Klopp returns to management with Germany
Jurgen Klopp has been confirmed as Germany's new head coach on a deal which runs until the end of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, securing a return to management for the first time since leaving Liverpool in 2024.
Klopp won a Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup, among other trophies, as Liverpool boss, but cited fatigue when he stepped away following nine years at the helm.
His new task is to restore a German side at one of its lowest points. Julian Nagelsmann resigned as head coach when Germany lost to Paraguay in the round of 32 last month. Klopp will now take charge through the next UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup.
His coaching team will include former Liverpool assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, while Per Mertesacker will become the German Football Federation (DFB)’s new sporting director in January. The former centre-back left his role running Arsenal’s academy at the end of the 2025/26 season.
“Over the last few days it was almost like a movie happening to myself," said Klopp, who had been Red Bull’s global head of soccer since late 2024.
“I have always surmised the job of Germany head coach is really big, but now it is really dawning on me what being the national team head coach is all about.
“For many, many years it was unimaginable for me to assume this position. As the years went by, it became more or less evident that sooner or later I would be asked to do this job. Now I think the time is right.”
Klopp’s first match in charge will be against the Netherlands, who are captained by his former Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, in September.
Gabriel makes first senior United squad
Manchester United fans have been given a glimpse into the future after 15-year-old wonderkid JJ Gabriel was included in the club’s senior squad for the first time for Friday’s pre-season friendly against Rosenborg.
United face the Norwegian team in Trondheim, with Gabriel part of the 25-man travelling party. The forward was named Under-18 Premier League player of the season last campaign despite starting it aged just 14.
That meant he was prohibited from making a Premier League squad as academy players must have turned 15 before the end of August to feature in that season.
Instead, he excelled for the Under-18s, scoring 29 times in 32 appearances, and helping United reach the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Under-18 Cup finals.
A winger by trade, he spent much of last season deployed in a more central role. Although he could not be selected for the senior squad, he was a regular at first-team training.
The youngest player to feature in a competitive match for United remains David Gaskell, a goalkeeper who made his debut in 1956, aged 16 years and 19 days. Gabriel turns 16 in October.
“JJ’s a big talent,” said manager Michael Carrick last season. “It’s pretty obvious to know that. And he’s had a really good season for the Under-18s. We obviously think an awful lot of him, but patience is important in managing everything that comes with working with him.”
Bamba signing continues Newcastle youth recruitment drive
Newcastle United’s desire to recruit untapped talent shows no sign of slowing after they completed the signing of 20-year-old central midfielder Aladji Bamba, who only made his professional debut at Monaco last season.
Bamba’s capture takes the average age of Newcastle’s summer signings to 19.5, having already brought in goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen (20) from Reims, winger Bazoumana Toure (20) from Hoffenheim and central midfielder Sean Steur (18) from Ajax.
After seeing Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon depart for Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona respectively during this window, Newcastle have focused on bringing in young talent.
Although he can play in a more advanced role, Bamba is naturally more defensive-minded an could be a long-term successor to Tonali.
Among Ligue 1 midfielders who played at least 500 minutes last season, he ranked in the top five for duels won (9.1 per game on average), tackles (3.6), successful take-ons (1.6) and aerial duels won (1.9).
Robertson leaves number 26 shirt in King’s honour
New Spurs signing Andy Robertson has opted against wearing his customary No 26 shirt out of respect for club legend Ledley King.
Robertson has worn 26 for most of his domestic career at Dundee United, Hull City and during a nine-year spell at Liverpool. He departed Anfield earlier in the summer and explained why he will wear 3 instead of 26 – a number that has not been worn by a Spurs player since former Spurs captain King’s retirement in 2012.
“From my point of view, I wanted to respect that,” said Robertson, of club ambassador King. “He was an unbelievable player and has done so many good things for this football club.
“Number 3 means a lot to me – that’s my national team number, I’ve had so many good memories as number 3 for Scotland so when I knew 3 was going to become available, it was a no-brainer for me."
Robertson should make his Spurs debut against Auckland, Sydney FC or Chelsea, all of whom they face on their pre-season tour to New Zealand and Australia.
See: Premier League clubs' 2026 pre-season fixtures and results
After revealing that his best friend in the squad is James Maddison, Robertson was ribbed by his new team-mate when Maddison posted a photo of the Scot looking glum on the flight to New Zealand, along with the words: “He better liven up if he’s my company for this 26 hour flight.”
Maddison did, at least, post an update 22 hours later, showing Robertson smiling.