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Key issues to watch with one week to go in the transfer window

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.



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Bayern 4-1 Gladbach (Mar 6, 2026) Game Analysis – ESPN

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Bayern 4-1 Gladbach (Mar 6, 2026) Game Analysis – ESPN


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.

Jamal Musiala celebrates scoring Bayern Munich’s third goal against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

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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Raiders trade Maxx Crosby to the Ravens for two first-round draft picks

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Raiders trade Maxx Crosby to the Ravens for two first-round draft picks


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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.

Maxx Crosby celebrates

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 uses smelling salt

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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Trump plans executive order to address college sports issues

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Trump plans executive order to address college sports issues


WASHINGTON — After a plea for help from the highest levels of college athletics, President Donald Trump on Friday said he will write an executive order within a week that will “solve all of the problems” brought forth in an unprecedented meeting at the White House to address the future of college sports.

Trump, who was joined in the East Room by about 50 people from varied backgrounds, hosted the first “Saving College Sports” roundtable with vice chairs Secretary of State Marco Rubio, New York Yankees president Randy Levine and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The group included other politicians, sports celebrities, media executives, conference commissioners, and university presidents, chancellors and athletic directors. Those who spoke delivered a similar message: College sports needs federal legislation to restore order in the NIL space and its overall economics.

“I will have an executive order within one week, and it will be very all-encompassing,” Trump said. “And we’re going to put it forward, and we’re going to get sued, and we’re going to see how it plays, OK, but I’ll have an executive order, which will solve every problem in this room, every conceivable problem, within one week, and we’ll put it forward. We will get sued. That’s the only thing I know for sure.”

NCAA president Charlie Baker was in attendance, along with ACC commissioner Jim Phillips, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark, Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti, American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti and Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua.

The meeting was scheduled for an hour but lasted almost two, and reporters in attendance were allowed to stand in the back of the room for the duration. Former Alabama coach Nick Saban, sitting two seats to the left of the president, was the first to speak for the college space.

Saban said his goal was to help prepare players for success in life and create an environment that would help them through personal development and academic support — and that became “impossible to do in this system.”

“I think we need to come up with a system, and we obviously have to do with the president’s leadership and also Congress, probably, whether it’s antitrust legislation or whatever it is, to allow student-athletes in all sports, including women’s and Olympic sports, to enhance their quality of life while going to college,” Saban said, “but still provide opportunity to advance themselves beyond their athletic career, which is what the philosophy of college athletics and getting a college education has always been about. And how much does anybody talk about getting an education anymore? Nobody talks about it at all, which is the most important thing any of these student-athletes can do in terms of enhancing the future.”

Former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said part of the solution is to “get rid of the collectives.”

“That’s cheating,” he said. “Donors put money in a pot. It’s distributed to the players through coaches and managers. That’s not allowed. Not supposed to do that. That’s pay-for-play.”

Lawmakers and others in the room rallied around hope that the SCORE Act, Congress’ leading Republican-backed effort to create a national NIL and college athletics regulatory structure, will pass. Sen. Ted Cruz said 60 Senate votes are needed, including seven Democrats, but he added that zero Democrats are ready to vote for it.

Texas Tech billionaire booster Cody Campbell, who has been working on the issue for months, cautioned that as it moves into the Senate, “certain dynamics are going to change.”

“Many of the agendas in this room and outside this room are going to become impossible,” he said. “The reality is nobody’s going to get everything. If we’re going to come to a solution on this, we have to find a place where we’re all equally unhappy, just like any other business deal.”

Phillips told the president, “We need your help,” and said none of the commissioners in the room has been told by any players that they want to be considered employees.

“They’re smart enough to understand what that means,” Phillips said.

Sankey also expressed a sense of urgency.

“We’ll fracture more if we fail to act,” he said.

“I will have an executive order within one week, and it will be very all-encompassing. And we’re going to put it forward, and we’re going to get sued, and we’re going to see how it plays, okay, but I’ll have an executive order which will solve every problem in this room, every conceivable problem, within one week, and we’ll put it forward. We will get sued. That’s the only thing I know for sure.”

President Donald Trump

Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said the college feeder system has “been the backbone of Team USA for generations.”

In the Paris Games, she said, athletes represented 231 different colleges and 71 conferences, and 90 different schools were represented by medalists. She cautioned not to take those sports at the collegiate level for granted.

“And while the United States has topped the gold medal table in eight of the last 10 Summer Games, I am here to tell you the margin is narrowing,” she said. “Around the world, nations are investing aggressively in sports, building centralized training systems, expanding funding and prioritizing athlete development in new ways. That growing global competition comes at a moment when U.S. colleges must increase their investments in football to stay competitive. The economic pressures are unsustainable. …

“We know what happens when those investments are reduced or disappear,” she said. “It hinders the future pipeline of Team USA, but frankly, it threatens the future health of sport in our country. We cannot wait for the economic pressure to create this crisis.”

Notably absent were any student-athletes.

“They’re very well-represented,” Trump said. “You know why? Because people like Nick Saban and Urban Meyer, all of the people that I know in the room — and the people probably I don’t know — they all care very much about the student-athlete more so than they care about themselves, so I think they’re really here. In that sense, they’re represented very well here.”



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