Seb Stafford-Bloor

What does it take to make a #Lioness? Downsizing houses, bank loans, hours of driving, juggling jobs, so tired that you sleep in meetings. Thank you to the families for speaking so openly & trusting @TheAthleticFC @KatieWhyatt @SJohnsonSport nytimes.com/athletic/65064…

From the family living room to stardom: The making of Florian Wirtz @TheAthleticFC nytimes.com/athletic/64018…

Amazing to see Waking The Giant reach Korea! #AVFC

Bayern Munich and Liverpool resume talks over Luis Diaz. No new bid yet, but negotiations continue. With @JamesPearceLFC for @TheAthleticFC nytimes.com/athletic/64949…

That is a football.

Bayern Munich have resumed talks with Liverpool over a deal for forward Luis Diaz. The Bavarian club are yet to submit a second bid for the Colombian winger but remain keen on a deal, and are now in regular dialogue with Liverpool. The Athletic reported on July 15 that…

Arsenal have reached a full agreement with Sporting CP for the transfer of Viktor Gyokeres. The 27-year-old will take the No 14 shirt at Arsenal, the number made iconic by the club’s record goalscorer Thierry Henry. More from @David_Ornstein

Benjamin Sesko was expected to make a big move this summer but nothing has happened. As Newcastle United explore a deal in case Alexander Isak departs, @SebSB explains why leading clubs went cold on one of Europe's hottest prospects. 🔗 nytimes.com/athletic/65135…

Why has nobody bought Benjamin Sesko yet? With @gunnerblog, @lauriewhitwell, @SJohnsonSport and @ChrisDHWaugh, for @TheAthleticFC nytimes.com/athletic/65135…

🚨 Premier League have now acknowledged Noni Madueke’s homegrown status. Will count as part of #AFC homegrown contingent for 2025-26. UEFA squad different criteria - Noni not association-trained. @TheAthleticFC nytimes.com/athletic/65131…

Arsenal forward Noni Madueke has been reclassified as a 'homegrown' player by the Premier League. Madueke had previously been listed in Chelsea’s squad list as recently as February as ‘non-homegrown’. #AFC Story w/ @gunnerblog + @SebSB @TheAthleticFC: nytimes.com/athletic/65131…

🇩🇪 #LFC's Ekitike Deal - The #Bundesliga View 🗣️ @Hari_Sethi is joined by @SebSB - The pair dive into the player’s journey to arrive at this stage, whether Benzema comparisons are merited and how he’ll gel with the Reds. 👇

The story of Hugo Ekitike’s move to Liverpool. With @ChrisDHWaugh, @JamesPearceLFC and @David_Ornstein. For @TheAthleticFC nytimes.com/athletic/65065…

LAFC is pushing hard to sign Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min in this summer window, according to multiple sources briefed on talks. No major progress as yet, but LAFC trying hard to get the South Korean superstar for 2025 and beyond. nytimes.com/athletic/65100…

Keen to learn more about LFC’s latest signing? Listen in to my chat with @SebSB as we cover: Ekitike’s journey to get to this point Benzema & Firmino comparisons Ekitike’s creativity & finishing How he will surprise fans this season & much more!

USMNT striker Josh Sargent’s proposed transfer from Norwich City to Wolfsburg appears to have fallen through. Sources with knowledge of the situation indicated it was Sargent’s decision to not continue with the move to the Bundesliga club. 📝 @SebSB nytimes.com/athletic/65063…

Inside the deal for Hugo Ekitike, who is flying to Hong Kong after completing his £79m move to #LFC * How contact with his camp started in January and the talks with Slot. * Why LFC so keen on multi‑functional No 9 * The data that convinced the Reds nytimes.com/athletic/65065…

Hugo Ekitike has been confirmed as a Liverpool player - this is how they signed him. 🔺 First contact in January 🔺 What Slot told him in end-of-season meeting 🔺 Admired by Arsenal; Chelsea explored deal 🔺 How Newcastle move collapsed amid frustration at leaks 🔺 Why…