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FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN TRANSFER-ULTIMATUM

MARC-ANDRÉ TER STEGEN RESCUES GERMANY WITH CLINICAL GOALKEEPING

The veteran goalkeeper is expected to be a prominent member of the new Germany side.

Photo by Alexander Hassenstein - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) UEFA via Getty Images

Germany opened the first international break of the season under new coach Jürgen Klopp with a 1-1 draw over the Netherlands. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen had a literal and figurative hand in keeping the draw from turning into a defeat. His heroics for Germany earned him a Man of the Match award.

Immediate result for Klopp

Photo by ANP via Getty Images) ANP via Getty Images

Jürgen Klopp is the newly appointed coach for the German national team. The 58 year-old overhauled the team with a plethora of new selections. Replacing the retired Manuel Neuer in goal was Ter Stegen. Though far from his Barcelona days, Ter Stegen showed some immediate impact for his manager.

Making nine saves in total against the Dutch, Ter Stegen held a clean sheet until the final moments. A mistake by Serge Gnabry that could not be made up for Nathaniel Brown at the back saw Germany concede a late equalizer. It was disappointing to concede after making some fantastic saves. However, Ter Stegen has given a glimpse that he is a practical option who has the experience and skill to be relied upon in the tournaments by Klopp.

Xavi Hernández’s Dutch side was the more creative team on the pitch. With four big chances, 22 shots of which 10 were on goal (Fotmob), the Oranje dominated Die Mannschaft on pure attacking ability. The Dutch’s 3.12 xG vs 1.50 of Germany is a scary stat whose impact was suppressed by Ter Stegen.

Not the perfect solution, but a practical one

Virgil Van Dijk’s glancing header beats Germany’s goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen during a corner kick. (Photo by Dijks Media/MB Media/Getty Images) Getty Images

Ter Stegen’s genuinely superb performance did have its downsides. The 34 year-old was brilliant in anticipation and reaction saves, but he was not immune to mistakes. Virgil Van Dijk’s disallowed goal was misread by Ter Stegen at the near post. As difficult as it may be, the goalkeeper has to be ahead of the opposition in anticipation of corner kick trajectories.

Another minor goof-up that could have turned fatal was a giveaway to the pressing of Cody Gakpo in the 43rd minute. The Liverpool attacker pounced on the goalkeeper’s mistake and fired a shot that was fortunately saved by the German.

Having pointed out a couple of major issues, the save against Denzel Dumfries needs a special shoutout. Just before the clock hit the hour mark, the Xavi’s men conjured a spicy chance. Mexx Meerdink’s flick to Dumfries went through two Germans; the Dutch fullback held off pressure from his marker and fired at the near post. Ter Stegen had very little time to anticipate the height and direction of the powerful grounded shot. His body angle and split second reaction to get his foot in the way is a neat highlight.

- RuneKingThor

MERCEDES W123: THE CASE FOR GERMANY'S GREATES CAR

 

HYROX ATHLETE APOLOGISES AFTER CONTINUING DESPITE SO8LING HERSELF AT EVENT, CONFIRMS FORFEITURE OF WIN

A Hyrox competitor who soiled herself during a competition in Beijing has apologised for continuing the race, and confirmed that she has retrospectively forfeited her win and the points from the event.

Joanna Wietrzyk took part in Saturday's Hryox Elite 15 event with faeces visible on her leg, as photos and videos of the event from the Chinese capital were widely circulated on social media.

The incident led Hyrox to give race directors the power to withdraw an athlete if blood, vomit, urine or faeces creates a welfare or contamination risk to them or other competitors. Any athlete removed in those circumstances will be recorded as not finishing the race.

Australian athlete Wietrzyk went on to win the women's pro race on Saturday in a time of 1 hour, 1 minute and 23 seconds.

Joanna Wietrzyk apologised for continuing to race at the Hyrox event in Beijing. Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images

In a statement posted on Instagram, she issued an apology for continuing and that she would withdraw the points earned.

"I want to offer my sincere apology to the people of China, my fellow competitors, the spectators and the HYROX organizers for what happened during the race in Beijing," she wrote.

"I felt completely fit and healthy at the start of the race, with no reason to expect any illness. Looking back, I regret the decision to not have stepped off the track.

"I recognize that I should have made a different choice. I take responsibility for my decision to continue and am deeply sorry for the discomfort and disruption it caused.

"I know my actions had an impact beyond myself, and I am genuinely sorry to everyone who was affected.

"I am learning from this experience and will carry those lessons with me, including remembering that there is more to life than racing and knowing when it is right to step away. On reflection, I have decided to retroactively withdraw from the race and forfeit the points I earned."

Hyrox China said areas affected during Saturday's competition were isolated and disinfected, while contaminated communal equipment and carpets were removed and replaced for racing the next day

Hyrox is a rapidly growing fitness-racing format, founded in Germany in 2017 and has surged in popularity since the pandemic.

It sees competitors alternate between workout stations, including skiing and rowing machines, and eight legs of 1km runs.

- ESPN

BAYERN MUNICH PLAY DOWN FEARS OVER JAMAL MUSIALA'S FUTURE AFTER ABSENCE SEIZURE DIAGNOSIS

 

Eibner

Bayern Munich have moved to ease concerns regarding Jamal Musiala's playing future after the Germany international collapsed in two successive pre-season friendlies. Club sources stressed that there is no evidence the playmaker cannot continue at the highest level after being diagnosed with a temporary and easily treatable neurological dysfunction.

Midfielder suffers repeat blackouts

Germany international Musiala collapsed on the pitch for the second time in four days during Bayern's 4-2 friendly win over Heidenheim earlier this week. The alarming incident occurred just six minutes after the midfielder came on as a substitute, following a similar blackout against RB Leipzig in the Telekom Cup. He was helped off the pitch, looking dazed, by medical staff to undergo immediate examinations.

Getty Images Sport

Medical updates offer reassurance

Taking to Instagram after the match, Musiala revealed the reason behind his collapses after being "diagnosed with brief, temporary but easily treatable episodes of absence, which are caused by a neurological dysfunction." Despite initial alarm among supporters, the 23-year-old stressed he remains "optimistic" about his treatment and the continuation of his career at the highest level.

German press agency DPAsubsequently verified the situation with Bayern sources, who emphasised that there is no indication Musiala's career is at risk. Club insiders added that his involvement in the last two fixtures was "completely unproblematic" and extensively discussed with medical specialists, though no official prognosis has been given on his immediate return timeline.

Clinical details explain condition

Absence seizures, historically known as "petit mal", are a form of epilepsy categorised into typical and atypical types. In typical cases, individuals abruptly halt activity and appear to "switch off" for 10 to 20 seconds, sometimes fluttering their eyes upwards before returning to their normal state.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, the condition stems from "brief abnormal electrical activity in a person's brain" and can develop undiagnosed in adults over prolonged periods. The foundation notes that while some individuals experience "hundreds of brief absence seizures a day," the condition is generally manageable with targeted medical treatment without impacting physical activity.

Crucial fixtures approach rapidly

Bayern are set to kick off their competitive campaign against rivals Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park in the German Super Cup, rebranded this season as the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup. Having secured a domestic double last term, Die Roten then begin their Bundesliga title defence against VfB Stuttgart in Munich on Friday, August 28. Club officials and medical staff will proceed cautiously, closely monitoring Musiala's response before clearing him for competitive action.

- Adhe Makayasa

JAMAL MUSIALA HEALTH ISSUES, EXPLAINED: WHY BAYERN MUNICH STAR'S 'ABSENCE SEIZURE' CAUSE HIM TO FAINT

Bayern Munich and Germany star Jamal Musiala has struggled with injuries over the past few years, and the 2026/27 club season presented a fresh start from which to springboard back to his best after over a year of struggling with fitness.

Unfortunately, his preparations for the coming campaign have been halted in concerning fashion, as Musiala has suffered bouts of unconsciousness in consecutive preseason friendlies that have put both his immediate and long-term playing future at risk.

Musiala has collapsed during play in two different matches as Bayern Munich prepare for the upcoming season, which starts for the Bavarian giants on Saturday as they meet Der Klassiker rivals Borussia Dortmund in the DFL-Supercup.

The Sporting News explains what has been the issue for Musiala and what his prognosis is moving forward as he looks to continue his football career safely and responsibly.

Jamal Musiala on-field collapses

Bayern Munich playmaker Jamal Musiala has fainted in two consecutive preseason friendlies, sparking concern amongst the global football fanbase.

First, he fell to the ground during a 3-1 friendly victory over RB Leipzig on Saturday, August 15. He looked woozy on his feet, and new Bayern signing Ismael Saibari ran over to assist him, helping the dazed Musiala to the turf safely.

After that incident, Musiala recovered quickly and returned to training, with the medical staff clearing him of any larger concerns. "The most important thing is that he is well," said Bayern Munich executive Max Eberl to The Mirror after the match. "There's nothing more to say about anything else."

Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany, meanwhile, blamed the combination of significant heat and Musiala's recent medical struggles for the initial collapse. According to reports, medical tests revealed no significant issues, and he was cleared to continue playing.

However, Musiala suffered another episode four days later, as he again fell to the turf just four minutes after coming on as a substitute in an August 18 friendly against Heidenheim. There was serious concern amongst players from both teams, who surrounded Musiala while the medical staff rushed on. He was able to walk off under his own power, flanked by Bayern Munich trainers.

What has Jamal Musiala said about his condition?

After the second incident in the friendly against Heidenheim, Jamal Musiala took to social media to reveal that his collapses have been due to a diagnosis of "absence seizures." The full statement on Instagram read:

I'm doing well! I am incredibly grateful for your messages and your support! I understand that many of you are worried. I want to put those worries to rest today and explain the situation.

I have been diagnosed with brief, temporary — but treatable —absence seizures caused by a neurological dysfunction. These can lead to the kind of moments that occurred recently, such as during the match against Leipzig or now in Heidenheim. I know they might look scary at first glance, but for me, they are currently just part of my everyday life. I am receiving excellent medical care for this and remain very optimistic. FC Bayern and my personal support network are right by my side, helping me through this. Importantly, there is no further health risk involved. In close consultation and regular contact with the experts, it was my personal wish to face this challenge head-on. With the medical clearance of the neurologists, I want to continue doing what helps my recovery the most: simply living my daily life and pursuing my passion for playing football. I have taken full responsibility for this decision.

Overall, I feel very positive and am on the right track. What helps me most on this journey is continuing to chase victories and titles with my team and with your amazing support. I hope this helps you understand my situation better. At the same time, I ask for your understanding regarding my wish to keep the details of this matter private—sharing them only with my closest circle, the club, and the medical experts.

Despite claims that the issue is relatively minor, it's hard to imagine that after two straight incidents, Bayern Munich would put him back on the pitch without reconsidering his condition and treatment plan moving forward to prevent more recurrences.

What are absence seizures?

Jamal Musiala revealed after his second on-pitch collapse that he had been diagnosed with "absence seizures" that were causing his recent issues.

According to Massachusetts General Hospital, absence seizures "cause a brief, temporary loss of awareness, usually for 5 to 30 seconds." An individual experiencing an absence seizure "may stare into space or look like they’re daydreaming." Usually, the individual returns to consciousness relatively quickly after an absence seizure.

These kind of symptoms can be managed by antiseizure medications. There are sometimes referred to as "petit mal seizures," which translates as “little illness” in French.

According to the Mayo Clinic, absence seizures are far more common in children, and it is rare that the symptoms persist into adulthood. However, they can sometimes be a precursor to a more serious kind of epilepsy that presents with what are known as "grand mal seizures."

It's unclear if Musiala has experienced these symptoms through his childhood, or if they have just recently begun.

Is Jamal Musiala's condition life threatening?

While this typically does not result in physical injury on most occasions, the situation in which the seizure presents could be extremely dangerous.

If the individual suffers a loss of consciousness during an activity that requires consistent attention, such as driving, riding a bike, or other athletic activity, it can create a situation that becomes dangerous by association.

Jamal Musiala age

Jamal Musiala is 23 years old.

The Massachusetts General Hospital writeup claims that absence seizures can begin in children ages 3 to 8 and are most common in those aged 8 to 15. "Although uncommon, some children continue to have absence seizures into adulthood," the article states.

He has been considered one of the best young players in the world for some time, but as he begins to reach the prime of his career, he has been beset with significant injury concerns.

Jamal Musiala injury history

As he transitions from his developmental years into the peak years of his career, Jamal Musiala has struggled mightily with injuries over the past few years.

At first, it began with muscle injuries, as he picked up a series of short-term issues with his hamstring in late 2023. He missed significant time with a hamstring injury in the latter half of the 2024/25 season, missing the final 71 days of the campaign as well as that summer's UEFA Nations League finals with Germany.

Then, the big injury struck as Musiala suffered a gruesome broken leg in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup during a challenge from then-PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, which saw him sidelined from July through the middle of January 2026.

Musiala returned from his fracture but suffered subsequent ankle issues that disrupted his time through the spring of 2026 and saw him fail to return to his best form by the World Cup later that summer.

- Kyle Bonn

YAN DIOMANDE MAKES FINAL TRANSFER DECISION AS REAL MADRID JOIN ARSENAL AND LIVERPOOL FOR £100M RB LEIPZIG STAR

Getty Images 

RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has outlined his transfer preference amid mounting interest from Real Madrid, PSG, Arsenal, and Liverpool. The £100m-rated Ivory Coast international impressed during a breakout season in Germany and at the 2026 World Cup, leaving him keen on a summer departure despite Leipzig's public stance that he is not for sale.

Diomande signals summer exit

Leipzig winger Diomande has reportedly made his final decision regarding his next destination amid a fierce transfer battle involving PSG, Liverpool, Arsenal and Madrid. According to The Athletic, Los Blancos have even opened direct negotiations with Leipzig to sign the £100 million-rated winger after he registered 12 goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga and impressed in leading Ivory Coast to the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup. Despite Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schafer insisting the player is going nowhere, Diomande remains hopeful of finalising a move this summer.

Getty Images 

Winger outlines transfer stance

Asked about the speculation surrounding interest from Europe's elite during the World Cup, the young Ivorian star openly confirmed his expectation to leave Leipzig while leaving negotiations in his agent's hands.

Speaking to reporters, he stated: "First of all I think, like I said, my dream is playing for my country, and to make history with my country. I don't have Instagram anymore. I don't have TikTok as well, so I can't see anything! But I expect to leave, of course. And I have an agent, he's going to manage the rest. But for me, the most important thing right now is the focus on the World Cup with my country."

Meanwhile, regarding his boyhood club, Diomande previously told French media: "Paris Saint-Germain is a team I've loved since I was little. I think my father was a PSG supporter. It's a team I admire as a football fan."

Mourinho enters transfer race

A separate report from TEAMtalkclaims that Diomande's primary preference remains a move to PSG, though the winger is open to joining Madrid if the French giants fail to agree a fee with Leipzig. The race has intensified further after the Spanish giants, now led by new manager Jose Mourinho, entered the frame for the attacker as part of their squad overhaul. Elsewhere, Arsenal have also joined the pursuit after their attempt to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa ended in failure.

Getty Images 

Leipzig demand premium fee

Diomande has now returned to pre-season training with Leipzig following his post-World Cup break. PSG are expected to submit a formal offer swiftly to prevent Madrid or the Premier League duo from hijacking the deal for their top target. Leipzig hold a strong negotiating position and are adamant they will only part ways with their prized asset if a suitor meets his valuation.

- Adhe Makayasa

JÜRGEN KLOPP | CAREER TIMELINE

 

FIFA RANKINGS | AFTER WORLD CUP 2026

 

THREE GREAT COACHES | FRANCE 🇫🇷 | GERMANY 🇩🇪 | ITALY 🇮🇹

 

JÜRGEN KLOPP RETURN 'DONE' AS LIVERPOOL LEGEND AGREES GERMANY MOVE

Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp is set to return to management with Germany, with reports suggesting that his move is now complete, with an official unveiling to come next week

Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp during the World Cup game between France and Morocco in Boston.(Image: Harry Langer/DeFodi via Getty Images)

Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp's move to take over from Julian Nagelsmann is now fully completed, according to reports in Germany.

A report from Sky Germany says he will sign with the German national team until 2030, meaning he will oversee the next European Championship and World Cup, with a public unveiling said to be planned for Friday if all goes to plan.

Klopp will exit his position at the Red Bull group as part of the move. He left Liverpool two years ago and this will be the first time he has coached a team since, with Die Mannschaft set to face the Netherlands in his first match at the helm.

The former Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich head coach candidly acknowledged that his squad could no longer be considered among the elite sides on the world stage.

"If you are eliminated by Paraguay, you are just not a first-class football team. I am very disappointed," he said.

Klopp will offer fresh hope for Germany as a figurehead for the DFB. But Gary Neville warned this week that things will not be easy for the ex-Reds man.

Jurgen Klopp is set to return to management with Germany(Image: (Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport via Getty Images))

"The thing is about international football is you’ve got a fixed pool of players that you can pick from whereas with clubs you can sign players from different nationalities," Neville said during a Q&A session for The Overlap.

"I wouldn’t say [club management] is easy but you’ve obviously got the pick of the world, you can go and sign players from everywhere.

"With Germany, if they haven’t got a good crop coming through and they haven’t got a good talent base for the next four or five years then there’s nothing he can do really."

Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz are among the star names that Klopp will be able to call upon. Bayern Munich starlet Lennart Karl is one to pin hopes for the future on too, but Neville isn't convinced.

"I look at England’s front players like [Bukayo] Saka and [Phil] Foden and [Cole] Palmer and [Harry] Kane and [Morgan] Rogers and [Jude] Bellingham, and I think our players are better than Germany’s," Neville continued.

"‘You can never write Germany off just because we’ve got their history of seeing them win but I wouldn’t be thinking he’s going to go in there and be able to get [them firing]."

- Matt Addison

MICHAEL OLISE 'OBSESSED' WITH JOINING TEAL MADRID AS BAYERN MÜNCHEN STAR 'GATHERS INFORMATION' FROM HIS FRANCE TEAM-MATES DURING WORLD CUP

 

France and Bayern Munich star Michael Olise is desperate to join Real Madrid this summer, according to reports.

In what would be a sensational transfer, L'Equipe reported Olise, 24, has told his French team-mates at the World Cup that he wants to sign for the Spanish giants.

The same publication claims he has been 'gathering information' from his countrymen about the club during the tournament. Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni are the two in the French squad who play for Real.

Olise, a star of the French side that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, joined Bayern in a £50million deal in 2024. 

He has three years left on his contract with the German side so Real will have to stump up a significant fee to make his wish a reality.

L'Equipe says Olise's Bayern and France team-mate Dayot Upamecano has been pushing for the former Crystal Palace man to remain in Germany in an 'intense lobbying effort'.

🗞️ « Michael Olise, une envie de Real » : la une du journal L'Équipe du vendredi 17 juillet 2026 pic.twitter.com/R5TzJHxggx

— L'Équipe (@lequipe) July 16, 2026

Olise has been the subject of intense transfer speculation after impressing for Bayern, recording 16 goals and 27 assists in 39 league games. The winger also leads the assist charts at the World Cup with five going into France's third-place play-off against England in Miami on Saturday.

Reports in Germany earlier this year claimed Liverpool would launch an audacious £173m bid for the player amid their pursuit of a replacement for Mo Salah, but Bayern were adamant he would not be sold this summer.

Olise's name was also mentioned in the Real Madrid presidential election as it was suggested the club would table a £130m offer if Florentino Perez secured another term.

Perez did win the election but there has not yet been any contact between the two clubs regarding a player whose price may have skyrocketed after his displays for France at the World Cup. 

- LIAM MORGAN

MARCO BEZZECCHI OUT OF GERMANY GP, NEEDS SURGERY AFTER BIG CRASH

Marco Bezzecchi will miss the German Grand Prix following a huge crash in qualifying

Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 Sachsenring MotoGP.
© Gold and Goose

Aprilia has announced that Marco Bezzecchi will miss the remainder of the MotoGP German Grand Prix following a huge crash in qualifying.

The erstwhile championship leader lost the rear of his Aprilia going through Turn 7 in the early stages of Q2.

When it gripped again, he was flung over his bike’s handlebars and bounced violently through the gravel.

Though he was able to walk away from the crash under his own steam, he was seen clutching his left arm when he got back to the paddock.

He was transferred to the circuit medical centre by ambulance shortly afterwards, where a displaced collarbone fracture was detected.

Marco Bezzecchi will require surgery on the injury.

“Following the crash, Marco Bezzecchi was taken to the circuit medical centre where, under the supervision of MotoGP Medical Director Dr. Angel Charte, he underwent an X-ray examination which revealed a complete and displaced fracture of the left clavicle,” Aprilia said in a statement.

“The type of fracture requires surgical intervention for optimal recovery, and it will be performed by Dr. Giuseppe Porcellini in Italy.

“Marco Bezzecchi is planning to return to Italy as soon as possible. We will keep you updated.”

Marco Bezzecchi's season goes from bad to worse

Bezzecchi was due to start from eighth on the grid, ahead of Aprilia team-mate Jorge Martin. 

It marks his second big accident in as many rounds, following a fast crash during the Dutch Grand Prix. 

With Bezzecchi withdrawing from the rest of the Germany weekend, it will bring his tally of non-scores in main races to four in a row, and marks his second scoreless event in three. 

His crash out of the Dutch Grand Prix lost him the championship lead, dropping him seven points behind Martin. Currently, Martin is unlikely to fight for victory in either race, but the likes of Fabio Di Giannantonio and Marc Marquez could overhaul Bezzecchi in the points. 

Bezzecchi's season has quickly turned hellish since his dominant start to the campaign, in which he won the first three grands prix and added a fourth to his tally in Italy. 

Since then, he was involved in a Turn 1 pile-up triggered by Martin in Hungary, crashed out of the sprint at Brno and was subsequently banned from the main race for striking a marshal, before falling out of the Dutch Grand Prix. 

Bezzecchi now has three weeks within which to have the surgery and recover in time to compete at the British Grand Prix at the start of August. 

- Lewis Duncan

3,000 WORLD CUP GOALS | HOW THEY'RE DISTRIBUTED BY NATION

 

JULIAN NAGELSMANN QUITS GERMANY AFTER WORLD CUP HUMILIATION AS JÜRGEN KLOPP POISED FOR JOB

Julian Nagelsmann is set to resign as Germany manager following the national team's humiliating World Cup exit to Paraguay, with former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp emerging as the favourite to succeed him

Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as Germany manager(Image: Marcel Bonte/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Julian Nagelsmann has resigned from his position as the head coach of the Germany national team, according to local reports. Jurgen Klopp is tipped to take over the role following rumours about his interest during the World Cup.

Germany suffered a shock exit from the World Cup after losing to Paraguay in a penalty shootout. Nagelsmann was anticipated to stay on until after Euro 2028 and left the decision up to his superiors following the World Cup debacle.

He stated: "I am available. If the DFB [German FA] wants it, then I will do the Euro 2028, and if not then they have to tell me. I'm not someone who runs away."

Jurgen Klopp is favourite to take the Germany job(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Nagelsmann conceded that his team could not be ranked among the world's elite. "If you are eliminated by Paraguay, you are just not a first-class football team. I am very disappointed," he expressed.

On Thursday, it was reported that following a meeting with DFB executives, Nagelsmann was advised by the board to consider resigning or risk being dismissed. It seems that the 38-year-old will bow to their wishes, with an official announcement expected today.

Klopp, who has been serving as a pundit at the World Cup, has already been questioned about his willingness to succeed Nagelsmann after Germany's departure.

"I understand that my name is being mentioned," Klopp responded. "But this isn't the moment to talk about it - and certainly not with me."

The ex-Liverpool manager had previously stirred up controversy by hinting that Nagelsmann's reign might not extend much further before the tournament. Klopp, who had been associated with the role, remarked: "Luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team. Still."

The repeated use of 'still' was considered disrespectful in Germany, leading to the Red Bull head of global football having to issue an apology.

"I've already found the most hated word of the year: 'Still,'" Klopp confessed during coverage on MagentaTV. "I could have punched myself in the face for that, but it was already too late and I was on TV. It just slipped out so casually and has absolutely no relevance."

Germany haven't clinched a knockout match at the World Cup since their triumph in 2014. Under Joachim Löw in 2018, they were knocked out at the group stage, suffering the same fate under Hansi Flick in 2022. Nagelsmann managed to push the team one step further, albeit only to the round of 32.

- Scott Trotter and Cameron Winstanley

BREAKING: JÜRGEN KLOPP IS THE LEADING CONTENDER TO BECOME.GERMANY'S NEW HEAD COACH

 

🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Klopp is the 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 to become Germany's new coach 🇩🇪

He is keen on the move, with Nagelsmann reportedly on the verge of being sacked, according to Ben Jacobs 😲

Nagelsmann wants to continue, but Klopp has already been approached to replace him, with several figures inside the German FA reportedly pushing for a change, the report says 🗞️

- 433

𝘿𝙀𝙍 𝙆𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙎𝙄𝙆𝙀𝙍 🔥📅 | BUNDESLIGA

 Save the dates for 𝘿𝙀𝙍 𝙆𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙎𝙄𝙆𝙀𝙍 🔥📅

@FCBayern play hosts in the first half of the season, before @BVB09 do so in 2027 🏟️

#Bundesliga | #FixtureRelease | #BVB | #FCBauern

LIVERPOOL UNVEIL NEW £60M DEFENDER JEREMY JACQUET - AS ENGLISH FOOTBALL AGENTS INVOLVED IN DEAL FOR 20-YEAR-OLD LAUNCH NEW FRENCH VENTURE

English agency Unique Sports Group has invested in leading French counterparts One Team Football, to launch Unique France.

The two have collaborated on the £60million deal that took 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes to Liverpool which was confirmed today.

The move brings together two of the more established football agencies in England and France, combining decades of experience, extensive international networks and a shared philosophy of developing and representing elite players throughout all stages of their careers.

Unique already have operations in the UK, Germany, Spain, South Korea, Ivory Coast and the UAE.

One Team client Jeremy Jacquet, regarded as the best defensive prospect coming out of France, officially became a Liverpool player today on a five-year contract in a transaction where Unique Sports Group worked alongside Michael Manuello from the French agency.

Unique also concluded the transfer of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona in May, two of the biggest moves in terms of fees for the summer window so far.

Liverpool's new signing Jeremy Jacquet with Will Salthouse and Michael Manuello 

Unique’s client roster also includes three members of England’s World Cup squad in Gordon, Marc Guehi and Dean Henderson, as well as Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix who is representing France.

Discussing the launch of Unique France, Will Salthouse, CEO and founder of Unique Sports Group said: 'When Unique was formed, the ambition was always to build a business that could grow beyond the UK and become one of football's leading international agencies.

By making a key investment with One Team and launching Unique France alongside Michael and his team it represents another significant step on that journey. France continues to produce some of the world's best talent and bringing together the strengths of both businesses creates an exciting platform for the future.'

Steve Hitchen, Director of Football at Unique Sports Group added: 'I've known Michael and One Team for many years. They have built an outstanding reputation through their knowledge of the French market and their ability to identify and develop top players. 

'Bringing our joint experience together through Unique France is hugely exciting, not only because of the quality of players already within each of our organisations, but because of what we can build together over the coming years.'

Michael Manuello, founder of One Team Football said: 'This is an exciting new chapter for One Team. We have built a fantastic business in France and are proud of the players we represent. 

'Joining forces with Unique in this venture gives us access to one of the strongest Premier League platforms in football, creating even more opportunities for our clients and allowing us to continue doing what we do best in France. We share the same values and long-term vision, and I'm excited about what we can achieve together through Unique France.'

- SIMON JONES

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ IS THE BEST EVER EUROPEAN ALL-TIME FIFA WORLD CUP GOALSCORER