August 2024 – Page 11 – Football Flame    
Latest Football News

Month: August 2024

No Comments
BUNDESLIGA

Leon Goretzka’s Bayern Munich future looking bleak

To say that Bayern Munich is in a bit of a transitional phase would be an understatement. Coming off of their first season without silverware in over a decade with a completely new manager and coaching staff in Vincent Kompany and everyone he brought with him, the Rekordmeister are looking to return to the top of the German footballing pedestal that Bayer Leverkusen so deservedly perched themselves onto last season under Xabi Alonso. Members of the club’s front office and supervisory board have shared the sentiment that Bayern needed to have some player sales before they could add to their inbound list of Hiroki Ito, Michael Olise, and João Palhinha, and there could still be some players leaving, even after Mazraoui and De Ligt agreed deals to head to Manchester United. In addition to al...
Read More
1 Comment
SERIE A

Alexis Sanchez completes move back to former club

Udinese confirmed this weekend that they’ve completed the signing of former Gunner Alexis Sanchez, with the forward leaving Inter Milan as a free agent this summer. Sanchez has signed a two-year contract to return to the club after 13 years away. Gianluca Di Marzio had reported earlier this week that Sanchez was close to the Udinese move, after he called them on Monday morning to let them know he wants to play for them, and he’s effectively closed the deal on his own. Sanchez had also previously been linked with a move back to Marseille, but that deal was always going to be difficult financially. The Chilean had initially left Marseille for Inter Milan due to the fact the club couldn’t afford both his and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s wages. Aubameyang has since left, but he’s being rep...
Read More
2 Comments
LALIGA

Barcelona confirm goodbye ceremony to be held for Sergi Roberto

Sergi Roberto has confirmed he’s leaving Barcelona this summer and will say a proper goodbye to the club next week. The versatile veteran announced on Instagram that he’s moving on after his contract with the Catalan giants expired. Barcelona have now confirmed a farewell ceremony will take place on Tuesday, August 13 at the club, with president Joan Laporta in attendance. It’s a chance for the club, players and fans to pay tribute to the outgoing captain and for Roberto to say a proper farewell. It’s not clear yet where Roberto plans to continue his career, but it’s thought he has plenty of offers and fancies a move to the Premier League. Roberto had openly admitted he wanted to stay on at Barcelona past the end of his most recent contract but he has not been granted his wish and wil...
Read More
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Noussair Mazraoui potential shirt numbers at Man Utd

Manchester United are finalising a deal to sign right-back Noussair Mazraoui, a transfer that will reunite the Morocco international with manager Erik ten Hag. Dutch-born Mazraoui spent 16 years at Ajax in total, making 137 first-team appearances under Ten Hag - that included 48 during the Amsterdam club's incredible 2018/19 campaign in which they were no more than a kick away from reaching the Champions League final. To make way for Mazraoui, United have offloaded Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The move hinged on that happening and the former Crystal Palace man will start afresh back in London at West Ham United. Mazraoui is a right-back by trade and will primarily compete with Diogo Dalot. But both players are versatile enough that they can operate on the left, which has proven to be a weak spot....
Read More
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag provides Matthijs de Ligt transfer update

Erik ten Hag refused to speculate on the potential signings of Matthijs de Light and Noussair Mazraoui but conceded his Manchester United defence still had ‘problems’ to solve. The Red Devils have been chasing defensive reinforcements this summer and have already brought in Leny Yoro, but he has suffered a foot injury which will keep him out for three months. The hunt for more defenders has continued and has taken Manchester United to Munich, where they are now close to sealing the signatures of De Ligt and Mazraoui. Reports on Saturday suggested a deal for the Dutch centre-back had been agreed, while the signing of Mazraoui was progressing well, but Ten Hag would not get into specifics when speaking following his side’s Community Shield defeat to Manchester City at Wembley. ‘No, I can’...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Liverpool vs Sevilla: Preview, predictions and lineups

Having enjoyed a productive tour of the United States, Liverpool are in action at Anfield for the first time this summer as they face Sevilla on Sunday afternoon. The start of the new Premier League season beckons, with the Reds preparing for their away trip to the newly-promoted Ipswich Town on 17 August. While the club are yet to make a move in the transfer window - although that could soon change - Arne Slot has overseen a bright pre-season which saw Liverpool win all three games across the pond. Their tour concluded with victories over domestic rivals Arsenal and Manchester United. An alternate challenge faces them in the form of a Sevilla side also under new management. Garcia Pimienta worked wonders with Las Palmas but a dire end to the season meant a parting of ways was understan...
Read More
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Erik ten Hag backs Marcus Rashford to hit top form after Community Shield chances

Erik ten Hag has backed Marcus Rashford to get back to his best after he failed to convert pivotal chances in Manchester United’s Community Shield defeat by Manchester City. United were left to rue the missed opportunities as City won on penalties after Alejandro Garnacho and Bernardo Silva traded late goals in normal time. The England striker had two opportunities to give United the lead but failed to convert from close range under limited pressure from defenders. Rashford scored only seven times in 33 Premier League appearances last season and was not called up to England’s Euro 2024 squad because of his overall poor form. Asked if he felt Rashford was lacking confidence, Ten Hag replied: “No, I think he was several times in very good positions, I am very pleased he is getting in thos...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Tottenham lose final pre-season friendly

Tottenham fell to a 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in an entertaining affair, or at least the first half, in North London. New signing Dominic Solanke, who was announced earlier in the day, was at the game, and was presented to the fans before kick-off. Former Spurs stalwarts Eric Dier and Harry Kane were both gifted commemorative awards pre-match for their service to Spurs over the years. Spurs starting line-up was; Vicario, Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Spence; Sarr, Bissouma; Johnson, Maddison, Son; Kulusevski. The good vibes all around pre-game continued after Dejan Kulusevski gave the Spurs the lead from close range within the first minute. It was downhill from there, however - Bayern started to create chances and were rewarded for their perseverance as Dayot Upamecano tapped home a rebo...
Read More
No Comments
TRANSFERS

Report: Leicester Interested In Star Winger in Major Loan Deal

Leicester City’s Pursuit of Wilfried Zaha: A Potential Game-Changer for the Foxes In an intriguing development during the summer transfer window, Leicester City are reportedly working on a deal to bring Wilfried Zaha back to the Premier League on a season-long loan from Galatasaray. This potential move, as reported by The Athletic, could significantly bolster Leicester’s attacking options ahead of the upcoming season. Zaha’s Uncertain Galatasaray Stint Wilfried Zaha’s time at Galatasaray, while fruitful, has not entirely gone according to plan. The Ivorian winger, who joined the Turkish giants as a free agent in the summer of 2023 after his contract with Crystal Palace expired, has found himself in a challenging position. Despite scoring ten goals and providing five assists in 42 g...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Tottenham injury latest ahead of Bayern Munich clash

Tottenham Hotspur end their pre-season preparations today as they take on German giants Bayern Munich in the Visit Malta Cup. The match takes place at 5.30pm at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Spurs have an eye on their Premier League opener against Leicester City nine days later. Ange Postecoglou’s side have a bit longer to wait due to the game being selected for live TV coverage. Spurs travel to the King Power Stadium on the Monday night as they look to get their season off to the perfect start. But the extra few days could be good news in terms of getting players back from injury. Destiny Udogie, Richarlison and Fraser Forster have all missed pre-season through injury, but all three players are closing in on a return. There are also several platers who have now returned after extende...
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Coppa Italia: Genoa and Udinese progress, Monza need penalties

A wonderful Junior Messias chip allowed Genoa to beat Reggiana, Udinese crushed Avellino 4-0, Sassuolo saw off Cittadella and Monza needed a penalty shoot-out to defeat Sudtirol in the first round of the Coppa Italia. The tournament proper kicked off this evening with four fixtures, while the rest will be played on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. In a change to the rules from this season, if the score is tied after 90 minutes, they go straight to a penalty shoot-out without the added fatigue of playing extra time. That only applies up to and including the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia. Genoa found it tougher than expected to defeat Serie B team Reggiana, but did it in style thanks to a sensational Messias chip, set up by Ruslan Malinovskyi’s dummy. They will go on to face ...
Read More
No Comments
LALIGA

Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid Target Prefers Spain Move Amid PSG Links, Report Says

A few days ago, Paris Saint-Germain was linked to center-back Aymeric Laporte, who is currently at Al-Nassr. After Spain won UEFA Euro 2024 this summer, European suitors are calling for the veteran defender. El Chiringuito’s José Álvarez Haya reported that PSG are in the mix with Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid for the Spanish player. It seems that the Parisians are particularly interested because manager Luis Enrique is eager to bring Laporte to the club. Laporte joined Al-Nassr last summer and before leaving for Saudi Arabia, Laporte spent time with Athletic Club from 2012 to 2018 and then moved to Manchester City, where he played from 2018 to 2023. Once his time with the Premier League was over, the defender went to Al-Nassr. However, it now seems after one season, the Spaniard wants...
Read More
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Postecoglou’s Spurs reach agreement for striker Solanke

Tottenham Hotspur have prized away striker Dominic Solanke from fellow Premiership rivals Bournemouth with the clubs reaching an agreement. Tottenham have reached an agreement with Bournemouth over the signing of forward Dominic Solanke. Spurs have been on the hunt for attacking reinforcements all summer and after Solanke emerged as the club's preferred candidate, advanced talks began with the Cherries. They have now accelerated and discussions over a fee were wrapped up on Friday afternoon with Tottenham set to spend an initial ($A107 million) on securing the services of Solanke, with a further $A19.5m included in the deal as add-ons, the PA news agency understands. Bournemouth owner Bill Foley had confirmed earlier this summer Solanke's contract included a release clause in the region ...
Read More
4 Comments
Ligue 1

Myron Boadu is loaned to VFL Bochum

AS Monaco announces the loan of striker Myron Boadu to VfL Bochum for the 2024-2025 season. Last season, Myron Boadu featured in 10 matches with the Club before joinign, in January, FC Twente, in the Eredivisie. With The Tukkers, the 23 year old striker featured in 11 matches, scoring three goals as helped the team finish in third place in the Dutch league. From now, the AS Monaco number 23 will discover a new league as he joins vFl Bochum in the German Bundesliga.
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

David de Gea reaches ‘verbal agreement’ with Serie A club

David de Gea is at last set to return to professional football after reaching what is described as a "verbal agreement" with Serie A side Fiorentina. De Gea's last game was the 2023 FA Cup final for Manchester United, leaving the club as a free agent just weeks later following the withdrawal of a contract offer and failure to agree alternative terms. At 33, De Gea is by no means old for a goalkeeper, but his departure from Old Trafford after 11 seasons left him without a team. The Spaniard wasn't short of offers last summer but resisted the lure of the Saudi Pro League in the hope of landing a competitive project in Europe. It turned into a whole season out of the professional game, one in which De Gea used the time to rest, engage in hobbies and outside business interests, as well as k...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Panathinaikos’ Europa League hopes in doubt after defeat to Ajax

Panathinaikos is on the verge of a Europa League exit after losing their opening game with Ajax, putting all the pressure on them to cause an upset in the reverse fixture in Amsterdam. The “Trifylli” fell 0-1 to the Dutch giants at the Olympic Stadium on Friday morning (AEST), giving them a major obstacle to overcome in next week’s second leg of their third qualifying round tie. Ajax found what proved to be the match’s only goal in the 28th minute with a lovely team movement that was polished off by winger Steven Berghuis’ strike into the bottom right. The Greens grew into the game and managed to have the ascendency for periods of the clash as they searched for an equaliser, though they proved unable to penetrate Ajax’s defence. The assignment now calls on Panathinaikos to manufacture ...
Read More
No Comments
PREMIER LEAGUE

Kalvin Phillips future: Where will Man City midfielder end up this summer?

Just two seasons ago, Kalvin Phillips was regarded as one of England's emerging stars and as one of the finest, ball-playing defensive midfielders in the country following his rise to prominence with boyhood club Leeds United. Phillips was an integral cog in Marcelo Bielsa's machine as Leeds secured promotion to the Premier League in 2020, before establishing himself in the top flight and playing a key role for England en route to the final of the COVID-delayed Euro 2020 a year later. The Yorkshireman's stellar form caught the eye of several top Premier League clubs, but it was champions Manchester City who decided to fork out an initial £42m to recruit the midfielder in the summer of 2022, following the departure of Fernandinho. Phillips was "long admired" by Man City according to dire...
Read More
No Comments
LALIGA

Coman offered to Barça as Nico Williams alternative

Barcelona have not yet given up on their chase of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, but they are still looking for alternatives to add more depth to the flanks in Hansi Flick’s squad. And a new name has been included in the list, one that the new boss knows well. That’s according to Kerry Hau of Sky Germany, who reports Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman has been offered to the Blaugrana by the player’s agents, who are looking for a new club for the French winger who doesn’t appear to be part of the plans for new Bayern manager Vincent Kompany. Coman has already been linked with Barça in the past, but this new round of rumors makes more sense now that Coman isn’t as untouchable within the Bayern ranks as he once was and given his familiarity with Hansi Flick, who was Coman’s coach i...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Morocco outclass Egypt to take men’s football bronze

Morocco claimed the bronze medal in the Olympic men’s soccer tournament with a crushing 6-0 win over Egypt thanks to Soufiane Rahimi’s double and goals from Abde Ezzalzouli, Bilal El Khannouss, Akram Nakach and Achraf Hakimi in Nantes on Thursday. Morocco, who lost 2-1 to Spain in the semi-finals, bounced back with the biggest win of the tournament so far to reach an Olympic podium for the first time. The bronze is also the country’s first medal in a team sport. “We had to earn our victory, it wasn’t easy. It’s important to get failures first and learn from mistakes and we were able to come back stronger,” Morocco manager Tarik Sektioui told reporters. “It was not easy, we had very tough matches. Players were aware of their responsibility and played with a lot of pride.” Egypt suffered...
Read More
No Comments
Ligue 1

Mika Faye wanted by Monaco, talks underway

Barcelona center-back Mika Faye has been heavily linked with a move away from the Catalan club this summer, and the 20-year-old has a new suitor. That’s according to French football transfer expect Santi Aouna, who reports that AS Monaco, Barça’s opponent in this year’s Joan Gamper Trophy, have expressed strong interest in Faye and already made preliminary contacts with the club and the player’s agents. Faye nearly left Barça to join FC Porto earlier this summer but ultimately decided to reject the offer, but the report says Faye would be interested in a move to France and is now more inclined to leave having had limited playing time in preseason under Hansi Flick and having stiff competition to earn first team minutes at center-back. Barça currently have Faye, Jules Kounde, Andreas Chr...
Read More
Like Us
Follow Us
Follow us
Follow us
Blogarama - Blog Directory