Coventry have completed the signing of Toulouse winger Yann Gboho after FIFA ratified the deal submitted before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

The move, reported to be worth £10.3m, had been agreed by Frank Lampard’s side before the paperwork was lodged. However, the transfer could not be confirmed immediately because it required approval from FIFA.

That ratification has now been granted, leaving the deal subject to UK visa approval. Once that process is completed, Gboho will formally join Coventry as their 12th signing of the summer.

The 25-year-old arrives after an outstanding 2025-26 campaign with Toulouse. He scored 10 goals and created three assists across 36 appearances for the Ligue 1 club, performances which helped convince newly promoted Coventry to make a significant investment in the winger.

Gboho is also the cousin of Paris Saint-Germain forward Desire Doue. His arrival represents another major step in Coventry’s recruitment programme since promotion, with the club having spent more than £100m during the summer transfer window.

The transfer was confirmed after Coventry had already submitted the required documentation ahead of deadline day. The need for FIFA ratification meant supporters had to wait for the club to announce the signing, despite the agreement having been reached before the cut-off.

Gboho’s arrival also adds to the attacking options available to Lampard as Coventry prepare for their third match of the campaign. The team have taken no points from their opening two games, leaving them looking for a response when they travel to face Manchester City on Saturday, 5 September.

That match will see Coventry come up against a Manchester City side managed by Enzo Maresca. It will be Gboho’s new club’s first opportunity to respond to their difficult start since winning promotion, although the winger’s availability will depend on the completion of his visa process.

Coventry’s decision to invest heavily in the squad reflects the scale of their ambitions following promotion. The addition of Gboho takes their total number of summer arrivals to 12, while the reported £10.3m fee makes the Toulouse winger another sizeable part of the club’s recruitment plans.

For Toulouse, the move brings an end to Gboho’s spell after his productive season in Ligue 1. For Coventry, it provides Lampard with a player who contributed 13 goals and assists in 36 matches during the 2025-26 campaign, and whose transfer has now cleared the FIFA hurdle that delayed its official confirmation.

Barcelona are preparing new contract offers for Hamza Abdelkarim, Xavi Espart and Brian Farinas after the young trio made encouraging starts to the season, according to SPORT.

The club’s priority is to protect three of its most highly regarded prospects from being lost for relatively modest transfer fees. Barcelona’s decision-makers are understood to be concerned that the players’ current release clauses could allow other clubs to make affordable approaches.

Talks with the representatives of Abdelkarim, Espart and Farinas began about two weeks ago. The discussions are focused on improving the players’ terms and raising their respective release clauses.

Barcelona are particularly keen to avoid a repeat of last season, when Dro left the club to join Paris St-Germain. That departure has increased the sense of urgency around retaining the club’s emerging talent, with optimism now growing that agreements can be reached for all three players.

Espart has made the most immediate impact at senior level this season. The 19-year-old appears to have established himself as Barcelona’s first-choice left-back and has played every minute of the club’s three LaLiga matches so far.

He has also contributed two assists during that run. Despite his strong start, Espart’s existing release clause is reportedly €20m, a figure Barcelona believe does not sufficiently reflect his importance or potential.

The club are therefore seeking improved protection in any new agreement with the defender. Increasing the clause would make it more difficult for rival teams to recruit him without Barcelona’s consent.

Abdelkarim, 18, only joined Barcelona this summer from Egyptian club Al Ahly. However, the forward or attacking player impressed during pre-season and has already convinced the club that his contract should be reviewed.

Barcelona want to offer him improved terms and raise his current €15m release clause. His arrival from Al Ahly was followed by a strong pre-season, prompting the club to act swiftly rather than wait for a longer period before considering a new deal.

Farinas is the third player involved in the negotiations. The 20-year-old midfielder came close to moving to Girona during the transfer window, but Barcelona manager Hansi Flick intervened and the player ultimately remained at the club.

Farinas has not played for Barcelona this season, although the club still considers him an important part of its plans and wants to increase his €15m release clause.

The three cases reflect Barcelona’s attempt to secure the futures of promising young players before their market value rises further. While Espart has already become a regular in the team, Abdelkarim has impressed since arriving and Farinas was retained after interest from Girona.

Barcelona’s negotiations with the players’ representatives are ongoing. The club’s aim is to ensure that the trio cannot be taken for fees it considers manageable, while rewarding their progress with revised contracts.

Mikel Arteta has been handed a selection concern before Arsenal’s important London derby against Chelsea after Bruno Guimaraes and Cristhian Mosquera were absent from Thursday’s training session.

The pair missed the open session at London Colney as Arsenal continued preparations for the Emirates meeting with Chelsea this weekend. Arsenal are also attempting to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League campaign.

Summer signing Guimaraes has been dealing with an ongoing groin problem. The midfielder was unavailable for Arsenal’s opening match against Coventry before returning to feature for 19 minutes in the subsequent game against Aston Villa.

His latest absence raises fresh questions over whether he will be ready to face Chelsea. Guimaraes’ limited involvement against Aston Villa had represented his first appearance after missing that opening fixture, but his groin issue remains a concern for Arteta as he considers his options for the derby.

Mosquera also missed Thursday’s session after being taken off late in the match against Aston Villa. The defender’s substitution was initially considered a precaution, although his absence from open training has added uncertainty over his availability.

Arteta had previously played down concerns about Mosquera’s condition following the change. “He's fine, but he was feeling like he was about to have something, and that's why we have the bench that we have, and that's why we had to bring in Ezri,” Arteta told the media.

The Arsenal manager must now assess both players before deciding whether they can take part against Chelsea. Their situations leave the club waiting for further clarity while preparations continue at London Colney.

Arsenal’s meeting with Chelsea is viewed as a crucial early test, with Arteta’s side seeking to protect their 100% record in the Premier League. The latest training developments mean the fitness of Guimaraes and Mosquera will be closely monitored in the build-up to the fixture.

Guimaraes’ groin problem has already restricted his involvement since joining Arsenal, while Mosquera’s late withdrawal at Aston Villa had appeared less serious. However, the fact that neither player took part in Thursday’s open session gives Arteta a decision to make before the London derby.

The absence of two first-team players has therefore complicated Arsenal’s preparations, even though the club have yet to confirm that either man will definitely miss the match. For now, both Guimaraes and Mosquera remain doubts as Arsenal prepare to host Chelsea at the Emirates.

Chelsea and manager Xabi Alonso are reportedly considering a €100m bid for Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios as they look to strengthen their central midfield.

The 23-year-old is being viewed as a possible replacement for Enzo Fernandez, with Chelsea said to be planning an approach for the new year. Alonso is understood to be a strong admirer of Barrios and believes the midfielder has the qualities required to succeed in the Premier League.

Chelsea had originally hoped to sign Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara before the transfer window closed. The Stamford Bridge club saw Camara as a potential replacement for Fernandez, who cost £125m, but Monaco did not agree to a deal during the final stages of deadline day.

That left Chelsea short of options in central midfield, and they are now reported to be exploring a more ambitious move for Barrios. Spanish outlet Fichajes claims the club could make an offer worth €100m in an attempt to persuade Atletico Madrid to sell.

Barrios has a €500m release clause in his contract, meaning any proposed transfer would still require lengthy negotiations if Chelsea do not meet that figure. A move during the season would also be difficult because Atletico manager Diego Simeone regards Barrios as a key part of his team.

Alonso currently has Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson available for the position. However, the club’s failure to secure Camara has reportedly encouraged them to consider other solutions ahead of the new year.

Barrios is therefore emerging as a high-value target, although Atletico Madrid would have little reason to accept a significantly reduced fee while the player remains under contract and central to Simeone’s plans. Chelsea’s reported €100m proposal would represent a major investment, but it would still fall well below the midfielder’s release clause.

The interest comes as Chelsea assess how best to replace Fernandez and add depth in an area where their options are considered limited. Alonso is said to believe Barrios could provide the technical and physical qualities needed to adapt to English football, but any agreement is likely to depend on Atletico Madrid’s willingness to part with one of their important midfielders.

Manchester City will aim to preserve their perfect start to the season when they host Coventry City at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with Enzo Maresca’s side potentially moving to the top of the table.

City began their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bournemouth before producing a more convincing performance in a 4-1 win against Crystal Palace last time out. A further three points against Coventry could be enough to take them into first place, depending on results elsewhere.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 BST.

Coventry City and manager Frank Lampard have endured a difficult return to the top flight. They have lost both of their opening matches and are yet to score a goal, leaving them facing a major challenge against a Manchester City side that has made an unbeaten start.

The hosts are strong favourites and have suffered only one defeat in their past 21 domestic home matches. That loss came in Pep Guardiola’s final game last season.

Injury news and expected line-ups

Maresca will be unable to call on Jeremy Doku, who remains out with a calf injury. Matheus Nunes is also unavailable because of a muscle problem.

Coventry have a longer injury list. Haji Wright is sidelined with a thigh injury, while Frank Onyeka is absent with a hip problem. Sidiki Cherif is not yet fit, and Bobby Thomas is doubtful after suffering cramp.

Manchester City’s predicted starting line-up is: Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; Anderson, Bouaddi; Foden, Cherki, Semenyo; Haaland.

Coventry City’s predicted starting line-up is: Rushworth; Van Ewijk, Thomas, Pinnock, Amenda, Dasilva; Yirenkyi, Grimes, Rudoni; Mason-Clark, Awoniyi.

The match represents another opportunity for City to build early momentum in the title race. Maresca is already focused on competing at the top of the table, and victory would strengthen his team’s position after two wins from their first two games.

There is also a notable record in City’s favour when they face newly promoted opposition. Maresca’s most recent meeting with a promoted club ended in a 3-1 defeat by Leeds while he was Chelsea manager in December 2025.

However, Manchester City have not lost any of their past 30 matches against newly promoted sides. During that run, they have recorded 27 victories and three draws.

Their last defeat in this fixture sequence was a 2-1 loss to Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds in April 2021. On paper, Coventry face a difficult assignment at Etihad Stadium, although Lampard’s side will be hoping to end their wait for a first goal and first points of the top-flight season.

Carlo Ancelotti is confident Jose Mourinho can lead Real Madrid to a successful 2026/27 campaign after making an unbeaten start to his second spell in charge of the Spanish club.

Mourinho has won each of his first three LaLiga matches since returning to the Spanish capital, where he is managing Los Blancos for the first time since leaving the club in 2013.

Ancelotti, who departed Real Madrid at the end of the 2024/25 season following his second spell as head coach, believes Mourinho has the experience and knowledge required to deliver another trophy-winning period at the Estadio Bernabeu.

The Italian left his post to take charge of the Brazil national team. Since then, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa have both had spells in charge of Real Madrid before Mourinho’s return.

Ancelotti said he was pleased to see his former colleague back at a club he knows well and believes the early results suggest the Portuguese manager has settled quickly.

"I'm happy he's here. He can take advantage of this great club, which he knows very well. He's going to do very well.

"Jose is a great manager and I'm convinced he's going to do a very good job here.

"It's all started very well. They had difficulties in the first match, but little by little the team played better, with a great performance against Real Sociedad.

"Now the important matches begin in La Liga against Betis and then in the Champions League. I think the team are well prepared with new signings who will contribute a lot. It's going to be a great season forReal Madrid."

Mourinho’s opening three victories have given Real Madrid an encouraging start under their returning manager, although Ancelotti pointed to the progression shown across those fixtures rather than focusing only on the results.

He acknowledged that the team experienced difficulties in the first match of the campaign, but said their performances improved gradually before a particularly strong display against Real Sociedad.

The next stage of the season will provide a more significant test of Mourinho’s side, with a La Liga meeting against Betis followed by the start of their Champions League campaign.

Ancelotti believes the squad is ready for that increase in pressure. He also highlighted Real Madrid’s new signings, saying they would make an important contribution as the campaign develops.

The former Real Madrid manager’s backing comes as Mourinho begins another attempt to establish himself at the Bernabeu. His previous spell ended in 2013, but his return has immediately placed the club among the main talking points of the new season.

Real Madrid’s current form has also offered early encouragement to supporters hoping to see the club challenge for major honours during 2026/27.

For Ancelotti, the combination of Mourinho’s familiarity with the club, the team’s improved performances and the impact expected from the new arrivals provides reason for optimism.

He believes those factors can combine to make it a successful season for Real Madrid, with the key domestic and European fixtures now approaching.

Diego Simeone says Julian Alvarez has an opportunity to rebuild his long-term future at Atletico Madrid after a transfer dispute involving Barcelona and Arsenal.

The Atletico Madrid manager confirmed the Argentina forward will be part of the squad travelling to Athletic Club tomorrow, despite Alvarez having played in only one of the club’s three LaLiga matches so far this season.

Alvarez shocked Simeone and Atletico officials during the 2026 FIFA World Cup when he declared his intention to leave Madrid this summer. The situation led to a public disagreement between Atletico and Barcelona, after the Catalan club were linked with a move for the former Manchester City attacker.

Atletico maintained throughout the dispute that they would not sell Alvarez to their LaLiga rivals. The club also argued that it had been the only victim of the transfer saga, following an increasingly bitter exchange of claims between the two sides.

After Atletico told Barcelona there was a “0% chance” of completing a deal for the Argentina international, Arsenal were subsequently linked with a possible offer. However, no formal bid was made and Alvarez was not convinced by the prospect of returning to the Premier League.

Simeone has now reiterated that he still believes Alvarez can have a future at Atletico, while making clear that the player must learn from the events of the summer.

"I'm very clear about it, life is full of opportunities. Julian now has an opportunity to get things right.

"We often spend time judging, and we need to focus on doing it less and learning more. I hope this has been a learning experience for him and that he's happy.

"He's training very well. He'll be involved, and we're hoping for the best from him and his teammates."

The manager’s comments represent a firm public commitment to involving Alvarez again, even though his limited participation at the start of the LaLiga season has underlined the uncertainty surrounding his position at the club.

Alvarez’s future became the central issue of the summer after he made clear he wanted to leave Madrid. Atletico’s refusal to negotiate with Barcelona then turned the issue into a dispute between the two clubs, while Arsenal’s reported interest failed to develop into an official proposal.

With Alvarez now set to travel for the meeting with Athletic Club, Simeone has placed the emphasis on moving forward. The Atletico manager said the forward’s current opportunity was to “get things right” and expressed hope that the experience would prove valuable to him.

Atletico’s next match will therefore provide Alvarez with another chance to feature for the club after the transfer saga, while Simeone continues to indicate that the player remains part of his plans.

Paris Saint-Germain have generated a European-record €400.4m from player sales during the 2026-27 summer transfer window, completing a remarkable change in strategy nine years after spending heavily to sign Neymar Jr and Kylian Mbappe.

In 2017, PSG transformed the transfer market by paying Neymar’s €222m release clause to Barcelona. The Brazil forward was then the most marketable player in the world behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Soon afterwards, club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi secured the signing of France international Kylian Mbappe from Real Madrid’s grasp. The deal initially took the form of a loan with a mandatory purchase option worth €180m.

At that time, Al-Khelaifi was football’s biggest spender, before Premier League clubs moved ahead. Since then, PSG have adopted a markedly different recruitment model, helped by the arrival of sporting director Luis Campos and manager Luis Enrique, as well as the club finally achieving its long-held ambition of winning the Champions League.

That change has been reflected in this summer’s business. PSG finished as Europe’s biggest sellers, with €400.4m in income from departures. Aston Villa ranked second with €360m, while Manchester City generated €336m.

It is the highest transfer revenue ever recorded by a club in a single summer window. No side had previously exceeded €400m.

Only three clubs had passed the €300m mark before PSG’s achievement: Chelsea, with €337m in 2025-26; Atletico Madrid, with €315m in 2018-19; and Monaco, with €365m in 2017-18.

PSG now sit third in Europe for transfer income over the past five summer windows, having collected €815m. They trail Chelsea on €1.15bn and Manchester City on €845m.

The figures underline how the Paris club have developed a model based not only on attracting elite talent but also on developing players and selling them at a significant profit. That approach has brought greater financial discipline and patience in the market.

PSG allowed Gianluigi Donnarumma to leave despite criticism, then won the Champions League immediately afterwards. They waited six months before signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for half the price, chose not to pursue Zion Suzuki or Yan Diomande, and brought back Xavi Simons before selling him on for a substantial profit.

This summer’s deals provide clear examples. Bradley Barcola joined Liverpool for €145m after PSG had signed him for €45m. Academy graduate Ibrahim Mbaye left for €60m, while fellow youth product Noham Kamara moved for €4.1m.

Kang-In Lee joined Atletico Madrid for €40m, having arrived for €22m. From the Randal Kolo Muani deal, PSG recovered €64m in total: €50m from the transfer, €8m from a previous loan to Tottenham and €6m from Juventus.

Goncalo Ramos moved to AC Milan for €75m plus €15m in bonuses. PSG had signed him for €65m plus €10m in potential bonuses, although those additional payments were never reached.

“The biggest transfer window for substitutes in history,” is how PSG describe the work carried out by the leadership trio of Al-Khelaifi, Campos and Enrique.

The club’s strategy shows that sporting success and transfer profits can coexist. PSG continue to build a squad capable of competing for major honours while increasing the value of their players.

The stability between president, sporting director and head coach has been central to that policy, producing success both on the pitch and in the boardroom - a combination rarely seen in PSG’s recent history.

According to information obtained by the source, Al-Khelaifi played a decisive role in five deals this summer through his network and relationships.

Liverpool’s move for Barcola was negotiated with Billy Hogan and Mike Gordon, with the personal relationship between Al-Khelaifi and John Henry also helping. For Kolo Muani’s transfer to Juventus, Al-Khelaifi negotiated directly with John Elkann.

Talks over Ramos were held with Gerry Cardinale, who also owns Toulouse. Miguel Angel Gil, Atletico Madrid’s contact for the Kang-In Lee transfer, was involved, while negotiations over Mbaye and Aston Villa were conducted with Nassef Sawiris, with whom Al-Khelaifi also has a strong relationship.

Liverpool have confirmed a £4.3m deal to sign France Under-20 international Djylian N'Guessan from St-Etienne, but the teenager’s proposed loan move to Brest could depend on the club freeing up space in their overseas loan allocation.

N'Guessan will officially become a Liverpool player in January. The 18-year-old is then expected to spend the remainder of the 2026/27 season with Ligue 1 side Brest.

However, Premier League rules allow clubs to loan a maximum of six players to overseas teams during a single season. Liverpool have already reached that limit, meaning they must make a change to their existing arrangements before N'Guessan can move to France.

The six players currently occupying Liverpool’s overseas loan places are Harvey Elliott, who is at Valencia, Lucca Brughmans at Genk, Ifeanyi Ndukwe at Levante, Armin Pecsi at TSV Hartberg, Calvin Ramsay at St Mirren and Amara Nallo at HJK Helsinki.

Liverpool hold an option to bring either Brughmans or Ndukwe back from their loans in January. Exercising that option would create an available place and allow N'Guessan to join Brest as planned.

N'Guessan has emerged from St-Etienne’s highly regarded academy and made his senior debut in January 2025. He went on to make 13 first-team appearances for the club, scoring once.

His progress has also been recognised by France at international level. N'Guessan played seven matches at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup and was selected in the team of the tournament at last summer’s UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

The agreement gives Liverpool a deal for one of France’s promising young players while leaving the next stage of his development tied to the Premier League’s loan regulations. Although the transfer itself has been confirmed, his temporary move to Brest cannot go ahead unless Liverpool reduce their number of players loaned to clubs outside England.

The decision over Brughmans or Ndukwe therefore has a direct bearing on N'Guessan’s immediate plans. If Liverpool end one of those two loans in January, the French forward will be able to spend the rest of the campaign gaining experience in Ligue 1 with Brest.

For now, N'Guessan remains a St-Etienne player until the January transfer is completed. Liverpool have secured the transfer agreement, while the final practical step of placing him at Brest depends on their overseas loan places becoming available.

Real Madrid will seek a fourth consecutive victory at the start of the 2026/27 LaLiga season when they face Real Betis at Estadio La Cartuja on Friday evening, with Jose Mourinho considering changes to his side ahead of their UEFA Champions League opener.

Mourinho’s team have taken maximum points from their first three league matches against Real Sociedad, Espanyol and Malaga. The results have given the returning Real Madrid manager an ideal beginning to his second spell in the Spanish capital as he attempts to win LaLiga, having finished behind Barcelona in each of the past two campaigns.

Barcelona have also won all three of their opening fixtures, meaning Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points in Andalucia if they are to maintain the early pace at the top of the table.

The match also comes four days before Real Madrid begin their UEFA Champions League campaign at home to Inter Milan on 8 September. Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Guler are all suspended for that European fixture because of bans carried over from last season, and their unavailability could lead to all three being included in the starting XI against Real Betis.

That situation would allow Mourinho to manage the workload of several key players. Jude Bellingham is a potential candidate to begin the game on the bench as Real Madrid look to preserve his fitness for the meeting with Inter Milan.

Bellingham has made an impressive start to the domestic campaign, scoring twice from midfield. However, he is still working his way back to full fitness after representing England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The fixture will also reunite Mourinho with Troy Parrott, his former Tottenham forward. Mourinho famously questioned whether Parrott had the ability to establish himself at the highest level, and the pair will now meet again with Parrott representing Real Betis.

The predicted Real Madrid line-up is: Thibaut Courtois; Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga; Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz, Vini Jr.; Kylian Mbappe.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 UK time on 4 September 2026.

Real Madrid’s recent record at Real Betis provides an additional test for Mourinho’s side. They have failed to win on any of their last four league visits, a run that goes back to their most recent victory at the club, a 1-0 success in 2021.

Record spending by Premier League clubs has provided a crucial source of income for French teams, which are increasingly being forced to sell their leading young players to remain financially stable.

English clubs spent about 800m euros (£687m) on players from Ligue 1 during the summer transfer window. That represented roughly one-fifth of the Premier League’s total expenditure of 4.1bn euros (£3.5bn).

More than 20 players moved from France to England, according to figures compiled by Transfermarkt, including five transfers worth more than 50m euros. The two most prominent deals saw Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi move from Lille to Manchester City for 100m euros (£85.6m), while France winger Bradley Barcola joined Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain for a total of 145m euros (£124m).

There was also a steady stream of less-publicised transfers, underlining how Ligue 1 continues to develop talented players before selling them to wealthier clubs abroad.

Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain, ranked the fourth-richest club in the world in this year’s Deloitte Football Money League, remain the notable exception to the trend.

PSG coach Luis Enrique said Barcola had left because “he wanted to have more importance in the team, and that is something you have to earn in training. I can't guarantee that to any player”.

For most other French clubs, however, major sales have become essential to balancing their finances.

Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare moved from Lens to Brentford for 48m euros (£42.9m), just below the 50m-euro threshold. Jeremy Jacquet’s transfer from Rennes to Liverpool was agreed in January before being completed in July, while Belgium forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo joined Newcastle United from Lille.

Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye left PSG for Aston Villa. The age of many of the players involved was particularly striking: Mbaye and Bouaddi are both 18, Jacquet and Fernandez-Pardo are 21, while Barcola is a comparatively experienced 24-year-old.

French clubs have long been willing to give opportunities to young players. Bouaddi was named player of the match for Lille in a Champions League victory over Real Madrid on his 17th birthday.

Players have been leaving France for more glamorous neighbouring leagues for decades. But whereas Lyon were once able to retain Karim Benzema until he had made almost 150 appearances before selling him to Real Madrid, clubs now often have to cash in much earlier. Jacquet had made only 33 appearances for Rennes before departing.

The pressure is being driven not only by the attraction of the Premier League but also by the worsening financial position of French football.

Ligue 1 is home to back-to-back Champions League winners PSG. By selling Barcola, the club recouped the money it had already invested in three new forwards, including Spain World Cup-winner Ferran Torres.

Across the rest of the division, revenues have fallen sharply following the collapse of Ligue 1’s domestic television deal. With broadcasters unwilling to pay enough for the rights, the league launched its own streaming service last year.

Reports suggest the total television revenue distributed among all 18 Ligue 1 clubs last season was about 200m euros (£172m). That was approximately the same amount as Arsenal, last season’s Premier League champions, received on their own, according to The Athletic.

“We are waiting for there to be more money flowing down to the clubs,” said Lille president Olivier Letang. “At the moment there is very little and I, like my colleagues, am very worried about that.”

Several of France’s traditional powers were left trying to manage the consequences. Lyon sold Malick Fofana to Sunderland after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

Marseille made no new signings because of their financial position, while Monaco were frustrated when an anticipated major transfer to England fell through.

Monaco abandoned plans to sell Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara to Chelsea when it appeared Folarin Balogun was about to join Everton for £40m. The United States striker subsequently changed his mind.

“We needed to reduce our wage bill by around 20 per cent, so we still need to find solutions,” said Monaco managing director Thiago Scuro.

For French football, keeping the books balanced has become more important than ever, with Premier League spending offering both a valuable lifeline and a stark reminder of the financial gap between the two leagues.

Arsenal can bring Ethan Nwaneri back from Borussia Dortmund in January, should Mikel Arteta need reinforcements because of injuries or decide the midfielder’s form merits a return to the Premier League champions.

Nwaneri, 19, joined Borussia Dortmund on loan for the 2026-27 season after finding his opportunities limited under Arteta. However, the agreement does not necessarily rule out an earlier return to North London, with Sky Sports Germany reporting that Arsenal have retained a mid-season recall option.

The clause gives Nwaneri an opportunity to continue his development in the Bundesliga while keeping open the possibility of rejoining Arsenal during the second half of the campaign. A decision could depend either on the Premier League club’s injury situation or on whether the teenager performs strongly enough in Germany to convince Arteta that he should be brought back.

Nwaneri’s move to Dortmund follows a familiar path for promising English players. Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham and Jamie Gittens have also made the switch to the Bundesliga club, where they continued their development after facing competition for regular first-team football elsewhere.

For Nwaneri, the loan represents another stage in a career that appeared to be moving quickly after his Arsenal breakthrough. He remains the youngest player in Premier League history, having made his club debut against Brentford in 2022 at the age of 15 years and 181 days.

That appearance raised expectations that Nwaneri could become a regular member of Arsenal’s senior side. His current spell in Germany suggests that immediate first-team involvement in North London has not materialised, but the January provision means his long-term future may still lie with the Premier League champions.

Nwaneri will hope that regular opportunities at Borussia Dortmund can help him regain momentum and demonstrate that he remains capable of establishing himself at Arsenal. His loan therefore offers the midfielder a chance to prove his form away from the pressures of competing for selection in Arteta’s squad, while also leaving Arsenal with the ability to change the arrangement before the season ends.

The earliest opportunity for Nwaneri to begin that process could come on his potential Borussia Dortmund debut. He could play for the Bundesliga club tomorrow in an away match against Hoffenheim.

His arrival places him alongside a group of English players who have previously taken the route to Dortmund, while the recall option ensures that the move is not necessarily a full-season separation from Arsenal. For now, Nwaneri’s immediate focus will be on making an impression in Germany, with his performances potentially influencing whether he remains abroad for the rest of the 2026-27 campaign or returns to Arteta’s squad in January.

Michael Carrick says he has no desire to take part in Manchester United training sessions, insisting his players do not want him “hanging around” and trying to recreate methods from his playing career.

Carrick’s side responded to their opening-day Premier League defeat by newly promoted Hull City with an impressive 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town last weekend.

Despite conceding twice, United produced a performance that suggested they are returning to their best. New signings Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have also appeared to settle quickly, both on and off the pitch, since moving to the club.

Carlos Baleba is expected to return to training in the coming weeks, providing a significant boost to a United team targeting a title challenge this season.

Carrick, who has extensive experience from his playing career, was asked about the extent to which he becomes involved in practical work during training. He made clear that his role is now focused on coaching rather than joining in with the players.

"No," he smiled. "I genuinely haven't missed playing and I don't really have an urge to get involved in training either.

"I think the odd time I've had to do it, maybe. Not so much now.

"Time's passed too long where I'm not at the stage where when... The first year or two you can maybe get away with it. But I think you've kind of got to move on and play your role.

"The boys don't want me hanging around trying to get involved, trying to say 'This is what we used to do, lads, and this is how you do it,'" Carrick said.

"I don't think that works. I know where my role is now, and it's very different to that, and I'm quite happy with that."

Carrick’s comments underline his belief that United’s current squad must develop its own standards rather than rely on lessons taken directly from his time as a player.

The club’s first match after the transfer window closes will be away at Everton. That fixture will be followed by United’s opening Champions League match, which will take place at home against Sabah.

With preparation for the Everton game under way, Carrick will continue to oversee proceedings from outside the playing group. He will instead monitor the squad closely as he assesses which players are best placed to make an impact on Sunday.

United’s victory over Ipswich gave them an immediate response after the setback against Hull City, while the early form of Santos and Tielemans has added encouragement. Baleba’s anticipated return is another positive development for a side aiming to compete for the title over the course of the season.

Bryan Mbeumo believes Marcus Rashford can make a significant contribution for Manchester United after ending a lengthy absence from his boyhood club.

The England international returned to competitive action in United’s opening-day 2-0 defeat by Hull City, making his first appearance for the Red Devils in more than a year.

Rashford’s comeback at Old Trafford has been welcomed by Mbeumo, who says the forward’s ability and influence can provide a major boost to the team. Mbeumo was speaking after Manchester United’s emphatic victory over Ipswich, when he was asked about the prospect of playing alongside Rashford.

“It's really good to have him back. We know his quality and impact for the club. He looks happy to be with us. Everyone is really part of the good links and he's part of this,” Mbeumo told Sky Sports.

The comments underline Mbeumo’s confidence in what Rashford can offer following his return to Manchester United. Rather than focusing solely on the forward’s absence, Mbeumo highlighted the quality he continues to bring and the positive effect he can have within the squad.

Rashford spent the previous period of his career at Barcelona, where he recorded 14 goals and 15 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.

He also played an important role during Barcelona’s successful campaign as the club secured the La Liga title and Supercopa de Espana. Those performances have strengthened expectations that Rashford can have a major influence after returning to United.

His competitive comeback came in a difficult result for Manchester United, with Hull City winning 2-0 on the opening day. However, the match marked an important personal milestone for Rashford, who had not represented the club in more than 12 months.

Mbeumo’s assessment followed United’s emphatic victory over Ipswich and reflects the belief that Rashford’s return can add further quality to the team. The Manchester United forward described Rashford as someone whose contribution is already part of the links developing within the group.

Rashford’s record at Barcelona provides the clearest indication of the attacking output United will hope he can reproduce. His 14 goals and 15 assists in 49 appearances, together with his role in Barcelona’s La Liga and Supercopa de Espana triumphs, have raised expectations around his next spell at Old Trafford.

For now, his return has begun with a defeat by Hull City, but Mbeumo remains positive about the value of having the England international back in the Manchester United squad.

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Mason Greenwood, Matteo Guendouzi and Fenerbahce following the Turkish club’s Champions League play-off tie against Lyon.

Fenerbahce confirmed the investigation in a statement released on Thursday, saying it would submit its defence to UEFA and seek to protect the interests of both players and the club.

The proceedings follow a 2-1 victory over Ligue 1 side Lyon last month, a result which secured Fenerbahce’s place in the Champions League for the first time since the 2008-09 season.

The match ended in disorder, with several members of the Lyon support attempting to enter the pitch as the Fenerbahce players celebrated their win. A confrontation also developed between players from the two teams, with a major brawl breaking out after the final whistle.

Guendouzi was reported to have provoked the home supporters during the match. The midfielder has a reputation for antagonising opposing crowds and was said to have angered Lyon fans who were already frustrated with his actions.

The France international later said he had been subjected to sustained abuse by supporters inside the stadium, including insults directed at members of his family.

“You know, when you've got 60,000 people insulting your family, your mum, your children, even before the match - and nobody from the refereeing team tells the stadium to be quiet.

“Because I know that in France, when this sort of thing happens, there comes a point where they'll speak to the supporters and the match might be stopped. For 90 minutes - even longer if you count the warm-up - they were insulting my family.”

Greenwood was also involved in the incidents which followed the match. UEFA’s disciplinary action now includes the former Manchester United forward, Guendouzi and Fenerbahce itself.

In its statement, Fenerbahce said: “Following the UEFA Champions League Play-Off Round second leg match, UEFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against our players Matteo Guendouzi and Mason Greenwood, as well as against our club.

“Our club will present the necessary defences before the relevant UEFA bodies to protect the rights and interests of our players and Fenerbahce. All necessary information, documents, and defences will be submitted to UEFA, and developments are being closely monitored by our club. We inform the public accordingly.”

The club did not disclose the specific charges brought against the players or the potential sanctions they could face. However, both Greenwood and Guendouzi could be punished for their involvement in the scenes after the game.

The pair could miss Fenerbahce’s opening European fixture, which is due to take place in one week’s time as the club begins its Champions League campaign. Fenerbahce’s return to the competition represents its first appearance in the Champions League since 2008-09, making the UEFA investigation an immediate concern for the Turkish side as it prepares for its next match.

UEFA’s proceedings will determine whether either player is suspended and whether any further action is taken against Fenerbahce following the trouble involving the club’s players and the Lyon supporters.

Ayase Ueda’s late finish gave LOSC Lille a 1-0 victory at Toulouse, extending their unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season and leaving Toulouse manager Jens Berthel Askou still waiting for his first win in charge.

Toulouse created the clearer chances for much of the match but were punished for failing to convert them. The defeat was their second in a row at home, a run they had not suffered since April 2025.

The hosts began with confidence despite a poor opening to the campaign that had seen them record their joint-lowest points return after two games of a top-flight season this century.

Cristian Casseres came close to rewarding their aggressive approach inside the opening five minutes, striking the crossbar with a long-range effort.

Lille goalkeeper Berke Ozer was then called into action midway through the first half when Santiago Hidalgo unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from 25 yards. Ozer produced an excellent one-handed save to keep the score level.

Lille had struggled to impose themselves but almost benefited from a moment of fortune when Nathan Ngoy appeared to handle the ball inside his own penalty area while under pressure from Jacen Russell-Rowe.

After a lengthy review of the pitchside monitor, referee Mathieu Vernice decided the incident did not warrant a penalty, giving Lille a significant reprieve.

Toulouse continued to press and should have gone ahead before the break. Ozer made another important intervention to deny Hidalgo from close range, before the Lille keeper stood up well to prevent Russell-Rowe from scoring after the forward had gone through one-on-one.

Lille manager Davide Ancelotti responded by making two substitutions at half-time. The changes did little to help the visitors take control, but they did slow Toulouse’s attacking momentum.

Neither side was able to build sustained pressure after the interval, although Toulouse remained the more threatening team. Rasmus Nicolaisen came close in the middle of the second half when he rose highest in the penalty area but headed over from an outswinging corner.

Lille finally found the breakthrough just over 15 minutes before the end. Romain Perraud’s cross reached Ueda at the near post, and the forward converted at the second attempt.

Toulouse had an immediate opportunity to equalise. Casper Tengstedt, Ueda’s former Feyenoord team-mate from last season, raced clear and attempted to lift the ball over Ozer, but his effort went over the crossbar.

That was Toulouse’s final realistic chance to rescue a point. Lille held on for a fifth consecutive head-to-head victory against Toulouse and remain unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season.

Ozer was named Flashscore’s Man of the Match for his decisive performance in the Lille goal.

Real Sociedad missed the chance to record successive La Liga wins for the first time since January after being held to a goalless draw by Celta Vigo at Reale Arena on Thursday.

The hosts had entered the match with a strong home record, losing only twice in their previous 14 league games on their own ground, while Celta had won just one of their last six competitive away matches. That contrast was reflected in the opening stages, as Real Sociedad controlled possession and played with greater attacking confidence.

They almost took the lead after 15 minutes when Jon Martin met a cross with a powerful downward header. Celta goalkeeper Radu reacted quickly to keep the effort out.

Real Sociedad continued to create opportunities. Mikel Oyarzabal, a winner of both the World Cup and European Championship with Spain, saw a fierce left-footed shot instinctively blocked by Radu. The ball dropped invitingly to Takefusa Kubo, but the Japan international sent a close-range volley over the bar despite appearing to have the goal at his mercy.

Radu was again called upon when Yangel Herrera drove a low effort towards the bottom corner, turning the ball around the post. The goalkeeper then dealt with another dangerous attempt shortly before the interval, holding Benat Turrientes’ powerful left-footed strike from 25 yards.

Real Sociedad were unable to maintain the same level of pressure after half-time. The best chance before the hour mark went to Celta, when Andres Antanon found space on a promising counter-attack but fired well wide of Alex Remiro’s goal.

The match then became increasingly scrappy, with several robust challenges disrupting the flow. Celta defenders Yoel Lago and former Chelsea player Marcos Alonso were both shown yellow cards.

Real Sociedad thought they had a strong case for a penalty with fewer than 15 minutes remaining. Goncalo Guedes appeared to be pulled down inside the box after winning possession from Alvaro Nunez, but referee Victor Garcia Verdura rejected the appeals.

Celta nearly snatched victory with 10 minutes left when veteran forward Iago Aspas found an opening. However, the experienced striker could not find a way past Remiro, who made a comfortable save to preserve the scoreline.

The result was the first goalless draw between the two sides since November 2008. It also extended Real Sociedad’s wait for back-to-back La Liga victories, while Celta earned a point from a match in which they had spent much of the opening half under pressure.

Real Sociedad’s next fixture is an away game at Elche on Monday evening. Celta Vigo will also be on the road that night, travelling to face Getafe.

Flashscore’s Man of the Match was Marcos Alonso of Celta Vigo.

Marcos Llorente has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a Spain career that produced 27 senior appearances.

The 31-year-old Atletico de Madrid defender confirmed his decision on Thursday, despite acknowledging that he could still have several years ahead of him in the national team.

Llorente made his Spain debut in 2020 and was included in the squad that defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup in July. He did not feature in the final, remaining on the bench as Spain secured the title.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Llorente said the decision had been considered carefully and was based on his personal feelings rather than his age or current level of performance.

"I realise that I’m still young and that, perhaps, if I continued to perform well, I’d still have years left to play in this jersey," Llorente wrote.

He accepted that the announcement might be difficult for supporters to understand, while explaining that his perspective could have been different had he not been the person making the decision.

"I know many of you won’t understand this, and I probably wouldn’t have understood it either if I were looking at it from the outside. But it’s a personal decision - one I’ve thought through very carefully and, above all, one that comes from the heart."

The former Real Madrid player also used his message to thank those around him and look back on Spain’s successful World Cup campaign.

Llorente highlighted the final 52 days in particular, describing the period as the most significant part of his international experience.

"I’ll cherish everything I’ve experienced, but above all, these last 52 days," Llorente said.

He reserved praise for the group of players who helped Spain reach the top of world football, emphasising their determination to continue fighting until the end.

"With a wonderful group that fought until the very end to put Spain at the top. And that’s exactly what they did."

Llorente’s international career therefore ends with 27 caps and a World Cup winner’s medal, although he played no part in the final against Argentina. His decision comes despite his recognition that strong performances could have allowed him to remain involved with Spain for years to come.

Estevao’s future at Chelsea has come under scrutiny after reports claimed the Brazilian winger is worried about his limited opportunities under manager Xabi Alonso, with Liverpool potentially considering a move in January.

The 19-year-old has struggled to establish himself in Alonso’s plans at the beginning of the season and was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s 4-3 Premier League victory against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

He has made cameo appearances against Luton Town and Fulham in Chelsea’s opening fixtures, but Alonso has so far been unable to give him an extended run in the side. Pedro Neto, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Valentin Barco have all been selected ahead of him.

ESPN Brasil reports that Estevao has told people close to him that he fears he will not receive significant playing time under Alonso this season while he continues to be used primarily as a substitute.

The situation has reportedly revived Liverpool’s interest in the forward. The Reds were said to have contacted Chelsea during the summer, when they were expected to lose Cody Gakpo to Manchester City.

Liverpool were reportedly "weighing up" whether to make an offer on deadline day in an attempt to test Chelsea’s firm stance over Estevao, although no transfer materialised.

However, reports of the winger’s frustration could encourage Liverpool to return with a bid in January. The club may view Estevao as a possible replacement for Gakpo, whose future remains uncertain.

Estevao joined Chelsea in a deal worth £52m and has scored eight goals in 38 appearances for the club. Despite his current lack of regular starts, he is competing for places with a group of high-level attacking players at Stamford Bridge.

At another leading club, his performances could potentially have led to consideration of a loan move, but Chelsea’s depth in attacking positions has restricted his involvement so far.

His progress was also disrupted at the end of last season when he suffered a severe hamstring injury. The problem ruled him out of the final stages of the campaign, including the World Cup.

Chelsea’s position was described as firm during the summer, preventing Liverpool from completing a deal despite their reported interest. Any January approach would therefore depend on whether the London club’s stance changes and whether Estevao’s concerns over his role become more pronounced.

For now, Estevao remains a Chelsea player, but his lack of opportunities under Alonso has created uncertainty around his longer-term prospects. Liverpool’s interest, initially linked to Gakpo’s anticipated departure, could become more concrete if the Brazilian continues to find himself behind several established attacking options.

Mika Godts says he feels no additional pressure after completing a €55m move from Ajax to Paris Saint-Germain, insisting he has joined the French champions to improve and play wherever manager Luis Enrique chooses.

The 20-year-old Belgium winger moved to the two-time Champions League winners on 15 August after attracting interest from leading European clubs with 30 goal contributions in the Eredivisie last season.

Speaking to Flashscore’s Julie Marchetti during Paris Saint-Germain’s media day on Thursday, Godts said he had quickly settled into life at his new club and was pleased with how his opening days had gone.

"I'm really happy to be at Paris Saint-Germain. The last few days have gone well with playing my first two games," Godts told Flashscore's Julie Marchetti.

Godts made his debut for Paris Saint-Germain one week after joining from Ajax, featuring for 45 minutes in the match against Stade Rennais. He then appeared as a substitute for 27 minutes against Lille, providing an assist during the French champions’ dramatic 2-2 draw.

The Belgian said he had not required much persuasion from technical director Luis Campos before deciding to move to Paris. Campos spoke to him in Porto about the club and its sporting project, but did not offer any specific guarantees.

"He didn't promise me anything. He talked to me a lot about the club, the coach, and all that. I'm very grateful to him."

Godts also held discussions with Luis Enrique, which helped him understand the manager’s approach and what would be expected of him at Paris Saint-Germain.

"He didn't say much. I was already convinced. He just talked a bit about his way of working and how we could do it together. After that, it was easy for me."

The transfer represents a significant step for a player who made his professional debut for Ajax in 2023. However, Godts said he was not viewing the move as a source of additional pressure, despite leaving the club where he had established himself and been named last season’s Eredivisie MVP.

"I came because it's a big club and I just want to learn a lot and play. There's no extra pressure for me. I'm calm. I came here to play and to learn."

Godts is also comfortable operating in several attacking positions. Rather than demanding a particular role, he said he was prepared to adapt to the manager’s plans.

"I can play anywhere. So on the right, as a number 9, as a number 10, on the left. I just want to play, so it's up to the coach."

His next opportunity could come at Parc des Princes, where Paris Saint-Germain are due to host Monaco in Paris on Friday, 4 September. That match would give Godts the chance to make his home debut for the club after his first two appearances came away from the stadium.