June 2024 – Football Flame

Month: June 2024

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Brentford relaxed about Tottenham’s efforts to beat them to Archie Gray

Archie Gray of Leeds United celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Leicester City at Elland Road on February 23, 2024 in Leeds, England.Brentford are relaxed about the situation with Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray, who has yet to make a final decision amid Tottenham Hotspur pushing to sign him, according to Sky Sports News.The Bees thought they had a deal in place with Leeds to sign the midfielder and started to give him a medical on Saturday evening.Gray agreed terms on a £75,000 a week contract at Brentford, but Leeds pulled the plug on the deal after being unhappy with the payment structure of the up to £40m fee.Now Tottenham have come in for Gray and are looking to get a deal over the line, with the expectation they...
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SERIE A

Juventus sign Brazil star Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa

Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest at Villa Park on February 24, 2024 in Birmingham, England.Juventus signed Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa in a deal worth a reported £42.3 million ($53.5 million) on Sunday.Luiz agreed a five-year contract with the Italian club as he became the latest player to leave Villa Park due to the Premier League club's financial fair-play cost-cutting.Signed from Manchester City in 2019, the 26-year-old spent five years with Villa and was a key player in their surprise fourth-place finish in the Premier League last season.Luiz, who scored 22 goals in 204 appearances for Villa, completed his medical ahead of the Juventus move while on internat...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea to offer cash plus Nicolas Jackson to sign Premier League attacker

 Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St. James Park on March 12, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.In an attempt to cut Alexander Isak’s asking price of £115 million, Chelsea are reportedly prepared to make a bid to Newcastle United by offering Nicolas Jackson.The Blues have not squandered any time in bolstering their squad for the summer, and Todd Boehly is unlikely to break his big spending habits.The Sun reports that Nicolas Jackson has been explored by Chelsea as a potential addition to a deal to buy Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.With Enzo Maresca reportedly eager to expand his options up top, they have been heavily projected to recruit...
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NEWS

Italy out, but three Italian coaches still at EURO 2024

Vincenzo Montella, Head Coach of Turkiye walks out of the buch prior to the press conference of Türkiye at BVB Stadion Dortmund on June 21, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. Italy may be out of EURO 2024, but there are still another three Italian coaches left in the tournament – Vincenzo Montella, Domenico Tedesco and Francesco Calzona.The Azzurri crashed out following a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in Berlin, officially hanging up their title as reigning Champions of Europe.That too was not entirely out of character, as it means each of the last three European Championship winners have been eliminated in the Round of 16 when defending their title.It also happened to Spain at EURO 2016 and Portugal in EURO 2020 before Italy in EURO 2024.Italian tacticians can still have say at EURO 2024Meanwhil...
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TRANSFERS

Liverpool preparing for sale of Barcelona target Luis Diaz

Luis Diaz of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 07, 2024 in London, England. Barcelona are determined to sign a new left winger this summer, with their top targets being Nico Williams and Luis Diaz. The latter is favoured by sporting director Deco, and it’s looking increasingly likely that he will be available on the market.As reported by The Daily Mail (via MD), Liverpool have been in talks with Newcastle United over a deal for Anthony Gordon, who like Diaz, plays as a left winger. The Reds have also been linked with Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Napoli.Diaz had been a key player for former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, but with hi...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Man United transfer twist could give Everton Jarrad Branthwaite boost before new bid

Matthijs de Ligt of Netherlands poses for a portrait during the Netherlands Portrait session ahead of the UEFA EURO 2024 Germany on June 03, 2024 in Zeist, Netherlands. As the clock ticks down on the transfer ‘window’ within a window, Everton could be handed a massive transfer boost over Jarrad Branthwaite with reports emerging that Manchester United are eyeing Matthijs de Ligt.David Ornstein of the Athletic claims that Manchester United are seriously considering a move to sign De Ligt from Bayern Munich. He admits that no club talks have taken place yet or a certainty that a move happens but the Bayern centre-back is becoming an increasingly viable option for United.Ornstein adds that the move is independent of ongoing Branthwaite interest but in reality the brazen penny-pinching of ...
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LALIGA

Barcelona may be beaten by PSG to Everton midfielder’s signing

Amadou Onana of Everton celebrates scoring their first goal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Crystal Palace at Goodison Park on February 19, 2024 in Liverpool, England. It would be unwise for FC Barcelona to let this summer window go by without making key signings. The Catalan club has their limitations and that is a guarantee, but what they choose to do moving forward is up to them. For Barcelona to be able to sign new players, they must be willing to make sacrifices.Unfortunately, time seems to wait for no man or for clubs like FC Barcelona. While they may have their favorites in terms of who they would like to bring to the club in order to reinforce some problematic positions, it is true that other clubs will look to pounce on said targets as well.FC Barcelona...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Tottenham waiting for Euro 2024 to end to sign £60m Premier League midfielder

 Eberechi EzeTottenham are pressing to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze this summer.According to The Times, Tottenham are willing to hold off on making a bid for Crystal Palace’s Eze until after Euro 2024.Spurs want to improve on their successful debut season under Ange Postecoglou, which saw them finish fifth in the Premier League and only miss out on playing in the Champions League narrowly.However, under the leadership of the new manager, the team has emerged as an attacking force with the club now prepared to back Postecoglou in the transfer window this summer.The midfielder is currently away on international duty with England, although he has not played much for Gareth Southgate’s team at the Euros.His form in the Premier League last season has impressed a number of cl...
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NEWS

Vinicius brace helps Brazil to 4-1 Copa America win over Paraguay

 Miguel Almiron of Paraguay challenges for the ball with Vinicius Junior of Brazil during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group D match between Paraguay and Brazil at Allegiant Stadium on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.Brazil’s Vinicius Junior scored twice in his side’s Copa America 4-1 victory over Paraguay in a Group D clash in Nevada on Friday, bouncing back from a lacklustre display in his first game of the tournament.From the whistle, Vinicius’ pace and trickery posed a constant threat to Paraguay down the left flank, a far cry from his performance in Brazil’s 0-0 draw with Costa Rica in their opening group stage match, in which he was largely ineffectual.Despite Brazil’ strong start, it was Paraguay who almost went ahead in the 15th minute as Damian Bobadilla’s goal-bound eff...
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NEWS

Colombia trounces Costa Rica to grab first place in Copa Group D

Luis Diaz of Colombia celebrates after scoring the team's first goal via penalty with teammate Johan Mojica during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group D match between Colombia and Costa Rica at State Farm Stadium on June 28, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. Luis Diaz scored from the spot for his first goal of the 2024 Copa America, James Rodriguez contributed his third assist and Colombia outclassed Costa Rica 3-0 on Friday in Glendale, Ariz., to take command of Group D. Davinson Sanchez and Jhon Cordoba also scored for Los Cafeteros (2-0-0, 6 points), who will finish the evening in first in the group regardless of Friday’s later result between Brazil and Paraguay.It was Colombia’s 10th consecutive victory and 25th match without defeat as they pursue their first Copa America title sin...
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NEWS

Euro 2024: Rudiger back, Eriksen absent before Germany-Denmark clash

 Antonio Rudiger of Real Madrid celebrates with his supporters after the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between Manchester City and Real Madrid CF at Etihad Stadium on April 17, 2024 in Manchester, England. Germany defender Antonio Rudiger on Friday returned to training ahead of Saturday’s Euro 2024 last 16 clash with Denmark, having missed earlier sessions with a hamstring strain.Denmark however will be forced to sweat on the fitness of midfielder Christian Eriksen, who did not take the pitch in the Danes’ pre-match training session.A spokesperson from the Danish FA (DBU) said Eriksen had taken part in a gym workout instead.Rudiger’s potential absence was a threat for Germany, who are already set to do without fellow centre-back Jonathan Tah, who misses the...
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LALIGA

The real barrier to Barcelona signing Kimmich isn’t the price tag

 Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between FC Bayern München and Arsenal FC at Allianz Arena on April 17, 2024 in Munich, Germany. Joshua Kimmich of FC Bayern München looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and VfL Wolfsburg at Allianz Arena on May 12, 2024 in Munich, Germany.It would appear that FC Barcelona are biting more than they can chew at times. The Catalans, despite their best efforts, are finding new kinds of hurdles in almost every operation they pursue. However, the clock is always ticking, and Barcelona need to find some solid answers sooner rather than later.Yet, Barcelona has multiple options in the transfer market who they are hoping to go ...
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TRANSFERS

Everton’s Ben Godfrey close to Atalanta move

 Ben Godfrey of Everton celebrates at full time during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on February 3, 2024 in Liverpool, England. The 26-year-old has fallen out of favour after injuries curtailed his progress with Everton. Ben Godfrey has travelled to Italy for a medical after Everton agreed a £10m fee to sell him to Atalanta.The defender, who also attracted interest from Lyon, is set to join the Europa League winners in a surprise switch.Godfrey only had one year left on his contract at Goodison Park and Everton risked losing him on a free transfer if they did not sell him this summer.The 26-year-old has made 93 appearances for Everton but only started 13 Premier League games last season and 10 in 2022-23.Godfrey had an out...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea offer three players in deal to sign Enzo Maresca’s top transfer target

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Leicester City celebrates after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Brentford FC at The King Power Stadium on August 07, 2022 in Leicester, England. Chelsea have offered three first-team players to Leicester City in a proposed player-plus-cash deal to sign Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, according to reports.The Blues have identified Dewsbury-Hall as a key target this summer, with new manager Enzo Maresca keen to reunite with a player he managed at Leicester.Dewsbury-Hall has made over 100 league appearances for Leicester and helped the Foxes win the Championship last season and secure an immediate return to the Premier League.The 25-year-old midfielder is said to be open to leaving his boyhood club this summer an...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Newcastle United told to pay €40-50 million to bring 26-year-old defender back to PL

 Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A TIM match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 22, 2024 in Milan, Italy.Newcastle United will have to cough up €40-50 million to sign 26-year-old English defender Fikayo Tomori from AC Milan in the summer transfer window.According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Fikayo Tomori is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies are keen on signing another centre-back in the summer transfer window despite landing Lloyd Kelly in a Bosman move. Meanwhile, AC Milan will demand around €40-50 million to sell the 26-year-old defender.Fikayo Tomori and his journey at AC MilanFikayo Tomori has established himself as one of the best defenders in Serie...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Foden returning to England after birth of third child

 Phil Foden of Manchester City celebrates victory on pitch with the match ball after scoring a hat-trick during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on April 03, 2024 in Manchester, England.England midfielder Phil Foden will return to Euro 2024 Germany after travelling to the United Kingdom for the birth of his third child.The 24-year-old left the England camp for what the Football Association said on Wednesday was a "pressing family matter".Foden, who has 37 caps, has started all three of England's group games at the tournament.England play Slovakia in the last 16 on Monday (NZT) in Gelsenkirchen and Foden should be involved in training on Saturday.Manager Gareth Southgate's side finished top of Group C with five points from three matches...
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BUNDESLIGA

As struggles mount, Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano pushes forward

 Dayot Upamecano of FC Bayern Munchen gestures during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Bayern München at BayArena on February 10, 2024 in Leverkusen, Germany.Bayern Munich and France center-back Dayot Upamecano must confuse himself sometimes.The 25-year-old can play so well for an extended period and then totally blow it with a massive (and usually unnecessary) mistake. The latest miscue occurred when Upamecano picked up a sloppy foul in the box against Poland earlier this week, which allowed Robert Lewandowski to knot the game at 1-1.For Upamecano, he just wants to move on from the miscue.“I watched it again just after the match. I could have done better on this action, but I told myself that if I let him control the ball, he might find himself alone in front o...
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SERIE A

Juventus Keeping in Touch with the Entourage of Sancho

 Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Borussia Dortmund and PSV Eindhoven at Signal Iduna Park on March 13, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany.Juventus only want a winger on loan for now and, after testing the waters, they had new contacts with the representatives of Jadon Sancho. The youngster is back at Manchester United after temporarily returning to Borussia Dortmund last season.According to Alfredo Pedullà, nothing is imminent concerning the signing, but he’s one to watch should the Bianconeri proceed with this strategy. They are keen on Mason Greenwood as well, but he’s likely to be sold outright. Lazio have moved with more determination, offering a moderate fee and a large...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Katie Zelem and Lucia Garcia departures confirmed by United

 Leah Galton, Ella Toone, Katie Zelem and Millie Turner of Manchester United celebrate with the FA Cup trophy after winning the Adobe Women's FA Cup Final match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on May 12, 2024 in London, England.Manchester United Women captain Katie Zelem will leave the club after 6 years. This news was confirmed by the club via social media announcement on Thursday. Zelem became captain after the departure of Alex Greenwood and was one of the first names on the teamsheet each week under both Casey Stoney and Marc Skinner.This announcement follows a Wednesday announcement that Lucia Garcia would also leave at the end of the month when her contract expires.Zelem made 161 appearances for United after joining from Juventus in 2018 and im...
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LALIGA

Lewandowski looking forward to ‘new challenge’ with Flick at Barca

Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring their sides first goal during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Spotify Camp Nou on October 20, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. Robert Lewandowski says he’s looking forward to working under new coach Hansi Flick at Barcelona after finishing his Euro 2024 campaign with Poland.The striker scored in a 1-1 draw against France in Poland’s final game of the tournament as they bow out at the group stages.An injury ahead of the competition means Lewandowski only made one start at Euro 2024, and he’s looking forward to a rest and the chance to recuperate before the new season.“I’m ready for next season. A new challenge with a new coach. I’m positive,” he told reporters after the match. “Now is the time to ...
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