Football news LIVE: Liverpool confirm Frimpong as Alexander-Arnold joins Real Madrid, £109m Wirtz bid submitted, Fernandes to Saudi Arabia
The Premier League season is over, but there is still plenty happening and talkSPORT.com has all the latest news.
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen on the day Trent Alexander-Arnold was announced as a Real Madrid player.
Plus, they've submitted a £109 million big for Florian Wirtz.
Elsewhere, we'll have the build-up to Saturday's Champions League final, as Inter Milan battle Paris Saint-Germain in Munich.
talkSPORT BET are offering new customers a massive 50/1 on either PSG or Inter Milan to win the Champions League. Find out more on how to pick your winner here
Revolutionary
Manchester United are hoping to make their new stadium one of the greenest in the world.
The Red Devils announced plans for a brand new stadium in March, and they've partnered with Foster + Partners to create a stadium that is friendly to the environment.
The canopy is set to be covered in solar panels and will also collect rainwater, which will be used on the pitch and in the toilets.
As well as this, the freight that currently runs on the line behind the South Stand is set to be diverted.
This will unlock the whole Old Trafford area for redevelopment, creating a space people can live and work in near the stadium.
Credit: Man United 'Very positive'
New Liverpool signing Jeremie Frimpong has opened up on why working with Arne Slot appeals to him.
The versatile right-sided player has joined for around £30 million from Bayer Leverkusen, and he will join up with his fellow Dutchman.
Speaking to the club's website about Slot, he said: “I spoke to the manager a few times. He sounds very positive. He says I can bring a lot of energy and my qualities, my speed.
“Especially, when a manager is talking positively about you, it gives you very good confidence that he believes in you. I’ve had good conversations with him.
“I’m really excited [to work with Arne Slot]. Even when I was at [the] national team, some of the Feyenoord boys would tell me about him and be like, ‘He’s the best coach I’ve ever had.’ Things like this.
“So, I’ve always heard good things about the coach. Now he’s going to be my coach, so I’m excited for that.”
Credit: Getty Done deal
Liverpool have confirmed the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen.
The Dutchman has signed a long-term contract at Anfield after the Reds activated his release clause.
In total, Liverpool are spending around £30 million on the Dutch international who joins on the same day Trent Alexander-Arnold leaves...
Frimpong is classed as a home-grown player after coming through the academy at Manchester City.
He can't wait to get started.
Speaking to the club's website, he said: “It went quite easy. Liverpool came and said they had interest, and obviously for me it was a no-brainer.
“For me, it was like, ‘Whatever you guys do, just get this done’, [speaking to] my agents: ‘Just get this done.’
“Liverpool fans, I’m going to give my all, my energy, my work-rate and hopefully we can win together, we celebrate together, get everything together.
“I’m just excited to be here. Thank you guys for accepting me and I won’t let you guys down and I’ll give you the energy that you guys want.”
Ten out of ten
Bayer Leverkusen’s appointment of Erik ten Hag could be another genius hire, according to one of their leading players.
Nathan Tella, one of the key men from their unbeaten 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign, has told talkSPORT of his excitement over the hire.
“I think it’s cool, I’m happy with the club, we all trust the club to make the right decisions and it’s another one where they have made the right decision,” the Stevenage-born Nigeria international told talkSPORT.
“Obviously people look at how his time was at Man United.
"But they forget how brilliant he was at Ajax and we look at stuff like this.
“I’m excited to go back to pre-season and work with him.”
Credit: Getty When the Bru makes you cry, and you don't why, that's Amorim
Ruben Amorim is confident Bruno Fernandes hasn’t played his last game for Manchester United despite interest from Al-Hilal.
Speaking in his post-match press conference following the Red Devils' 3-1 win over Hong Kong, the Portuguese was in a bullish mood.
He said: "I don’t think so, I don’t know for sure. Nobody knows but I don’t think so.
"I think he is seeing us taking some actions to change all the things and I think he saw that and I think he wants to stay.
"He is saying no to a lot of things but he shows he wants to win. He’s really young, he’s really good he needs to be in the best league in the world."
Asked if United, who have no European football next season, were in a position to turn down a huge offer for their captain Fernandes, he added: "Yes, we can find another way to earn money.
"Of course I’m the manager, I’m the coach but sometimes it’s the decision of the player. But of course I talk with him, I explain things.
"I just have that feeling if he wants to stay. Of course in a lot of games this season he was so frustrated but he knows what we are doing.
"The feeling is every time I speak with him he wants to continue at Manchester United but you never know."
Credit: Getty Paying T-Rent
Trent Alexander-Arnold may deserve an apology from some Liverpool fans amid fresh details of his move to Real Madrid.
That's the view of talkSPORT's Troy Deeney following the defender's hostile reception from Reds supporters ahead of his departure.
Alexander-Arnold was booed at Anfield after he announced he will leave Liverpool in the summer when his contract expires.
It meant he would join Madrid as a free agent, but talkSPORT have reported that Los Blancos will pay a €10million fee for him.
The deal, which is actually worth around £10m for Liverpool as they don't have to pay his wages, allows him to join for the Club World Cup.
Much of the animosity from Reds fans was centred on the right-back leaving without the club earning some money from his exit.
"A lot of people in the Liverpool fan base were frustrated as they were getting nothing for him. Do they owe Trent an apology?" he asked on Matterface and Crook for talkSPORT.
"That would be the question or do they think £10m isn't enough? I just think it's a good deal all round.
"He's moved on. Seeing him upset with his family, obviously, it meant a lot to him leaving Liverpool.
"But he's made his decision and he will go on to have an even [more] stellar career than what he's already had.
"Maybe Liverpool fans now will feel a little bit easier and it's an easier pill to swallow."
Credit: Getty Devil may care
Harry Maguire expects 'a lot of players' to leave Manchester United this summer.
The England defender missed the 3-1 friendly win in Hong Kong to travel for commercial activities in in Mumbai, India.
Maguire, Andre Onana and Diogo Dalot took part in a fan meet-and-greet, before a press conference shed some light on his future.
The 32-year-old, who had his contract extended until 2026 earlier this year, said he hoped "a lot of players will come in".
"We will make a lot of changes in the summer at the club," Maguire promised.
"There will be a lot of players who leave and hopefully a lot of players will come in.
"And that’s down to the club to make sure they get that right and it’s down to us players to make sure that we are the ones that are involved."
Credit: Getty Hong Kong 1-3 Man United FULL-TIME
The Red Devils have concluded their post-season tour of Asia with a morale-boosting comeback victory in Hong Kong.
Ruben Amorim's side went 1-0 down inside 20 minutes when Juninho capitalised on a Tom Heaton howler to put the hosts in front.
Chido Obi replaced Rasmus Hojlund at the break and within five minutes had scored his first senior goal since joining from Arsenal.
Like London buses, one goal soon became two as the teenager put United in front after heading in a Mason Mount cross.
Ayden Heaven's stoppage time header then put the result beyond doubt, with United heading into the summer break on a high.
Credit: Getty City slicker
Manchester City have stepped up there interest in AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, talkSPORT understands.
Milan value Reijnders at €70m and talks between the two clubs are are believed to be advancing.
City also have Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White on their list of summer targets.
Credit: Getty
England U21 Update
Man City’s James McAtee has been added to England MU21s’ pre-EURO training squad.
Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Tottenham Hotspur’s Dane Scarlett have been forced to withdraw due to medical issues.
Carsley’s final squad for next month’s UEFA U21 EURO in Slovakia is to be announced on Friday 6 June.
Credit: Getty The Wirtz Locker
Liverpool have made an offer worth £109m for Bayern Leverkusen stat Florian Wirtz, talkSPORT understands.
Leverkusen have set their asking price at a British record £126m but Liverpool are confident a compromise deal can be reached.
Wirtz has already agreed personal terms after rejecting Bayern Munich.
Credit: Getty GOAL! Hong Kong 1-0 Man United
The hosts have taken the lead inside 20 minutes following an absolute clanger from third-choice veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
Brazilian-born forward Juninho latches onto a ball behind the Red Devils' defence, but Godwill Kukonki puts the angle against him.
He fires a low shot at the near post, which somehow manages to squirm underneath Heaton into the back of the net.
Rangers takeover confirmed
Rangers have confirmed that a deal with 49ers Enterprises for a controlling stake of at least 51 per cent has been completed.
The Gers have gained approval from the Scottish FA for the group, which owns NFL side San Francisco 49ers, as well as healthcare tycoon Andrew Cavenagh, to 'chart a new strategic vision for the club's future'.
A statement on the club's website read: "The new leadership has committed to invest £20 million into the club at this time, which will be subject to shareholder approval at the General Meeting on 23 June 2025.
"Cavenagh, a business leader and healthcare executive, will serve as Board Chairman.
"He will work closely with Paraag Marathe, who joins the Board as Vice Chairman and is the President of 49ers Enterprises, a sports investment entity also led by San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York. Cavenagh and Marathe have spent decades leading highly successful businesses and world class sports brands and as part of the Board will oversee all aspects of the club in this next chapter."
Andrew Cavenagh said: "We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by the Rangers Board, shareholders, staff, and supporters.
"This club’s history and traditions speak for themselves, but history doesn’t win matches. We know that the true way to honour the club’s heritage will be to drive performance.
"Our focus is simple: elevate performance, deliver results, and bring Rangers back to where it belongs - at the top."
Credit: Getty Storm Bru-ing
Al-Hilal have held productive talks with Bruno Fernandes' agent, talkSPORT understands.
Fernandes is Hilal's top target, and President Fahad bin Nafel has pitched directly to the Manchester United captain.
Hilal have made it clear to Fernandes that he must join before the Club World Cup in the 1-10 June window.
That has put a deadline on the 30-year-old to make a decision, with the offer being withdrawn in seven days.
Hilal are prepared to make a first offer of €100m to Man United, while Fernandes can earn £700k-per-week plus bonuses if he agrees to the move.
Hilal already have the budget signed off, as the funds allocated to try and sign Liverpool's Mohamed Salah have been retained by the club.
Flo, Flo, Flo your boat
Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella has shared his thoughts on his teammate Florian Wirtz’s impending transfer to Liverpool.
Speaking to talkSPORT about his Anfield-bound pal, ex-Southampton star Tella said the 22-year-old is ‘unbelievable’.
“As a player he’s brilliant,” said Tella.
“You know, I’ve worked with him for the last 2 years and it’s like each day I could just see this guy is unbelievable.
“It’s no surprise he has a lot of interest in him because he’s a brilliant player, but we trust that the club will make the right decision, he’ll make the right decision.
“And as a friend, I hope he’s also happy with whatever decision he makes, but we will support him regardless.”
Credit: Getty
Gunner move fast
Arsenal and RB Leipzig have reportedly started negotiations regarding Benjamin Sesko.
talkSPORT revealed in January that Sesko has already indicated that he wants to join the Gunners over Premier League rivals Chelsea and Man United.
The north London club have reignited their interest in the 21-year-old striker from last summer.
According to Sky Germany, there was already a meeting between the executives Marcel Schäfer and Andrea Berta in London.
The report adds that it remains unclear whether Arsenal are able to afford the full package.
Discussions are said to be currently ongoing about a possible payment structure.
The release clause is set at over €80 million (£67m).
Credit: Getty Bru Beauty
Bruno Fernandes starts for Manchester United for what may potentially be the final ever time in a friendly in Hong Kong.
The Red Devils conclude their post-season tour of Asia in their final match before the summer break following a 1-0 defeat to ASEAN All-Stars.
Heaton, Fredricson, Evans, Kukonki, Kamason, Casemiro, Fernandes, Amass, Lacey, Garnacho, Hojlund
Subs: Bayindir, Armer, Dorgu, Heaven, Munro, Kone, Collyer, T Fletcher, Mainoo, Moorhouse, Mount, Thwaites, Ugarte, Amad, Obi
Florian Friday
It's not all doom and gloom for Liverpool fans, however, with news breaking from Germany that a move for Florian Wirtz is hotting up.
talkSPORT revealed earlier this week that Wirtz has agreed personal terms with the Reds as a move to Anfield edges closer.
The Reds are in pole position to sign the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, with Manchester City and Bayern Munich out of the race.
Bayern have accepted defeat in the hunt for the talented Germany international after he told the Bundesliga champions he favours a move to Liverpool.
Meanwhile, the Citizens have ended their interest in the midfielder due to the eye-watering costs involved in a transfer.
German outlet Bild claimed that Liverpool tabled an initial bid exceeding €100 million (£85 million) for the 22-year-old.
The report adds that their follow-up offer is £100m plus £10-£12m in add-ons (€130.5m-€133m) for the Germany international.
Leverkusen are said to be demanding a transfer fee of 150 million euros, but Liverpool are hoping to reduce the total package to around 135 million euros, with a quick agreement seeming likely.
Credit: Getty Roll out the red carpet
Troy Deeney has reacted to the news that Liverpool have agreed a deal to allow Trent Alexander-Arnold to join Real Madrid early.
He told Matterface and Crook on talkSPORT: “A lot of people in the Liverpool fan base were frustrated as they were getting nothing for him. Do they owe Trent an apology?
“That would be the question or do they think £10 million isn't enough? I just think it's a good deal all round.
“He's moved on. Seeing him upset with his family, obviously, it meant a lot to him leaving Liverpool.
“But he's made his decision and he will go on to have an even more stellar career than what he's already had.
“Maybe Liverpool fans now will feel a little bit easier and it's an easier pill to swallow.”
“I think they've got their right to boo. When he puts the statement out that he wants to leave, you can't then control how people react.
“He could have put that statement out this week. I just don't think you can put something out and then kind of manage and expect how other people should react.”
Credit: Getty Reddy, set, go!
Liverpool have now confirmed an offer has been accepted for Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid.
A Reds statement said: "The full-back is now set to join the La Liga club ahead of the expiry of his Reds contract this summer.
"Liverpool will receive a fee for his services, with the deal to be concluded once the window opens on June 1.
"Alexander-Arnold joined the club’s Academy at the age of six and progressed through the ranks to make his senior competitive debut in October 2016.
"He now departs Anfield after 354 appearances and 23 goals for the club, as well as lifting eight major honours alongside his teammates, which consist of two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups.
"Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool FC with the club appreciative and grateful for his contribution to those successes."
Credit: Getty T-Rent is due...in full!
Liverpool are set to bank £10million for Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid, talkSPORT understands.
Alexander-Arnold announced earlier in the month that he will leave the Reds this summer upon the expiration of his contract.
Whilst nothing has yet been made official, the 26-year-old defender is widely expected to complete a move to Madrid.
The Spanish giants, who have made Xabi Alonso their new manager, looked set to welcome Alexander-Arnold as a free transfer.
However, they will in fact be making a one-time payment of €10m to Liverpool for the right-back.
Whilst this roughly equates to £8.4m, the fee is actually worth £10m for the Reds as they don’t need to pay him more wages after May.
Madrid made an approach to buy Alexander-Arnold in January for a fee worth between €20-25m, but this move was rejected.
A Madrid statement said: "Real Madrid CF and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement that will keep Trent Alexander-Arnold at our club for the next six seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2031.
"Alexander-Arnold will play with Real Madrid in the Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States starting June 14."
Credit: AFP
Geordie Sure?
Alex Crook has provided extra insight on Liam Delap's decision to settle on a move to Chelsea after holding talks with Newcastle.
Delap has given the green light to a switch to Stamford Bridge and Chelsea are confident he will sign.
The England Under-21 striker, who has a £30million release clause in his Ipswich contract, has also held talks with both Manchester United and Newcastle as well as Everton.
TalkSPORT's chief football correspondent Crook said: "It'll be interesting to see what Chelsea promised him."
A sticking point over talks with Newcastle was a guarantee of a starting XI spot, with the Magpies already having Alexander Isak.
Crook also noted that there could be a potential club vs country row emerging this summer over Delap.
Chelsea would be keen for their new striker to go to the Club World Cup, the dates of which clash with his England U21 commitments.
ZubiDubiDo, where are you? Arteta's got some work to do now
Arsenal are understood to have struck an agreement to sign Euro 2024 winner Martin Zubimendi back in January.
A £51million move will see Zubimendi leave Real Sociedad for the Emirates after making 47 appearances this season.
During their respective league appearances in 2024/25, Zubimendi has a lower pass success rate than Arsenal's current midfield trio.
However, crucially, he sends a higher percentage of his passes forward than Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Declan Rice.
- Zubimendi, 1,752 passes, 84.42% successful, 31.39% forward
- Jorginho, 473 passes, 86.89% successful, 26.85% forward
- Thomas Partey, 1,840 passes, 88.64% successful, 26.85% forward
- Declan Rice, 1,476 passes, 89.84% successful, 24.66% forward
Fer real?
Bruno Fernandes is seriously contemplating quitting Manchester United for Saudi Arabia, talkSPORT understands.
Fernandes's agent held talks with Al-Hilal on Thursday, and the United captain has been offered a contract worth £65m-a-year.
United boss Ruben Amorim has said publicly he wants to keep Fernandes.
However, the club have not ruled out cashing in with Hilal willing to pay a £100million transfer fee.
Credit: talkSPORT Ten Hag set for Bayers remorse
Antony and Alejandro Garnacho are reported transfer targets for Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
Leverkusen announced their appointment of the former Manchester United manager on Monday, as Xabi Alonso heads to Real Madrid.
Ten Hag, who was speculated to be returning to Ajax, has joined the Bundesliga outfit seven months after he left United.
The Dutchman has signed a three-year deal and will soon oversee his first transfer window ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
German outlet Kicker claim that Leverkusen's decision-makers are discussing both Antony and Alejandro Garnacho.
Credit: Getty