Liverpool complete the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike for an initial £69m, subject to international clearance.

And yet, as football so often proves, rejection can open unexpected doors. Zubimendi’s absence cleared a pathway for Ryan Gravenberch, who, repositioned as a defensive midfielder, grew into one of the season’s standout performers.

Joey Jones, the Welsh soccer hero who won two European Cups with Liverpool and was dubbed “Mr Wrexham”, has died. He was 70. Jones' death was confirmed by the Football Association of Wales and Wrexham on Tuesday.