International transfer spending hits record high of $9.76 billion, says FIFA
Transfer spending broke new ground in the close-season window when clubs around the world spent nearly $10 billion on international transfers, global soccer body FIFA said in a report released on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
Clubs recorded nearly 12,000 international transfers where total spending on fees amounted to $9.76 billion, FIFA said, representing an increase of more than 50% compared to the same period in 2024.
Women's soccer also broke records with more than 1,100 international transfers where the fees exceeded $12 million, according to Reuters.
Depay has chance to break Dutch scoring record
Striker Memphis Depay is fit to play for the Netherlands in their World Cup qualifier at home to Poland on Thursday, giving him the opportunity to become the country's top goalscorer, Reuters reported.
The 31-year-old equalled Robin van Persie's record of 50 goals in their last outing in June when the Dutch beat Malta 8-0 as they won a second match in Group G.
There had been some doubt over Depay's fitness for Thursday's match in Rotterdam as he only recently returned to club action for Corinthians in Brazil, but coach Ronald Koeman told a Wednesday press conference the striker was fit and in line to start the match, according to Reuters.
World Cup title next year is our goal, says Germany coach Nagelsmann
Four-time world champions Germany have set their sights firmly on winning the 2026 World Cup, coach Julian Nagelsmann said on Wednesday ahead of their first qualifier against Slovakia on Thursday, Reuters reported.
Germany kick off their World Cup Group A qualifying campaign in Bratislava before next hosting Northern Ireland on September 7 in Cologne.
Nagelsmann said they were eager to make a winning start in their bid to qualify for the tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico next year, according to Reuters.
Tielemans named as new Belgium captain
Belgium have picked Youri Tielemans to be their captain, with coach Rudi Garcia choosing the Aston Villa midfielder over several more experienced players in the squad, Reuters reported.
Following Garcia’s appointment earlier this year, he rotated the captaincy as he said he was searching for the right leader for the squad but on Wednesday announced the 28-year-old would be taking charge.
“Youri Tielemans will be our permanent captain,” Garcia told a press conference on the eve of Thursday’s World Cup qualifier in Liechtenstein, according to Reuters.
