Transfer deadline day live: Gakpo, Sarr and more in final hours
Quick summary
The Guardian's live blog covers the final hours of the 2026 summer transfer window, tracking potential moves for Cody Gakpo, Pape Matar Sarr, and other notable players across European football.
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The end of a long summer of transfers is nigh: but not before a final, desperate, scrap for signings ensues in the final couple of days of the window. It never ceases to amaze us how and why clubs allow this to happen… but it provides compelling reading and watching as the deals roll in.
There are a number of ‘sagas’ to keep your eyes on: Cody Gakpo, Enzo Fernández and Ismaïla Sarr are three high-profile Premier League stars who could be on the move, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City three big clubs who ought to be very active in the next day or two. They won’t be alone. The signings keep on coming at Tottenham – and the Spurs owners may decree that more are required after a disappointing start to the season. Then there is Manchester United and their left-back situation, while lower down the English top flight the likes of Fulham and Crystal Palace, with new managers, will feel they must strengthen. And don’t forget about big deals around the continent, and in the women’s game.
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What happened
With the summer transfer deadline approaching on August 31, 2026, The Guardian is running a live blog tracking late-window moves across the Premier League and beyond. Cody Gakpo's future is under discussion amid links involving Liverpool and PSV, while Pape Matar Sarr is also featured as Tottenham assess their squad options. The live format aggregates breaking reports, confirmed deals, and rumoured negotiations as clubs rush to finalize business before the window closes. Deadline day traditionally produces a flurry of activity with both marquee signings and loan deals.
Chance analysis
Deadline day is where a season's squad-building ambitions are tested in real time. The fact that established Premier League players like Gakpo and Sarr are still in the rumour mill on the final day suggests clubs are weighing late financial decisions or holding out for better terms. For fans, these final hours often reshape a team's ceiling for the campaign ahead — whether through a last-minute addition or the sobering confirmation that a key target slipped away.
Late-window moves for players like Gakpo and Sarr could shift attacking and midfield options for their respective clubs heading into the new season.