Live transfer news updates: the latest on Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and more.
June 21, 2022 at 1:05 p.m. EDT
Armel Bella-Kotchap completes transfer to Southampton
Southampton have confirmed the signing of Armel Bella-Kotchap from Bochum.
Athleticism reported earlier on Tuesday that the Premier League club had agreed a fee of around €10m for the 20-year-old Germany international.
It is understood Southampton overcame competition from other Premier League and Bundesliga sides to secure the highly rated defender, who made 22 Bundesliga appearances last season.
Click here to read the full story.
(Photo: Ralf Treese/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Anthony Hay·
EPL Staff Editor
June 21, 2022 at 12:54 EDT
Watford’s Afobe pursuit – latest
Watford have stepped up their interest in Stoke striker Benik Afobe, Athleticism can confirm.
They are ready to offer the 29-year-old – who spent last season on loan at Millwall – a two-year deal, but it is not yet clear what fee Stoke would demand.
Afobe, who has a year left on his contract, has more than one offer on the table – including from an unnamed overseas team – and a decision on his future is expected to be made shortly.
Personal terms have yet to be agreed, but are key to ongoing negotiations. Afobe is believed to be open to working with Watford head coach Rob Edwards again after their experiences together at Wolves.
Meanwhile, Watford have agreed a deal to sign Ivory Coast striker Vakhoun Bayo from Charleroi and are targeting another striker. They also retain an interest in Aston Villa’s Cameron Archer.

Adam Leventhal·
Watford correspondent
June 21, 2022 at 12:29 EDT
Nick Pope: Newcastle agree fee in principle with Burnley for England keeper
Newcastle United have agreed a fee in principle for Nick Pope with Burnley, understand The Athletic.
The goalkeeper is now due to undergo a medical at the North East club. It is hoped Newcastle’s deal to sign Pope will be completed by the end of the week.
Pope, 30, established himself as Burnley’s first-choice during his six-year spell at Turf Moor. However, the club were relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season and Newcastle decided to bring him in.
Click here to read the full story.
(Photo: Getty Images)

David Orstein·
Football writer
June 21, 2022 at 12:27 EDT
Mario Gotze joins Eintracht Frankfurt for three years
Mario Gotze is back in the Bundesliga after signing for Eintracht Frankfurt.
The 30-year-old joins Europa League winners PSV Eindhoven on a three-year contract.
He told Frankfurt’s official website: “The club has a great base. From the stadium to the fans to the city, everything is just fine with me. I’m really looking forward to coming back to the Bundesliga. And in addition, we have the chance to play in the Champions League.
Click here to read the full story.
(Photo: André Weening/Agence BSR/Getty Images)

Anthony Hay·
EPL Staff Editor
June 21, 2022 at 11:47 a.m. EDT
Ki-Jana Hoever closes in on PSV loan
Wolves defender Ki-Jana Hoever is set to leave Molineux on a season-long loan to PSV Eindhoven.
The 20-year-old Dutchman is expected in his native country later this week to complete a move which should include an option for a permanent switch.
Hoever was due to leave Wolves this summer, after coming under fire from Bruno Lage in March after sustaining an injury the head coach blamed on poor preparation.

Steve Madeley·
West Bromwich Albion writer
June 21, 2022 at 9:38 a.m. EDT
How Mane almost joined Klopp at Borussia Dortmund
But he could very soon be in the colors of the rivals of the Der Klassiker of Dortmund…

Jacob Whitehead
June 21, 2022 at 8:52 EDT
Watford agree deal to sign Vakoun Issouf Bayo from Charleroi
Issouf Bayo, once from Celtic, is a striker who scored seven goals in 12 appearances while on loan at Charleroi last season.
The 25-year-old also has two caps for Ivory Coast.
However, Charleroi then exercised an option to buy the player from Ghent at the end of the season, which they announced on May 16, signing the player to a four-year contract. Watford then bought the striker from Charleroi.
(Photo: Philippe Crochet / Photonews via Getty Images)

Adam Leventhal·
Watford correspondent
June 21, 2022 at 8:31 a.m. EDT
WBA Academy will retain Category 1 status for 2022-23
Athleticism reports Elias Burke.

Jacob Whitehead
I understand West Brom Academy will retain their Tier 1 status for the 22/23 season, and reports suggesting they have been placed in ‘special measures’ are inaccurate. #WBA
— Elias (@EliasBurke) June 21, 2022
June 21, 2022 at 8:14 a.m. EDT
Leicester PL opener delayed by a day
80,000 people are expected to attend the Leicester Caribbean Carnival. Looks like a fun day.

Jacob Whitehead
Leicester City’s season opener, at home to Brentford, has been pushed back 24 hours to Sunday August 7, due to the city’s Caribbean Carnival taking place on the Saturday the match was originally scheduled.
— Rob Tanner (@RobTannerLCFC) June 21, 2022
June 21, 2022 at 7:27 a.m. EDT
Gareth Southgate received FA backing after Hungary defeat and string of tough results
The Football Association have spoken to Gareth Southgate and offered their support following England’s difficult run of results during the recent international break.
England suffered their worst home defeat in 94 years when they lost 4-0 to Hungary earlier this month. They also lost to Hungary away and drew Italy and Germany in their Nations League clashes, leaving them bottom of their group.
Southgate, who led England to the Euro 2020 final and the 2018 World Cup semi-final, came under heavy criticism at Molineux in Wolverhampton.
Click here to read the full story.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Anthony Hay·
EPL Staff Editor
June 21, 2022 at 7:17 a.m. EDT
What does a mid-season World Cup mean for the transfer market?
From players looking for guaranteed playing time to others considering joining less competitive teams, while waiting for clubs to prepare for the inevitable emotional fallout after the finals…
An article on how a mid-season World Cup can affect the transfer window.

Jacob Whitehead
What does a mid-season World Cup mean for players?
🔺 Some players will push harder than ever to leave their club for game time
🔻 Tired #WorldCup2022 stars mean clubs will consider additional signings in January@domfifield Explain…— The Athletic UK (@TheAthleticUK) June 21, 2022
June 21, 2022 at 6:50 a.m. EDT
The unwritten rules of shirt swapping
Athleticism really has a long read on every part of the game. Today: jersey exchange.

Jacob Whitehead
June 21, 2022 at 6:32 a.m. EDT
Leicester reveal their kit for the coming season
What’s your verdict? Nice necklace on it!

Jacob Whitehead
June 21, 2022 at 6:16 a.m. EDT
News: Barcelona to play at Olympic Stadium during Camp Nou renovation
Barcelona will play at the city’s Olympic Stadium during the 2023-24 season while the Camp Nou is being renovated as part of the club’s ‘Espai Barca’ plans.
The project, described by chairman Joan Laporta as “vital to the viability of the club”, will see a redevelopment of both Camp Nou and the wider Barcelona campus.
Barcelona will continue to play at Camp Nou next season but will then move to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys for one season.
Laporta said: “Barcelona will have the privilege of playing at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in the 2023-24 season at the recently approved Espai Barca works.
“Work starts on the first and second levels this summer and when major work is done on the third level and the roof, we will be playing here.”
More here.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Jacob Whitehead
June 21, 2022 at 4:55 a.m. EDT
News: Freddie Woodman close to Preston move with Newcastle eyeing goalkeeper rejig
Freddie Woodman is set to join Preston North End, as Newcastle United begin to revamp their goalkeeping contingent.
The 25-year-old is expected to undergo a medical in Lancashire before signing a deal that is expected to become permanent given he is set to enter the final year of his contract at Newcastle.
Woodman, the son of former Newcastle goalkeeping coach Andy, has been at Tyneside since 2013 and has long been seen as a future No.1. However, having made just four league appearances for Newcastle, all at the start of last season he is enthusiastic. for regular playing time elsewhere.
More here.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Jacob Whitehead
June 21, 2022 at 4:38 EDT
Former England international Colin Grainger dies aged 89
Grainger, a left winger, was best known for his spells at Sheffield United and Sunderland.
He played seven times for England between 1956 and 1957.
Grainger was nicknamed “the singing winger” and embarked on a music career after retiring from football.

Jacob Whitehead
June 21, 2022 at 3:50 a.m. EDT
Premier League: How TV broadcasters choose which games to show live
Announcements about matches selected to be shown live on television are often followed by groups of supporters complaining that their team has once again been neglected. Some may point out how a kick-off time suits the public watching from their living room, but makes it nearly impossible to get fans outside due to motorway closures or limited train numbers. Others are simply convinced that there is a vendetta against them.
But how are televised matches selected? Athleticism explains everything…

Jacob Whitehead
GO FURTHER
Premier League: How TV broadcasters choose which games to show live
June 21, 2022 at 03:42 EDT
Jayden Richardson leaves Nottingham Forest for good
The 21-year-old defender was on loan at Notts County last season, making 25 appearances. He also made his first-team debut for Forest last season.

Jacob Whitehead
Jayden Richardson has joined Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen on a permanent deal. ✍️
Wishing you all the best for the future, Jayden 🤝
🌳🔴 #NFFC
– Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) June 20, 2022
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