Transfer news live: Wirtz arrives for Liverpool medical, Arsenal agree to pay above Zubimendi release fee, Mbeumo to Man United

Football
20 Jun 2025 • 12:52 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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The transfer window is now open again following the start of this summer’s Club World Cup with clubs able to accelerate deals ahead of the new season.

Arsenal hope to bring in Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi but Mikel Arteta has made RB Leipzig striker, Benjamin Sesko, their priority as talks continue over a deal with Sesko’s agent clarifying the situation. Also, the Gunners have reportedly submitted an initial offer for another forward option – Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres.

Liverpool are making plans for a Florian Wirtz medical later this week after agreeing a record £116.5m deal for the German superstar. The Premier League champions, who have already brought in Jeremie Frimpong, will make Wirtz their club-record signing after agreeing a deal with Bayer Leverkusen though rumours abound that Newcastle forward Alexander Isak is also on their radar.

Manchester United, who have secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m, are negotiating with Brentford about Bryan Mbeumo and a third bid is reportedly coming soon. Mbeumo would prefer a move to Old Trafford over Tottenham Hotspur even as Thomas Frank takes charges in north London – though Spurs want Mbeumo and teammate Yoane Wissa.

You can sign up to DAZN to watch every Club World Cup game for free, while all the latest updates, rumours and done deals from what promises to be a chaotic transfer window will be covered in the blog below:

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Latest Transfer news

  • Sesko agent clarifies rumours on Arsenal situation after stumbling block over £86m fee
  • Gunners agree to pay more than release clause for Martin Zubimendi
  • Florian Wirtz arrives in England ahead of Liverpool medical
  • Jadon Sancho will need to take pay cut to join Napoli
  • Alexander Isak on Liverpool's radar?
  • Viktor Gyokeres talks with current club Sporting collapse

Florian Wirtz arrives in England for Liverpool medical ahead of £116m move

17:51

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Will Castle

Florian Wirtz has landed in England for his Liverpool medical ahead of a British record £116m move to the club.

He landed at Manchester Airport this afternoon, from where he will travel to Merseyside to finalise a deal, with a medical penned in for Friday.

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Tottenham fined £75,000 for failing to curb homophobic chants during Man United clash

17:41

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Mike Jones

Tottenham have been fined £75,000 by the FA in relation to homophobic chanting from their supporters during a match against Manchester United in September.

Spurs were charged with misconduct by the FA in November, after chants from their away following at Old Trafford were aimed at Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and United's former Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount during a 3-0 win on September 29.

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Chelsea lead race for Dortmund's Gittens

17:29

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Mike Jones

Chelsea lead the race for Borussia Dortmund’s talented young winger Jamie Gittens.

The 20-year-old Gittens has impressed at Dortmund, scoring 12 goals in 49 games this season and playing an integral role in the campaign.

He has already agreed personal terms on a long contract at Stamford Bridge, reports Fabrizio Romano, and is refusing to speak with other clubs. Now it is up to Chelsea to meet Dortmund’s price tag.

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Arsenal hold initial talks with Rodrygo

17:17

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Mike Jones

Arsenal have held “exploratory talks” with Real Madrid forward Rodrygo as Mikel Arteta seeks to upgrade his forward options.

Rodrygo’s role in the Madrid faded towards the end of last season, and The Independent reported this month that the 24-year-old Brazilian would not be a natural fit for new manager Xabi Alonso’s preferred system.

Ben Jacobs reports that Arsenal hold a “genuine interest” in Rodrygo, with ongoing talks dating back to May. Madrid value their player at around €90m.

Barca confirm goalkeeper signing

17:05

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Mike Jones

Barcelona have announced the signature of former Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

The Spaniard joins after paying his contract release clause, which was worth £21.4m (€25m).

The 24-year-old has signed a six-year deal with Espanyol’s cross-city rivals.

Pep Guardiola sends message to Jack Grealish as Man City winger watches Club World Cup from afar

16:53

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Lawrence Ostlere

Pep Guardiola has told Jack Grealish to find somewhere to play after his lack of minutes at Manchester City over the past two years.

Grealish made only seven Premier League starts last season despite being fit and available for much of the campaign, and was left out of City’s 27-player squad for this summer’s Club World Cup in the United States. The 27-year-old England international has instead been on holiday, although his social media posts suggest he is also working on his fitness ahead of next season.

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Villa open to selling

16:40

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Mike Jones

The Daily Mail are reporting that Aston Villa are open to selling Jacob Ramsey this summer, though they are set on keeping reported Chelsea target Morgan Rogers.

Villa would want around £40m for Ramsey, whose contract is set to expire in 2027.

Walker set for Everton?

16:28

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Mike Jones

Reports from UK media suggest that Man City’s Kyle Walker could be set for a move to Everton.

The England international spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan but has since returned to City, though he was left out of the squad for the Club World Cup.

Walker is expected to leave the Etihad permanently this summer.

What's happening with Garnacho?

16:16

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Mike Jones

Reports around the future of Man Utd winger Alejandro Garnacho seem to have gone quiet for now, with the last big update suggest that the Argentinian prefers to stay in the Premier League.

Chelsea were touted as an interested party but it is not known for sure how their pursuit of Bynoe-Gittens and Fofana affect that interest, though you would assume either of those signings would rule out a move.

Napoli are another supposedly interested side, though it is unknown whether Garnacho would consider the Italian champions at this point.

Other sides with reported interest include Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa, though nothing concrete has emerged with regards to either side’s interest.

Beating City, PSR and the No 10 role: Inside Liverpool’s record transfer for Florian Wirtz

16:04

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Richard Jolly

German superstar Florian Wirtz is set to join Liverpool in a deal that could see him become the most expensive player ever signed by a Premier League club.

The 22-year-old, who has become one of the most coveted players in world football during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, was a target for Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich, though Arne Slot’s side quickly moved to the front of the race for his signature.

Leverkusen had wanted €150m, or £126m, and previously rejected two bids from the Premier League champions. But Liverpool have agreed to sign Wirtz for an initial £100m, potentially rising to £116m, making him their club-record signing.

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Atalanta eyeing up Southampton winger?

15:54

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Mike Jones

Atalanta are said to be interested in Southampton winger Kamaldeen Sulemana.

The 23-year-old was signed for a club-record £22m in 2023.

Napoli in hunt for new winger

15:42

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Mike Jones

According to Fabrizio Romano, Napoli “are progressing in talks to sign Dan Ndoye” from Bologna.

The Serie A side have agreed personal terms with the Swiss winger, in a move that will likely impact any interest on Man Utd duo Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho.

Both United players are available to purchase this summer but it remains to be seen if either will secure moves away from Old Trafford.

Tottenham transfer news: Eberechi Eze, Bryan Mbeumo, Marc Guehi and more

15:30

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Mike Jones

Thomas Frank has a seismic job on his hands to rebuild Tottenham and lead the freshly-crowned European champions into a new era.

Spurs come into the summer off the back of success in the Europa League final - a first trophy in 17 years, delivered by Ange Postecoglou.

However, silverware was not enough to save the Aussie’s job after what was otherwise a catastrophic campaign, with Tottenham finishing 17th in the Premier League on just 38 points.

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Newcastle & Chelsea targeting Pedro

15:18

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Mike Jones

Brighton’s Joao Pedro is another player linked with Chelsea, with the club said to be “highly appreciated” at Stamford Bridge.

However, it is believed that Newcastle are leading the race for the Brazilian, having made contact with the Seagulls last week.

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Coventry set to sign Brau

15:07

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Mike Jones

Sky Sports News say that Coventry are set to sign left-back Miguel Angel Brau on a free transfer.

The 23-year-old's contract at Granada is up at the end of the month and Brau is expected to become Frank Lampard's first summer signing.

He played 26 games in Spain's second tier last season, scoring twice.

Ekitike wanted by Premier League clubs

14:56

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Mike Jones

22-year-old Frankfurt forward Huge Ekitike is reportedly being considered by Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea after a season in which he scored 22 goals in all competitions.

The Frenchman is seen as a quality prospect in his homeland and seems to be finding his feet at the top level after an unsuccessful spell at PSG earlier in his career.

The young striker is adept at linking play and dribbling as well as finishing, and early reports suggested that Frankfurt wanted to hold out for a fee of around €100m, though subsequent reports say that the German side could be tempted into a sale around the same £60 mark that Man City paid for Omar Marmoush.

Lauren James ‘feeling good’ after injury and ready for ‘pressure’ of Euro 2025

14:45

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Jamie Braidwood

England forward Lauren James says she “never doubted” that she would be ready for Euro 2025 after recovering from a hamstring injury and doesn’t “feel the pressure” of delivering for the Lionesses.

James missed the end of the club season with Chelsea and has not played since the end of March but was named in Sarina Wiegman’s squad for the Euros.

The 23-year-old scored three times and made three further assists during the Women’s World Cup group stage two years ago before her red card against Nigeria in the last-16.

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Boly signs new deal with Forest

14:34

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Mike Jones

Willy Boly has signed a new one-year deal at Nottingham Forest.

Ross Wilson, the club's chief football officer said: “Willy is an experienced Premier League player who adds a lot of value to our squad, and we are pleased he has signed a new deal.

“An extremely dedicated professional, Willy has played at the highest level for a long time and he contributed significantly to the teams successful season last year.

“He is passionate about winning football matches, and with his leadership qualities and ability to speak multiple languages, he connects the group and helps those around him.

“We wish him all the best for the season ahead.”

Cashin set to leave Brighton on loan

14:23

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Mike Jones

Brighton are willing to let Eiran Cashin leave on loan this summer, reports the Daily Express.

The Irish centre-back joined the Seagulls from Derby but has made only two Premier League appearances since joining in January.

The Express report there is interest in him from Championship and Bundesliga clubs.

Mudryk 'shocked' by banned substance charge

14:14

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Mike Jones

“I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to the FA contained a banned substance,” said the Chelsea winger.

“This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.

“I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon. I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.”

‘Complete shock’: Mykhailo Mudryk breaks silence after Chelsea star’s positive test for banned substance

14:02

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Kieran Jackson

Mykhailo Mudryk insists he has “not done anything wrong” after submitting a drug test sample which contained a banned substance.

The Chelsea winger and Ukraine international, 23, has been handed a provisional suspension by the FA while the results of a B sample are still pending.

Mudryk has missed Chelsea’s last five matches, having last played on 28 November, and The Times reports that Mudryk is citing contamination as the reason for the substance appearing in his test.

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Arsenal agree to pay more than release clause for Martin Zubimendi

13:57

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Mike Jones

Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and have agreed to pay the Spanish club more than the player’s €60m release clause.

Fabrizio Romano says that is because Sociedad have allowed the Gunners to fund the transfer in installments rather than an upright payment.

Both clubs are happy with the deal and the necessary next steps, such as a medical for the midfielder, will take place soon.

Are Liverpool targeting Isak?

13:53

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Mike Jones

With much of the rest of the squad seemingly in top shape ahead of 2025/26, Liverpool continue to be linked with a range of strikers.

Alexander Isak has been touted as the club’s “dream” target, though with Newcastle having qualified for the Champions League it is seen as unlikely that they let their star player leave.

Nevertheless, Reds fans can hope – Isak has transformed into one of the best strikers in world football in recent months, and his signature would certainly make Liverpool favourites for back-to-back league titles (and probably a European Cup to add to it).

Fulham reject bid for Munoz

13:42

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Mike Jones

According to the Standard, Fulham have rejected a £32m bid from Leeds for Rodrigo Munoz.

“The Cottagers were approached with an offer worth £26m plus £6m in add-ons but have declined”, says the report.

Robertson makes Liverpool decision?

13:29

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Mike Jones

Reports are coming out suggesting that Andy Robertson has decided to leave Liverpool, amid interest from Atletico Madrid.

Atleti are reportedly hoping to sign the 31-year-old for as little as £8.5m, with the Scot out of contract in 2026.

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Wissa to leave Brentford too?

13:17

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Mike Jones

It seems as though Mbeumo is set to leave Brentford, but now reports are suggesting Yoane Wissa could leave the Bees too.

According to reports, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and Arsenal hold an interest in the Congolese forward, who could leave for around £25m.

His current contract runs until June 2026, with an option to extend for another year.

Sheffield United set to appoint new manager

13:05

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Mike Jones

Sheffield United are reportedly set to appoint Ruben Selles as their new manager following the departure of Chris Wilder.

Wilder is set to depart Bramall Lane – with an announcement expected imminently – having failed to secure promotion after losing in a dramatic play-off final to Sunderland.

And former Hull manager Selles, who was sacked despite keeping the Tigers in the second division, is set to take over according to Sky.

Chris Wilder sacked as Sheffield United manager after Championship play-off final failure

12:54

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Will Castle

Failing to guide the Blades back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, Wilder’s second stint at Bramall Lane ends after 18 months, having taken over midway through their relegation-doomed 2023/24 campaign.

The Independent understands his dismissal comes following a disagreement over recruitment plans and other issues.

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Leeds edge closer to defender signing

12:43

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Mike Jones

Udinese defender Jaka Bijol is set to undergo a medical with Leeds this afternoon, ahead of the agreement of a deal worth £19m.

The 26-year-old, who is a Slovenia international, has two years left on his contract at Udinese, though the clubs are close to reaching a deal.

Antony to go back to Betis?

12:34

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Mike Jones

Manchester United winger Antony thrived when out on loan at La Liga side Real Betis.

The Brazilian has been very vocal about his pleasure in playing for the Spanish club and how being at Manchester United was a low point.

He’s back at Old Trafford following the conclusion of the loan but Betis are enquiring about taking him again for next season.

They prefer a loan move while United would want to sell Antony on permanently. Whether Betis can afford the valued fee is something still to be determined.

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Frank speaking about Postecoglou

12:25

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Mike Jones

"I think Ange [Postecoglou] has done something special. He'll forever be a legend in Tottenham," Thomas Frank said.

"It's important to understand we all stand on the shoulders of others. I'm going in on the foundation Ange built, and his coaching staff, and I'm very humble about that. I'll do my very best to continue the great work he put in.

"The feeling, the excitement, the joy and the happiness in the fans' faces, the pictures were 'wow'. Hopefully, we can create more of those moments. That will be the ultimate dream: to do that and build on that."

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Thomas Frank makes bold Ange Postecoglou claim in first interview as Spurs manager

12:16

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Mike Jones

Thomas Frank has branded Ange Postecoglou as a Tottenham “legend” in his first interview since being appointed as the Aussie’s successor.

Postecoglou was sacked despite ending Tottenham’s 17-year wait for a trophy after a dismal Premier League season which saw Spurs finish 17th.

Frank was sounded out as Tottenham’s top target after taking Brentford from the Championship and turning them into an established Premier League side in seven years.

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Premier League clubs surpass £600m in spending

12:02

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Mike Jones

According to Sky Sports, Premier League clubs have already surpassed £600m in spending at this early point in the transfer window.

The special mini-window that run due to the Club World Cup saw plenty of early spending, with Manchester City alone spending around £100m with the signings of Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Of course, that overall expenditure will only increase with the imminent arrivals of players such as Florian Wirtz.

Sheff Wed given three-window fee restriction

11:53

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Mike Jones

An important development in the Championship now, as Sheffield Wednesday have been handed a a three-window fee restriction by the EFL.

It means the club will not be able to pay any fees for players for three transfer windows. Instead, they will only be able to sign free agents.

The decision from the EFL comes after the club “exceeded 30 days of late payments between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025”, reports Sky.

Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk charged for doping by FA and faces lengthy ban

11:42

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Will Castle

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk faces a lengthy ban after being charged for doping by the FA.

Mudryk, 24, was provisionally suspended after submitting an “adverse finding in a routine urine test” back in December.

The Ukrainian international pled innocence and claimed he “never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules”, but now faces a significant spell away from the game after being officially charged.

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Sancho will need to take pay cut to join Napoli

11:31

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Mike Jones

Sky Sports reports that Jadon Sancho is under consideration at Napoli, though the winger would need to take a significant pay cut if he were to join the Italian champions.

Napoli “will formally approach Man Utd if they believe a move is realistic”, and they have reportedly been in touch with Sancho’s representatives over personal terms.

United are said to prefer a permanent sale to any other type of deal, and it is thought their valuation is around £25m.

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Saydee joins Wigan Athletic!

11:28

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Mike Jones

Christian Saydee has completed a move from Portsmouth to Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old has signed a three-year deal.

Blues boss John Mousinho said: “Christian was a popular member of our squad and I know he’ll be missed by staff, players and supporters alike.

“He’s made some important contributions during the past two seasons and was someone we loved having at Fratton Park.

“But he hopefully now has the chance to get some more regular minutes and we didn’t want to stand in the way of that."

Bournemouth sign Kerkez replacement

11:22

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Mike Jones

Bournemouth have a new left-back as a replacement for the seemingly-departing Milos Kerkez as they’ve brought in Adrien Truffert from Rennes.

The 23-year-old has joined on a five-year-deal with reports suggesting a €13.5m fixed fee, €3.5m add-ons and a 10 per cent sell-on clause to Rennes.

The 21-year-old Kerkez was hugely impressive for the Cherries this term and looks set to join Liverpool in a deal worth around £45m, although his departure had been contingent on Bournemouth confirming the Truffert deal.

Premier League clubs handed ultimatum over Ekitike?

11:11

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Mike Jones

Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea handed ultimatum over Ekitike

Man United could be in for the £85m-rated Hugo Ekitke from Eintracht Frankfurt and they have now entered talks with the club about signing him.

There has been no formal bid yet, according to Sky Sports, but United are exploring the conditions of a deal and personal terms are not expected to be a problem.

Ruben Amorim’s side are in the market for a striker regardless of what happens with the Rasmus Hojlund situation - with Serie A sides in for him but the Dane keen to fight for his place at Old Trafford.

Chelsea and Liverpool also want Ekitke, but Frankfurt insist the asking price is €100m, if it’s not met, then the 22-year-old will stay in Germany, reports Sport Bild.

Zabarnyi agrees personal terms with PSG

11:00

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Mike Jones

Another defender who could be headed for the exit at Bournemouth is Ilya Zabarnyi.

The 22-year-old Ukrainian centre-back has agreed personal terms on a five-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain, according to Fabrizio Romano.

PSG and Bournemouth are discussing a potential fee, with talks underway but no agreement sealed yet.

Alexander-Arnold on Real Madrid debut

10:50

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Mike Jones

"After playing a game, it is hard to concentrate that much to speak Spanish,” he told Channel 5 following Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup.

"An amazing day to make my debut for Real Madrid. Almost what every player dreams of.

"Some disappointment to not have won the game. The mentality you need to have as a Real Madrid player is to expect to win every game you're playing, but a lot of positives, especially in the second half.

“I felt the support from the moment I signed for the club. The fanbase that is truly global all over the world. You feel it every single day. A huge thank you for that. We dominated the stands today, which was incredible.”

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Trent Alexander-Arnold reacts to ‘incredible’ Real Madrid debut: ‘What every player dreams of’

10:39

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Will Castle

Trent Alexander-Arnold has hailed his Real Madrid debut as something “almost every player dreams of” despite a frustrating first outing against Al-Hilal.

Following his arrival from Liverpool at the beginning of June, Alexander-Arnold’s bow in Real colours lasted 65 minutes as he struggled up against the challenge of live wire Salem Al-Dawsari.

Despite his side missing out on victory in their Club World Cup opener, Alexander-Arnold nevertheless reflected positively on his first appearance.

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