Month: August 2020

7Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Arsenal ready major double-announcement as Liverpool see bid rejected

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal FC looks on during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between Arsenal FC and Olympiacos FC at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. Arsenal are close to agreeing a new contract with captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who looks set to sign a three-year deal on wages worth £250,000 a week.  But that, combined with the move for Chelsea’s Willian, has triggered something of an uprising at the club following the announcement of 55 enforced redundancies. Manchester United continue to search for a breakthrough in their talks with Borussia Dortmund over Jadon Sancho, with the departure of Alexis Sanchez a significant step towards luring the England international back to the Premier League.  United ...

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7Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

UCL

Cristiano Ronaldo trains with Juventus teammates ahead of Champions League clash with Lyon

Juventus' Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (R) plays a ball with a teammate during a training session at the Juventus stadium in Turin on August 6, 2020 on the eve of the UEFA Champions League football match Juventus vs Olympique Lyonnais, played behind closed doors due to the spread of the COVID-19 infection, caused by the novel coronavirus. Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri dismissed talk that his future would depend on the result of Friday's Champions League last 16, second leg match against Lyon in Turin. Juve trail the Ligue 1 side following their 1-0 defeat in France six months ago before the coronavirus lockdown. "I don't think my future is riding on this game," said Sarri as Juventus look to keep their hopes of a first European title since 1996 on track. "Thinking this ...

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7Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

UCL

Zidane: Hazard fit and ready for City Showdown

Eden Hazard of Real Madrid controls the ball during the Liga match between Real Madrid CF and RC Celta de Vigo at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 16, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. Zinedine Zidane has confirmed Eden Hazard is fit and ready to play against City in Friday night’s Champions League last-16 second-leg encounter at the Etihad.  Hazard has been restricted to 21 appearances this term after suffering two ankle injuries during the campaign and has managed just one goal. It’s been a frustrating debut season in La Liga for the former Chelsea player, who before departing these shores was considered one of the Premier League’s finest attacking players.  But Zidane says he is fit and full of confidence ahead of the showdown at the Etihad, a game which will see Real atte...

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7Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea face further Kai Havertz transfer delay after Rangers clash

Leverkusen's German midfielder Kai Havertz waves on the pitch during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 football match Bayer 04 Leverkusen v Glasgow Rangers at the Bay Arena stadium on August 6, 2020 in Leverkusen, western Germany. Chelsea may have to wait a little longer to seal the transfer of Kai Havertz after Bayer Leverkusen’s progress into the Europa League quarter-final. The Blues have moved quickly in the transfer market, already sealing the signings of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, while their business is unlikely to end there. Havertz is next on their priority list after a sensational season for Leverkusen in which he registered 12 Bundesliga goals and six assists. The Germany international is reportedly keen on the move, but the two clubs are yet to come to an agreemen...

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7Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Europa League roundup: Wolves storm into first quarters in 48 years

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Raul Jimenez celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 second leg match at the Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton. Thursday August 6, 2020. Wolves reached their first European quarter-finals in 48 years on Thursday while Sevilla, Bayer Leverkusen and Basel enjoyed far more comfortable victories in the matches that brought the Europa League round of 16 to a belated close. Raul Jimenez scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the ninth minute and Wolves survived a series of scares to edge Olympiakos 1-0 at Molineux for a 2-1 aggregate win in a tie that began in Athens on March 13.  Leverkusen beat visiting Rangers 1-0 to win 4-1 on aggregate while Basel beat Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0 for a 4-0 aggregate...

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6Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Man Utd willing to loan out Chong

Tahith Chong of Manchester United in action during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 second leg match between Manchester United and LASK at Old Trafford on August 05, 2020 in Manchester, England. Manchester United are open to allowing Tahith Chong out on loan amid reported interest from Werder Bremen. Chong came off the bench in Wednesday's 2-1 Europa League win over LASK Linz , his first appearance since the Premier League's restart in June. The 20-year-old signed a new contract in March which runs until the summer of 2022. Werder Bremen sporting director Frank Baumann said on Tuesday that the Bundesliga club had potential interest in signing Chong. Bremen, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, are likely to rely on loan signings this summer because of their precariou...

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6Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

US billionaire set to complete Roma takeover

AS Roma Logo viewed in the press conference at the AS Roma Training Centre. U.S. billionaire Dan Friedkin has signed a deal to purchase the Italian Serie A soccer club AS Roma, the club has said. Roma said formal contracts with the Friedkin Group were signed on Wednesday for a transaction valued at €591 million ($702 million). The transaction is anticipated to close by end the month. "We have signed the contracts tonight and, over the coming days, will now work together to complete the formal and legal process that will result in the club changing hands," AS Roma president James Pallotta said in a statement. "Over the last month, Dan and Ryan Friedkin have demonstrated their total commitment to finalizing this deal and taking the club forward in a positive way. I am sure they wil...

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6Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Report: Celtic eye loan move for Manchester City striker

Lukas Nmecha #43 of Manchester City celebrates after scoring a goal with a penalty during Premier League Asia Trophy match between West Ham United and Manchester City at Nanjing Olympic Sports Center on July 17, 2019 in Nanjing, China. Celtic have had a look at taking Manchester City striker Lukas Nmecha on loan this summer, according to a report from the Daily Mail. Neil Lennon continues to work on bolstering his attacking options during this window. That is despite, of course, the Hoops opening their season by scoring five against Hamilton at Parkhead at the weekend. The Daily Mail reports that the Bhoys have monitored Nmecha, who has made a handful of appearances for the Cityzens. It remains to be seen if Celtic confirm their interest in the 21-year-old with a bid. But the Hoo...

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6Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona chief insists talks will be held over target after season has concluded

Josep Maria Bartomeu president of Barcelona during the 2019/2020 UEFA Champions League draw on August 29, 2019 in Monaco, Monaco. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has insisted that the club are still planning on holding talks with Inter over the signing of Lautaro Martinez this summer. The 22-year-old has had a fine season this year with 19 goals and six assists in 46 appearances for the Nerazzurri while he already has nine goals in 17 caps for Argentina. In turn, it looks as though he has a big future ahead of him for club and country, and so time will tell where that futures lies at club level. As noted by Sport, the Argentine international has been linked with a move to Barcelona, and now Bartomeu has offered an update on their desire and plans to potentially sign him ...

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6Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Premier League to issue clubs with update on procedures for fans’ October return

Raindrops are seen on a Premier League logo. The Premier League is still hopeful of getting fans back into stadiums by October. This is despite recent attempts to allow spectators into other sporting events such as the World Snooker Championships and Goodwood being abandoned. There are still fears of another wave of coronavirus and this has put back those efforts that had been planned. Work is ongoing using Test and Trace procedures to keep a hold on the risk of allowing fans back into Premier League matches and “clinical passports” for supporters are being put forward as a possible solution. The 20 Premier League must also decide whether to continue with five substitutes instead of three for the 2020-21 campaign. It would take the agreement of 14 of the 20 clubs to keep th...

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6Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

UCL

Real Madrid’s Bale won’t face Man City

Gareth Bale of Real Madrid looks on during the Liga match between CA Osasuna and Real Madrid CF at El Sadar Stadium on February 09, 2020 in Pamplona, Spain. Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has been left out of their 24-man Champions League squad for Friday’s last-16 tie at Manchester City, casting doubt on his future at the club. Bale, 31, last played for Real in June when they beat Mallorca 2-0 and did not feature in their final seven league matches as they pipped Barcelona to the La Liga title while he watched on from the bench. Bale, who has scored over 100 goals for the Spanish side since his record-breaking move in 2013, has endured his worst season at the club with only three goals in all competitions. The Welshman has a contract until 2022 and was set to make a lucrative m...

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6Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Teden Mengi sets himself challenge after Manchester United debut

Manchester United's Teden Mengi during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 second leg match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Wednesday August 5, 2020. Manchester United youngster Teden Mengi is hungry for more minutes in the first team after making his debut for the club in the win against LASK at Old Trafford. Mengi, 18, has captained United's U18 side this season and was included in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad for the Europa League knockout rounds. The youngster was an unused substitute during the 5-0 rout in Austria and was once again named on the bench despite supporters calling for him to start the second leg at home. Mengi replaced Timothy Fosu-Mensah six minutes from time for his senior debut and the defender revealed he was delighted to repay Solskjaer's faith in him. "It'...

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5Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Fulham join Fraser race

Ryan Fraser of Bournemouth AFC controls the ball during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Bournemouth AFC and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on January 27, 2020 in Bournemouth, England. Fulham have joined the race to sign Scottish international winger Ryan Fraser on a free transfer after he opted to leave Bournemouth earlier this summer. The Whites are eager to bolster their attacking options as they prepare for a Premier League return and see the 26 year-old winger as an appealing low-cost option with considerable top flight experience. Fraser, who refused to sign a short-term contract with the Cherries ending a seven year spell at Dean Court, had been hoping to attract interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, but an offer from either north London outfit has not materialise...

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5Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Shakhtar, Copenhagen advance as Europa League returns

Manor Solomon of Shakhtar Donetsk celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 second leg match between Shakhtar Donetsk and VfL Wolfsburg at Metalist Stadium on August 5, 2020 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Shakhtar Donetsk and Copenhagen reached the Europa League quarterfinals Wednesday as continental soccer returned amid the coronavirus pandemic. Shakhtar, the 2009 Europa League winner, won 3-0 in the second leg against Wolfsburg to complete a 5-1 victory on aggregate, five months after the first leg was played. Copenhagen reached the quarterfinals of a European competition for the first time after overturning a 1-0 deficit from the first leg against Istanbul Basaksehir to win 3-1 on aggregate. Shakhtar and Copenhagen are the first teams to book...

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5Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Man City sign Bournemouth’s Ake for £40m

Nathan Ake of AFC Bournemouth celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Aston Villa at Vitality Stadium on February 01, 2020 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. Manchester City have completed the signing of Bournemouth centre-back Nathan Ake in a £40m deal. Netherlands international Ake, who has signed a five-year contract at Etihad Stadium, described joining Pep Guardiola's side as a "dream". "Pep is a manager admired across the world, what he's done in the game speaks for itself," said Ake. "The success he's had is unbelievable and the style of football he plays really appeals to me." It is understood there is an additional £1m in add-ons as part of the deal. Ake becomes the second summer signing for Pep Guardi...

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5Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Neymar: I’m living my best moment with PSG

Paris Saint Germain's forward Neymar Jr during Paris Saint Germain training session at Camp des Loges on August 17, 2019 in Paris, France. Neymar believes he is enjoying his best form since joining Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain. After arriving from Barcelona in a world-record €222 million transfer in 2017, Neymar has won nine titles and scored 74 goals in 85 appearances across all competitions. Neymar – who has repeatedly been linked with a return to La Liga giants Barca – has already celebrated Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue and Trophee des Champions success in 2019-20 as PSG eye Champions League success this term. "These three years came with a lot of knowledge. I've lived times of joy and some complicated ones, especially when I was unable to play due to i...

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5Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Fulham wins the £135 million football game and promotion to English Premier League

Scott Parker manager of Fulham, Joe Bryan and Bobby Decordova-Reid of Fulham celebrate with the trophy after the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Final match between Brentford and Fulham at Wembley Stadium on August 04, 2020 in London, England. Fulham secured an instant return to the Premier League on Tuesday by beating west London rival Brentford 2-1 in the Championship play-off final. Joe Bryan scored twice in extra time at Wembley to give Fulham the win in what is widely called the most lucrative game in football. Fulham will receive at least £135 million (Dh647m) over three years after securing promotion, a year after being relegated from the world’s richest football league. Fulham owner Shahid Khan failed in a bid to buy Wembley a year ago, and his team had to celebrate in an e...

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5Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Manchester United wonderkid completes Lille free transfer

Angel Gomes of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Norwich City at Old Trafford on January 11, 2020 in Manchester, United Kingdom. Angel Gomes has officially ended his time at Manchester United, joining Lille on a free transfer, with the Ligue 1 outfit loaning him to Boavista for the 2020/21 season. As reported by The Sun, Angel Gomes has completed his move away from Manchester United, whom he left last month.  The English wonderkid has completed a free transfer to LOSC Lille, with the Ligue 1 outfit immediately loaning him out to Portuguese club Boavista for the 2020/21 season. Angel Gomes joined Manchester United as a six-year-old. He subsequently made rapid progress in the youth setup at the English club, impressing at every age...

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4Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Bundesliga awaits approval for fans’ return

The Bundesliga logo is seen during the Bundesliga match between Fortuna Düsseldorf and Hertha BSC at Merkur Spiel-Arena on February 28, 2020 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Germany's first and second division football clubs on Tuesday said they were prepared to allow some fans back into stadiums next season if the country's political authorities give the green light later this month. German Football League (DFL) CEO Christian Seifert said the possibility of fans in stadiums depended solely on political leaders giving the go ahead amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "If and when fans will return to the stadiums is not a decision for the DFL but for the political leaders," Seifert told a news conference. "The DFL does not expect or demand anything but we are preparing to take this small step [with...

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4Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Rangers sign Roofe from Anderlecht

Anderlecht's Kemar Roofe celebrates after scoring during a soccer match between Standard de Liege and RSC Anderlecht, Sunday 15 December 2019 in Liege, on day 19 of the 'Jupiler Pro League' Belgian soccer championship season 2019-2020. Rangers have signed former Leeds United striker Kemar Roofe from Anderlecht. The 27-year-old has agreed a four-year contract, with the Ibrox club paying an undisclosed fee. Roofe scored seven times in 16 appearances in an injury-interrupted campaign at the Brussels club. "Rangers are a huge club, with ambition and I know this is the right fit for me to progress my career," he told the club website. Manager Steven Gerrard was keen to bolster his attacking options with speculation rife over the future of Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe on the si...

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