German regulator pushes for more fan control of soccer clubs like Bayer Leverkusen
A statement Monday from Germany's antitrust regulator, the Federal Cartel Office, said it wants to see tighter enforcement of the rule known as 50-plus-1 which requires a soccer club's membership to have majority voting rights over how the team is run.
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New York Times
44 minutes ago
- New York Times
Virgil van Dijk says he told Florian Wirtz: ‘Liverpool is the place to be'
Virgil van Dijk has revealed how he played a part in Florian Wirtz's club record move to Anfield as he told him: 'Liverpool is the place to be.' The Germany international joined the Premier League champions from Bayer Leverkusen last month for a fee which could rise to £116 million ($156m). Liverpool had to beat off competition from Bayern Munich and Manchester City to secure his signature with the Dutch defender making a call to Wirtz when he was weighing up his options. Advertisement 'When I joined the club I said: 'I don't think there's a better place to be than Liverpool'. I really feel that way,' Van Dijk said. 'We had a fantastic season and I feel like this can only become better. When Florian spoke to the club and certain players, I spoke to him as well a little bit, I'm sure he got a feel for it and then he made a decision. 'Coming here, he can really make a big impact in my opinion. It's also down to him in terms of showing it every single day. He's getting there and it's good to see.' Asked what he had told Wirtz on the phone, he added: 'Ah, you want to know that! I spoke to him, when that was is between me and him. But I said to him: 'Liverpool is the place to be'.' After signing a new two-year contract in April, Van Dijk talked about he had been told by the Anfield hierarchy that it would be a 'big summer' for the club in the transfer market and it has certainly lived up to the hype. The signing of striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for a fee rising to £79m has taken Liverpool's overall spending in this window, including performance related add-ons, to just shy of £300m. Van Dijk believes it represents a booming statement of ambition as Arne Slot's side look to build on winning the title last season. 'Yeah, I don't think it's been a bad transfer window in terms of the additions that we have made and the money we've spent. The club is obviously trying to improve our squad,' he added. 'The Premier League is incredibly strong so it's only right that we have to improve too. We know we have a very good team but additions are always a plus and I've been really impressed with how they have settled in. 'Showing their qualities on the pitch is important, but also how they are off the pitch in terms of settling in with us. I'm sure if you asked them they would say they feel very welcome so far. They have clicked really well with the group. Advertisement 'Listen, there are no guarantees in terms of retaining the title or winning more trophies. But improving the squad is always a good thing. Adding quality helps to raise the standard in both training and games. 'We've all seen it over the years, the team which is the most consistent wins titles, and that's the aim we have. We want to show our quality in every single aspect of the game. That's a very tough job. If it was easy then you'd have a lot of teams up there until the end.' Ekitike linked up with Slot's squad in Hong Kong on Thursday evening, and Van Dijk vowed to do everything he can to help the France international settle quickly. Liverpool play their opening tour game against AC Milan on Saturday at Kai Tak Stadium. 'We just had a very brief chat on the pitch. I'll have a proper sit-down with him tonight,' he said. 'The message is 'the hard work starts now'. That's it. You're playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world now. The pressure will be on you. You need to show your qualities.' Van Dijk, who turned 34 earlier this month, excelled during Liverpool's title triumph last season – playing every minute of every top-flight game until Slot rested him for May's trip to Brighton. With no major summer tournament, he has the luxury of a full pre-season this time around. 'To be absolutely honest, I think what's even more important for me is the break I got,' he added. 'I had something like four and a half weeks off which is the longest I've had since…… I can't even remember! 'To have this big pre-season now means we can work on so many aspects of our play which we can improve. Defending, attacking, set-pieces, build up. That's the main thing we've trying to do. 'It's good to see so many fans out here. The pitch was a bit difficult to play on but we'll get some good minutes under our belt against AC Milan. Then we'll head for Tokyo.'
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Report: Newcastle's Sesko plan gains momentum
Interest grows in Leipzig forward as Newcastle contingency planning continues Newcastle United have identified RB Leipzig striker Sesko as a potential signing should Alexander Isak depart during the current transfer window. The Magpies have tracked the Slovenian international since last summer, and their long-standing interest has been reinforced by growing uncertainty around Isak's position at the club. Isak has not formally requested to leave, but has informed Newcastle of his desire to explore options, following strong interest from other top-tier clubs – notably Liverpool. While a minor thigh issue was cited for his absence from Newcastle's pre-season tour of Singapore, it is understood that recent transfer speculation has played a significant role in the club's decision to leave him behind. Newcastle are currently not looking to sell the Sweden international, who has three years remaining on his contract. Internally, the player is valued at around £150 million, and the club's position remains that he is not for sale. Leipzig calm over Sesko interest as price tag set high RB Leipzig are under no pressure to sell Sesko. The Bundesliga side expect any serious bid to exceed €80m (£69.7m) and remain relaxed about the striker's future. According to sources in Germany, the club are prepared to keep one of their key attacking players if valuation thresholds are not met. Newcastle's interest is serious but has not progressed to a formal bid. A previous proposal for Brentford's Yoane Wissa – considered a secondary target – was rejected. It's understood that while Wissa was never the primary option, Newcastle were hopeful of securing his services for around £35 million. Talks with Brentford continue, but the west London club have increased their valuation after selling Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United for £71 million. Isak's future unresolved as club await next steps Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has publicly stated he remains confident that Isak will remain at the club, despite the forward's withdrawal from the squad before their 4-0 defeat to Celtic in Glasgow. Howe explained the move as a preventative measure, aiming to shield the player from distractions amid mounting speculation. Sources close to the situation believe Isak's head has been turned. There have been informal approaches from Liverpool, and although Chelsea are not currently pursuing the player, interest from Europe remains strong. With contract discussions at a standstill, Newcastle are faced with a dilemma: offer improved terms to match what Isak could earn elsewhere, or risk further destabilisation ahead of a crucial campaign in both the Premier League and Champions League. Transfer strategy under strain amid staffing shortages Newcastle entered the window looking to strengthen four key positions: goalkeeper, central defender, winger and striker. They have secured Anthony Elanga and remain active in the market, but a series of setbacks – including failed attempts for Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and Dean Huijsen – have highlighted the challenges currently facing their recruitment team. The absence of a sporting director and the ongoing search for a new CEO have left much of the club's transfer activity in the hands of Eddie Howe and his inner circle. The workload has increased significantly, and sources close to the club describe the atmosphere as tense but determined. Newcastle are still pursuing Wissa, though it remains unclear if he is viewed as a genuine starter or a support option should Isak stay. If the Swedish forward does depart, it is understood that Sesko would immediately move to the top of Newcastle's shortlist – though prising him from Leipzig will require a substantial financial commitment.
Business Upturn
6 hours ago
- Business Upturn
Newcastle sees this striker the ideal option to replace Isak
After Alexander Isak didn't travel to pre-season tour with Newcastle, speculations were made about him leaving the side. By Ravi Kumar Jha Published on July 25, 2025, 08:43 IST After Alexander Isak didn't travel to pre-season tour with Newcastle, speculations were made about him leaving the side. These speculations are so far correct as the striker wants to leave the side. Liverpool remain equally interested in signing the striker, but depends on few departures. Newcastle believed to be searching for new strikers in the market to replace Isak, in case he leaves. RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko has been one of the name that is going in their plans. Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak did not travel with the squad for their pre-season tour, sparking speculation about a potential summer exit. Those rumours appear to be gaining traction, with sources confirming that the Swedish forward is indeed looking to leave the club. Liverpool are reportedly monitoring the situation closely and remain keen on signing Isak. However, any move from the Merseyside club will depend on player departures in their current squad. With Isak's future uncertain, Newcastle have already begun exploring replacements. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, RB Leipzig's Benjamin Šeško is among the names being considered. The 21-year-old Slovenian has attracted significant interest across Europe this summer, and Newcastle are said to be prepared to go big in their pursuit of the highly-rated forward. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Ravi kumar jha is an undergraduate student in Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia and Mass Communication. A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication and he also has a genuine interest in sports. Ravi is currently working as a journalist at
