MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Manchester United has submitted an offer of €85 million (including bonuses) for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. The BBC reports. The Red Devils hope to quickly receive the German club’s approval to beat off competition from Newcastle, who in recent days offered €80 million for the 22-year-old Slovenian, coming off a season that saw him score 21 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions. If they acquire Sesko, United will try to accelerate their transfers: the first name on the list of departures is Rasmus Hojlund, who has also been linked this transfer session with Italian clubs such as Juventus and Roma.
PORTO (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – The world of football is in mourning. As Portuguese newspapers A Bola and Record report, Jorge Costa, former Portuguese national team defender and sporting director of Porto, has died. He suffered a cardiac arrest late in the morning in Olival. Costa, 53, was immediately transported to São João Hospital in Porto in critical condition and was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit, where he died in the early afternoon.
ROME (ITALPRESS) – Atlético Madrid are closing in on Giacomo Raspadori. “Marca” reports, specifying that the Colchoneros are intensifying discussions with Napoli to find a profitable deal for the Italian international. After the option of Enzo Millot, who has chosen Al-Ahli, faded, Atlético have shifted their transfer focus and have chosen to focus primarily on Raspadori.
VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A strong police presence and a planned protest are expected tonight outside the Tony Bezzina Stadium as Hamrun Spartans take on Maccabi Tel Aviv in a high-tension UEFA Europa League qualifier. Security measures have been stepped up despite only 50 away fans travelling from Israel, with the Maltese authorities deploying officers in anticipation of public unrest.
The match has drawn criticism from activist groups, and one of them organised a protest outside the stadium. The group cites “ethical concerns” and points to previous violent incidents involving Maccabi supporters in cities like Amsterdam and Athens. The fixture was relocated to Paola after the pitch at Ta’ Qali’s National Stadium was deemed unfit. The match is crucial for Hamrun Spartans, with progression guaranteeing a place in the UEFA Conference League group stage.
BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Barcelona and Marc-André ter Stegen are now at loggerheads. “According to sources close to the German goalkeeper, he has refused to sign the consent form for the club to send the report on his injury and surgery to La Liga’s medical commission, which is supposed to assess the severity of the injury,” reports “Mundo Deportivo.”
Given the situation, according to the Spanish press, Barça has decided to hand the case over to its lawyers so they can immediately open a disciplinary file, which could result in the club imposing a sanction on the player.
TURIN (ITALPRESS) – After several days of back-and-forth, Timothy Weah appears to be on the verge of leaving Juventus. The American full-back, son of a professional footballer, has left the Bianconeri’s training camp, currently in Germany, according to French press reports, heading to France, specifically Olympique Marseille. Weah is expected to undergo a medical as soon as possible before joining Roberto De Zerbi.
LIVERPOOL (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Darwin Nunez is a solid prospect at AC Milan. According to Sky Sports UK, the Rossoneri have made initial contact with Liverpool about the Uruguayan striker, who no longer appears to have a place at Anfield. But AC Milan aren’t the only club pursuing the former Benfica player: Simone Inzaghi’s Al Hilal, still searching for a striker, are also reportedly interested.
BAGHDAD/MILAN (ITALPRESS) – A major step forward in Italian-Iraqi healthcare cooperation was marked with the laying of the foundation stone for a new state-of-the-art hospital in Baghdad, an initiative led by GKSD Holding Investment Group and Gruppo San Donato.
The project is part of a broader institutional mission across the Middle East, spearheaded by Kamel Ghribi, President of GKSD and Vice President of Gruppo San Donato.
The new facility will be built on the site of the former Turkish restaurant in Tahrir Square, a historic and symbolic location in the heart of the Iraqi capital. The hospital is designed to meet the highest international standards and will be staffed by an integrated team of Italian and Iraqi medical professionals.
This latest endeavor builds on GKSD and Gruppo San Donato’s existing cooperation with Iraq’s Ministry of Health, which currently includes the management of two public hospitals in Najaf and Basra.
The project represents the culmination of two years of intense collaboration between GKSD and the Iraqi government. It also aligns with the broader national strategy led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, who has prioritized strategic infrastructure and reconstruction efforts in Iraq.
al centro Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, primo ministro dell’Iraq e alla sua destra Kamel Ghribi presidente GKSD e vice presidente Gruppo San Donato
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by top Iraqi and international dignitaries, including Prime Minister Al-Sudani himself, Minister of Health Saleh Al-Hasnawi, Italian Senate Vice President Licia Ronzulli, EU Special Envoy to the Gulf Luigi Di Maio, and Baghdad Mayor Ammar Moussa Kadhum.
“This milestone strengthens our commitment to Iraq and deepens our collaboration with its government,” said Kamel Ghribi. “We are proud to contribute to the development of the country’s healthcare system by offering our expertise, passion, and innovative approach to patient care to the Iraqi people.”
Following his visit to Iraq, Ghribi continued his Middle East mission with a significant stop in Syria, where he met with President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani. Discussions, held in a constructive and cordial atmosphere, focused on rebuilding bilateral ties and outlining a shared vision for stability and reconstruction.
Ghribi reaffirmed GKSD’s commitment to supporting Syria’s healthcare revival, offering strategic aid, medical technologies, and proven healthcare models.
“Investing in Syria requires foresight and courage,” he stated. “Now is the time to look ahead, to believe in the power of reconstruction. Syria is a great country with an ancient history, a rich culture, and a resilient, educated people. It is our duty to support its rebirth with respect, vision, and a spirit of cooperation.”
NEWCASTLE (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Alexander Isak reappeared today at Newcastle‘s training ground after Liverpool‘s offer was rejected. The 25-year-old Swedish striker, according to English media, has undergone treatment for the muscle injury that—coinciding with his transfer request— caused him to miss the Asian tour with the rest of the squad. His future, however, remains uncertain: the Reds have reportedly offered €125 million plus bonuses (but still under the €135 million total), while the Magpies are asking for €170 million.
Newcastle, meanwhile, has approached Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko, offering €80 million but must guard against competition from Manchester United: according to “Sky Sports UK,” the Red Devils are also expected to submit an official offer in the next few hours. The young Slovenian striker would be open to both options but would prefer the United solution where, were the transaction to materialize, there would then be no more room for Rasmus Hojlund.
ROME (ITALPRESS) – Patrick Schick has renewed his contract with Bayer Leverkusen. The Czech Republic striker, formerly of Sampdoria and Roma, has extended his contract with the “aspirins,” where he arrived in 2020, until 2030. In the final weeks of the transfer window, Schick’s name had been linked with AC Milan.
