Liverpool finalise Barcola deal as top-flight football returns in earnest. The early Saturday fixture, Liverpool v Nottingham Forest, opens a busy domestic and European slate, with four Premier League games today alongside full schedules across the EFL, Scotland and the continent. The transfer window subplots and governance wrangles will run alongside the action for weeks to come.
Reports: Liverpool agree deal to sign Barcola
Liverpool have reached agreement to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports on Saturday. The 23-year-old is expected to cost well over £100m, with further details of add-ons to be confirmed. Coverage earlier this week outlined the breakthrough in negotiations.
Liverpool finalise Barcola deal
Liverpool finalise Barcola deal worth up to £123m, with the PSG winger scheduled for a medical this weekend before completing his move to Anfield. The clubs settled the structure after protracted talks, with £106m to be paid up front and a further £17m tied to performance-related add-ons for the player and team.
How will Liverpool and Forest line up?
Attention turns to likely selections for the 12.30pm UK kick-off. Predicted elevens for both Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, plus projected lineups across the Premier League fixtures this weekend, have been set out in the latest team-news guide.
Glasner urges realism at Forest
Forest’s new head coach, Oliver Glasner, underlined the scale of the task after back-to-back defeats to Leeds in the league and Carabao Cup. He called for realism about the team’s current level and warned against expectations of a rapid transformation following key departures, saying hard work is the priority. His remarks were circulated by PA Media.
Iraola’s high-press demands at Liverpool
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola said he wants his forwards to empty the tank rather than aim for a full 90 minutes as he prepares for his first Premier League match at Anfield. He also hopes the club can supplement the attack further following the anticipated arrival of Barcola, with only Victor Muñoz added in forward areas so far.
Today’s Premier League fixtures
- Liverpool v Nottingham Forest, 12.30pm BST
- Coventry v Hull, 3pm BST
- Bournemouth v Everton, 3pm BST
- Tottenham v Newcastle, 5.30pm BST
Weekend schedule continues
- Chelsea v Brighton, Sunday, 2pm
- Leeds v Brentford, Sunday, 2pm
- Sunderland v Fulham, Sunday, 2pm
- Man Utd v Ipswich Town, Sunday, 4.30pm
- Aston Villa v Arsenal, Monday, 8pm
Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 4-1 on Friday, with Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland each scoring twice.
Everton academy product targeted by Forest
Nottingham Forest have submitted a £40m offer for Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong. The 19-year-old has impressed early in the season, but Everton are weighing a sale for financial reasons, with the potential profit assisting compliance with squad cost ratios.
The move would be a blow for manager David Moyes, who has had limited backing this summer and has publicly differed with chief executive Angus Kinnear over expectations for the campaign.
Tottenham still seeking late addition
Despite significant outlay in this window, Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi wants one more signing before the deadline, with the club exploring options to strengthen in the final days.
Arsenal hand first pro deal to Marli Salmon
Arsenal have signed 17-year-old Marli Salmon to his first professional contract. The youngster, who joined the club at age 10, said the deal recognises years of effort by him and his family.
WSL notes: Brighton name new head coach
Brighton have appointed Arturo Ruiz as women’s head coach following the departure of Dario Vidosic shortly before the new season. Ruiz, 29, is younger than the Premier League’s youngest current men’s manager, Fabian Hürzeler, who is 33.
Everton’s women meanwhile are profiled in a team-by-team preview ahead of kickoff.
Opinion and features
Barney Ronay reflects on Central Cee’s new Premier League tie-in track and turns to Cole Palmer’s fast-rising star. Suzanne Wrack speaks with Lucy Bronze, who discussed a late ADHD and autism diagnosis and how it shapes her relentless approach to training and life.
Transfers hub
Catch up on every confirmed deal in the men’s and women’s windows via the interactive trackers, including recent business such as Liam Delap’s move to Nottingham Forest.