Aston Villa are prepared to sanction the departure of talismanic striker Ollie Watkins as a massive move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal nears completion. The England international has been the subject of intense speculation throughout the summer and is now expected to travel for a medical in the coming days.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner threw a trademark strop after being withdrawn at half-time in his latest Saudi Pro League outing, but the manager's bravery paid off
New Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez has dramatically broken with past policies by declaring that players plying their trade outside Europe will be considered for national selection. The former Barcelona boss insisted that pitch performance is all that matters, offering fresh hope to stars like Tijjani Reijnders, Memphis Depay, and Crysencio Summerville.
Cristiano Ronaldo is fast closing in on 1,000 competitive career goals, but could the Portuguese GOAT retire once that milestone has been reached? Former Manchester United team-mate Giuseppe Rossi has attempted to answer that question for GOAL, with future questions being asked of the legendary frontman in Al-Nassr and Portugal camps.
Francisco Conceicao could be set for a surprise departure from Juventus in the final days of the transfer window. Super-agent Jorge Mendes is orchestrating a massive domino effect involving Chelsea and Al-Hilal that could see the Portuguese winger move to Stamford Bridge.
Juventus are exploring an ambitious move for Italy striker Mateo Retegui as Luciano Spalletti targets a final attacking addition before the summer window closes. The 27-year-old Al-Qadsiah forward is viewed as an ideal candidate to bolster the Bianconeri frontline, although his substantial annual wages present a major stumbling block in club talks.
Al-Hilal striker Darwin Nunez is closing in on a season-long loan switch to newly promoted Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Diriyah after being frozen out of the first-team squad. The 27-year-old Uruguay international will have his full wages covered by the top-flight newcomers in an effort to secure regular minutes following a difficult spell in Riyadh.
Karim Benzema has been offered to Trabzonspor as negotiations with Al Hilal continue without a final agreement. The stunning development has sparked simultaneous talks between the Turkish club and the French star.
Chelsea have slapped a staggering new price tag on Pedro Neto as interest in the Portuguese international reaches fever pitch. The Blues are demanding a fee close to nine figures following reports that Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have already made a significant breakthrough in negotiations.
Al-Hilal are preparing for life after Karim Benzema, with manager Simone Inzaghi targeting Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as his replacement. However, any deal for the England international remains stalled while the Saudi club negotiate a contract termination payout with the 38-year-old Ballon d'Or winner.
Former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi is reportedly closing in on a move to the Saudi Pro League following a difficult spell in the Bundesliga. The 32-year-old Belgium international is expected to leave Eintracht Frankfurt after failing to secure a regular starting spot during his time in Germany.
Joao Cancelo has dropped the biggest hint yet that his permanent return to Barcelona is imminent following a social media post that has sent the Blaugrana fanbase into a frenzy. The Portuguese international, who spent a successful loan spell at the Camp Nou last season, appears to be counting down the minutes until he can pull on the famous shirt once again.
Chelsea winger Pedro Neto is reportedly closing in on a sensational exit from Stamford Bridge after agreeing personal terms with Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal. The Portuguese international has been the subject of intense speculation involving the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, but a move to the Middle East now appears to be the most likely outcome.
Manchester City are set to sell midfielder Tijjani Reijnders to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah for £51 million. The Dutch international has already agreed personal terms and departs the Etihad Stadium after spending just a single season with the club.
Al-Hilal have included defender Joao Cancelo in their squad for the new season while negotiations with Barcelona continue. The Saudi Arabian club has assigned him the number 20 shirt as talks over a permanent transfer stall.
Mike Maignan’s long-term future at AC Milan has been cast into significant doubt following reports of the goalkeeper’s growing frustration with the club’s current trajectory. Despite holding the captain’s armband and being a central figure at San Siro, the Frenchman is reportedly considering his options as Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr prepare a move.
Girona are looking to secure a major homecoming as they ramp up their efforts to return to the Spanish top flight. The Catalan club have reportedly targeted former Barcelona youth prospect Unai Hernandez, who is currently navigating a difficult spell in Saudi Arabia.
England international Ivan Toney has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm following an alleged altercation at a Soho nightclub. The 30-year-old Al-Ahli striker was charged by police last Thursday after an incident at 100 Wardour Street in December, and he is now scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on September 24.
Marc Casado's future at Barcelona remains entirely unresolved following a rejected bid from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in July. Although the 22-year-old midfielder has already agreed personal terms with the club, a significant disagreement over his valuation has left the proposed transfer at a complete standstill.
Newcastle United have officially confirmed the appointment of Matthias Jaissle as their new head coach following a successful stint at Al-Ahli. The German manager has already joined the squad in Spain and expressed his huge excitement about the long-term vision of the club, despite taking over just a fortnight before the season begins and facing several major player exits.
