The United States appoints Mauricio Pochettino as new head coach.
Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to become the new head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team, with the key responsibility of leading the team into the 2026 World Cup. The former Tottenham and Chelsea manager had been linked with the vacant England manager role after Gareth Southgate’s departure, but he has now taken up the U.S. role. U.S. Soccer began searching for a new coach after parting ways with Gregg Berhalter, following a disappointing Copa America performance where the team failed to advance from the group stage. With the U.S. set to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, U.S. Soccer team needed an experienced manager to rebuild and inspire them. Pochettino was chosen from a pool of high-profile candidates, including Jürgen Klopp and Patrick Vieira, and is tasked with preparing the team for the upcoming tournament on home soil.
🚨🇺🇸 Mauricio Pochettino becomes the new USMNT manager, leading the US to World Cup 2026.
After contacts with several managers, former Chelsea and Spurs head coach says yes to proposal and project, as per reports in US overnight.
Poch’s back. 🤝🏻 pic.twitter.com/e6JmmU2AGz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2024
Man City midfielder, Kalvin Phillips moves to Ipswich Town on a season loan.
Ipswich Town have reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign Kalvin Phillips on a season-long loan. The 28-year-old England international is eager to revive his career after two difficult seasons at City, which included an underwhelming Loan spell at West Ham where he made just 10 appearances. Phillips was drawn to Ipswich’s project after discussions with manager Kieran McKenna and chairman Mark Ashton. Despite interest from clubs like Fulham, Ipswich have secured his services, with the deal expected to be finalized by Friday morning. Phillips is set to undergo a medical on Thursday and, if completed in time, could be in the squad for Ipswich’s Premier League opener against Liverpool on Saturday. This marks Ipswich’s first top-flight game since 2002, following back-to-back promotions and a bold approach in the transfer market.
🚨🚜 Kalvin Phillips to Ipswich Town, here we go! Deal sealed between clubs as Phillips’ set for medical tests.
Loan move from Manchester City does not include a buy option clause, per initial agreement.
Phillips ready to sign later today if all goes to plan. pic.twitter.com/EiNeffeQZU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2024
Brighton expected to hijack Man. United move for Ferdi Kadıoğlu.
According to reports, Brighton and Hove Albion are close to signing Turkey’s international left-back, Ferdi Kadıoğlu from Fenerbahçe. The 24-year-old has agreed personal to terms with Brighton, despite interest from Manchester United, who are dealing with injury concerns to Luke Shaw. Borussia Dortmund had also shown interest, but withdrew due to Fenerbahçe’s financial demands, leaving Brighton as the frontrunner for Kadıoğlu’s signature. Brighton are now working to finalize the deal, with the player expressing his eagerness to move to the Premier League. Kadıoğlu has informed Fenerbahçe that personal terms with Brighton have been settled, and talks between the two clubs are ongoing to agree on the transfer fee.
🔵🇹🇷 Ferdi Kadioglu’s long term deal at Brighton is ready and agreed in details.
The player’s has confirmed to Fenerbahçe personal terms are in place with #BHAFC.
He wants to play in Premier League and the two clubs are in talks to agree on transfer fee. pic.twitter.com/kFHNVUtEtg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2024
Yves Bissouma suspended ahead of Tottenham’s opener after laughing gas video.
Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma has been suspended for one match and will miss the team’s Premier League opener against newly-promoted Leicester City. The club took action after footage surfaced on Social Media showing the Mali international appearing to inhale nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. Bissouma apologized for his actions, and Spurs released a statement saying the matter would be handled internally. Head coach Ange Postecoglou emphasized the importance of responsibility, stating Bissouma had let down the club, teammates, and supporters. “He won’t be available for Monday,” Postecoglou confirmed, adding that Bissouma must work hard to rebuild trust within the team. The coach stressed that Bissouma needs to make better decisions moving forward, saying his return will depend on improved behaviour.
🚨⚪️ Postecoglou: “We've suspended Bissouma from Monday's game”.
“He needs to build that trust back with both me and the group. The door is open for him but behaviour is crucial”.
It follows Bissouma posting himself inhaling laughing gas on social media. pic.twitter.com/habE6yjZf2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2024
Chicago Fire terminates Xherdan Shaqiri’s contract with immediate effect.
Switzerland star, Xherdan Shaqiri’s underwhelming stint with the Chicago Fire has come to an end as the club and player agreed to terminate his contract, effective immediately. Shaqiri joined Chicago from Lyon in 2022 for a reported club-record fee of $7.5 million and was the highest-paid player in MLS at the time, earning $8.15 million. Over two years, he made 76 appearances, scoring 16 goals and providing 13 assists, but was often hampered by injuries, never completing a full season. Despite Chicago’s current 14th-place standing in the Eastern Conference, they remain just three points from a playoff spot. With Shaqiri off the payroll, the club may now seek a replacement before the transfer window closes Wednesday evening.
🚨🇨🇭 Xherdan Shaqiri, available as free agent as he’s just terminated his contract at Chicago Fire.
Mutual agreement and Shaqiri, now able to pick his next club. pic.twitter.com/Xuqf6dagkd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2024