Sports
Key issues to watch with one week to go in the transfer window
The 2025 summer transfer window has entered its final week, with next Monday’s 7 p.m. BST (2 p.m. ET) deadline beginning to loom large for clubs and players still looking to seal deals.
Premier League clubs have spent over £2.2 billion on transfers since the first transfer window opened in early June (due to the summer’s Club World Cup), and the existing record of £2.36 billion, set in 2023, is almost certain to be broken before close of business on Sept. 1.
There are still plenty of deals in the pipeline and the early games of this season will have heightened the need for them to be done. So what are the big issues still to be addressed before the window closes? Are there any surprises in store over the final week?
– Ogden: New season, same problems for Manchester United
– O’Hanlon: The best worst transfers that should have worked
– How did Arsenal beat Spurs to Eze, and why do they need him?
Where will Isak be on Sept. 2?
Alexander Isak‘s future has been the transfer saga that has dominated the summer window, and a deal that is likely to break the British transfer record (currently Chelsea‘s £106.8m move for Enzo Fernández, as Florian Wirtz‘s £100m move to Anfield is reliant on add-ons) if it happens before the deadline.
Isak wants to leave Newcastle, he made that perfectly clear with an explosive Instagram statement, and Liverpool want to sign him. But Newcastle have insisted throughout the summer that the Sweden international is not available for transfer, despite the fact he missed the preseason tour of Asia and has been training on his own away from the first team.
Liverpool offered a fee of £110m for Isak’s transfer on Aug. 1, but that was swiftly rejected by Newcastle and the Premier League champions haven’t made a second bid. It has now become a battle of wills between Isak and Newcastle … who will capitulate first?
The odds now favor Isak staying at St James’ Park, due to the lack of time Newcastle would have to replace him, but maybe the situation will unlock itself once Newcastle have played Liverpool on Monday. Right now, though, it looks as though Isak will miss out on his big move this summer.
0:37
Amorim explains how he’s handling Man United’s wantaway players
Ruben Amorim explains his approach to handling the members of the Manchester United squad who have expressed a desire to leave the club.
Who will leave Manchester United?
Manchester United have been trying to raise funds by offloading unwanted players all summer, yet with a week to go before the window closes, they have banked precisely nothing from player exits.
Barcelona have taken Marcus Rashford‘s £325,000-a-week salary off the Old Trafford wage-bill, but United made no money from the forward’s loan move to Camp Nou. And Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and Antony — all exiled from the first-team squad and training on their own — have so far failed to seal moves away.
Argentina winger Garnacho is holding out for a move to Chelsea, but sources told ESPN that the two clubs are still around £20 million apart on their valuation of the transfer, while Sancho rejected a move to AS Roma last week. Real Betis are struggling to finance a permanent deal for Antony, after he spent last season on loan with them, while left back Malacia is proving even more difficult to shift due to a lack of interest in the former Feyenoord defender.
On top of those four outcasts, United are also trying to offload striker Rasmus Højlund. AC Milan pulled out of a move last week, but Napoli are making progress in a deal to sign the 22-year-old. United are saying they will not allow any of their players to leave on the cheap but, as the clock ticks down to the deadline, expect their asking prices to drop sufficiently.
Does Wissa’s future depend on Isak?
The Brentford forward has been a lower-profile version of Isak this summer and his fate is very much entwined with that of the Newcastle striker. After seeing Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) and Christian Nørgaard (Arsenal) get big moves away from the Gtech Stadium this summer, Yoane Wissa wants to follow them out of the club and move to Newcastle.
The 28-year-old hasn’t played in Brentford’s opening two Premier League games, with manager Keith Andrews saying it was “not right” to involve the DR Congo forward in his squad — though Wissa has been training with the first team.
Having lost Mbeumo, Brentford are reluctant to lose another proven goal scorer, but a deal could be done if Newcastle up their initial offer of £35m plus £5m in add-ons. Newcastle want Wissa, regardless of whether they can keep Isak, but if the Sweden striker leaves, their need for Wissa will increase dramatically … and so will Brentford’s asking price.
1:22
McManaman: Guéhi should be the priority for Liverpool over Isak
Steve McManaman assesses Liverpool’s transfer plans ahead of the start of the Premier League season.
Will Guéhi move, or stay at Crystal Palace?
Palace captain Marc Guéhi could become one of the biggest stories of the final week of the transfer window due to interest from Liverpool and Manchester City. The England defender, who led Palace to FA Cup glory last season, is out of contract at Selhurst Park next summer and has made it clear to the club hierarchy that he is prepared to remain with Oliver Glasner’s team and leave as a free agent.
That suits Glasner, who has just seen Eberechi Eze leave for Arsenal in a £67.5m move, but Palace chairman Steve Parish has admitted publicly that the best outcome for the club would be to recoup some funds for Guéhi’s transfer rather than lose him for nothing.
Liverpool are the front-runners, as they lack cover for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté at center back, and sources have told ESPN that Guéhi would consider a move to Anfield. But City are also keen and could move quickly if they offload either of Manuel Akanji or Nathan Aké this week.
Will Saudi Arabian clubs return for Fernandes?
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has already rejected the chance to make a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia this summer by turning down a transfer to Al Hilal in June, but Saudi Pro League rivals Al Ittihad are now interested in the 30-year-old midfielder.
The prospects of Fernandes leaving Old Trafford now seem extremely remote, but the Portugal international has made a poor start to the season and United still need to raise funds to balance their £200m outlay on Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko.
United explored the possibility of a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba only to be scared off by the Seagulls’ desire to bring in £100m for the transfer, but a last-minute big-money move for Fernandes would give United the financial power to strike some late deals that could solve a number of problems for coach Ruben Amorim.
Losing Fernandes would deprive United of their best and most-consistent player, but his shortcomings also hold the team back at times. So if Al Ittihad confirm their interest and make a big offer, United and Amorim would have a big decision to make.
2:04
Is Rodrygo’s time at Real Madrid over?
Alex Kirkland assesses Rodrygo’s future at Real Madrid.
Savinho or Rodrygo?
City have already offloaded winger Jack Grealish on loan to Everton this summer and are prepared to let Savinho move to Tottenham for over £60m — a deal which could unlock an £80m move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.
The Brazil international has fallen out of favor at the Santiago Bernabeu and is available for transfer, but links to Liverpool and Arsenal this summer have come to nothing. Chelsea considered a move for the 24-year-old but chose other options, while City retain an interest and could make a deal happen this week if they offload Savinho.
City manager Pep Guardiola has said he wants Savinho to stay, but Spurs now also want the 21-year-old after missing out on Eze to Arsenal.
2:00
Should Trafford be the number one at Man City?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens discuss whether James Trafford should be Manchester City’s starting goalkeeper after their 2-0 loss to Tottenham.
Donnarumma to replace Ederson?
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is ready to make a move from Paris Saint-Germain to Manchester City, but a deal hinges on City being able to offload Ederson. Having signed James Trafford from Burnley earlier this summer, City had been prepared to proceed with the 22-year-old and Ederson battling it out for the No. 1 spot this season. But PSG’s move for Lille’s Lucas Chevalier has led to Donnarumma becoming available and Guardiola is determined to take the chance to sign the Italy international.
City need to find a new club for Ederson, who is out of contract next summer, before completing a move for Donnarumma, however. Galatasaray have maintained an interest in the Brazil international but were only prepared to pay a £3m fee.
With Ederson starting on the bench for City in both games so far this season, expect the 32-year-old to push for a move this week that will pave the way for Donnarumma to head to the Etihad.
Luis Díaz scored one goal and made another as Bayern Munich beat Borussia Mönchengladbach 4-1 on Friday to extend its lead at the top of the Bundesliga to 14 points over second-place Borussia Dortmund.
With Harry Kane injured, Nicolas Jackson started in the centre-forward position for Bayern, one of seven changes to the side that beat Dortmund in Der Klassiker last weekend.
But it was Colombian Díaz who started the rampage.
He opened the scoring after 33 minutes with a crashing volley and then turned provider 12 minutes later when his clever pass set up Konrad Laimer to make it 2-0.
Bayern’s task was made easier when Rocco Reitz was sent off for rugby tackling Jackson 10 minutes into the second half.
Stefan Matzke – sampics/Getty Images
Jamal Musiala dispatched the resulting penalty to score his first goal of the season and Jackson celebrated his return to the side by adding a fourth 11 minutes from time.
Wael Mohya, 17, grabbed a consolation goal for Gladbach in the dying moments, becoming the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer.
The only disconcerting note for reigning champion Bayern was the withdrawal at halftime of Manuel Neuer. The Germany goalkeeper had returned after missing two games through injury. The extent of his complaint was not immediately apparent.
Gladbach remains in 12th place with 25 points, only three clear of the relegation zone.
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Myron Medcalf
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Myron Medcalf
ESPN Staff Writer
- Covers college basketball
- Joined ESPN.com in 2011
- Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato
Multiple Authors
This is a rare season, in which an elite freshman class has overshadowed the transfers who’ve anchored some of the top teams in America. That’s not to say this 2025-26 transfer class is a best supporting actor to the young guys, though. These players are stars too.
Only a few teams that have been led by true freshmen in the one-and-done era have won national titles. The transfers, meanwhile, have dominated college basketball in the portal era. Just last season, Walter Clayton Jr. was the Most Outstanding Player in Florida’s national title run, two years after transferring in from Iona. Tristen Newton (East Carolina) and Cam Spencer (Loyola Maryland, Rutgers) helped Dan Hurley win back-to-back national titles in 2023 and 2024. Baylor won a national title in 2021 with a fleet of transfers.
Could another transfer find similar success in this year’s NCAA tournament? Stay tuned.
Dusty May is thankful everyday that Lendeborg withdrew his name from the NBA draft last spring. The future first-round pick’s scoring numbers aren’t as gaudy as those of some of the others on this list, but he is the most impactful player for one of the top-tier national championship contenders. The former UAB transfer can guard multiple positions, play in transition, create for others and has become more of a perimeter threat, already taking more 3s this season than he did the past two seasons combined. He is averaging 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists. — Jeff Borzello
It’s no surprise Stirtz has translated seamlessly to the Big Ten. He was highly successful following Ben McCollum from Northwest Missouri State to Drake, and his scoring numbers are actually better in the Big Ten than they were in the Missouri Valley. The Hawkeyes’ offensive system is catered to Stirtz’s strengths, but his success is not just limited to usage: He’s averaging 23.3 points and 3.7 assists in league play, shooting 39.3% from 3. — Borzello
It remains unclear why the UCF transfer sat out a game in mid-February. What is clear is he’s the only reason Auburn’s NCAA tournament hopes haven’t completely died yet this season. The 6-foot-7 forward has produced his best performances in the wins that have held Auburn’s résumé together: 10 points, nine rebounds, seven assists vs. Kentucky; 31 points vs. Texas; 24 points at Florida; 32 points vs. Arkansas; 20 points vs. St. John’s. — Myron Medcalf
Demary has become one of the country’s most complete players after a two-year stint at Georgia. Opposing players have shot just 29% from 3 against the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year finalist, per Synergy Sports data. And though his usage rate is up from a season ago, his efficiency hasn’t suffered. He has connected on 43% of his 3-pointers and 79% of his free throws, all while leading the Big East in assist rate. — Medcalf
Sandfort is one of the Big Ten’s best this season, after his scoring average jumped from 8.8 points in his final season at Iowa to 18.3 points in his first season at Nebraska — a team that won its first 20 games. He’s also one of the nation’s top volume 3-point shooters (9.0 attempts per game, 40.3% clip). Only one other player takes and makes more 3s per game than the 6-foot-6 Cornhuskers standout. — Medcalf
Boyd is having a massive breakout season as a fifth-year senior at his third school. He played key roles on successful Florida Atlantic and San Diego State teams but is averaging 20.2 points as Wisconsin’s go-to guy this season. He has had a pair of 30-point games, and just fell short of a triple-double (27 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists) in a key win over Iowa in late February. He ranks in the top five in Big Ten play in scoring and in the top 10 in assists. — Borzello
The two-time transfer is putting up career-high numbers on offense, averaging 18.1 points and 5.4 assists — to go with nearly two steals per game. He has more responsibility on the offensive end than he did at previous stops Belmont or Maryland, needing to carry the Volunteers’ offense alongside Nate Ament. He had one of the best performances of his career last weekend against Alabama, finishing with 26 points, five rebounds, seven assists and eight steals. — Borzello
Wright left Baylor to be the maestro of a team that has fought through adversity without Richie Saunders, who is sidelined by a season-ending injury. The 6-1 point guard delivered his best stretch of the season in February, when he averaged 20.3 points and 3.8 assists. He also has made 43% of his 3s and 81% of his free throws, while committing turnovers on only 12% of possessions in Big 12 play, per KenPom. — Medcalf
Reneau had established himself as one of the most efficient low-post scorers in the Big Ten during three seasons at Indiana but has expanded his game since transferring home to the Hurricanes. He’s averaging career highs in scoring (19.6), rebounding (6.6) and field goal percentage (57.1%) while also making more 3s this season than he did during his three seasons in Bloomington combined. Reneau is a lock for first-team All-ACC. — Borzello
Most of the storylines this season about Louisville have focused on Mikel Brown Jr. and the back issues that have cost the freshman nearly one-third of his season. They’ve overshadowed Conwell’s performance, which has preserved Louisville’s shot at a solid seed in the NCAA tournament. Throughout the season, the 6-4 star has scored 22 points or more in 10 games, and is in the top four in points, rebounds, steals and assists for the Cardinals. — Medcalf
With projected lottery pick Caleb Wilson nursing a hand injury, Veesaar has stepped up for the Tar Heels, who were on a three-game winning streak entering the week. During that stretch, the 7-footer averaged 19.0 points and shot 70% from inside the arc. He was always important to Hubert Davis’ team, but with Wilson out indefinitely, he has kept the Tar Heels on the winning track. — Medcalf
Wilkerson was one of the most sought-after shooters in the portal last spring and he has lived up to those expectations. He has increased his scoring numbers despite jumping from Conference USA to the Big Ten, with several massive games: 44 points and 10 3s against Penn State, 32 points against Nebraska, 33 points at USC, 41 points and six 3s against Oregon. He’s the league’s top scorer in conference play, averaging 23.6 points. — Borzello
Johnson started only eight games for Illinois last season but showed flashes of being a high-level rebounder and an efficient scorer in the post. He has taken the next step since moving to Ann Arbor, averaging 13.3 points and 7.3 rebounds while also being an underrated and key contributor to one of the elite defenses in college basketball. Despite the Wolverines’ balanced attack, Johnson has posted six double-doubles this season — including an 18-point, 16-rebound effort against Washington. — Borzello
Baker-Mazara left Auburn after the Tigers’ Final Four run and was having by far the best season of his career before parting ways with the Trojans ahead of their final two regular-season games. He averaged career bests in scoring (18.6), rebounding (4.4), assists (2.8), blocks (1.2) and 3-pointers made (2.4) while carrying the offense at times. USC greatly missed Baker-Mazara when he sat out three games last month because of a knee injury and is sure to miss him down the stretch with its NCAA tournament hopes hanging by a thread. — Borzello
The transfer portal not only offers players fresh starts, it gives them a chance to achieve their dreams. Carr played only four games last season for Tennessee because of a thumb injury and then left the program midseason. At Baylor, the 6-5 guard is averaging 19.2 points and connecting on 38% of his 3s, a combination that has made him a projected first-round pick in June. — Medcalf
The third Michigan player on this list is one of the most imposing rim protectors in the country and anchors the back end of the Wolverines’ elite defense. He’s averaging 2.6 blocks in less than 23 minutes per game and is the primary reason Michigan ranks third in the country in 2-point defense and leads the nation in opponent’s average 2-point distance at KenPom. Mara is also shooting nearly 67% from the field and averaging more than 11 points. — Borzello
A former second-team AP All-American who helped coach Penny Hardaway achieve his best record at Memphis last season, Haggerty didn’t find the same success for a Kansas State team that parted ways with former head coach Jerome Tang. But his numbers this season remain comparable to — if not better than — those of last season. Averages of 23.3 points and 4.0 assists in 2025-26 are both career highs for the 6-3 guard, who is at his fourth school. — Medcalf
Nelson is the best player on the best team in the American Conference, routinely posting double-doubles as player of the year favorite in the conference. He followed Bryan Hodgson from Arkansas State to USF, but even Hodgson probably didn’t predict Nelson’s jump in production. He went from 10.6 points and 8.9 boards in the Sun Belt to 16.3 points and 9.9 rebounds this season, with 16 double-doubles and six 20-point, 10-rebound performances. — Borzello
Jai Lucas has done a fantastic job in Year 1 in Coral Gables, and at the heart of his roster construction was striking gold in the portal with Reneau and Donaldson. The latter was the starting point guard on a Michigan team that advanced to the Sweet 16 last season, and has been even better at Miami. He’s averaging 16.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists, and recently scored 32 points in a win over Virginia Tech. — Borzello
Texas is fighting to stay in contention for an at-large berth in Sean Miller’s first season in Austin. If the Longhorns get into the field, Swain (17.7 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.8 SPG), one of the nation’s toughest matchups, will deserve some of the credit. The 6-8 wing has made 65% of his shots around the rim this season per Synergy Sports data, and has also connected on 37% of his 3-point attempts in SEC play. — Medcalf
Averaging 17.8 points and 38% from 3, Collins is one-half of one of the top duos in the country, along with Mason Falslev. Anyone who watches a Utah State game can see his impact, and the analytics suggest he’s exponentially important to this team. Per EvanMiya, the Aggies are 22.4 points per 100 possessions better, by far the largest individual mark on the team, with Collins on the court. — Medcalf
Bill Self has praised Council, a transfer from St. Bonaventure, for his impact on team chemistry and his positive attitude during a wild season for the Jayhawks. With Darryn Peterson‘s injuries and cramping creating uncertainty all season, Council has been the consistent leader, averaging 13.5 points and 5.0 assists. The 6-5 guard also has started every game, creating stability for the Jayhawks. — Medcalf
Mike White could reach the NCAA tournament for a second straight year after Wilkinson, a transfer from Cal, produced one of the SEC’s top seasons. The 6-1 guard’s raw numbers are impressive: 17.7 PPG, 78% from the free throw line. He has been a threat with his midrange game, playmaking ability and his impressive knack for getting to the free throw line. Those qualities have helped the Bulldogs stay in the hunt for an at-large berth. — Medcalf
It took Atwell some time to emerge as a consistent offensive threat for Grant McCasland, scoring in double figures only five times in his first 12 games. But since Christmas, he has hit double figures in 16 of 17 games, averaging 14.8 points and shooting 48.7% from 3. He also has taken his game to a new level since JT Toppin‘s injury, scoring 26 against Kansas State and making 16 3s in his past three games entering the week. — Borzello
Miles was tracking for an All-SEC campaign until a knee injury caused him to sit out six games in January and February. He then came off the bench for two games, although Mark Byington will hope he’s back at full strength in time for the postseason. At his fourth school, he’s having a tremendous season: 16.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.7 steals — and establishing himself as a two-way catalyst alongside Tyler Tanner in the Vanderbilt backcourt. — Borzello
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The Las Vegas Raiders and the Baltimore Ravens made a blockbuster trade ahead of the start of NFL free agency.
Las Vegas is trading five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens, per multiple reports.
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Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium on Aug. 23, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
The Raiders will receive two first-round picks from the Ravens, including the No. 14 overall pick in next month’s NFL draft, one report said.
The 28-year-old Crosby had 10 sacks last season and has reached double digits four times in his seven seasons.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrate during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans in Houston, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2025. (Ashley Landis/AP Photo)
The Raiders last appeared in the playoffs back in 2021 but have gone 7-27 over the past two seasons. They have the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft, which is expected to land them Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
The Ravens, meanwhile, are entering a new era, after firing longtime head coach John Harbaugh and replacing him with former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders sniffs smelling salts during an NFL game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on November 20, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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