Chelsea beat Western Sydney Wanderers 6-4 at Accor Stadium in Sydney in their first official pre-season game.
The Blues took the lead through Dastan Satpaev, who looked impressive, but the Australian side battled back into the game.
More Chelsea goals from Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo, and a hat-trick from Joao Pedro ensured the West London outfit secured the victory.
The Chelsea attacking unit and the midfielders were impressive, although Tosin Adarabioyo and Josh Acheampong did not cover themselves in glory at the back.
Still, there are plenty of positives for Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso to take home.

#sydney #back #western

Joao Pedro scored a late hat-trick as Chelsea kickstarted the Xabi Alonso win with a thrilling 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.
Chelsea overcame the A-League side in a 10-goal contest to begin their tour of Australia, with Pedro the difference.
Alonso named an inexperienced side for the fixture with only Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong and Liam Delap regulars in the first-team group last season
Alonso's side led inside six minutes through 17-year-old Dastan Satpayev, who has arrived at Chelsea this summer from Kairat Almaty. An end-to-end first half then saw Western Sydney Wanderers turn the game around, before Dario Essugo equalised for Chelsea before half-time.
The action continued after the interval, with Dylan Scicluna scoring for the Australian side and Jamie Gittens levelling once more for Chelsea. Teenager Awan Lual put Western Sydney Wanderers ahead for a third time, only for Pedro's late treble to earn Chelsea the win.

#side

England international? Tick. Premier League winner? Tick. At least 35 years old? Erm, tick that too. Chelsea's transfer policy has taken a surprising turn this summer, ripped up and rewritten, and it's led the club to the doors of Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck.
Chelsea are working on deals to add both to Xabi Alonso's squad in time for the start of the new season. They have also missed out on other experienced targets such as John Stones, 32, who is set for a move to Inter Milan, and Granit Xhaka, 33, who Sunderland are determined to keep as captain.
It is a stunning departure from one of the most aggressive youth-focused transfer strategies in Premier League history, which has brought waves of potential to Stamford Bridge replete with lavish decade-long contracts. BlueCo have been dogmatic, signing only one player over 25 – defender Tosin Adarabioyo – since the summer of 2023. Last season, Chelsea signed 10 players ranging in age from 18 (Estevao, Kendry Paez) to 23 (Joao Pedro).
Danny Welbeck could be heading to Stamford Bridge (Getty)
It would be wrong to say the transfer policy has been completely flawed. Nurturing young talent and investing in sellable ******* ets is the modus operandi of many well-run clubs. Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo were youthful signings, as were Enzo Fernandez and Wesley Fofana. Estevao and Joao Pedro had excellent debut seasons in an underwhelming Chelsea team.

#transfer #danny #bridge #estevao

Chelsea vs. Western Sydney Wanderers score, result, highlights: Joao Pedro hits hat-trick in chaotic friendly originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Chelsea began their preseason preparations in earnest on Tuesday with a thrilling friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Xabi Alonso's first match in charge of the Blues ended in a 10-goal thriller in which Joao Pedro scored a hat-trick.
The Premier League side trailed their A-League opponents three times before the Brazilian forward struck all three goals in the ****** e of nine minutes to settle the contest.
Chelsea will now continue training Sydney before facing London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Accor Stadium on Saturday.

#joao #pedro #sporting

Paris Saint-Germain have no intention of entering the race for Manchester City's Rodri despite recent speculation linking the European champions with the Spaniard, per Sky Sports.
Reports in recent days suggested PSG could test City's resolve for the Ballon d'Or winner.
However, the French club are understood to be completely satisfied with their current midfield options and are not planning any major additions in that area this summer.
Luis Enrique's side believe they already possess one of Europe's strongest midfield units, with Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves all playing pivotal roles in last season's historic campaign.
The trio started PSG's UEFA Champions League final triumph and remain central to the club's long-term plans. They also have the talented Warren Zaire-Emery waiting in the wings.

#champions #rodri #european

Joao Cancelo is set to link back up with Al-Hilal this week as the Saudi Pro League club continue pre-season preparations in Austria.
The defender has been enjoying some time off after World Cup 2026 but is due back on Wednesday, according to the latest from Arriyadiyah.
Barcelona are still hoping to complete a permanent deal for Cancelo, following another successful loan stint last season, but are yet to reach an agreement with Al-Hilal.
The report adds that Al-Hilal are open to offers to buy out Cancelo's contract which still has a year left to run.
Cancelo is also keen to move on and has made no secret of his affection for Barcelona. He arrived back at Barcelona for a second stint last winter and went on to play 23 matches, scoring twice and adding three ****** ists.

#Barcelona #back #season #last

Bayern Munich is facing a difficult situation with moving several players who are no longer in the first team plans under Vincent Kompany. Bild lays out the report, as captured by iMiaSanMia:
The situation of Bayern's out-of-favor players: João Palhinha, Sacha Boey and Bryan Zaragoza
– Palhinha has recently rejected lucrative offers from top clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Both are out of the question for the player. Palhinha is divorced and wants to see his 3 and 1 year old kids, who live in Portugal, as often as possible. Therefore Benfica and Sporting are options for him, but neither club can currently afford the high transfer fee. Aston Villa are also showing interest, but are only considering a loan with an option to buy.
-For Sacha Boey, mid-table Premier League clubs have shown interest. But Bayern are insisting on a €15m asking price
-Bryan Zaragoza is keen to return to Spain. Espanyol and Sevilla are monitoring his situation. However, there haven't been any serious talks yet, partly due to his salary of around €4m/year at Bayern

#bayern #palhinha #clubs

Fluminense remains top of the Brasileirão U-17Credits: LEONARDO BRASIL/ FLUMINENSE FC
Fluminense held onto the top spot in the Brasileirão U-17 with a 2-0 win over Atlético-GO on Wednesday (22) at Marcelo Vieira. Ryan Santos and Leonardo secured the victory for the Tricolor das Laranjeiras, who now have 22 points, three ahead of second-placed Corinthians.
The Rio team's strong campaign is down to its defensive performance. Among the 20 participating teams, Fluminense has the best defense, having conceded just six goals in the nine rounds played so far. Corinthians and Cruzeiro have each let in seven goals, while América-MG and São Paulo have conceded eight. Bahia, meanwhile, has allowed nine.
In attack, Fluminense has scored 20 goals. Corinthians and Palmeiras have netted 27, while Red Bull Bragantino has found the back of the net 22 times.
Flamengo thrashed Santos 4-2 at Luso-Brasileiro and climbed five places, moving from 15th to 10th with 12 points. Luiz Guilherme (2) and João Vitor (2) found the net for the Rubro-Negro side. João Pedro and Miqueias pulled two back for Santos.

#goals #brasileir #points #nine

Cristiano Ronaldo will reportedly call time on his decorated international career after one more appearance for Portugal at a beloved venue.
Ronaldo, 41, scored three goals in five matches for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup including a brace against Uzbekistan in the group stage and a penalty versus Croatia in the Round of 32, playing 441 minutes at the tournament.
MORE — Will Messi win the Ballon d'Or?
That brings his international haul to 146 goals and 45 ******* ists in 233 caps. He has 87 more caps than all-time No. 2 Joao Moutinho and 99 more goals over Portugal's No. 2 scorer Pauleta.
But Goal.com's Moataz Elgammal, citing a Portuguese agent, says that Ronaldo will take the field for Portugal one more time in a UEFA Nations League match against Wales at Sporting Lisbon's Estadio Jose Alvalade on Sept. 24.

#ronaldo #croatia

FC Barcelona remain confident of completing the permanent signing of Joao Cancelo, although the transfer is not expected to be finalized until after the club's pre-season training camp in England, reports Mundo Deportivo.
The outlet claims that the Portuguese full-back has already agreed personal terms with the Blaugrana, making it clear that his priority is to return to the club this summer
The only remaining step is for Barcelona and Al-Hilal, where Cancelo is under contract until 2027, to finalise the transfer once a number of fiscal and administrative details are resolved.
Cancelo's loan spell officially ended at the end of June, shortly before Portugal's elimination from the World Cup.
Since then, the 32-year-old has been enjoying his summer break in Sardinia, Italy, while waiting for the two clubs to complete the agreement.

#joao #deportivo #portuguese

Aston Villa are in advanced talks to sign Alejandro Garnacho on loan, with a potential obligation to buy.
The Argentina winger, 21, was made available for sale by Chelsea for £43m last month, but the club are open to a move that could see him leave permanently, under certain conditions, even if it initially takes the form of a loan.
It follows Chelsea agreeing a record £117m fee for Morgan Rogers from Villa on Saturday night.
Since then, both Garnacho and striker Nicolas Jackson, available for £65m, were discussed in a separate deal that would see them move in the opposite direction to Villa Park.
If finalised, Garnacho would be Villa's fourth signing in a busy summer of incomings and outgoings, after Johan Manzambi, Joao Gomes and Modou Kaba Cisse moved to the Midlands club.

#move #aston #alejandro #Argentina

Manchester United have all but completed a deal for Chelsea's Antony Santos after news of a move broke rapidly last week.
Nonetheless, their transfer market activity has been a frustrating experience so far.
After missing out on numerous targets such as French star Aurelien Tchouameni, Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, Manchester United have had to move down their list.
The club is said to be keen on players like Joao Gomes, Alex Scott, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Manu Kone.
Manchester United had believed they had wrapped up a deal for the Brazilian in June when they agreed a fee with Atalanta before the World Cup.

Nothing about the World Cup knockout stage has been easy for defending champions Argentina. Each round, Lionel Messi has been looking at the likely end to his World Cup career, and yet, Argentina has found a way to win — often with controversy.
Saturday's 3-1 quarterfinal win over Switzerland in extra time was no exception. But while the Swiss were furious with the VAR review and referee Joao Pinheiro's decision to send off Breel Embolo, it was the correct call.
The U.S. men's national team's opening match against Paraguay already sent precedent for that kind of VAR review.
New for this World Cup, VAR was given the ability to check for mistaken identity on yellow cards. That review was applied in June when Paraguay's Miguel Almirón drew a yellow card on Tim Ream despite not being touched by the USMNT defender. VAR looked at the incident and instead had the referee issue a yellow to Almirón for simulation.
The incident with Embolo — who was already on a yellow card — was awfully similar. Embolo went to ground before there was any contact with Argentina's Leandro Paredes. It was a clear simulation, and Embolo should've had the situational awareness to both know the VAR rules on a yellow card and simply not take a dive.

Liverpool can beat Manchester United to the signing of Joao Gomes this summer, if the Brazilian's prior comments still hold weight.
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The Wolves midfielder told ESPN back in 2022 (via Fabrizio Romano on X) that the Reds 'are a team I'd play for'.
Atletico Madrid had reportedly been poised to seal a deal for the Old Gold star, but instead opted to finalise a move for Sporting Lisbon's Morten Hjulmand.
If Champions League football is what Gomes is after, Liverpool can supply it – not to mention a direct return to the Premier League.

Every morning, OneFootball brings you a full recap of the night at the World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup keeps delivering its share of wild storylines, but the mishap Breel Embolo went through during the clash between Switzerland and Argentina is likely to be talked about for a very long time.
With 15 minutes left in normal time, just after referee João Pinheiro had shown Leandro Paredes a yellow card following a heated challenge with Embolo, VAR stepped in on the grounds of a "mistaken identity."
After reviewing the footage, the referee made a dramatic U-turn: clearing Paredes, he decided that Embolo had actually exaggerated the contact. That fatal reinterpretation led the referee to show the Swiss player a yellow card.
Major problem: Embolo had already been booked. So this improbable twist turned into a second yellow card, meaning an immediate sending-off. Going from victim to dismissed player in the **** e of a minute, Embolo could not contain his rage and despair, breaking down in tears as he headed back to the dressing room.

Switzerland manager Murat Yakin said his side’s World Cup quarter-final was destroyed by the new mistaken identity rule that led to Breel Embolo being sent off in their 3-1 defeat to Argentina.
Embolo was shown a second yellow card when, initially, Leandro Paredes had been cautioned for a challenge on him – only for referee Joao Pinheiro to review the incident and conclude the Switzerland striker had dived.
But Yakin argued it should never have got that far by saying that Paredes should not have been booked for his challenge and that Embolo was left “shattered” by his red card.
Switzerland had levelled through Dan Ndoye minutes before Embolo was dismissed and went to lose to extra-time goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
And Yakin said: “The VAR and referee, the fact they introduced such a rule is unnecessary and I try to put it in very kind words but I think it is extremely hurtful. We are not going to go to the semi-finals but I think we deserved to be there.

KANSAS CITY, MO — Switzerland coach Murat Yakin ripped the referee for the decision to give Breel Embolo a second yellow card for simulation after a VAR check, forcing the Swiss to play the rest of the World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina with 10 men.
The Swiss striker left the field sobbing after he was shown the red card in the 72nd minute. The game went to extra time, and Argentina won 3-1.
"In my opinion, it was a harmless foul. If it even was a foul," Yakin said through a translator. "This rule destroyed our game today and it was incredibly painful. To be eliminated that way hurt a lot."
Argentina's Leandro Paredes was initially given a yellow card for a tackle from behind. But VAR official Guillermo Pacheco informed referee João Pinheiro that he believed the yellow card should have gone to Embolo for simulation instead.
Replays clearly showed Embolo went to the ground without being touched by Paredes. Embolo actually kicked at Paredes as he was falling.

Liverpool are set to make big midfield alterations this summer.
There is uncertainty around several of their midfielders - including Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister and Stefan Bajcetic. Jones, 25, is a target for Inter Milan and Nottingham Forest - and if no new contract is agreed then expect him to be moved on.
Macca, meanwhile, is back on the radar for Real Madrid with the Spanish capital side set to sell Eduardo Camavinga.
And although Bajcetic is a tier below the other two in terms of his experience he too could be sold with Sevilla now coming into the reckoning for a bargain deal.
It’s now being reported in Brazil that Liverpool as well as Manchester United are seeking to take advantage of a breakdown in the deal that was supposed to take Joao Gomes to Atletico Madrid.

Switzerland's well-earned reward for acting is ejection from game and elimination from World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The tears were real. Switzerland striker Breel Embolo no longer was acting by then. He covered his face in horror, aware everything he’d dreamed about at the start of the day, at the start of the 2026 World Cup, had been demolished in an instant.
First, referee Joao Pedro Silva Pinheiro held a yellow card toward the Kansas City sky; then he showed considerable dexterity by pulling a red card from his pocket and signaling to Embolo he no longer would be involved in Saturday's quarterfinal game against Argentina.
Embolo’s offense: simulation.

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It was not a universally popular decision. Anything favoring Argentina against an underdog at this point in the 2026 World Cup is going to generate controversy.

Argentina’s 3-1 AET win over Switzerland in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final saw an uncharacteristically angry moment from Lionel Messi.
The 39-year-old is known to let his football do the talking on the field, but there was a tense moment between the legend and Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro during the clash.
It seems Messi had to remind the referee about who he is and how he should be treated.
It’s unclear what exactly transpired and was said between Messi and Pinheiro, but the visibly animated interaction was caught on cameras around the world, with Spanish website ‘Ole’ providing a translation of what Messi reportedly said to the ref.
“Speak properly, don’t disrespect me. Speak to me properly, I spoke to you properly.”

Switzerland's Breel Embolo became the first player to be sent off as a result of a new law for mistaken identity at this summer's World Cup.
Embolo, booked in the first half, was sent off after 72 minutes of his country's quarter-final defeat by Argentina following a second yellow card for simulation.
The caution was initially handed to Argentina's Leandro Paredes for what at first appeared a clumsy challenge, until the video ***** istant referee (VAR) intervened to send referee Joao Pinheiro to the monitor.
On review, the official deemed Embolo to have dived.
The Switzerland forward was distraught to be shown a red card with his side having levelled against the defending world champions just five minutes earlier.

Andoni Iraola and the transfer committee continue their behind the scenes work to transfer the team in preparation for the upcoming pre-training. Players from around the world will begin trickling back to the training centre this month and the real preparations for Iraola's inaugural season with the team will commence.
It's almost mid-July, but with the World Cup in full swing, less has been accomplished in the transfer market than Liverpool likely would have wanted at this point. The final configuration of the team is still nowhere near complete. As the summer carries on, rumours continue regarding who the transfer committee has its eyes set on.
Recently relegated Wolves are dealing with their own shake up, and Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes is one of the players who is looking to jump ship. Initially near an agreement with Atletico Madrid, the potential transfer has since collapsed.
Now reports in Brazil are that both Liverpool and Manchester United have made contact with Wolves, showing their interest in the 25-year-old. He's said to be valued by the club at about £38m.
Wolves' player of the season has proven Premier League experience and shone even while playing for struggling Wolves last season. It's also an affordable price in today's transfer market. It's unclear if this is a genuine interest from the Reds or another case of sending out feelers to see their options.

Liverpool and Manchester United have both made contact with Wolves over a possible move for Joao Gomes, according to Globo Esporte. The Brazil international is emerging as one of the more interesting midfield situations in the market, particularly after Wolves' relegation and the collapse of a proposed switch to Atletico Madrid.
The report indicates that both Premier League clubs have enquired about the likely cost of a deal and how any transfer could be structured. That development comes at a time when Manchester United are reassessing midfield plans after their attempt to sign Ederson from Atalanta hit a major issue. Liverpool, meanwhile, appear to be revisiting a long-standing admiration that predates Gomes' move from Flamengo to Molineux.
Liverpool's awareness of Joao Gomes is far from new. The 25-year-old was tracked earlier in his career and has since built a strong reputation in English football, even during a difficult campaign for Wolves. Relegation often forces hard decisions, and Gomes looks one of the most obvious candidates to generate a substantial fee.
Atletico Madrid had been close to securing him for around €45m, which is £38.3m, before that move broke down. That number now provides a useful reference point for any club looking to test Wolves' resolve. For Liverpool, it places Gomes in a bracket that feels significant yet still manageable in a market where elite midfielders can quickly move beyond £50m.
Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool may have an opportunity to inflict further torment on Manchester United after a recent transfer setback for the latter.
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The Old Trafford outfit agreed a £35m deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson last month, but subsequent medical tests have revealed an issue which now looks set to scupper the transaction (BBC Sport).
If that move were to fall through, Michael Carrick's side would be forced to explore alternative targets, one of whom is already wanted by their northwestern rivals.
According to Globo Esporte, Liverpool and Man United have both made contact with Wolves to enquire about the cost and structure of a potential transfer for Joao Gomes, who'd been poised to sign for Atletico Madrid for €45m (£38.3m) until a disagreement with agent Jorge Mendes led to the deal collapsing.

Liverpool do not need another summer of guesswork. They need balance, durability and midfielders who can actually cover ground, win duels and keep the structure intact. According to talkSPORT, Joao Gomes has moved into focus after Atletico Madrid backed away from a deal, and that feels relevant for a club still trying to correct a squad build that looked thin in too many areas last season.
There is no mystery here. Liverpool lost depth, carried too much strain across multiple competitions and looked short of reliable options when intensity dropped. Big arrivals helped the headline count, but the overall shape of the squad remained awkward. Replacing Mohamed Salah in raw numbers with Victor Munoz does not solve a midfield issue, and Liverpool know it.
Gomes is not a fashionable link built on fantasy. He is 10-cap Brazil international, has more than 100 appearances for Wolves and has already done three years in the Premier League. Even in a relegated side, he stood out. That matters. You do not dismiss strong performers because the team around them fell apart.
The Brazilian has already stated his admiration for the club. "Liverpool is a team I would play for," Gomes said. "I have the greatest desire to play. Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream and that of my family, my biggest dream in football." Liverpool supporters will hear that and immediately understand why this story has traction.
Photo: IMAGO

Jose Mourinho's arrival at Real Madrid brings changes to the group of professionals working around the first team, extending beyond the Portuguese coach's trusted inner circle.
Mourinho began working at Valdebebas alongside his coaching staff today. It includes his right-hand man at Benfica, Joao Tralhao, as one of the ******* istant coaches.
Meanwhile, former Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira has also joined the Portuguese tactician's staff as an ******* istant.
On top of that, Mourinho has stuck with his trusted staff of Roberto Merella (Performance ******* yst), Pedro Machado (Fitness coach), and Nuno Santos (Goalkeeping coach).
Now, as reported by MARCA, the arrivals of Pedro Machado and Nuno Santos lead to adjustments within the club's technical structure.

The boys are back in town — or at least those boys who were not at the World Cup (or those still at the World Cup, obviously) — and we’ve also got the new gaffer taking charge of his first official training as Chelsea boss. Though it may be a bit hard to spot him: he looks like he could lace them up for real still in an actual game!
So that’s all pretty exciting, with the likes of Cole Palmer, João Pedro, and Estêvão all getting to work with the new manager from day one. That surely will be beneficial for the season ahead, as will the rare weeks off they got from football. They can channel their frustrations about the World Cup into stellar performances for the Blues!
There were some fresh faces as well, including the just announced Geovany Quenda. Striker Emmanuel Emegha was also present, as was, apparently, wonderboy Dastan Satpaev who doesn’t turn 18 for another month but was given special dispensation by FC Kairat to come train with the squad already.
Check out the gallery below for some of the day’s best images. Liking the sleeveless training shirts, but of course, as disappointingly usual, it’s not available to buy at the Megastore.

Bayern Munich could have another option for midfielder João Palhinha as Benfica might have some interest in the 31-year-old:
Benfica are currently the club showing the most interest in João Palhinha and are preparing a bid in the region of €20m fixed plus €5m in performance related add-ons. Benfica coach Marco Silva, who worked with Palhinha at Fulham, sees him as his desired target in midfield and wants to reunite with him. Palhinha is very interested in a return to Portugal/Lisbon.
At this point, Bayern Munich might not care too much about where Palhinha goes, just as long as he takes his €12 million salary package off of its books. Getting that much would be a steal for the Bavarians, who have no use for Palhinha.
Arsenal might be ready to drop a ton of look on Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers…or they are — at least — thinking about it:
Arsenal must meet Aston Villa’s valuation if they want to sign attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers, according to Football Insider. The Gunners are believed to be at the front of the queue for the 23-year-old but, with five years remaining on his contract, Villa are expected to stand firm with their demands of a £130 million transfer fee. Rogers scored 10 goals in 37 Premier League matches last season, and is one of the top names on manager Mikel Arteta’s shortlist.

Midfielder João Palhinha is headed back to Bayern Munich, at least temporarily. After Tottenham Hotspur wished him well, Sporting CP was supposed to be his next destination.
There is some doubt, though, about Sporting's ability to work out a deal with Bayern Munich and Palhinha. However, Juventus might be willing to kick the tires on the 30-year-old:
Juventus is considering a move for João Palhinha after his loan spell at Tottenham from Bayern Munich ended this summer. The Portuguese midfielder is now expected to **** s his options as he looks to secure regular first-team football ahead of the new season.
Tottenham have signed two big-money midfielders, suggesting they do not intend to keep Palhinha beyond the end of his loan spell. As a result, the midfielder has become available for another move during the current transfer window.
This situation has opened the door for Palhinha to join another club, with Juventus interested in adding him to their squad. According to Tuttojuve, the Bianconeri believe the experienced midfielder could strengthen their options as they continue reshaping the team.

Hansi Flick has made his priorities crystal clear ahead of Barcelona’s pre-season preparations.
While the search for a new centre-forward remains ongoing, the German coach first wants Barcelona to complete the Joao Cancelo signing, believing the Portuguese international is the final piece needed to finish the club’s defensive rebuild.
According to AS, Flick has asked sporting director Deco to speed up the Joao Cancelo Barcelona transfer after Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In fact, the outlet also mentions that the German manager would consider his defensive structure complete once the signing is made official.
Notably, with an agreement already in place between Barcelona and Al-Hilal, the operation is now entering its final stages.