Despite strong links with a move to Chelsea, Lamine Camara is expected to start for AS Monaco against Olympique de Marseille on Sunday night.
The Senegal international may not be a Monaco player come Tuesday, but he is expected to start alongside Denis Zakaria. Meanwhile, another player linked with an exit, Folarin Balogun, is out. He has yet to return to fitness since his return from the FIFA World Cup. Ansu Fati is also out injured, whilst Takumi Minamino and Mohamed Salisu are building up their fitness after suffering ACL injuries last season.
Up front, Filipe Luís has a decision to make. The Brazilian may opt for the in-form Paris Brunner over Mika Biereth. Eric Dier, who had looked like one of those most likely to leave earlier in the summer, is once again expected to start in defence.
Lukas Hradecky; **** nho, Eric Dier, Sadibou Sané, Vanderson; Denis Zakaria, Lamine Camara; Stanis Idumbo, Aleksandr Golovin, Mamadou Coulibaly; Paris Brunner. (L'Éq)
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

#expected #monaco #zakaria #brunner

Hamburger SV continue to pursue the signing of KRC Genk right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi as sporting director Claus Costa seeks to resolve one of the squad's most obvious remaining deficiencies before the transfer deadline. According to the Hamburger Abendblatt, HSV have already reached a basic agreement with the 24-year-old Moroccan international.
Belgian transfer reporter Sacha Tavolieri reports that the Bundesliga club are now preparing a third offer for Genk after their first two approaches failed to produce an agreement. El Ouahdi himself reportedly favors the move. Kicker identifies the defender as Hamburg's preferred solution and reports that a deal could cost approximately €13m plus bonuses.
The Morocco international offers substantial attacking production from the right flank. El Ouahdi registered eight goals and five **** ists in 34 league appearances last season, adding another four goals across nine Europa League outings. His potential arrival would also address a weakness that Get German Football News' 2026/27 Hamburger SV tactical preview identified as one of the club's principal unresolved personnel issues.
Following the departures of William Mikelbrencis and Giorgi Gocholeishvili, Bakery Jatta currently stands as the only established option for Merlin Polzin on the right wing-back position. HSV have consequently been seeking a player capable of moving ahead of Jatta in the hierarchy.
Bayer Leverkusen full-back Arthur remains the alternative should HSV decide that El Ouahdi's overall package is too expensive. Florian Plettenberg previously reported that Hamburg had reached a basic verbal agreement with the 23-year-old Brazilian over a season-long loan without a purchase option. GGFN covered Arthur's potential departure as part of Leverkusen's extensive late-window restructuring. Die Werkself are themselves attempting to sign Strasbourg right-back Guéla Doué and are prepared to sanction Arthur's temporary departure.

#agreement #genk #jatta #league

Birmingham City are trying to hijack Young Boys' attempts to sign FC Nantes winger Herba Guirassy (19), according to a report from Sacha Tavolieri.
Guirassy accrued Ligue 1 experience at Nantes last season. He played 20 times in Ligue 1, scoring twice, however, it was a disastrous season for Les Canaris, who were relegated to Ligue 2. The FCN academy product has featured prominently in the opening gameweeks of this season, too. In three games in Ligue 2, he has one goal.
However, Nantes have lost all three of their games, sit rock bottom of the league, and have now just sacked their manager, Michal Der Zakarian. Grégory Poirier has come in but Guirassy may not have the chance to play under the former Red Star coach. Interest in acquiring Guirassy is growing. Swiss side Young Boys had already been in talks to sign the France U21 international, however, Birmingham City are trying to hijack the deal and have submitted a bid of their own. Talks are ongoing.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

#season #birmingham #city

AS Monaco will have to cobble together a forward line this evening when they face Górnik Zabrze in their UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier in Poland.
Les Monégasques are without several key players in their attack. Folarin Balogun is not yet back to full fitness following the FIFA World Cup, which, as revealed by Filipe Luís, he played through despite a minor niggle. Matthis Abline is also out after sustaining a minor foot injury in the pre-season loss to Coventry City. Ansu Fati has not recovered from injury, is out, and will also miss the start of the Ligue 1 season.
In the supporting roles, Aleksandr Golovin is injured, whilst Takumi Minamino is still on the road to recovery from an ACL injury sustained in December. His return is nearing but he is not yet fit. There could, therefore, be a chance for Safouane Benzahra, who has yet to make his professional debut for his formative club, either from the start or from the bench.
Lukas Hradecky; **** nho, Christian Mawissa, Eric Dier, Vanderson; Stanis Idumbo, Lamine Camara, Denis Zakaria, Mathys Detourbet; Paris Brunner, Mika Biereth.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

#injury #start #europa

FC Nantes are considering the dismissal of head coach Michel Der Zakarian should Antoine Kombouaré be available for a third spell in the dugout, according to a report on Sunday from Foot Mercato. Les Canaris are in disarray after losing their first two games of the Ligue 2 campaign following their relegation from the first tier in May. Nantes were powerless against Red Star (0-1) and conceded defeat in the dying minutes against Laval (2-1) after a blunder from Tylel Tati.
Nantes targeted an immediate return to Ligue 1 in 2027, but they now sit at the bottom of Ligue 2, which considerably weakens Der Zakarian's position. The former Nantes centre-back previously led Les Canaris to two Ligue 1 promotions, in 2008 and in 2013, in two different spells. But his third one could be cut short.
Foot Mercato reports that Nantes would part ways with Der Zakarian should there is a possibility for Kombouaré to return for a third spell at La Beaujoire. Kombouaré notably won the 2022 French Cup with his formative side. He was dismissed the following season only for him to return in 2024.
Let go at the end of the 2024-2025 campaign, Kombouaré oversaw a remarkable upturn in form at Paris FC, which he led to safety before PFC parted ways with him to appoint Liam Rosenior. Thr 62-year-old Kombouaré reportedly intends to take a short break from management.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval

#ligue #zakarian #canaris

Bayer Leverkusen have entered negotiations with Olympique de Marseille over the potential signing of Facundo Medina, with the Argentina international emerging as one of the club's primary defensive targets this summer.
According to reports, discussions between the two clubs are already underway. Medina, who recently featured for Argentina in the World Cup final, is viewed as an experienced and versatile addition capable of operating both as a centre-back and on the left side of defence.
The 27-year-old only joined Marseille recently but has quickly attracted interest following his impressive performances at both club and international level. His versatility and composure in possession reportedly make him an ideal fit for Leverkusen's style of play.
Leverkusen's recruitment drive is not limited to central defence, however. The club also continue to monitor KRC Genk full-back Zakaria El Ouahdi as they explore options to strengthen the right side of their defence, too.
The Moroccan international has been on Leverkusen's radar for some time and remains an alternative should the club decide to add another full-back before the transfer window closes. While no agreement has yet been reached, El Ouahdi is still considered a realistic option.

#side

Argentina and Switzerland face each other this Sunday at the Arrowhead for a match of the quarter-finals of the World Cup. The match will be broadcast live at 02:00 on ITV 1.
In their last fixture, Argentina won 3-2 against Egypt (World Cup 2026). In their last game, Switzerland drew 0-0 with Colombia (World Cup 2026).
The last meeting between the two teams ended with Argentina winning 1-0.
Argentina ( vs Egypt 2026-07-07): Emiliano Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Cristián Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Lionel Messi, Julián Alvarez
Switzerland ( vs Colombia 2026-07-07): Gregor Kobel, Denis Zakaria, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodríguez, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler, Fabian Rieder, Ardon Jashari, Dan Ndoye, Breel Embolo

Switzerland and Colombia face each other this Tuesday at the BC Place for a match of the Last 16 of the World Cup. The match will be broadcast live at 21:00 on ITV 1.
In their last fixture, Switzerland won 2-0 against Algeria (World Cup 2026). Last time out, Colombia triumphed 1-0 against Ghana (World Cup 2026).
The last meeting between the two teams ended with Colombia winning 3-1.
Switzerland ( vs Algeria 2026-07-03): Gregor Kobel, Denis Zakaria, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodríguez, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler, Dan Ndoye, Johan Manzambi, Rubén Vargas, Breel Embolo
Colombia ( vs Ghana 2026-07-04): Camilo Vargas, Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Johan Mojica, Jhon Arias, Gustavo Puerta, Jefferson Lerma, James Rodríguez, Jhon Córdoba, Luis Díaz

Jack Buchanan, Chief EFL Editor
Switzerland have secured their spot in the Round of 16 following a 2-0 win over Algeria in Vancouver, which saw Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye get on the scoresheet.
It was Embolo who opened the scoring after just 10 minutes, ******* isted by youngster Johan Manzambi, before Ndoye doubled their advantage early in the second half, killing off the tie.
Switzerland named their oldest XI ever for a World Cup knockout game for this one, with Dennis Zakaria replacing Luca Jaquez at right-back and Ndoye replacing Lucas Sow on the wing. This was also Granit Xhaka's 150th cap for his country, making him the 49th player in history to reach that tally in men's internationals.
Meanwhile, Algeria made three changes with Luca Zidane returning in goal ahead of Oussama Benbot, whilst Ryan Ait-Nouri replaced Jaouen Hadjam at left-back and Zerrouki came into the middle of the park in favour of Amine Gouri.

Speaking ahead of the return for pre-season, FC Nantes CEO and son of owner Waldemar Kita, Franck, had addressed Les Canaris’ catastrophic 2025/26 campaign, which ended with relegation to Ligue 2.
“When we win, it’s thanks to everyone; when we lose, I take full responsibility. I am the boss, I am the owner of the club, I am the one to blame, first and foremost. I am the only one to blame. I take full responsibility for us coming off the road, this relegation, which I ****** ume entirely,” he began.
His comments were the first made since the club’s relegation to Ligue 2. As is often the case, there was no post-season review with the media. Nantes’ final game of the season, meanwhile, was abandoned in the first half after angry fans stormed the pitch.
Kita was also there to present Nantes’ new manager, Michel Der Zakarian. The club burned through three managers last season, ending the campaign with Vahid Halilhodzic at the helm. Kita said that the degree of change last summer played a big part in the club’s failure.
“It’s true that I like it when there is a bit of stability and the fact that we radically changed things: new players, new coaches, disturbed people’s reference points. We didn’t put anyone in good conditions, in the right context and so, for me, that is why we were relegated.”

Switzerland arrive at Los Angeles Stadium tonight needing a major reaction following their deeply frustrating tournament opener.
Murat Yakin watched his squad completely dominate possession against the Asian Champions Qatar before suffering a painful late equaliser. The Schweizer Nati created numerous clear opportunities and registered 26 shots without finding a winner.
That wasteful performance kept the underdogs alive and eventually cost them two valuable points. Yakin now demands a far more clinical attacking display from his frontline. Securing maximum points against Bosnia-Herzegovina remains absolutely vital before facing co-hosts Canada.
A completely healthy roster gives Yakin total tactical freedom ahead of this vital fixture. The Swiss coach can field his strongest available lineup without any forced alterations. Gregor Kobel will likely retain his spot between the posts following a relatively quiet opening game.
Ahead of the goalkeeper, Manuel Akanji could partner Nico Elvedi to anchor a steady defence. Experienced full-backs Ricardo Rodríguez and Denis Zakaria look set to guard the defensive flanks.

Perhaps FC Nantes needed to be relegated to Ligue 2 to kick off the new era that all the fans have been waiting for. But for Les Canaris, change is not necessarily an idea that everyone is in favour of.
Proof of this can be seen in their attraction to Michel Der Zakarian, 63, who, according to L’Équipe, is being lined up to succeed Vahid Halilhodžić, 74, for whom the end of the season marked the well-deserved end of his career.
Having managed Nantes from February 2007 to August 2008, and then from May 2012 to June 2016, ‘Der Zak’ is seen as the man capable of leading the Stade de la Beaujoire side back to the top flight by the 2027–28 season. A task that seems well within the Armenian coach’s capabilities, having already secured two promotions with FCN, in 2008 and 2013.
A resident of the Nantes area, he was apparently even spotted at the final of the Challenge Espoirs, won by the Nantes youth team a few weeks ago. This is enough to fuel speculation about a… third comeback.
GFFN | Léo Aschi