Chelsea’s summer clear-out is gathering pace, with Borussia Dortmund set to take Carney Chukwuemeka and Aaron Anselmino from Stamford Bridge. The deals push Chelsea’s player sales beyond £270m, putting them almost level with the money they’ve spent on signings in this transfer window.

Chukwuemeka Seals Dortmund Return

Carney Chukwuemeka is finalising a permanent switch to Borussia Dortmund at the age of 21. He joined Chelsea from Aston Villa two years ago for £20m, but this new transfer will bring in around £24m and includes a sell-on clause for Chelsea.

Despite interest from RB Leipzig, the England Under-20 international was keen to return to the Westfalenstadion, where he impressed with his performances.

Anselmino On Loan

Aaron Anselmino, just 19, will spend the season on loan at Dortmund. His move is different from Chukwuemeka’s, with no buy option included. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca feels the youngster needs more game time since the competition for places in defence is tough at Stamford Bridge.

Anselmino only arrived in January from Boca Juniors for £15.6m and made one substitute appearance at the Club World Cup. Chelsea still see him as part of their long-term plans, but Dortmund’s injury problems at the back made this move ideal.

Chelsea’s Transfer Balancing Act

The sales of Chukwuemeka and others mean Chelsea have now raised £273.4m in player departures this summer – the highest figure in the Premier League. That almost matches the £277m they’ve spent on new arrivals.

This balancing act is crucial. UEFA have warned Chelsea that they must show a positive transfer balance if they want to register their latest signings for the Champions League. The club were recently fined £26.7m for financial rule breaches and also face scrutiny over their high wage bill, which is above 80% of income.

What’s Next For Chelsea?

With nine days left in the transfer window, Chelsea aren’t done yet. Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons are among their targets.

On the way out, forwards Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, and youngster Tyrique George could leave, while several other players – including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, and Axel Disasi – are also being considered for sales.

It’s clear that Chelsea are working hard to reshape their squad under Enzo Maresca, balancing UEFA’s strict rules with the club’s ambition to return to the top.

Emma Raducanu is back at the US Open and, for the first time in years, she says New York feels like her “happy place” again.

The 22-year-old shocked the world in 2021 when she became the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam title, lifting the US Open trophy as a teenager. But since that dream run, her return trips to Flushing Meadows have been tough. Injuries, pressure, and early exits meant she couldn’t recapture the magic until now.

This Sunday, Raducanu begins her campaign against Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara at 16:00 BST. She arrives as world number 35, looking more relaxed, confident, and ready than in previous years.

“I really struggled when I came back in 2022. I didn’t enjoy being here,” she admitted. “Now, for the first time, I can come back and enjoy the memories. I can be proud of what I did and see it as a happy place. I feel in a much better place now.”

Last year, Raducanu returned from injury but fell in the first round to Sofia Kenin, leaving the court in tears. This time, however, she’s coming in with momentum and optimism. Her form this summer has been her best since 2021, and she’s edging closer to rejoining the world’s top 30.

“I feel relaxed, I feel happy, and I feel like I’m enjoying the process of getting better,” she said. “In a way, it feels the same as 2021.”

Other British Hopes in New York

Raducanu may be the first Brit in action, but she’s not alone at this year’s US Open. Britain has eight players in the singles draws.

• Jack Draper – Britain’s top-ranked man and seeded fifth, Draper reached the semi-finals last year. He hasn’t played since Wimbledon due to an arm injury but insists he’s ready. He faces Argentine qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez in his opener.
• Cameron Norrie – The 29-year-old world number 40 takes on American Sebastian Korda. After some early exits in Canada, Norrie returned to his old college base in Texas to recharge and is aiming for a third straight Grand Slam second-week appearance.
• Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Francesca Jones, Jacob Fearnley, and Billy Harris – All begin their campaigns on Tuesday, adding to a strong British presence at the tournament.

A Fresh Start for Raducanu

Four years on from her historic victory, Raducanu is no longer weighed down by expectation. Instead, she’s rediscovering the joy in her game.

With a smile back on her face and confidence in her shots, fans will be hoping that New York once again proves to be a special place for Britain’s brightest tennis star.

Two European football legends made headlines in Major League Soccer this weekend as Son Heung-min and Thomas Muller both found the net for the first time in their new chapters across the Atlantic.

Son Strikes Early for LAFC

Former Tottenham captain and South Korea’s star forward Son Heung-min wasted no time in making his mark with Los Angeles FC. Just six minutes into his second start, Son curled in a stunning free-kick against FC Dallas. The game eventually ended 1-1, but the 33-year-old’s goal gave LAFC fans a glimpse of what he brings to the pitch.

It was Son’s third MLS appearance after completing a record transfer worth over £20 million from the Premier League earlier this summer. Speaking after the match, Son admitted he was happy but still hungry for more:

“I’m glad I scored my first goal in the MLS and also for LAFC. But for me, the most important thing is to get three points. I’m really disappointed for that. I still need a lot of time to connect with the team, but I’m enjoying every single moment.”

Muller Delivers Late Drama for Vancouver

Meanwhile in Canada, German icon Thomas Muller enjoyed his own unforgettable moment. The 35-year-old converted a dramatic penalty deep into stoppage time to secure a 3-2 win for Vancouver Whitecaps over St Louis City.

It was Muller’s first start since joining the Whitecaps after ending his remarkable 25-year journey with Bayern Munich. Not only did he score, but he also wore the captain’s armband in front of a roaring home crowd.

“That I was able to score the final goal in front of our crowd here, it was an amazing feeling, amazing,” Muller said after the game.

A New Era for MLS

Both Son and Muller are two of the biggest names to join Major League Soccer in recent years. Their arrivals bring global attention to the league and excitement to fans who now get to watch European stars light up stadiums in North America.

The final Grand Slam of the season is here, and all eyes are on New York. The US Open always brings high drama, unpredictable storylines, and plenty of pressure as players battle the long season’s final major. This year, the spotlight shines brightest on two men – Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz – and two women – Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.

Men’s Singles: Sinner vs Alcaraz – Again?

For the past two years, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have dominated the men’s game. Between them, they’ve carved up the last seven major titles and look set for another showdown in New York. With Sinner the defending champion and Alcaraz the 2022 winner, stopping either man feels like mission impossible for the rest of the field.

American sixth seed Ben Shelton put it simply: “If you want to win a big title these days, that’s who you’ve got to go through.”

But if there’s one Slam where surprises happen, it’s the US Open. The slower hard courts, sticky humidity, and end-of-season fatigue have produced six different champions in the past seven years.

The Main Challengers

• Novak Djokovic (38 years old) – Still a threat despite his age, Djokovic is the only man to win the US Open twice in the past decade.
• Alexander Zverev (3rd seed) – Still chasing a first Slam, Zverev has brought in Toni Nadal, uncle and former coach of Rafael Nadal, to help unlock his belief. Nadal insists Zverev has the weapons to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz if he can stay mentally strong.
• Taylor Fritz (4th seed) – Last year’s runner-up has the game to go deep again. The American fans will be desperate to see a homegrown champion for the first time since Andy Roddick in 2003.
• Jack Draper (GB No.1) – The 23-year-old Brit reached the semi-finals last year but has been battling an arm injury since Wimbledon. If fit, he could be dangerous.

The stage is set: either Sinner or Alcaraz could cement their dominance, but history says New York sometimes writes its own script.

Women’s Singles: Swiatek or Sabalenka?

On the women’s side, the big question is whether Iga Swiatek or Aryna Sabalenka will rise to the occasion.

Iga Swiatek

The 2022 champion and current Wimbledon winner comes in hot after lifting the Cincinnati Open. Despite a slow start to the year, the Polish star is back in form and widely seen as the favourite. Still, as Swiatek herself said: “It doesn’t make sense to call anyone the favourite… so many girls can win the tournament.”

Aryna Sabalenka

The world number one and defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka, has had a bit of a mixed season. She hasn’t lifted a Slam in 2025 yet and looked shaky in Cincinnati, but her power and past success in New York mean she’s always dangerous.

Other Names to Watch

• Coco Gauff (3rd seed) – The 2023 champion and current French Open winner. She’s still working on fixing her serve with new coach Gavin MacMillan, but if it clicks, she’s a real threat.
• Jessica Pegula: Last year’s runner-up and one of the most reliable hard-court players on tour.
• Madison Keys: Back in top form and already a Slam winner this season after her Australian Open victory.
• Amanda Anisimova: Riding high after reaching the Wimbledon final and ready to make a big run with the home crowd behind her.

The women’s draw is full of big names, but all eyes are on two players. Iga Swiatek is chasing another US Open crown to add to her already impressive collection, while Aryna Sabalenka is aiming to make history as the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to defend the title.

Final Thoughts

The US Open never disappoints when it comes to drama. On the men’s side, Sinner and Alcaraz look like the ones to beat. In the women’s game, Swiatek and Sabalenka are the big favourites. Still, if there’s one thing New York has taught us, it’s to always expect the unexpected. An upset could be just around the corner.

Who will rise? Who will fall? Over the next two weeks, New York will give us the answers.

West Ham United’s midfielder Edson Álvarez has joined Turkish side Fenerbahce on loan, with the move carrying an option to become permanent next summer.

The 27-year-old Mexico international only joined the Hammers last year in a £35 million move from Ajax but has now been given the chance to play under Jose Mourinho in Turkey.

Álvarez has made 73 appearances for West Ham in all competitions, scoring twice and providing three assists. He was on the bench for the club’s opening-day defeat against Sunderland but did not feature. He was also left out of the squad in their 5-1 loss to Chelsea at the London Stadium.

Despite his limited involvement at club level this season, Álvarez remains an important figure for his country. He captained Mexico to victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup final this summer, scoring the winning goal against the USA.

Fenerbahce have been active in the transfer market this summer. They signed defender Nelson Semedo from Wolves and also brought in striker Jhon Duran on loan from Al-Nassr, the Saudi club. Now, with Álvarez joining the squad, Mourinho will be counting on him to bring extra strength and leadership in midfield as Fenerbahce push for trophies in the Turkish Super Lig.

South Africa have named their squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of England, with a few familiar faces making a return.

Experienced batter David Miller and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj are back in the T20 setup after missing the recent tour of Australia, where the Proteas claimed a 2-1 series win. Big-hitting Donovan Ferreira also returns to the squad, having last played international T20 cricket in December, but his form in domestic and franchise competitions, including The Hundred this summer, has earned him another shot.

The Proteas will play three ODIs and three T20 internationals on English soil, starting on 2 September at Headingley. Both teams are using the series to prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be staged in India and Sri Lanka.

South Africa Squad Updates

All-rounder Marco Jansen and pacer Lizaad Williams are back after injuries, while 18-year-old quick Kwena Maphaka stays in the ODI squad as cover for senior fast bowler Kagiso Rabada.

Rabada is still on the mend from an ankle injury but will travel with the team. Head coach Shukri Conrad said they won’t be rushing him back into action.

“We’ll check on Kagiso once we’re in England. Hopefully, he can play some part in the ODI series, but our main focus is the T20s. We’d rather be careful with his recovery than push him too early.”

England’s Squad News

For England, Harry Brook will captain both the ODI and T20 sides. Uncapped pacer Sonny Baker has been handed a first call-up for the ODI series.

Fixtures

September 2025

• 2: 1st ODI – Headingley, Leeds (13:00 BST)
• 4: 2nd ODI – Lord’s, London (13:00 BST)
• 7: 3rd ODI – Utilita Bowl, Southampton (11:00 BST)
• 10: 1st T20I – Cardiff (18:30 BST)
• 12: 2nd T20I – Old Trafford, Manchester (18:30 BST)
• 14: 3rd T20I – Trent Bridge, Nottingham (14:30 BST)

England ODI Squad

Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk).

England T20 Squad

Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith (wk), Luke Wood.

South Africa ODI Squad

Temba Bavuma (capt), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs.

South Africa T20 Squad

Aiden Markram (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams.

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe have both been placed on the transfer list following a shocking bust-up after the club’s opening Ligue 1 defeat to Rennes.

The row broke out in the dressing room shortly after the 1-0 loss, with Rennes snatching a stoppage-time winner despite being down to ten men from the 31st minute. De Zerbi described the clash between the two players as something more like a “bar fight” than a normal football argument.

“I ask you this. What happens if, at your workplace, two people get into a fight? It was a bar fight, in front of the sporting director, in front of the coach, while one of our team-mates was on the ground suffering a medical emergency,” De Zerbi explained.

The Italian coach, who took charge of Marseille in 2024 after leaving Brighton, admitted he was stunned by the ferocity of the confrontation.

“No teeth were broken, but I’ve never seen anything like this in football. Even the club’s bodyguards had to step in to split them apart. Normally, they’re there to protect us from outsiders, not from ourselves,” he added.

Rabiot’s Mother Hits Back

Rabiot’s mother, Veronique, was not happy with the club’s decision to put her son on the transfer list. She called it a “betrayal” and went as far as comparing his situation to Marseille bringing in Mason Greenwood earlier this summer.

But De Zerbi was quick to defend his stance.

“I made Rabiot captain and treated him with more affection than my own son. To compare this to Greenwood’s case is unfair – we are talking about a fight at work, nothing to do with private life,” he said.

What’s Next for the Duo?

Jonathan Rowe, 22, joined Marseille from Norwich last year on loan before making his move permanent. The forward has scored three goals in 31 appearances and is now being linked with a switch to Bologna.

Adrien Rabiot, 30, signed for Marseille on a free transfer from Juventus last September and has since become a key figure, scoring 10 goals in 32 games. Capped 53 times by France, he has been linked with Monaco and Manchester United, who are in the market for a defensive midfielder.

A Rocky Start to the Season

This drama is the last thing Marseille needed after already losing their first game of the season. Both De Zerbi and club president Pablo Longoria called the fight “extremely violent,” so the club felt they had no choice but to act fast.

Now, with two key players on the way out, all eyes will be on how Marseille regroup and whether Rabiot or Rowe will secure big moves before the transfer window closes.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s future as Nottingham Forest manager has been thrown into doubt following a breakdown in his relationship with club owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Despite leading Forest to their highest league finish in decades and securing European football, questions remain about how long Nuno will stay in charge.

Tension Between Manager and Owner

Nuno admitted last week that his once-strong relationship with Marinakis has changed.

“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” Nuno said when asked about rumours over his job. “Last season we spoke every day. This season it is not so well. It’s not good because I believe everyone at the club should be together.”

The rift has reportedly spread to the playing squad, with players aware of the uncertainty.

Transfer Frustrations

Forest have signed seven players this summer but also sold winger Anthony Elanga to Newcastle for £55m. Nuno, however, expressed concerns before last weekend’s 3-1 win over Brentford, saying the club had missed an opportunity to strengthen properly.

“We have doubts about who is going to be here, when are the new signings going to come? These things create doubts. We want as many options as possible, especially with Europe coming.”

There are suggestions that Nuno has not been fully involved in this summer’s recruitment, something that may have strained his relationship with the owner.

Flashpoint With Marinakis

Back in May, Marinakis appeared to confront Nuno on the pitch after a 2-2 draw with Leicester. The club later played down the incident, saying the owner was frustrated over an injury to striker Taiwo Awoniyi and insisting there had been “no confrontation.”

Still, it highlighted the growing tension between the two.

Success on the Pitch

Since arriving in December 2023, Nuno has done an impressive job. He guided Forest away from relegation despite a four-point deduction and then led them to seventh place last season, their best finish since 1994-95.

That achievement secured European football for the first time in 30 years. Originally placed in the Conference League, Forest were later moved up to the Europa League after Crystal Palace were demoted for breaching UEFA’s multi-club rules.

Marinakis Back in Control

Forest themselves were at risk of UEFA sanctions because Marinakis also owns Greek club Olympiakos. To avoid punishment, he temporarily diluted his control of Forest earlier this year.

But in June, once the danger had passed, he regained full control and removed the directors who had been put in place to oversee the club.

What’s Next?

Nuno signed a new three-year deal in June, with Marinakis at the time calling their relationship “strong and solid.” But just weeks into the new season, things appear less certain.

Forest fans will now be watching closely to see whether Nuno can steady the ship or if a change is coming sooner than expected.

Forest’s next test comes this Sunday, away to Crystal Palace.

What was meant to be a night of football turned into one of the darkest chapters in the sport’s history. Universidad de Chile have accused Independiente and the Argentine police of failing to protect their supporters during shocking scenes of violence at Wednesday’s Copa Sudamericana last-16 match in Buenos Aires.

The game was abandoned after violent clashes broke out in the stands, leaving 19 Chilean supporters in hospital.

How the Violence Started

The trouble began at half-time when objects – including a stun grenade – were thrown from the away section toward Independiente fans below. Soon after, chaos erupted. Home fans stormed into the visiting section, attacking Universidad de Chile supporters and forcing many to flee for safety.

The situation became so dangerous that the match had to be abandoned in the second half.

Fans Seriously Hurt

Universidad de Chile confirmed that 16 of their 19 injured fans have been discharged from hospital. Sadly, one supporter remains in intensive care after undergoing surgery for a skull fracture, though doctors say his condition has improved.

The Chilean club released a strong statement, saying the night will be “remembered as one of the most violent chapters in the history of football.” They allege that Independiente fans “entered the visiting section unhindered” and carried out “extremely violent and inhuman acts.”

The club also accused rival fans of trying to break into the away dressing room to attack their players, and said their team bus windows were smashed.

Worryingly, they claim that around 100 of their own supporters were arrested, but not a single home fan has been detained.

Independiente Respond

Independiente have rejected the accusations, saying the violence began with Universidad de Chile fans before the match even kicked off. According to their version, away supporters damaged restroom facilities, disabled the CCTV system, and launched fireworks at home fans.

The Argentine club admitted there were “unacceptable attacks” in response but insisted they did not fail on safety measures. They promised to ban anyone from their fanbase who took part in the violence and also said they will seek compensation for damages to their stadium.

“Violence does not represent us,” their statement concluded.

Global Reaction

The shocking scenes have drawn worldwide condemnation. FIFA president Gianni Infantino called the attacks “barbaric” and urged local authorities to hold those responsible accountable.

“Violence has no place in football – players, fans, staff, officials and everyone who enjoys our beautiful game should be able to do so without fear,” Infantino said.

Conmebol, the body that oversees South American football, confirmed the match was abandoned due to a “lack of security guarantees from the local club and the local authorities.”

Even Buenos Aires provincial security minister Javier Alonso admitted the decision to stop the game came too late, saying: “It was clear that there was a very hostile attitude.”

A Dark Night for Football

Instead of celebrating the beauty of South American football, fans are left with images of violence, chaos, and fear. For Universidad de Chile and Independiente, the football result is now secondary to the safety and wellbeing of the people who came to watch.

This night will sadly be remembered as one of football’s most violent moments.

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has put pen to paper on a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2029, with the option for an extra year.

The Portugal international, who joined City from Benfica in 2020 for £65m, has become one of the team’s key figures both on and off the pitch. His previous deal was due to run until 2027, but the extension gives City even more security over his future.

Success at City

Since arriving in Manchester, Dias has lifted four Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and the EFL Cup. His impact was immediate, winning the Premier League Player of the Year award in his first season.

Speaking about the new deal, Dias said:

“I am incredibly happy today. I love Manchester – it is my home now – and I love the Manchester City fans. When I think about the trophies we have won and the way we have played our football during my time here, I couldn’t imagine playing anywhere else.”

Praise From the Club

City’s director of football Hugo Viana praised the 28-year-old’s influence, calling him “a leader in the dressing room and on the pitch.”

What’s Next for City?

With Dias’ future secured, Manchester City are now expected to focus on other key players. John Stones and Bernardo Silva both have a year left on their contracts, while Ilkay Gundogan and Ederson are also nearing the end of their deals. Meanwhile, Rodri, Phil Foden, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake all have two years remaining. Young defender Rico Lewis is close to signing a new five-year contract as well.

For City fans, Dias’ commitment is another sign of stability in Pep Guardiola’s squad as they continue to chase more silverware in the coming years.