Tag: Player Transfers

As the dust settles on a frenetic summer transfer window and the 2026/2027 football season gains momentum, European football finds itself abuzz with a mix of new talent, surprising early results, and the lingering echoes of monumental transfer deals. With the transfer window officially closing on September 1st for most major leagues, clubs across the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and the Bundesliga have finalized their squads, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating campaign. Fans are eagerly dissecting the impact of new arrivals and the early performances of their beloved teams, as the race for domestic glory and European qualification begins in earnest.

Premier League: Record-Breaking Transfers and Early Statements

The Premier League once again dominated the transfer headlines, with English clubs spending over £2 billion collectively this summer, demonstrating their unparalleled financial might. Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City were among the biggest spenders, reshaping their squads with audacious moves right up to the September 1st deadline.

Manchester City made a colossal statement by signing Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for a reported £125 million, a joint-British transfer record. This move, which saw Fernandez reunite with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca at City, highlights a significant midfield revamp for the reigning champions, reportedly costing them over £300 million this summer. City also secured the services of talented wingers Iliman Ndiaye from Everton for £65 million and Allan Elias from Palmeiras, alongside the earlier British record signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million. Eighteen-year-old Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi also joined City from Lille for €100 million, further bolstering their ranks.

Liverpool, not to be outdone, made their own significant acquisition by bringing in French international Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for £125 million, making him the most expensive signing for the Reds this season. Chelsea, under new manager Xabi Alonso, continued their spending spree, acquiring attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a British record £117 million and strengthening their defense with Honest Ahanor from Atalanta and Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa. Tottenham Hotspur were equally active, signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United for £92.5 million and Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United for £85 million, among other key additions.

Early match results have already provided talking points. Chelsea, under Xabi Alonso, started their campaign perfectly, notably beating Brighton 4-3 in a thrilling encounter. While comprehensive early season standings are still developing, these high-scoring affairs suggest an exciting Premier League season ahead. In terms of injuries, Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo had an injury update from Alonso, and Mosquera was forced off with an injury during a match against Aston Villa.

La Liga: Barcelona’s Dominance Continues Amidst Real Madrid’s Spending Spree

The 2026/2027 La Liga season kicked off on August 15th, with defending champions Barcelona looking to secure their third consecutive title. Early results indicate a strong start for the Catalan giants, who are already demonstrating their attacking prowess. Barcelona secured a dominant 5-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano on August 31st, following an emphatic 5-0 away win against Elche on August 23rd.

Real Madrid, however, are hot on their heels, leading the early league table with a perfect nine points after three matchdays. Their impressive start included a commanding 4-0 victory over Málaga on August 30th. Other notable early results saw Levante secure a high-scoring 5-2 win against Real Betis on August 29th.

The transfer window in Spain also closed on September 1st, witnessing significant activity from the league’s powerhouses. Real Madrid made several high-profile additions, bringing in Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella, and Carlos Espi, alongside the club-record signing of 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for €140 million. Barcelona countered by signing Anthony Gordon, Rodri, Karim Adeyemi, and Jesse Bisiwu. Notably, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus also made a permanent move to Barcelona. Promoted side Deportivo La Coruña made headlines with an ambitious transfer window, securing the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Angeliño, and Adama Traoré, signaling their intent to remain in the top flight.

In other news, La Liga president Javier Tebas publicly endorsed Barcelona midfielder Rodri for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, citing his “heroic efforts” during the recent World Cup despite periods out due to injury. This adds an intriguing narrative to the early season, with Rodri already considered a top contender for the prestigious individual award.

Serie A: Tight Races and Strategic Squad Reinforcements

The Serie A season for 2026/2027 commenced on August 22nd, and the initial matchdays have already produced a competitive landscape, with several teams vying for early supremacy. After two matchdays, AS Roma, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, and Lazio all sit at the top of the table with a perfect six points, setting the stage for a thrilling title race.

Key results from the opening weeks include Inter Milan’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Monza and Napoli’s 2-0 win against Genoa on August 22nd. AC Milan also started strongly with a 2-0 win against Venezia on August 28th. AS Roma showcased their dominance with a resounding 4-0 away win at Lecce on August 31st, while Juventus secured a solid 2-0 victory over Parma on August 29th. However, Napoli suffered an unexpected 1-2 home defeat to newly-promoted Como on August 30th, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the league.

The Italian transfer window also closed on September 1st, with clubs making strategic moves to bolster their squads. Inter Milan made several notable acquisitions, including John Stones on a free transfer, securing Benjamin Pavard on a permanent basis, and bringing in Manuel Akanji permanently, along with goalkeeper Ivan Provedel. Juventus strengthened their team by securing goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan and signing defenders Luis Abram and Randal Kolo Muani, while Newcastle’s German striker Nick Woltemade joined on a season-long loan. AC Milan brought in striker Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain and defender Arnau Martinez from Lazio. Napoli made Rasmus Hojlund’s loan move permanent, a crucial step in securing their attacking future. AS Roma continued to build their squad with the additions of Nahuel Molina, Marten de Roon, and making Donyell Malen’s loan deal permanent.

Bundesliga: Bayern’s Early Statement and Dortmund’s Loan Deal

The 2026/2027 Bundesliga season commenced on August 28th, with Bayern Munich embarking on their quest for a record-extending title, having secured their 34th domestic championship in the previous season. The Bavarian giants wasted no time in making an early statement, crushing Stuttgart 5-1 in their opening fixture, a clear message to their title rivals. Harry Kane, despite the team’s dominant performance, was not on the scoresheet in this match, though Joshua Kimmich and new signing Ismael Saibari provided assists. Newly promoted Schalke 04, returning to the top flight after three years, endured a tough start, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Augsburg in their first match. Their next daunting challenge is an away fixture against Bayern Munich on September 5th.

The Bundesliga transfer window closed on August 31st. Borussia Dortmund made a notable move, securing Arsenal’s promising youngster Ethan Nwaneri on a one-year loan deal. This transfer was reportedly prompted by a serious knee injury to Dortmund’s new signing Giannis Konstantelias, highlighting the club’s need for immediate reinforcement in midfield. Arsenal also saw Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira depart permanently to Hamburger SV in a deal worth around €10 million. Bayern Munich themselves were active in the market, bringing in Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Saibari. Eintracht Frankfurt bolstered their defense with the €8.5 million signing of Lilian Brassier from Rennes.

The early weeks of the Bundesliga have already seen some standout individual performances, particularly in the 2. Bundesliga, which featured several high-scoring matches on Matchday 3. Fabian Reese of Wolfsburg was a key figure in their 5-2 away win over Karlsruhe, scoring a superb volley and providing two assists. Meanwhile, Mohamed Alì Zoma of Nuremberg continued his prolific form, netting two goals and an assist in a 4-1 rout over Arminia Bielefeld, bringing his tally to an astonishing seven goals in just three matches.

As the summer transfer window heats up on July 12, 2026, Europe’s elite football clubs are in a whirlwind of activity, with blockbuster signings, high-profile managerial changes, and crucial pre-season preparations dominating the headlines. From the Premier League’s colossal spending to La Liga’s strategic acquisitions, Serie A’s record-breaking moves, and the Bundesliga’s early training camps, teams are meticulously crafting their squads for the highly anticipated 2026/27 season. Fans across the continent are eagerly watching as their favourite clubs make decisive moves, setting the stage for what promises to be an enthralling campaign.

Premier League: Tottenham’s Mammoth Spend, Manchester Rivals’ Battles, and Klopp’s Germany Move

The English Premier League is once again at the forefront of the summer transfer market, characterized by audacious spending and significant squad overhauls. Tottenham Hotspur, under the guidance of new boss Roberto De Zerbi, has emerged as the league’s biggest spenders, shelling out over €260 million on six key players. Their impressive list of new recruits includes Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andrew Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Martin Dubravka, signaling a strong intent to bounce back from two consecutive 17th-placed finishes. The North London club is also reportedly eyeing Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, though Arsenal also holds an interest in the young talent. This aggressive transfer strategy highlights a determination to challenge at the top of the table and provide De Zerbi with the resources needed to implement his vision.

Manchester City has also made waves in the transfer market, securing the club-record signing of midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. In addition to Anderson, the reigning champions have bolstered their squad with the arrivals of winger Mathys Detourbet from Troyes and wonderkid Jeremy Monga from Leicester, further strengthening their already formidable roster. Across town, Manchester United has been active, reaching agreements to sign goalkeeper Karl Darlow and midfielder Andrey Santos for a reported £50 million. However, their pursuit of Ederson has spectacularly broken down, forcing them to explore alternative options. The Red Devils are also in exploratory talks with West Ham over a deal for Crysencio Summerville, a highly sought-after winger who impressed at the recent World Cup before the Netherlands’ elimination. Meanwhile, Arsenal is in advanced discussions to acquire Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United and Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, aiming to add further quality to their midfield and attack.

A significant development outside of club football but with strong Premier League ties is Jürgen Klopp’s agreement to become the new head coach of the Germany men’s national team. After two years out of management since leaving Liverpool, Klopp is set to take the helm following Julian Nagelsmann’s departure after this summer’s World Cup, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career. Back in the Premier League, Chelsea, now managed by Xabi Alonso, has also been busy, signing Marco Palestra, Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, Dastan Satpaev, and Denner. They have also seen significant departures, with Marc Cucurella moving to Real Madrid and Tyrique George joining Everton. Pre-season training has commenced for many Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham, with the first friendly matches scheduled to kick off on Saturday, July 18, as teams begin their physical preparations for the upcoming season, which starts on August 21.

La Liga: Barcelona’s Bold Moves, Real Madrid’s Defensive Reinforcements, and Atletico’s Midfield Boost

Spain’s La Liga is witnessing its own share of high-stakes transfer activity as clubs look to dethrone defending champions Barcelona and strengthen their positions. Barcelona has been particularly active, making significant strides in their squad reinforcement. The Catalan giants have successfully signed Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon for a reported €80 million, adding a dynamic attacking option to their ranks. Furthermore, they have reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of Karim Adeyemi, with a base fee of €22 million and an additional €9 million in performance-related bonuses. Adeyemi is expected to sign a five-year contract, bolstering Barcelona’s offensive capabilities. The club is also reportedly preparing an improved offer for Club Brugge youngster Jesse Bisiwu, following an initial €9 million bid, with the player having already given his approval for the move to Camp Nou.

Meanwhile, their fierce rivals Real Madrid have also been making strategic acquisitions, focusing on strengthening their defensive and midfield departments. Los Blancos have secured the services of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea, along with Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, and Denzel Dumfries, adding considerable depth and quality across the backline and in central midfield. Off the pitch, Real Madrid also celebrated the 26th birthday of their star forward Vini Jr. on July 12, acknowledging his pivotal role in their recent successes, including scoring in two Champions League finals. Adding to the league’s bustling transfer market, Atletico Madrid has completed a significant signing, bringing in midfielder Morten Hjulmand from Sporting CP for a fee of €40 million. This acquisition is expected to bolster Atletico’s midfield and provide a strong presence in the center of the park for the upcoming season.

A notable calendar adjustment has affected Barcelona’s start to the season; their opening La Liga fixture against Athletic at Spotify Camp Nou, originally scheduled for August 15-16, has been postponed. This change is a direct consequence of France’s progression to the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, which impacts players like Jules Kounde who require an adequate recovery period. Barcelona is now expected to begin their domestic campaign away to Elche on the second matchday, around August 22-23. The 2026-27 La Liga season is officially set to commence on August 14, with the full fixture list expected to be released in late June or early July.

Serie A: Fiorentina’s Historic Deal, Milan’s Transfer Strategy, and Pre-Season Kick-Offs

Serie A clubs are actively shaping their squads for the 2026/27 season, with some significant financial outlays and strategic decisions already made. Fiorentina has made headlines by breaking their transfer record with the acquisition of midfielder Arthur Atta from Udinese for a fee that could rise to €40 million, including add-ons. Atta, a 23-year-old French U20 international, made 59 league appearances for Udinese, contributing five goals and four assists, and was instrumental in their 10th-placed finish last season. This record-breaking move signifies Fiorentina’s ambition under new head coach Fabio Grosso. In addition to Atta, the Viola have had a busy transfer period, securing Radu Dragusin on loan from Tottenham and making permanent deals for Marco Brescianini, Giovanni Fabbian, and Viery Santos Lopes. They also confirmed that Bournemouth left-back Alex Jimenez is undergoing a medical ahead of a prospective loan deal.

AC Milan has also been involved in the transfer market, securing Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos. However, a notable decision from the Rossoneri was their rejection of Tottenham Hotspur’s opportunity to sign Portuguese winger Rafael Leao, who is reportedly valued between €60-70 million. Leao had expressed a desire for a new challenge, and while he was offered to Spurs, the North London club ultimately declined the move. This decision suggests Milan’s strong stance on their key players and their valuation.

As pre-season preparations gather pace across Italy, AC Milan has announced their first international friendly against Celtic, scheduled for Saturday, July 25, at Celtic Park in Glasgow. This match will serve as a crucial warm-up for Rúben Amorim’s squad before they embark on their pre-season tour to Australia and Indonesia. Other Serie A teams are also progressively announcing their friendly fixtures, providing fans with early glimpses of new signings and tactical setups. The 2026-27 Serie A season is slated to commence on August 23, with Inter Milan entering the campaign as the defending champions, having secured their 21st Scudetto in the previous season.

Bundesliga: Leipzig’s Defensive Boost, Köln’s World Cup Star, and Bayern’s Pre-Season Plans

The Bundesliga is gearing up for its new season with several notable transfers and pre-season activities taking center stage. RB Leipzig is on the verge of strengthening their defense with the imminent transfer of French defender Maxime Estève from Burnley. The deal is reportedly agreed upon by both clubs and the player, with Burnley set to receive a transfer fee of €32 million, including bonuses, for the left-footed center-half. Estève’s arrival is expected to provide a significant boost to Leipzig’s backline as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.

Another significant defensive signing in the Bundesliga sees 1. FC Köln secure Ghana left-back Gideon Mensah on a free transfer. The 27-year-old, who was a free agent after his contract with French Ligue 1 club Auxerre expired, signed a two-year deal with the Rhineland club. Mensah’s arrival is part of a broader summer rebuild for Köln, who finished 14th last season, and he joins the squad fresh off an impressive performance at the World Cup where he played every minute of Ghana’s four matches. This move marks Mensah as only the fifth Ghanaian to represent FC Köln in their history.

Defending champions Bayern Munich are also laying the groundwork for the 2026/27 season, with their first players scheduled to begin pre-season training on July 20, the day after the World Cup final. Head coach Vincent Kompany will initially work with a partial squad due to the involvement of numerous internationals in the World Cup. Bayern’s pre-season schedule includes a friendly against SV Wehen-Wiesbaden on July 25, followed by a training camp at Tegernsee from July 27 to 30, which will include an open training session and a friendly against FC Rottach-Egern. In transfer news surrounding Bayern, Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham, is reportedly keen to leave the Bundesliga champions. Benfica, under new head coach Marco Silva, is reportedly preparing a move for Palhinha, with Bayern willing to accept around €20 million for his services, a significant drop from the €50 million they paid for him in 2024. Elsewhere, Borussia Mönchengladbach is set to hold their first public training session today, July 12, as their preparations for the new season officially begin. The 2026-27 Bundesliga season is scheduled to kick off between August 28 and 30, with Bayern Munich hosting VfB Stuttgart in the opening match.

As the football world wakes on March 19, 2026, the landscape of European club football is buzzing with a mix of dramatic Champions League outcomes, significant injury woes for top clubs, and a flurry of transfer speculation that could redefine team rosters for the upcoming season. From Premier League giants facing European elimination to a major injury blow for a La Liga powerhouse, and confirmed Bundesliga transfers, the past 24-48 hours have delivered a wealth of pivotal news across the continent’s elite leagues.

Premier League: European Disappointment and Emerging Transfer Targets

English clubs have endured a challenging period in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, with several Premier League heavyweights facing elimination. Chelsea, Newcastle, and Manchester City have all been knocked out, suffering heavy aggregate defeats. Chelsea succumbed to Paris Saint-Germain with an 8-2 aggregate score, while Manchester City fell 5-1 to Real Madrid over two legs. Newcastle United also experienced a significant loss, with Barcelona securing an 8-3 aggregate victory following a 7-2 win at Camp Nou. As of Wednesday, March 18, both Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool were battling to overturn first-leg deficits in their respective ties, with Arsenal being the sole English club to have secured a spot in the quarter-finals. This widespread European struggle has ignited discussions about the Premier League’s performance on the continental stage.

In transfer news, Fulham is reportedly on the verge of completing a significant signing, with PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi having flown to London for a medical. The deal is mooted to be worth £28.5 million, marking a substantial investment for the Cottagers. Pepi has impressed for the Eredivisie leaders this season, netting 13 goals in 29 appearances, including three in five Champions League games. This move, initially pursued in January, appears set to finalize after the World Cup. Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández is reportedly open to an exit this summer, with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and two Saudi Arabian clubs showing interest. Chelsea is reportedly prepared to replace the Argentine with Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga. Another intriguing rumor involves AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic, who is linked with a return to the Premier League. Milan has reportedly set an asking price of $86.2 million (€75 million, £64.8 million) for the American international, with several English clubs expressing strong interest. Manchester City is also bracing for potential high-profile departures, with Bernardo Silva linked to Juventus following his red card incident against Real Madrid in the Champions League. Furthermore, Rodri has reportedly informed Manchester City of his desire to leave at the end of the season, with a return to La Liga being his priority. Arsenal, while progressing in Europe, is reportedly considering sanctioning a loan move for young defender Myles Lewis-Skelly, with Everton, Crystal Palace, and West Ham among the interested parties.

La Liga: Rodrygo’s World Cup Dream in Jeopardy and Olise Pursuit

Real Madrid has been dealt a massive blow with the confirmation that star forward Rodrygo Goes has suffered an ACL injury in his right knee. The injury, sustained during Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Getafe in the 26th round of the 2025-2026 La Liga season, is expected to sideline him for six to seven months. This devastating diagnosis means Rodrygo is likely to miss the remainder of the current season and, more significantly, the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Despite the injury occurring during the Getafe match, Rodrygo remarkably managed to complete the game after coming on as a second-half substitute. This injury compounds Real Madrid’s challenges, with reports suggesting that some players are already feeling pessimistic about their La Liga title chances due to mounting injuries and recent defeats.

On the transfer front, Real Madrid is making headlines for its audacious pursuit of Bayern Munich star Michael Olise. Reports from Germany indicate that Real Madrid could be preparing a colossal offer of up to €160 million for the 24-year-old French playmaker. Transfer insider Ekrem Konur suggests that Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is a strong admirer of Olise and is pushing for his signature after the current season concludes. However, Bayern Munich is reportedly unwilling to sell, with Olise under contract until 2029 and lacking a release clause, which would make any potential deal extremely complex. Meanwhile, Barcelona is reportedly eyeing Inter Milan’s highly-rated center-back Alessandro Bastoni. The Italian international is among several defensive targets for the Catalan club, who are also considering Aston Villa’s Pau Torres and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck. There’s also speculation about a potential swap deal between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona involving Joao Felix and Antoine Griezmann, though this is considered highly unlikely given Griezmann’s recent move and high wages at Barcelona. Additionally, Samuel Umtiti could be poised for a return to Ligue 1, with his former club Olympique Lyon reportedly interested.

Serie A: Juventus’ Transfer Ambitions and Key Injury Updates

Juventus is actively exploring options to bolster their squad, with reports suggesting a potential swap deal involving Jonathan David and Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani. Jonathan David, who joined Juventus as a free agent, has reportedly struggled to settle and meet expectations, prompting the club to consider cutting their losses. Kolo Muani, who had a productive loan spell in Turin last season, is seen as a familiar and motivated forward who could benefit Juventus’ tactical system. This proposed exchange could be mutually beneficial for both clubs. Juventus is also reportedly in the race to sign Leon Goretzka as a free agent this summer, rivaling Arsenal for the German midfielder’s signature. The opportunity for more playing time could be a factor in Goretzka’s decision, given Juventus’ midfield situation compared to Arsenal’s. Adding to the transfer buzz, Bernardo Silva of Manchester City has been linked with a move to Juventus after his red card incident in the Champions League, with the Italian club reportedly exploring the costs associated with bringing him to Turin.

On the injury front, several Serie A clubs are managing key player absences. For AC Milan, Matteo Gabbia is expected to return in early April from a hernia, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek is sidelined with a head injury, with an expected return in late April. Christian Pulisic is also currently out with a knock. Bologna’s Lewis Ferguson and Genoa’s Patrizio Masini were serving yellow card suspensions, with their expected return on March 22 and March 16 respectively. Santiago Gimenez of Lazio is also nursing an ankle injury, with a projected return date of March 21. These injuries could impact team selections as the Serie A season progresses.

Bundesliga: Bayern’s European Dominance Amidst Goalkeeper Crisis and Notable Transfers

Bayern Munich showcased their formidable strength in the UEFA Champions League, routing Atalanta 4-1 in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie, securing a dominant 10-2 aggregate victory. Harry Kane was instrumental, scoring two goals to reach his half-century in the Champions League and take his season tally to 47. Despite this impressive victory, Bayern has been grappling with a significant goalkeeper crisis. Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich were both injured, with Ulreich suffering a torn muscle fiber in his right adductor during a recent 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen. However, Jonas Urbig made a timely return from a concussion, allowing him to start against Atalanta and alleviate fears of a 16-year-old having to step in. Adding to their squad challenges, Nicolas Jackson received a two-match suspension following a red card in the same Leverkusen match.

In confirmed transfer news, Borussia Mönchengladbach has activated the purchase option for Swedish attacker Hugo Bolin, securing his services permanently until June 2030. Bolin, 22, has integrated well since his loan move from Malmö FF in January, featuring in six Bundesliga games and providing an assist. Another significant move sees Rocco Reitz departing Gladbach to join RB Leipzig for the 2026/27 season. Leipzig is reportedly paying a transfer fee of €20 million, which could increase to €23 million with bonuses, with Reitz signing a contract until 2031. This early agreement is seen as beneficial for both clubs’ planning. Meanwhile, a sensational return could be on the cards for Jadon Sancho, with Borussia Dortmund reportedly exploring a third stint for the winger. Sancho’s Manchester United contract is expiring, and Dortmund is optimistic about luring him back, provided he accepts a significant reduction in his £300,000-a-week wages. This move could offer Sancho a chance to revive his career in familiar surroundings after a challenging period since leaving Germany. In a notable controversy, Schalke 04 is formally appealing the two-match ban handed to Edin Džeko for “violent play” against Hannover 96, arguing that the punishment is too harsh.