Month: August 2024

21Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Gundogan’s exit still not enough for Barca to register Olmo

Ilkay Gundogan is leaving Barcelona after just one year to sign for Manchester City but his departure is reportedly still not enough to register Dani Olmo. It’s been widely reported that one of the key reasons for Gundogan’s exit is for Barcelona to free up some space on the wage bill for their new signing. However, COPE are reporting that Gundogan’s departure is not enough and another exit is needed by the Catalan giants. A new Nike kit deal might also be enought but there’s no word on that, even though Joan Laporta claimed he’d have news shortly just about a month ago.Barcelona are finalising Vitor Roque’s exit to Real Betis at the moment, but the Brazilian isn’t registered for the new season yet either. Mikayil Faye is another player expected to move on, while Clement Lengle...

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21Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Report: Kingsley Coman might not want to leave Bayern Munich either

According to a report from L’Equipe (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman might not so keen on leaving the club.Just like Leon Goretzka, Coman might just be settled in to staying this season: Bayern have not told Kingsley Coman directly to leave the club, but have implied to his representatives that he was one of the players for whom the club was willing to listen to offers. Coman is not actively looking for a new club but is not ruling out a departure before deadline day either. But in order to leave, the Frenchman would only be interested in trying an ‘interesting challenge’, and not a move to Saudi Arabia or an English club not competing for trophies. Privately following the birth of his son, Coman told people close to him that this is probably the ...

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21Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer retires from national team

Manuel Neuer who was Germany's first-choice goalkeeper for more than a decade, announced on Wednesday that he was retiring from international football. The 38-year-old Bayern Munich star made 124 appearances for his country and was key part of Germany's last World Cup winning side in Brazil in 2014. Neuer announced the decision in an Instagram post, in which he said that although he had been tempted to try to stick around for the 2026 World Cup in North America, he had reached the conclusion that "now is the right time to take this step. "The move comes almost seven weeks after the Nationalmannschaft were knocked out in extra time by Spain the quarterfinals of the Euros, which Germany hosted. He said the decision followed many deep and long discussions with family and friends. ...

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21Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Chelsea sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid

Joao Felix has completed a return to Chelsea rejoining the Blues on a permanent transfer in a deal which could rise in excess of £46m.The 24-year-old spent six months on-loan at Stamford Bridge in the 2022/23 season and scored four times in 20 appearances. His return came after a long-running transfer saga which saw Chelsea negotiate a deal to send midfielder Conor Gallagher in the opposite direction with a move to Atletico Madrid.The Portugal forward has signed a seven-year contract and becomes the latest addition to Chelsea’s unbelievably huge squad. “I’m really happy to be back at Chelsea and I can’t wait to get started,” Felix said after his signing was announced on X, formerly Twitter. “I can see some familiar faces from the last time I was here, which is always nice. “I love...

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21Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Rafa Benítez: I tried signing Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey for Liverpool but we couldn’t compete with bigger teams

For all the criticism FSG are currently receiving from Liverpool fans for not signing a single player during this summer transfer window, it's easy to forget what the previous custodians were like. Towards the end of Rafael Benítez's reign at the Reds, the Champions League winning manager was fighting more with the owners off the pitch than he was for success on the pitch. Some of that was the fault of the manager - like deciding to replace Xabi Alonso with Gareth Barry - but most of it was down to the broken promises and lack of financial backing given to him by his employers, who almost led the Merseyside Giants into administration. On the most recent episode of 'Stick to Football' and speaking to Gary Neville and his fellow hosts Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher, Ian Wright and Jill Scott,...

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21Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE, Uncategorized

Conor Gallagher completes £33m Chelsea exit with Atletico Madrid transfer

Conor Gallagher has joined Atletico Madrid for around £33million after leaving Chelsea. The England international had less than 12 months to go on his contract at Stamford Bridge and both parties have decided to part ways. Football Flame understands Gallagher turned down three offers from the Blues to extend his contract - with the latest one coming just last week. Atleti and Chelsea agreed a deal last week but the Madrid-based club were waiting on Gallagher's decision. The 24-year-old midfielder told Atleti of his decision on Sunday and flew to Madrid on Monday to complete his medical with Diego Simeone's side. However, his planned switch was delayed significantly when Samu Omorodion's move in the other direction collapsed. Despite concerns that would mean the Gallagher deal was called...

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20Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Injured Messi out of Argentina’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Chile, Colombia

Lionel Messi will not play in Argentina's next two World Cup qualifiers because of injury.Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni announced his 28-man squad on Monday for the matches against Chile on Sept. 5 and Colombia five days later. Messi is still recovering from a right ankle injury.The 36-year-old Ángel Di María, who retired from the national team after winning the recent Copa America, is not on the list either.World Cup champion Argentina leads South American qualifying with 15 points after six matches. Squad: Goalkeepers: Walter Benítez (PSV Eindhoven), Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille), Juan Musso (Atalanta), Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa). Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Germán Pezzella (River Plate), Leo...

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20Aug By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

Ligue 1

Marseille interested in taking Maupay

Olympique de Marseille are considering signing Everton striker Neal Maupay (28) on loan, according to a report this Monday from L’Equipe. The 28-year-old is entering his final contract year with Sean Dyche’s Toffees. Marseille are in the market for a centre-forward in the wake of Faris Moumbagna’s ACL rupture. The outlet understands that the OGC Nice youth product is high on Les Phocéens‘ shortlist to bolster their attacking options. Maupay was an unused substitute for Everton’s season-opening 3-0 home defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion. The 28-year-old is reportedly keen to join Roberto De Zerbi’s side and return to Ligue 1. Marseille are planning to sign a centre-forward on loan, which means their pursuit of Inter Milan’s Uruguayan striker Martin Satriano would be ruled out. ...

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20Aug By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

LALIGA

Atletico held, Valladolid make La Liga winning return

Villarreal and Atletico Madrid have combined for four goals in an action-packed first half but neither side could find a winner in the second as they settled for a 2-2 draw in their La Liga opener. A new-look Atletico team were without Stefan Savic, Mario Hermoso, Memphis Depay and Alvaro Morata and went behind on the road after 18 minutes when Arnaut Danjuma scored a solo goal from a tight angle. Marcos Llorente levelled for Atletico two minutes later with a fierce strike only for hosts Villarreal to get back in front nine minutes before halftime thanks to a goalkeeping mistake by keeper Jan Oblak. Oblak flapped at a cross and the ball hit the unsuspecting Koke and bounced into the net for an own goal. Alexander Sorloth, who joined from Villlareal this month, equalised in first-half ...

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20Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

BUNDESLIGA

Harry Kane loving early impressions of Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich

Harry Kane spent his first season at Bayern Munich chasing Robert Lewandowski’s Bundesliga goals record. He wasn’t too far off, either. Now in his second year in Bavaria, the England captain is chasing trophies — under a new coach in Vincent Kompany. Can he replicate that success in a new system? So far, so good. “I like him a lot,” Kane said of Kompany after Bayern’s 4-0 win over SSV Ulm on Friday (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “He’s brought in a lot of energy, a fresh energy. The way he wants to play, high pressure, a lot of possession, a lot of attacks to try to score many goals. I think it suits us, it suits the team we have. I think week by week we’ll get to improve bit by bit as we understand his ideas more. But my first impressions are really good.” Kane was brought on in th...

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20Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Arsenal receive offer from Premier League side for Aaron Ramsdale amid Ajax interest

Wolves have submitted a loan offer with a buy option in their bid to sign Aaron Ramsdale, talkSPORT understands. The Arsenal goalkeeper lost his place as the club's No1 to David Raya last season at the Emirates. The 26-year-old has since been deemed as surplus to requirements, with the Gunners open to letting the England international depart. And Ramsdale is believed to be ready for a new adventure in his quest to play regular first-team football. Ramsdale was an unused substitute as Arsenal beat Wolves 2-0 in north London in their opening Premier League match of the season. The Midlands outfit have since made a loan bid to bring the ex-Sheffield United shot-stopper to Molineux. It is understood that the bid includes a buy option, with Arsenal seeking a fee in the region of £25millio...

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20Aug By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Erling Haaland has grave fitness warning for the rest of the Premier League

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has spoken about the benefits of doing a long pre-season after suffering from the effect of injuries last season. Haaland still scored 27 goals to claim a second successive Premier League Golden Boot last season, while his tally for City prior to the 2024/25 campaign stood at 90 in 98 appearances. But a foot injury forced him to miss almost six weeks across December and January, after which he struggled by previous standards with a return of four goals in his next nine Premier League games. Haaland didn't go to Euro 2024 over the summer, with Norway's failure to qualify for the tournament arguably a blessing in disguise because it meant the chance to recover and work out lingering issues. "It was a good pre-season for me – I've never felt better. ...

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20Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Sander Berge set to join Fulham as Man United focus on Manuel Ugarte

Monday night saw Fulham move for Burnley midfielder Sander Berge in a £25million deal. The Norway international was an option for Manchester United but they are trying to sign Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain on loan. Berge plans to travel to London with his agent Morten Wivestad on Tuesday for a medical once given the all-clear. Fulham have offered £20m with a further £5m in add-ons for the 26-year-old. They had revised talks with Manchester United over a deal for Scott McTominay but that was proving more expensive. Berge's move underlines Ugarte as United's priority target for midfield. United want PSG to drop their asking price and ideally need to sell but are trying once again to strike an initial loan with an obligation to buy. Berge has played no p...

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20Aug By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

SERIE A

Thiago Motta hails Juventus performances from young talents

Thiago Motta was not surprised by Samuel Mbangula scoring on his shock debut as Juventus crushed Como 3-0, but outlined how Dusan Vlahovic and Kenan Yildiz combined upfront. The Bianconeri had stuttered in pre-season and there were doubts as to what the real identity of this team would be under a very different coach to predecessor Max Allegri. There were also eyebrows raised when 20-year-old Next Gen talent Samuel Mbangula was picked in the starting XI rather than massive investment Douglas Luiz, but it was the young winger who opened the scoring against Como. Tim Weah added a second on the stroke of half-time from a Kenan Yildiz pull-back, Andrea Cambiaso sealed the 3-0 rout, while Vlahovic hit the woodwork twice and had a goal ruled offside. “I had good sensations about Mb...

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20Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Veteran Vardy earns Leicester point against wasteful Spurs

Veteran striker Jamie Vardy earned newly-promoted Leicester City a 1-1 draw with a profligate Tottenham Hotspur in their English Premier League season opener.Spurs dominated the first half but Pedro Porro's opener in the 29th minute was the only time they could make one of a host of good chances count. Further clear-cut opportunities came and went after the break, with the visitors' wastefulness proving costly when Leicester skipper Vardy headed an equaliser into the net with 57 minutes gone.Brazilian Richarlison missed a golden opening to win it at the death and Spurs had to settle for one point in a match they really should have taken all three from. "Disappointing night for us," Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou told Sky Sports. "First half excellent and controlled the game but wasteful...

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19Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ligue 1

Bombito joins Nice on deal through 2028

Another Canadian is headed to Ligue 1.Nice announced the signing of centre-back Moïse Bombito from the Colorado Rapids on Monday. The 24-year-old Montreal native joins the team on a deal through 2028.“Moïse is considered one of the best defenders in North America,” Nice sporting director Florian Maurice said in a statement. “He has great physical qualities and a lot of potential for growth. He makes a strong impact on the pitch, with a commanding presence and a strong personality. He just had a successful Copa America where Canada reached the semi-finals. We are convinced that he will bring a lot to the team.”A product of New Hampshire, Bombito was the third overall selection of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.He made 29 league appearances for the Rapids over two seasons, scoring two go...

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19Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

BUNDESLIGA

Borussia Mönchengladbach trying to force a transfer of Florian Neuhaus

Bild reports that Borussia Mönchengladbach are trying to push midfielder Florian Neuhaus out of the club as they look to offload him. The 27-year-old reportedly does not play a role in the Gladbach squad this season and this can be seen in their recent DFB Pokal first-round 3-1 win against Erzgeburge Aue. Despite being fit, Neuhaus did not see the pitch as Seoane looked at alternatives. The Swiss head coach even subbed in Manu Koné who is looking to leave the club.Other signs show the lack of a role that Neuhaus will play this season as he has been removed from the team council, despite being the third captain last season. While the midfielder’s best friend at the club Christoph Kramer has also departed after his contract was mutually terminated. The relationship between Neu...

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19Aug By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

SERIE A

Atalanta reject PSG’s €30m bid for Lookman

Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) attempt to sign Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman has hit a roadblock. PSG’s initial offer of €30 million fell short of Atalanta’s valuation for the 2024 African Player of the Year frontrunner, according to reports. Atalanta are demanding a significantly higher price tag, with estimates ranging from €45-50 million. a sharp increase driven by his stellar performances in the latter part of the season, including a match-winning hat-trick that clinched Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League cup. According to Tutto Atalanta, PSG’s initial offer of €30 million was swiftly dismissed by the Serie A club. “Atalanta does not have a figure to sell Ademola Lookman,” noted the Italian publication. “The Nigerian striker, who scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final against...

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19Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Chelsea reach agreement with Atletico Madrid for Joao Felix

After over a week of negotiations, Chelsea look to have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for Portuguese forward Joao Felix. The 24-year-old is in Atletico’s matchday squad for their season debut against Villarreal, but may have played his final minutes for the club. As per The Athletic, Chelsea and Atletico have agreed on a deal for Felix, with personal terms long-since settled. Felix has given the green light for a move, and will sign a six-year deal with an option for a further season, meaning he will be at least 30 years of age when his contract expires. Meanwhile Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has been given permission to travel to Madrid for a second time to complete a €42m move to Atletico. The England midfielder had to return to London after the initial move sta...

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19Aug By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Leicester confirm signing of Tottenham star for £25million

Leicester City have confirmed the agreement with Tottenham Hotspur over the signing of their academy product Oliver Skipp. On the club's X (formerly Twitter), the Foxes released a picture of their newcomer, captioning it with: 'We have added to our midfield ranks with the transfer of Oliver Skipp.'It is understood that Leicester's new manager, Steve Cooper, was keen to sign the player, who entered Ange Postecoglou's plans due to his homegrown status. Mail Sport previously reported that Leicester City were set to pay a guaranteed £20million with a further £5million in add-ons for Skipp.This deal comes as Leicester City are scheduled to host Spurs at King Power Stadium for their opening game of the 2024-25 Premier League season on Monday. According to Leicester's statement, the play...

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