June 2025 - Soccer Wiretap

Liverpool achieved a historic milestone by generating $411 million in commercial revenue during 2023-24, surpassing arch-rivals Manchester United's $404 million for the first time in Premier League history, according to The Athletic.

The Merseyside club's commercial income now represents more than half of their total revenue of $820 million. This marks the culmination of a decade-long growth strategy that has nearly tripled commercial earnings under the leadership of CEO Billy Hogan and Chief Commercial Officer Ben Latty.

Liverpool's social media dominance contributed significantly to their commercial appeal. The club recorded 1.7 billion engagements across all platforms last season, exceeding the combined totals of the top 10 NFL and NBA teams.

The club's focus on Asian markets continues to yield substantial returns. Liverpool operates nine of their 20 global retail stores across Asia and maintains 48 official supporters' clubs throughout the continent, capitalizing on their estimated 250 million Asian fanbase.

"There's been a step-change in terms of our revenue, but there's still a lot of room for us to grow," Liverpool's chief commercial officer Ben Latty told The Athletic. "The potential is huge. I believe we're only just getting started in terms of where we can go as a commercial business."

Major partnerships with Standard Chartered, AXA, and Google Pixel have strengthened Liverpool's commercial portfolio. Current sponsorship agreements with Standard Chartered and sleeve sponsor Expedia extend through 2027, with extension discussions set to begin soon.

“Controllable revenue — matchday and commercial — is what I’m focused on,” Latty said. “Media money is great but, to an extent, it’s based on the on-pitch performance. We have to be a football club which is sustainable in everything we do.”

The club transitions from Nike to Adidas on August 1, with the new deal expected to significantly exceed Nike's previous $75 million annual agreement. Liverpool maintains control over their merchandising operations, unlike many competitors who outsource retail functions.

"We're one of the biggest clubs in the world and we want to act like it," Latty said. "That's the case both on and off the field."

Barcelona announced a partnership with Kobe Bryant's Mamba brand for their 2025-26 away kit, marking the first soccer collaboration for the late NBA legend's signature brand. The LaLiga champions will wear Lakers-inspired colors in tribute to Bryant's legacy and Mamba Mentality philosophy.

The partnership includes apparel beyond the jersey, featuring sneakers, slides and streetwear designed around Bryant's inspirational approach. Nike collaborated on the collection to ensure the Mamba Mentality continues influencing young athletes across sports.

Kit Design Honors Lakers Legend

The away jersey features pale gold and purple colors referencing Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers playing days. A snakeskin jacquard pattern is woven into the material to create reptilian-inspired armor for players.

Bryant's tri-pronged Mamba logo replaces the traditional Nike swoosh on the chest. The Barcelona crest and Mamba logo are affixed using textured silicone material stamped with snakeskin texture.

Complete Ensemble Celebrates Mamba Legacy

Black shorts and socks complete the kit, both adorned with the Mamba emblem. The design pays homage to the five-time NBA champion five years after his passing in 2020.

Barcelona launched the kit with a promotional video featuring men's and women's team players. Stars including Gavi and Alexia Putellas demonstrated their passing skills during traditional "rondo" training drills while wearing the Bryant-inspired uniforms.

The collaboration represents Barcelona's commitment to honoring sporting excellence across different disciplines while embracing Bryant's philosophy of relentless improvement and competitive dedication.

West Ham United and Everton are among clubs interested in signing Jack Grealish from Manchester City, sources told ESPN. The 29-year-old England international returned to training Monday after being told he is surplus to requirements by Pep Guardiola.

Grealish was omitted from City's FIFA Club World Cup squad and had spent the summer following an individual training program. He rejoined the group at the City Football Academy as transfer discussions intensify.

The former Aston Villa winger has attracted interest from multiple Premier League sides seeking his services. West Ham and Everton represent viable destinations for regular first-team football that Grealish desires.

Manchester City prefer to negotiate a permanent transfer for the player who has two years remaining on his contract. The club will consider loan offers as the transfer deadline approaches if no permanent deal materializes.

Grealish has started just one Premier League game since January under Guardiola's management. He was completely excluded from City's squad for their final league match against Fulham last season.

The England international seeks consistent playing time ahead of next summer's World Cup. His peripheral role at the Etihad Stadium over the past two years has motivated his desire for a move.

Guardiola has not ruled out giving Grealish opportunities if he remains beyond the deadline. However, the manager's recent squad selections suggest the winger's role would continue to be minimal with the club.

Liverpool remain interested in signing Newcastle forward Alexander Isak despite the Magpies rejecting an initial inquiry two weeks ago, sources told ESPN. The Premier League champions are prepared to pay approximately $195 million for the Sweden international as part of their $520 million summer spending spree.

Liverpool have already spent $350 million on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong this summer. The club views this transfer window as crucial for building their team for the next five years.

The 25-year-old striker has been absent from Newcastle's preseason tour of Singapore and South Korea. ESPN reported last week that Isak wants to consider options away from St James' Park despite having three years remaining on his contract.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe initially expressed confidence about retaining Isak but recently acknowledged the decision ultimately rests with the board.

"Ultimately, the decision will rest with the board," Howe said during Newcastle's Singapore tour.

Liverpool's significant player sales have funded their summer activity. The club raised $67 million from departures including Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher and Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Luis Diaz's $85 million move to Bayern Munich nearly complete.

Additional revenue from their Premier League title and Champions League campaign provides further financial headroom. Liverpool earned $233 million from winning the Premier League and $110 million from European competition.

Newcastle's constraints under Profit and Sustainability Rules could make a $195 million offer difficult to refuse despite losing their best player.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reiterated plans to take an extended break from coaching after leaving the club, telling GQ Spain the sabbatical could last up to 15 years. The 54-year-old Spaniard's contract expires in 2027 and he called his decision to step away "decided."

Guardiola previously told ESPN in May that he would leave City when his current deal ends. He has won 18 trophies with the club, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Difficult Season Reinforces Decision

City finished trophyless last season for the first time since Guardiola arrived in 2016. The team placed third in the Premier League and suffered their earliest Champions League exit since 2012-13.

"I know that after this stage with City I'm going to stop, that's for sure. It's decided, more than decided," Guardiola said.

Guardiola has always been linked with taking a national team job when his time with City ends.

Injuries plagued the team throughout the campaign, with Ballon d'Or winner Rodri suffering a season-ending ACL injury in September.

Manager Reflects on Challenging Period

Guardiola acknowledged the difficulty of City's 13-14 game winless streak during the season. He described the experience of facing hostile crowds calling for his dismissal at away stadiums.

"When you win six Premier Leagues, there comes a time when you go down. It's human nature," Guardiola said.

Despite the poor results, Guardiola maintains the season was not a complete failure, noting City reached the FA Cup final. He expects the team to benefit from the challenging experience in future campaigns.

City begins their Premier League campaign at Wolves on August 16.

Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller is in discussions with the Vancouver Whitecaps to join MLS this summer, sources confirmed to The Athletic. The 35-year-old World Cup winner announced his next adventure would come "across the pond" in a weekend video.

Muller is expected to sign with Vancouver on a non-designated player deal worth approximately $750,000 for the remainder of 2025. The move remains pending an agreement between the Whitecaps and FC Cincinnati for Muller's MLS discovery rights.

FC Cincinnati holds Muller's discovery rights after negotiating with the German forward last winter. Sources indicate Cincinnati's asking price is around $400,000, similar to what Charlotte received from LA Galaxy for Marco Reus's rights.

Cincinnati had months of discussions with Muller but lacked roster space for a designated player deal. Muller initially insisted on designated player status but has since lowered his demands, according to reports.

Muller would become the highest-profile signing in Whitecaps MLS history. While Canadian rivals Toronto and Montreal have signed global stars like Sebastian Giovinco and Didier Drogba, Vancouver has not landed a player with Muller's resume.

The German forward scored 250 goals with 223 assists across 16 years at Bayern Munich. He won 33 trophies including 13 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League crowns.

Sunderland have agreed a fee worth up to $23.3 million for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, marking the newly-promoted Premier League club's most significant signing of the transfer window.

The Athletic reported that Sunderland will pay $20.7 million upfront with $2.6 million in potential add-ons. Xhaka is scheduled for a medical within 24 to 48 hours after informing Leverkusen he only wanted to join the Stadium of Light side.

The 32-year-old Switzerland captain had options to remain in Germany or move to Saudi Arabia. He chose Sunderland despite being under contract with Leverkusen until 2028.

Xhaka helped Leverkusen capture their first Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal in 2023-24. He made 99 appearances for the German club after joining from Arsenal in 2023, including 10 Champions League matches last season.

The midfielder spent seven years at Arsenal, winning the FA Cup twice in 2017 and 2020. He made 297 appearances during his time in North London before moving to Germany.

The signing represents a departure from Sunderland's youth-focused transfer policy under owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. The club has spent over $138 million this summer on five players, with 25-year-old Enzo Le Fee previously being the eldest acquisition.

Sunderland have also sold midfielder Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund for $41.4 million and Tommy Watson to Brighton for $13.8 million. The club have added six players total as they prepare for Premier League return.

Sunderland begin their Premier League campaign at home against West Ham United on August 16.

Bayern Munich has agreed to acquire Luis Diaz from Liverpool for a fee of $88.1 million. Diaz has been in Japan with Liverpool on their preseason tour, but he's been granted permission to travel to complete his transfer to Bayern.

Liverpool were only prepared to sell the forward for what they considered to be his full market value, with the club already securing transfer fees for the sales of Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Nathaniel Phillips this summer.

Diaz had sought an exit from Liverpool and had no interest in an extension. 

Liverpool have signed forward Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth around $93.4 million up-front, with a further £10 million possible in add-ons and have communicated their desire to sign Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

Al Nassr have finalized the signing of Joao Felix from Chelsea in a deal worth $35.2 million upfront, with additional clauses potentially raising the total valuation to $67 million. The Athletic first reported Chelsea's $67 million asking price for the Portuguese forward on July 22.

The Saudi Pro League club secured the 25-year-old after he spent the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan at AC Milan. Felix made 21 appearances for the Serie A side, recording three goals and one assist before Milan's eighth-place finish and Champions League playoff elimination to Feyenoord.

Chelsea originally re-signed Felix from Atletico Madrid in August 2024 for $58 million, following his initial loan spell at Stamford Bridge during the 2022-23 season. The forward managed just three Premier League starts before his Milan loan move, despite his contract running until 2030 with an additional year option.

Felix expressed his desire to remain at Milan beyond the loan agreement, stating he "would be willing to remain" at the Italian club if an opportunity arose. However, Milan paid his full wages plus a $7.4 million loan fee without securing a permanent option.

The Portuguese international was notably excluded from Chelsea's 28-man Club World Cup squad despite his loan agreement extending until June 1 specifically to allow participation in the tournament. Chelsea have continued their active summer transfer window with attacking additions including Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Estevao.

Al Nassr finished third in the Saudi Pro League last season, trailing champions Al Ittihad by 13 points. The signing represents another high-profile acquisition for the Riyadh-based club as they continue building their squad with European talent.

England captured the Euro 2025 title after defeating Spain in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw at St Jakob Park. Manager Sarina Wiegman secured her third consecutive European Championship, leading England through their most dramatic tournament run to date.

England advanced through three knockout matches that required extra time, leading for less than five minutes across 360 total minutes of play. The team overcame Sweden on penalties in the quarter-finals, defeated Italy with a stoppage-time equalizer and extra-time winner in the semi-finals, then prevailed against Spain in the final shootout.

Spain dominated possession throughout the tournament as the world's best passing team but fell short in the decisive moments. Manager Montse Tome acknowledged her team's superior play while accepting the tournament's outcome.

"We were better," Tome said after the final. "But football is a sport where not always the best team wins."

Tactical Changes Prove Decisive

Wiegman made three key tactical adjustments for the final that helped neutralize Spain's attacking threat. Defender Jess Carter returned to the starting lineup after being dropped against Italy, switching to central defense where she excelled against Spain's forwards.

The manager also switched her wingers, moving Lauren Hemp to the right flank and Lauren James to the left before injury. Lucy Bronze moved into midfield to create numerical advantages and open passing lanes.

"We wanted to switch the play and come in behind a little bit on the inside," Wiegman explained regarding her inverted winger strategy.

Penalty Shootout Expertise Continues

England extended their penalty shootout winning streak to four consecutive victories, including previous wins over Brazil, Nigeria, and Sweden. Despite converting only six of 12 penalties during regular tournament play, England maintained their composure in both shootout situations at Euro 2025.

"The most chaotic and ridiculous tournament we have played," Wiegman said. "Every time we came back from behind."