Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac signs new contract until 2027
Borussia Dortmund have officially extended head coach Niko Kovac's contract by one year, keeping him at the club until June 2027.
Report: Real Madrid veteran Lucas Vazquez secures Bundesliga move to Bayer Leverkusen
The 34-year-old, who spent nearly two decades with Los Blancos, has agreed terms with the Bundesliga outfit, with the deal finalized after a discreet medical in recent days.
Vazquez, renowned for his ability to shine as both a right-back and a winger, brings a wealth of experience to Leverkusen. Having made over 400 appearances for Real Madrid, he claimed five Champions League titles, four La Liga crowns, and three Club World Cups during his glittering tenure.
His departure from Madrid came after the club, now under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, opted not to renew his contract following their semi-final exit at the Club World Cup and the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano broke the news, stating, "Lucas Vazquez to Bayer Leverkusen, here we go! Deal agreed with former Real Madrid right-back who joins Bayer as free agent. Medical already done secretly and deal to be signed on Tuesday."
The move was confirmed with Vazquez spotted in Dusseldorf, ready to put pen to paper on a two-year contract, as reported by Spanish journalist Miguel Angel Diaz.
Leverkusen, managed by Erik ten Hag, have been active in the transfer market to address squad gaps after losing key players like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool. The club's pursuit of Vazquez came after failed negotiations with OGC Nice for Jonathan Clauss, with the Spaniard emerging as the prime target to strengthen the right flank.
"Vazquez's versatility and winning mentality will be invaluable," said a source close to Leverkusen, highlighting his fit in Ten Hag's 3-4-2-1 system.
Vazquez had attracted interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Deportivo La Coruna, but Leverkusen's ambition to compete in both the Bundesliga and European competitions swayed him.
Reflecting on his Real Madrid career, Vazquez said, "I fulfilled the dream of my life," a sentiment echoed by club president Florentino Perez, who praised him as "a player who embodies Real Madrid's values."
The signing marks a fresh chapter for Vazquez, who will don a non-Spanish club's jersey for the first time after a brief loan spell at Espanyol in 2014-15.
The club are expected to officially unveil their new star on Tuesday, as they gear up for a demanding campaign.
Report: Chelsea launch bid to sign Barcelona's Fermin Lopez
Chelsea are pushing hard to secure Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez before the transfer window closes on September 1, aiming to bolster their attacking options with the young Spaniard.
Inaki Pena's loan to Elche helps Barcelona's player registration race
Barcelona have finalized a loan move for goalkeeper Inaki Pena to Elche for the 2025-26 season, with the 26-year-old extending his contract until 2029 to secure the deal.
Report: Chelsea chase RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons in frantic final push
As the transfer window hurtles toward its September 1 close, Chelsea have intensified their efforts to secure RB Leipzig's versatile Dutch forward Xavi Simons, with negotiations hanging in the balance amid player sales and rival interest.