October 2023 – Page 4 – Football Flame

Month: October 2023

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Tottenham transfers: Postecoglou has ‘firm intention’ of signing electric forward in €40million January deal

 Jonathan David of Lille OSC celebrates after scoring his team's 1st goal l during the Ligue 1 match between Lille OSC and RC Strasbourg at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on February 12, 2023 in Lille, France.Tottenham have reportedly stepped up their efforts to sign Canada international striker Jonathan David from Lille in the January transfer window.The 23-year-old has been a key player for the Ligue 1 club, making his name as a reliable goalscorer having moved to France from Gent in the summer of 2020 for a reported fee of around €30millionSo far this season, the striker has scored four times and added an assist in 12 games across all competitions, having notched 26 times in total last term.Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side have made an unexpectedly excellent star to the campaign, winning six...
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Bayern Munich eyeing to steal €85 million-rated Barcelona midfield target

 Florian Wirtz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen passes the ball during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Leg One match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Ferencvarosi TC at the BayArena on March 9, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany .Always on the alert for the highest quality players who can further strengthen their squad, FC Barcelona are currently monitoring several players with an eye on incorporating them once the opportunity arises.As already reported here, one of these players who has piqued Barcelona’s interest is Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, who has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in the last few years and is having a wonderful start to the current season under Xabi Alonso.Bayern Munich interested in WirtzHe has returned from his knee injury in flying colors, and all the big...
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SERIE A

Victor Osimhen’s brother-in-law accuses Napoli star of involvement in sister’s alleged abduction

 Victor Osimhen Centre-Forward of Napoli and Nigeria during the UEFA Champions League match between SCC Napoli and Real Madrid at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 3, 2023 in Naples, Italy. A startling accusation has surfaced in Nigeria, as Napoli striker Victor Osimhen faces abduction claims from his brother-in-law, Osita Okolo.Okolo alleges that Osimhen orchestrated the ‘abduction’ of his own sister by Nigeria’s security service over a disputed court case related to the player’s 2020 transfer from Lille to Napoli.The discord between the two men originated from unresolved financial disputes linked to Osimhen’s transfer. Okolo asserts that Osimhen owes him a substantial sum exceeding $400,000 in commissions.Recent events have intensified this already strained relationship....
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SERIE A

Lazio Talisman Regrets Turning Down Saudi Approaches This Summer

 Ciro Immobile of SS Lazio in action during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and SS Lazio at Celtic Park Stadium on October 04, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. Immobile was among a host of Serie A stars approached by the wealthy Saudi Arabian clubs in the summer. But unlike his former Lazio colleague Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, the 33-year-old frontman stayed immune to lucrative offers from the Middle East. Less than three months into the new campaign, he has seemingly regretted such a decision.“I decided to reject Saudi Arabia for the Champions League and the national team. However, this is a solution that I had considered,” the Lazio captain said, as relayed by Calciomercato. “Not everyone appreciated the gesture – this hurts me.” He also opened the door to leavin...
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LALIGA

Paul Scholes: Jude Bellingham is better than anything we’ve seen

 Jude Bellingham central midfield of Real Madrid and England controls the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and CA Osasuna at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 7, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has heaped praise on Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, claiming that the 20-year-old is “better than anything we’ve seen” in football.Scholes, who won 11 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies with United, spoke to TNT Sports about Bellingham’s remarkable rise from Birmingham City to Real Madrid via Borussia Dortmund.He said: “I think Jude Bellingham for his age and what he’s accomplished so far in his short career, is better than anything we’ve seen. He started at Birmingham and then decided to go to ...
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NEWS

Euro 2024 qualifiers | Belgium, France, Portugal become first teams to qualify

 Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the EURO Qualifier match between Portugal v Slovakia at the Estadio Do Dragao on October 13, 2023 in Porto Portugal.Kylian Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo both scored twice to help France and Portugal secure a spot at next year's European Championship with a perfect record in qualifying, with Belgium also clinching a berth in Germany on Friday.The three European powerhouses all needed a win to qualify for the tournament and their star strikers made sure they got them.Mbappé's two goals — including a long-range strike for the second — helped secure a 2-1 win over the Netherlands in Amsterdam for a perfect sixth win in Group B.Mbappé opened the scoring in just the seventh minute when he beat Lutsharel Geertruida to a cross from the right by Jonathan Cl...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Newcastle United announce Dan Burn contract extension

 Newcastle United's English defender #33 Dan Burn (R) celebrates scoring the team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group F football match between Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on October 4, 2023. Newcastle United have announced that defender Dan Burn has extended his contract until 2025.The 31-year-old, born in Blyth, has established himself as a first-team regular under manager Eddie Howe since joining the club from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2020.Burn has made a total of 70 appearances for the Magpies across all competitions and he featured in all 38 Premier League games last season as Howe's side finished fourth to qualify for the Champions League.The 6ft 7in defender has cemented ...
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Messi plays one half in Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win vs Paraguay

 Lionel Messi of Argentina kicsk the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Paraguay at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on October 12, 2023 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Lionel Messi hit a post twice after he came off the bench but struggled to deliver a strong performance following his return from injury. Still, Argentina beat Paraguay 1-0 in a South American World Cup qualifying match.But Argentina's biggest South American rival left the pitch to some jeers at Cuiabá, Brazil after the home side and Venezuela drew 1-1. The result put pressure on new Brazil coach Fernando Diniz and kept Argentina as the sole leaders of the round-robin competition with their third victory in three matches.The next World Cup in the United States, Mex...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Andrew Robertson to return to Liverpool after shoulder injury

 Andrew Robertson of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on August 27, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Scotland international Andrew Robertson is set to return to Liverpool after he sustained an injury in Thursday's 2-0 defeat to Spain.After winning their opening five Euro 2024 qualifying games, Scotland knew that a point in their away meeting with Spain would secure their place at next summer's tournament.Scotland's hopes of a positive result were dealt a blow in the 44th minute when their captain was forced off due to an injury issue.Despite receiving a setback, Scotland thought they had taken the lead through Scott McTominay, who whipped a free-kick in at the far-post from a tight angle.However, the...
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LALIGA

Joao Felix set for massive pay rise at Barcelona

 Joao Felix juggles the ball as he is unveiled as new FC Barcelona player at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on September 02, 2023 in Sant Joan Despi, Spain.Joao Felix is reportedly set for a pay rise at Barcelona just days after vice president Eduard Romeu confirmed how much the Portugal international is being paid this season.Felix has already admitted that he’s taken a significant pay cut in order to swap Atletico for Barcelona and Romeu has offered up some numbers.“João Félix earns 400,000 euros. This is the case of a person who makes a very important bet. It’s very nice to hear this from a guy who probably wasn’t in the best condition at his club and here he has a magnificent showcase.“Let’s also not fool ourselves, the club that loans him to us has an interest in this being a great...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Newcastle pocket healthy cash boost as Champions League earnings emerge after PSG win

 Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, applauds fans following the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Manchester, England.Newcastle United have earned a significant financial boost as a result of their flying start in the Champions League group stages. The Magpies are yet to lose despite being placed in arguably the hardest group of them all, with a goalless draw at AC Milan being followed up by a famous 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain.Newcastle secured a payout of around £13million just for achieving Champions League qualification last season, with the Magpies returning to the Premier League's top four for the first time in over two decades. They have since managed to secure plenty of extra income thanks to the...
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SERIE A

Antonio Conte rejected massive offer from Napoli

 Antonio Conte, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, looks dejected after the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg two match between Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 08, 2023 in London, England.Antonio Conte rejected a massive offer from Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis, before posting a social media message about the Partenopei job.In his Instagram post, Conte clarified that he intends to spend time with his family. Il Mattino today state that it is indeed the case and Conte’s rejection came as a surprise to De Laurentiis and if he knew about the rejection, he wouldn’t have gone as far to potentially sack Rudi Garcia.Yesterday afternoon, Conte had a meeting with De Laurentiis and he underlined his desire to stay with his family and live with them as he...
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NEWS

Lionel Messi might not play FIFA World Cup qualifier vs Paraguay due to muscle injury: Coach Scaloni

 Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF looks on against the FC Cincinnati during the second half at DRV PNK Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Lionel Messi is again a doubtful starter for Argentina in the next World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay.The Argentina captain scored in the opening 1-0 win over Ecuador but skipped the 3-0 win at Bolivia last month because of muscular pains that have also sidelined him from several matches for Inter Miami in the MLS.Lionel Messi is again a doubtful starter for Argentina in the next World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay.The World Cup champions are due to host Paraguay on Thursday in Buenos Aires.Vinicius Jr missed Brazil’s first two games in South American qualifying but is back in the starting lineup after recover...
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LALIGA

Kounde’s injury is a real headache for Xavi and Barca

 Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona reacts during the Semi Final Leg One - Copa Del Rey match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 2, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.It’s self-evident that one player doesn’t make a team, but when that player is one of your most important then there are obvious reasons why their absence might be to the detriment of all concerned.Barcelona certainly haven’t done too well on the injury front lately.Pedri has been missing for an age and once Frenkie de Jong was confirmed as another absentee for an extended period, it really was another kick in the teeth for Xavi.Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal’s troubles are also regrettable, but it’s perhaps the loss of Jules Kounde that might be the most keenly felt by the blaugranes.The...
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Barcelona set their sights on free transfer for Camp Nou return

 Liverpool player Thiago Alcantara in action during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Liverpool FC at Elland Road on April 17, 2023 in Leeds, England. Barcelona are still in the hunt for Thiago Alcantara, Sport are today reporting.The club continue to walk a financial knife edge, meaning that their reliance on free transfers is likely to continue, and despite his injury problems, there will be few talents as bright as Thiago on the market next summer.Sport say that the Blaugrana would love to sign Joshua Kimmich to play in central midfield, but know that’s something of a pipe dream in their current financial state.So instead they are focused on a product of their own academy who they never really got to enjoy in action. Thiago’s time at Liverpool has been brillian...
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LALIGA

Sevilla name former Uruguay coach Alonso as manager

 Diego Alonso coach of Uruguay celebrates qualifying after winning a match between Uruguay and Peru as part of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers at Centenario Stadium on March 24, 2022 in Montevideo, Uruguay. (Sevilla have appointed former Uruguay coach Diego Alonso as their manager until the end of the season, the LaLiga club announced on Tuesday.The 48-year-old, who quit the Uruguay job after failing to get the team past the group stage at last year's Qatar World Cup, replaces Jose Luis Mendilibar, who was sacked on Sunday.Mendilibar helped Sevilla climb out of the relegation zone last season and win the Europa League final against AS Roma but they have struggled this term and are a lowly 14th in LaLiga."Sevilla FC and Diego Alonso have reached an agreement for the Uruguayan to b...
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NEWS

Ex-Chelsea, Real Madrid winger, Eden Hazard announces retirement from football

 Eden Hazard of Real Madrid looks on during the spanish league, La Liga Santander, football match played between Cadiz CF and Real Madrid at Nuevo Mirandilla stadium April 15, 2023, in Cadiz, Spain. Eden Hazard, who won the Premier League twice during his time at Chelsea, revealed his retirement from football on social media on Tuesday; “You must listen to yourself and stay stop at the right time,” he wroteFormer Chelsea and Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from football at the age of 32.“After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.“I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world.“During my career, I was lucky to meet great managers, coaches and...
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Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle keeping tabs on €50 million attacker

 07 Ousmane Dembele of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona v Getafe CF at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on January 22nd, 2023.French international winger Ousmane Dembele has been linked with a move away from Paris Saint-Germain.A report via Fichajes claims that three Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on his situation and they could look to make a move in January.The 26-year-old has been quite underwhelming since joining the French club for €50 million, and he has contributed to just two assists in nine appearances across all competitions.Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing him and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done. The Gunners have had to overuse the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli becau...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Aston Villa appoint Johan Lange replacement as Tottenham move confirmed

 Johan Lange Sporting Director of Aston Villa pictured during an Aston Villa Press Conference at Villa Park on November 04, 2022 in Birmingham, England.Aston Villa have confirmed the departure of director of global development Johan Lange to Tottenham Hotspur.The club have confirmed that the youth development and international academies will come under the leadership of Monchi, who is president of football operations. Lange has completed a move to Tottenham, where he becomes technical director.Matthew Kidson will take over from Lange as the club director of global development. Kidson was formerly the director of sport for the successful 2022 Commonwealth Games, which took place in Birmingham.In a statement, Villa also confirmed that Mark Harrison will continue in his current role in t...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Newcastle United star facing imminent suspension after West Ham United incident

 Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United speaks to manager Eddie Howe during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on October 8, 2023 in London, England. Bruno Guimaraes is the latest Newcastle United player to be walking a disciplinary tightrope.During the Magpies’ 2-2 draw at West Ham United on Sunday afternoon, the Brazilian picked up his fourth yellow card of the campaign for a foul on Emerson Palmieri in the 17th minute.Prior to the game, Guimaraes had picked up cautions against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Brentford. As per Premier League rules, five bookings before matchday 20 results in an automatic one-match ban.The Magpies host Crystal Palace at St James’ Park with the 25-year-old running the risk of missing the next gam...
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