Manchester City XI vs Liverpool: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Community Shield
Pep Guardiola has confirmed the Spanish international would likely miss a month or so of action after undergoing knee surgery after City’s Premier League title-winning campaign, leaving the champions somewhat light in that department.
John Stones and Nathan Ake could start in the centre of defence with Ruben Dias not yet fully fit.
The world, of course, awaits to see what Erling Haaland can do in the Premier League. Already on the scoresheet in City colours after netting on his debut against Bayern Munich, the summer signing is expected to be involved at the King Power Stadium.
Reds said to be talking to Serie A players Belotti and Ceppitelli
Toronto FC’s lineup may be getting even more Azzurri blue.
Barcelona transfers: How are they able to buy players despite €1 billion debt?
Despite being €1.3 billion (£1.1b/$1.3b) in debt at the end of 2021, Barcelona haven’t shied away from spending big this summer.
With the recent agreement to sign Sevilla star Jules Kounde, the Catalan club are poised to take their transfer spree this window past €150 million (£125m/$152m).
While Franck Kessi and Andreas Christensen have arrived on free transfers, Kounde along with Raphinha and Robert Lewandowksi haven’t come cheaply.
How are Barcelona able to buy players despite their debt?
“It’s the only club in the world that can buy players without money. It’s kind of weird and crazy,” Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann recently said of Barcelona’s financial situation.
The German isn’t the only one confused by Barca’s transfer dealings but the Spanish giants have essentially been relying on what are known as ‘economic levers’.
These levers are used to alleviate the impact of existing debt and activated by selling assets of the club to bring in long-term revenue.
For Barcelona this has involved selling portions of the club’s TV rights and part of their Licensing and Merchandising (BLM).
Gianluca Scamacca: West Ham complete £35.5m deal for Sassuolo striker
Gianluca Scamacca has completed his move from Sassuolo to West Ham in a £35.5m deal; Italy striker has signed a five-year contact plus the option of a further 12 months; the 23-year-old scored 16 goals in 36 Serie A games last season; Scamacca becomes club’s fourth summer signing
West Ham have completed the signing of Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca in a deal worth £35.5m.
Scamacca, who has been handed the number seven shirt, said: “I am really excited to join West Ham. I’ve waited a long time for this moment – it’s been a dream to play in the Premier League.
“I feel like West Ham is the perfect team for me. They showed they really wanted me and when I spoke to the manager there was an instant understanding. I can’t wait to play and show the supporters what I can do in the West Ham shirt – I hope we will love each other.”
West Ham were also interested in signing Chelsea forward Armando Broja, but while signing both Broja and Scamacca has not been ruled out, it’s increasingly likely to be one or the other.
The Irons also want to further strengthen in central midfield having made a bid for Lille’s Amadou Onana, while they are keeping an eye on Piotr Zielinski’s situation at Napoli.
West Ham make £12.75m bid to sign Frankfurt’s Kostic
The Hammers have made a £12.75m bid to sign the left-sided player, who has entered the final year of his contract at the Bundesliga side and believes his next deal is likely to be the last big one of his career.
The Hammers have offered an initial £10m with £2.75m in add-ons for the 29-year-old, who can play as a left winger or as a left wing-back.
The Serbia international likes West Ham and has a lot of respect for the club but remains undecided on whether he will join, given he has the guarantee of Champions League football with Frankfurt next season.
Left-back has been a priority position this summer for Moyes and the club have moved for Kostic, who helped Frankfurt win the Europa League last season.
Filip Kostic has one year left on his Eintracht Frankfurt contract
Moyes had a close look at Kostic last season as Frankfurt beat the Hammers in the Europa League semi-finals.
