Philip Otele is set to leave Basel this summer, GMS understands. Basel are prepared to sanction an exit for around €5m.

The 27-year-old Nigerian scored nine goals in all competitions for Basel in the first half of last season before heading on-loan to Hamburg.

Hamburg had an option to buy, but GMS understands Otele decided not to join the Bundesliga side permanently. Part of the reason was a mismatch of styles between player and club, with Otele deciding to explore other options in systems that allow him more attacking freedom.

At Hamburg, he was forced to play as a makeshift left-back during the closing weeks of the campaign as Hamburg battled to pull clear of the relegation picture.

Otele has interest from England

Otele has drawn historical interest from Fulham, but there is no indication of a fresh move. He has also been on the radar of Birmingham City, while GMS understands Derby County have held some talks. There are also suitors from Italy. Lecce have opened formal talks, while Frosinone have made a proposal.

Otele has also been approached by Saudi clubs over the past 12 months and has not shut the door on a move to the Saudi Pro League, whether this summer or in the future.

Otele has been capped five times by Nigeria and is capable of playing as a right or left winger as well as leading the line.

Otele enjoys 15 g/a season

During the 2025-2026 season, Otele managed to bag 15 goals and assists during his time with both Basel and Hamburg.

While at Hamburg, as previously mentioned, Otele was often used as a makeshift left back, making it more difficult for him to contribute as much in the final third.

In the previous campaign before that, Otele bagged 13 goals and assists in just 18 Super League games for Basel. He’s always had a knack for providing a threat in the opposition half.

A departure now looks inevitable for Otele in the coming weeks, with Basel prepared to sanction an exit.

Liverpool could further strengthen their defence and are firmly in the mix to sign one of the Premier League’s most highly-regarded defenders.

The Reds signed young French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in January for £60 million and he officially arrived at Anfield earlier this summer. He has replaced Ibrahima Konate, who joined Real Madrid after his contract expired.

Jacquet is tipped for a bright future at just 20 years of age and looks likely to partner Virgil van Dijk in Andoni Iraola’s defence. But the Merseyside outfit seems intent on adding a more experienced defender to their squad.

Liverpool Eyeing Aston Villa’s Konsa

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Liverpool are reportedly targeting Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and while he isn’t pushing for an exit, he is open to leaving Villa Park. That’s according to CaughtOffside, who claim that Arsenal are also chasing the England defender following an impressive World Cup campaign.

Konsa has been vital for Unai Emery over the years and helped the Villans win the Europa League last season. He appeared 48 times across competitions, putting in many eye-catching performances.

Villa are believed to value Konsa at £60 million, a fee that Mikel Arteta’s champions are unlikely to meet. There’s no word on whether Iraola’s Reds are willing to pay that amount, although they could be enticed by his versatility and experience.

The 28-year-old, dubbed “one of the best defenders in English football”, can play at right-back if required, a role he occasionally took on during the World Cup. He has two years left on his contract but given Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans have left Villa Park, Emery may be eager to keep another of his high-profile stars.

Konsa May Be Ideal For Iraola

David Butler / IMAGN Images via Reuters

Konsa could be an excellent addition to Iraola’s squad and might be a perfect partner for Van Dijk. Liverpool have yet to find success replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold since he left for Madrid last summer.

Bringing the “excellent” Englishman to Anfield could help address that issue, as he can move to right-back while Jacquet partners Van Dijk. Iraola will want plenty of options ahead of his first campaign, which includes competing in the UEFA Champions League.

The main sticking point is Villa’s asking price, as a £60m fee might be beyond what the Reds are willing to pay. They may also have to see off competition from Arsenal, whom he is said to be “interested” in joining.

Cody Rhodes and Brandi Rhodes are a match made in heaven. Despite retiring from wrestling in 2022, Brandi has been heavily involved in WWE for many years. She now co-hosts a podcast entitled “What Do You Wanna Talk About? With Cody Rhodes.” Her segment is entitled “A Shot of Brandi”, where she has had guests such as Chelsea Green, Bayley, and Natalya in recent times.

Cody met Brandi through his father, ex-wrestler Dusty “The American Dream” Rhodes, and both played a large role in launching AEW back in 2019.

Despite having retired from in-ring competition herself, Brandi is still a big figure within the sport, and clearly follows her husband’s career closely.

Cody Rhodes Loses at WWE SummerSlam

Screenshot via Netflix

Last night, Cody was back in action in the ring against CM Punk at SummerSlam. One of the biggest surprises of the night came when Randy Orton showed up during the half-an-hour face-off. The winner being crowned the Undisputed WWE Champion meant that both men were desperate for the win and the savage wrestling that went ahead showed that.

Unfortunately for Cody, Orton was not on his side, and instead pulled off an RKO on the 41-year-old that left him defenceless to Punk’s fifth classic GTS move of the fight.

Brandi Rhodes Not Impressed With SummerSlam Result

Brandi took to X after the fight to share her opinion on the match, and it’s safe to say she made her feelings very clear, writing: “This 💩 again 😒”

Of course, it was highly unlikely that Brandi would enjoy seeing her husband get beaten, but in a way that seemed outside his control and pretty cruel, clearly upset her.

That is wrestling, though. Surprise appearances do happen and everyone knows that. Going into this fight, Punk was already holding the title, so him being defeated would have put an end to his title reign and, despite the fact that many people do get frustrated by Punk and his ego, an appearance by Orton was celebrated by many, no matter what way the result went.

One loss does not, however, diminish the achievements that Cody has had throughout his career. Being a multiple-time world champion across many different events does not come easily and his legacy in the sport is astounding, but as the American has gotten older, many have wanted to see him step aside to give the younger, up-and-coming fighters more of the limelight.

His loyal supporters, including his wife, are still in his corner, though, and were clearly disappointed by last night’s loss. We do not know yet when he will be back in the ring, but we are sure his return will come with a vengeance.