Dutch holding midfielder at Ajax; Netherlands international
Liverpool’s pre-season tour has seen tensions flare after Dominik Szoboszlai handed the captain’s armband to Kostas Tsimikas rather than Curtis Jones, prompting a post-match exchange. Szoboszlai later says there is no conflict and the captaincy will be settled by the club’s captain and coach.
Tottenham Hotspur have completed a major transfer window, signing Marmoush on a permanent deal and securing Savio in a high-value package from Manchester City. The signings bolster an attack-wide squad as De Zerbi eyes one final addition before the deadline. Kudus could return and Sarr’s departure remains under consideration.
Liverpool’s new manager Andoni Iraola is guiding his forwards in a high-press, high-output system as they host Nottingham Forest. The squad has added Barcola and Muñoz to strengthen the frontline, while debate rages over midfield balance and defensive solidity after a mixed pre-season. The weekend fixtures set the scene for a consequential start to the season.
Liverpool hold Forest to a 2-2 draw after leading twice, with Victor Muñoz equalising in the 82nd minute. The match was marred by a delayed substitution sequence due to a malfunctioning board, prompting post-match criticism from Iraola and others.
Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes has stepped down to pursue a fresh challenge with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The exit follows Michael Edwards’ departure and a broader leadership shake-up at Anfield. The club is searching for a successor to guide recruitment during a busy transfer window.
Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister has expressed sadness at not receiving a new contract, while teammates Szoboszlai and Gravenberch have extended deals. He has options to leave, and recent results show his form remains pivotal as Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid to start their Champions League campaign.
Atletico Madrid has lost 3-0 to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga and faces a challenging Champions League opener at Liverpool. Simeone cites a mixture of injuries, late arrivals and Alvarez transfer speculation as hampering preparations, while Jonathan David has joined on loan. The team seeks a sharp response in a challenging week.
Portugal has secured a 4-2 win over Denmark, while Germany beats Serbia 2-0 and the Netherlands draw with Greece as part of Nations League action. Ireland defeats Israel 3-0 amid security concerns surrounding the Israel fixture. Ronaldo remains on the bench for Portugal in Oslo.
City’s appeal against a landmark financial ruling remains central as they chase results on the field. Enzo Maresca’s side have won 3-0 in a dramatic return to action, while pressure mounts around ongoing charges and the potential seismic penalties.
Manchester City arrives at Anfield for a league clash amid ongoing hearings over 114 Premier League charges. A 3-0 win is recorded, but sanctions and an appeal hang over the club, coloring the result with doubt. Fans clash with narratives of cheating and sporting punishment, while manager Enzo Maresca keeps focus on the game.
PSG dominates the opening 35 minutes with goals from Doue, Dembele and Vitinha, while City fights back in the second half with Haaland scoring twice and Akliouche adding PSG’s third. The match comes amid City’s ongoing sanctions due to a financial impropriety ruling, casting doubt on a decade and a half of trophies as PSG reaffirms title credentials.