Ikhtisar Stuttgarter Kickers

A strategic £59.5 million rescue clause has firmly placed Liverpool in the driving seat to re-sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Real Madrid are all actively circling the England international, but the Merseyside club's incredible contractual foresight could ultimately ruin their rivals' ambitious transfer plans for next summer.

Former Italy international forward Fabio Borini has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35. The attacker, who enjoyed spells with European giants such as Chelsea, Liverpool, Roma, and AC Milan, confirmed his decision on Wednesday following the expiration of his contract this summer, bringing an end to a journey that spanned nearly two decades.

Spanish icon Pedro has officially hung up his boots at the age of 39, bringing an end to one of the most decorated careers in modern football history. The former Barcelona and Chelsea star confirmed his decision to retire four months after the conclusion of his final professional contract in Serie A.

Xabi Alonso's Chelsea have scored freely, but they've also conceded 12 goals in five games, the most in the league, and the cracks showed in a 3-0 loss at Brentford. With a leaky defence, a midfield short on control after the Enzo Fernández and Andrey Santos sales, and a Rogers, Palmer and João Pedro attack that is a joy to watch, the team is gifted but lopsided. So what is Alonso actually building, and can he find the balance before the season slips away?