Liverpool tipped for title charge under Iraola
Michael Owen believes Andoni Iraola can turn Liverpool back into Premier League title challengers after replacing the sacked Arne Slot on a two-year deal. Owen likened Iraola's style to Jurgen Klopp's, saying the new head coach will bring a more aggressive, front-footed approach after a disappointing campaign in which Slot oversaw 20 defeats across all competitions.
The appointment is significant because Liverpool are trying to reset quickly after a turbulent season, and Owen's view reflects the expectation that Iraola's intensity could suit the squad. If the new coach can translate that style into results, Liverpool's title race hopes for 2026-27 would rise sharply.
Arsenal and Liverpool circle elite teenage midfielders
Arsenal have reportedly made a concrete approach for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the 18-year-old now a major target and Lille said to want €70 million. The Gunners are also said to have maintained regular contact with Bouaddi's camp since January, underlining how seriously they are treating the race for one of Europe's most highly rated young midfielders.
Liverpool are also in talks over Bouaddi, with reports describing the midfielder as 'insane' and suggesting he is being tracked as part of the club's summer rebuild. With both Premier League giants moving early, this becomes a high-stakes recruitment battle that could set the tone for the window.
Brighton launch £30m bid for Vuskovic
Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly submitted a £30 million bid for Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic as they seek defensive reinforcements ahead of the new season. The move comes amid uncertainty over Jan Paul van Hecke's future, with Brighton looking for a long-term answer at centre-back.
The reported fee shows Brighton are prepared to spend heavily to secure one of Europe's most exciting young defenders, and it also adds another layer to the transfer battle around Tottenham's squad planning. If completed, the deal would be one of Brighton's biggest statements of intent in the market.
West Ham's ownership changes hands
Daniel Křetínský has become West Ham's majority shareholder after increasing his stake from 27% to 43%, overtaking David Sullivan's 38.8% following Sullivan's resignation last Saturday amid 'serious historical allegations' of inappropriate conduct. The deal with the Gold family ends Sullivan's 16-year spell as a central figure at the club.
The change matters because it marks a major shift in control at a Premier League club that has been through a turbulent period off the pitch. With one of Britain's richest businessmen now in command, West Ham's direction on transfers, governance and long-term strategy is set to change.
Gallagher and Kennedy announce engagement
Premier League footballer Conor Gallagher has announced his engagement to Cork model Aine May Kennedy after a romantic Mallorca proposal. The couple shared the news on Instagram, with Gallagher writing: 'Here's to forever - 10.06.2026.'
The pair have been together for around eight years, dating back to Gallagher's early days at Chelsea's Academy in 2018, and Kennedy is a model and professional dancer from Cork. While not a footballing development, the announcement drew wide attention because Gallagher is one of the league's more recognisable players and the relationship has been public for years.
Troy Deeney backs paternity leave campaign
Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney joined a symbolic football match outside the Houses of Parliament to support a campaign calling for the Government to overhaul the UK's paternity leave rules. The match lasted only 10 minutes, with each minute representing one of the 10 days of statutory paternity leave currently available to UK dads.
The campaign highlighted stories from fathers and children across the country who have struggled with little or no leave when a baby arrives. Deeney's involvement gave the issue a Premier League voice and helped push a social debate that goes beyond football.