Blog – Page 2 – Football Flame

Blog

Pochettino dismisses Spurs links: ‘Not realistic’
PREMIER LEAGUE

Pochettino dismisses Spurs links: ‘Not realistic’

EAST HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 7: Mauricio Pochettino stands for the national anthem before a game between Turkiye and United States (USMNT) at Pratt & Whitney Stadium on June 7, 2025 in East Hartford, Connecticut. United States men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino shut down the rumors linking him to the Tottenham Hotspur managerial vacancy, labeling the idea "not realistic." Tottenham fired Ange Postecoglou as manager on Friday, with Pochettino, not for the first time, being mentioned as a candidate to return to the north London club. "I think after I left in 2019, I was linked to the team every time the position of manager or head coach of Tottenham was free," he told reporters following the USMNT's friendly loss to Turkey on Saturday. "My name is appearing on the l...
Cristiano Ronaldo dismisses Lamine Yamal as 2025 Ballon d’Or favourite
NEWS

Cristiano Ronaldo dismisses Lamine Yamal as 2025 Ballon d’Or favourite

STUTTGART, GERMANY - JUNE 05: Lamine Yamal (19) of Spain is seen during the warm up prior to the UEFA Nations League 2025 semi-final match between Spain and France at the MHP Arena Stadium on June 5, 2025, Stuttgart, Germany. Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to the media on Saturday, and during his press conference, he discussed Lamine Yamal, whom he will face for the first time during Sunday’s UEFA Nations League final between Spain and Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo gives assessment of Lamine Yamal As per Diario AS, Ronaldo gave his thoughts on Lamine Yamal, while also issuing a warning to those that have high expectations for the 17-year-old Barcelona winger. “Lamine Yamal is doing very well, he is taking full advantage of his talent. Now let the kid grow and don’t put too much pressure on him....
Como reportedly close to Baturina deal worth 30m
TRANSFERS

Como reportedly close to Baturina deal worth 30m

ZAGREB, CROATIA - JANUARY 29: Martin Baturina of Dinamo Zagreb controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between GNK Dinamo and AC Milan at Stadion Maksimir on January 29, 2025 in Zagreb, Croatia. Como are reportedly close to securing a deal for GNK Dinamo Zagreb and Croatia international midfielder Martin Baturina worth €30m. According to Fabrizio Romano, the negotiations are getting into full swing and progressing well. Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio goes further, suggesting that they are close to a deal on personal terms. The asking price from Dinamo Zagreb is believed to be circa €30m, which thanks to their rich owners, is entirely within Como’s budget. Baturina already linked with Serie A before The 22-year-old already ...
Saka left out of England squad to face Andorra
NEWS

Saka left out of England squad to face Andorra

Bukayo Saka right winger of Arsenal and England during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Arsenal FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has been left out of the England squad that will face Andorra in Saturday's (17:00 BST) World Cup qualifier. Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins have also been left out of the matchday squad, with Watkins returning home with a minor injury, Speaking on Friday, head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed Saka had only completed one full training session during the week, with his omission from the squad to face Andorra likely to be linked to his fitness. Saka, 23, is yet to play under Tuchel after missin...
Haaland scores again as Norway crush Italy in FIFA World Cup qualifier
NEWS

Haaland scores again as Norway crush Italy in FIFA World Cup qualifier

OSLO, NORWAY - JUNE 6: Erling Haaland of Norway (L) fights for a header with Samuele Ricci of Italy (R) during the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier match between Norway and Italy at Ullevaal Stadium on June 6, 2025 in Oslo, Norway. Erling Haaland scored and Norway humbled Italy 3-0 for the first time in 25 years in qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday. Haaland collected a through ball from playmaker Martin Odegaard and rounded goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the box for the third goal three minutes before halftime. It was his 41st goal in his 42nd game for Norway to the delight of the spectators at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, including King Harald V of Norway. Haaland also scored when Moldova were beaten 5-0 and Israel 4-2. Norway remained perfect in qualifying after three ga...
Bayern Munich send initial bid for Milan’s Rafael Leao
TRANSFERS

Bayern Munich send initial bid for Milan’s Rafael Leao

The Milan player Rafael Leao during the final of the Coppa Italia Milan-Bologna at the Olympic stadium. Rome (Italy), May 14th, 2025. Bundesliga side Bayern Munich have come forward to sign Milan forward Rafael Leao. According to a report by Tutto Sport via Milan News, Bayern Munich set to start negotiations with Milan to explore the signing of Rafael Leao. The Rossoneri have named a staggering €100 million asking price as transfer fees for the Portuguese forward. Bayern have sent an offer of around €60 million for Leao but it is far from what Milan have been asking since last season. Numerous Saudi Pro League clubs have arrived in the race to sign Leao previously but the player has put a veto to these options. Arsenal are also one of the interested parties but they are yet to send an...
Man United receive Victor Osimhen transfer update as ‘contract proposal sent’
TRANSFERS

Man United receive Victor Osimhen transfer update as ‘contract proposal sent’

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray looks on during the Super Lig match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce at Rams Park, Istanbul, Turkey on February 24, 2025. Galatasaray are reportedly trying to sign Victor Osimhen permanently this summer transfer window, as a proposed deal with Al-Hilal is said to be falling through. Osimhen spent last season on loan at the Turkish club, scoring 37 goals in 41 matches across all competitions as they won the league and cup double. However, the striker is still under contract at Napoli for another season. A move to the Saudi Pro League has seemed the most likely since the transfer window opened on 1 June. Al-Hilal reputedly want a deal for Osimhen done in time to play at the Club World Cup, but that would require the transfer to happen on or before 10 June...
Inter tried a sensational Mourinho return before Chivu decision
SERIE A

Inter tried a sensational Mourinho return before Chivu decision

José Mourinho of Fenerbahce gestures during the Super Lig match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce at Rams Park, Istanbul, Turkey on February 24, 2025. Before choosing Cristian Chivu, Inter had reportedly made a remarkable attempt to bring Jose Mourinho back to San Siro from Fenerbahce. The Nerazzurri found themselves needing a new coach after Simone Inzaghi accepted the huge offer from Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. The coach flew out this afternoon to Saudi Arabia to begin his new job, having signed the contract in Paris this week. Inter are set to sign his replacement Chivu this evening on a two-year contract, having missed out on first choice Cesc Fabregas of Como. Mourinho was on Inter list before Chivu According to Repubblica newspaper, there was another candidate who was app...
WC qualifier: Prabowo cheers Indonesia’s 1-0 win over China
NEWS

WC qualifier: Prabowo cheers Indonesia’s 1-0 win over China

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - JUNE 05: Wei Shihao #10 of China and Ole Romeny #10 of Indonesia vie for the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier Round Three Group C match between Indonesia and China at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on June 5, 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. President Prabowo Subianto expressed his gratitude after Indonesia's national football team secured a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over China in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium on Thursday evening. "Yes, we are grateful that we won," Prabowo told reporters after the match. He acknowledged the team’s efforts but emphasized that the journey was far from over. Looking ahead, he underscored the importance of the upcoming match against Japan and expressed hope that Indonesia could make hi...
10-man Iran lose to Qatar in 2026 World Cup qualifier
NEWS

10-man Iran lose to Qatar in 2026 World Cup qualifier

Qatar's defender #2 Pedro Miguel celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier football match between Qatar and Iran at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on June 5, 2025. In the match held in Doha’s Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Iran were reduced to 10 men in the 35th minute after Milad Mohammadi was shown his second yellow card. Six minutes later, Pedro Miguel found the back of the net from a tight angle, according to Tehran Times. Amir Ghalenoei’s Iran failed to equalize the match. Julien Lopetegui’s first game in charge takes the Qataris onto 13 points from nine games and leaves the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts a point behind the United Arab Emirates with Tuesday’s clash with Uzbekistan remaining. Iran (Group A) and Japan (Group C) have alre...
Brazil held by Ecuador in Ancelotti coaching debut
NEWS

Brazil held by Ecuador in Ancelotti coaching debut

Brazil's Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti gives instructions to his players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Ecuador and Brazil at the Monumental Banco Pichincha stadium in Guayaquil, province of Guayas, Ecuador on June 5, 2025. Carlo Ancelotti's debut as coach of Brazil ended in a goalless draw in Ecuador in South American World Cup qualifying. The 65-year-old Italian, who left Real Madrid at the end of the European season, has been charged with taking Brazil through the latter stages of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The former AC Milan and Chelsea manager replaced Dorival Junior, who was sacked at the end of March after the 4-1 thrashing at the hands of reigning champions and bitter rivals Argentina. Thursday's result leaves the S...
Lautaro Martinez: ‘I apologise to Inter fans, but prouder than ever’
SERIE A

Lautaro Martinez: ‘I apologise to Inter fans, but prouder than ever’

MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 31: Lautaro Martinez centre-forward of Internazionale and Argentina in action during the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Allianz Arena on May 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Lautaro Martinez has broken his silence on Inter’s humiliating 5-0 Champions League Final defeat. ‘I apologise to you all for not being able to provide the dream we all had. I am prouder than ever to be captain of this team.’ The Nerazzurri went into their second Champions League Final in the space of three years, but while in 2023 it was a narrow 1-0 loss to Manchester City, this was a crushing 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain that left no room for doubt. “Dear, dear Interisti...
Como block Inter move for Fabregas
Ligue 1

Como block Inter move for Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas, head coach of Como 1907, watches the Serie A match between US Lecce and Como in Lecce, Italy, on April 19, 2025. (Photo by Gabriele Maricchiolo/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Inter Milan's bid to bring in Cesc Fabregas as a replacement for Simone Inzaghi stalled on Thursday when Como refused them permission to talk with their coach. Inzaghi left on Tuesday following Inter's humiliating 5-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. Reports subsequently linked Inter with a move for the former Spain international Fabregas. "We communicated our refusal directly to the president of Inter, who accepted it with the courtesy and clarity expected between clubs who hold a mutual respect," Como said in a statement. "For this reason, we are treating the persistent ru...
Real Madrid midfield target plays down links – ‘I don’t think Alonso like me’
LALIGA

Real Madrid midfield target plays down links – ‘I don’t think Alonso like me’

Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson participates in the match between Ajax and Eintracht at the Johan Cruijff ArenA for the UEFA Europa League - Round of 16 - 1st leg season 2024-2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on March 6, 2025. (Photo by Marcel van Dorst / EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images) After a fine season for Eintracht Frankfurt, in which the Eagles have qualified for the Champions League, it is no surprise that 20-year-old midfielder Hugo Larsson has caught the eye. The Swedish starlet has been linked to a number of clubs, but none bigger than Real Madrid. Back in December it was first suggested that Los Blancos had their eye on Larsson, but in May those reports were corroborated by several stories stating that scouts had been dispatched to the Bundesliga in recent mont...
Liverpool reject Barcelona bid for Diaz
TRANSFERS

Liverpool reject Barcelona bid for Diaz

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Luis Diaz of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Liverpool FC at Amex Stadium on May 19, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images) Liverpool have rebuffed an approach by Barcelona for winger Luis Diaz.The Colombia international has been a target for the LaLiga champions for some time, although he has also been attracting interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Only last month Barca's sporting director Deco publicly named Diaz, and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, when talking about their transfer plans. However, it is understood when the Catalan club made an approach to Liverpool on Wednesday they were told they had no intention of selling. Diaz turned ...
Atletico Madrid press for Milan’s Theo Hernandez amidst Al-Hilal interest
TRANSFERS

Atletico Madrid press for Milan’s Theo Hernandez amidst Al-Hilal interest

Theo Hernandez plays during the match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale in the Coppa Italia Semi-Finals at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy, on April 2, 2025. (Photo by Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images) La Liga outfits Atletico Madrid are pressing to sign Milan left-back Theo Hernandez as Al-Hilal remain a threat. According to a report by Gianluca Di Marzio, Atletico Madrid have decided not to bow down to Saudi Arabian competition as they are actively negotiating with Milan for Theo Hernandez. There is still a huge gap to be bridged by the Spanish club as their undisclosed offer price is worth much less than the Rossoneri’s demands. It is of no surprise that Milan have increased their asking price following the introduction of Al-Hilal as a potential dest...
Arsenal issue Thomas Partey transfer statement after Barcelona contract talks
TRANSFERS

Arsenal issue Thomas Partey transfer statement after Barcelona contract talks

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 4: Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Arsenal FC at Amex Stadium on January 4, 2025 in Brighton, England. Arsenal have confirmed that they remain in talks with Thomas Partey over his future at the club. Partey, 31, sees his current deal expire on June 30 but boss Mikel Arteta wants to keep him. The midfielder is claimed to have held talks with La Liga giants Barcelona over a potential free transfer. Partey spent his formative years in Spain and joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for £45million in 2020. This season, the Ghanian played more games than ever for Arsenal. Partey made a total of 52 appearances, topping his previous best tally of 40. But his future remains uncertain, with Arsenal issuing...
Marianucci set for imminent Napoli medical
SERIE A

Marianucci set for imminent Napoli medical

EMPOLI, ITALY - MAY 04: Luca Marianucci of Empoli in action during the Serie A match between Empoli and Lazio at Stadio Carlo Castellani on May 04, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images) Empoli defender Luca Marianucci will undergo medical tests with Napoli within the next two days, sources tell Football Italia. Italian defender Marianucci, 20, is set to undergo medical tests with Serie A champions Napoli. When Marianucci will undergo Napoli medical Sources tell Football Flame that the Tuscan centre-back will have medical examinations with the Partenopei within 48 hours. Napoli will pay €9m to secure his services from Empoli, who were relegated to Serie B in the 2024-25 season. Marianucci made his Serie A debut under Roberto D’Aversa this season and collected 2...
Reijnders to join Manchester City: 70 million euro deal agreed
TRANSFERS

Reijnders to join Manchester City: 70 million euro deal agreed

Tijjani Reijnders of AC Milan during the Serie A Enilive match between AS Roma and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on May 18, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Manchester City and AC Milan have reached an agreement on a transfer for Tijjani Reijnders, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported on Wednesday morning. The Citizens will pay an amount of around 70 million euros for the Dutch international. Earlier, Reijnders had already reached a personal agreement with Manchester City, and now the clubs have also reached an agreement. At the moment, the last wrinkles are being ironed out by both parties. In March, Reijnders extended his contract with AC Milan until the summer of 2030, but after two seasons, the 26-year-old midfielder is already moving on...
Real Madrid set to pursue number nine – Five options named
TRANSFERS

Real Madrid set to pursue number nine – Five options named

Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC looks on during the Serie A Enilive match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on May 10, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Real Madrid sorely missed target man Joselu Mato this season, with the veteran forward’s contributions not replicated off the bench this season despite their offensive firepower. Now it seems Los Blancos will look for a similar option on the market this summer. Last year, the now 35-year-old Joselu Mato had the best goal contributions to minutes ratio of any Real Madrid player, scoring 17 times and assisting thrice in his 49 appearances. The former Castilla product also had a profound impact on opposition defences, clearing space for the likes of Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham....
Blogarama - Blog Directory