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Wrexham are on the verge of completing a record-breaking €2.5 million (£2.16m) deal for New Zealand international Liberato Cacace, with co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney green-lighting the ambitious move. The Empoli left-back is set to become the club’s most expensive signing, surpassing the £2 million the Red Dragons paid for Sam Smith in January.

• Wrexham agree record £2.2m fee for Liberato Cacace
• Empoli star to become third summer signing at club
• Parkinson praises Cacace’s character ahead of move

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Wrexham have agreed a club-record fee to sign Cacace from Empoli, as per The Athletic. The 24-year-old is expected to finalise his move in the coming days, pending final details and medical clearance. The transfer coincides with Wrexham’s pre-season tour stop in Wellington, New Zealand, Cacace’s hometown.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Empoli’s relegation opened the door for Cacace’s departure after having made 74 Serie A appearances for Azzurri Empolesi. Wrexham have mostly recruited from the British Isles, but this deal reflects a bold shift in transfer strategy. If completed, Cacace will strengthen competition at left wing-back and bring international pedigree.

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  WHAT PARIKSON SAID

  Speaking to the media, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson said: “Libby is a player we have looked at. It isn’t finalised, as of yet. But I have spoken to Libby and love his character and personality.

  “If we can get the signing completed, he is a player who will fit in with the culture we have created at Wrexham.”

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• WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  The deal is expected to be finalised upon Wrexham’s return to the United Kingdom this weekend. Cacace will link up with his new team-mates next week, adding to the summer arrivals of Danny Ward and Ryan Hardie. Barring last-minute issues, he will be unveiled ahead of Wrexham’s next friendly.

Manchester United and Newcastle are planning to swoop in for Bayern Munich transfer target Nick Woltemade amid uncertainty surrounding Benjamin Sesko.

• Bayern have agreement in place with Woltemade
• United and Newcastle interested in signing forward
• Premier League clubs hit roadblock in Sesko transfer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Devils and the Magpies are desperately in need of a striker after most of their targets were hijacked by other clubs. According to , the English clubs are now monitoring Woltemade from Stuttgart as they face stiff competition in their attempts to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. The young German striker rose to prominence last season after an impressive spell with Stuttgart and the Germany U21 team.

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  Both English clubs have their own issues to sort out. On one hand, Sesko would be willing to choose United, but the wages are a concern. Newcastle, on the other hand, are waiting to generate funds from the sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool, but the deal is taking time considering the high transfer fees involved. Amid all this, there is now an open chance to sign Woltemade, who may have been left behind by Bayern even after progressive talks, as they chose to sign Luis Diaz to address their winger issues.

• TELL ME MORE

  Sesko is the priority signing for both United and the Magpies. The German club have revised their asking fee and are now willing to part ways with the striker for €75 million (£65m/$86m) plus add-ons. However, it remains to be seen whether United will launch a formal bid for the striker or if the departure of Isak will allow the 2024-25 League Cup winners to finance their move.

  Woltemade's priority move reportedly is also to sign for Bayern but should there be no more attempts to sign the German striker from any club, he is not desperate to leave Stuttgart. The Stuttgart sporting department have decided a deadline but will not budge on their €65m (£56m/$74m) asking price. Woltemade scored 17 goals across all competitions last season and his contract runs until 2028.

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  WHAT'S NEXT FOR MAN UTD AND NEWCASTLE?

  It's a game of waiting for both clubs, as many of their players are yet to depart. Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho are two players United are also looking to offload to adhere to rofit and sustainability rules, which would give them more freedom to bid for Sesko. Meanwhile, Isak's preferred destination is reportedly Anfield, but that too will take time as the Premier League champions have already signed Hugo Ekitike and will have to ponder how to manage the record books should they manage to land the Swedish striker.

The former USMNT and MLS defender called out fellow retired national team players for harsh criticism of current squad

• Balboa says some former players crossed the line
• Colorado Rapids legend blames social media culture
• Sees difference between criticism and attention-seeking

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  WHAT HAPPENED

  Former USMNT defender Marcel Balboa acknowledged that – while criticism is inevitable – several ex-players "cross the line" with their vitriol over the current men's national team. He suggested those critics ultimately want American soccer to grow and the national team to succeed, and thus questioned the upside of harsh comments.

  “We cross the line because of social media, we cross the line because we want clicks and likes and we want people to banter back and forth,” Balboa said on CBS Sports Golazo America. “I will always be a U.S national team supporter… Tell me what good it does as a dude beating up Christian Pulisic every day or Tyler Adams or Weston McKennie? It makes no sense, man, it makes no sense to me. But I get it, that's part of our business. This is something we've always wanted. We wanted this kind of pressure as athletes. 

  "We've never had it in soccer and now we have it. So, I understand it. But I think there's a fine line of being negative and being an idiot and then being, you know, critical on certain people. But listen, win or lose, I've got I've got their back and I always will… Negativity is easy, but positive comments are always very difficult to come across. So I'd rather stay to the positive side, and back Christian Pulisic and those guys knowing how they think. Because we all played on the national team."

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• WHAT BALBOA SAID

  The Colorado Rapids legend said, despite some struggles over the past two  years, that he's optimistic about the USMNT ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

  “I think we labelled it too quick and too early as media, myself included, that we said this is a golden generation,” Balboa said. “That's a lot of pressure on a team that has these kind of players. But you know what, congratulations, that you’re an athlete, you're representing your country and we're going to put you on the stage and we're going to call you, because no one's ever played at AC Milan, or at Juventus, or in England, like they're doing.

  “So, you know what? I think this group is very talented. I think this group is probably – I wouldn't say the best team we've ever had, but I would say this is one of the top ones we've had… they know what they've already lived their first World Cup, just like we did in '90. So again, for me it's, you know, what ‘Do your thing man.' I mean, listen, all the, all the negative stuff all he does is fuel to fire.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With the USMNT facing unprecedented expectations ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil, the discourse surrounding the team has intensified. The squad lost four straight matches before reeling off five straight wins to reach the Gold Cup final. 

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  WHAT’S NEXT?

  Following their Gold Cup final loss to Mexico, the USMNT will regroup for the September international break where they’ll face South Korea and Japan.

Alisha Lehmann is set to join Serie A side Como, leaving Juventus after just one season with the Turin side.

• Lehman agrees a move to Como
• She leaves after one year at the club
• Won Serie A and Coppa Italia last season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Lehmann has reached a verbal agreement with fellow Italian side Como for a permanent move, leaving Juventus after just one season.

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  Lehmann started her career at Swiss Side Young Boys before she moved to Premier League side West Ham. Her performances at West Ham earned her a move to Aston Villa where she met her ex-partner Douglas Luiz. Lehmann spend three seasons at Villa before moving to Juventus alongside Luiz. She scored two goals and one assist in 16 appearences for the Bianconere helping them to the double of Serie A and Coppa Italia trophy.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Luiz, ex-partner of Lehmann, is also on the verge of leaving Juventus after a disappointing 2024-25 season. Nottingham Forest are keen on signing the ex-Villa star, who has faced criticism after he skipped training.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LEHMANN AND JUVENTUS ?

  Lehmann will hope the clubs reach an agreement quickly over her transfer as she leaves Juventus with silverware. 

Leeds United are reportedly weighing up a late-window push for AC Milan forward Noah Okafor as they look to supercharge their attacking options. While no official offer has yet been tabled and direct negotiations between the clubs have not taken place, the 25-year-old Swiss international is firmly on the recruitment radar at Elland Road, as reported by The Athletic.

• Leeds eye Milan’s Swiss star Okafor
• Will join Calvert-Lewin in attack
• Daniel Farke's eyes are on survival after promotion

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Yorkshire club have wasted no time strengthening their frontline this summer. Former Wolfsburg and Manchester City striker Lukas Nmecha has arrived on a free transfer, while the Whites have also secured an agreement in principle for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, another free signing after the England forward departed from Everton.

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  Now, manager Daniel Farke has set his sights on Okafor. His career began in the youth system at Swiss outfit FC Basel, where he made his senior debut in May 2018. A year later, he sealed a move to Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg, where he flourished. Over four seasons, he racked up 110 appearances, finding the net 34 times and laying on 23 assists; the rich vein of form that earned him his Serie A switch.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Milan brought Okafor to San Siro in July 2023, hoping to harness his pace and direct attacking threat. The forward has since played 53 matches for the Rossoneri, scoring seven goals, but repeated injury setbacks have stalled his momentum. The flashes of brilliance have been there, yet consistency has proven elusive, something Leeds hope they can reignite in England. He spent the latter half of last season on loan at Napoli and made four appearances for the reigning Italian champions. 

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LEEDS?

  Leeds will open their top-flight campaign with a home clash against Everton on Monday. 

Bayer Leverkusen have been warned not to expect immediate miracles from their new-look squad, but Erik ten Hag has received a vote of confidence.

• Ramelow has warned Leverkusen's new signings
• Club legend has backed new manager Erik ten Hag
• Leverkusen lost their coach and numerous key players

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Leverkusen legend Carsten Ramelow has warned that the club's new-look squad "can't yet match the quality" of departed stars Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka, but has backed new manager Ten Hag to succeed. In an interview with , the former Germany international stated that while the Dutchman faces a "very difficult" situation following a summer of major upheaval, his plan is "not doomed" and he represents a "good solution" for the club.

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  Leverkusen have undergone a massive summer rebuild following the departure of title-winning coach Xabi Alonso and a host of key players including Wirtz, Xhaka, Jonathan Tah and Jeremie Frimpong. The exodus was expected after two seasons of unprecedented success that put their top talent on the radar of Europe's biggest clubs. Ramelow has urged for expectations to be lowered as Ten Hag takes charge of a team featuring "many young and inexperienced players."

  When backing Ten Hag to succeed in the monumental task of replacing Alonso, Ramelow drew a parallel with Liverpool. He noted that when Jurgen Klopp left Anfield, "everyone thought the world was coming to an end," yet his successor Arne Slot went on to win the Premier League title in his first season, proving that "anything is possible."

• WHAT RAMELOW SAID

  On the difficulty of Leverkusen's situation, Ramelow said: "Very difficult indeed. But it's important to evaluate the past two years differently. They were truly special. So exceptionally good and incredibly difficult to top. What's coming next needs to be put into perspective and assessed sensibly. This means: Not everything below first or second place is necessarily bad. Expectations need to be lowered. For everyone—the players, the bosses, and the fans. Nevertheless, they will once again have a team that can compete at the top. I definitely see Leverkusen in the top five."

  He added: "The coaching position is crucial. Xabi Alonso quickly recognized what was important and shaped the team. I was particularly impressed by how they never gave up. The team's mentality and attitude were outstanding. The new coach's biggest task now will be to achieve a similar result. However, many young and inexperienced players have joined the team so far. They can't yet match the quality of a Wirtz, Tah, or Xhaka.

  "For me, Ten Hag is a good solution. It's fundamentally important to give him a fair chance and avoid comparisons to Alonso. It's not easy to follow in the footsteps of such a successful coach – but that doesn't mean this plan is doomed. I like to think of Liverpool FC and Jürgen Klopp. When he left the Reds, everyone thought the world was coming to an end. In the end, they won the championship with Arne Slot. Anything is possible."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BAYER LEVERKUSEN?

  Ten Hag will lead his rebuilt side into the new Bundesliga season, which kicks off this weekend. His immediate challenge is to integrate the new signings and establish his philosophy following the mass exodus of established stars. Ramelow believes Leverkusen can still secure a top-five finish, and their non-participation in this summer's strenuous Club World Cup could prove to be a physical advantage over their rivals as the season progresses.

Granit Xhaka claims Erik ten Hag was never the problem and his decision to move to Sunderland stems from his desire to become a coach.

• Xhaka clears the air around Ten Hag
• Annoyed that coach is being portrayed wrongfully
• Says Sunderland move will shape him for future

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Xhaka’s transfer saga this summer was full of twists that kept fans guessing until the very end. After Bayer Leverkusen hired Ten Hag as the head coach, he tried to persuade Xhaka to stay and the midfielder initially wanted to stay until Sunderland knocked on the door. The Swiss international claims he had "clear and correct" talks with the Bayer manager and doesn't understand why people are blaming him for his move. 

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  Opening up further about what led to him signing for the Black Cats, the 32-year-old conveyed that the story of the football club and it's struggles and suffering felt relatable to him. Furthermore, although not being on the same page initially, he agreed to join Sunderland as he felt it fostered the right conditions for him to become a coach in the future. However, when the Sunderland owner called Xhaka, his first thought was that somebody is playing a 'trick' on him. 

• WHAT XHAKA SAID

  Talking about what unfolded this summer with , Xhaka candidly spoke on the events and rebuffed any ill-claims on Ten Hag, as he said: "It annoys me that Erik is being portrayed as the problem. He was never the problem, never! He only called me after three or four weeks because he didn't want to disturb me during the holidays. I had a very good conversation with him. He knew I was looking at an exciting offer. And maybe he sensed he would lose me. But our conversation was always clear and correct. I would have played as captain under him."

  Xhaka thought the call from Sunderland owner Kyril-Louis Dreyfus was a joke and eventually was swayed away by their eagerness to sign him. He added: "Everything happened very quickly. The first contact was made one day before departure for the Bayer camp in Rio de Janeiro. At 11 p.m., a Swiss number lit up on my cell phone. I was on my way to bed, the children were already asleep: 'Hello, this is Kyril. I'm the owner of Sunderland.' I played along because I thought someone was playing a trick on me. My agent, José Noguera, was in America at the time, with a corresponding time difference. I gave Kyril my agent's number. The conversation was clear, but brief. Ten minutes later, Jose called via FaceTime, along with the sporting director and Kyril. That's when I realised: This is serious."

  Xhaka further added: "I was honest with Kyril and told him that I couldn't really imagine an immediate return to the Premier League. But after the phone call, I felt: You have to do this, Granit! The club is coming from a situation that reminded me of my parents' beginnings – from scratch. And I feel that this experience here will be of the greatest benefit to me for my future. Why? I want to pursue a career as a coach at some point. That's why it's important to experience moments of suffering and solidarity. We will have to suffer a lot in the coming months. That's another side of football, but it's also part of it and will shape me. Furthermore, did everything, absolutely everything, to bring me back to England. When a club gives you such feelings, it would almost be rude not to consider them. I was so touched by those in charge. I couldn't say no."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR XHAKA?

  Sunderland, led by club captain Xhaka, kicked off their Premier League with a win over West Ham United last weekend and are set to face to Burnley next on August 23, before facing Championship-side Huddersfield in the first round of Carabao Cup. 

Crystal Palace are reportedly exploring a sensational move to bring Conor Gallagher back to Selhurst Park, with talks already held with Atletico Madrid over a potential deal. The England midfielder, who starred during his 2021-22 loan spell with the Eagles, could return either on loan or permanently, depending on Atletico’s stance in the coming weeks.

• Crystal Palace open talks with Atletico for Gallagher return
• Midfielder played 50 games in debut season in Spain
• Atletico prefer permanent sale, Eagles exploring loan option

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Fabrizio Romano reports that Crystal Palace have approached Atletico Madrid over a deal for Gallagher. As confirmed by The Athletic, the Premier League side are weighing up the possibility of a loan move, while Atletico would prefer a permanent sale. Initial talks have been held, but no formal bid has been made yet.

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  Gallagher enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Crystal Palace in 2021-22 on loan from Chelsea, scoring eight goals and winning their Player of the Season award. He moved to Atletico in 2024 from the Blues, but has struggled for consistent game time. Palace’s midfield options are stretched, with injuries forcing Oliver Glasner to rotate heavily at the start of the season.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The 25-year-old played 50 games in his debut season at Atletico but was often used from the bench after Christmas. He started their opening game of this season but was subbed at half-time and featured as a substitute against Elche last weekend. Gallagher is also part of England’s setup, with Thomas Tuchel set to name his next squad this week.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GALLAGHER?

  Crystal Palace are expected to monitor Atletico’s stance closely before deciding whether to formalise their interest. Gallagher remains tied down on a long-term contract until 2029, meaning a deal may be complicated. With two weeks left in the transfer window, developments could accelerate quickly.

Neymar has contradicted Carlo Ancelotti’s explanation for his Brazil absence, claiming that snub has “nothing to do with my physical condition”.

• Santos superstar overlooked for qualifiers
• Eager to grace World Cup finals next summer
• Adamant that he is nursing on injury issues

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 33-year-old superstar was one of several household names to be left out of the latest Selecao squad. Neymar is back in his homeland at Santos and eager to grace the World Cup finals next summer.

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  He will not be gracing the final rounds of qualifiers ahead of that event, with Brazil already assured of their tickets to FIFA’s flagship event, with the decision taken to leave him out of meetings with Chile and Bolivia.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ancelotti claimed that Neymar was overlooked due to another knock, with the Italian coach saying: “Neymar isn't in this second squad because he had a minor problem last week, but he doesn't need to prove anything. Everyone knows Neymar, the national team, and all the Brazilian fans. Neymar, like everyone else, needs to be in good physical shape to help the team perform well and try to give their best at the World Cup.”

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  WHAT NEYMAR SAID

  Neymar insists he is fully fit, telling reporters after lining up against fellow Brazil legend Thiago Silva in Santos’ goalless draw with Fluminense: “I had swelling in my adductor muscle. It was annoying, but nothing serious, I even played today. Against Bahia, I wasn't going to play (suspension) so they preferred to keep me out of training so I could recover.

  “I think I was left out (by Brazil) for technical reasons, I think it has nothing to do with my physical condition.”

Vitinha reflected on his “dream season” at PSG and set his sights on climbing high in the Ballon d’Or race alongside Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele.

• Midfielder hails “almost perfect” PSG season
• Eyes strong Ballon d’Or finish this year
• Portugal star ready for Armenia qualifier

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  PSG midfielder Vitinha reflected on his “dream season” and admitted he is targeting a strong finish in the Ballon d’Or race after being nominated for the prestigious award. The Portuguese international enjoyed a stellar campaign in 2023-24, helping PSG to a historic quadruple as they claimed the Ligue 1, Champions League, Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions titles, while also adding a UEFA Nations League winner's medal to his collection with Portugal. Speaking ahead of Portugal’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Armenia, the 25-year-old insisted he will “aim for a good place” in the rankings.

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  WHAT VITINHA SAID

  Reflecting on his standout year at PSG, Vitinha described the 2023-24 campaign, underlining both his satisfaction and ambition to keep improving: "I see it as excellent. It was a dream season. I'll certainly remember it. I hope it's not the best, that there's better to come. It was an almost perfect season. I felt good. It's true that I'm among the nominees and I feel like I can aim for a good place. As far ahead as possible, for me, is great."

  The midfielder then shifted focus to his international duty, stressing that Portugal’s success brings added weight of expectation, particularly ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Armenia: "We have a different responsibility. When we win, expectations are higher, and it's up to us to live up to them. We want to show that against Armenia and achieve an important victory."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Vitinha’s candid words come at a time when the Ballon d’Or conversation is dominated by younger stars like Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, who provided a host of goals and assists to help deliver a domestic treble, and PSG teammate Ousmane Dembele, who thrived in a false-nine role and fired in 33 goals across competitions. Kylian Mbappe is also in the mix after another prolific year, but PSG’s collective triumphs have shone the spotlight on Vitinha’s consistency and adaptability. His emergence in the Ballon d’Or race underlines how midfielders are starting to reclaim relevance in an award long skewed toward goal scorers

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  WHAT NEXT FOR VITINHA?

  The Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held on 22 September, with Vitinha facing stiff competition from Yamal, who dazzled in Barcelona’s treble-winning season, and Dembele, who finally found consistency at PSG with a career-best campaign. While Vitinha may not yet be the frontrunner, his rise into the Ballon d’Or conversation at just 24 shows his growing importance at PSG and for Portugal.