August 2024 – Page 9 – Football Flame

Month: August 2024

PREMIER LEAGUE

Erik ten Hag insists he has no Dutch ‘favouritism’ after signing two more ex-Ajax players

Erik ten Hag dismissed suggestions he prefers players with experience of Dutch football after Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui became the latest to join Manchester United this week. The defenders completed moves from Bayern Munich to Old Trafford on Tuesday, linking back up with their former Ajax manager ahead of the Premier League opener against Fulham.Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez and Antony also played under Ten Hag in Amsterdam, while former loanee Sofyan Amrabat was managed by him at Utrecht. Tyrell Malacia, Wout Weghorst and Joshua Zirkzee hail from the Netherlands, plus Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount played there, meaning 11 of the 20 signings made his since appointment in 2022 have a Dutch association. Asked if that background was something he favoured or just a ...
NEWS

Pochettino to become new US national team coach

Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly agreed terms to become the new coach of the United States national team, according to multiple reports on Thursday. The Athletic and ESPN reported that unnamed sources confirmed Pochettino, who parted ways with English Premier League side Chelsea in May, would replace Gregg Berhalter as boss. Pochettino, 52, would arrive as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada. Pochettino left Chelsea after finishing sixth in the Premier League in his only season in charge, after previous stints with Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham. Reports said the deal was struck after multiple conversations with US Soccer Federation technical director Matt Crocker, and that no contract has been signed nor has the federation's board ...
TRANSFERS

Barcelona and Atlético told N’Golo Kanté is not for sale – report

FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid have reportedly been sent a clear message about their interest for N’Golo Kanté. And that message is: back off. The Saudi League is not interested in letting the midfielder go, as he is considered a key player for Al Ittihad. Kanté earned rave reviews for his performances for France in UEFA Euro 2024. West Ham United were also said to be interested, but the Saudis were firm. Another complication about a potential transfer would be his massive salary. Generally speaking, European stars who have moved to Saudi Arabia have gotten significant - to say the least - pay bumps. It would be impossible for European clubs to match that kind of wage in a responsible manner. In addition, the appointment of Laurent Blanc to coach the Saudi club is seen as a tip of...
BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise settling in nicely

Bayern Munich signee Michael Olise spent part of this week getting acclimated to life in Germany and his new club. So, how are things going for Olise during his first few days with Bayern Munich? Let’s find out. “Good. So far everything has been very good. I immediately felt welcome. The coach is very good,” Olise said (as captured by FCBayern.com). Aside of his first impression, Olise gave some input on his history with Jamal Musiala. “We played together a bit when we were younger at Chelsea. He’s a top player. I’m happy to be playing alongside him,” Olise said. Bayern Munich board member for sport Max Eberl is happy to see Olise hit the ground running. “The good thing is that he’s arrived fully fit and on the back of success, even if it wasn’t a gold at the Olympics. Now it’s about...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Man Utd send clear Scott McTominay transfer message as Napoli plot bid

Manchester United have told Napoli to make them an offer they cannot refuse for Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay. Napoli are in talks with United and boss Antonio Conte wants McTominay to boost his midfield options. The Serie A side would prefer a loan move for McTominay, even though United feel he is worth at least £25million. McTominay, 27, has just 11 months left on his contract, although United have the option to extend it until 2026. United rejected a £20m offer from Fulham for McTominay and they are adamant they will not let him leave unless the deal is right for them. Although Erik ten Hag may not see McTominay as an automatic starter in his new-look side, he proved his worth to United last season, scoring 10 goals. United will happily keep McTominay if they do not receive a s...
Ligue 1

West Ham make enquiry over a move for PSG star Carlos Soler

West Ham have enquired about a move for Spain and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Carlos Soler. The Hammers have been one of the surprise big spenders with Aaron Wan-Bissaka's arrival on Wednesday the eighth signing made by new boss Julen Lopetegui so far this summer. While they have recruited heavily in defence - with Wan-Bissaka joined by Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo - West Ham appear to have set their sights on reinforcements in the middle of the park. With James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez, Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez in the centre, they are fairly well stocked for midfielders, yet the club have now approached PSG over Soler's availability. Primarily a central midfielder, Soler came through the ranks at Valencia before departing for the French capital in the summer windo...
SERIE A

Report: Juventus again raise their offer to Atalanta for Teun Koopmeiners

As the beginning of the 2024-25 season seems to fast approaching, it’s not exactly the same when it comes to Juventus’ final steps to sign Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners. Things have been at what feels like a crawl all summer, with a multitude of reasons — available money, Atalanta’s demands, a Koopmeiners replacement being secured — causing Juve’s No. 1 transfer target still not on the roster just a couple of days before the new year kicks off. Inching forward. Slowly but hopefully surely. That essentially translates to getting closer to and closer to Atalanta’s asking price for Koopmeiners, which looks like it’s about to be one of the most expensive deals Juventus will have ever made. According to Fabrizio Romano on Thursday, Juventus submitted their latest bid for Koopmeiner...
BUNDESLIGA

Under Pressure: Bayer Leverkusen bosses reportedly urged to sell stars after title season

These are the days it never rains, but it pours. After securing a Bundesliga title and keeping hold of some of its key members — like attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz and head coach Xabi Alonso — Bayer Leverkusen is now reportedly under pressure from its ownership to cash in on success and sell other assets. It seems that is a situation Bayern Munich is capitalizing on by threatening to walk out of the door — with a move for Leverkusen center-back Jonathan Tah now looking unlikely, and causing a brief war of words between club executives this week. From Tz journalists Manuel Bonke and Philipp Kessler, as captured via @iMiaSanMia: Leverkusen are being urged by the Bayer Group to sell players because their market values ​​are higher than usual after the title. Tah is considered the num...
LALIGA

Young midfielder Uche scores in league debut for Getafe

Nigerian midfielder Christantus Uche was playing in the fifth division of Spanish soccer two years ago, now he has scored on debut for Getafe in La Liga. Young midfielder Christantus Uche has scored in his La Liga debut to help Getafe earn a 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao. The 21-year-old Nigerian, who was playing in the fifth division of Spanish soccer only two years ago, scored on Thursday - the opening day of the Spanish league - from a firm header in the 64th minute. "I'm feeling so good," said Uche. "To score a goal in my debut is amazing. I'm really happy." Uche was with fifth-division Moralo before joining third-division side Ceuta for a reported transfer fee of 800 euros ($A1300) last year. Athletic, the defending Copa del Rey champions and one of the teams considered to have an...
TRANSFERS

Bournemouth set to sign striker Evanilson for club record fee

Bournemouth are set to complete the club-record signing of Porto striker Evanilson after agreeing a deal worth £40.2m, according to reports.The Brazil international is set to undergo a medical before finalising the switch to the Premier League club, whose previous record signing was the £25m transfer of midfielder Jefferson Lerma from Levante in 2018. Bournemouth have moved quickly to replace Dominic Solanke, who joined Tottenham for £65m last week.Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah was also reportedly a target for the Cherries, but they instead opted to pursue Evanilson. The 24-year-old scored 25 goals for Porto in all competitions last season, including four in seven Champions League appearances.He was selected for the Brazil squads at the Copa America and Olympics this year and has tw...
TRANSFERS

Man Utd transfer news: Jadon Sancho breakthrough as bid rejected for midfielder

Manchester United are making huge progress in the summer transfer window ahead of the start of the Premier League season. United have now completed four transfers, with Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui arriving for a combined fee of £145.5million. But they are not done yet, with the INEOS ownership targeting more players to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s squad while also looking to offload others. Perennial United transfer target Frenkie de Jong is back on the radar, with United desperate to add a central midfielder to the mix before the window closes on August 31, while another striker is also on the wishlist. In order to comply with profit and sustainability rules, United will need to sell more players after Aaron Wan-Bissaka completed his £15m exit to West ...
Ligue 1

Marseille’s Pau López to be loaned out to Girona

Olympique de Marseille goalkeeper Pau López (29) is set to spend the upcoming season on loan at La Liga side Girona FC, according to reports from L’Equipe and RMC Sport. The Spaniard is expected to leave the Ligue 1 club after three seasons at the Vélodrome. Les Phocéens already sanctioned his exit and planned for the future without him in signing Geronimo Rulli (32) and Jeffrey de Lange (26) during this summer transfer window. L’Equipe understands that Girona’s loan move for López will include a €6.5m option to make his move permanent at Estadi Montilivi. The City Football Group-owned Girona FC will feature in the revamped 36-team Champions League on the back of their remarkable third-place finish in the last La Liga campaign. The outlet adds that Girona FC will take charge of López’...
BUNDESLIGA

Serge Gnabry is a veteran who understands competition at Bayern Munich

At Bayern Munich, competition is inevitable. While Bayern Munich portrays the image of a “family” (there are, after all, former Bayern players in high positions in this club), there is plenty of competition for each and every position (except goalkeeper until Manuel Neuer decides to call it a day). Serge Gnabry’s position is questioned every season at the club and it is no secret that certain members of the hierarchy have consistently called for player sales this year. Moreso, new players such as the electric French forward Michael Olise have been added to the roster. Nonetheless, Gnabry, about to enter his seventh season at the club (he was loaned out in his first season in 2017 to TSG Hoffenheim), does not necessarily mind the competition according to @SkySportDE via @iMiaSanMia as he ...
SERIE A

Milan offered hope to land their top target from Monaco

Paulo Fonseca was clear about whom Milan want to bolster their midfield, Youssouf Fofana, and Monaco are starting to be more open about his departure. Recent reports suggested the Rossoneri could wait until 2025 to scoop him up for free. That’d be highly detrimental for the Ligue 1 side. His director Thiago Scuro, who was very stern in recent weeks, spoke with L’Equipe (via Fantacalcio). “Fofana wasn’t called up for the last friendly because, if he has no intention of staying, it makes no sense for him to be involved in the preparation. We discussed it internally and backed this choice. I’ve had many conversations with him last season. He clearly voiced his desire to leave this summer. "In his opinion, his cycle has ended. We must respect it. It wouldn’t be logical to keep ahold of som...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Mikel, Drogba Want Osimhen’s Chelsea Deal Finalised

Only Chelsea remains in the chase for Victor Osimhen as PSG are now busy looking at other targets and there was never any truth in interest by Arsenal, according to Top Transfer Expert Fabrizio Romano. The Transfer Expert reported today that big-spending Premier League club Chelsea never ended their interest in the Napoli striker. However, both Napoli and Osimhen have never been comfortable with a loan transfer to the London club. The player’s release clause of about 130 million Euros as well as his huge salary, which is beyond the pay ceiling at Chelsea were among the issues that had to be dealt with. Napoli have been clear on their interest in Romelu Lukaku and a swap deal involving Osimhen has been discussed. There is also the question of the player’s wish to play in the UEFA Champ...
LALIGA

Mbappe Scores as Lookman’s Atalanta Fall to Madrid in Super Cup

Super Eagles winger, Ademola Lookman failed to reenact his Europa Cup final win last May yesterday as UEFA Champions League Champions, Real Madrid posted a 2-0 win against the Italian side in the Super Cup final match in Warsaw, Poland. The result leaves only Nwankwo Kanu, Finidi George and Celestine Babayaro as the only Nigerian players to have won the Super Cup for their respective clubs in Europe. The win gives Real Madrid its sixth time winning cup which itself is a record. Kylian Mbappe made his first appearance for last season’s Champions League winners and scored on his debut after Federico Valverde had put Real Madrid ahead with half an hour to play. Carlo Ancelotti’s side could have filled their boots even more in the second half if it wasn’t for a fine display from Atalanta g...
TRANSFERS

Manchester United sign Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich

Manchester United have signed Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, the Premier League club announced Tuesday. Fees for the pair were not disclosed by the English giants, but British media reports estimated the duo had arrived at Old Trafford for a combined £60 million ($77 million, 70 million euros). Netherlands defender De Ligt, 25, will now join up again with United manager Erik ten Hag, having played under him at Dutch side Ajax, after agreeing a five-year contract with the option of another year. “As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity of a new challenge at such an historic club,” said De Ligt. “In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set ou...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Leicester City line-up against Tottenham requires four big decisions

There are still a few days of training for Leicester City players to catch the manager’s eye and perhaps change his thinking, but the opportunity to impress in pre-season matches has now passed. City’s Premier League return is just days away and Steve Cooper will have a broad idea of the line-up he plans to field against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday (8pm). The likes of Mads Hermansen and Harry Winks are almost certainly going to start.But there are a couple of positions that are still up for debate, so we have taken a look at the most contentious areas of the City starting line-up. Ricardo or KristiansenGiven he was one of City’s best performers last season, his quality in tight areas integral to the success of the style of play, it was a surprise that Ricardo Pereira did not star...
TRANSFERS

Man Utd draw up new Ivan Toney transfer plan after Brentford response

Manchester United could yet be tempted by a loan deal for Brentford forward Ivan Toney.The Bees have stood firm so far this summer, and require £60million to part ways with their star striker. The England international has less than a year on his contract and has shown no desire to extend his stay at the G-tech Stadium. No club has yet proved willing to meet that figure, with the possibility that patience could not prove beneficial for any suitor. At 28, Toney is an older forward that clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea would not ideally target, though they have been interested in the striker, along with Arsenal. The Independent report that the Old Trafford side, like Chelsea, are willing to wait until nearer the end of the transfer window to potentially make a move. It is ex...
SERIE A

Szczesny Bids Farewell to Juventus and Might Join MLS

Wojciech Szczesny, who once stood as the rock-solid guardian of Juventus' goal, is now on the brink of moving to the United States. Szczesny, a name that once echoed with security between the posts of the 'Old Lady,' now finds himself at a crossroads, with the allure of MLS shining in the distance. It’s undeniable that the arrival of Thiago Motta, the new conductor of the Turin team, brought a fresh symphony to Juventus, but one that left Szczesny without a solo. With the signing of Michele Di Gregorio, the Polish keeper saw his space shrink, like a shadow fading at sunset. It was inevitable, then, that a contract termination would be the final note in this partnership. However, it wasn’t a bitter farewell. The separation was dignified, accompanied by compensation that, although not...
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