Football News

Xavi Appointed Netherlands Manager, Transfer Rumors Swirl

August 13, 2026Pablo Navarro4 мин

In a surprising turn of events for the Dutch national team, Xavi Hernandez has been announced as the new head coach, succeeding Ronald Koeman. This news comes amidst a flurry of transfer activity and speculation across Europe's top leagues.

The Netherlands football federation confirmed the appointment of the former Barcelona star, marking a significant new chapter for the Oranje. Meanwhile, the transfer market continues to be a hive of activity.

Reports suggest that Jules Koundé's agent was seen at Barcelona's training center, sparking discussions about the defender's future, despite Barcelona's apparent desire to keep him. However, interest from clubs like Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Manchester City could complicate matters.

Romelu Lukaku is set to join Fenerbahçe for just over six million euros after a challenging season at Napoli. Inter Milan is reportedly close to a €31.5 million deal for Tottenham's Djed Spence, who impressed during the World Cup. Evann Guessand will return to Crystal Palace on a loan with an option to buy after a successful spell elsewhere.

Uncertainty surrounds the future of AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who has deleted club-related posts from his social media and reportedly requested an extension to his vacation. Meanwhile, PSG youth prospect Hermann Malonga is set to sign for Strasbourg.

Barcelona is actively pursuing Rodri, making a second offer of around €60 million to Manchester City, though the English club is holding out for more. Jean-Kévin Duverne has left Nantes for Omonia Nicosia, and Nayef Aguerd of Marseille is reportedly in Spain for a medical with Real Sociedad.

Montpellier president Laurent Nicollin stated that they are not looking to sell their 16-year-old prodigy Laciné Megnan, despite strong interest from PSG, unless an "irrational offer" is received. The club has already reached an agreement with the player.

OM is set to lose goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli to Manchester City on a deal reportedly worth €25 million, while Chelsea has officially signed right-back Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano. Lens has secured the loan of striker Franjo Ivanovic from Benfica.

Corinthians has announced the departure of Memphis Depay due to financial reasons, with the player accusing the club of not honoring a prior agreement. Negotiations are reportedly advanced between PSG and Barcelona for Ferran Torres, with the player having agreed to a five-year contract with PSG.

Alexis Sanchez has found a new challenge in MLS, signing with CF Montréal. Paul Pogba's time at AS Monaco appears to be nearing an end due to persistent injuries. Lyon has loaned Molebe to Lausanne, and Serge Aurier is returning to Lens to join the U15 coaching staff.

OM has officially sold Facundo Medina to Bayer Leverkusen for €25 million. Strasbourg continues its search for attacking talent, with Mykhaïlo Mudryk and Jacobo Ortega being considered. Nobel Mendy is reportedly on his way to Hull City for €25 million.

Romelu Lukaku is expected to sign for Fenerbahçe, with a €6 million deal agreed with Napoli. Strasbourg has also secured the loan of Danish goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen from Chelsea. Tottenham is nearing an agreement for Djed Spence, and Benjamin Pavard seems set to continue his spell with Inter Milan.

Barcelona is considering Lautaro Martínez as a backup option if their pursuit of Julián Álvarez fails. Lille is reportedly interested in Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Real Madrid intends for Endrick to stay and play for them this season, despite previous loan speculation.

Tottenham has extended Micky van de Ven's contract, a positive development for manager Roberto De Zerbi. River Plate has officially signed Thiago Almada from Atlético Madrid. Ronald Araujo has completed his medical at Liverpool, with his transfer from Barcelona imminent.

OM's Facundo Medina is undergoing his medical at Leverkusen, with a €25 million transfer expected. Inter Milan is pursuing Moussa Diaby, with a new offer reportedly being prepared. Téji Savanier is leaving Montpellier to join FC Metz.

Nice has loaned Kevin Carlos to Cagliari with an option to buy. PSG is keen on signing Montpellier's young attacker Laciné Megnan-Pavé. Napoli is targeting Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal. Inter Milan is pushing for Moussa Diaby, while Belgian winger Mika Godts has confirmed ongoing discussions with PSG.

A decisive week is expected for Julián Álvarez's potential move from Atlético Madrid to Barcelona. Lille is interested in Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Real Madrid plans for Endrick to remain with the club this season.

Micky van de Ven has extended his contract with Tottenham. River Plate has officially welcomed Thiago Almada. Ronald Araujo has completed his medical at Liverpool. Facundo Medina is in Germany for his Leverkusen medical. Inter Milan is pursuing Moussa Diaby. Téji Savanier is heading to FC Metz.

Nice has loaned Kevin Carlos to Cagliari. PSG is targeting Laciné Megnan-Pavé. Napoli is interested in Gabriel Jesus. Mika Godts has confirmed talks with PSG. Julián Álvarez's future is uncertain. Lille is looking at Orlando Gill. Real Madrid wants Endrick to stay.