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Following a difficult start to life at Rangers, Russell Martin now reportedly faces the threat of losing one of his most influential players amid regular contact from an interested club.

Martin tells Rangers to "seize" Club Brugge chance

Martin would have been the most relieved man in Glasgow when his side got over the line against Scottish League One side Alloa Athletic in the Scottish League Cup. Despite securing a 4-2 victory, the Gers were once again forced into a frantic affair and were found wanting defensively as they allowed their underdog opponents back into the game on two occasions.

Now, arguably the toughest game of Rangers’ season so far awaits. Set to square off against Club Brugge in their latest Champions League qualifier, Martin urged his side to “seize” their opportunity against their Belgian opposition and to play “with a bit more joy” this evening.

Qualifying for the Champions League could be the major turning point that Martin so desperately needs in the early days of his tenure and it could also help keep hold of one star player.

AEK Athens in regular contact to sign Dessers

Despite reports emerging that a deal broke down between AEK Athens and Rangers to sign Cyriel Dessers earlier this summer, it now seems as though the Greek giants have reignited their interest. According to TeamTalk, AEK Athens have been in regular contact to sign Dessers, despite Martin being desperate to keep him in Glasgow.

Even worse than Jefte: Euro club set for talks with Rangers to sign £4m dud

Rangers are reportedly set to hold talks with a European club over a potential deal for one of their players.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 19, 2025

The forward’s exit would be the most frustrating twist of the summer for those at Ibrox and Dessers himself is reportedly open to the move before the transfer window slams shut.

Earning praise from Martin for the “brilliant” job that he did in a 3-0 win against Viktoria Plzen earlier this season, Dessers remains an important player at Ibrox despite previous criticism.

After scoring 29 goals and assisting seven more in all competitions last season, it should come as no surprise that Martin is keen to keep hold of Dessers in the remaining weeks of the window. Whether Rangers manage to do so may be another question entirely, however.

With Pulisic delivering one of his best performances for Milan, GOAL US writers discuss the heights he can reach this season

Christian Pulisic is back again. There was so much furor, so much anger about him. Here was the U.S. men's national team star who skipped out on the Gold Cup, bailed when U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino needed him.

Turns out that there’s other football to be played. And Pulisic might be quite good for his club. He was excellent against Napoli Sunday, scoring and assisting to lead to a 2-1 win against last year’s Serie A champs. After five games, Milan are top of the table – who could have predicted that?

With his recent scoring streak, the question begs – is Pulisic officially part of that world-class club? Or is this simply a spark of form at the right time? One thing is for sure: Pochettino is smiling somewhere.

GOAL US writers debate Pulisic’s form and analyze Milan’s Scudetto hopes in the latest edition of… The Rondo

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Where does Pulisic's showing against Napoli rank among his best?

  Tom Hindle: Well, it’s gotta be up there. We’ve seen Pulisic take charge of individual fixtures before, and he was excellent in a couple of games last year. But this seemed seismic. A goal, and an assist in a contest that may be decisive at the end of the year. Immense from the American.

  Alex Labidou: It’s definitely in the top three. And part of the reason is that it cements Pulisic as AC Milan’s best player. It is rare to see a star deliver on outsized expectations, and he did just that against Napoli. Remember, talk before the game was whether or not and Pulisic’s surge of form was real and whether they could do it against the defending champions in Napoli. Well, they did. Pulisic’s assist on Milan’s opener was arguably his best and it set the stage for the rest of the match. As for the others in the top three: Pulisic’s goal against Real Madrid, which helped Chelsea reach the 2021 Champions League Final – which the Blues won – has to be up there. And then on the USMNT side, who could forget his hat-trick against Panama in Orlando that all but sealed the Americans trip to the 2022 World Cup?

  Ryan Tolmich: Pretty high, particularly given the stakes. This was a true "prove-it" game for Milan, and it was one for Pulisic, too. He has looked like one of the best players in Serie A. You need to play well in the big games to do that. This wasn't the biggest game of his career, but it was the biggest game of this season so far, and he rose to the occasion.

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• Getty Images
  

  Has Pulisic reached world-class level?

  TH: PLEASE CALM DOWN. Maybe he has. Maybe he hasn’t. Let’s just enjoy the streak and hope it continues for the USMNT.

  AL: Not yet, but he’s knocking at the door. Pulisic has world-class attributes, but as we saw last season – a campaign in which he also got off to a hot start – he needs it to sustain. On a positive, it does seem as if he’s got a competent manager who is driving success at the club, and has full faith in him. That hasn’t happened previously during his time in Europe. 

  RT: Not quite yet, and it'll be hard for him to get there this season. Without Champions League soccer, Pulisic and Milan, realistically, have to win Serie A to ignite that conversation. Is that possible? Sur. But it's a little early. If Pulisic is still scoring for fun come, say, January, we can revisit the question.

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  Are Milan serious Serie A title contenders?

  TH: They’re certainly picking up results. You wouldn’t say they’re favorites, but if the streak continues, and everyone else drops points here and there, they could be in the picture. Ask again in March. 

  AL: Yes. The win over Napoli proved they can go blow for blow with arguably Serie A’s best. More importantly, while and Roma – another surprise contender – have Europe to contend with, Milan do not. The rest between fixtures should help Milan, and Pulisic.

  RT: Right now, you have to say they are. It's been hard for any club to keep hold of the Scudetto, which shows both the parity and volatility of life at the top of Serie A. Milan have a good coach, some talented players and, at present, momentum. Teams such as Napoli, Inter and Atalanta are probably better but, hey, it could happen.

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• AFP
  

  How many goal contributions will Pulisic have?

  TH: This season, in the 25-30 range – and that will be just fine. 

  AL: If he stays healthy, this could be a 30-goal contribution season for him. The reality is he has to slow down at some point, but 30 goal contributions would put him firmly in the running for Serie A Player of the Year – which would be uncharted territory for a U.S. international. 

  RT: The baseline is about 20, given that's the number he hit in each of his first two Serie A runs. If he can hit 30, Milan will be in a very different place. That, obviously, will depend on fitness, form and, in some ways, luck. But Pulisic seemingly has it in him. More conservatively, put him in that 20-25 range to account for rougher moments.

Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou took aim at his side's defending despite being on the receiving end of a refereeing decision he described as an "absolute howler" in their 1-0 defeat against Sunderland on Saturday. The Australian is still searching for his first win since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground, having lost three of his opening five matches in charge.

• Forest fume as Dominguez receives yellow card for simulation

  Forest were left fuming when referee Tony Harrington booked midfielder Nico Dominguez for simulation following a coming together with Sunderland’s Trai Hume. And from the resulting free-kick, defender Omar Alderete was able to steal a march on the Forest backline before heading home what turned out to be the only goal of the game.

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• Postecoglou criticises Forest's defending as well as the officials

  However, while criticising a "whole range of decisions" from the officials, Postecoglou was adamant that his Forest players should have defended the set piece better, saying after the game: "It was a really poor goal we conceded, albeit after a poor decision, I thought, from the official. But it was a really poor goal and we had plenty of time to rectify that.

  "It was a whole range of decisions from the officials, from awarding and then some holding in the box. But I still think we were way too lax in our determination to keep the ball out of the net. I just thought it was a really disappointing goal to concede."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Postecoglou has his say on whether he thought Dominguez dived

  When asked whether he thought Dominguez had dived when challenging Hume for the ball, Postecoglou added: "I just thought play on, play on. But that's the referee's decision. There's nothing to say to him (Dominguez). I didn't think there was anything in it. Irrespective, even if the referee has made an absolute howler, we can still deal with the free kick better. We have to park that to one side. What we did after that is more of a concern to me than the decision."

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• Forest are now winless in Postecoglou's first five games in charge

  The result means Postecoglou is now winless in his first five games since taking over the Forest helm on September 9. The former Tottenham head coach oversaw back-to-back losses against Arsenal and Swansea City in the Premier League and Carabao Cup respectively, before a 1-1 league draw with Burnley ensured Forest picked up their first point under his tutelage. Forest also drew 2-2 with Real Betis in their Europa League opener on Thursday, before suffering defeat against Sunderland in what was Postecoglou’s first home match as manager.

Leeds United have placed a big emphasis on improving the defensive areas of their squad during the summer transfer window ahead of the Premier League opener against Everton.

Daniel Farke has added Lucas Perri, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Sean Longstaff, and Anton Stach to improve the strength of the team out of possession.

The Whites have also brought in Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha in the centre-forward position to compete for a starting spot as the number nine, but they have yet to bolster their options out wide since Manor Solomon returned to Tottenham Hotspur.

Leeds closing in on deal for defender

Despite the need for more attacking players before the end of the summer transfer window, the Championship champions are now looking to bring in another defensive option.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to LeedsUnitedNews, the club are closing in on a deal to sign Leicester City’s versatile full-back James Justin on a permanent transfer.

The report claims that the former England international is set to cost a fee of around £6m, with Leeds looking to beat Everton to his signature this summer.

It adds that Justin believes that he can come in and earn a starting spot straight away, either at left-back or right-back, which does not suggest that this is a signing with purely depth in mind.

Why this is bad news for Sam Byram

Sam Byram put pen to paper on a new one-year contract earlier this summer to play a back-up role as a versatile full-back who can play on the right or the left.

Jayden Bogle and Gudmundsson are the first-choice options at right-back and left-back, respectively, and the experienced Englishman is the current back-up in both positions.

This is why the arrival of Justin on a permanent deal from Leicester would be bad news for the Leeds academy graduate, because the Foxes star would, essentially, take his place in the pecking order.

Justin, like Byram, can play at right-back or left-back with ease and will provide strong competition in both positions, possibly being the first-choice replacement for Gudmundsson or Bogle, instead of the former Norwich man.

As you can see in the table above, Justin offered more to his team defensively and in possession than Byram at league level last season, whilst playing in the Premier League.

These statistics, and the respective leagues that they were produced in, suggest that Leeds would be improving the quality of their options in both full-back positions by splashing £6m on the Foxes star to be a Byram upgrade, in a way.

Justin, who was described as an “adventurous” full-back by pundit Tony Cascarino, is a proven Premier League performer with the experience to hit the ground running at Elland Road, which also means that he will not need much time to adapt to the division.

Therefore, this could be bad news for Byram because he could be instantly dropped down the pecking order to, essentially, third-choice full-back on the right and the left, as the Leicester man can play both sides.

Better than Beto: “Complete” ST is new Leeds target after Calvert-Lewin

Leeds United target new striking option to partner Dominic Calvert-Lewin on Premier League return

By
Will Miller

Aug 16, 2025

Whilst it appears to be bad news for Byram and his prospects for the 2025/26 campaign, it does appear to be an upgrade and a good piece of business for Leeds, who look set to sign an experienced, strong, and versatile Premier League-level full-back to bolster their squad.

Benfica have released behind-the-scenes footage from Jose Mourinho’s first game back at the club, with the outspoken Portuguese delivering an X-rated team talk to his players before heading into action against AVS Futebol SAD. The ‘Special One’ is back where it all began for him, having returned to his homeland, and has clearly lost none of his passion for his game.

• Mourinho back where it all began

  Mourinho took his first tentative steps in management with Benfica in 2000, but lasted just 11 games at the helm before changes at boardroom level led to him handing in his resignation. Some 25 years later, one of the most recognisable figures in world football is back at Estadio da Luz.

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  Trophy haul: Mourinho has won across Europe

  From humble beginnings, Mourinho has come a long way – winning countless trophies across spells with Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Roma. He was cleared to take the reins at Benfica after being sacked by Turkish side Fenerbahce.

• Opening win: Mourinho's first game back at Benfica

  Mourinho enjoyed a productive homecoming against struggling AVS, with Benfica easing to a 3-0 victory over rivals that sit bottom of the Portuguese top-flight. He had his players fired up for that contest, with dressing room footage being aired.

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• What Mourinho said in passionate team talk

  Mourinho told his squad before they headed out onto the pitch: “Winning at Benfica is beautiful. Playing at Benfica is f*cking tough. Losing at Benfica is f*cking tough. Winning at Benfica is f*cking beautiful. We've talked a lot, now we're going there, now we're going in there, and we're going to kill them.”

After what has been a quiet summer so far for Aston Villa, things seem like they are starting to happen. Unai Emery’s side will be competing in the Europa League next season, and are looking to strengthen their side for a competition they will surely be hoping to do well in.

The Villans seem to be targeting a new attacker this summer. One man who they’ve been linked to recently is Alejandro Garnacho. It was reported this week that Emery’s side have entered the race to sign the Manchester United winger his summer, although they will have to compete with Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea for his signature.

Garnacho is not the only winger Villa want to sign this summer, with links to another forward returning this week.

Aston Villa’s latest attacking target

Whether the Villans sign Garnacho or another target out wide, they will seemingly get to link up with Evann Guessand. The Nice striker will move to Villa Park this summer for a fee of £30m, according to reports, However, it might not be the Man United star who joins him in attack.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

As per reports in Spain, via Football365, the West Midlands giants are said to be interested in signing Barcelona and Spain international winger Ferran Torres. They are said to be ‘willing to pay’ the money Barca have asked for this summer, after previously having bids rejected.

In terms of that price tag, the La Liga giants have asked for a fee of £44m for the versatile forward this summer. It is a price that the Villa manager ‘hopes they’ll accept this time’.

If they meet that price, a deal is not guaranteed, with Barca officials ‘considering whether it’s really worth selling him’ this summer.

Why Torres would be a good signing

At only 25 years of age, Torres has already achieved plenty in his career. He has won some huge trophies, including the Premier League, La Liga and the European Championship. Individually, he is a “special” player, according to football scout Antonio Mango.

Indeed, that talent was on show for Barca last season. The forward, who came through the academy at Valencia, played 45 games in all competitions, scoring 19 times and grabbing seven assists. He managed 16 goals and assists in 27 appearances during his side’s successful La Liga campaign.

Let’s not forget, the versatile forward has already experienced Premier League football. Torres played for Manchester City for just over one year. He made 43 appearances, scoring 16 goals and registering four assists in that time.

Signing Torres over Garnacho could be a huge move for the Villans. The United winger has struggled of late, and despite registering 21 goal involvements in 58 games last term, just six goals and two assists came in the Premier League.

Despite the number of games he’s already played, the 21-year-old is inexperienced, which shows at times. Rio Ferdiand said last year that one area of his game he “needs to work on is that decision-making” in his game.

Whilst that can work in his favour sometimes, an example being this goal against Newcastle, it can work against him, too.

Not only is Torres’ game more refined, and he has more experience, but the numbers on Squawka suggest he’d be an upgrade, too.

For example, the Barca winger averaged 1.4 goals and assists and 6.3 forward passes per 90 minutes last term. In comparison, United’s number 17 averaged 0.4 goals and assists and 3.5 forward passes each game.

Torres, a flexible player who can lead the line or play on either flank, would surely be an upgrade on Garnacho. Not only is he more consistent in front of goal, but he offers great progression and better quality of cross into the box.

For a fee of around £44m, this could be a steal for Villa this summer, as they look to upgrade their attack.

Unplayable with Guessand: Aston Villa keen on signing £40m “special talent”

Aston Villa are in the market for another new attacker after signing Guessand

By
Joe Nuttall

Aug 7, 2025

The Gunners suffered an early scare at the hands of the Hammers, but a dominant second-half performance and some inspired substitutions meant they walked away with all three points

Arsenal Women continued a stunning start to the new WSL season with a 5-1 comeback victory at West Ham United, Alessia Russo finding the net twice late on to put the gloss on an emphatic victory.

West Ham had taken an early lead after Daphne van Domselaar took her eye off Shekiera Martinez's cross from the right, dropping the ball and allowing it to bounce off her and into the net. But the Gunners would not be deterred as Frida Maanum equalised before substitute Stina Blackstenius turned the game around off the bench.

Caitlin Foord added a third on her 100th WSL appearance, before Russo scored twice late on, both assisted by £1million record signing Olivia Smith, to send out a statement to Chelsea and the rest of the the Gunners' title rivals.

Following their opening-day 4-1 victory over London City Lionesses, Arsenal undoubtedly approached this encounter with a spring in their step but were dealt an early blow after just five minutes. Goalkeeper Van Domselaar's early error gave West Ham a shock lead and left the Gunners with an early deficit to come back from.

Arsenal rallied to build their way into the game though, equalising through Maanum just beyond the 20-minute mark. After some smart hold-up play by Russo, Beth Mead played the killer through-ball and Maanum struck the ball early to deceive Megan Walsh and equalise for the visitors.

Remaining level at the break, Arsenal manager Renee Slegers took off goalscorer Maanum and replaced her with Champions League final match-winner Blackstenius. The 29-year-old made a telling impact just seven minutes after her introduction, curling home left-footed from the edge of the box with Russo involved once again with a clever back-heel into her path.

Russo would eventually get her deserved goals late on, firing home from range before rounding off the result from the spot after Smith was felled by Ines Belloumou.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Chigwell Construction Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Daphne van Domselaar (4/10):

  Had almost the worst possible start following her glaring error after five minutes. While it didn't appear to impact the rest of her performance, West Ham created few opportunities so she had precious little to do.

  Emily Fox (6/10):

  A solid performance in both defence and attack. Confident to get on the ball and play forward from right-back.

  Katie Reid (8/10):

  The 18-year-old was starting for the second successive game and did not look out of place, continuing her confident start to life in the WSL with an assured display at the back. Always asking for the ball, Reid also looked to play progressive passes to begin attacks.

  Steph Catley (7/10):

  While the spotlight was no doubt on Reid, her central defensive partner showed all of her experience to limit West Ham's opportunities to get back into the game.

  Katie McCabe (6/10):

  Similarly to Fox, McCabe showed her athleticism to join attacks while ensuring that the home side created minimal opportunities at the other end.

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• Midfield

  Kim Little (6/10):

  A confident display controlling the midfield by the 35-year-old, who kept things ticking in a solid team performance.

  Mariona Caldentey (7/10):

  The Spain midfielder also looked at ease in the middle of the park and played her role in two of the goals, including a pin-point cross onto the head of Foord.

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  Attack

  Beth Mead (7/10):

  Mead was a strong attacking threat in particularly the first half, grabbing her third assist of the new season and driving her team forward on a number of occasions. Could have got her goal in the second period but slid the ball just wide.

  Frida Maanum (7/10):

  Took her chance to equalise in the first half when the team needed it. Was withdrawn at half-time in what appeared a harsh but ultimately effective decision.

  Caitlin Foord (8/10):

  Had an emphatic finish disallowed for offside before heading home just after the hour mark. A fitting way to mark her 100th WSL appearance.

  Alessia Russo (9/10):

  Ran tirelessly for the team and secured victory with her two goals, powering into the roof of the net from outside the box then stepping up confidently from the penalty spot. Not to forget her ingenious back-heel to set up Blackstenius' goal.

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• Subs & Manager

  Stina Blackstenius (7/10):

  Was brought on to win the game and Blackstenius helped to do just that. Already two goals off the bench this season to prove the depth in the Gunners squad.

  Olivia Smith (8/10):

  The Gunners' record signing stole the headlines on the opening day but was initially rested to the bench for this one. Came on in the second half and made her contribution with two assists for Russo, including winning the late penalty.

  Taylor Hinds (N/A):

  Came on with just over ten minutes to play and helped see out a confident victory.

  Victoria Pelova (N/A):

  Also came on late on alongside Hinds.

  Lotte Wubben-Moy (N/A):

  Replaced Catley in the final few minutes of the game.

  Renee Slegers (8/10):

  Slegers made tough calls, both in terms of her starting XI and her substitutions. Most of her decisions proved to be the correct ones and Arsenal won comfortably in the end.

Arsenal are the defensive kings of the Premier League. Across the past two campaigns, Mikel Arteta’s side have shipped the fewest number of goals.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, the club’s all-powerful central defensive pairing, have even been hailed by former midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker for their journey toward the pinnacle: “They could be on their way to becoming Premier League legends in terms of the best defenders we’ve seen.”

The security that the rearguard provides has allowed technical director Andrea Berta to work on signings further upfield. The imminent arrival of centre-forward Viktor Gyokeres is evidence of that.

However, Arsenal may yet be interested in making a defensive signing.

Arsenal's remaining transfer plans

After Gyokeres completes his move to the Emirates, it appears that Arsenal will forge ahead with a deal for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, having reached initial agreements over payments.

Elsewhere, the Gunners indeed want a defender, and that’s having already completed the signing of Valencia talent Cristhian Mosquera for £13m plus add-ons.

But, according to De Telegraaf – via reports in Spain, Arteta wants more, having set his sights on Ajax defender Jorrel Hato. Indeed, the north Londoners have initiated contacts with the Dutch giants as they look to hijack Chelsea’s bid.

The Blues might be frontrunners, but nothing is set in stone. It’s felt that a bid in the region of €60m (£51m) would be enough to get the deal done.

Why Arsenal want Jorrel Hato

Hato, 19, might only be in the early stage of his senior career, but already he has established himself as one of the most exciting up-and-comers on the continent.

In fact, talent scout Jacek Kulig has declared him to be “one of the most talented CBs of his generation in Europe.”

There are few other rising centre-backs who could rival him, but Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen is certainly one of them. The Spain international, who is 20, left Bournemouth for Los Blancos in a deal worth £50m in May, having enjoyed a spectacular breakout year in the Premier League.

Last season, Huijsen was hailed by one analyst for having the making of a “world-class” centre-half, prodigiously cool and confident on the ball, strong in the tackle, commanding in the air.

Hato could emulate him, joining an Arsenal side considering a final flourish to their remarkable backline. Already, he has made 111 senior appearances for Ajax, shifting between left-back and central defence, denoting his wide-ranging technical ability.

Look, for example, at the ball-playing skills that allowed the former Cherries prospect to shine so brightly. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 6% of central defenders in the Premier League last year for assists, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, and the top 15% for progressive passes per 90.

Hato, while not so expressive on the ball, showcased his own passing prowess to a fantastic effect, ranked as he was among the top 1% of positional peers in the 2024/25 Eredivisie for pass completion, the top 15% for passes attempted and the top 5% for assists per 90.

Moreover, having completed 90% of his passes in the league, averaged 1.9 tackles and won 55% of his aerial duels across league fixtures, as per Sofascore, he’s endowed with the tenacious defensive values needed to succeed in the Premier League.

For all his high-level ability, Huijsen left something to be desired in ground duels last year, winning only 51% of his battles.

Hato’s athleticism and limitless energy levels could see him provide the perfect cover for Gabriel and Saliba, initially serving as an understudy but one who would be certain to feature prominently throughout the campaign.

Arsenal – and indeed the rest of the Premier League – failed to convince Huijsen to remain on English shores, but in Hato, Arteta could sign a similarly complete and technically sharp defender with a wide range of skills.

Worth more than Isak & Gyokeres: Arsenal struck gold on "world-class" star

Arsenal have a bigger talent than all of the high-profile names floating about due to this summer’s transfer window.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 26, 2025

The Canada international showed just why the north London side forked out £1 million for her services this summer with an outstanding Emirates bow

For a while on Saturday, London City Lionesses looked like they were about to make the sort of statement they'd have dreamed of when the Women's Super League fixtures were announced back in July. The newly-promoted side have not been shy about their ambitions for this year, setting a new world-record for a transfer fee in the women's game just two days ago, and the reasons for that internal belief were shown to the outside world when they went 1-0 up away at Arsenal, at the Emirates Stadium, in their first-ever game in the top-flight.

The Gunners, though, made their own splash in this summer's transfer window, and it was fitting, really, that it was the electricity of Olivia Smith who sparked them into life in a 4-1 comeback win.

Arsenal made Smith the first million-pound women's player back in July and she showed her new fans that she was more than fitting of such a fee here, producing a sublime solo strike to get the Gunners back on level terms midway through the first half. Renee Slegers' side had started surprisingly slowly and London City took early advantage, with Katie Reid's foul on Kosovare Asllani allowing them to go ahead from the penalty spot. However, the game changed completely once Smith found the back of the net.

From there, Arsenal looked more like Arsenal. Chances came for Smith, Victoria Pelova, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo before the latter teed up Kelly on the stroke of half-time for what was a deserved goal.

While the Gunners were unable to add to their lead, there would still be precarious moments, with Daphne van Domselaar sure to have had her heart in her mouth as Rofiat Imuran's cross drifted over her head and hit the woodwork. But Arsenal deserved to win and that they did, with Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum both scoring from the bench to ensure they started the new season with three points as they look to really challenge a dominant Chelsea for the title this time around.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Emirates Stadium…

• Getty Images
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Daphne van Domselaar (6/10):

  Had very little to do in terms of saves. Commanded her area well, though.

  Emily Fox (7/10):

  Caused problems when she drifted into central areas, able to pick out passes that put the opponent on the back foot, and was solid at the back despite Imuran looking lively down London City's left.

  Katie Reid (7/10):

  A shame she gave away the penalty with a rash challenge because there was so much to like about her performance away from that. Showed what a good defender she is otherwise in a surprise start.

  Steph Catley (7/10):

  A solid performance in which she did very little wrong. Great on the ball, as per.

  Katie McCabe (6/10):

  Surprisingly quiet in an attacking sense but honoured her defensive duties well.

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• Getty Images
  

  Midfield

  Kim Little (7/10):

  Oozed class all afternoon, showing her wonderful intelligence in possession in particular.

  Mariona Caldentey (6/10):

  Couldn't really make her mark on the game, which was a surprise given how outstanding she has been over the last 12 months.

  Victoria Pelova (6/10):

  Made good runs and picked up good positions as she continues to work her way back to her best after an ACL injury. Unlucky not to score when she watched Kumagai clear her effort off the line.

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  Attack

  Olivia Smith (8/10):

  Arsenal's liveliest player throughout. Scored a special equaliser and always looked capable of making something else like that happen when she picked up the ball.

  Alessia Russo (8/10):

  Lacked service herself but created so much for others, showcasing that side of her game brilliantly in a fantastic display.

  Chloe Kelly (7/10):

  Grew into the game and had a few looks at goal as she did, eventually getting on the scoresheet to put Arsenal ahead.

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  Subs & Manager

  Frida Maanum (6/10):

  Wrapped things up late on with an opportunistic header, despite struggling to get really involved until that point.

  Caitlin Foord (6/10):

  Had a tough act to follow in replacing Smith but brought plenty of energy to the pitch and caused all sorts of problems down the left.

  Beth Mead (7/10):

  Didn't have long to make an impact but she sure did, providing two late assists as Arsenal wrapped up victory.

  Stina Blackstenius (6/10):

  Showcased her poaching instincts with her finish just six minutes after entering the game.

  Taylor Hinds (N/A):

  Replaced McCabe in the final minutes for her second debut at the club, having returned on a free transfer earlier this summer.

  Renee Slegers (7/10):

  Made a big call in starting Reid ahead of Wubben-Moy but, despite the penalty incident, it paid off, as the teenager was solid as a rock. Substitutions ensured her team kept their foot on the gas and made it the comfortable win they deserved.

It’s nearly a month now until Sunderland kick their Premier League season off on home turf versus West Ham United as the Black Cats’ transfer business continues at a hundred miles per hour.

Six new faces have joined the ever-expanding Stadium of Light ranks so far, with the pick of the recent bunch who have relocated to Wearside being Simon Adingra, as the Premier League-capable attacker left Brighton and Hove Albion behind for a fresh adventure up North.

Don’t be surprised if the number of exciting bodies to join the building rises into the double-digit range very soon, with more and more high-profile signings expected to be made before August arrives.

£9m star now on the Sunderland shopping list

Whilst the cash thrown around to land Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi would have caught the eye of those with connections to Sunderland, as £67m was excessively splashed, the pick up of Adingra will be the most pleasing capture to date, considering his wide knowledge of the top-flight.

Aaron Ramsdale might well add to that if he joins Regis Le Bris’ camp very soon, with new rumours seeming to suggest that the goalkeeper might be the new number one the Black Cats desire when climbing back up to the Premier League.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has even been allegedly on the Sunderland shopping list as well. However, the European markets will no doubt still be tapped into again as Le Bris and Co now enter the race to try and snap up Spezia gem Salvatore Esposito.

As per a report from journalist Graeme Bailey, the one-time Italy international is firmly on Sunderland’s summer radar, with the likes of Brighton, Burnley, Brentford, Everton, and Fulham all also interested in the 24-year-old after Spezia failed to win promotion to Serie A.

Valued at just £9m – as per Transfermarkt – this could well prove to be a great steal on the end of Sunderland if Esposito instantly acclimatises to the demands of the English game and shines, with the Spezia number five perhaps going to be an even better talent than the £30m-rated Diarra down the line.

How Esposito could be even better than Diarra

Of course, Diarra does have plenty of top-flight experience under his belt that will help him when trying to become an instant success on Wearside.

Indeed, the 21-year-old had amassed 94 Ligue 1 appearances for Strasbourg with a hefty tally of nine goals and ten assists also coming his way lining up for Liam Rosenior’s side.

Yet, it’s very clear when looking at the above table – even if Esposito has played the majority of his career in the Italian second tier to date – that the 24-year-old definitely has a higher ceiling than the Serie B, with a ridiculous 17 goal contributions next to his name from 34 league clashes last season.

The most exciting takeaway from the table, however, will be how well-rounded Esposito’s game looks as a midfielder who is capable of dazzling crowds with that output, but he is also a talent hungry to battle away for his team’s cause, as seen in his mammoth 7.3 duels being won per game last campaign as Spezia gunned for promotion.

Diarra’s numbers do fall flat in comparison, with the former Inter Milan man even going on to win that solitary Italy call-up when he was known as a rising gem.

Therefore, the “elegant” midfielder – as he’s been lauded in the past by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – should be able to make the first-team cut under Le Bris very soon, even if the jump up in quality is disorientating at first.

Diarra could well find that transition to be even trickier, considering he has that lavish £30m price tag above his head.

Whereas, for only £9m, Esposito – who has also been labelled as a “technical genius” by football analyst Ben Mattinson – won’t have that same level of anxiety on his shoulders, with the 24-year-old hopeful he can be an immediate success story that helps Sunderland to survive.

Contact made: Sunderland prepare bid to sign £25m star who is open to move

The Black Cats are making plenty of impressive moves…

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By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jul 13, 2025