Leeds United produced a spectacular second-half comeback to beat Liverpool 4-2 in the final match of their pre-season tour in Chicago.
Andoni Iraola’s side appeared in complete control at Soldier Field after establishing a commanding two-goal lead by half-time.
Luke Chambers opened the scoring early on before Florian Wirtz doubled the advantage following a sweeping team move.
However, the introduction of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Harry Wilson at the interval dramatically shifted the momentum in favour of the Yorkshire club.
Second-half collapse stuns Merseysiders
The fightback began when Brenden Aaronson capitalised on a costly defensive error from Milos Kerkez to reduce the deficit on the hour mark.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin then levelled the contest by heading home an Ethan Ampadu long throw at the back post.
Just two minutes later, Sean Longstaff scrambled the ball past Giorgi Mamardashvili to complete a stunning 13-minute turnaround.
The experienced Calvert-Lewin sealed the victory in the dying moments with a near-identical header from another dangerous Ampadu delivery.
Final preparations loom ahead of new campaign
The chaotic defeat concludes the United States tour for the Anfield outfit as they head back to Europe.
Iraola will undoubtedly be concerned by these defensive vulnerabilities with the new Premier League campaign now less than three weeks away.
Conversely, Leeds return to England with a significant confidence boost ahead of their respective season opener.
Chelsea have signed Argentina international Valentin Barco from sister club Strasbourg on a seven-year contract to bolster new manager Xabi Alonso’s squad for the upcoming season.
The 22-year-old becomes the seventh summer arrival at Stamford Bridge as the West London club accelerates its sweeping squad overhaul.
Capable of operating at left-back or in central midfield, the versatile defender is expected to fly out immediately to join his new team-mates on their pre-season tour of Australia and Hong Kong.
World Cup controversy and French success
The South American recently made global headlines for a fiery altercation with England midfielder Jude Bellingham immediately following a tense World Cup semi-final in Atlanta.
Bellingham appeared to clip the young international around the head after the unused substitute controversially ran onto the pitch to celebrate Enzo Fernandez’s crucial equaliser.
Prior to his international exploits, the former Brighton prospect established himself as a dominant force in French football over a highly successful spell.
He originally joined the Ligue 1 outfit on loan in 2024 before making the move permanent, ultimately accumulating 53 appearances and driving the team to Conference League qualification.
Alonso’s rapid recruitment drive continues
This latest acquisition highlights a remarkably busy window for the Blues hierarchy as they aggressively remodel the playing staff.
The Argentine joins an influx of Premier League experience, following Saturday’s confirmed signing of veteran forward Danny Welbeck from his former club Brighton.
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix have also committed their futures to the new project.
The sweeping recruitment drive is further supplemented by the arrivals of Marco Palestra, Emmanuel Emegha, and Geovany Quenda as Chelsea prepare for a renewed domestic push.
Crystal Palace are facing a major transfer dilemma after winger Ismaila Sarr reportedly agreed terms to join Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce.
The Turkish giants are now pressing the South London club to finalise an agreement for the 28-year-old.
Fenerbahce accelerated their pursuit of the Senegal international after missing out on primary target Rafael Leao.
Italian journalist Marco Conterio claims the transfer is advancing rapidly following the player’s approval.
He is one step away from a move to Fenerbahce, and has already said yes to the Turkish Super Lig giants.
Marco Conterio
A massive blow for Pierre Sage
The potential departure of the former Watford man presents a nightmare scenario for newly appointed Palace manager Pierre Sage.
Sage recently succeeded Oliver Glasner and would be extremely reluctant to lose his most influential attacker ahead of the new campaign.
The lightning-fast forward enjoyed a phenomenal season at Selhurst Park, finishing as the UEFA Conference League’s top scorer with nine goals in 13 appearances.
In total, the winger netted 21 times across 45 matches.
He subsequently became the first Eagles player to breach the 20-goal mark in a single campaign since Glenn Murray in 2013.
Palace hold the negotiating power
Despite the player’s reported willingness to move, chairman Steve Parish remains in a strong negotiating position.
The attacker only arrived from Marseille in a £12.5m deal in August 2024 and still has three years remaining on his current contract.
During his brief but highly successful stint in London, he helped secure an unprecedented treble consisting of the FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League.
Palace are expected to demand an astronomical fee to sanction any departure.
The club has already lost standout central defender Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea in a lucrative £52m move.
The necessity to retain their star asset is further amplified by the ongoing struggles of Brennan Johnson, who has failed to impress as a viable alternative on the right flank.
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly submitted an opening bid of up to £55m for Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen as they look to strengthen their attacking options this summer.
The North London club are actively searching for a new centre-forward to bolster manager Roberto De Zerbi’s forward line.
Current striker Richarlison is pondering a potential exit, prompting the hierarchy to explore high-profile replacements.
According to reports from Turkey, an initial offer worth between £50m and £55m has already been presented to acquire the prolific attacker.
Galatasaray are understood to be holding out for a guaranteed fee closer to £65m for the Nigerian international.
Personal terms not expected to be a hurdle
The former Napoli marksman is said to be highly enthusiastic about a permanent switch to the Premier League.
Previous negotiations with Chelsea broke down late in the transfer window two years ago, but a move to England remains his primary ambition.
Sources suggest that agreeing personal terms with the lightning-fast forward would not present a problem for the current Spurs administration.
A successful acquisition would represent a massive statement of intent for a team aiming to climb the Premier League table next season.
Richarlison’s uncertain future under De Zerbi
Any imminent arrival could pave the way for Richarlison to depart after a productive campaign in which he netted 12 league goals.
The Brazilian forward recently scored a late winner during a pre-season friendly against Chelsea in Sydney, yet his long-term status remains unresolved.
De Zerbi openly acknowledged the delicate situation while heavily praising the South American’s exceptional work ethic and daily attitude.
“It’s unbelievable the attitude and behaviour, but at the end we have to respect what he wants to do,” said the Tottenham boss.
“For me, he’s still an important player, because it’s not so easy to find another striker like Richarlison, because he scores goals.”
The Italian coach stressed that the entire squad and backroom staff will continue to hold the player in high regard regardless of his final decision.
Bournemouth are finalising an £11.1m deal to sign Sevilla right-back Juanlu as manager Marco Rose looks to complete his squad ahead of the new season.
The 22-year-old will command an initial £9.4m fee, with a further £1.7m in performance-related add-ons included in the agreement.
He is expected to travel to the south coast shortly to finalise terms on a long-term contract.
A tall and attacking full-back, the defender brings valuable experience and has been heavily capped at youth level for Spain.
European preparations drive recruitment
This impending arrival marks the third major summer acquisition for the Cherries during a busy transfer window.
It follows the high-profile additions of centre-back Antonio Silva from Benfica for £26.6m and striker Alvaro Rodriguez from Elche for £25.7m.
Rose is now focusing his attention on securing a capable deputy goalkeeper to provide competition for current number one Djordje Petrovic.
The Premier League outfit are building crucial squad depth as they prepare to compete in the Europa League for the first time in their history.
Outgoing business and untouchable stars
While arrivals continue, out-of-favour striker Enes Unal is attracting interest from Sevilla, though the Turkey international also has lucrative options in Saudi Arabia and his homeland.
However, the club’s hierarchy have taken a firm stance on keeping their most prized assets at the Vitality Stadium.
Senior sources insist that the star trio of Eli Junior Kroupi, Rayan and Alex Scott remain entirely unavailable for transfer.
Former Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah is on the verge of joining Turkish club Trabzonspor after significant progress in contract negotiations.
The Super Lig outfit have reportedly moved into pole position to secure the signature of the Egyptian international.
Domestic rivals Besiktas have consequently suspended their own talks with the forward’s representatives, despite previously reaching a verbal agreement over a one-year deal.
A move to Turkey would mark a new chapter for the prolific attacker following his highly successful, trophy-laden spell in the Premier League.
Manchester City target Pedro Neto
Elsewhere, Manchester City are preparing a surprise £70m swoop for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto.
The Portuguese international is viewed as a key squad member at Stamford Bridge, but the London club remain open to negotiations.
AC Milan are also monitoring the 26-year-old’s situation, although the lightning-fast forward prefers to stay in English football.
Premier League clubs chase Godts and Scalvini
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are all tracking Ajax winger Mika Godts.
The 21-year-old Belgian impressed last season with 17 goals and 13 assists across 34 appearances in all competitions.
Paris St-Germain have stepped up their pursuit of the highly-rated youngster, meaning Premier League suitors must act quickly to meet his €50m valuation.
Chelsea and Tottenham have also joined Newcastle United in the race to sign Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini.
The Italian Serie A side are demanding a fee in the region of €50m for the talented 22-year-old defender.
Spurs pursue Osimhen as Torres considers PSG
Tottenham have reportedly made an opening £55m bid for Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen.
The North London club are actively seeking elite attacking reinforcements ahead of the new campaign.
Meanwhile, Barcelona forward Ferran Torres is open to joining Paris St-Germain after contract extension talks stalled in Catalonia.
In midfield transfer news, Arsenal and Newcastle remain locked in direct negotiations over a £70m deal for Bruno Guimaraes.
Finally, Curtis Jones is prepared to force a move to Inter Milan after Liverpool rejected an initial approach from the Italian heavyweights.
Captain Kevin Nisbet scored a stoppage-time penalty to secure Aberdeen a dramatic comeback victory over 10-man Hearts at Pittodrie.
The visitors had looked comfortable for long spells after taking a deserved lead through a close-range strike from Oisin McEntee.
Hearts appeared on course to establish strong domestic momentum until a chaotic final few minutes turned the match completely on its head.
In the 90th minute, a dangerous free-kick delivery from Stuart Armstrong caused sheer panic inside the penalty area.
Late penalty drama sinks visitors
Dan Happe headed the ball back across the face of goal before Lewis Mayo forced it over the line to grab a last-gasp equaliser.
Things immediately went from bad to worse for the away side as Stuart Findlay brought down the charging Toyosi Olusanya inside the box.
The defender was shown a straight red card for the foul, presenting the home side with a golden opportunity to snatch all three points.
Nisbet stepped up to confidently convert the resulting spot-kick, punishing the Edinburgh outfit for their sudden lack of defensive discipline.
Vrancken demands European response
The late collapse leaves Hearts reeling following their recent heavy aggregate defeat to Sturm Graz in Champions League qualifying.
Head coach Wouter Vrancken expressed deep frustration at his team’s inability to manage the game from a winning position.
“We give it away in five minutes,” was the Belgian manager’s blunt post-match response.
“We had to be smarter. We were going in attack with too many people there instead of keeping control and managing the counter, especially when you are 1-0 ahead.”
The manager must now rally his squad for a demanding Europa League qualifying tie against Portuguese giants Benfica on Thursday evening.
Meanwhile, Aberdeen boss Stephen Robinson praised the fighting spirit shown by his players to extend their impressive winning streak.
The dramatic triumph builds upon a flawless League Cup group stage campaign for the buoyant Dons.
Manchester United are exploring a surprise transfer for Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly as the Old Trafford club look to bolster their defensive options this summer.
The United hierarchy hold a long-standing interest in the versatile prospect and are keen to discover whether the Gunners would entertain negotiations.
Erik ten Hag’s side are simultaneously pressing ahead with an attempt to sign Newcastle United full-back Lewis Hall.
Arsenal’s shifting squad dynamics
A move for Lewis-Skelly appeared highly possible last season when the academy graduate found himself omitted from the starting line-up for extended periods.
However, a late-season revival transformed his profile and culminated in a starting role during the Champions League final against Paris St-Germain.
The youngster offered crucial energy in the latter stages of the campaign as Arsenal ultimately clinched the English title.
The North London club would prefer to retain the highly-rated prospect, but their stance could shift depending on high-profile incoming arrivals.
Ambitious midfield recruitment
Arsenal are reportedly pursuing ambitious deals for Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.
Guimaraes would be deployed as a number eight, providing the aggressive pressing required to accommodate an elite attacking talent like Vinicius.
Such a dramatic change in squad dynamics could force Lewis-Skelly to reassess his long-term pathway into the first team.
The champions are not actively looking to offload the teenager, although they acknowledge the need to balance their books if priority targets are secured.
Expected departures and alternative targets
Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for several established players, including Reiss Nelson, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
Striker Viktor Gyokeres is also reportedly available for transfer, while Danish midfielder Christian Norgaard is already finalising a departure to Everton.
Meanwhile, Manchester United remain hopeful of concluding a deal for Newcastle’s Hall amid a tumultuous summer of strategic assessment at St James’ Park.
The young defender is open to a switch, though agreeing a final fee with the Magpies’ ambitious ownership will require significant negotiation.