Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will eventually sign for Real Madrid, according to Borussia Dortmund president Hans-Joachim Watzke.
The Norwegian forward has been the subject of intense transfer speculation following bold promises made by Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme.
Riquelme has pledged to bring the prolific goalscorer to the Bernabeu if he is successful in Sunday’s election.
Dortmund chief predicts Spanish move
Watzke, who previously oversaw the striker’s development in Germany, believes a move to the Spanish capital is a certainty.
However, the Dortmund executive dismissed the possibility of an immediate departure from the Etihad Stadium.
“I know very well what he thinks, and I can say that he certainly admires Real Madrid and would like to play for them in the future, but next season he will continue playing for Manchester City.”
Hans-Joachim Watzke
Watzke added that the former Bundesliga star will likely make the switch in two or three years.
Manchester City threaten legal action
The Premier League champions have fiercely rejected the Spanish reports, insisting there is no contractual clause enabling such a transfer.
City released a firm statement condemning the claims and confirming they are considering legal action regarding the unauthorised use of their player’s image.
The Manchester club maintain that the stories are completely unfounded and there is absolutely no chance of the transfer happening.
Representatives dismiss election promises
The player’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, and his father, Alfie, have also publicly dismissed the ongoing election rumours.
They released a joint statement describing the Madrid-based claims as entertaining but entirely untrue.
Despite the strong denials from the English club and the player’s camp, Riquelme remains adamant about his transfer strategy.
The presidential candidate insists that formal negotiations will commence immediately if he secures a victory at the ballot box.
Former Manchester City and Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure has been appointed as the new head coach of Slovakian champions Slovan Bratislava.
The move marks the first senior managerial position for the African football icon, following several assistant roles across Europe and the Middle East.
He replaces departing boss Vladimir Weiss, who stepped down this summer after a successful five-year tenure in the dugout.
Slovan Bratislava recently secured their eighth consecutive domestic league title, earning them a place in the upcoming Champions League qualifying rounds.
A wealth of elite experience
The midfield powerhouse enjoyed a glittering playing career, winning three Premier League titles and the FA Cup during an eight-year stay at the Etihad Stadium.
Before his dominant spell in England, the highly decorated player claimed La Liga and Champions League honours with Spanish giants Barcelona.
Following his retirement in 2019, the 41-year-old embarked on a coaching career that began as an assistant at Olimpik Donetsk and Akhmat Grozny.
He later spent a season working within Tottenham Hotspur’s academy setup before taking up coaching positions at Standard Liege and with the Saudi Arabia national team.
Champions League ambitions
Taking charge of the Slovakian heavyweights represents a significant opportunity, with immediate expectations to guide the club through European qualification.
The domestic title winners participated in the newly expanded Champions League league phase during the 2024-25 season, finishing 35th out of 36 teams.
Reports suggest the new manager is keen to bring in former Celtic and Swansea City coach Darren O’Dea as his assistant.
Toure follows his older brother Kolo into front-line management, after the former Arsenal defender’s brief stint in charge of Wigan Athletic.
Former Manchester United forward Giuseppe Rossi has urged the club to sign free agent Robert Lewandowski this summer to mentor young striker Benjamin Sesko.
The 37-year-old Poland international will officially become a free agent next month following his departure from Barcelona.
Despite his advancing years, Rossi believes the veteran marksman still possesses the quality to perform at the highest level.
Invaluable experience for a rising star
Rossi highlighted the profound impact such a seasoned professional could have on the development of Old Trafford’s current attacking prodigy.
“Of course, Lewandowski would be an incredible asset for the young players, providing his experience and big-game knowledge,” Rossi told Ozoon.
“With Benjamin Sesko being a young, growing player, having someone like Lewandowski on the team would only benefit him.”
The former Italian international described the potential short-term deal as a “no-brainer” with mutual benefits.
Overcoming early struggles at Old Trafford
Sesko arrived in Manchester from RB Leipzig last summer in a lucrative £73.7m transfer.
The Slovenian international initially found it difficult to shoulder the immense pressure of his hefty price tag and the responsibility of leading the line.
Early season difficulties were compounded by intense social media scrutiny, particularly after a costly penalty miss during a Carabao Cup shootout defeat to Grimsby.
He managed a disappointing return of just two goals across his first 17 appearances in all competitions.
Carrick sparks a remarkable turnaround
However, the forward’s fortunes shifted dramatically following the appointment of Michael Carrick as head coach in early January.
Under the guidance of the former United midfielder, the young striker concluded the campaign with double-digit goals, propelling his side to a top-three Premier League finish.
“He’s been fantastic, we’ve worked with him a lot in different ways over the last couple of weeks,” Carrick remarked after a crucial late winner against Fulham in February.
“He’s bright in training, he’s looked dangerous, he’s done extra.”
Adding a decorated Champions League winner to the dressing room could now provide the perfect final catalyst to elevate the promising goalscorer to the next tier of European football.
Arsenal are working on a £15m deal to sign 16-year-old Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga.
The Gunners are keen to secure the talented teenager as part of an aggressive youth recruitment strategy orchestrated by manager Mikel Arteta.
A fee of between £10m and £15m has been mooted for the versatile forward.
However, the transfer could ultimately go to a tribunal if the two Premier League clubs fail to reach a formal agreement.
Record-breaking Foxes debut
Monga made his senior breakthrough for Leicester during the 2024-25 season under former manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.
He made his professional debut as a 15-year-old during a 3-0 defeat against Newcastle United at the King Power Stadium.
That brief 17-minute cameo made him the second-youngest player in Premier League history, sitting just behind current Arsenal prospect Ethan Nwaneri.
You could see glimpses of his great qualities.
Van Nistelrooy praised the English youth international following his historic introduction in April 2025.
He’s a great winger and has speed. He’s a fantastic talent, a great boy.
The lightning-fast attacker has continued to establish himself in senior football this season.
He has accumulated over 1,000 minutes across 30 appearances in all competitions, registering one goal and two assists.
Versatility and Arsenal’s youth drive
Widely regarded as one of England’s fastest-rising talents, the youngster is naturally both-footed.
He primarily operates on the right flank but is equally comfortable cutting in from the left or playing centrally behind a main striker.
His playing style, characterised by raw pace and technical trickery, has drawn comparisons to Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku.
The potential arrival of the Leicester prodigy aligns perfectly with Arsenal’s recent academy focus.
The north London club have heavily invested in youth over the past 12 months, securing emerging talents such as Jaden Dixon and Evan Mooney.
Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa says Curtis Jones is interested in a move to Italy, but expects goalkeeper Alisson to remain at Anfield.
Jones has been heavily linked with a summer transfer to Serie A champions Inter Milan.
The 23-year-old academy graduate recently approached his Italian team-mate to ask about adapting to life in the Mediterranean.
Major changes at Anfield
The transfer speculation comes during a period of massive upheaval for the Merseyside club.
New head coach Andoni Iraola is evaluating his squad after replacing Arne Slot in the dugout following a disappointing campaign.
The Spanish tactician has already seen veteran defenders Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson depart, alongside the talismanic Mohamed Salah.
Robertson completed a move to Tottenham on Friday, while Salah and Konate are leaving on free transfers.
Chiesa praises special talent
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Chiesa confirmed he had spoken to the young English midfielder regarding a potential move abroad.
“All he asked me was what life is like in Italy.”
“I told him it’s great and the weather is better than in Liverpool which, other than that, is a special place.”
“Jones, technically, is a really good player. Inter do well to think about signing him.”
Alisson set to stay
While one key player contemplates a departure, Liverpool fans will be relieved by an update regarding their Brazilian number one.
Alisson had attracted interest from Juventus, but the former Roma stopper appears settled in the Premier League.
Chiesa added that he expects the veteran goalkeeper to reject a return to Italy.
“From what I hear, he’s staying in England. Then let’s see.”
“We’re talking about one of the top five goalkeepers on the planet. He’s a fantastic leader. He’s won everything and makes the difference on the pitch and in the dressing room.”
David Sullivan has stepped down as joint-chairman of West Ham United with immediate effect following the impending publication of serious historic allegations, which he categorically denies.
The Premier League club confirmed the departure on Saturday, stating that the resignation also covers his role as a director of WH Holding Limited.
It is understood that the forthcoming claims do not relate to the East London side or any of its footballing operations.
Legal action threatened over claims
Through his legal representatives, the former Birmingham City owner strongly refuted the accusations, describing them as decades-old and entirely false.
He explained that the decision to resign was taken privately to avoid causing disruption to the Hammers while he addresses the situation.
“I have recently become aware that factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life are due to be broadcast and published.”
He added that it is sadly inevitable that improper conduct claims might arise after a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult entertainment industry.
The former joint-chair also confirmed his intention to take legal action, specifically threatening to sue the BBC and any other media outlets that repeat the allegations.
Virani to lead interim operations
West Ham have announced that interim chief executive officer Karim Virani will continue to manage the day-to-day operations at the London Stadium.
Virani will report directly to the current board of directors while the club determines its future leadership structure.
Sullivan first entered football ownership in 1993 alongside his late business partner David Gold, acquiring a majority stake in Birmingham City.
Following the sale of the Midlands outfit in 2009, the duo purchased a 50 per cent share in West Ham, ushering in an extended era of control at the capital club.
Jurgen Klopp’s representative has dismissed claims the former Liverpool manager could take charge of Real Madrid if Enrique Riquelme wins Sunday’s presidential election.
Riquelme pledged to appoint the 58-year-old and sign Erling Haaland and Rodri if victorious against incumbent Florentino Perez.
The businessman stated his director would contact the German on Monday should his electoral campaign prove successful.
However, Marc Kosicke, representing the current Red Bull Head of Global Soccer, swiftly rejected the ongoing speculation.
“It’s annoying. He’s not planning to return to coaching a club and happy at Red Bull,” Kosicke told Sky Sports Germany.
Previous links to the Bernabeu
This is not the first time the Champions League-winning coach has been touted for a switch to the Spanish capital.
Speculation surfaced earlier this year suggesting he was a primary contender to succeed Alvaro Arbeloa at the end of the current campaign.
The former Borussia Dortmund boss previously denied any contact with the La Liga giants while acknowledging he had not permanently retired from the dugout.
“If Real Madrid had phoned, we would have heard about it by now,” he explained.
“But that’s all nonsense. They haven’t called even once, not once.”
A new era begins at Anfield
While managerial uncertainty swirls in Madrid, Liverpool have officially begun a new chapter following the appointment of Andoni Iraola.
The former Bournemouth boss signed a two-year contract this week to replace Arne Slot.
The Dutchman was dismissed after guiding the Merseyside outfit to a disappointing fifth-place Premier League finish this season.
Speaking to the club’s official website, the Spaniard promised to maintain the high-intensity football demanded by the Anfield faithful.
“There are some things that obviously we need to change coaching Liverpool,” Iraola admitted.
“But I wouldn’t like to lose our identity, the intensity, the aggressiveness, the organisation.”
Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa will hold talks with new head coach Andoni Iraola this summer over his Anfield future following a frustrating lack of playing time.
The 28-year-old has openly admitted he may seek a transfer ahead of the upcoming season if he cannot secure regular first-team football.
Speaking to the Italian media, the former Juventus forward revealed his ongoing struggles to cement a starting role on Merseyside.
He failed to start a single Premier League match in 2026 under previous manager Arne Slot.
Struggles for consistent minutes
The Italy international made just three substitute appearances across the final seven games of last season’s title-winning campaign.
Despite his limited involvement, the attacker contributed three goals and three assists in 726 minutes of action.
He arrived at Anfield in a £12m deal in 2024 but has consistently found it difficult to establish himself in English football.
“If I don’t find consistency in the Premier League, I’ll have to look elsewhere. I barely played in my first year at Liverpool, and in the last one, very little.” Federico Chiesa
A return to Serie A on the cards?
The lightning-fast winger confirmed he will attend the club’s pre-season training camp in the United States before making a final decision.
He plans to sit down with Iraola to discuss his overall prospects ahead of the new campaign.
“I’ll go on a training camp in the US, then I’ll talk to the club and the new manager, Iraola, and we’ll see.”
A return to his homeland appears the most likely outcome should the player ultimately depart the Premier League.
Juventus are reportedly interested in re-signing the Euro 2020 winner.
Como have also emerged as a potential destination after unexpectedly qualifying for the Champions League under Cesc Fabregas.