Month: August 2024

27Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

TRANSFERS

Breaking: Arsenal complete Mikel Merino transfer from Real Sociedad

Arsenal have announced the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad on a four-year deal with an option of an additional year. The Spain international has been a long-term target of Mikel Arteta who was the driving force behind the move to strengthen the Arsenal midfield. A fee in the region of €32.5million (£27.4million) plus €5million (£4.2million) in add-ons has been agreed with La Real who Merino spent six years with. The 28-year-old made 242 appearances for the San Sebastian-based side scoring 27 goals. Merino won the Copa del Rey with La Real in 2020 and has since become part of the senior Spain national team. He helped them to win the 2024 European Championship, scoring the winning goal in extra time against Germany in the quarter-finals of the competition. He came on as a su...

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27Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester United open talks over Raheem Sterling deal

Manchester United have opened talks over a deal for Raheem Sterling but will only progress in a swap for Jadon Sancho on their own terms. It is understood that United sporting director Dan Ashworth was in dialogue with Chelsea earlier on Tuesday over a sensational package that would see the two England forwards move in opposite directions. With Sterling frozen out of the first-team squad, United are determined to make his situation at Stamford Bridge work to their advantage by paying no outlay to land the Premier League’s third-highest scorer among those currently playing in the competition. Chelsea have been expected to pay part of Sterling’s wages, more than £300,000 per week, at his next club as they look for departure options. Sancho is wanted at Chelsea to add to Enzo Maresca’s att...

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27Aug By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

TRANSFERS

Former PSG fullback Layvin Kurzawa in talks with PSV

According to a report by Foot Mercato, Layvin Kurzawa (31) is close to a full agreement to join PSV. Kurzawa left Paris Saint-Germain this summer after his contract expired. The fullback had spent almost a decade at the French champions but appearances in recent years had dried up and he was instead limited to bit-part showings. In the 2022/23 season, Kurzawa was allowed to leave PSG on loan for Premier League side Fulham. However, there was never an option to purchase the player and his high wage demands had reportedly dissuaded other clubs from attempting to forge a permanent deal. Since becoming a free agent, the defender has been training at his formative club AS Monaco as he looks to return to full fitness after only playing eight minutes of first-team football for Les Parisiens...

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27Aug By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Paris Saint-Germain To Send Bid Tonight For Chelsea Target

French giants Paris Saint-Germain are set to submit a bid tonight for Chelsea-linked striker Victor Osimhen. Enzo Maresca’s side have been consistently busy in this summer’s transfer market and they are have yet to bring the shutters down with just days left in the window. The Blues do want to bring a new goal-getter in this summer and they have been linked with Napoli talisman Osimhen. The Nigerian star has been widely expected to leave Napoli this summer, but he is still at the club as the clock ticks down. Antonio Conte’s side are set to secure Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea on a permanent deal and Osimhen’s departure is more likely following that development. The Stamford Bridge outfit are interested in him, but according to French outlet PSGInside-Actus Ligue 1 giants PSG...

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27Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ligue 1

Report: Youssoufa Moukoko Nearing Transfer to OGC Nice

Youssoufa Moukoko has been on his way out for months, but now it looks like it might actually be happen. According to Ruhr Nachrichten, Borussia Dortmund and the French club OGC Nice have agreed to terms over Moukoko, and the 19-year-old is scheduled to have his medical today. Youssoufa Moukoko’s career has always been promising, but he’s never quite managed to take off on the level that he could have. Since he was a young teenager setting goal-scoring records left and right with youth squads, he has been heralded as a generational talent. While he’s never quite lived up to that label, he’s at least proven that, when he plays, he can somewhat consistently find the back of the net. Unfortunately, that has never been enough. Whether it be his below-average passing, pressing, or what...

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27Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

RB Leipzig believe they can keep Xavi Simons long-term

A matter of months ago, there were questions surrounding Xavi Simons’ future amid interest from Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig. In a battle for the Dutchman’s signature, there was a belief that Der Rekordmeister would prevail, leaving Die Roten Bullen behind. However, Simons, like a number of different players this summer, elected to reject a move to Bavaria. This was undoubtedly frustrating for the record champions, but with Simons’ return to Leipzig being just another loan deal, there is a sense that securing his signature on a permanent deal in 2025 will be possible. Nevertheless, there is a belief within the Leipzig camp that they will be able to not just compete with Bayern but beat them to Simons’ signature next summer. Speaking about a permanent move for Simons, Die Roten Bullen’...

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27Aug By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Ancelotti insists Mbappe does not need to play on the left

Carlo Ancelotti is adamant that Kylian Mbappe will find his feet leading the line at Real Madrid after the forward failed to find the net against Real Valladolid. The 25-year-old made the mega switch to the Spanish capital this summer upon the conclusion of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain.While at PSG, Mbappe was stationed predominantly on the left wing and became one of football's most prolific players. MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 25: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Real Valladolid CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 25, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) However, since arriving in Spain, the superstar forward has started as a striker in all three of his appearances for Los Blancos and is...

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27Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City agree fee with Al Hilal for Cancelo

Manchester City have agreed to sell full-back Joao Cancelo to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal for £21.2m. The Portugal international is expected to agree personal terms and finalise his departure from City, 19 months after he last played for them. Cancelo spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan at Bayern Munich and was then borrowed by Barcelona last season. HAMBURG, GERMANY - JULY 5: Joao Cancelo of Portugal looks on during the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between Portugal and France at Volksparkstadion on July 5, 2024 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images) The 30-year-old fell out of favour quickly at City after being named in the Premier League team of the year for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, with the Premier League champions fee...

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27Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

West Ham confirm loan exit for young midfielder

West Ham United have announced young midfielder Freddie Potts has joined Portsmouth on a season-long loan. The Hammers announced the move on their official website [26 August] that will see the 20-year-old spend the 2024/25 season at Fratton Park. TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 03: West Ham's Freddie Potts (62) controls the ball during the The Stateside Cup match between West Ham United vs Crystal Palace on Augusts 03, 2024 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Potts will continue his development in the Championship after a successful spell in League One last season with Wycombe Wanderers.West Ham United loan out Freddie PottsJulen Lopetegui has bolstered his midfield options this summer and, as the club pursues a deal for Paris ...

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27Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Juventus dominate Verona to secure second straight Italian Serie A win

Juventus beat Verona 3-0 at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi in Verona, Italy, on Monday, pocketing their second straight win to open the 2024-25 Italian Serie A season. The "Old Lady" are the only club to have won both of their first two games in Italy's top flight, scoring six goals while keeping two clean sheets. VERONA, ITALY - AUGUST 26: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus applauds the fans following the final whistle of the Serie A match between Hellas Verona and Juventus at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on August 26, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images) They led 2-0 in the first half after Dusan Vlahovic and Nicolo Savona found the net in the 28th and 39th minutes. The game marked Savona's full debut for Juventus. Samuel Mbangula earned a penalty for ...

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27Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool also want to sign ‘outstanding’ winger after declaring Federico Chiesa interest

Liverpool’s transfer window seems to have sprung to life as we edge closer to deadline day. Federico Chiesa has been linked with a move to Anfield as the Reds contacted Juventus yesterday to test the waters about a potential transfer. TURIN, ITALY - AUGUST 8: Federico Chiesa of Juventus during a training session at JTC on August 8, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images) With less than a year left on his current deal, Chiesa is available for around £15m, making him a low-cost option.However, the Italian is not the only attacker on Liverpool’s radar, with Kingsley Coman also linked with a move to Arne Slot’s side before the deadline. Liverpool want Kingsley Coman to strengthen attack Coman has decided to leave Bayern Muni...

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26Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Carlo Ancelotti confirms Andriy Lunin transfer decision

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Andriy Lunin is set to stay at Real Madrid this season despite his contract running out next year. The Ukrainian goalkeeper stepped into the void left by the injured Thibaut Courtois last year, taking the gloves from previous back-up option Kepa Arrizabalaga and making some vital saves on the club's way to a La Liga and Champions League double. Andriy Lunin goalkeeper of Real Madrid and Ukraine during the warm-up before the La Liga match between RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid CF at Estadi de Son Moix on August 18, 2024 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Lunin made no secret of his desire to play regular first-team football over the summer but recently made a decision on his future, reportedly being ready t...

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26Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Striker rejects move to Nottingham Forest

Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez has rejected an offer to move to Nottingham Forest ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline. Forest’s search for a new striker has been taking fresh twists and turns over the last week or so. They had a deal in place to sign Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal but the forward decided against moving to the City Ground. Feyenoord player Santiago Gimenez is playing during the match PEC - Feyenoord at the MAC3Park Stadium for the Dutch Eredivisie 2nd round season 2024-2025 in Zwolle, Netherlands, on August 18, 2024. The final score is 1-5. (Photo by Stefan Koops / EYE4images / NURphoto) (Photo by Marcel van Dorst/NurPhoto via Getty Images) It emerged earlier today that Nottingham Forest reached an agreement over a fee worth €35m with Feyenoord for the proposed t...

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26Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Hansi Flick opens up on €30m player’s departure from Barcelona

Today, FC Barcelona announced the departure of two of their players on loan, Vitor Roque and Clement Lenglet. The Brazilian youngster has left the Catalan side to join the La Liga club Real Betis, while Lenglet is also going to stay in Spain as he has joined Atletico Madrid on a year-long loan. SANT JOAN DESPI, SPAIN - AUGUST 26: Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona, attends his press conference ahead the Spanish League, La Liga EA Sports, football match against Rayo Vallecano at Ciudad Esportiva Joan Gamper on August 26, 2024 in Sant Joan Despi, Barcelona, Spain. (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images) Real Betis have the option to buy Vitor Roque at the end of this loan, but among these two players, it is clearly Roque who has a better chance of returning and mak...

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26Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Lazio pay tribute to Eriksson

Lazio on Monday paid tribute to their 1999-2000 scudetto winning coach Sven-Goran Eriksson who has died of cancer at the age of 76. ROME, ITALY - MAY 26: Former SS Lazio manager Sven-Goran Eriksson acknowledges the fans, who won the Italian Supercup, European Cup Winners Cup and Serie A during the 1998, 1999 and 2000 seasons during his reign as manager, prior the Serie A TIM match between SS Lazio and US Sassuolo at Stadio Olimpico on May 26, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images) "Thank you for everything you did for us, mister," the Roman club said on X. Eriksson was a "lovely man and Lazio won't forget him," Biancocelesti President Claudio Lotito said. "He wasn't just the most successful coach in Lazio's history but he was above all a man of huge integrit...

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26Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

NEWS

Brazilian star to boost A-League

Former Juventus and Bayern Munich star Douglas Costa has signed a two-year marquee deal with Sydney FC in a huge boost for not only the Sky Blues but the entire A-League. The 33-year-old Brazilian winger is a serial silverware winner, with his haul including five trophies with Bayern – one of which being the FIFA Club World Cup – six with Juventus and 11 with Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk. Costa’s success had helped foster an off-field profile highlighted by having more than 13 million followers across his social media platforms. “He is one of the most high-profile footballers to ever play on these shores and the eyes of the football world will be on Sydney FC and the A-League this season,” Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow said. “Douglas is a proven winner, and his record of titles ...

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26Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ligue 1

Ex-Red Devil Greenwood saves point for Marseille

Former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood has scored for the third time in two Ligue 1 matches to earn Marseille a share of the points at home to Reims. Mason Greenwood has salvaged a point for Marseille with his third French league goal of the season in a 2-2 home draw against Reims at the Stade Velodrome. Despite taking an early lead through Amine Harit, Marseille's defence faltered as Reims went ahead with goals from Yaya Kader Fofana and Sergio Akieme. Greenwood had scored twice in his debut for Marseille in a 5-1 victory over Brest in their league opener. The former Manchester United forward made a controversial move to the south of France this summer. Strasbourg earned their first Ligue 1 victory of the season with a high-intensity 3-1 win against Rennes. Andrey Santos ope...

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26Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ligue 1

‘I’m really finding my feet’ – Charlie Cresswell on adapting to life at Toulouse

Charlie Creswell (22) joined Toulouse FC from formative club Leeds United earlier this summer in a deal worth a reported €4.5m. The England youth international has quickly adapted to life in the south of France, putting in two strong performances as Le TéFéCé remain unbeaten thanks to consecutive draws against FC Nantes (0-0) and OGC Nice (0-0). In a post-match mixed zone interview, attended by Get French Football News, Cresswell spoke about his opening weeks in Toulouse. How would you rate the opening two performances, both collectively and individually? “Collectively, we have new signings coming in and it’s about getting the chemistry and building from there but I am sure that the goals and then wins will come. The game against Nice? It was a bit similar to last week. Towards the en...

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26Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Madueke nets hat trick as Chelsea thump Wolves 6-2

Wolverhampton Wanderers conceded six goals at home for the first time since 2007 on Sunday, losing 6-2 to Chelsea at the Molineux in Wolverhampton, England. After being constantly booed by the home crowd for a disparaging social media post about Wolverhampton, Noni Madueke responded with a second-half hat trick to give Chelsea its first Premier League win under manager Enzo Maresca. Madueke netted three goals in a 14-minute span — all of them assisted by Cole Palmer — to spark a 6-2 win over Wolves on Sunday that at times had the same kind of chaotic feel that envelops most things at Chelsea these days. But the emphatic second-half performance also indicated that Maresca may already be figuring out how to use the wealth of attacking talent at his disposal — and overshadowed a more rou...

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26Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Dybala explains decision to reject move to Saudi side Al-Qadsiah

Paulo Dybala admits he weighed up "a lot" of options including his family, the city of Rome and a desire to get back into the Argentina national team before performing a last minute U-turn on a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah. The 30-year-old forward was set for a move to the Middle East before changing his mind at the last moment to remain at Roma. Roma forward Paulo Dybala says he weighed "a lot" of options before rejecting a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah, admitting “I don’t know how the Saudi club took it, because I did not speak to them.” The 30-year-old was set for a move to the Middle East in a deal that would have seen him earn a reported £64 million over three years, but changed his mind - choosing to remain at the Stadio Olimpico. According to Football Italia, Dyba...

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