Ozil leaves Fenerbahce to join Basaksehir

13Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Ozil leaves Fenerbahce to join Basaksehir

Mesut Ozil of Fenerbahce during the Turkish Super League football match between Fenerbahce and Konyaspor at Sukru Saracoglu Ulker Stadium on March 20, 2022 in Istanbul, Turkey.Mesut Ozil has left Fenerbahce after his contract was terminated by mutual consent — and swiftly joined Turkish Super Lig rivals Istanbul Basaksehir. The Athletic understands that the former Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder, 33, will sign a one-year deal with the option of a further year at Basaksehir later tonight. While his contract has been terminated, it is thought that Fenerbahce will still pay him until 2025 and his signing ceremony for his new club will happen tomorrow. Basaksehir, who finished fourth last season — eight points behind second-placed Fenerbahce — teased Ozil's arrival on Twitter. Ozi...

13Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Koulibaly set for Chelsea medical after Napoli agreement reached

Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli and Kalidou Koulibaly of SSC Napoli hug each other during the Serie A match between UC Sampdoria and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on September 23, 2021 in Genoa, Italy.Chelsea have reached a full agreement with Napoli to sign Kalidou Koulibaly. The 31-year-old Senegal centre-back will travel this evening to the United States, where Chelsea are on a pre-season tour, before undergoing a medical on Thursday. He is then set to sign a contract until 2026. Koulibaly had 12 months remaining on his terms at the Italian club, who are believed to have accepted a proposal of €40m from their English counterparts. Koulibaly made 27 Serie A appearances last season for a Napoli side that finished third in the table. Chelsea are seeking to bolster their back line a...

13Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Tottenham signings Yves Bissouma and Fraser Forster test positive for Covid

Bryan Gil and Yves Bissouma of Tottenham Hotspur during the Tottenham Hotspur training session at Seoul World Cup Stadium on July 11, 2022 in Seoul, South Korea.New Tottenham signings Yves Bissouma and Fraser Forster are isolating in South Korea after testing positive for Covid. Bissouma, signed from Brighton last month for £26million, and Foster, signed on a free from Southampton, missed the opening game of the Spurs goodwill tour. 'We had a problem with Covid,' said Spurs boss Antonio Conte in his post-match press conference. 'The test was positive with Bissouma and Forster. And for this reason they weren't here with us.' Also absent was Ivan Perisic who was injured at the end of last season and not yet up to speed but Conte expects him to join...

13Jul

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Samuel Umtiti’s agent denies defender failed Rennes medical

Samuel Umtiti in action during the FC Barcelona training session at Camp Nou Stadium on January 3, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. The agent of Barcelona's Samuel Umtiti has denied that the centre-back has failed a medical with Rennes. The France World Cup winner has largely had his Camp Nou career derailed by injuries and Barca have been keen to sell him in the last few transfer windows. Reports in Spain initially stated that Umtiti was on the verge of returning to his homeland with Rennes, but Mundo Deportivo claimed that he had failed a medical with the Ligue 1 side. However, Umtiti's agent, Arturo Canales, contacted the Catalan outlet to inform them that this story was false. Umtiti later wrote in a social media post: "When the lie takes the elevator, the truth takes...

13Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Leeds’ Junior Firpo out for eight weeks

Junior Firpo of Leeds United lands on Mathias Jensen of Brentford during the Premier League match between Brentford and Leeds United at Brentford Community Stadium on May 22, 2022 in Brentford, United Kingdom.Leeds United defender will miss the start of the Premier League season after being ruled out for eight weeks.Firpo, 25, picked up a knock during Leeds’ 4-0 win over Blackpool last Thursday and was not included in their squad for the pre-season trip to Australia.Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch has now confirmed the extent of Firpo’s injury ahead of their match friendly against Crystal Palace on Friday.“He’s most likely out for eight weeks,” Marsch said on the left-back. “We’re hopeful that it’s a little bit faster because Junior healed really, really quickly last time after the MCL injur...

13Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Newcastle United ready to break club transfer record for 22-year-old La Liga striker

Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad controls the ball during the LaLiga Santander match between Villarreal CF and Real Sociedad at Estadio de la Ceramica on May 15, 2022 in Villarreal, Spain.Newcastle United are reportedly willing to break the bank to sign 22-year-old Swedish striker Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad, who could cost them over £50 million. According to The Telegraph, Real Sociedad star Alexander Isak has emerged as Newcastle United’s new top target this summer as Eddie Howe looks to add firepower to his attack. The Toon chiefs have unanimously agreed that the Swedish striker should be the priority in the transfer window to bolster their striking department, having done extensive scouting work last season. But Newcastle fear they will have to blow the entirety ...

12Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Rooney named head coach of DC United

Derby County manager Wayne Rooney before the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and Derby County at Riverside Stadium on February 12, 2022 in Middlesbrough, England.Former England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney was named on Tuesday as the new head coach of DC United and tasked with reviving the moribund Major League Soccer team. It was a reunion for the 36-year-old British icon, who played for DC United from July 2018 to October 2019, scoring 25 goals in 52 appearances before leaving to serve as a player and coach at England's Derby County. Rooney resigned as coach of Derby County last month after the team's relegation to League One, England's third-tier, opening the door to his MLS return. "Wayne is a soccer legend and one of the most exciting and dy...

12Jul

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Gareth Bale targets Euros 2024 and beyond with long-term Los Angeles FC plan

Forward Gareth Bale (R) holds the Los Angeles Football Club jersey as he poses with LAFC Co-President and General Manager John Thorrington (R) and Larry Berg, LAFC lead managing owner, during a news conference after he was introduced at Banc of California Stadium on July 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.Gareth Bale believes his move into Major League Soccer will help extend his international career to the 2024 European Championships and beyond. Bale was unveiled by Los Angeles FC on Monday having agreed a one-year deal which will help his preparations for Wales’ World Cup finals appearance in Qatar. But Bale, who turns 33 at the end of this week, revealed he has longer-term ambitions with LA and sees no reason why he will not remain Stateside well beyon...

12Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Barcelona reach agreement to sign Raphinha

Leeds United's Raphinha shields the ball from Burnley's Dwight McNeil during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Burnley at Elland Road on January 2, 2022 in Leeds, England.Chelsea will have to focus on alternatives for Raphinha, with Barcelona and Leeds United agreeing to a €75 million deal for the Brazilian winger. According to Ben Jacobs, Raphinha is closing in on completing a move to Barcelona in the summer transfer window, with the Blaugrana reaching an agreement with Leeds United over a €75 million deal. The Brazilian attacker was also a target for Chelsea, who will now need to identify alternatives. Raphinha is ready to embark on a new adventure after guiding Leeds United to safety on the final day of the 2021/22 season. The Whites are...

12Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Former Manchester United winger Nani joins Melbourne Victory on a two-year contract

Portuguese football player Nani poses for a photo during a Melbourne Victory A-League media opportunity at AAMI Park on July 12, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. Former Manchester United forward Nani has joined Melbourne Victory on a two-year contract, the A-League club said on Tuesday.The Portuguese winger had signed an 18-month deal with Serie A side Venezia in January but left by mutual consent last week after making 10 appearances for the relegated club.The 35-year-old spent eight years in England with United, where he won four Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.Nani scored 24 goals in 112 games for Portugal and played at the 2014 World Cup as well as three European Championships, including the 2016 tournament where they beat France in the final.'We're proud to be...

12Jul

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NEWS

England hammer Norway 8-0 to reach Euro 2022 quarter-finals

England's striker Alessia Russo (C) celebrates scoring the team's seventh goal with England's striker Beth Mead (L) during the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 Group A football match between England and Norway at Brighton and Hove Community Stadium in Brighton, Southern England on July 11, 2022. England secured their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2022 in stunning fashion as they hammered Norway 8-0 at the Amex Stadium to record the biggest win in the competition’s history. The tournament hosts scored six times in a rampant first-half display, with Georgia Stanway’s 12th-minute penalty and a finish from Lauren Hemp three minutes later being followed by a brace apiece from Ellen White and Beth Mead. That equalled the most amount of goals scored by one team in a Euros match, and Engla...

11Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

David Beckham reacts to son Romeo scoring 25-yard free-kick for Inter Miami

David Beckham is seen in the Royal Box before Rafael Nadal of Spain plays against Taylor Frirtz of The United States during their Men's Singles Quarter Final match on day ten of The Championships Wimbledon 2022 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 06, 2022 in London, England.David Beckham was left bursting with pride after seeing his son, Romeo, net a 25-yard free-kick for his MLS franchise, Inter Miami II. Beckham senior was one of the most clinical set-piece takers around during his iconic playing career; so much so that free-kicks became the Manchester United hero's trademark. And it appears that Romeo has learnt a thing or two from his old man down the years judging by his stunning strike for Miami's second-string. Romeo looked eerily like his...

11Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Barcelona prospect wanted by La Liga club this summer

Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona challenges Damian Suarez of Getafe CF during the LaLiga Santander match between Getafe CF and FC Barcelona at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on May 15, 2022 in Getafe, Spain.Barcelona prospect Alejandro Balde has reportedly popped up on the radar of La Liga club Getafe over a possible move this summer. According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Alejandro Balde is the subject of interest from Getafe over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The Azulones are closing in on securing the services of the Barcelona prospect ahead of the 2022/23 season. Alejandro Balde spent his formative years with three clubs, with most of his youth career coming with Barcelona. The 18-year-old Barcelona native joined the Blaugrana a...

11Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Man Utd and Arsenal both interested in signing Southampton star

Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton turns with the ball under pressure from James McArthur of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on April 30, 2022 in Southampton, England. Manchester United and Arsenal are both interested in signing Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters. The Premier League rivals are already going head-to-head in their bids to sign Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez this summer having both made offers for the Argentina international. According to The Athletic, both sides also hold an interest in former Tottenham youngster Walker-Peters and have him on their list of targets should they decide to strengthen at right-back. Walker-Peters joined Southampton on a pe...

11Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Southampton keen on Harry Winks and Moussa Dembele

Harry Winks of Tottenham Hotspur during the Tottenham Hotspur training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on May 04, 2022 in Enfield, England. Southampton are keen on a move for Harry Winks, who along with Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele has been left out of Tottenham’s tour to South Korea. Lo Celso could also be in line for a return to Villarreal, where he was on loan last season. Meanwhile, Winks started just nine top-flight matches for Spurs last term as Antonio Conte preferred a midfield pairing of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur in the second half of the campaign. With Tottenham bringing in Yves Bissouma this summer, plus Oliver Skipp returning from injury, Winks is now surplus to requirements, and looks set...

10Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Romelu Lukaku marks Inter Milan return with goal in 10-0 win after Chelsea exit

Romelu Lukaku of FC Internazionale in action during friendly match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Milanese at the club's training ground Suning Training Center on July 09, 2022 in Como, Italy.Romelu Lukaku got off to a dream start back at Inter Milan having found the net in the Serie A giants’ 10-0 win during pre-season. The Chelsea striker made his return back to the Italian giants earlier this summer having penned a season-long loan deal with the club just 12 months after becoming the Blues’ record signing. Having been back with the club for a matter of weeks now, the Belgian has been playing a full part in Inter’s pre-season preparations as they attempt to regain their Serie A crown next term - AC Milan having claimed the title und...

10Jul

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool name pre-season squad ahead of Manchester United fixture

Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool during a pre-season training session at AXA Training Centre on July 07, 2022 in Kirkby, England.Liverpool have included summer signing Darwin Nunez in their 37-man squad ahead of Tuesday's pre-season friendly against Manchester United in Bangkok. Just 24 hours after United arrived in Thailand on Saturday morning, Liverpool arrived in the country on Sunday, greeted to a similar reception to the one Erik ten Hag and his players received the day before. Hundreds of fans and photographers were eager to catch a glimpse of the squad and manager Jurgen Klopp. After facing United in the The Match Bangkok Century Cup at the Rajamangala National Stadium, Liverpool will continue their tour by travelling to Singapore. United, meanwhile, will travel t...

10Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Juventus prepare Zaniolo bid as Roma exit likely

Roma footballer Nicolo Zaniolo during the Roma-Leicester match at the stadio Olimpico. Rome (Italy), May 05th, 2022.Juventus are preparing an offer for Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo who missed Roma’s first summer friendly on Saturday. The Italy starlet is Juventus’ next big target following the signings of Paul Pogba and Angel Di Maria. He missed Roma’s first pre-season friendly yesterday and although the club explained that Zaniolo is dealing with physical issues, today’s edition of Gazzetta quotes the player’s entourage saying that ‘reasons related to the market’ are also behind José Mourinho’s choice. Zaniolo is likely to leave Roma in the summer and according to Gazzetta, he has reached an agreement in principle with Juventus. The Giall...

10Jul

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NEWS

UEFA Women’s Euro 2022: Dutch draw with Sweden

Danielle van de Donk of Netherlands and Jonna Andersson of Sweden during the UEFA Women's Euro England 2022 group C match between Netherlands and Sweden at Bramall Lane on July 9, 2022 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. Netherlands equalised in the second half to draw 1-1 with Sweden in the UEFA Women’s Euros Group C game at Bramall Lane. The clash of two of the tournament favourites was watched by 21,342, a Women’s Euros record for a group stage game that did not involve a host nation. There had been few chances at either end when the Dutch lost goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal to a shoulder injury, as well as Aniek Nouwen. Fridolina Rolfo was close to beating substitute keeper Daphne van Domselaar from distance, with the opener arriving 10 minutes before the break as Kosovare Asll...

10Jul

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NEWS

Steven Gerrard sent transfer demand after Aston Villa breeze past Walsall

Steven Gerrard the manager / head coach of Aston Villa during the pre season friendly between Walsall and Aston Villa at Poundland Bescot Stadium on July 9, 2022 in Walsall, England. Aston Villa once again breezed past near-neighbours Walsall as Leon Bailey, Cameron Archer and Ollie Watkins bagged on a sweltering afternoon at the Bescot Stadium. Steven Gerrard fielded two different outfield line-ups with only Viljami Sinisalo retaining his place in goal for the 90 minutes. With the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Boubacar Kamara, Emi Martinez and Villa’s international stars arriving in Australia early, it was a chance for a few youngsters and those on the periphery to impress. New recruit Diego Carlos made his Villa bow as the £26 million defender partnered skipper Tyrone Mi...