HOW BVB STAR FAIRED IN GERMANY'S 4-0 OVER FINLAND

Germany - Finland | picture alliance/GettyImages

Germany's final home game before the 2026 FIFA World Cup resulted in a dominant 4-0 win over Finland in Mainz on Sunday.

Deniz Undav struck a brace whereas Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala also scored apiece as Die Mannschaft were given a cheerful send-off from the home fans.

The four-time champions will now travel to Chicago for their last warmup friendly against the United States before kicking-off their campaign against Curacao on 14 June.

Which BVB stars featured?

Earlier in the day, it was confirmed that Felix Nmecha would start for Germany. Turns out, Nico Schlotterbeck was also in the mix, starting in their four-man backline.

Maximilian Beier and Waldemar Anton were on the bench. But while Beier was subbed in after the break, Anton didn't feature at all.

How did Dortmund player fare?

Now speaking of their performance, Schlotterbeck displayed excellent vision to make one interception and two clearances while also winning two of his three ground duels.

Combining his towering stature with strong physical attributes, the BVB star made sure that Finnish forwards didn't have any time or space to work into.

As for Nmecha, the midfielder was heavily involved in the passing game and registered a 91% completion rate. He also laid one key pass while making two shots in the game.

The 25-year-old was involved in Germany's second goal as his high-press promoted a Finnish defender to make a backward pass that was intercepted by Undav for Wirtz to score.

In the build-up to their third one, Nmecha released Aleksandar Pavlovic on the right to race ahead and set up Undav.

Having made only six appearances for Germany before this, Nmecha displayed tactical intelligence that belied his age and experience.

Naglesmann's intent behind starting him tonight was perhaps to get the player more accustomed to his set-up before the cup and the Dortmund star seemed to thrive in his role.

With that performance, his place in the XI for the tournament might just be confirmed now.

Beier came on for the final 17 minutes but made two attempts, both of which forced Finnish custodian Lukas Hradecky to intervene.

What about Anton?

Naglesmann clearly gave the younger players a chance here and Anton remaining on the bench is in no way a cause for concern for the BVB players.

Having played such a crucial role in Dortmund's defensive backline in 2025-26 season, he is sure to get his moment to shine with Germany too.

- Sachin Bhat

TRANSFER TALK: ARSENAL TARGET BAYERN DEFENDER DE LIGT

TOP STORY: Arsenal target Bayern defender De Ligt

Arsenal are interested in signing Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, says The Athletic.

De Ligt, 24, joined Bayern from Juventus in July 2022 for around €77 million but the Netherlands international has struggled for fitness and could depart in the summer.

The Gunners are looking to bolster their defence and also have Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and 17-year-old Ajax defender Jorrel Hato on their shortlist.

Any signing is unlikely in January as Mikel Arteta's side have plenty of options, but a new arrival over the summer is very possible.

USMNT star Cardoso moves to Betis

ESPN

Real Betis have completed the signing of United States men's national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Brazilian club Internacional, the LaLiga club announced.

Cardoso, 22, has signed a contract until June 2029.

Neither club confirmed the fee for Cardoso's transfer but sources told ESPN Brasil, Betis paid an initial €6m ($6.3m) to sign the player and as part of the deal, Internacional have kept a 20% from any future transfer of the player.

Juventus to land Montenegro starlet Adzic

ESPN

Juventus have won the race to sign Montenegro starlet Vasilije Adzic from Podgorica, Sky Italia reports.

The Bianconeri have fought off strong competition from several Serie A clubs, including Bologna, and are set to land the teenage playmaker.

Adzic, 17, is expected to arrive to Turin next week to undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on a long-term contract with the Italian giants. However, he will only join Juve once he turns 18 in May.

Adzic has scored six goal and set up two more in 23 appearances for Montenegro's defending champions Podgorica this season.

Neves transfer to cost United even more?

ESPN

Manchester United want to bring in Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, says O Jogo.

Neves, 19, is tipped to become one of the best in Europe but is reported to be in talks over a new contract at Benfica. If he signs up then the Portugal international's release clause would increase from €120m to €150m and that could present an issue for United.

Milan line up Popovic deal

ESPN

AC Milan are set to complete the signing of Partizan Belgrade midfielder Matija Popovic once he turns 18 on Jan. 8, according to Calciomercato.

Popovic, 17, will join the Rossoneri as a free agent as his contract expires on Dec. 31

The Serbia U17 international will reportedly arrive in Milan next week to undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on a five-year contract.

A reported target of Manchester City, Popovic has scored 21 goals in 25 games for Partizan's U19 squad.

Craig Burley has seen this Manchester United move before

ESPN

Man City, Bayern and Barcelona watching Savinho

ESPN

Girona forward Savinho will remain at the club until the end of the season despite strong interest from Manchester City, according to local reports.

Savinho, 19, is on a season-long loan at Girona from Troyes, with both clubs owned by City Football Group, the umbrella company of Manchester City.

The Brazilian winger has scored four goals and set up five more in 18 league appearances to help surprise-package Girona remain at the top of LaLiga.

Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are closely monitoring Savinho, whose contract with Troyes expires in June 2027. And City are reportedly ready to make an offer to sign him in June.