Barcelona to kick off La Liga title defence at Getafe; Athletic Bilbao to host Real Madrid

22Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona to kick off La Liga title defence at Getafe; Athletic Bilbao to host Real Madrid

Xavi Hernandez coach of FC Barcelona celebrates the championship of La Liga 2022/2023 season after the match against Real Sociedad at Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, on May 20th, 2023.Barcelona will begin the defence of their La Liga title away to Getafe on the weekend of August 12-13, while Real Madrid start the new season with a trip to Athletic Bilbao.Atletico Madrid take on newly-promoted Granada in the opening round of fixtures for the 2023-24 season that will finish on May 26.The first Clasico is scheduled for October 29 and will be played at the Olympic stadium on Montjuic, which is serving as Barcelona's temporary home while the Camp Nou is being result.A vast redevelopment plan is expected to be completed by 2026, with Barcelona due to return to their traditional home ...

22Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Midfielder Davies to leave Everton after 13 years

Tom Davies of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on April 3, 2023 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.Everton midfielder Tom Davies will leave the club this summer after rejecting a new deal with the Toffees. Davies came through the academy at Goodison and has scored seven goals in 179 games for his hometown club. However, the 24-year-old, who joined Everton at the age of 11, has made just six Premier League starts across the past two seasons. “We respect his decision and thank him for his service and commitment,” said director of football Kevin Thelwell. “We offered Tom a new contract but he feels he has reached the stage in his career where he needs regular first-team football and, as a result, he wants to look at alternative ...

22Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Arsenal agree £65m deal for Chelsea forward Havertz

Kai Havertz of Chelsea FC scores his team's second goal with a penalty kick during the UEFA Champions League football match Chelsea FC vs Borussia Dortmund on March 07, 2023 at the Stamford Bridge in London, United Kingdom.Arsenal have agreed a deal with Chelsea worth around £65m for Germany international forward Kai Havertz.It is understood the clubs have made an agreement in principle that will allow the player to discuss personal terms and have a medical.The fee for Havertz, who scored nine goals in 47 games for the Blues last season, could rise with add-ons. Havertz, 24, joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for a deal worth about £71m. He also scored the winning goal for Chelsea in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City. Havertz is set to move across Lond...

21Jun

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SERIE A

Llorente agrees personal terms with Roma

The Roma player Diego Llorente during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal second leg match between AS Roma and Feyenoord at the Stadio Olimpico. Rome (Italy), April 20th, 2023.Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has announced that Diego Llorente is set to join Roma in an £8.5m move in the next few days.The 29 year old centre back, only signed a three and a half year contract extension last December, but spent the second half of last season in Italy’s capital, and before long, expressed his desire to make the move permanent. Romano claims Llorente has agreed personal terms at the Stadio Olimpico, and is set to pen a multi-year deal. Leeds will be pleased to get him off their books. The Spanish International (10 caps) has been earning £56,000 a week (or just over £240,000 a move before tax)...

21Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Toni Kroos signs Real Madrid contract extension

Toni Kroos of Real Madrid CF looks on during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on June 04, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.Toni Kroos has signed a contract extension at Real Madrid. The Germany international joined the Spanish club back in 2014 and has gone on to make more than 400 appearances. He has now agreed to a one-year extension, which will see him remain at the Bernabeu until 2024. The Athletic reported in April that Kroos was expected to sign a new deal, with talks beginning in the early months of 2023. Real were open to extending Kroos’ contract until 2025, but he opted for just one further year at the Bernabeu. Kroos is one of the most decorated players in club history having collected 20 trophies. He has won four Champi...

20Jun

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Chelsea sign France striker Nkunku for £52m

Christopher Nkunku of France looks on during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group B match between France and Greece at Stade de France on June 19, 2023 in Saint-Denis, France.Chelsea have signed France striker Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig for £52m. The 25-year-old scored 16 goals in 25 games in the Bundesliga last season. Nkunku, who has won 10 caps for France, is manager Mauricio Pochettino’s first signing since he took charge in May. “I am incredibly happy to be joining Chelsea. A big effort was made to bring me to the club. I am very excited for this challenge and will be proud to wear the Chelsea shirt,” Nkunku said. “Having played in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, I now want to play in the Premier League, one of the strongest leagues in the world. “I am looking forward t...

19Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Nigeria, Cape Verde and Mali qualify for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire

A brace by in-form striker Victor Osimhen helped the Super Eagles to the important awa victory that helped the Super Eagles to win the match and secure their qualification for the tournament to be played in Cote d’Ivoire Nigeria dominated the early exchanges and in the 19th minute, Osimhen lobbed the ball past Sierra Leone goalkeeper Ibrahim Sessay, igniting jubilation among the Super Eagles contingent. Just three minutes later, Samuel Chukwueze came close to extending the lead, but his shot veered off target. With a well-executed assist from Ahmed Musa, Osimhen capitalized on the defense’s neglect and unleashed a magnificent left-footed strike, further cementing the Super Eagles’ advantage. Osimhen’s brace also propelled him to the top of the scorer rankings with seven goals, surpas...

19Jun

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NEWS

Spain win Nations League final on penalties

Coach Luis de la Fuente of Spain, Kepa Arrizabalaga of Spain, Dani Carvajal of Spain, Robin Le Normand of Spain, Nacho of Spain, Martin Zubimendi of Spain, Mikel Merino of Spain, Alvaro Morata of Spain, Fabian Ruiz of Spain, Gavi of Spain, Marco Asensio of Spain, Sergio Canales of Spain, Ansu Fati of Spain, David Raya of Spain, Aymeric Laporte of Spain, Yeremy Pino of Spain, Rodri of Spain, Fran Garcia of Spain, Jordi Alba of Spain, Rodrigo of Spain, Joselu of Spain, Dani Olmo of Spain, Jesus Navas of Spain and Unai Simon of Spain celebrate their victory during the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 Final match between Croatia and Spain at the De Kuip on June 18, 2023 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Croatia missed out on their first international trophy after losing on penalties to Spain in the ...

18Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Italy third in Nations League after 3-2 win over Dutch

Federico Dimarco of Italy celebrates with team-mates after scoring the goal during the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 third-place match between Netherlands and Italy at FC Twente Stadium on June 18, 2023 in Enschede, Netherlands.Italy have claimed the consolation bronze medals at the Nations League finals, and added to a disappointing week for their Dutch hosts , as they edged the Dutch 3-2 in the third place play-off at the Twente Stadium. Federico Dimarco thrashed the ball home at the far post in the sixth minute and Davide Frattesi doubled the score from in front of goal in the 20th minute to give Italy a comfortable halftime lead in Sunday’s clash. But the Dutch launched a concerted second half comeback, making three attacking changes at the break and laying siege to Italy’s goal be...

18Jun

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NEWS

Wales defender Davies to miss Turkey qualifier

Ben Davies of Wales during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group D match between Wales and Armenia at Cardiff City Stadium on June 16, 2023 in Cardiff, Wales.Wales defender Ben Davies has withdrawn from the squad for their Euro 2024 qualification match against Turkey due to the birth of his first child. Striker Kieffer Moore is unavailable after his red card against Armenia on Friday, while goalkeeper Tom King has also not travelled to Samsun. Rob Page’s side are looking to bounce back after a humiliating 4-2 home defeat by Armenia on Tuesday. Turkey are top of Group D with Wales two points behind in third. Losing two key players was not part of Page’s script as he attempts to get Wales back on track against Turkey on Monday. Defeat by Armenia on Friday ranks as one of the worst ...

18Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Al Hilal agree fee with Wolves for Ruben Neves

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers at City Ground on January 11, 2023 in Nottingham, England.Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal have agreed a €55million (£47m) fee with Wolverhampton Wanderers for the signing of Ruben Neves. The Midlands side are eager to conclude a deal swiftly that would see the Portugal international leave England for the Saudi Pro League. Neves, who has one year left on his Wolves contract, is in negotiations with Al Hilal over personal terms and a move is expected to go through. The Athletic reported last month that senior figures at Barcelona wanted to sign Neves. The La Liga club discussed signing him last summer but were unable to find the funds and are having the same...

18Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Uncategorized

Lukaku rescues point for Belgium against Austria

Romelu Lukaku of Belgium celebrates his goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group F match between Belgium and Austria at King Baudouin Stadium on June 17, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium.Romelu Lukaku scored a second-half equaliser as Belgium salvaged a draw against Austria in Euro 2024 qualifying in Brussels. The Chelsea forward received the ball with his back to goal before turning and evading the Austrian defence to fire past Alexander Schlager. Michael Gregoritsch had given Austria the lead as his first-time effort was deflected past Thibaut Courtois. The visitors remain top of Group F, while Belgium stay second. Lukaku’s goal was one of two attempts on targets by the hosts, who were without Kevin de Bruyne after he suffered a hamstring injury during Manchester City’s victo...

17Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Euro 2024 qualifiers roundup: France maintains perfect record by beating Gibraltar

Kylian Mbappé of France celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group B match between Gibraltar and France at Estadio Algarve on June 16, 2023 in Faro near Faro, Portugal.France maintained their perfect record in Group B of the European Championship qualifying with a resounding 3-0 triumph over Gibraltar, courtesy of goals from Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe. Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe scored for France in their 3-0 victory over Gibraltar in European Championship qualifying. Giroud netted after only three minutes but a penalty from Mbappe just before half-time was the only other chance that the World Cup finalists converted before a late own goal from Aymen Mouelhi as France maintained their 100 per cent record in Group B. In ...

16Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Smalling signs new contract with Roma

Chris Smalling of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Spezia Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on June 04, 2023 in Rome, Italy. Former England defender Chris Smalling has signed a new two-year contract with Italian side Roma. The 33-year-old joined the Serie A club on a season-long loan from Manchester United in 2019 before he made the switch permanent in 2020. Smalling’s previous deal at the Stadio Olimpico was set to expire next month. “I’m playing the best football of my career here and my family and I have felt so welcome in this wonderful city from day one,” he told Roma’s website. “What’s more, this club is clearly taking great strides forward in all areas. Choosing to remain at Roma was an easy decision to make.” Smalling, who has been capped 31 times by Eng...

16Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Joselu’s late winner against Italy sends Spain into Nations League final

Spain players celebrate at full-time after the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 semifinal match between Spain and Italy at FC Twente Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Enschede, Netherlands.Substitute Joselu scored a fortunate winner three minutes from the end as Spain booked their place in a second successive Nations League final with a deserved 2-1 victory over Italy on Thursday. Coach Luis de la Fuente’s side will meet Croatia in Sunday’s decider in Rotterdam having lost to France in the final two years ago. Italy take on hosts Netherlands for the bronze medal. Spain capitalised on a defensive lapse to take the lead inside three minutes as Yeremy Pino produced a cool finish, but when debutant Robin Le Normand handled the ball in the box, Italy’s Ciro Immobile scored his first international go...

15Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

West Ham turn down first Arsenal bid for Rice

West Ham United team captain Declan Rice (C), with team, lift the trophy after winning the Europa Conference Football League match between West Ham United and Fiorentina, at the Fortuna Arena in Prague, Czech Republic on June 7, 2023. West Ham have rejected Arsenal’s first bid for England midfielder Declan Rice. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has made Rice one of his main transfer targets, with suggestions that a deal was close. However, it is understood the initial offer for the 24-year-old has left the Hammers unimpressed as it contains a number of clauses. Sources at West Ham do expect further communication from Arsenal, although they are also anticipating an offer from Manchester City. City are refusing to comment on potential interest in Rice. There is uncertainty over the futur...

15Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Croatia stun hosts Netherlands to reach Nations League final

Captain Luka Modric and rest of the Croatia players celebrate victory during the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 semifinal match between Netherlands and Croatia at De Kuip on June 14, 2023 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.Bruno Petkovic and Luka Modric struck in extra time to beat the Netherlands 4-2 in their Nations League semi-final in Rotterdam on Wednesday and advance to Sunday’s decider. Zlatko Dalic’s side, who ranked third at last year’s World Cup, moved a step closer to earning their first ever trophy and demonstrated once again they are extra-time specialists. Real Madrid’s 37-year-old Modric won a penalty for Croatia’s opening goal, Andrej Kramaric and Mario Pasalic netted in the second half after Donyell Malen sent the Dutch ahead, but Noa Lang snatched a 96th-minute equalizer to fo...

14Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Real Madrid sign Bellingham on six-year deal

Jude Bellingham of England trains in the gym at St Georges Park on June 13, 2023 in Burton-upon-Trent, England.Real Madrid have completed the signing of England midfielder Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund on a six-year deal. The Spanish giants will pay 103m euros (£88.5m) for the 19-year-old, in addition to various potential add-ons. If those add-ons are achieved, the deal could reach 133.9m euros (£115m). Bellingham, who started his career at Birmingham City, will be presented as a Real Madrid player at a ceremony on Thursday. “Thank you to everyone at BVB [Dortmund] and to the fans for everything over the past three years,” Bellingham said. “It’s been an honour to wear your jersey so many times, in big and small moments. “Even though I look forward to my next destination, I w...

14Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni speaks on Lionel Messi’s World Cup decision

Lionel Messi of Argentina attends a training session ahead of 2023 International Football Invitation match between Argentina and Australia at Workers Stadium on June 14, 2023 in Beijing, China. Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni spoke at a press conference on Wednesday about Lionel Messi. Lionel Scaloni held a press conference on Wednesday where he spoke about the Argentina national team, their future and the match against Australia on Wednesday. In the same press conference, he also spoke about Lionel Messi and Messi’s comments about possibly not playing at the 2026 World Cup. Here is what Scaloni had to say: “I think it’s very prudent coming from someone who doesn’t sell smoke and does not lie. The reality is that he is going to see and based on how he finds himself,...

14Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Real Madrid agree personal terms with Spain International Joselu

Jose Luis Mato 'Joselu' of RCD Espanyol looks on during the warm up prior to the LaLiga Santander match between RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona at RCDE Stadium on May 14, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. Joselu is now a step closer to completing his move to Real Madrid, according to Fabrizio Romano, who reports that personal terms for the player were agreed last week.With club captain Karim Benzema leaving to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad, Los Blancos have identified Joselu as one of two possible forwards to join Madrid this summer. Joselu scored 16 goals in 34 La Liga appearances for Espanyol last season, netting in both league games against Real Madrid, as per Opta. The striker was, however, once deemed a flop, during his spell in the Premier League with Newcastle United, having ...