Irrespective of the result, a lingering sense of change accompanied Liverpool's Champions League final appearance.
Reports on Sadio Mane's departure and Mohamed Salah's reticence over a new deal follow Roberto Firmino's status on the periphery this season.
Following Luis Diaz's arrival in January, it appears another South American star is set to land at Anfield via Portugal.
TOP STORY – LIVERPOOL AGREE TERMS WITH DARWIN NUNEZ
Liverpool have reached an agreement on personal terms with Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, according to the Athletic.
While reports suggest nothing has yet been signed and no agreement between the clubs is in place, they are closer to finalising the deal.
Discussions are ongoing with regards to the structure of the deal, but it is understood any deal will break the £85.5million (€100m) mark.
Jurgen Klopp is said to be an admirer of the 22-year-old, with the club looking to act in the event of Sadio Mane's reported departure for Bayern Munich.
Richarlison has reportedly informed Everton of his desire to leave the club, naming a top side from each of England, Spain and France as his preferred landing spots.
The Brazil striker arrived from Watford in 2018 and, after scoring 10 Premier League goals this campaign, he has now scored at least 10 league goals in three of the past four seasons.
He closed this term with six goals in his last nine appearances, helping Everton avoid relegation, but he now has his sights set on Champions League football.
TOP STORY – RICHARLISON DESIRES CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MOVE
The 25-year-old has reportedly narrowed his list down to Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, and he is expected to command a fee of around £65million.
Also mentioned in The Sun's report is Everton majority owner Farhad Moshiri's plan to balance the books after recording losses significant enough to jeopardise the club's financial fair play status, which will likely see both Richarlison and fellow striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin leave Goodison Park for more than a combined £100m.
Once considered a front-runner to land the star forward, Arsenal are no longer said to be in play after finishing fifth, missing out on Champions League qualification.
ROUND-UP
– The Mirror claims in-demand Benfica striker Darwin Nunez is hesitant to join Manchester United due to his desire for Champions League football, while the Daily Star insists Liverpool are now his preferred English club.
– According to RMC Sport, United and Chelsea will compete for Leicester City's 21-year-old defender Wesley Fofana.
– La Repubblica is reporting that Chelsea are not against allowing Romelu Lukaku to return to Inter, but they want either Lautaro Martinez or Alessandro Bastoni in return.
– West Ham are open to the idea of selling Said Benrahma, with hopes of bringing Jesse Lingard to the club after a successful loan stint in 2020-21, according to The Sun.
– The Times is reporting Manchester City have offered Gabriel Jesus to Tottenham, after strong interest was shown by Arsenal.
With Marcus Rashford reportedly drawing interest from Italy, Spain and even Tottenham, Manchester United are trying to keep him at Old Trafford by placing a price-tag on him "between £70million and £80m".
In a disappointing campaign, the 24-year-old scored just five goals from 32 games in all club competition, and he did not play a full 90 minutes in any of the five Champions League fixtures he was healthy for (subbed on twice, subbed off three times).
His Premier League season also did not go to plan, missing the first seven games due to a shoulder injury, and finishing with 12 of his 25 appearances coming off the bench.
TOP STORY – RED DEVILS LOOK TO KEEP RIVALS AWAY FROM RASHFORD
The exact figures of "between £70m and £80m" came from Italian super-agent Roberto De Fanti during an exclusive interview with CaughtOffside, where he said he expected United to ask for "around £40m, maybe £50m."
De Fanti mentioned he was aware of interest from "all the top sides in Spain and Italy" and that Rashford's management had met with Tottenham about a potential deal, but Spurs "feel negotiating a deal for Rashford is virtually impossible" due to the asking price.
Emphasising that it is not a case of United trying to scrounge every possible dollar out of a sale, De Fanti said "United are confident a club is unlikely to pay that [figure]", and that he is not on the list of players Erik ten Hag is planning on selling to fund up to six new signings.
ROUND-UP
– According to The Sun, Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has been contacting Inter since Christmas in an attempt to expedite a transfer away from Stamford Bridge.
– Todofichajes is reporting Liverpool view Chelsea's Christian Pulisic as a potential replacement for Sadio Mane, with the American's price-tag said to be in the range of £42m.
– West Ham United sent scouts to watch Denmark's recent Nations League fixture, with the Daily Star reporting they are interested in both Christian Eriksen and Atalanta right-back Joakim Maehle.
– According to De Telegraaf, Barcelona are willing to part ways with Frenkie de Jong if they receive what they perceive to be a fair offer, with Manchester United leading the race.
– The Express is reporting that Newcastle United have set their sights on Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin after missing out on Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby.
Liverpool's Champions League final loss seemingly signalled the end for Sadio Mane at Anfield.
Luis Diaz's January transfer and fresh links to further potential signings at Anfield may all lead to Mane's eventual departure.
And he might not be the only Reds superstar looking to the exit.
TOP STORY – SALAH WEIGHS UP BARCELONA MOVE
Mohamed Salah has reconsidered his future at Liverpool after an offer from Barcelona, according to the Mirror.
The 29-year-old had reportedly informed close friends he was willing to commit his playing future to Liverpool, with his contract expiring at the end of next season and talks over a renewal ongoing.
But reports suggested Barca's subsequent promise to sign him on a free transfer at the end of next season has prompted the Egypt international to reconsider his options at Anfield.
If Salah does not confirm an extension this off-season, it brings a number of other clubs into play, opening the possibility of him leaving as a free agent after what would be six years.
ROUND-UP
– Sadio Mane has already asked Reds team-mate Thiago Alcantara if he can move into his house in the event he signs for Bayern Munich, the Daily Mail reports.
– Manchester United have yet to lodge an official bid for Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, but the Catalan club are open to selling him, per Sport.
– United are also keen on signing Inter right-back Denzel Dumfries, Calciomercato claims.
– Thomas Tuchel's primary defensive target for Chelsea remains Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde, according to talkSPORT.
Leeds United have placed a price-tag of at least £60million on star winger Raphinha, posing questions about whether interested party Barcelona will have the funds to complete a deal.
Raphinha was excellent for Leeds this past season, finishing second for the team in matches started (35), first in goals scored (11), second in assists (three) and converted all four penalties he was entrusted with.
Barcelona have been viewed as the primary suitor for the Brazilian winger, but with the price-tag continuing to rise, there is doubt about how the Spanish giants could pull it off.
TOP STORY – LEEDS TO HAND OUT NO DISCOUNTS FOR RAPHINHA
The Athletic is reporting that, as it stands, Barcelona will not have the funds to complete a move for Raphinha – or anyone close to his price-tag.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas controversially shared that Barca are in no position to sign Robert Lewandowski, but added that some big-name sales could "fill up their tank, which is empty".
The Blaugrana's continued interest in Raphinha, despite their financial position, adds fuel to the fire of a potential Frenkie de Jong sale to Manchester United, with his reported £72.5m price-tag potentially adding some much-needed spending power.
The Athletic also mentions Manchester City's Bernardo Silva, Valencia's Carlos Soler, Sevilla's Jules Kounde, as well as Chelsea duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso as potential Barcelona targets.
ROUND-UP
– GiveMeSport is reporting that Harry Kane "is likely" to sign a contract extension to remain at Tottenham.
– According to the Manchester Evening News, United have offered defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka to at least one club, and are also willing to part ways with England under-21 defender Brandon Williams.
– Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is willing to take a pay cut to return to Inter, according to the Telegraph.
– ESPN is reporting United may challenge Ajax for the signature of Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn, with the Dutch club's interest beginning when Erik ten Hag was in charge.
– According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham and Chelsea will compete for RB Leipzig's 20-year-old Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol.
Romelu Lukaku lasted less than half an hour of Belgium's Nations League opener against the Netherlands on Friday.
The Chelsea forward, who endured a difficult first season back at Stamford Bridge, started up front for Roberto Martinez's side in Brussels.
But Lukaku stayed down for an extended period after tangling with Manchester City defender Nathan Ake midway through the first half.
While his Belgium team-mates appealed for a red card – or at least a foul, with Ake, the last man, not penalised – Lukaku required lengthy treatment.
The striker eventually lifted himself and continued playing but pulled up soon after when attempting to close down Frenkie de Jong.
The former Manchester United and Inter man immediately signalled he would have to be replaced, with Martinez bringing on Leandro Trossard as a substitute.
Jose Mourinho declared a year in Rome has changed him as a man, saying: "I have become a much less egocentric person."
The Roma head coach delivered a trophy in his first season when the Giallorossi beat Feyenoord in the Europa Conference League final on May 25.
Mourinho will turn 60 next January and says his priorities are shifting. The self-declared 'Special One' retains a desire to be successful, but he claims he no longer worries about climbing the coaching ladder, which was once an obsession.
Having made his name as a Champions League winner with Porto, the Portuguese bossed Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Tottenham before ending up at Roma.
Speaking on Friday at the Faculty of Human Kinetics, a part of Lisbon University, Mourinho told Portuguese reporters his debut season with Roma gave him a fresh perspective.
He made a point, when Roma triumphed 1-0 in the Tirana final, of holding up five fingers to signal his five European trophy successes: Porto's UEFA Cup and Champions League, Inter's Champions League, Manchester United's Europa League and Roma's cherished success.
Mourinho said he marked the occasion in such a way because he wanted to serve a reminder of his achievements down the years.
"The way I celebrated has only one reason: I'm not what I was, I'm not the young man worried about his ascent, growth and having to prove on a daily basis what he was," he said.
"I have become a much less egocentric person, who lives more for others than for himself and who is in a club that has no history of winning, with incredibly passionate fans."
He said the European victory for Roma "was our Champions League".
"Possibly my emotion at the end of the game was not only their joy, but also my taking a deep breath, because for two months I had been hearing every day, 'Please bring the cup, please bring the cup'," Mourinho said, quoted widely in the Portuguese media.
"I was happy as ever because the club is huge. But winning there is a sad story. Great players and coaches passed through Roma, but winning there became culturally difficult."
Mourinho spoke of how mentor figure Manuel Sergio, a former visiting professor in Lisbon, helped to shape his understanding of coaching.
"In 20 years of my career, Professor Manuel Sergio was always by my side and on the other end of the phone," Mourinho said. "He once told me that I did not coach football players and that doesn't exist, but that I used to train young people and men who play football.
"It may seem trivial, but it's great. This made me become a better person and a better coach. They'll have to put up with me for a few more years."
Following their Champions League exit at the hands of Villarreal, Bayern Munich's squad is set to transform.
With Robert Lewandowski and others looking to follow Niklas Sule out of Sabenerstrasse this off-season, replacements have reportedly long been in mind.
While Sadio Mane's rumoured transfer is viewed with the short-term in mind, options deeper on the pitch evidently represents a longer-term vision.
TOP STORY – GRAVENBERCH SET FOR BAYERN MOVE
Bayern Munich appear set to bolster their midfield stocks with Ryan Gravenberch's upcoming signing, according to Fabrizio Romano.
With Corentin Tolisso effectively confirming his departure in an interview with L'Equipe and Marc Roca also reportedly on the way, Die Roten's midfield is in need of reinforcement.
It is understood the highly rated 20-year-old has already completed a medical, and paperwork between Ajax and Bayern is being prepared to formalise.
Bayern have also reportedly added a seven per cent on-sell clause to sweeten the deal for the Netherlands international.
ROUND-UP
– Five years after selling him to Arsenal, Lyon want to re-sign France forward Alexandre Lacazette on a free transfer, per L'Equipe.
– The Gunners are also intent on signing Youri Tielemans, who appears set to leave Leicester City this off-season, according to Fabrizio Romano.
– Barcelona have identified Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku as an alternative if they are unable to sign Robert Lewandowski, Mundo Deportivo is reporting.
– Manchester City could see both Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko leave this off-season, while Raheem Sterling would only join another elite club, the Athletic reports.
Real Madrid have announced the signing of Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer from Chelsea.
Thomas Tuchel confirmed after Chelsea's win over West Ham in April that Rudiger would be on the move when his contract expired at the end of the season after rejecting a new deal.
Chelsea were unable at the time to increase an offer they made to Rudiger due to the sanctions imposed on the club's owner Roman Abramovich by the United Kingdom government in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Madrid emerged as favourites to sign the in-demand Germany centre-back, who was also linked with the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.
Los Blancos on Thursday confirmed the 29-year-old defender has agreed terms on a four-year contract.
"On Monday, June 20, at 12:00 at Real Madrid City, the presentation ceremony for Antonio Rudiger as a new Real Madrid player will take place," Madrid added on their official website.
Rudiger joined Chelsea from Roma in July 2017 and established himself as a key man at the heart of the London club's defence.
He played a big part in their Champions League triumph in the 2020-21 season before lifting the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup last year.
Rudiger was also an FA Cup winner in 2018 and Chelsea were crowned Europa League winners during his time at the club three years ago.
He joins a Madrid team who won LaLiga and Champions League titles in the season just ended.
Antonio Rudiger said it was a "proud" moment to be announced as Real Madrid's latest signing.
The defender has left Chelsea after five years, agreeing a four-year contract with the LaLiga and Champions League winners.
He moves on a free transfer as his Chelsea contract expires and is set to fortify Carlo Ancelotti's Madrid defence ahead of a fresh push for silverware next season.
Rudiger wrote on Instagram: "I'm proud to announce that I'll be joining @RealMadrid.
"I'm super excited for all the challenges ahead and can't wait to play my first games for this huge club."
His announcement came as Chelsea and Madrid both confirmed the deal was complete.
Rudiger will be officially presented by Madrid on June 20, the Spanish club said.
Rudiger enjoyed considerable success at Chelsea, winning the Champions League title with the Blues in the 2020-21 season when Thomas Tuchel's side denied Manchester City in the final.
He was an FA Cup winner in 2018 and helped the west London club land the Europa League title a year later.
Chelsea's Champions League defence in the 2021-22 campaign came to an end at the hands of Madrid in the quarter-finals, with Rudiger scoring as Thomas Tuchel's side won the second leg 3-2 in Spain but lost 5-4 on aggregate.
Real Madrid have announced the signing of Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer from Chelsea.
Thomas Tuchel confirmed after Chelsea's win over West Ham in April that Rudiger would be on the move when his contract expired at the end of the season after rejecting a new deal.
Chelsea were unable at the time to increase an offer they made to Rudiger due to the sanctions imposed on the club's owner Roman Abramovich by the United Kingdom government in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Madrid emerged as favourites to sign the in-demand Germany centre-back, who was also linked with the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.
Los Blancos on Thursday confirmed the 29-year-old defender has agreed terms on a four-year contract.
"On Monday, June 20, at 12:00 at Real Madrid City, the presentation ceremony for Antonio Rudiger as a new Real Madrid player will take place," Madrid added on their official website.
Rudiger joined Chelsea from Roma in July 2017 and established himself as a key man at the heart of the London club's defence.
He played a big part in their Champions League triumph in the 2020-21 season before lifting the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup last year.
Rudiger was also an FA Cup winner in 2018 and Chelsea were crowned Europa League winners during his time at the club three years ago.
He joins a Madrid team who won LaLiga and Champions League titles in the season just ended.
The dominoes are starting to fall as Manchester United begin to carry out their transfer window plans.
Erik ten Hag's hire has inevitably led to another squad overhaul, and the rest of the market is in some way connected to who leaves and arrives at Old Trafford this off-season.
Reports suggest one of those arrivals could make for a reunion between the new manager and a former player of his.
TOP STORY – MANCHESTER UNITED MOVE ON FRENKIE DE JONG
New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is looking to reunite with Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, according to Fabrizio Romano.
After announcing the departures of Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba, United are moving quickly for replacements and have reportedly commenced discussions with the Blaugrana.
While it is understood De Jong would like to remain with Barcelona amid their own rebuild under Xavi, it could ultimately be dependent on the club.
Although De Jong reportedly desires Champions League football, it could be a moot point if Manchester United meet a £72.5million (€85m) asking price.
ROUND-UP
– Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah would prefer to join a Premier League rival at the end of next season if a new deal cannot be agreed upon, per the Athletic.
– Chelsea have opened talks with Sevilla over the potential transfer of highly rated France defender Jules Kounde, according to Sport.
– Manchester City remain keen on signing England midfielder Kalvin Phillips but Leeds United want to retain the player after securing Premier League safety, the Sun reports.
– Real Madrid are looking to sign Jude Bellingham, but Borussia Dortmund are not willing to sell the player until the end of next season, Bild is reporting.
Manchester United and Chelsea are experiencing significant transformation this off-season, albeit for varying reasons.
While the Red Devils undertake yet another rebuild under a new manager, Chelsea are in the midst of ownership takeover.
It is reportedly creating the perfect storm for a shock transfer.
TOP STORY – MANCHESTER UNITED MAKE SHOCK MOVE FOR MOUNT
New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is considering a move for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount according to the Sun.
The England international has seen talks for a renewed contract at Stamford Bridge stall, amid the prolonged takeover of the club by Todd Boehly.
In dire need to rebuild his midfield, and following Mount since his loan spell with Vitesse Arnhem, Ten Hag has reportedly already relayed United's interest with Mount's camp.
Liverpool and Manchester City have also made enquiries for Mount meanwhile, who according to reports, remains one of Chelsea's lowest-paid players.
ROUND-UP
– Liverpool are tracking Rennes forward Martin Terrier as a replacement for Sadio Mane should he depart, according to the Mirror.
– Barcelona boss Xavi has held talks with Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves over a potential transfer, per Sport.
– Oleksandr Zinchenko is attracting interest from Everton and Newcastle United, the Athletic reports.
– The Guardian are reporting that Inter are exploring the possibility of a return for Romelu Lukaku.
Karim Benzema has been named the 2021-22 Champions League Player of the Season after helping Real Madrid to a 14th European crown.
Benzema also won the competition's Goal of the Season honour for a supreme header against Chelsea in the quarter-finals, while team-mate Vinicius Junior has been named Young Player of the Season.
The duo were instrumental in Madrid's defying run to Saturday's final in Paris, where Vinicius' finish was enough to earn a 1-0 victory over Liverpool.
With 15 goals across the season, Benzema topped the scoring charts in Europe, with a joint-record ten of those goals in the knockout stage.
The attacker, a heavy favourite for the Ballon d'Or this season, was at the centre of dramatic comeback wins against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Vinicius meanwhile delivered four goals and six assists throughout, with the latter tally only bettered by Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes.
Both Madrid players were named to the Champions League Team of the Season, alongside club-mates Thibaut Courtois and Luka Modric.
Courtois made nine saves in the final to keep Liverpool at bay. He finished the Champions League campaign having faced 72 shots on target, conceding 14 goals. According to expected goals data, the Belgium international prevented 4.7 goals.
Beaten finalists Liverpool also contributed four players, with Fabinho, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson featuring.
Kylian Mbappe, who scored six goals in eight Champions League matches, was named alongside Benzema and Vinicius in attack – an attacking trio that might have been lining up for Los Blancos next season had the France forward not decided to stay at PSG.
City playmaker De Bruyne also made the XI, as did Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, who is set to join Madrid on a free transfer.
2021-22 UEFA Champions League Team of the Season: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid); Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Andy Robertson (Liverpool); Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Fabinho (Liverpool), Luka Modric (Real Madrid); Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has confirmed Chelsea are no longer subject to UK government sanctions following the club's sale to a consortium led by Todd Boehly.
The government has also announced it has received assurances the takeover will not financially benefit Roman Abramovich or any other individual targeted by sanctions in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
On Monday, the Blues announced the conclusion of the long-running takeover saga surrounding the club, with a group led by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Boehly and involving Clearlake Capital acquiring the Stamford Bridge outfit.
Chelsea were originally granted a special licence to allow them to finish the 2021-22 season after measures against Abramovich were announced in March.
But with the Russian having officially concluded his time at Stamford Bridge, the club is now free to conduct business without restrictions once more.
"Today's change of ownership marks a new chapter for Chelsea Football Club in the best interests of its fans, the club and the wider football community," a government spokesperson said.
"The club is now no longer subject to the sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich, an individual who has enabled Putin's brutal and barbaric invasion of Ukraine.
"Since sanctions were imposed on Abramovich on 10 March, we have worked tirelessly to ensure the club can continue to play football, while maintaining the integrity of our sanctions regime.
"Chelsea's long-term future is now secured, and binding commitments have been received which ensure sanctioned individuals cannot financially benefit from the sale. The government retains control to ensure that this is the case.
"We have begun the process of ensuring the proceeds are used for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine that result from Russian aggression. Further details will be set out in due course.
"I personally want to thank ministers and officials in the British government, and the Premier League, for all their work in making this happen."
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