Around the clubs - insight, analysis and fan views
Carragher wants 'balance' over 'spending'published at 16:54 12 August
16:54 12 August
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Jamie Carragher has warned Liverpool that "spending lots of money" won't guarantee them the Premier League title after the Reds won the trophy with four matches to spare last season.
Arne Slot has so far recruited five senior players this summer in Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Armin Pecsi and it is looking increasingly likely that Newcastle's Alexander Isak could join.
The Reds are also pursuing Crystal Palace central defender Marc Guehi but Liverpool legend Carragher believes any success comes down to balance over spending.
"I don't get this narrative that Liverpool are going to run away with it," Carragher said.
"If you look at history, it could tell you that it's not just about having the best players, it's about having the best team, and sort of making that balance right, and at the weekend [in the Community Shield] it didn't quite look right.
"I think we will have a title race, and I think there's a lot of talk. I think the great thing about football is what we actually saw on Sunday with Liverpool. It didn't look right. It tells me it's not just about spending lots of money and buying the best players, you've still got to manage that team and make it work and have a nice balance to it."
'Top four is up for grabs this year'published at 16:53 12 August
16:53 12 August
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BBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath have been discussing Manchester United's hopes for the upcoming season on the latest episode of the Devils' Advocate podcast.
After the signings of attackers Benjamin Sesko for £73.7m, Bryan Mbeumo for £65m with £6m in add-ons, and Matheus Cunha for £62.5m, optimism for an improved campaign at Old Trafford is high.
"You look at Liverpool, Arsenal who are looking good now they have [Viktor] Gyokeres, and City will always be Man City," said McGrath.
"You then look at the other spot in the top four - it's up for grabs I think this year.
"Chelsea will crumble this year. I think it would be mad us looking at this league and not thinking we can get that fourth spot. I know last season was so bad but there's something about this year - the way we've gone out and bought these three players. We've beaten rivals to them.
"You have to look at fourth spot because that money should get you a couple of places higher in the league.
"Fourth brings what the Manchester United board are investing in - Champions League football. I think it's all about that."
Drinkwater, added: "It's a big if but if United can bring in two more signings then they have to push for top four.
"If they don't and they go into the season as they are now, I still want to see us pushing that top six.
"I think this season is all about Europe, maybe not the Champions League. If United were to get top four I would be absolutely buzzing."
The 29-year-old's signature is a real coup for David Moyes, but will Grealish be more effective on the left or in a central role for the Toffees?
According to Opta, Moyes commonly employed a 4-2-3-1 formation in the Premier League after returning to Goodison Park last season, doing so 11 times in 19 matches and only really deviating when a back three was used instead.
Grealish has predominantly had a left-sided role during his top-flight career, spending 80% of his 5,698 Premier League playing minutes on the left wing at Manchester City.
In the top flight at Aston Villa, he played on the left 64% of the time, and 20% at number 10.
While Grealish is a statement signing sure to excite supporters, it does create an imbalance in Everton's squad, with the search for a right-winger so far unsuccessful.
Iliman Ndiaye played 2,350 minutes on the left wing last term and finished as the club's top scorer, while Dwight McNeil has also been a key performer in that role.
Should Grealish start on the left it may mean Ndiaye, McNeil and summer signing Carlos Alcaraz competing for the number 10 berth - or one playing out of position until a natural right-winger is recruited.
Moyes typically demands hard work off the ball, so if Grealish plays centrally in a position operated by Abdoulaye Doucoure last season, he may be required to do more defending than perhaps suits his natural game.
Brighton's hardline stance on Baleba exit unchangedpublished at 12:38 12 August
12:38 12 August
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
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I am not getting the impression Brighton's stance on midfielder Carlos Baleba is weakening.
Manchester United are prioritising their midfield now they have strengthened their striking ranks, which suggests no immediate move for Paris St-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has been left out of the squad for Wednesday's Super Cup final against Tottenham and seems certain to leave the French club.
Brighton have been keen to stress they have no desire to or interest in selling Baleba, who has made 77 appearances for Albion since arriving from Lille for £23.2m in 2023 and has a contract that runs to 2028. They are sticking to their mantra.
Whether the 21-year-old Cameroon international accepts that fact is another matter.
United believe their signing of striker Benjamin Sesko was done on favourable terms, which felt like an indication they could do more business before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
However, they do need to sell players.
There is still no sense Rasmus Hojlund has changed his mind about being determined to fight for his place, while Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrrell Malacia remain in limbo.
Real Betis president Angel Haro Garcia has confirmed they are still trying to bring Antony back to the club after his successful loan stint last season, but there has been no breakthrough in talks.
"It's the same as it was," said Garcia. "It's a complicated operation. I'm optimistic about Betis and Antony's willingness, but I don't know what Manchester United's final position will be."
'£74m is a lot for a player with room for improvement'published at 10:41 12 August
10:41 12 August
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How Benjamin Sesko settles in at Manchester United is one thing I am looking forward to finding out this campaign.
I was disappointed he chose to go there over Newcastle but, at the same time, I saw him live several times last season and he is a player with potential, rather than offering guaranteed goals.
I see what Sesko's strengths are, but £74m is a lot of money for a player with room for improvement. At 22, he is no way the finished article, but there will still be big pressure on him to perform.
With Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United have spent more than £200m on their forward line, but I still don't see them getting in next season's top four.
It is almost impossible for them to go from 15th to the Champions League places, even if fifth place is good enough again.
Instead, I have them finishing anywhere between sixth and 10th, but no higher.
Eze joined Palace from QPR five years ago for an initial £16m and has improved his goal and assists output in each of the past three seasons. That has been aided by his switch from the left wing to more central areas as one of two attacking midfielders in a 3-4-2-1 formation under Oliver Glasner.
The 27-year-old finished last season with a flourish, becoming the first player to score in six consecutive appearances for Palace since Darren Ambrose in November 2009. His 14 goals in all competitions included the FA Cup final winner as the club earned a first major trophy.
Why Hurzeler prefers behind-closed-doors pre-seasonpublished at 08:45 12 August
08:45 12 August
Media caption,
Pre-season has changed over the years as more clubs are travelling around the world to play friendlies on international soil in front of large capacity crowds.
But Brighton's approach this summer is a stark contrast as six of their eight friendlies have been behind closed doors.
"I use pre-season to build team chemistry and the social bond between them, which is hard to do if you know you are always being observed by the media and supporters," boss Fabian Hurzeler told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.
"When you have new players coming in, you need to integrate them in a trusting environment. That is what I want to give to my players.
"There are no secrets behind the things we are doing.
"I just think you can build the team chemistry better behind closed doors as players can behave more in their natural way if they know there is nothing they get picked up on by the media or others."
Rather than be irritated by the losses, Iraola treats the demand to find solutions as a challenge, as he outlined when he spoke to BBC Sport in Atlanta just over a week ago.
"I do not want to lose players but when the window is open, you never know what's going to happen," he said.
"Obviously, if the more important players stay with us, it's going to be easier - but if something else happens, we will also adapt.
"We will be like the club. They will be ready for whatever the situation is - and we will do our job.
"Whatever the scenario is, when the market finishes, the club will give us the players to compete."
Iraola is aware of the additional scrutiny on him this season after Bournemouth came so close to securing European qualification for the first time.
However, he is adamant he will not allow past success to be the measure by which he is judged this term.
"It has to be a reset," Iraola added. "We start from zero. Everyone starts from zero.
"Once you play one or two games, nobody will remember what we did last season."
'They could win it if they keep their squad together'published at 08:10 12 August
08:10 12 August
Media caption,
Former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen says only time will tell whether Crystal Palace's demotion to the Conference League "will be a blessing in disguise".
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Christiansen recognised the frustration after they lost their appeal, but said that "cannot move away from the fact Oliver Glasner has done a wonderful job" to get them this far.
"He has won two trophies and you would probably back them to compete into the late stages of the Conference League as well," said Christiansen. "They could win it if they keep their squad together.
"That then would then be a third consecutive trophy and that shows huge success for them as a club.
"The manager has been given time to build and I think they have the most exciting front three in the league when Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr are on form."
'I'm not sure he's got that fire any more' - Hamann on Guardiolapublished at 15:28 11 August
15:28 11 August
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Former Manchester City midfielder Dietmar Hamann speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about Pep Guardiola: "He's been there 10 years now, and it's a long time. We've seen with managers in the Premier League these days, usually they don't last longer than three or four years. When a season starts, you've got to light a fire in a team with the fans and make people believe. And I'm not sure he's got that fire any more.
"Obviously you can never write him off because they've got a fantastic team - Rodri is back after a long injury, but I'm not sure they're going to win another big title under Guardiola.
From a purely sporting perspective, there is far less prestige in playing in the Conference League compared with the Europa League - the competition Palace believed they had qualified for having won last season's FA Cup.
The counter argument is that Palace will stand a better chance of winning the Conference League. That may be the case, but that is not really the issue here.
Palace feel this is a huge miscarriage of justice, irrespective of their chances of winning a European trophy next season seemingly improved.
You also have to wonder how the decision may impact their plans between now and the close of the transfer window.
It is estimated that their European demotion could cost the Eagles in the region of £20m, a relatively large amount given the size of the club.
That may well now play a factor in attempting to sign their preferred targets and their leveraging power as they try to prevent key players from leaving. Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze are among those courting interest from the Premier League's top sides.
Guehi, who has less than a year left on his contract, is likely to be sold, with Liverpool among his suitors, while Eze has interest from Arsenal and Tottenham.
'The general feeling in the group has been down' - Howepublished at 09:45 11 August
09:45 11 August
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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was asked how prepared he feels before the Premier League starting this weekend in the aftermath of a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid: "Physically the players are very good but mentally is a different question. There has been challenges this summer that we haven't faced before and the general feeling in the group has been down, especially early in pre-season.
"Alex [Isak] is such a popular player in the dressing room and any disruption around a player of that calibre is going to affect the group.
"I think they have responded really well to it but it is still there in the background. It is an unwelcomed disruption. We have to get used to it and if anything it has to make us stronger."
On what needs to be done before the season kicks off this weekend: "We need some more work in our sharpness. We are physically fit, but in the movements, one-v-one duels and the end actions haven't really been there [against Atletico Madrid].
"Our squad depth at the moment, we are stretched in midfield with Joe Willock's injury. With Champions League football the bodies we need and squad we are going to need, the depth isn't quite there at the moment."
'We all have to improve' - Van Dijk on defendingpublished at 09:45 11 August
09:45 11 August
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Captain Virgil van Dijk has called on Liverpool to improve defensively after their Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace.
During half-time in Sunday's Wembley showpiece, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher's posted on X to highlight the Reds' attacking threat but defensive vulnerability.
He posted: "LFC looking great going forward but susceptible defensively, as we've seen all pre season. A lot of the goals conceded by LFC have come from going man to man really aggressively and leaving space in behind."
Van Dijk echoed those concerns in his post-match comments after his side's shootout defeat, stressing the need for collective improvement in the team's defensive setup.
"We have to be very honest with ourselves," Van Dijk said to BBC Radio Merseyside.
"Obviously, it is disappointing at the moment because we lost, conceded two goals we could have avoided. I think there were plenty of moments where we looked very good, especially in possession, on the break, and between the lines. But yeah, you stand without the trophy, and that is the main thing that is disappointing today.
"I think it is the collective defensive part that we have to work on. Everyone has the quality, obviously, otherwise you won't play for Liverpool. The absolute reality is that we all have to improve in terms of our defensive setup in order to not concede goals; it is not only the backline, not only Alisson, but together.
"We all take responsibility, I take responsibility, and that is how it should be. There is a reason we had the most clean sheets in the league last season, and we have to get back to that."
Chelsea explore Nkunku swappublished at 08:11 11 August
08:11 11 August
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
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Chelsea have offered several players to RB Leipzig for midfielder Xavi Simons, including Christopher Nkunku.
It's part of the complex negotiations with the Blues keen to offload players having also offered both Carney Chukwuemeka and Tyrique George.
Any deal between the two clubs would not be a direct swap deal and would be related but separate transfers. It remains to be seen whether the German club deem it viable.
However, the nature of the negotiations highlight Chelsea's intention to offload attackers to sign attackers in the last few weeks of the transfer window.
Sources close to Nkunku have also explained he is reluctant to join a club like Leipzig as he is aiming to play at Champions League level next season.
There is also admiration for Nkunku at Chelsea after his positive performances at the Club World Cup but he is believed to be searching for more than the bit-part role currently on offer at Stamford Bridge.
Another target is winger Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United - amid initial contract discussions. Newcastle-linked Nicolas Jackson could be allowed to leave for the right offer to make space.
If appropriate outgoing deals are not agreed then Chelsea could reintegrate the likes of Jackson into their squad despite leaving him out of the recent pre-season friendly wins against AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen.
Vlachodimos nearing Sevilla loan movepublished at 08:06 11 August
08:06 11 August
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
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Sevilla are set to complete a loan move for Newcastle goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos this week.
The 31-year-old has already green lit a move to Sevilla and will travel to complete a medical at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.
Newcastle currently deem the Greece international surplus to requirements having signed Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton on loan as competition for long-term number one Nick Pope last week.
Vlachodimos has made just one competitive appearance for Newcastle having struggled to make the grade under manager Eddie Howe at St James' Park.
He joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest only last summer in a £20m deal that saw midfielder Elliot Anderson move in the other direction for £35m. The deal was described at the time as a swap to satisfy the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.
Sesko signing 'definition of high risk, high reward'published at 12:07 10 August
12:07 10 August
Alex Turk Fan writer
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And so another blossoming young forward from across the continent lands at Old Trafford, immediately shouldered by the burden of Manchester United.
Many a starlet has fancied their chances across the past decade of despair. All have failed. Memphis Depay, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund have come and (almost) gone.
It is Benjamin Sesko's turn now. Another eye-watering transfer fee worth £74million only intensifies the pressure, especially coming off United's worst-ever Premier League season.
But there is reason for optimism that this time, finally, it will be different.
Sesko is entering a superior environment than immediate predecessor Hojlund. He follows Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo through the door, two Premier League-proven attackers who should be relatively low-risk.
Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo are also creators, while Patrick Dorgu looks primed for a breakout campaign. Sesko should receive service from all angles, and he has already proven his ability to take chances in a variety of manners.
The 6ft 5 frontman also should be the right profile.
United emphasised their use of data in the announcement, pointing out that Sesko had scored more than every other player aged under 23 in Europe's top five leagues during the past two seasons.
Physically and athletically, he promises to meet the demands of the Premier League adequately. I think comparisons to Hojlund are justified (it's been a scarring year), but also lazy.
At 22, Sesko is two years older than the Dane when he arrived in 2023. He is also a much more established goalscorer, already netting 82 career goals across five seasons. Hojlund had 22 across two.
It is a risk and Ollie Watkins was Ruben Amorim's initially preferred option for a reason. His Premier League goal tally has never failed to reach double digits.
But United's decision to go for the 'project striker' whose ceiling exceeds that of their alternative options is the definition of high risk, high reward.
Last season, the Hale End graduate was required to step up after Bukayo Saka succumbed to injury and made 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals and registering two assists.
"He never [looks nervous], he's so composed, calm and confident in his ability," said Gunners boss Mikel Arteta after Nwaneri found the net in a 2-1 win at Girona in January. "At 17, scoring a really important goal in the Champions League is not very common."
Nwaneri celebrated his 18th birthday in March and of attack-minded players under the age of 19 in Europe's big five leagues only Barcelona's Lamine Yamal ranks higher in terms of output.
Yamal has been producing exceptional numbers since his first La Liga start as a 16-year-old in 2023 and the Spanish winger was on the pitch for almost 2,000 more top-flight minutes during the season just gone.
'Great' Hato ready for Chelsea - Ten Hagpublished at 12:54 9 August
12:54 9 August
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
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Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag says Chelsea have signed a "great player" in Jorrel Hato.
On Friday evening, the 19-year-old defender made his Chelsea debut in a 2-0 win over Leverkusen - who are now coached by former Manchester United boss Ten Hag.
The Dutch centre-back broke through at Ajax the season after Ten Hag moved to Old Trafford but the boss was aware of his potential to make it at the highest level.
Asked about Hato's potential by BBC Sport, Ten Hag said: "For sure. [I told him] I bet he regrets that he missed me at Ajax because they didn't win the titles in the past couple of years!
"The moment I left, he came in but he developed and progressed so well. He was one of the best, maybe the best player in the Eredivisie. He is so young but already on a very high level.
"You always need some time, but he has a very good mentality and then he can progress really quickly. He has all the elements, all the skills in his game to prove he can be a very successful player.
"I am very sure he will succeed at Chelsea. I congratulate Chelsea for signing this great player."
Hato made his debut at left-back where he spent most of last season at Ajax but he had initially been a central defender in the Dutch top flight.
With Levi Colwill now out for the majority of the season after knee surgery, debate has begun about Hato's best position.
"He can do both, you will see," Hato said.
Fellow debutant Estevao Willian and Joao Pedro scored in a dominant win at Stamford Bridge.
'A mistake to wait' - Glasner on potential new signingspublished at 18:00 8 August
18:00 8 August
Alex Howell BBC Sport football news reporter
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Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner says that it would be a "mistake" for the club to wait on their European fate before making any signings - and also says there are no negotiations over a new contract.
The club have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against their demotion from the Europa League to the Conference League.
The Eagles have been drawn against against Norwegian side Fredrikstad or Midtjylland of Denmark, for the Conference League play-off round.
The two legs are played on 21 and 28 August but Glasner says Palace, who have only signed two players this summer, should not wait until those matches to bring in new faces.
"If you're thinking like this, you make a mistake," he said. "Then you're always reacting to situations. You can't run a business where you're always reacting.
"You can but you'll never have long-term success. You have to be active and plan what's going on.
"You can't say we wait and then on the 28th, if we qualify for the Conference League group stage, then we act. We don't think like this."
Last season, Glasner was frustrated with Palace's late activity in the transfer window, especially given the Eagles' slow start to the season where they won only one of their opening eight league games.
But Glasner says he is not worried about a repeat as long as the club keeps their top talent.
"The difference now is the team stayed together," Glasner said. "Last year, we lost 10 of the dressing room and added seven - 40% of the dressing room left.
"This year two loan players left and two new come in. That means the chemistry and spirit is great. Everybody knows how we want to play because everybody was here last year."
When asked if he has asked for investment into the squad, Glasner says it is not solely about wanting players.
"It's not that I want investment - it's about Crystal Palace," Glasner said. "My expertise and my advice is what Crystal Palace should do to be competitive in four competitions.
"If we want to be better than last year, then let's sign at least two players. Not to be happy, not to fulfil my wishes, nothing at all.
"It's been a good summer, a good pre-season, I love the players and staff who are here. I love the club and the fans."
The Palace boss also revealed there had been no talks about extending his contract. beyond next summer when it expires.
"Again, at the moment it's three weeks time to get the squad done, so Oliver Glasner's contract is not important at the moment," he said.
Asked if what happens before the transfer deadline would impact whether he wants to talk about a new deal, the Palace boss said: "We will see."
Captain Marc Guehi's contract expires next summer and there has been interest in the defender from both Liverpool and Newcastle.
"Marc and me - we have the same fate." Glasner said with a smile. "I can't speak, you have to ask Marc. At the end, it's always the player's decision.
"Marc decides about his future. Of course, everybody wants Marc to sign a new contract. It will be his decision.
"Everybody wants to keep this squad together as it did so well. I don't know how often this happens here at Palace.
"We never know what will happen in this sometimes crazy transfer market."
'Ominous' and 'no positives at all' - fans on Bayern defeatpublished at 09:51 8 August
09:51 8 August
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Following Tottenham's 4-0 defeat by Bayern Munich in their pre-season friendly, we asked for your views on the result.
Here are some of your comments:
Razza: The result is a worrying sign for the immediate future. However, remember that Bayern are real quality. But this is the type of team that we are going to meet in Europe. I really can't believe the amount of injuries we have already and we can't blame Ange Postecoglou now, can we? Thomas Frank really needs to work hard now and Daniel Levy even harder. Frank will, but will Levy? If the season sours badly...Don't blame the manager. The spotlight is on Levy.
Leroy: I really feel sorry for Thomas Frank. He is really up against it with this squad he has inherited. Tottenham need two central midfielders, a striker and a goalkeeper, otherwise they are going to struggle like they did last season.
Mark: It's plain as day to see our squad lacks quality/depth. Our creativity is non-existent, so without reinforcements pronto we won't be competing in one competition - let alone all of them!
John: It's only a friendly, nothing to get your knickers in a twist about. I've had the unfortunate privilege of seeing a far better side being relegated in the 70s after a clean sweep in pre-season matches! I'm not sure Thomas Frank is the way forward.
Emiliano: No positives at all for Spurs, just concerns for the coming season. I am a long-time season ticket holder and fear we have made no progress since last season. Every top team has reinforced themselves. As usual, we have been linked with lots of players who were never going to come to us. But it is the usual rubbish to keep the fans happy pre-season that never materialises. I hope we don't get really embarrassed by PSG, but fear we will. Sadly, mid-table is looming for next campaign. What can we expect with a chairman who cares less about the team but more about how many shirts the shop sells or who he can rent the stadium to?
Toby: Ominous. Strengthen the squad now or face humiliation in the Champions League, a mid-place finish in the Premier League and a continuation of no trophy in either of the domestic cups.
Maresca seemed concerned about Colwillpublished at 15:14 7 August
15:14 7 August
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
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There are times as a reporter when being in the room is really important to check the tone of what a manager says.
Hearing Enzo Maresca talk about an injury to star defender Levi Colwill, you could tell there was an air of concern about the situation.
He said: "It was in the first session on Monday, just in the last minutes of the session. He felt something and, as I said, we need to wait and then we see.
"We don't know how long he is going to be out.
"I spoke with him yesterday and I told him that if we achieve what we achieved last year, it is also because of him - and he was a main player for us."
Maresca also hinted that if scans reveal a serious injury then they may need to go back into the transfer market for another option.
Antonio's 'been an asset' but 'right time to bid farewell'published at 14:47 7 August
14:47 7 August
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We asked for your views on the departure of Michail Antonio after a decade at West Ham and if you see him returning for a role behind the scenes in the future.
Here are some of your comments:
Barry: It's a shame to see him go but it's not unexpected. He looks to have done a great job to get back on the pitch, which shows the determination he has. When he was at his best, he was at times unplayable. His strength and pace caused many centre-back nightmares. Good luck and thanks for some great memories.
Rebecca: It's just really sad that fans couldn't properly say goodbye to such an important and loved player. So many good memories and no chance to celebrate that!
Colin: He has been a great asset to us and is highly popular, but now is the right time to bid farewell as we need young fresh blood in the team. He knows he will always be welcomed back as a non-player.
Mandy: I'm absolutely gutted that they have let him go. He has been a great player for us and he has played in many different positions when we needed him to. Pleased the club will continue to support him and I hope he comes back behind the scenes one day.
Len: I think it would be great for Antonio to stay at the club as an academy team member and motivate some of the younger players who can look up to him.
Anastasia: Very sad way for him to leave the club after all this time and he deserved a much better send off. We'll always be so grateful for everything he has done for the club.
A big risk for a record fee?published at 14:42 7 August
14:42 7 August
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport
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Burnley announced the signing of Lesley Ugochukwu from Chelsea on Wednesday night for a fee in the region of £20m.
While the sum is officially undisclosed, it does eclipse both the £16m paid for Zeki Amdouni, who was signed from Basel in July 2023, and the £15m fee paid for James Trafford from Manchester City that same month.
The Trafford deal had the potential to rise to £19m, although the goalkeeper has since returned to Etihad Stadium.
So what have the Clarets got for their money?
In short, a gamble on a young player with relatively little top-level experience.
Ugochukwu joined Chelsea from Rennes for £23m two years ago and went on to make just six starts for the Blues before joining Southampton on loan last season.
The 21-year-old central midfielder did not particularly stand out in an abject Saints team, making 18 league starts as they were relegated.
He is highly thought of in France and played regularly in the Europa League for Rennes, but this signing by Burnley that is undoubtedly based on potential rather than concrete evidence, hoping the France Under-21 international will find his way in Premier League football.
'Didn't live up to expectations but was needed this term' - fans on Nunezpublished at 14:40 7 August
14:40 7 August
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We asked you whether selling Darwin Nunez is a risk on Liverpool's behalf if it ends up leaving them short on attacking numbers for the new season.
Here are some of your comments:
Andy: No risk. He's a liability and we're better off being one player short than having him in the squad.
Paul: I wish Darwin well. I had hoped he would stay and take his chance when opportunity allowed. He seemed more relaxed and sharp in the friendlies. It might come back and bite us if the new faces don't hit the ground running. We just have to trust the process of recruitment.
Gary: Yes, it is a risk as we very sadly lost Diogo Jota and now we're selling Nunez, who has been great in pre-season. I'd have given him a chance. The pressure to sign Alexander Isak is now on.
Harpreet: There is definitely a risk in letting Nunez go without a replacement ready to come in. I assume the club are confident of getting the Isak deal over the line, but FSG has shown it has no issues going into a season with a lack of depth in certain areas. The lack of depth at centre-back this close to the start of the season is another worrying issue.
Thom: Unfortunately, Nunez didn't live up to expectations. However, with the tragic loss of Jota and an influx of new talent, I felt Nunez was needed this term. He provides something different, an explosion of pace, chaos and an understanding of the club and league. Someone like that is needed while others settle in.
Ricky: I don't think selling Nunez is a risk for the club but I don't think it's the best move for the player football-wise. Good luck to him, though. Things just didn't work out as expected.
Image source, Getty Images
