The football never stops...

👀 The Week's Talking Points

 

💧 Hydration Breaks Are Staying... In the USA

One of the World Cup's most debated changes won't be coming to Europe. UEFA and the major domestic leagues have confirmed they have no plans to introduce mandatory mid-half hydration breaks, meaning the Champions League and Premier League will retain their traditional flow. 

 

👋 Milner Finally Calls It a Day

James Milner has retired at 40 after an incredible 24-year professional career. One of the Premier League's most reliable servants finally hangs up his boots, having played under 11 permanent managers and amassed over 900 senior appearances. 

 

⚽ No Time Off

For some players, pre-season has arrived without an off-season. A packed international calendar has left many with just days to recover before another demanding campaign begins.

 

⏱️ Time-Wasting Gets Tougher

Referees will clamp down on time-wasting this season with new countdowns for throw-ins, goal kicks and substitutions. Along with faster VAR decisions, the changes are designed to keep the ball in play for longer.

 

 

🔥 The Rumour Mill 

 

🏆 Arsenal dream of Vinícius 

Arsenal are reportedly exploring a move for Vinícius Júnior, although prising the Brazilian away from Real Madrid would be one of the biggest deals in football history.

 

🔵 Chelsea eye Welbeck 

Chelsea have been linked with a surprise move for veteran striker Danny Welbeck as Xabi Alonso looks to add experience to his youthful squad.

 

🔴 Liverpool chase Barcola

PSG winger Bradley Barcola remains on Liverpool's radar, although the French champions are believed to want around £145m.

 

👑 Salah's next chapter?

Interest in Mohamed Salah continues to grow, with clubs in Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and MLS all reportedly monitoring his situation.

 

⚫ Juventus want Balogun

Juventus are reportedly considering a move for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun following an impressive World Cup for the USA. 

 

 

📊 This week in Numbers 

 

7 — Premier League clubs beginning the season with a new manager, matching the competition's record. 

 

£117m — Chelsea’s club-record fee for Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. 

 

£237m — Tottenham's total summer spending so far, the highest single-window transfer outlay in the club's history 

 

£75.6m — Ipswich’s total spending on seven new signings this summer. 

 

658 — Premier League appearances by James Milner, the most ever. 

 

25 — Days until the Premier League returns.

 

 

Only 18 days until 3pm Saturdays return and a brand-new season begins.

 

Until then, warm up with our brand-new Pre-Season Friendlies and relive every unforgettable moment with our World Cup Quick Games.

 

The Match Bingo Team