Blog – Page 2 – Football Flame

Blog

USMNT striker Downs seals move to Southampton
PREMIER LEAGUE

USMNT striker Downs seals move to Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 08: New Southampton signing Damion Downs, pictured at the Staplewood Campus, on July 08, 2025 in Southampton, England. United States international Damion Downs has joined Southampton from FC Cologne on a four-year deal. The 21-year-old striker, who played at the Concacaf Gold Cup, scored 10 goals and set up five more to help Cologne to Bundesliga promotion by winning the German second division last season. Southampton was relegated from the Premier League last season in England and will host high-profile Wrexham in its opening game of the second-tier Championship on Aug. 9. "Everybody plays football to win titles. To win my first title at 20 last year was a great feeling, and I hope to repeat it again this year," Downs said on Southampton's website. ...
Madrid ready for ‘new age’ after ‘painful’ PSG rout
LALIGA

Madrid ready for ‘new age’ after ‘painful’ PSG rout

Xabi Alonso head coach of Real Madrid gives instructions during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter final match between Real Madrid CF and Borussia Dortmund at MetLife Stadium on July 5, 2025 in East Rutherford, United States. Real Madrid will start next season from scratch, manager Xabi Alonso said on Wednesday, after his tactical shift backfired in a 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semifinal. Missing suspended defender Dean Huijsen and injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alonso, who took the reins only weeks ago, reverted to a four-man defence from the back-five that had served them so well earlier in the tournament. The tactical switch saw tournament sensation Gonzalo García start alongside star forward Kylian Mbappé, who was finally back to full strength after miss...
Juventus eye Bayern Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka to bolster midfield
TRANSFERS

Juventus eye Bayern Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka to bolster midfield

Juventus have identified Bayern Leverkusen holding mid-fielder Granit Xhaka as an ideal candidate to bolster the midfield. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that with the Bianconeri set to part ways with former West Ham midfielder Douglas Luiz after a difficult first season in Turin, coach Igor Tudor’s side turn towards the former Arsenal skipper as the Croatian tactician seeks a flexible, dynamic, and highly skilled in both phases of the game. Sandro Tonali remains the dream signing, but with his lucrative price-tag and the Italian international inching closer towards extending his stay with Newcastle United, it remains unlikely for the former Milan midfielder to be sold this summer from the Magpies. Inter midfielder Davide Frattesi was also another profile that intrigued Juventus, but...
Chelsea concern over star man’s fitness for Club World Cup final
PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea concern over star man’s fitness for Club World Cup final

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 8: Moises Caicedo of Chelsea reacts after being injured during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final match between Fluminense FC and Chelsea FC at MetLife Stadium on July 8, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has issued an injury update over one of his players being doubtful for the Club World Cup final on Sunday. Maresca spoke to the media after the Blues advanced to the final on Tuesday night courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Brazilian side Fluminense. The Blues progressed thanks to strikes either side of half-time from their new £60million signing Joao Pedro, who joined earlier this week from Brighton. While the Brazilian forward's performance will have been enjoyed by Maresca, the Italian is sweati...
Tottenham sign Japan defender Takai for £5m
PREMIER LEAGUE

Tottenham sign Japan defender Takai for £5m

KAWASAKI, JAPAN - MAY 14: #02 Kota TAKAI of Kawasaki Frontale in action during the J.LEAGUE MEIJI YASUDA J1 14th Sec. match between Kawasaki Frontale and Yokohama FC at Uvance Todoroki Stadium by Fujitsu on May 14, 2025 in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by J.LEAGUE/J.LEAGUE via Getty Images) Tottenham have signed Japan defender Kota Takai from J-League side Kawasaki Frontale for £5m.The 20-year-old has signed a five-year contract until the summer of 2030 and will be part of Thomas Frank's first-team squad. Takai has won four caps for Japan's senior side, making his international debut in a World Cup qualifier versus China last September. The defender played a key role in Kawasaki Frontale winning the Japanese Super Cup in 2024 while also being named the nation's best young play...
Enzo Maresca expects ‘quality and energy’ from Fluminense
PREMIER LEAGUE

Enzo Maresca expects ‘quality and energy’ from Fluminense

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 4: Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter final match between SE Palmeiras and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on July 4, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Enzo Maresca has highlighted the 'quality and energy' of Brazilian sides at the Club World Cup and knows that it is something his Chelsea side must overcome in today's semi-final against Fluminense. The Blues have already faced two Brazilian clubs en route to the last four. In the group stage, we were beaten 3-1 by Flamengo. However, we responded and in our quarter-final against Palmeiras, Maresca's side produced a strong display to clinch a 2-1 win. This evening's semi-final will be our 63rd match since the start of the 2024/25 campaign. Flumine...
Man United ‘make contact’ over move for Serie A midfielder
TRANSFERS

Man United ‘make contact’ over move for Serie A midfielder

The Atalanta player Ederson during the match Napoli-Atalanta at Diego Armando Maradona stadium on November 3, 2024 in Naples, Italy. Manchester United have reportedly made contact over a potential move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson. The Red Devils have bolstered their forward options with the £62.5m addition of Wolverhampton Wanderers, while they are also keen to recruit Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo. While they have been focusing on the final third, Man United will also be hoping to strengthen other areas of Ruben Amorim's squad as they look to avoid a repeat of the disappointing 2024-25 campaign. The midfield is one area that could see at least one new addition following the departure of Christian Eriksen as a free agent. According to Goal Brazil, Man United are eyeing Atalanta's Ede...
Modric to join Milan after Club World Cup – Allegri
SERIE A

Modric to join Milan after Club World Cup – Allegri

Luka Modric central midfield of Real Madrid and Croatia during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter final match between Real Madrid CF and Borussia Dortmund at MetLife Stadium on July 5, 2025 in East Rutherford, United States. AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri confirmed the transfer of Croatian midfielder Luka Modric to the Italian club after the Club World Cup. Real Madrid did not extend Modric's contract, and he will leave the team after the tournament. The Croatian, who joined the "Blancos" in 2012, will leave the team after the Club World Cup, which starts on June 18 in the USA. Real advanced to the 1/2 finals of the Club World Cup, beating Borussia Dortmund (3:2), where they will face Paris Saint-Germain, who defeated Bayern Munich in the 1/4 finals. The match will ...
Real Madrid superstar withdraws case against PSG ahead of Club World Cup semifinal
LALIGA

Real Madrid superstar withdraws case against PSG ahead of Club World Cup semifinal

Kylian Mbappe centre-forward of Real Madrid and France reacts during the Spanish Super Cup semi-final match between Real Madrid and RCD Mallorca at King Abdullah Sports City on January 9, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Following Real Madrid’s win over Borussia Dortmund in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals, there was instant hype surrounding the club’s semifinal clash against PSG. This is, after all, the first time Kylian Mbappe will ever face his former club PSG after leaving the club on a free transfer last summer. The matchup was supposed to be all the more exciting given Mbappe’s legal battles with Mbappe over €55 million unpaid salary case, which led to further cases of moral harassment and extortion. Mbappe wi...
Nicolas Kuhn Jets Off to Como
SERIE A

Nicolas Kuhn Jets Off to Como

DUNDEE, SCOTLAND - APRIL 26: Celtic's Nicolas Kuhn celebrates after scoring to make it 2-0 during a William Hill Premiership match between Dundee Utd and Celtic at the CalForth Construction Arena at Tannadice Park, on April 26, 2025, in Dundee, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images) Nicolas Kuhn is on his way to Italy to finalise his €20 million move from Celtic to ambitious Serie A side Como. The German winger has been pictured on a private jet alongside his agent Fabian Dingler, as he travels to Lombardy to undergo a medical and complete the formalities of his switch. As reported last week, Celtic struck an agreement with Como that will see them net a significant profit on the player they signed for just £3 million from Rapid Vienna in January 2024. ...
West Ham target deal for Slavia Prague star amid transfer admission
TRANSFERS

West Ham target deal for Slavia Prague star amid transfer admission

Malmoe's Swedish midfielder #37 Adrian Skogmar and Slavia Prague's Senegalese defender #12 El Hadji Malick Diouf vie for the ball during the UEFA Europa league football match between Slavia Prague and Malmo FF, in Prague, Czech Republic, on January 30, 2025. (Photo by michal cizek / AFP) (Photo by MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images) West Ham are making progress in their pursuit of El Hadji Malick Diouf, with Slavia Prague manager Jindrich Trpisovsky confirming the 20-year-old Senegal international is on course to leave the Czech club in the current transfer window. “It’s a matter of time,” said Trpisovsky when asked about the situation. “The club’s management is taking care of it. Malick has an individual plan, we don’t want to take any risks. He’s a player with extraordinary qualiti...
Ola Aina signs new deal at Forest
PREMIER LEAGUE

Ola Aina signs new deal at Forest

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: Nottingham Forest's Ola Aina takes a throw in during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Liverpool FC at City Ground on January 14, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images) After featuring 35 times in the Premier League last season, Aina and Forest have come to a consensus that the Nigerian international should extend his stay Trentside until 2028. He joins his manager Nuno Espirito Santo, Chris Wood, and centre-back Murillo in signing new deals. Fellow full-back Neco Williams also signed the dotted line last week to stay at Nottingham Forest until the summer of 2029. Aina was pivotal for Matz Sels, who achieved his first Golden Glove by keeping 13 clean sheets alongside David Raya and ...
Report: Bayern Munich, Liverpool’s Luis Diaz agree to personal terms
PREMIER LEAGUE

Report: Bayern Munich, Liverpool’s Luis Diaz agree to personal terms

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) According to a report from Bild (as captured by Goal), Bayern Munich has reached an agreement on personal terms with Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz:Bayern Munich could beat Barcelona to the signing of Liverpool forward Luis Diaz this summer after the Bundesliga club struck an agreement on personal terms. Diaz is yet to negotiate a fresh deal with the English champions and has reportedly assured Bayern Munich officials that he would consider moving to Germany in the summer. According to the BILD, the reigning German champions have made sign...
Real Madrid holds off hard-charging Borussia Dortmund to earn semi-final berth
NEWS

Real Madrid holds off hard-charging Borussia Dortmund to earn semi-final berth

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 05: Fran Garcia #20 of Real Madrid C. F. celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates Antonio Rudiger #22, Gonzalo Garcia #30, Vinicius Junior #7, Jude Bellingham #5, Federico Valverde #8 and Trent Alexander-Arnold #12 during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter-final match between Real Madrid CF and Borussia Dortmund at MetLife Stadium on July 05, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Gonzalo Garcia rewarded his coach's faith in him with the opening goal to help Real Madrid to a wild-ending 3-2 win against Borussia Dortmund in East Rutherford, N.J. on Saturday afternoon to advance to the semifinals of the Club World Cup. Real Madrid will play Paris Saint-Germain in the same city on Wednesday. With superstar Kylian Mbappe gradually recover...
Paris Saint-Germain shut down Bayern Munich, reach CWC semis
NEWS

Paris Saint-Germain shut down Bayern Munich, reach CWC semis

Ousmane DEMBELE of PSG celebrates his goal during the FIFA Club World Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Desire Doué scored in the 78th minute, Ousmane Dembele added a second in stoppage time and Paris Saint-Germain sealed their place in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals with a 2-0 quarterfinal win over Bayern Munich on Saturday in Atlanta. Pairs Saint-Germain played the closing minutes with just nine players after a pair of red cards and still added a goal to seal the victory. Referee Anthony Taylor dismissed Willian Pacho in the 82nd minute for his dangerous challenge on Bayern's Thomas Muller, and sent off Lucas Hernandez in the second minute of second-half stoppage time for an elbow in the direction...
Juventus hope Ederson can be involved in Nico Gonzalez swap deal
SERIE A

Juventus hope Ederson can be involved in Nico Gonzalez swap deal

The Atalanta player Ederson during the match Napoli-Atalanta at Diego Armando Maradona stadium on November 3, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images) It is not just Inter who are pursuing Atalanta midfielder Ederson, as Juventus will reportedly propose Nico Gonzalez and others as part of a swap deal. We already had reports that the Nerazzurri saw Ederson as the first choice to take over from want-away Hakan Calhanoglu in their midfield, if an agreement can be reached for the sale to Galatasaray. However, the Brazil international is attracting interest from elsewhere in Serie A too, as Juventus are also ready to make an offer. Nico Gonzalez part of Juve bid for Ederson According to Calciomercato.it, the...
Szczesny’s Barcelona contract decision ‘revealed’ following Garcia arrival
LALIGA

Szczesny’s Barcelona contract decision ‘revealed’ following Garcia arrival

BILBAO, SPAIN - MAY 25: Wojciech Szczesny of FC Barcelona looks on prior to the LaLiga match between Athletic Club and FC Barcelona at Estadio de San Mames on May 25, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has reportedly decided to sign a new two-year contract with the club. The 35-year-old came out of retirement to join Barcelona in October after Marc-Andre ter Stegen picked up a serious knee injury. Sczezesny initially had to settle for a backup role behind Inaki Pena, but he soon forced his way into the side to become Hansi Flick's number one for the second half of the season. The shot-stopper recorded 14 clean sheets in 30 competitive appearances, helping the club win La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the S...
Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund renew rivalry in CWC quarterfinals
NEWS

Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund renew rivalry in CWC quarterfinals

Bayer Leverkusen's Spanish head coach Xabi Alonso reacts from the sidelines during the German Cup (DFB Pokal) semi-final football match between Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer 04 Leverkusen in Bielefeld, western Germany on April 1, 2025. (Photo by UWE KRAFT / AFP) / DFB REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND QUASI-VIDEO. (Photo by UWE KRAFT/AFP via Getty Images) Big clubs meeting in big matches. That's the recent history for Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, who continue their rivalry in a Club World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday at East Rutherford, N.J. Real Madrid recorded a 5-2 win over Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League in October 2024, four months after they defeated the German side 2-0 in the final of 2023-24 Champions League. Add in that Real Madr...
Newcastle table huge £50m offer for Elanga
TRANSFERS

Newcastle table huge £50m offer for Elanga

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga gestures during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Leicester City FC at City Ground on May 11, 2025 in Nottingham, England. Newcastle United are making a serious push to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, according to a report by David Ornstein of The Athletic. After an initial bid of £45 million was rejected, the Magpies have returned with an improved offer worth over £50 million plus bonuses. The interest is long-standing. Newcastle were keen on the Swedish international last summer, and their renewed pursuit signals real intent to bolster Eddie Howe’s attacking options. At just 23 years old, Elanga has impressed since joining Forest from Manchester United for £15 million in July 2023. He pla...
Besiktas Make Napoli Cajuste Loan Offer
SERIE A

Besiktas Make Napoli Cajuste Loan Offer

Ipswich Town's Jens Cajuste takes a throw-in during the Premier League match at Portman Road, Ipswich. Picture date: Saturday April 5, 2025. (Photo by Bradley Collyer/PA Images via Getty Images) Besiktas are reported to made a loan offer including an option to buy to Napoli for ex-Blues loanee Jens Cajuste.TWTD revealed that the Turkish side were leading the chase for the Sweden international a week ago. Now, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano is reporting that the Istanbul club has offered €1 million (£863, 000) loan fee plus an €6.5 million (£6.5 million) buy option to the Serie A champions for the midfielder. Cajuste impressed for Town while on loan during 2024/25 and the Blues are among those who have made an approach this summer, but with manager Kieran McKenna having admitte...
Blogarama - Blog Directory