What we’re hearing before transfer deadline day: Liverpool to return for Isak? Who will leave Man United?

Authors: Multiple contributors

Publisher:

ESPN

Published: 8/29/2025

Language:English

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Tom Banks

Good morning 跑了松鼠好嘛, I'm Tom Banks, and this is Goose Pod for you. Today is Monday, September 01th.

Mask

And I'm Mask. We're here to break down the frantic final hours of the transfer window. What we’re hearing before transfer deadline day: Liverpool to return for Isak? Who will leave Man United?

Tom Banks

Let's get started. The deadline is today at 7 PM BST. It’s the final chance for clubs to make their moves. We’re hearing Liverpool is pushing hard for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, while Chelsea is scrambling for a defender after Levi Colwill’s injury. It’s pure drama.

Mask

Drama is an understatement. It's about ambition. Liverpool needs to make a statement, and a £130 million bid for Isak is exactly that. Meanwhile, you have Manchester United, a club completely lost. As Marcus Rashford said, they're in 'no man's land' without an identity. It's pathetic.

Tom Banks

That’s a harsh assessment, but it reflects the chaos. United are trying to offload players like Garnacho and Antony, but it feels reactive. A successful team, as Rashford noted, needs a plan to stick to, not just constant adaptation and strategy changes with every new manager.

Mask

Exactly. You can't win the league if your direction is always changing. This deadline pressure exposes which clubs have a vision and which are just patching holes. It’s the ultimate test of strategy, and right now, many are failing spectacularly. This isn't just about buying players; it's about building empires.

Tom Banks

And it's fascinating how this whole system came to be. Before 2002, clubs in England could buy players right up until March 31st. Imagine a team in a title race adding a star player for the final few weeks. It was a completely different world.

Mask

A chaotic world. The transfer window brought order. UEFA pushed for a harmonized system to create stability. No more last-minute, season-derailing signings. It forced clubs to actually plan, to think strategically for the long term instead of just reacting to the latest crisis. A necessary disruption.

Tom Banks

It certainly shifted the power dynamics, much like the Bosman ruling did in 1995. That decision gave players the freedom to move for free at the end of their contracts. It ended the old 'retain-and-transfer' system where clubs essentially owned a player's registration indefinitely.

Mask

The Bosman ruling was monumental. It turned players into free agents, into assets they controlled themselves. This, combined with the rise of television rights and wealthy investors, is what created the high-stakes, mega-transfer environment we see today. It's a market driven by player power and immense capital.

Tom Banks

Which eventually led to regulations like Financial Fair Play, trying to prevent clubs from spending themselves into oblivion. It’s a constant tug-of-war between ambition and sustainability, a battle that has defined the modern era of football transfers and club management.

Tom Banks

Speaking of financial oblivion, you just have to look at FC Barcelona. Their situation is a textbook example of ambition overriding common sense. They accumulated over €1.3 billion in debt through years of fiscal irresponsibility, driven by panic buys like Coutinho and Dembélé.

Mask

It was a catastrophe of their own making. Their wage bill was 103% of their total income! You don't need to be a financial genius to know that's unsustainable. They were so desperate to maintain their status that they nearly destroyed the entire club from the inside out.

Tom Banks

And it had real consequences on the pitch and in the market. Look at the Nico Williams situation. He rejected Barcelona to stay with Athletic Club. A few years ago, that would have been unthinkable. It just shows that the badge and the history don't carry the same weight anymore.

Mask

It's a clear message: the allure is gone. Barcelona’s financial fragility and, frankly, their disrespect in aggressively pursuing players, has tarnished their reputation. A giant has fallen, not because of a lack of ambition, but because of a complete failure in execution and fiscal discipline.

Tom Banks

And this all comes down to how clubs manage their value. A player's transfer fee isn't just about their last goal. It's a complex valuation based on age, which has an inverted-U shape, peaking mid-career, plus performance metrics like goals and assists, and even their national team status.

Mask

It's about managing intangible assets. The smartest clubs create value. Effective 'team value management'—developing your own talent, integrating youth players, and being brilliant in the transfer market—can create a competitive advantage worth up to €200 million a year. It’s not about how much you spend, it's about how smart you spend it.

Tom Banks

That’s absolutely right. A club that masters this can consistently outperform rivals with much larger budgets. It proves that shrewd decision-making and a long-term vision are far more valuable than simply throwing money at a problem. It’s the true measure of a well-run club.

Tom Banks

Looking ahead, the structure of the transfer market will continue to evolve. For instance, next summer, the Premier League window will have an early opening period in June to accommodate the expanded Club World Cup, showing how global competitions are now shaping domestic league schedules.

Mask

But the fundamental principle remains. The post-Bosman right for players to move freely at the end of their contracts is unshakable. That will continue to dictate every club's strategy, forcing them to innovate or be left behind. The future belongs to the adaptable and the bold.

Tom Banks

That's the end of today's discussion. Thank you for listening to Goose Pod.

Mask

See you tomorrow.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided ESPN article about the European football transfer window: ## Transfer Window Update: Deadline Day Approaching with Key Deals in Sight **News Title:** What we’re hearing before transfer deadline day: Liverpool to return for Isak? Who will leave Man United? **Report Provider:** ESPN (Multiple contributors) **Date/Time Period Covered:** Leading up to Monday, August 29, 2025, the closing of the European transfer window. This report provides the latest insights and updates from ESPN reporters regarding potential football transfer deals as the summer transfer window nears its closure. ### Key Transfer Developments and Speculation: * **Liverpool's Pursuit of Alexander Isak and Marc Guéhi:** * **Alexander Isak:** Liverpool's initial £110 million offer for Isak was rejected. However, with Newcastle United reportedly set to sign Nick Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart, a domino effect could allow for Isak's move to Anfield. This hinges on Liverpool returning with an improved bid and Newcastle's valuation being met. Newcastle's need for attacking reinforcement was already present due to Callum Wilson's departure. * **Marc Guéhi:** Talks with Crystal Palace for Guéhi are ongoing, with a deal potentially accelerating in the coming hours for around **£35 million**. Crystal Palace's qualification for the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night could influence this. * **Newcastle United's Strategy:** * Newcastle's Saudi owners hold the key to Isak's future. The potential **£65 million** deal for Nick Woltemade could facilitate Isak's departure, but it remains complex. * To replace attacking options, Newcastle is also considering signing Yoane Wissa from Brentford or Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves over the weekend. * **Arsenal's Transfer Activity:** * Arsenal is reportedly close to signing **Piero Hincapié**, a left-sided defender from Bayer Leverkusen. * To make space for Hincapié, **Jakub Kiwior** is in advanced talks to join FC Porto. * Other players who could depart Arsenal include Reiss Nelson, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, and Albert Sambi Lokonga. This trimming is necessary after seven new arrivals totaling over **£260 million**. * **Manchester United's Player Departures:** * **Alejandro Garnacho:** United is confident of a deal with Chelsea for Garnacho, agreeing to a fixed fee of **£40 million** plus 10% of any future transfer, down from their initial **£50 million** valuation. * **Antony:** A deal with Real Betis for Antony is also expected. * **Tyrell Malacia:** Manchester United believes they can arrange a late loan for the left-back, despite limited interest. * **Jadon Sancho:** Confidence is low regarding Sancho's departure after he rejected moves to Chelsea and Roma. * **Rasmus Højlund:** A deal to take Højlund to Napoli is a possibility, with his recent exclusion from the squad suggesting a move is likely. * **Chelsea's Financial Constraints and Transfer Needs:** * Chelsea needs to move players on before registering new signings for the Champions League. * To comply with UEFA regulations regarding a net positive transfer balance for European competition, certain departures are crucial. For instance, João Félix's **€50 million** move to Al Nassr does not count towards this balance. * Departures of **Nicolas Jackson** (linked with Bayern Munich and Newcastle) and **Christopher Nkunku** (**€42 million** to Milan) are significant for bringing in Garnacho and potentially Xavi Simons. * Tottenham Hotspur is currently leading the race for Xavi Simons, having agreed a **€60 million** move, forcing Chelsea to either respond or look elsewhere, possibly at **Fermín López** from Barcelona. * **Tottenham Hotspur's Transfer Targets:** * Spurs have shown interest in Xavi Simons, acting after encouragement that the player was willing to join. * Other players under consideration include Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche and Lucas Paquetá at West Ham. * An inquiry was made for Marseille midfielder Adrien Rabiot. * Spurs are also exploring the possibility of signing Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester City, who is heavily linked with Crystal Palace. * City might still allow Savinho to move for a substantial offer, as could Como with winger Nico Paz. * Spurs are open to signing a center-back if the right target emerges, but their priority remains strengthening attacking positions. * **Manchester City's Goalkeeper Situation:** * Manchester City is looking for a new goalkeeper. * There is interest from Galatasaray in Ederson. City will only escalate their interest in PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma if Ederson departs. * It's possible Ederson stays, leading City to find a move for backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega before the deadline. * **Barcelona's Financial Situation and Potential Moves:** * Barcelona has been financially constrained, despite early signings like goalkeeper Joan García and forward Marcus Rashford (on loan from Manchester United). * **Fermín López** is a player of interest for Premier League clubs like Chelsea and Newcastle. However, Barcelona's **€90 million** asking price and the player's reluctance to leave are making a late deal difficult. * If López departs, Barcelona might look to add a defender, having considered Monaco's Vanderson, but time and finances are against them. * **Real Madrid's Player Situations:** * **Rodrygo:** Real Madrid has received no concrete offers for Rodrygo, and he is expected to stay. His recent start in his preferred left-wing position was seen as a positive sign. * **Dani Ceballos:** Ceballos appears to be staying after reversing his decision to move to Marseille. While his camp remains in contact with Real Betis, a transfer acceptable to all parties is challenging due to Betis' finances. * **Women's Super League (WSL) Transfer Window:** * The WSL transfer window closes on September 4th. * WSL champions Chelsea are content with their squad after a productive window, despite hoping to sign a winger. * Manchester United is aiming to sign two forwards due to a lack of depth, especially after the failed signing of German striker Giovanna Hoffmann. * **Other Notable Deals in Progress:** * **Manuel Akanji (Man City):** Galatasaray, Crystal Palace, AC Milan, and Bayer Leverkusen have shown interest. City will accept offers around **£15 million**. * **Soungoutou Magassa (Monaco):** A move to West Ham for around **€20 million** is nearing completion for the 21-year-old defensive midfielder. * **Rubén Vargas (Sevilla):** Villarreal is negotiating a **€7 million** transfer for the striker, following the expected **€30 million** departure of Yeremy Pino to Palace. Villarreal is also seeking another striker due to the potential departure of Etta Eyong. * **Dodi Lukebakio (Sevilla):** The striker is highly valued by Premier League clubs, and Sevilla is open to letting him go. * **Rayados:** They are pursuing Getafe's Borja Mayoral, with Julián Carranza, Peter Musa, Rafael Navarro, and James Rodríguez as alternative options. Goalkeeper Esteban Andrada wants to extend his contract until 2027. * **Nathan Silva (Pumas):** Vasco da Gama is interested in the defender, with Pumas having received an initial offer. The player is open to returning to his home country.

Read original at ESPN →

Multiple contributorsAug 29, 2025, 05:00 AM ETThe transfer window is only open across Europe until Monday, so with only a few days left, what are ESPN's reporters hearing about possible deals?We bring you the latest updates and insights on the biggest transfer news.Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men's grades | Women's gradesWill Liverpool land a striker (Alexander Isak) and defender (Marc Guéhi) before the deadline?

Liverpool have played the long game with Isak this summer. After their opening offer of £110 million was emphatically rejected earlier this month, the Premier League champions maintained a respectful distance to allow for Newcastle United to resolve their striker situation.Now, with Eddie Howe's side set to sign Nick Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart, the dominos could start to fall and allow for Isak to seal his move to Anfield, providing Liverpool return with an improved bid.

As far as Guéhi is concerned, talks with Crystal Palace have been ongoing for weeks and, with the FA Cup winners having qualified for the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night, proceedings could start to accelerate in the coming hours over a deal in the region of £35m. -- Beth Lindopplay2:05What can Newcastle expect from Nick Woltemade?

Archie Rhind-Tutt explains what Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade could provide Newcastle amid links to the Premier League side.Will Newcastle keep Isak, and what can they do before the end of the window either way?That's the big question and only Newcastle's Saudi owners truly know the answer. Progress in a £65m deal for Woltemade could unlock a move for Isak, but it's still complicated.

Don't forget that Newcastle let Callum Wilson leave as a free agent in the summer, so their attacking options were already in need of reinforcement before the Isak situation became the saga of the transfer window.If Woltemade signs and deals can be done to sign Brentford's Yoane Wissa or Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen over the weekend, then that would open the door for Isak to leave -- but Liverpool would also have to meet Newcastle's valuation.

There are still obstacles to overcome for Isak to move to Liverpool before the deadline, though they are not insurmountable. -- Mark Ogdenplay1:06Laurens 'surprised' by Arsenal's interest in HincapiéGab & Juls discuss Arsenal's interest in Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapié.Arsenal are closing on Piero Hincapié, but who could leave before the window closes?

Left-sided defender Jakub Kiwior is in advanced talks to join FC Porto and that would create space for Hincapié within the squad.Winger Reiss Nelson, left back Oleksandr Zinchenko, and midfielders Fabio Vieira and Albert Sambi Lokonga, are among the others who could depart. There is a need to trim the squad after seven new arrivals totaling more than £260m.

-- James OlleyMan United finally look like they might be able to move some players on, but who will they be?United are confident they will get deals done with Chelsea for Alejandro Garnacho and Real Betis for Antony. The sticking point with Garnacho had been United's £50m valuation, but they have now agreed to move the winger on for a fixed fee of £40m and 10% of any future transfer.

There's been very little interest in left back Tyrell Malacia this summer, but United think they can sort a late loan to get him out of the building. There's not so much confidence with winger Jadon Sancho after he rejected moves to Chelsea and Roma.A deal to take striker Rasmus Højlund to Napoli could also get over the line.

Højlund initially wanted to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford, but being dropped from the squad for three games in a row is a pretty strong message that he needs to move. -- Rob Dawsonplay1:44What signings do Manchester United need before the transfer deadline?Ian Darke and Rob Dawson believe Manchester United still need to sign at least two players as the end of the summer transfer window approaches.

Chelsea also need to move players on before they can sign anyone, right?If they want to register them for the Champions League, yes. As per the terms of their UEFA punishment, Chelsea need a net positive transfer balance relating to the squad selected for last season's Conference League if they want all their new signings to play in Europe this year.

That means not all exits count: for example, João Félix's €50m move to Al Nassr isn't included in UEFA's accounting because he wasn't registered for the Conference League.That is why the departures of Nicolas Jackson (with Bayern Munich and Newcastle linked) and Christopher Nkunku (€42m to Milan) are important in helping bring in Garnacho and, potentially, RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons.

However, Spurs are frontrunners for the Netherlands midfielder now after agreeing a €60m move, and the Blues have to either respond or switch their attentions elsewhere, possibly to Fermín López at Barcelona. -- OlleyAnd what of Spurs? They've struggled all window, with Savinho the latest target to seemingly stay put, so who is on their radar in the final few days?

Spurs have held an interest in Simons for some time and were understandably a little tentative to go for a player so heavily linked with another club (Chelsea) after what happened with Eberechi Eze's move to Arsenal. But they were given encouragement Simons was willing to join them, and that triggered them to act.

Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche and Lucas Paquetá at West Ham are among the other players under consideration. There was an enquiry for Marseille midfielder Adrien Rabiot, while sources say Spurs were exploring whether they could enter the running for Leicester City's Bilal El Khannouss, who has been heavily linked with a move to Crystal Palace.

City might still let Savinho move if a big enough offer comes in and the same is also true of Como winger Nico Paz. Spurs are also open to bringing in a center back if the right target becomes available, but their priority with just a few days to go is strengthening the attacking positions. -- Olleyplay1:41Why Gianluigi Donnarumma could be a bad fit for the Premier LeagueJulien Laurens and Don Hutchison discuss Gianluigi Donnarumma's potential transfer to Manchester City.

A new goalkeeper is on the agenda for Man City, right? Anything else?Not necessarily. There's interest from Galatasaray in Ederson and City will only step up interest in Paris Saint-Germain's Gianluigi Donnarumma if he goes. It's entirely possible that Ederson stays and fights for the No.1 shirt with James Trafford.

As a result, City are working on finding backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega a move before the deadline. -- DawsonBarcelona have been pretty quiet... what's going on with them? Are they signing a defender? And is Fermin Lopez leaving?Barça signed goalkeeper Joan García and forward Marcus Rashford (on loan from Man United) early on but have had their hands tied financially since.

That could change in the final days of the window should someone leave, but that is looking increasingly unlikely. Fermin is one to keep an eye on, with plenty of Premier League interest in the midfielder, led by Chelsea and Newcastle.However, Barça's €90m asking price, coupled with the Spain international's hesitance to leave, are making a late deal difficult to do.

If Fermin does depart, Barça could look at adding a defender to the squad -- they've looked at Monaco's Vanderson -- but, again, time and money is against them. -- Sam Marsdenplay1:48Does Alonso now believe in Rodrygo?Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens discuss whether they think Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso now believes in Rodrygo as he started in their 3-0 win against Oviedo.

What's the latest on the future of Real Madrid forward Rodrygo? Will he leave? And could Madrid sign anyone if Dani Ceballos moves on?At the time of writing, Rodrygo's situation remains as it has all summer: Madrid have received no concrete offer for the player from any of the clubs he's been linked with.

So, as it stands, he'll be staying put. He started for Madrid last weekend, picked in his preferred position on the left side by coach Xabi Alonso, and that was viewed as a positive step.As for Ceballos, it looks like he's staying too, after his U-turn on a move to Marseille. Sources have told ESPN that his camp are still in touch with Real Betis, which would be his preferred move, but a transfer that's acceptable to all parties would be difficult to pull off, given Betis' finances.

-- Alex KirklandThe Women's Super League window closes on Sept. 4, anything major going on?WSL champions Chelsea have been hoping to bring in a winger for some time but, after a productive window, they are content with where the squad is at.Meanwhile, Manchester United are hoping to sign two forwards before the window shuts.

Having made only two signings this window, the is a serious lack of depth in the side. The failed signing of Germany striker Giovanna Hoffmann has only made United more desperate to get deals over the line in the next few days. -- Emily Keoghplay1:31Will Giovanni Reyna benefit from the expectations at Gladbach?

Alejandro Moreno assesses Giovanni Reyna's move to Borussia Mönchengladbach.Any other interesting deals in the works?- Man City defender Manuel Akanji is one to keep an eye on, as Galatasaray, Crystal Palace, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen have all expressed interest. City will accept offers of around £15m, which is considered a relative bargain by a lot of clubs.

-- Dawson- Monaco defensive midfielder Soungoutou Magassa is closing on a move to West Ham. Magassa, 21, progressed through Monaco's youth academy but is now set to move to London for around €20m. -- Julien Laurens- Villarreal are negotiating the €7m transfer of Sevilla striker Rubén Vargas, following the expected €30m departure of Yeremy Pino to Palace.

Meanwhile, Villarreal continue to search for another striker, as the departure of Etta Eyong (who has been linked with Barcelona) can't be ruled out. -- Rodra- Sevilla striker Dodi Lukebakio is highly valued among Premier League clubs and could be on the move as his club are open to letting him go.

-- Rodra- Rayados continue their search for a forward, with Getafe's Borja Mayoral top of the list of candidates. If Mayoral's signing is not finalized, Rayados will consider other options: Julián Carranza, Peter Musa, Rafael Navarro, and even former Real Madrid star James Rodríguez. Meanwhile, Argentine goalkeeper Esteban Andrada wants to extend his contract until 2027, and is not considering a move to Saudi Arabia, despite interest from several clubs.

-- Oscar Gallardo, ESPN Deportes- Vasco da Gama are interested in Pumas defender Nathan Silva. Sources have confirmed to ESPN that Pumas have received an initial offer to sign Silva and though the player is happy in Mexico, he hasn't ruled out returning to his home country. -- Adriana Maldonado, ESPN Deportes