Barcelona have confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny has signed a contract extension keeping him at the club until 2027, raising serious questions about Marc-André ter Stegen’s long-term future at Camp Nou. In a statement released Monday, Barça praised Szczesny’s “great season between the sticks,” noting the unusual circumstances surrounding his arrival. The 35-year-old was coaxed out of retirement in October 2024 following Ter Stegen’s long-term knee injury, and went on to become a key figure as Barcelona secured both La Liga and the Copa del Rey titles. Szczesny’s decision to stay and Barça signing goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol earlier in the summer casts doubt over Ter Stegen’s future at the club. The German international, 33, commands a high salary at Barcelona, and Spanish media reports the financially struggling club would like to make savings in that regard. Barça signed Garcia from Espanyol for €26.34 million (£22.6 million) on a six-year deal in June, and also still have another goalkeeper in Inaki Pena on the books.

Anthony Elanga is set to become Newcastle’s first major signing of the transfer window after the Magpies reportedly agreed a £55 million deal with Nottingham Forest. The Athletic, BBC and Sky Sports all reported on Tuesday that the Swedish international is on his way to St James’ Park. Elanga was one of the stars of Forest‘s surprise seventh-placed finish in the Premier League last season, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists. Forest paid just £15m to sign Elanga from Manchester United two years ago. Newcastle‘s attempts to strengthen their squad in preparation for a return to the Champions League next season have so far been frustrated. Despite being backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the League Cup winners have been limited in what they can spend in recent seasons by financial sustainability rules.

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Japanese centre-back Kota Takai from J-League side Kawasaki Frontale on a five-year deal. The 20-year-old joins for a reported fee of £5 million, though financial details were not officially disclosed. Takai, who came through Frontale’s academy, played in their Asian Champions League Elite campaign and featured in the final defeat to Al Ahli in May. He has also earned four senior caps for Japan. He becomes Spurs’ third centre-back signing this summer, following Luka Vuskovic and Kevin Danso. Tottenham are aiming to rebuild after winning the Europa League last season but finishing 17th in the Premier League.

Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota was likely driving above the speed limit when his car veered off a motorway and crashed last week, killing him and his younger brother, according to Spanish police. Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, died on July 3rd in a tragic accident just days after Jota’s wedding. Investigators said tyre marks at the scene suggest the vehicle was speeding. The Civil Guard also confirmed that Jota was driving at the time. Earlier reports indicated a tyre may have burst while the car was overtaking, causing it to lose control and burst into flames in Spain’s Zamora province. Jota had shared a video of his June 22nd wedding to Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children, just hours before the crash. The football world has been in mourning since the news broke. Thousands attended the funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, including political figures, teammates, and Liverpool officials. Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 and scored 65 goals in five seasons. He helped the club win the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022, and played a role in their 20th English league title last season. He also earned 49 caps for Portugal and won the UEFA Nations League earlier this year. His younger brother Andre Silva played for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second division.

Manchester City are considering a move for Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries after discovering a €25 million (£21.5m) release clause in his contract. The 29-year-old Dutch international was key for Inter last season, helping them reach the Champions League final, where they lost 5-0 to PSG. According to Mundo Deportivo, both City and Barcelona are monitoring the situation closely. Inter is desperate to keep Dumfries but unable to block a move if his clause is triggered. City are in the market for a new right-back following Kyle Walker’s move to newly promoted Burnley earlier this summer.

Fulham are interested in signing PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi, but face competition from top European clubs. According to Fabrizio Romano, Fulham see the 21-year-old American as a key addition to their attack. Pepi impressed last season with 11 goals in 18 Eredivisie games before a knee injury cut his campaign short. However, Juventus and Real Betis are also in the race for his signature, per Ekrem Konur. Pepi recently signed a contract extension with PSV until 2030, and Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad reports that bids of €25–30 million won’t be enough to convince the club to sell.