were clearly waiting for Godo (to go) before we could sign anyone. Glad we have literary types at the helm.”
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News from Fulham, an outgoing.
“Wishing Martial Godo the best of luck as he completes a permanent move to Strasbourg,” reads their X page. “From non-league to Premier League. Proud to be part of your journey.”
Godo was once dual registered for Dartford and Margate so he’s on quite the football journey.
Strasbourg, the club owned by BlueCo, Chelsea’s owners, have had a busy old summer. For a small-ish French club, they don’t have have a lot of players. The temptation is to wonder whether they might be used as a holding pen. Just a temptation, mind.
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Alejandro Garnacho has said goodbye to Manchester, his home town for five years, as he joins Chelsea.
Via Instagram: “After an unforgettable five years, this special chapter in my life now comes to a close. We have created moments that will stay with me forever, and I’m very grateful for this. To the coaches, staff, and my teammates, thank you for believing in me. Every time I wore the badge, I gave everything I had.
“I leave proud of what we achieved together and excited for what’s to come. Wishing the club nothing but success for the future, while I look forward to giving my all in the next chapter of my career.”
Hello again. The day has got sillier and sillier, with Marc Guehi as a leading man.
A reminder, every deal in the top five leagues can be found here.
Right, all these transfers are making my head spin. It’s time for me to go on a walk, scran a salad, that kind of thing, so I’ll hand back to John Brewin for an hour before returning to helm the 7pm countdown.
Mikautadze makes £25.9m move to Villarreal
Georges Mikautadze, the Georgia international who has scored 18 goals in 49 appearances for Lyon since joining last summer, has left the Ligue 1 club for Villarreal in a reported €30m (£25.9m) transfer. The 24-year-old forward strengthens the Yellow Submarine’s attacking options after the departure of Yéremy Pino to Crystal Palace last week.
West Ham pushing for last-gasp Disasi loan
I said your guess was as good as mine on Axel Disasi. I’m now told West Ham are trying for a late loan for the Chelsea defender. They were put off by the financial demands earlier.
What else is going on around Europe? Nico González has left Juventus for Atlético Madrid on loan with a conditional obligation to buy. The Ireland striker Michael Obafemi has swapped Burnley for Bochum on loan. Fabian Rieder, the 23-year-old Switzerland midfielder, has joined Augsburg from Rennes in a reported £6m deal. Plus, well, loads and loads of minor loan deals, all of which can be found in our men’s transfer interactive.
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Sambi Lokonga leaves Arsenal for Hamburg
Hamburg have agreed a permanent deal for the misfit Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga. The Belgium international arrived from Anderlecht in 2021 but failed to convince in the Premier League and, after loans at Crystal Palace, Luton and Sevilla, he departs for a fresh start in the Bundesliga.
An email from Joel Baldwin here, in answer to my question about favourite dramas from this transfer window. “[My] favourite drama of the transfer window by far has to be Edon [Zhegrova] transferring from Lille to Juventus. Serie A allows you to register two players from non-EU countries per year, and then there’s another slot for an English or Albanian player. Juve wouldn’t have been able to register Zhegrova because he’s from Kosovo and they’ve filled their non-EU slots. The prime minister of Albania is a well-known Juve supporter, and he swooped in and gave Zhegrova a passport last week so this deal could be done. Zhegrova posted screenshots of his text messages with the Albanian PM on Instagram. Good times.”
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Guéhi's move to Liverpool complicated by Igor uncertainty
Marc Guéhi’s £35m move to Liverpool has hit a snag. There’s a problem with Palace’s hunt for a replacement, though Guéhi is doing his medical. The snag appears to be related to the Brighton defender Igor’s move to Palace breaking down – the player is quite possibly heading to West Ham on a straight loan.
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Emerson swaps West Ham for Marseille
Following in the footsteps of Dimitri Payet, albeit far less controversially, Emerson Palmieri has left West Ham for Marseille. The transfer will cost the Ligue 1 club a reported €1m (£900,000).
As it stands I’m not expecting any further incomings at Chelsea. Facundo Buonanotte in on loan, Nicolas Jackson out. Chelsea are now focusing on the final departures. Ishé Samuels-Smith is expected to head to Swansea on loan from BlueCo-owned Strasbourg. There’s a possibility Ben Chilwell goes to the Ligue 1 club as a result. Axel Disasi and Raheem Sterling, though? Your guess is as good as mine.
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An email from Milton Darakis here, pointing out another notable omission: “Any mention of Fotis Ioannidis’s transfer to Sporting in the feed yet? Probably should get a nod seeing how he’s done for Panathinaikos over the past few seasons.”
There wasn’t, no, but it’s a good point, and now there is. The Greece international has 51 goals in 190 matches for Panathinaikos, earning him a five-year contract with the Lisbon giants which includes a €100m (£86.4m) release clause. Sporting have a decent track record when it comes to developing strikers, so keep an eye out for Ioannidis as he finds his feet in Portugal.
Milosavljevic joins Bournemouth for £13m
Bournemouth have been mined for young talent this summer, presenting a challenge to discover the next Dean Huijsen or Illia Zabarnyi. Bafodé Diakité signed from Lille with an impressive pedigree and now they have acquired the Serbian centre-back Veljko Milosavljevic from Red Star Belgrade for about £13m.
The 18-year-old made 14 league appearances for Red Star last season. As a reminder, Bournemouth have generated £215m in sales this summer.
Apologies for any emails that have fallen by the wayside, but it’s been a bit hectic. A musing from Phil Grey here: “What next for Kalvin Phillips, of transfer windows past? Leeds? Wrexham? Cheltenham?”
In Serie A, Napoli have confirmed the return of Eljif Elmas, the winger who made 189 appearances for the club between 2019 and 2024, from RB Leipzig on loan with an option to buy. The 25-year-old struggled to make an impact in the Bundesliga and spent the second half of last season on loan at Torino, where he made 13 appearances and scored four goals.
El Khannouss departs Leicester for Stuttgart
Relegation always brings change and Bilal El Khannouss has left Leicester to join Stuttgart on loan with an obligation to buy.
Crystal Palace looked at the Morocco forward as an option after the departure of Eberechi Eze. El Khannouss was never going to stick around in the Championship and Leicester will likely get back their £21m outlay from last summer. Meanwhile, the Foxes have signed the Argentinian striker Julián Carranza on loan from Feyenoord. They are still hopeful of getting at least another loan over the line.
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A side-quest question here: what’s your favourite controversy, fiasco or drama from this transfer window so far? Mine has to be Martijn Kaars’s move from Magdeburg to St Pauli, which caused a media frenzy in Germany after details were leaked when someone took an unauthorised photo of a laptop belonging to Otmar Schork, the Magdeburg sporting director, showing an email containing details of the offer from St Pauli, and posted it online. The 2. Bundesliga side have since released a statement expressing “deep outrage” at the leak, accusing the person who took the photo of causing “massive damage” to the club.
Bayern and Chelsea agree Jackson move
Bayern Munich have agreed a deal to sign Nicolas Jackson on loan from Chelsea. The deal contains a €16.5m loan fee and a €65m obligation to buy the striker next summer. Quite the transfer saga.
Buonanotte joins Chelsea on season-long loan
In more Brighton to BlueCo transfer news, Facundo Buonanotte, the 20-year-old attacker twice capped by Argentina, has joined Chelsea on a season-long loan. “I’m very happy,” he said at his unveiling. “It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m just looking to add as much to the squad as possible, help the team and help the staff.”
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Jackson on his way to Bayern after all?
Earlier Ali Barat, Nicolas Jackson’s agent, released the following statement on the Chelsea striker’s on-off move to Bayern Munich: “Nico was ready. Bayern was ready. We were all aligned on a world-class project. For the agreement to be withdrawn at the final moment is deeply frustrating. But we won’t give up. I will fight with everything I have to make sure Nico’s next step reflects his talent, ambition, and the plan we built together.”
Now, though, the deal for Jackson appears to be very close. It is expected to contain an obligation to buy. Dramatic.
Liverpool agree to sign Guéhi for initial £35m
Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace for £35m plus bonuses. The defender has been given permission to undergo a medical in London before joining the champions.
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Malacia struggling to find Old Trafford exit door
Tyrell Malacia, the last of Manchester United’s bomb squad, seems to be heading for deadline-day disappointment as nothing is moving for the Dutch defender. A move to Saudi Arabia or Turkey, with their later transfer window closures, may prove his last hope.
As for Kalvin Phillips, at the moment England’s former player of the year and Pep Guardiola’s oddest transfer is also heading nowhere.
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Fulham set to sign George from Chelsea
Fulham have agreed a deal to sign Tyrique George from Chelsea for £22m. The 19-year-old winger is an academy product so his sale represents pure profit for Chelsea. George will sign a five-year deal.
Wolves sign Arokodare from Genk for £24m
Wolves have strengthened their attack with the £24m signing of the Genk striker Tolu Arokodare. He has signed a four-year contract, with an option of a further 12 months. The 24-year-old was the joint-top scorer in the Belgian top flight last season and is a welcome addition for Vítor Pereira after a winless start to the Premier League.
Wolves will hope the Nigeria forward eases the load on Jørgen Strand Larsen, who will stay at Molineux after the club rejected bids of up to £55m from Newcastle for the Norway striker. Arokodare began his career at the Latvian club Valmiera.
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Thanks to Victor Rushton, too, for flagging that Middlesbrough have signed David Strelec from Slovan Bratislava on a five-year deal. The Slovakia international, 24, has won five league titles in his home country and netted 62 goals in 167 appearances across two spells for his boyhood club, so it’s an exciting move as far as Boro fans are concerned.
An email from Victor Rushton has landed, weighing in on the debate about when, precisely, the transfer market went fully haywire. “In relation to Alex Whitney’s email, I’d argue the late 1970s broke the transfer system? The first £500k British transfer (David Mills) in 1979 to Bryan Robson going for £1.5m in 1981. Such reckless spending that bankrupted football during the early 1980s.”
Enciso leaves Brighton for Strasbourg in £16m deal
Another piece of the transfer puzzle has fallen into place for Brighton as Julio Enciso, the Paraguay international signed from Libertad for £9.5m in 2022, has joined Strasbourg for a reported £16m fee, signing a four-year deal with the BlueCo-owned club. There are murmurs that the move could be a stepping stone to Chelsea, also owned by BlueCo, despite Enciso being hampered by injuries in recent years and spending the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich.
Commenting on the deal, Fabian Hürzeler, the Brighton head coach, said: “Julio is keen to play regularly, particularly in a World Cup year. We fully appreciate that, but we are not able to guarantee him regular games. This opportunity with Strasbourg gives him the chance to play both in Ligue 1 and in Europe. We’d like to thank him for his time with us and wish him well for the future.”
Chelsea close on Angel City's Thompson
Talks over Chelsea’s potential move for the Angel City forward Alyssa Thompson are understood to be progressing, after the Guardian exclusively revealed in August that the WSL champions had made a formal approach to sign the 20-year-old.
There is no deal yet but Thompson will not be involved in Angel City’s game against Bay FC tonight – with the NWSL calling it an “excused absence” – while the USA winger awaits clearance to travel to London, as optimism grows that the clubs may be able to reach a deal in time for Thursday’s WSL transfer deadline.
Thanks John! I’m ready to give 110% for the badge etc. First up, some news from La Liga: Girona have spent a reported €17m (£14.7m) on Vladyslav Vanat, who has caught the eye with 43 goals in 81 league appearances for Dynamo Kyiv. He’s signed a five-year deal.
In case you didn’t know, you can track all the deals from Europe’s “big five” leagues (and the NWSL) via our men’s and women’s transfer interactives. I’ve been working on the men’s interactive alongside Niall McVeigh, Billy Munday and Marcus Christenson for the last few months and, believe me, it’s been a labour of love, but worth it. Have a look:
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Right, time to step aside for Will Magee. Maybe catch you later. It’s all go.
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Lammens latest, Onana likely to stay at United
As, expected, Senne Lammens will sign what is to become of the other members of Manchester United’s Gang of Four No 1s: Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton and Andre Onana.
Well: barring a last minute deal one for the trio (never rule anything out/in on TDD) United seem comfortable with a quartet particularly as Onana will be away 1-2 months-ish with Cameroon starting mid-December at African Cup of Nations…
Kolo Muani travelling for Tottenham medical
Tottenham have moved quickly to get a straight loan over the line for the Paris Saint-Germain forward, Randal Kolo Muani, who is on his way to have a medical at the club. Spurs, who would have no obligation to sign him next summer, were interested in January and they have capitalised on Juventus’s inability to agree a permanent deal for him. The 26-year-old went to Juventus on loan in January and they have spent what feels like the whole summer trying to sign him only to admit defeat over the weekend. They have moved instead for Lois Openda from RB Leipzig.
Thomas Frank has Richarlison and Dominic Solanke as his centre-forward options, although the latter is struggling to shake the ankle injury that ruined his pre-season. Kolo Muani, who cost €75m euros plus €15m in add-ons when he joined PSG in 2023 from Eintracht Frankfurt, can also play off the left.
Spurs are looking to offload Yves Bissouma, who has interest from Fenerbahce and Galatasaray; Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil. The Turkish transfer window remains open until 12 September. Crystal Palace made an enquiry for Solomon over the weekend. Frank has not wanted to allow Solomon to leave unless he could add a new player for the front line.
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Morgan gets in touch: “Just wanted to chip in to agree with Sam Trenery on Marc Guehi. I find the idea of him signing for Liverpool to be a slap in the face of LGBT fans of the club. I’ve spent the whole summer hoping it wouldn’t happen. It’s a pretty grim prospect.”
And Football Weekly has landed, too.
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Nicky Bandini on another transfer signing surprise: Jamie Vardy to Cremonese. “Italian friends.”
There’s footage of Alexander Isak leaving the Liverpool training ground, to attend a medical off-site, we understand.
Alex Whitney gets in touch: “I have no bona fides to argue with Prof OJ (13:25), but I have always felt that the true breaking/reshaping/progression of the transfer system happened in years one and two of the Abramovich regime, when Chelsea bought (seemingly) countless squad players for £20+ million at a time when star-level first teamers were roughly the same price range.”
Just hearing from a well-known football figure on today’s craziness. They had this to say: “It’s insanity at: Palace, Spurs, Fulham, Villa. And then properly busy at: United, Liverpool, City.”
Frances Collins gets in touch: “Birmingham City are looking for wingers. I reckon Sterling could do a job in the Championship. He might have to take a bit of a wage cut though.”
If Liverpool get Marc Guehi for £35m+ (and there is more confidence now that it can be done compared to this morning) the initial outlay will be similar to what Aston Villa would pay for Harvey Elliott next summer. Elliott closing in on a loan move to Villa Park with an obligation to buy for £35m.
I hope Bristol University’s Professor Oliver Johnson won’t mind me quoting his X account: “Important to recognise that £125m for Isak is almost exactly what a regression line (7.5% per year increase) over the last 30 years would predict, and that the point where the game really went mad was with the Cole (£7m, 1995) and Shearer (£15m, 1996) transfers back in the mid-90s.”
Isak’s £125m would break the £106,800,000 that Chelsea paid for Enzo Fernandez in 2023.
Charles Antaki gets in touch: “Raheem Sterling was mentioned a while ago – it’s hard to imagine a Premier League club much interest in him, given his fairly dismal performance for Arsenal last year; and, at his level of wages, nobody else could afford him. So much wind has gone out of his sails that you imagine he must be contemplating a different sort of future – perhaps drop down to a player-manager level club, mentor the youngsters, cultivate good-egg-hood, and find a happier niche in the game.”
This feels like an old-school deadline day. The glory days of Andy Burton and Jim White’s yellow tie are being relived. For so long it’s been tumbleweed and anti-climax but we are so back, as the kids say. And there’s five hours and 41 minutes to go!
Rick Harris gets in touch: “I wasn’t aware until a few minutes ago that Ole Solskjaer had been sacked along with Mourinho and now Ten Hag. With Ruud Van Nistelrooy not surviving the summer at Leicester we only need United to call time on the Amorim fiasco and that will be a royal flush.
“Joking apart has it ever happened before that this many ex-managers of the same club have lost their jobs while a summer transfer window has been open?”
On that same subject, Eleanor gets in touch: “You say that previous MU managers have been “not good enough”, but perhaps it’s time to start treating ability as contextual (a big lesson from disability studies perhaps)?
“Obviously, individual attributes matter, but how and when they are allowed to matter is (massively) an effect of context, which is why a manager that is flying with one team can suddenly seems “incompetent” in another, even when the shift from “very able” to “incompetent” takes place within a few weeks.
“Most of us have worked places where it would be almost impossible to do your job well due to a chaotic context: stand up the last decade of Manchester United. The contextual factors affecting Ten Hag’s stint at Leverkusen are detailed in this article. It sounds like a shi*show, with what looks like the board sacking Ten Hag to cover up for their own failings, and Ten Hag’s biggest mistake seems to have been to take the job in the first place.”
Further detail on Guehi added by those at Sky Sports: “The Brighton defender Igor Julio is currently undergoing a medical before sealing a move to Selhurst Park - although the Eagles have concerns that West Ham may make a late move to try to persuade Igor to join them.”
Breaking: Randall Kolo Muani set for Tottenham
A deal agreed for the French striker from PSG. Details to follow…
Done deal: Aston Villa gave signed free agent, former Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof.
Club statement: “Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Victor Lindelöf. The Sweden international captain, who has been capped 71 times by his country, joins the club following his departure from Manchester United at the end of last season.
“An experienced and versatile operator across the back line, Lindelöf spent eight years at Old Trafford, winning both the League Cup and the FA Cup. He had previously lifted silverware with Benfica in Portugal, after starting his career in his native Sweden.”
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On Guehi, a couple of readers have things to say. Sam Trenery got in touch: “I have to disagree with the characterisation of Guehi as a top man after his homophobic stunt last year. I really don’t want to have an openly homophobic player in the Liverpool squad, no matter how good he is. I’ve no doubt plenty of players harbour similar views but at least have the sense to keep it to themselves.”
Jimmy Ainsworth did, too: “James Kell is correct to complement Marc Guehi’s commitment to Crystal Palace when compared to Isak, Wissa, etc. Top pro, indeed. Not sure ‘top man’ is proven given he decided to scrawl ‘I Love Jesus’ on his rainbow armband (yet forgot to do the same over the betting sponsor emblazoned on his shirt, funny that).”
Villa make move for Elliott loan
Aston Villa are pressing ahead with a move for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, with a loan with an obligation to buy the plan. It is thought their move for the England Under-21 attacking midfielder could have implications for Emi Buendia, who has been linked with Leeds. Villa also need to find a solution for Emi Martinez, with Manchester United favouring a move for Senne Lammens.
On Erik ten Hag’s disastrous, two-game sacking. The former Dortmund coach Edin Terzić is the name mentioned as a possible successor.
Liverpool to resurrect Guehi move?
There’s still hope that Liverpool will be able to complete a deal for Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi. I’m told that Steve Parish, the Palace chairman, is in two minds about whether to sell Guehi, whose contract expires next year. Liverpool offered £35m plus £5m in add-ons. The message earlier this morning was that it wouldn’t happen; the word just now is that there’s still a chance. Liverpool have certainly looked like they need a new defender.
More on Wharton here:
Adam Wharton is set for a scan on his injured groin after limping off for Crystal Palace against Aston Villa yesterday and will not meet up with England’s senior squad this week. The 21-year-old was forced off early in the second half of Palace’s 3-0 win at Villa Park after picking up the injury and Oliver Glasner confirmed afterwards that he will not take part in the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
It is understood that Wharton will have a scan to determine the extent of the damage, with Palace hoping that it is not a recurrence of the injury that caused him to miss almost three months last season after having surgery in November. They also have concerns over Ismaila Sarr after the Senegal forward withdrew from international duty with a hamstring problem.
Meanwhile, France have confirmed that William Saliba will not play in their qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland after he sprained his ankle in Arsenal’s defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
Deadline day delays England squad meeting
It is interesting that Thomas Tuchel has asked his England players not to report until tomorrow so they can focus on getting deadline day out of the way. A bit extreme, perhaps, given only Marc Guehi out of the squad he has named for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia is obviously involved in a potential move. Then again, the plan did need to be hatched a little while back.
When the players do report, it is unlikely that Adam Wharton will be there. He sustained an adductor injury playing for Crystal Palace at Aston Villa on Sunday – a huge blow for him as Tuchel had not previously selected him.
Tuchel has been clear about where he sees his central midfielders playing. Wharton is one of the No 6s with Jordan Henderson. Declan Rice and Elliott Anderson are the No 8s. Morgan Rogers and Morgan Gibbs-White are the No10s. He sees Eberechi Eze primarily as an option off the left wing, although he did say he could also play in the No 10 role. In Wharton’s absence, I wonder whether Curtis Jones could yet get a call. It feels as though Henderson is in the box seat to start.
Harvey Elliott headed for Aston Villa? David Ornstein and local media are reporting on “advanced talks”over season-long loan with obligation to buy. Liverpool want £35m+.
Sterling searching for suitors
There’s currently no major movement around Raheem Sterling. Fulham have shown interest - they have other irons in the fire when it comes to wingers - but there’s nothing advanced for the former England international.
Jim Clark on Donnarumma, and some good info, too: “While there may be a tactical element to Donnarumma’s exit at PSG it’s mostly about his contract. Donnarumma-era “galactico” PSG signings were on vast money. For a couple of years the owners have been bringing in a different structure - lower wages but potentially colossal performance bonuses.
“Gigi is one of the very last on the old structure and they’ve spent a few months trying to negotiate an extension with him on the new one, which he was having none of; so Luis Enrique said the uncertainty wouldn’t do and moved to change him. All of which suggests that at City he’ll be the highest-paid goalie in English history…”
Thanks, Jim. I still don’t know what went so wrong with Ederson.
Via Sky’s Scotland reporter Anthony Joseph: “Celtic winger Hyunjun Yang is travelling to England ahead of a possible £3m move to Birmingham City. The clubs are close to agreeing an initial fee of £3m, plus add-ons, with Birmingham still waiting for the Hoops to sanction the move.”
Birmingham need some zip, judging by Friday night against Leicester.
David Flynn gets in touch: “Maybe Pep has analysed the current state of football and decided that he must evolve into what I’m choosing to call his Jack Charlton period. I look forward to Donnarumma, with a big hoof straight from the hands, up to Haaland.”
Yes, at last Pep may see the error of his ways, and throw all those medal’s he’s won in the bin.
Kari Tulinius gets in touch: “I’m terrible at fantasy football, so I decided to just chuck it in this year and engage in a bit of music nerdery at the same time. My team, the Global Gang of Johns, is entirely made up of guys named John, or international variations thereof (e.g. Jean and João). Unexpectedly, I’m doing much better than I have when I tried to be smart about it. However, as my two goalkeepers are Jason Sean Steele and Daniel Ian Bentley, I could really use Gianluigi Donnarumma. I realize this is a niche reason, but I’m really hoping that City get that transfer over the line.”
It is suggested by Fabrizio Romano that another potential Fulham arrival is Raheem Sterling. Let’s see. Sterling is one of three Chelsea players with no future at the club but time left on his contract. The two others coming to mind are Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi. Will Chelsea pay them out and leave them as free agents? Unclear at the moment.
Brentford make moves to spend Wissa cash, Fulham talk about Kevin
Brentford have agreed a deal to sign Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson on loan for the season and are still hoping to add more reinforcements to their squad today after allowing Yoane Wissa to join Newcastle. Crystal Palace, Besiktas and Fulham - where Nelson spent last year on loan - had also held talks over a move for the 25-year-old who came through Arsenal’s academy but he will now join Keith Andrews’ side instead and is set for a medical this afternoon.
Brentford are understood to have cooled their interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Max Beier after seeing a £45m bid rejected last week, while PSV Eindhoven have also turned down a £25m offer for Joey Veermen over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Fulham are moving closer to securing a club record £34m deal to sign Shakhtar Donetsk’s Kevin, while Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze could also arrive on an initial loan before the transfer deadline.
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On the subject of Arsenal, who are presumably spent up now.
“The mentality is always to go forward, to be attacking, to be aggressive, to try to dominate the game and create chances,” Merino said. “But sometimes the game of football is like this. Sometimes the ball puts you in a certain situation. You have to adapt to it.
John Culley gets in touch: “Although Arsenal have bought early and often in this window, looks like Arteta needs three players for each position if they are going to get injured at this rate. Kiwior has been a good squad player for the last couple of seasons, wish him well with his move to Porto, and hope the new signing Hincapie has ligaments of iron to deal with whatever is causing our injury curse.”
Manchester United fans, getting excited about the “new Courtois”? The new Simon Mignolet would do at the moment – the old one is still playing well for Brugge, as it happens. Martínez would be a good buy, too, experienced like a Van Der Sar purchase but that’s not how modern transfers work, is it? Where will Martínez go?
Breaking: Lammens on way to Manchester United
Senne Lammens is on his way to Manchester so it appears the 23-year-old will join Ruben Amorim’s squad. United deal for Lammens is €21m plus add ons - there is no sell on; 5-year contract. The player, who is travelling to Manchester, is viewed as an exciting young goalkeeper with a bright future. Utd considered other GKs (Emiliano Martínez), but ended plumping for the Belgian.
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James Kell gets in touch: “As a Newcastle fan, been both “victim” and beneficiary of this trend for players to down tools to force a move, which I really don’t enjoy, and I must say, in an era of grasping agents and prima donnas, hats off to Marc Guehi for not just continuing to turn out for Palace but for being outstanding for them and being a captain and leader. Top pro, top man, that’s how you do it.”
Edward Ricketts gets in touch: “Hard to fathom how Donnarumma is suddenly second choice at PSG, having played a massive role in their Champions League triumph last season and having been arguably the best keeper in the world during that time. Utterly ruthless from Enrique and undoubtedly a coup for City. Any thoughts?”
Not sure it’s a question being second choice though the writing was on the wall was Lucas Chevalier came in. Luis Enrique has overhauled the squad with Luis Campos and Donnarumma was signed by a different regime, and as part of the Mino Raiola agency, now run after his death by Rafaela Pimenta, such players are often on the move because of high demands for their players. Erling Haaland is one of their clients, of course, so City have a business relationship. The odd thing is Luis Enrique wants a progressive keeper who can play from the back and yet Pep, from the same school of thinking, is prepared to deal with a keeper from the Francesco Toldo/Gianluigi Buffon school of shot-stopping.
Kieran McKintosh gets in touch: “Morning John. Watched last night’s game with my best friend, a Palace fan. Absolutely excruciating way to lose, but what can you do?
“We wondered after if Glasner could walk. He’s not very impressed with transfer business and a manager like him will have his pick of the clubs if he does decide to go. I am no longer convinced Arteta is up to the job, so do you reckon Oliver Glasner would be a good candidate as the next manager of Arsenal (if you think it will get to that point? “
Made a prediction that Glasner will be in charge of Bayern this time next year. He’ll have plenty of takers. Could see him at Arsenal, United, City, any of them. His stock could not be higher. Maybe he might fancy winning the Conference League and signing off. He’s a patient man but always truthful in press conferences, he’s friendly but not afraid of speaking his mind. He’s almost too adult for the football game. He can also make a team play 3-4-3, which is beyond certain other managers.
Patterson move to Sevilla denied
Nathan Patterson’s proposed move from Everton to Sevilla appears to be off. The Scotland international had been in talks over a season loan as he attempts to revive an injury-hit career. But with Sevilla right back Juanlu Sanchez looking likely to remain at the club - Napoli were interested - that avenue now looks closed.
Harrison Armstrong, the promising 18-year-old midfielder, could depart on loan depending on whether Everton strengthen in that department first. The club are currently in talks with Freiburg’s Merlin Rohl. Everton have received several offers for Armstrong and another homegrown midfielder, Tyler Onyango, is also set to leave on loan today.
Forest back in for BlueCo's Bakwa
Nottingham Forest are pushing to sign the Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa, with left-back Cuiabano also primed to join from Botafogo before the deadline. Forest are targeting a couple of additions, while two or three fringe players could depart. Strasbourg, part of the BlueCo group that own Chelsea, rejected a £30m bid from Forest for Bakwa earlier this window, with the Ligue 1 club wanting closer to £35m. Nuno Espírito Santo is to hold talks with Evangelos Marinakis over his future in the coming days after a rift with Edu, the global head of football at Marinakis’s stable of clubs. Nuno conceded Sunday’s collapse in the 3-0 home defeat to West Ham hardly strengthens his hand.
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Beginning to worry about Brentford. An awful lot of pressure on Kevin Schade, who missed a penalty at the weekend. At least Igor Jesus is in the goals.
Wissa’s exit would be the second major sale at Brentford this window, with Bryan Mbeumo joining Manchester United for an initial £65m. Last summer Brentford sold Ivan Toney to Al-Ahli in a £40m deal. Brentford have seen several high-profile departures this summer, with Thomas Frank leaving to become Tottenham manager and former club captain Christian Nørgaard signing for Arsenal. Brentford broke their transfer record to land Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth in a £42.5m deal.
Will they make moves before the end of today? They surely must.
Wissa gets his wish. Seems like refusing to play is the way to get a move these days. That doesn’t sit right, but this is where we are now.
Our story on Ten Hag, another fallen victim to the enduring curse of Manchester United.
Dan King, Villa fans gets in touch: “As a Villa fan the Sancho signing smacks of panic. If we can afford him, why not Jack Grealish? If Sancho gets his head down, works hard and acts professionally then he has the talent to succeed. Unfortunately he has a strong reputation for not getting his head down, not working hard and acting unprofessionally. It’s got bad news written all over it. But then I felt the same about Marcus Rashford, about whom there were also questions about his attitude, and he was great for us.”
I saw Grealish play on Saturday for Everton, and he was fantastic. The Villa Grealish, you’d much rather have than Sancho.
Good morning, and welcome. Anything can happen from here. Well, sort of. Seems like the moves we have discussed all summer are coming to fruition. Goalkeepers seem the order of the day, with Donnarumma set for City, it seems, and Manchester United’s need to sign one, if not two, keepers.
Righto, that’s it from me; here’s John Brewin to guide you through the next bit.
Back to Palace, can they really sell Guéhi? He’s available for free in the summer, but what message does it send to Glasner if they do? He was very clear last evening in stating how crucial it is that he remains.
“With Ten Hag’s sacking following Mourinho’s and Solskjær’s a few days ago,” begins Dean Haigh, “it’s perhaps telling that Manchester United managers seem to really struggle after leaving while players seem to go from strength to strength. It suggests that despite Amorim constantly denigrating his players it is, and always has been, the managers who’ve been the problem.”
There’s a lot of blame to go around, so no need to be sparing, and I also think it’s fair to say that lots of players have left and still been poor. I’d still say the majority of the aggravation is on account of the Glazers, but agree the managers haven’t been good enough.
AC Milan are trying to sign Joe Gomez, but Liverpool will only allow that if they succeed in snatching Marc Guéhi from Palace. On which point, what a shame it is to see Oliver Glasner’s FA Cup winners plundered in this manner – there’d have been a very serious side there if they’d only been able to buy rather than sell.
Vill are, it seems, also interested in Harvey Elliott, a move that makes a lot more sense – and is a goodun for the player, too. He’s got his league-winners medal having contributed, and now he has to play regularly. Forcing his way into Emery’s midfield won’t be easy, though.
Sancho loan to Villa nearly done: 80% wages to be paid by Villa along with bonuses that should happen, Utd believe, to have 100% covered.
Imagine how James Trafford must be feeling. Leave City to play, prove yourself, reject other offers to re-sign, have the club pursue a Champions League-winner to go ahead of you.
I can’t lie, it freaks my nut that any top-half Premier League manager, never mind Unai Emery, wants Sancho. He’s got such a lovely touch and imagination, but sadly lacks the physicality to succeed in England, while there are also questions about his mentality. It’s hard to see this one working.
Today’s Rumour Mill:
Aston Villa agree a deal to take Jadon Sancho on loan from Manchester United
How much of his wages they cover will depend on how many games he plays and so on.
“Bemused at Manchester United apparently believing a 32-year-old keeper isn’t a ‘long term option’,” writes Paul McGrory. “Isn’t there anyone there who remembers signing Edwin van der Sar when he was turning 35 in October? I believe he was decent for a few months at least.”
In fairness, he did have the advantage of being decent previously, but yes, I agree 32 is fine for a keeper. Martínez has, though, been poor in recent times, even if that still makes him several orders of magnitude better than Altay Bayindir and André Onana, but might just have the self-regard to succeed under the Old Trafford spotlight.
Erik ten Hag sacked by Leverkusen
Goodness me, that’ll be a sore one. Leverkusen have drawn one and lost one of their two Bundesliga games so far.
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Villa are also poised to sign Victor Lindelöf but, as he is a free agent after leaving United, they are not under pressure to get that deal done.
Aston Villa are gearing up for an extremely busy day. As well as a move for Jadon Sancho, they are keen on a deal for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott. Unai Emery wants attacking reinforcements after another flat performance in defeat on Sunday. Villa sold Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle this month and saw a recent inquiry for Lucas Paquetà dismissed by West Ham. Marco Asensio, who joined Villa on loan last season and someone greatly admired by Emery, has signed for Fenerbahce. As the Villa manager conceded after defeat to Crystal Palace, they also need to ‘fix’ the Emi Martínez-shaped problem. Martínez wants to leave for Manchester United.
For what it’s worth, a Brentford-supporting mate of mine doesn’t rate Wissa, and £55m does seem steep. But the Bees must now act quickly to replace him because having lost him, Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Norgaard, Mark Flekken – and Thomas Frank – they find themselves 15th in the league, perhaps in danger of a relegation struggle.
Newcastle agree £55m deal with Brentford for Yoane Wissa
Newcastle have their other new forward.
Thanks Niall and hi everyone. There’s a man in a Sky Sports coat stood outside the Newcastle training ground, talking about things entirely unaffected by his location. Let’s get on with it!
Time for me to hand over to my esteemed colleague, Daniel Harris. Don’t forget you can track all the latest deals with our interactive guide.
Man Utd weigh up Lammens and Martínez bids
Manchester United are intent on signing either Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp or Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s goalkeeping options before the close of the transfer window.
United are thought to prefer Lammens due to his age (23) and price (£17m); Martínez turns 32 on Tuesday, could cost £35m and is not viewed as a long-term option. But with Villa showing interest in Jadon Sancho, a deal could be done for the World Cup winner that sees Sancho used as a makeweight.
Arsenal to sign Hincapié on initial loan deal
Arsenal are expected to announce the signing of Piero Hincapié in the coming hours after the Ecuador defender completed his medical yesterday. He will become Arsenal’s eighth signing of the summer after a deal was struck on Friday with Bayer Leverkusen to sign the 23-year-old on an initial loan, with an option to make the Ecuador defender’s move permanent next summer for €52m (£45m).
Mikel Arteta’s side have already spent more than £250m on new players in this transfer window and had to be careful not to exceed Uefa’s FFP regulations, hence the reason for structuring the deal in that way. His arrival should clear the way for Jakub Kiwior to complete his loan move to Porto with an obligation to buy next summer for up to €27m (£23.4m), while Arsenal are hoping to offload other fringe players before tonight’s deadline.
Midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is close to joining Hamburg, who have also been in talks over a move for Fábio Vieira. Marseille have enquired about signing Oleksandr Zinchenko – although the Ukrainian’s wages could be a stumbling block –and Reiss Nelson has interest from Crystal Palace and Fulham.
Not so long ago, Tariq Lamptey was deemed indispensable at Brighton but the full-back has just departed for Fiorentina. Lamptey, who spent five-and-a-half years at Brighton, joins the Serie A club on a permanent deal after falling down the pecking order under Fabian Hürzeler. The 24-year-old joined from Chelsea in January 2020 and made 122 appearances for Brighton, scoring five goals and contributing 12 assists. In other full-backs-to-Italy news, last night Roma sealed a loan move for Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas.
“Fascinating as it is watching Premier League teams chucking the GDP of a small central American country on a new forward, what the hell is happening with Josh Sargent, the Norwich City optimism barometer?” asks Phil Withall.
If reports are to believed, Sunderland could make a late swoop for Sargent, who is currently the Championship’s top scorer this season with five goals.
Bournemouth sign Milan full-back Jiménez
Bournemouth have signed the Milan full-back Álex Jiménez on loan with an obligation to make the move permanent. The 20-year-old, who is a product of Real Madrid’s academy, provides a versatile option for Andoni Iraola. Jiménez becomes Bournemouth’s sixth summer signing and the fourth defensive addition, following left-back Adrien Truffert, centre-back Bafode Diakité and goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
The club has gone through a defensive rebuild after the exits of Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi this summer plus the end of Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan spell. The Cherries are still in the market before the 7pm (BST) deadline.
West Ham’s hunt for a defender on loan has seen them ask Chelsea about a deal for Axel Disasi. The Frenchman, who can play at centre-back and right-back and spent last season with Aston Villa, has also been targeted by Bournemouth and Crystal Palace in recent weeks.
Crystal Palace are in talks with Brighton over a loan deal for defender Igor Julio and look set to sign Nigeria midfielder Christantus Uche for €20m (£17.3m) from Getafe on what is set to be a frantic deadline day for the FA Cup winners. The arrival of France Under-20 defender Jaydee Canvot is also expected to be confirmed on Monday after he completed his medical over the weekend, with Palace to pay Toulouse £23m for the 19-year-old.
Any prospect of Palce allowing Marc Guéhi to depart for Liverpool rests on them finding a more experienced replacement. Attempts to sign Manuel Akanji from Manchester City and Monaco’s Mohammed Salisu have come to nothing, so Palace have now sounded out their arch-rivals over a potential deal for Igor. The 27-year-old only started 10 Premier League games under Fabian Hürzeler last season and has yet to feature this season. He is also believed to have interest from West Ham.
The expected arrival of Uche, who had been lined up for a move to Wolves but failed to agree personal terms, will be a welcome boost for Oliver Glasner. Capable of playing in central midfield or in a more advanced role, the 22-year-old who joined Getafe in January 2024 and received his first senior call-up for Nigeria in May should help to bolster Palace’s squad after the departure of Eberechi Eze.
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Everton are attempting to sign Freiburg central midfielder Merlin Rohl in a deal that could cost €20m (£17.3m). The 23-year-old is a Germany Under-21 international and is expected on Merseyside today to discuss terms. David Moyes is also keen to strengthen in defence today – a new right-back has been needed for quite some time now – and could offload striker Youssef Chermiti to Rangers for around £8m.
Aston Villa in talks over Sancho loan deal
Aston Villa are in discussions with Manchester United over a deal for Jadon Sancho. The winger is out of favour at Old Trafford but has admirers at Villa Park. The structure of the proposal is unclear, with Villa thought to be pursuing a loan move. Sancho spent last season on loan at Chelsea and has not played for United in more than 12 months.
Interestingly, the 25-year-old rejected a move to Roma, which triggered the Serie A club signing Leon Bailey on loan from Villa earlier this window. And then there is Emi Martínez, who was omitted from Villa’s squad on Sunday amid interest from United. Martínez is keen on the move but Villa will only sanction a sale if they get a replacement and the right price.
We have an early done deal from the EFL: Leyton Orient have signed 20-year-old Southampton striker Dom Ballard on a three-year deal. Is he any relation to Sunderland centre-back Dan Ballard? No, he isn’t.
As for news of Premier League deadline-day surprises, the hits just keep on coming …
Away from the Isak business, Liverpool could raise more funds on deadline day by selling Harvey Elliott and Joe Gomez. Aston Villa have emerged as a potential destination for Elliott, whose first-team chances are likely to be squeezed further by Isak’s arrival, but they might need to sell Emi Buendía first.
Milan made a €15m offer for Gomez on Sunday night but, with complications arising in Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guéhi, the Premier League champions would be reluctant to sell the versatile defender at this stage.
Nicolas Jackson emerges as Newcastle target
Nicolas Jackson is a target for Newcastle as a replacement for Liverpool-bound Alexander Isak. Chelsea are open to selling the striker despite calling off a proposed loan move to Bayern Munich after Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury against Fulham. Work is being done to see if a move to the north-east is possible for Jackson. Newcastle have also looked at Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and the Wolves forward Jørgen Strand Larsen.
If Jackson does go, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Chelsea pull another rabbit out of the hat in terms of a late arrival. There could be departures today too. Tyrique George could be heading to Roma, and Chelsea need to find moves for Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi.
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Here’s a roundup of all the deadline-day transfer chat:
“Was Vinny Samways ‘tough-tackling’? I always remembered him as more a cultured midfielder,” writes Andrew Champney. One deadline day not dominated by Vinny Samways, all I ask. Will never happen. But did you know he spent six years at Las Palmas? Nice work if you can get it.
Man City pursue Donnarumma with Ederson sale agreed
Manchester City have agreed the €14m transfer of Ederson to Fenerbahce but the deal is dependent on signing Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain for around €35m, or another elite goalkeeper as his replacement.
A deal is understood to be in place regarding Ederson’s move to the Turkish club but City are intent on securing Donnarumma’s arrival first. If the Italian cannot be secured the Brazilian will not be sold unless another top-class keeper can be signed. As the window closes at 7pm on Monday this may be unlikely.
Ederson, who is 32 and has a year left on his contract, has become unsettled at City while Donnarumma has been deemed surplus to requirements by Luis Enrique at PSG, the Spaniard signing Lille’s Lucas Chevalier last month to be his new No 1.
Ederson has been City’s first-choice keeper since signing in summer 2017 from Benfica. He has won six Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, four League Cups, the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup. The Brazilian was a key member of City’s 2022-23 treble triumph.
Sunderland have agreed a fee of around £20m with Ajax for Brian Brobbey. The 23-year-old Netherlands striker is on a flight to Newcastle from Amsterdam and will have a medical later this morning.
On Sunday evening, Sunderland agreed to a request from Chelsea to recall their loanee striker Marc Guiu to Stamford Bridge in the wake of Liam Delap’s injury. Brobbey will become Sunderland’s 13th signing of a very busy summer.
Burnley are set to complete the signing of midfielder Florentino Luís from Benfica on an initial loan deal. The Clarets will pay €2m (£1.7m) upfront with a €24m (£20.8m) obligation to buy next summer.
Luís has attracted interest from Premier League clubs in the past but will finally get the chance to play in England with Burnley. He will undergo a medical later today before finalising his move to Turf Moor.
“I might be late to the party on this one but I’ve just spotted David Moyes and the tough-tackling Vinny Samways having a sandwich together in a trendy Lytham cafe,” reports Darrien Bold. “Rumours of a cool £2m swoop from Everton doing the rounds in these parts.”
Some early news involving a couple of big Premier League clubs: Chelsea are poised to recall Marc Guiu from his Sunderland loan, as cover for Liam Delap’s injury. That could reopen the door for Nicolas Jackson to join Bayern Munich; the Bundesliga giants have been pondering other options, including Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman – who is also on Tottenham’s radar.
Meanwhile, Antony looks to be leaving Manchester United for good, with the striker set to get his wish and rejoin Real Betis on a permanent deal worth £21.7m – around a quarter of the fee United paid Ajax to sign him in 2022.
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Before the madness begins today, you can catch up with all the big summer deals – more than 1,500 of them – with our interactive guide.
Liverpool agree £125m Isak deal with Newcastle
More on this morning’s big news, here:
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Preamble
Hello. Around £6bn (SIX BILLION POUNDS) has been spent this summer across Europe’s “big five” leagues – with close to 50% of that figure spent in the Premier League alone. It has been – even by modern football standards – a transfer window of extraordinary excess, and it’s not over yet.
The biggest saga of the summer is yet to fully play out, but it looks like Liverpool will finally get their man after agreeing a £125m fee for Alexander Isak late last night. Do the Premier League leaders even need him? And will Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi follow Isak through the Anfield entrance later today?
Other loose ends to be tied up: will Yoane Wissa get his Newcastle move, and/or will the Magpies swoop for Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen or Roma’s Artem Dovbyk? Could Manchester City hit the panic button and draft in Gianluigi Donnarumma and Rodrygo? And will United make their move for Emiliano Martínez, Senne Lammens or A.N. Other to cover their goalposts?
All will be revealed before the 7pm (BST) deadline, apart from those deals which are inexplicably allowed to rumble on for another two hours afterwards. Here we go!
