Exit polls indicate that Germany’s AfD will win a major victory in Saxony Anhalt. It is far ahead of the mainstream opposition. The AfD claims it won the mandate to govern the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt. It’s not clear yet if this will be enough for them to gain power.
Projections show that the far-right party will win between 44 and 44.5 percent of the votes, well ahead of conservative CDU with 18.5%.
AfD has called the outcome a historic one, and Ulrich Siegmund has refused to govern with anyone else.
Since World War Two no far-right parties have won the control of any state in Germany. Governing at the state level means having powers over local education, culture, and law enforcement.
Saxony Anhalt is a state with a population of 2.1 millions. The AfD there has been classified by the domestic intelligence service as a “far right extremist”. This classification was rejected by Siegmund.
AfD’s predicted result was higher than previous opinion polls, but the outcome will be determined by which smaller parties gain seats in the state legislature before party leaders can determine if there are enough to form a government.
It may depend on which of the smaller groups can get over the required threshold. The AfD will have a better chance of winning if it doesn’t.
BBC News App allows you to receive Breaking News via your smartphone or tablet. Follow @BBCBreaking to receive the latest updates.

The ultimate safe-haven is gold. As geopolitical uncertainties increase, European central bankers are reconsidering the location of their most valuable reserve assets. The Netherlands is the third country to move its gold from North America back to London. This move has sparked concerns that central banks may be preparing for an economic crisis. The move, according to experts, is not about anticipating a major economic shock, but rather about preparing countries for an uncertain future, in which geopolitical conflicts, trade wars and inflation rates will change the way they manage their reserve funds.
The Netherlands has shifted their gold
De Nederlandsche Bank, or DNB, moved 86 tons of its 313 tonnes of gold in US and Canada vaults to Bank of England in London between March and August. DNB said the decision was taken “in light of the increasing geopolitical instability” to ensure that gold would be available “for use in crisis situations”. BBC cites Governor Olaf Sleijpen as saying that the move was made “in view of increasing geopolitical unrest” so that gold could be “readily available for use in a crisis situation”. US trade is also affected by the ongoing conflict with Iran.
London Relocation
London was selected because it’s a global trading hub. DNB considers gold at the Bank of England to be the most readily tradable in the world, which makes it easier for a country in crisis to access than gold in the US and Canada. Bank of England, one of the largest gold depository in the world. The vaults under the central London institution, which is 300 years old, hold 400,000 bars of gold worth over PS200 billion. World Gold Council surveys indicate that the Bank of England is still the top vaulting site, despite central banks diversifying their gold storage locations. Goldman Sachs analysts Lina Thoms and Daan Strouyven said to the BBC that London was increasingly being chosen by reserve managers as a location for their country’s gold. DNB has changed its reserve distribution as a result of the Dutch decision. Prior to the transfer, 31,3% of DNB’s gold was stored in New York while 19,7% in Ottawa. The shares of both have fallen now to 18.5%. London has increased its share from 18.1% up to 32.1%. The Netherlands still holds 30.8%. DNB’s total gold inventory was 612.4 tons at the end 2025. This stock is valued at EUR72.2billion.
All the gold has not been physically moved
This relocation included both physical transfer and gold transactions. DNB bought and sold 59 tons in New York, with an equal amount purchased in London. This meant that this part of the shipment did not need to cross the Atlantic. Over 27 tonnes of goods were transported physically from the US, Canada and the Netherlands to Zeist. The same amount was moved then from Zeist back to London. Gold bars didn’t need to be melted. DNB stated, “Combining processes of buying and shipping and physical transportation has allowed DNB the spread risks associated with a such complex physical gold move.” Transport method is not disclosed. The companies involved are keeping their transport methods secret, and it takes extensive planning to safely move these quantities.
Central banks buy more gold
The Netherlands has made its decision as central banks are increasing their gold purchases. According to the World Gold Council they have amassed an average annual of 1,000 tons over the last four years – compared with 500 tons a year in the previous decade. This increase is continuing since the global economic crisis, and it’s expected to continue over the coming year. Gold storage costs money. Thomas and Struyven stated that “Domestic Storage requires investments in physical security and audit infrastructure; and costs can be disproportionate to smaller central banks.” France moved gold to Europe from New York earlier in the year for another reason. Banque de France reported that 129 tons of gold in New York didn’t meet London Bullion Market Association standards for purity. The bank chose to sell the gold bars and buy an equal amount in Europe, rather than having them transported back to France for remelting. According to Banque de France, the transaction will generate a capital gain in excess of EUR11billion by 2025. France’s gold reserves remained at the same level of 2,437 tons. Since 2005, the central bank has been bringing gold reserves into line with market trends. The Bundesbank of Germany transferred 216 tons from overseas storage over a period ending 2016 including 111 from New York, and 105 from Paris. This practice is nothing new. Thomas and Struyven, BBC reported that during the Cold War some European central banks transferred part of their gold to New York.
The End of the Article

Now, goodbye
How many superlatives do you need?
Pierre Gasly achieved the pole position this weekend, even though he was 1000-1.
The Frenchman’s achievement is even more sweet because it comes just 24 hours after his Monaco Grand Prix podium was stripped.
Can he convert that pole to a victory?
Tomorrow at 13:00 BST, we’ll find out.
Gasly: ‘I am very excited about tomorrow.
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly speaks to Sky Sports about emotional rollercoasters and bouncing back: “Story my life. Yesterday, I would have preferred to not hear that bad news. It is different, but honestly. It is pure emotion and it’s just lovely. I put a lot into it, and to be rewarded in this way is priceless. That is why I work and am very excited about tomorrow.”
Gasly: ‘We’re not here to play the lottery’
Pierre Gasly of Alpine, in a Sky Sports interview about his chances to win a race: “Why? It’s true. The odds will not be in my favor, but I’ll do all I can to prepare for tomorrow. I also know how it feels to not have anyone ahead of me on the track. At least I’m glad to be starting on pole. It is a guarantee that I will do my best.
There is so much that is unknown, but Formula 1 is Formula 1 and you can’t control everything. Just try my best. There is a lot that I do not know, and I have no idea where tomorrow will bring us. “Hopefully, we can hang on for as long as is possible.”
Hamilton: “We have an amazing car”
Lewis Hamilton says: “I believe we have an amazing car. The Mercedes engines are all ahead of us, and we have done well to stay so close. They are gaining a few tenths in the straight, but that’s what it comes down to. It’s just a matter of doing the best that we can. In the future, we’d like to see tracks that are less dependent on power. “I’m grateful for the factory guys because they brought an upgrade, and they’re really pushing. This is the situation that we’re currently in.”
Hamilton: ‘Execution was very poor in Q3.
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari driver and Sky Sports commentator after qualifying fifth for the home race of his team: “It definitely was very, very difficult.” It felt great in Q1 and I did not change anything in the car in Q2. For some reason, we waited and waited on the pit-lane during the first half of Q2. We’ll need to investigate this. The execution in Q3 wasn’t very good. Then I found myself in the middle with no one. It’s important to get into rhythm. I was out of sync for the first Q3 and the second Q3, but it wasn’t bad.
Gasly: ‘I am extremely grateful to the entire team.
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly talking to Sky Sports regarding his pole position in Monza: “I have no idea what’s going on there.” My first victory here has a very special place in me, but we came here today aiming for Q3.
The car felt great this morning, it felt even better in qualifying. I was in P1 in Q1, which I considered odd because others would be turning it up. I then carried on with the pace and managed to get everything I could out of the last lap. I’m extremely happy. I’ve been in F1 for nine years and have yet to get a pole.
The team, the car and myself are all extremely thankful for today’s success.
Antonelli: ‘I had to help my teammate as much as possible’
Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes driver and Sky Sports commentator on his recent role in helping his teammate today: “It is what I must do.” It was the team that asked and I obliged. I helped as much as I could. Even the solo lap was strange. It is a little odd to go in two. With the penalty I received today, I was expected to do my best to assist and be a teammate. “I think I did well with it and am happy that everything worked out.”
The driver said that he would try and stay clear of traffic in the chicanes in the opening two laps, and in order to catch up with the fastest cars in the early stages of Sunday’s race.
We need to get the most out of this situation
Steve Nielsen, Alpine’s managing director on his mood change over the weekend. “Today? The team’s current situation is good. If you had asked me just two or three weeks ago, I would have said that we were in the mud. In just two days, it’s amazing to go from the bottom to the top. We need to take it all in and enjoy it.
Tifosi disappointed
Lorraine McKenna
BBC Sport Journalist in Monza
The Ferrari fans were ecstatic when Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and Kimi Anthonylli drove by.
Once Q3 began, however, things changed. Achieving pole for Scuderia looked like a daunting task. After fourth and fifth were confirmed, the stand was quickly empty. It was also stiflingly warm. But fans gave an “Awwww!” collectively. Wow!” Wow!”
“Anything’s possible tomorrow”
Alpine managing director Steve Nielsen said to Sky Sports that Pierre is “a class act” and that he would deliver if given the right machine. Last year, we failed to deliver on this promise a couple of times. When we’ve given him competitive equipment, he delivered. It was great to watch the team rebound, and to have him perform on the track that he is familiar with. He lives nearby, in Milan. It was fantastic.
We must not forget Franco, either. He’s done an excellent job today. Who knows, I think we’ve given them an excellent car. “Anything is possible today.”
Post
Rebecca Clancy
F1 Journalist on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2.
Why not? Why is [Pierre Gasly] not going for the win in this race? Russell’s Mercedes engine is the same as Gasly’s. He has an obviously better chassis and he drove much better today, so I believe he can be there. He could get the podium that he lost in Monaco.
Post
Jean Alesi, who was also with Benetton at the time of his 1997 pole position in Monza, is the last Frenchman to have done so.
This is the first time Alpine has won a pole since adopting their new name, and it’s also the first time the Enstone-based squad has done so since Fernando Alonso achieved the same feat for Renault at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2009.
This is the first pole that the team has achieved in the last 17 years.
It was a great day.
Gasly: ‘Something Special Around Here’
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, who will begin the Italian Grand Prix from pole position: “It is amazing. Thank you all.” The qualifying was incredible from the very first lap of Q1. I felt great in the car, and tried to improve a bit in each session.
It was a good lap, but it’s been 9 years since I chased and got the chance to grab pole position. It is special to win my race at Monza and get my pole position here.
“Good to get a good result” – Piastri
Oscar Piastri of McLaren, who starts Sunday’s race third, said: “I thought the first lap was good. I asked if anybody wanted to take the lead out of pit lane. But no one did. I knew that it would be difficult. I misjudged my braking and got locked up. It was a good session, but it is nice to get a result. “I’ll take that.”
He’s in front of me yet again! Russell
Mercedes’ George Russell, speaking after qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix in P2, said: “Massive congratulations to Pierre. That’s an amazing performance. He beat me in a game 15 minutes prior to qualifying, and I said “I’ll be able to beat him again” and I was right. It was disappointing not to have pole. The opening lap was messy, with Verstappen leading the way. Pierre and Alpine were super-fast, starting in Q1. “I’m happy to see that they got a great result.”

After an investigative report in which a reporter posed as the son of a wealthy American who wanted to give to the Reform Party, two senior aides of Nigel Farage resigned. The party had been accused of violating British electoral laws regarding foreign funding.
A spokesperson from the party issued a press release announcing that it had launched an internal investigation after the Channel 4 News report on Thursday night. The spokesperson for the Reform Party said that two Reform officials, James Orr, and Dan Jukes have left their posts pending the result of the investigation.
The party is of the opinion that it’s important for an investigation to be conducted independently, without bias. The spokesperson stated that no further comments will be made as long as the investigation continues.
Jukes, according to CBS News partner network BBC News, is considered Farage’s “right-hand man” with a “sense of instinct for his boss.” Orr was an influential member of the British National Conservative movement and served as Reform’s Head of Policy until his resignation. He’s a philosopher of religion and an associate professor of philosophy of faith at Cambridge University. The two men both denied wrongdoing.
Farage said in an early morning interview on Friday with a London-based radio station that the party has not broken any laws.
Farage said on LBC Radio that the party had not received any “dodgy” money. It is clear that they were attempting to entrap us. They worked on it very hard and got some of our contractors saying things they shouldn’t have said. They were removed from the company this morning as a direct result. I am not pleased about that.
Channel 4 is standing by its report. A spokesperson told BBC News that the investigation had been “rigorously verified” to ensure accuracy. The investigation should be watched in its entirety.
These allegations put Farage under more pressure just before the start of his party’s conference. The allegations are also being made against a backdrop of scrutiny surrounding donations to the party. This includes an ongoing parliamentary inquiry into a multi-million-pound gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne, 2024. Farage has denied any wrongdoing.
Zia Yusuf – a spokesperson on domestic affairs for the party – spoke to CBS News during the conference and downplayed the immediate impact of the accusations.
Reform was fortunate to have many talented people that helped us get where we are today. “I have no doubt that, with the talent pool I can see, at both parliamentary and potential levels, as well as beyond, we’ll be able to withstand the attack and, in the end, come out on top,” Yusuf stated.
Channel 4 broadcast the undercover investigation of a team that was said to be made up by journalists working for a group named Verbatim. The Centre for Climate Reporting was the founders.
Investigating a journalist who poses as a British-educated American businessman’s son from Wyoming. Both appeared to be eagerly supporting the party. The MAGA Movement and other populist right movements share some of its ideology.
British law defines a permitted donor as a registered UK voter, or an entity. The son in this scenario is the permissible donor and not the father.
The secretly recorded footage is said to depict the two party assistants as they arrange donations for the political polls from an undercover reporter. Channel 4 reported that the total amount of donations was 32,500 British Pounds, or about $44,000.
Some of these polls appeared later in articles published by British newspapers like The Telegraph and The Times of London. These articles that reflect positively on Reform on matters such as the success of the party in local elections or its support from labor unions do not reveal how the polls were commissioned.
Jukes tells the journalist undercover that the gift had a “huge effect” on the party, but “didn’t show up anywhere in the public records.”
Orr denies Reform’s involvement with the polling. In a social media video, he says that an “independent individual” paid a pollster who was independent. He said that “no money, or donation of any kind reached Reform UK.”
In the investigation, Jukes discussed with the journalist how they could circumvent the electoral laws to obtain a foreign donation of about 675 000 pounds (about 500,000 British Pounds) to the party. Channel 4 claims that the donation never took place.
Investigative findings culminate in a lunch with four participants: a journalist pretending to be the son of an American businessman; an actor portraying the businessman; and Farage.
Farage, during that meeting, appears to know that the money for the polls was provided by the businessman. He does not seem to care when his son suggests the way the foreign donation of 500,000 pounds could be delivered to the party. “Thanks,” he says. Both of you? “Thank you.”
Jukes issued a statement for BBC News, calling the report an “entrapment of climate activists funded by foreigners over nearly a full year.”
Jukes stated, “I deny all wrongdoing and have removed myself from the political arena to clean my name.”
Orr told Sky News that he had agreed to step aside from his current position at Reform UK, pending the results of an internal party investigation of how the program was conducted. I would fully cooperate with this inquiry.
The Metropolitan Police has received complaints from at least two Reform opponents: the Labour Party, which is in power, and the Liberal Democrats (centrists), who have both written the Metropolitan Police to allege electoral law violations.
The police confirmed to CBS News that they were aware of reports “involving political party contributions” as well as alleged violations of British laws relating to voting.
Police haven’t launched any investigation yet, but they will “assess and review the information that is provided.”
The U.K. Electoral Commission confirmed that it had been in touch with police.
The commission stated that “the law requires all political parties to declare all donations which are permissible and have a value of over PS11180, as well as all donations which are impermissible over PS500.” The police should be notified of any possible attempt to circumvent the donation controls.

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When does the transfer window close?
Serie A: 2 p.m. ET
Bundesliga: 2 p.m. ET
Ligue 1: 2 p.m. ET
Premier League: 6 p.m. ET
LaLiga: 6 p.m. ET
Other transfer windows
MLS: Wednesday
WSL: Thursday, 6 p.m. ET
NWSL: Sept. 7
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Official: Manuel Angel to Fulham
On a different topic entirely, Fulham have one more deal to announce — the Cottager signed midfielder Manuel Angel from Real Madrid, an academy product with a handful of appearances for the senior team. He is essentially an unproven talent so it’s hard to know how well he will fit in at Fulham, a club that is quickly becoming the leading destination for Los Blancos’ castoffs now that Alvaro Arbeloa is the manager. Gonzalo Garcia joined the Cottagers this summer but after two losses to start the season, Fulham so far aren’t doing a very good job of beating the allegations that they might be a relegation contender.
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Official: Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City
Back to talking about deals that are signed, sealed and delivered for a moment. Manchester City have completed their move for Iliman Ndiaye, who adds depth to a group of forwards headlined by Erling Haaland and featuring Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo as notable supporting acts.
This move probably completes a busy summer for City but the question right now is what this means for Everton. The only striker of note on their books right now is Thierno Barry and it appears the Folarin Balogun move may not go through. With less than two hours to go until the window shuts in the Premier League, it’s crunch time for the Toffees — and it’s entirely unclear if they can solve their issues in time.
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Monaco in a pickle over Folarin Balogun’s move
There are more reports trickling out of Europe that Folarin Balogun’s Everton move is in doubt and the spillover the hold-up is creating. The BBC reports that Monaco need to actually sell before the transfer window shuts in Europe, which may force them to revisit another deal. Monaco turned down Chelsea’s deal for 22-year-old midfielder Lamine Camara but might change their mind if Balogun can’t leave.
Reminder: the window is closed in Ligue 1 but remains open in the Premier League for another couple of hours.
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Another hurdle for Folarin Balogun’s Everton move
Monaco’s ability to line up Folarin Balogun’s replacement is not the only problem with the U.S. international’s move to Everton, as it turns out. Fabrizio Romano reports that Everton’s medical staff believe the player is not fully fit, all while Balogun and Monaco insist that he is. Balogun, though, has not played in Monaco’s opening games of the season, including their UEFA Conference League qualifiers, which the Toffees could use as an argument in their favor.
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Is Folarin Balogun’s move to Everton in trouble?
Deadline day deals are oftentimes like a game of dominoes and as the window shuts in in Ligue 1, it appears Monaco might not have all of theirs in line. Cesar Luis Merlo reports that Monaco’s move for Cruz Azul’s Erik Lira is off despite the clubs already reaching an agreement because of the hold-up on Folarin Balogun’s move to Everton. The paperwork on the Balogun move was not complete before the window closed in Ligue 1 at 2 p.m. ET (8 p.m. local time) and so Monaco were unable to free up the roster spot needed to complete the Lira deal.
What it means for Balogun’s move to Everton is unclear. Monaco could be inclined to keep Balogun around since they could not actually sign his replacement, while the Toffees might still be interested depending on some of their other business. Beto already joined Fiorentina but Everton could still lose Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City. If Ndiaye moves to City while Balogun stays in Monaco, it would leave the Toffees understaffed in attack — Thierno Barry would essentially be their only option at forward.
Something to keep an eye on with two and a half hours to go before the window closes in England…
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Official: Kevin Danso joins Sunderland on loan
A window full of deals between Premier League clubs delivers another before the deadline, this time Sunderland’s loan move for Kevin Danso from Tottenham Hotspur. The agreement reportedly includes an obligation to buy should the Black Cats stay up, while Danso brings continental experience after a couple of European seasons with Spurs, all of which should come in handy for their campaign in the UEFA Europa League.
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Official: Jonathan David joins Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid are adding some depth to their forward line by signing Canada international Jonathan David on a season-long loan from Juventus. David joins after playing in each of Canada’s games at the World Cup, the highlight for him being a hattrick against Qatar in the group stage, and had eight goals and five assists in all competitions for the Turin-based side last season.
He joins an attack headlined by Julian Alvarez, who is staying put despite Barcelona’s efforts to sign him this summer, while Ademola Lookman and Alexander Sorloth are also on the books.
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Ethan Nwaneri joins Borussia Dortmund — but with a catch
Arsenal blocked a request for a purchase option and included a recall clause in their agreement to loan Ethan Nwaneri to Borussia Dortmund. Nwaneri has agreed to spend the 2027-28 season on loan at the Westfalenstadion with Dortmund securing a player they had hoped to sign last summer before he agreed fresh terms with the Gunners.
Arsenal still view Nwaneri’s long term future as with the club and all parties go into this loan move intending for the 19 year old to spend the entire season in the Bundesliga. However should minutes prove hard to come by for Nwaneri or should Arsenal’s needs required Nwaneri to come back then they will be able to do so. CBS Sports sources say there are no conditions attached to this clause, which can be activated at any time during the January window.
Dortmund’s long standing interest in Nwaneri resulted in a formal offer to loan the attacking midfielder after new signing Giannis Konstantelias. Dortmund were unable to agree a purchase option and will pay the entirety of the player’s wages.
Read more of CBS Sports’ reporting on Nwaneri’s loan to Dortmund here.
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Official: Liverpool sign teenage goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans
Liverpool have some business to announce on deadline day, though it is with an eye on the future — they signed goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans from Genk and immediately went back on loan to the Belgian club. The 18-year-old is a Belgium youth international and is poised to enjoy his first full season as a starter during the 2026-27 campaign.
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Transfer window closes across Europe
The transfer window is now closed for clubs in Serie A, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, but it seems like the deals many were keeping an eye on have been completed. It was a fairly quiet deadline day for clubs in those leagues, even considering the late burst of news from Italy, and that is not much of a surprise. The big splashes seem to be fully concentrated in the Premier League these days, which boasts a financial strength no other league is currently coming close to matching.
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Official: Nick Woltemade to Juventus
Last but not least, Juventus have announced that Nick Woltemade will join the club in a season-long loan from Newcastle United. Woltemade, who played one game for Germany at the World Cup this summer, joined the Magpies a year ago and scored 11 goals in his first season there but has quickly fallen out of favor. He played just 20 minutes to start the season with Newcastle but joins a Juventus side that hopes to build upon some of the upward momentum after hiring Luciano Spalletti midseason. He fills a void left by Canada international Jonathan David, who seems to be on his way to Atletico Madrid.
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Official: Moise Kean joins Como
There’s a flurry of news from Italy, which I suppose is as clear a sign as any that the window is about to close there. Moise Kean will join Como on a season-long loan from Fiorentina and may have a fun season ahead — Como are set to play in the UEFA Champions League for the first time ever this season and will open their league phase campaign against RB Leipzig on Sept. 10.
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Official: Beto moves from Everton to Fiorentina
…and just as I wrote that, Fiorentina made it official. Beto joins the Italian club from Everton, the deal one of the dominos in one of the more intriguing storylines of the week. The Toffees are changing things up in attack — Beto is one outgoing player and Iliman Ndiaye might be on his way to Manchester City, though they were also contemplating signing Cody Gakpo not too long ago. U.S. men’s national team star Folarin Balogun, once a Fiorentina target, is expected to fill in some gaps for Everton but will compete with Thierno Barry for minutes in the Toffees’ attack.
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Less than an hour to go around Europe
Clubs in Italy, France and Germany have less than an hour to go until the transfer window shuts, a few lingering moves still waiting to be announced in Serie A specifically. Nick Woltemade is set to join Juventus from Newcastle United, Beto is due for a move to Fiorentina from Everton (who are keeping very busy on deadline day) and we are still waiting on official confirmation that Moise Kean is joining Como from Fiorentina.
Unless any of these deals hit a very unexpected late hurdle, expect the announcements to come sooner rather than later. As a reminder, though, it isn’t uncommon for teams to confirm their last-gasp deals once the window actually closes.
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How does Enzo Fernandez fit in at Manchester City?
Already with two wins from Maresca’s first two matches in charge, scoring six goals and only conceding two, there’s no question that City will get stronger having a World Cup and Club World Cup winner like Fernandez in the mix will only strengthen them.
Fernandez is able to play deeper in midfield or as a 10, doing a little bit of everything; the Argentine gives Maresca flexibility in how to set up his side, especially since Anderson is more of a defensive presence around him. That’s needed especially early in the season while Jeremy Doku is sidelined with an injury, and Fernandez being in the squad can allow Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden to slide out to the wings if needed.
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Manchester City’s very expensive midfield makeover
Enzo Fernandez is the headliner but he is merely one part of Manchester City’s efforts to revamp their whole midfield for their first season under coach Enzo Maresca. This summer alone, they have spent roughly $435 million on midfielders after big moves for Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, the trio ensuring City will have a fully new look in the center of the park sooner rather than later. They have been pretty happy to spend in that department over the last several years, though, even amidst the transition at sporting director — Hugo Viana took over from Txiki Begiristain last summer.
Here’s a quick glance at the midfield signings City have made since winning the treble in 2023. In the last three summers alone, they have spent around $673 million on central midfielders alone — and the fees keep climbing.
Enzo Fernandez: $169 million
Ayyoub Bouaddi: $110 million
Elliot Anderson: $157 million
Tijjani Reijnders: $63 million
Ilkay Gundogan: free transfer
Nico Gonzalez: $68 million
Mateo Kovacic: $34 million
Matheus Nunes: $72 million
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Harvey Ellliott joins Valencia on loan from Liverpool
Looks like Harvey Elliott is spending another season away from Liverpool — a year after joining Aston Villa on a season-long deal, he will now do the same in Spain with Valencia. He’ll hope this loan is better than the last one since he played just nine games for Villa across all competitions, while Valencia will expect him to add some vigor to their attack after scoring just one goal in their first two games of the season.
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Malick Fofana picks Sunderland over Crystal Palace
It isn’t transfer deadline day unless the word “hijack” is thrown around but in this case, Crystal Palace have reportedly fallen short in their efforts to sign Malick Fofana from Lyon. The winger is instead going to Sunderland, who agreed a deal before Palace entered the picture and won Fofana over. It is not the only bit of business the Black Cats hope to do today — they are close to signing defender Kevin Danso from Tottenham Hotspur on a season-long loan with an option to make the deal permanent.
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Enzo Fernandez is going to Manchester City
It may have taken all summer but Enzo Fernandez is set to join Manchester City from Chelsea for a transfer fee of just under $170 million, equalling the fee Liverpool paid to Newcastle United for Alexander Isak’s services last year to set the U.K.’s transfer record. Fernandez makes the move after being dropped from the Blues’ squad by new coach Xabi Alonso for Sunday’s win over Brighton and Hove Albion but reunites with his ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who’s now in charge at City.
No announcement just yet but Chelsea have reportedly given Fernandez the green light to travel to Manchester and undergo a medical to complete the move.
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Manchester United working on Louis Page deal
It is shaping up to be a bit of a race against time but Manchester United are pushing to secure a permanent move for highly rated Leicester youngster Louis Page before the deadline, according to CBS Sports sources, who also reveal that Arsenal have been tracking the 18 year old. Despite his tender age Page has been a significant player for Leicester since last season and has featured in two of the Foxes’ three games this season. As such it is possible that any deal for Page results in him being loaned back to the League One side for the remainder of the campaign.
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USMNT transfer roundup
While we wait for Everton to formally announce Folarin Balogun’s transfer from Monaco, here’s a quick roundup of the moves U.S. internationals made this summer following the World Cup.
Max Afrsten: Columbus Crew to Middlesbrough ($7.5 million plus add-ons)
Luca Bombino: San Diego FC to Stoke City ($5 million)
Sebastian Berhalter: Vancouver Whitecaps to Middlesbrough ($2 million)
Benji Flowers: FC Dallas to Chelsea ($3 million)*
Vicente Garcia: LA Galaxy to Chelsea ($3 million)*
Zavier Gozo: Real Salt Lake to Crystal Palace ($15 million)
Diego Kochen: Barcelona to Lyngby (loan)
Rokas Pukstas: Hajduk Split to Middlesbrough ($5.8 million)
Gio Reyna: Borussia Monchengladbach to Strasbourg ($3.5 million)
Bryan Reynolds: Westerlo to Rennes ($5 million)
*players will make the move after their 18th birthdays
It has been a remarkably busy window for Americans in Europe, the business really signaling the closing of one chapter and the opening of another. A few members of this summer’s World Cup team made moves, Balogun and Sebastian Berhalter perhaps the most notable, but the transfer window is reflecting a youth movement that the USMNT seems destined for. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino signaled that he is ready to usher in a new generation as the road to the 2030 World Cup begins and it seems like youth Internationals are taking the hint — while some like Cavan Sullivan (who is bound for Manchester City when he turns 18) and Adri Mehmeti excel in MLS, some have already made the move to Europe before turning 21. Zavier Gozo and Luca Bombino are probably the first of many to make the jump so keep an eye on them as the U.S. prepare for a generational shift.
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Official: Juventus sign Pape Matar Sarr
Juventus have announced the signing of Pape Matar Sarr from Tottenham for a deal worth around $30 million, between the fee of the loan and the obligation to buy, as the club announced: “Juventus Football Club S.p.A. announces that an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur FC has been reached for the temporary acquisition, until 30 June 2027, of the registration rights of player Pape Matar Sarr for a consideration of €2.5 million, with ancillary costs of €0.3 million. The agreement further entails the right and, upon the achievement of certain conditions during the 2026/2027 sporting season, the obligation for Juventus to acquire the player’s registration rights. The agreed consideration for the potential definitive acquisition is €27.5 million, payable in three financial years”.
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Official: Fernandez-Pardo joins Newcastle
Newcastle United confirm Matias Fernandez-Pardo has joined from Lille for £55 million and he will wear the number 20 shirt. Matias Fernandez-Pardo said: “I’m really, really happy to be here and very proud to be at such a big club. I spoke to the head coach and he really showed how much he wanted me to be here. In terms of my own career progression, it made complete sense to come so I didn’t hesitate at all.”
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Still waiting for news on Enzo Fernandez
Less than eight hours to go before the end of the summer transfer window and we’re yet to receive the final confirmation about Enzo Ferndandez joining Manchester City from Chelsea. The two clubs are yet to reach the final agreement while personal terms were agreed a while ago between the camp of the player and the Citizens.
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Moussa Diaby returns to Bayer Leverkusen
Here’s one that I hadn’t seen a whisper of before today but Moussa Diaby is back at Bayer Leverkusen, two years after his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad and three years after he left the Bay Arena, first for Aston Villa. At the time Diaby first left the Bundesliga he was viewed as one of the most intriguing young talents in the European game, an explosive winger with pace to burn who was just beginning to add final third production to his game.
Now he returns a considerably wealthier 27 year old, his departure representative of the shake up in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Ittihad are one of three clubs still owned by sovereign wealth fund PIF but it is Al-Hilal, spun out into private ownership earlier this year, who have been splashing the cash on new acquisitions. Meanwhile Al-Ittihad are bringing it in, Diaby’s sale understood to be worth $43 million for the Jeddah club.
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Omar Marmoush transfer grade
For much of the summer, while Tottenham have been wheeling and dealing, it didn’t include attackers. Fast forward, and they’ve added not one but two players from Manchester City, doing a double to add Savio and Omar Marmoush. Savio is already someone who can add plenty to the wings under Roberto De Zerbi, and while Spurs have been linked to a few strikers, on paper, Marmoush will be someone who can create for others while also finishing his own chances.
Trading a chance at a Premier League title for a chance at regular playing time feels like a worthwhile shift for the Egyptian. Tottenham are a club that expects to be in the Champions League, so it’s not like Marmoush is losing the chance to face Europe’s elite. If anything, he’s backing himself to be able to pull this club back to the top, which is exactly what you want to see from a striker. Attackers generally enjoy playing for De Zerbi due to the freedom that he allows players, and the case seems no different here compared to life in Manchester. From an athlete’s perspective, there’s a lot to like here. Grade: A
Written by Chuck Booth
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Fiorentina with a surprising signing
Fiorentina have agreed a surprise deal to sign Pedro Gonçalves from Sporting CP. The Portugal international will join on loan with a €22.5 million option to buy, which could become mandatory based on certain targets. The loan fee is worth €2.5 million, according to CNN Portugal.
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Hijack completed: Fofana to join Palace
It was the story of the last hours: Malick Fofana will join Crystal Palace despite having medicals with Sunderland earlier today. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Palace’s proposal is worth more than Sunderland’s €30 million plus €5 million in add-ons. The player decided to join Palace over Sunderland!
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Gabriel Jesus transfer grade
Less than week ago Gabriel Jesus was priming himself to stay put at Arsenal. For all that injuries had spoiled an unforgettable start to life at the club, Jesus was happy in north London and ready to compete for a spot in the first team. The alternatives — Everton, Napoli, Saudi Arabia — did not particularly appeal.
And then along came Barcelona, in need of a striker and slowly realising that Julian Alvarez would not be that. Jesus jumped at the opportunity, a chance to play a bigger role in a squad that will still be competing for the same illustrious prizes that Arsenal won. On the face of it you can see the appeal for the Blaugrana, signing a player who is still only 29 years of age, available for just $16.8m of which $5.2m is potential bonuses, with the sort of technical wizardry that makes for a seamless fit at the Camp Nou. Jesus presses like a demon. He combines fantastically with wingers. He might underperform his xG but he gets so much of it.
In principle this is a great move. In practice Barcelona have just handed a three year contract to a player who has strung together three starts in a row four times since the start of the 2023-24 season. When he has been on the pitch you could sense a player whose mind was as sharp as ever but whose body, and those knees in particular, were unable to give him what they once did. Maybe away from the strains of the Premier League Jesus can get back to his old self. That is, however, a bet informed by hope more than anything predictable.
Grade: C
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