Blog – Page 69 – Football Flame

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Ilkay Gundogan has ‘told’ Pep Guardiola who Man City should sign out of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz
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Ilkay Gundogan has ‘told’ Pep Guardiola who Man City should sign out of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz

Ilkay Gundogan has already made his feelings clear on who Manchester City should sign out of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. Over the last couple of seasons, youngsters Musiala and Wirtz have developed into two of the biggest talents in world football. Musiala has impressed playing for Bayern Munich and has since nailed down a regular starting role for Germany. Meanwhile, Wirtz played a big role in Bayer Leverkusen’s journey to becoming Bundesliga champions last season. Both players have also been linked with Premier League clubs such as City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. Speaking during EURO 2024, Gundogan, who made a return to City last month, was full of praise for Musiala. As reported by Hayters, the midfielder said: “For me, he’s incredible. “It’s such a joy to pl...
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Lazio Prioritize Crystal Palace, PSG Summer Target for January Move, Report Says
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Ligue 1

Lazio Prioritize Crystal Palace, PSG Summer Target for January Move, Report Says

Olympique Lyonnais’ Rayan Cherki was the center of transfer rumors all summer, but he ended up staying put. Now, he might even sign a new contract with Lyon, as his current deal runs until 2025. According to The Athletic’s Peter Rutzler, Fulham made a bid for the young attacking midfielder, offering an initial £12 million plus bonuses. Rutzler also mentioned that Crystal Palace remains interested, though they haven’t made a formal offer yet. Meanwhile, L’Equipe’s Loïc Tanzi revealed that PSG had been expected to sign Cherki during the summer transfer window. The latest information on the 20-year-old after failing to make a move this summer is that there’s a new suitor for him. According to Tuttosport (h/t Le10Sport), Lazio has made the French attacking midfielder their top target for ...
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Real Madrid star in push for start vs Sociedad with injury-time winner on international stage
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LALIGA

Real Madrid star in push for start vs Sociedad with injury-time winner on international stage

A member of the attacking ranks at La Liga giants Real Madrid on Monday night staked his latest claim for a starting berth in Carlo Ancelotti’s XI. As much came by way of his exploits on the international front. The player in question? Brahim Díaz. Versatile attacker Brahim was back in action with Morocco a short time ago. After being afforded a rest from the off in the country’s AFCON qualifying meeting with Lesotho, the 24-year-old was introduced to the fray during the 2nd-half, with the game on a knife-edge. And, when all was said and done, Brahim went on to prove himself match-winner once more. Picking up the ball on the edge of the Lesotho penalty area, the former AC Milan man left a pair of defenders for dead, before picking out the bottom corner with a pinpoint finish. This p...
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Bayern Munich among top clubs eyeing William Saliba
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Bayern Munich among top clubs eyeing William Saliba

William Saliba has, in recent games, captured the footballing world’s attention with his impressive skills at the defensive line for both Arsenal FC and the France national team. He is consistently praised for his talents as a center back, and is now on the radar of top clubs across Europe. One of the clubs aiming to get Saliba’s signature is Bayern Munich. The German Rekordmeister recently lost some incredible players in Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, and could be looking to replace the talent at the back line. However, Bayern will reportedly face some competition from other top clubs, namely Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Reported by CaughtOffside, the Spanish and French giants are also looking to sign William Saliba for a hefty price tag of €120 million at least....
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Bastoni: ‘Italy feel strong’ after Nations League success
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NEWS

Bastoni: ‘Italy feel strong’ after Nations League success

Alessandro Bastoni is happy to take on the mantle of the Italy defence and confirms they ‘feel strong’ after back-to-back Nations League victories. The Azzurri are flying in the Nations League, topping Group A2 with six points after their 3-1 win in France and 2-1 victory over Israel. Les Bleus beat Belgium 2-0 this evening, so they go into joint second place on three points apiece. “It was very important to follow up the win over France, which boosted our confidence so much and made us feel strong,” Bastoni told RAI Sport. “We want to continue like this and leave the embarrassment of the Euros behind us.” The Azzurri were determined to prove what they can do after a disastrous European Championship result, crashing out in the Round of 16 against Switzerland with a soulless performanc...
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Liverpool are considering a move to sign Bryan Mbeumo
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Liverpool are considering a move to sign Bryan Mbeumo

Even though the summer transfer window for the 2024-25 season just closed, speculation about next summer’s signings is already heating up. Liverpool are reportedly laying the groundwork for a significant acquisition, with Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo emerging as a key target. With Mohamed Salah’s contract set to expire in less than a year, Liverpool may need to prepare for a potential departure. If Salah opts not to renew his contract, the Reds will face the challenge of finding a suitable replacement. Mbeumo, who is valued at around £50 million, has been identified as a potential candidate. According to Give Me Sport, Liverpool are considering an early move for Mbeumo, but they will face competition from clubs like Newcastle United and Arsenal. Earlier in the summer, L’Equipe rep...
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Arsenal star Martin Odegaard suffers injury before Tottenham clash
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Arsenal star Martin Odegaard suffers injury before Tottenham clash

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been one of the best players in the Premier League since joining the Gunners from Real Madrid, spreading his wings as one of world football’s best modern playmakers under coach Mikel Arteta. With Odegaard pulling the strings, Arsenal are perennial Premier League title contenders and one step closer towards returning to a Champions League Final, with the 25-year-old coming off a 10-assist season after notching 15 goals in 2022/23. Unfortunately for Arsenal, it looks like they may have to face arch rivals Tottenham in the North London derby this coming Sunday without the services of their superstar midfielder. Odegaard went down with a left ankle injury during the September international “break”, getting caught with Austria star playmaker Christoph Baum...
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France and Italy cruise to win in Nations League as Norway’s Haaland scores decisive goal
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NEWS

France and Italy cruise to win in Nations League as Norway’s Haaland scores decisive goal

Les Bleus breathed a sigh of relief with their 2-0 win against Belgium after a loss last week. Meanwhile Italy are on a winning streak with a victory over Israel. Italy kept up their perfect start to the UEFA Nations League on Monday, while France got the better of Belgium and Erling Haaland struck a late winner for Norway against Austria. The Italians built on an impressive win away in France at the weekend as they beat Israel 2-1 in a game played on neutral territory in Budapest due to the security situation in the Middle East. Goals in each half from Davide Frattesi and Moise Kean were enough for Italy to win in a subdued atmosphere at the Bozsik Arena, home of Honved. Luciano Spalletti's team have reacted well to their disastrous European Championship title defence, which ended at...
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Memphis Depay set to join Corinthians in Brazil on a 2-year deal
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LALIGA

Memphis Depay set to join Corinthians in Brazil on a 2-year deal

Corinthians published a picture Monday of Depay holding a club shirt and meeting with a club executive. The 30-year-old Depay, who played for the Netherlands at the European Championship in July, will be the first ever Dutch player to join the popular Brazilian club, which has more than 35 million supporters. Brazilian media reported that Depay has undertaken his medical tests and will arrive in Sao Paulo later this week. Depay started his career at PSV Eindhoven in 2011 and later had spells at Manchester United, Olympique Lyon and Barcelona before joining Atletico Madrid. The Dutch striker played 39 times for Atletico Madrid and scored only nine goals last season. Corinthians is fighting to avoid relegation in the Brazilian league, with 13 rounds remaining. It is also in the quarterf...
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Report: Man United in £8m reveal as Real Madrid learn reason for Leny Yoro snub
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Report: Man United in £8m reveal as Real Madrid learn reason for Leny Yoro snub

Manchester United's significantly higher contract offer was the determining factor in Leny Yoro's decision to snub a move to Real Madrid, according to a report. The former Lille starlet was seemingly bound for the Bernabeu after becoming a mainstay in Les Dogues' defence, scoring three goals in 60 games for the 2020-21 Ligue 1 champions as a teenager. Yoro was courted by several top-level clubs during the most recent transfer window - Liverpool were also said to have been huge admirers - but he was rumoured to have had his heart set on joining Los Blancos. However, Carlo Ancelotti's side never came forward with an official offer for the 2005-born product, who subsequently made the switch to Man United in a deal worth an initial £52.4m. The Red Devils could end up shelling out close to ...
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UEFA nations Lge: Ruiz double helps 10-man Spain sink Swiss in the rain
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NEWS

UEFA nations Lge: Ruiz double helps 10-man Spain sink Swiss in the rain

Spain’s Fabian Ruiz scored twice as his 10-man side defeated Switzerland 4-1 in the pouring rain in Geneva to earn their first victory in Nations League A Group Four and inflict a second successive defeat on the hosts. Euro 2024 winners Spain had been held to a dour 0-0 draw by Serbia in their pool opener but found their groove in a quick start at the Stade de Geneve as Joselu and Ruiz had them 2-0 up inside 13 minutes. A red card for Spain defender Robin Le Normand after 20 minutes was a setback and brought Switzerland into the game as Zeki Amdouni pulled a goal back before halftime. But as the Swiss pressed for an equaliser late on, Ruiz netted his second and Ferran Torres also got on the scoresheet as Spain hit the hosts with lightning counter-attacks. “If there’s one thing I like t...
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Flick does more La Masia homework over the international break
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LALIGA

Flick does more La Masia homework over the international break

Barcelona may not have had a game this weekend due to the international break but that hasn’t stopped new boss Hansi Flick from taking in some action at the club. The German showed up to watch Barcelona’s Juvenil A play on Sunday, showing once again how interested he is in the club’s youngsters. Flick was in attendance in a win for the youngsters too. Juvenil A ran out 2-1 winners over Badalona. Juliano Belletti’s side, who have started the season well, took all three points thanks to goals from Brian Farinas and Mauro. Barcelona’s new boss has already spoken glowingly about the club’s famed La Masia academy and it’s been previously reported that one of the reasons he got the job was his excellent knowledge of the club’s young stars after studying them intensely. It’s certainly been ...
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Boost for Southampton despite facing three defeats in the Premier League
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Boost for Southampton despite facing three defeats in the Premier League

Southampton haven't had a good return to the Premier League as they have faced three defeats from their first three matches. While defensive mistakes have led to five goals conceded in the league, the attack also needs to improve and score more goals from the chances created inside the box. Therefore, the Saints are currently nineteenth in the league and alongside bottom placed Everton, are the only two teams that haven't taken any point from the first three matches. Hence, the chances of Southampton being involved in a relegation battle towards the end of the season, are increasing as well. Moreover, a new manager could be brought in at the St. Mary's Stadium if manager Russell Martin couldn't improve Southampton's on-field performance in the Premier League. However, there is a hug...
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk clarifies future as Real Madrid star ‘rejects’ transfer chance
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk clarifies future as Real Madrid star ‘rejects’ transfer chance

It has been a perfect start to the new Premier League season for Liverpool as they have recorded three wins from their opening fixtures against Ipswich Town, Brentford and Manchester United. However, head coach Arne Slot has seen the breaks put on his fast start to life at Anfield as September saw his players jet across the globe to join up with their international teams. Van Dijk sets the record straight on future Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has committed his future to the Netherlands until the 2026 World Cup - just weeks after he was considering whether to retire from international duty. The 33-year-old had contemplated ending his nine-year career with the Oranje after a last-gasp defeat to England in the sem-finals of the European Championships. But after a summer o...
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Fenerbahce confirm agreement with Juventus over Kostic
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Fenerbahce confirm agreement with Juventus over Kostic

Fenerbahce have released a statement confirming an agreement with Juventus over the transfer of Filip Kostic. The Serbian was an automatic starter under Max Allegri during his first two years in Turin. However, he immediately became surplus to requirements upon the arrival of Thiago Motta. The 31-year-old has been left out of the Champions League and hasn’t been called up for any competitive or friendly fixture this season. During the summer, Kostic rejected proposals from Saudi Arabia, as well as the likes of Crystal Palace and Southampton. But with the transfer market shut almost everywhere on the globe, Turkiye became his ultimate escape route. The winger has been linked with a move to Galatasaray, but it was their crosstown rivals Fenerbahce who managed to seal the deal. Kostic w...
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Galatasaray aiming to sign Roma’s Nicola Zalewski
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SERIE A

Galatasaray aiming to sign Roma’s Nicola Zalewski

Serie A giants Roma made some important moves in the summer but they could now be at the risk of losing an important squad player. Nicola Zalewski was linked with a move to PSV Eindhoven earlier in the summer but the move never quite took off. But with the Turkish window still open, he could yet depart the Giallorossi. Gianluca di Marzio have reported that Gala are trying to sign the Poland international on a permanent basis, despite having sealed their moves for Filip Kostic and Victor Osimhen already. In the last few days of the summer transfer window, Roma had attempted a swap involving Cyril Ngonge with Napoli but it didn’t materialise but it shows their willingness to move the player on. Gala has been described as a potential opportunity and the next few days will be vital in the...
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Bayern Munich looked at Inter Milan defender Federico Dimarco if Alphonso Davies left
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BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich looked at Inter Milan defender Federico Dimarco if Alphonso Davies left

Alphonso Davies seems to be set on leaving Bayern Munich when his deal expires next year. What was once a surefire extension has now been in limbo for the past few years and with Real Madrid lurking in the shadows, the Rekordmeister is in a tough position. That got them looking at alternatives, one of which was Federico Dimarco from Inter Milan: 'Federico Dimarco was one of the names discussed internally at Bayern as a potential replacement for Alphonso Davies in the beginning of the summer. 'Bayern had three names on the list and Dimarco was one of them. But then Davies ended up staying at the club and Dimarco never considered leaving Inter this summer'. – Fabrizio Romano as captured by Twitter account @iMiaSanMia If Bayern is still looking at left-backs, go to the red side of Mi...
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Man Utd star Matthijs De Ligt speaks out on his mistake during Netherlands win
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Man Utd star Matthijs De Ligt speaks out on his mistake during Netherlands win

Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt admits his mistake ‘sucks’ after Netherlands’ 5-2 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday evening.Ronald Koeman’s side delivered an impressive performance in the opening game of their new Nations League campaign with United striker Joshua Zirkzee scoring his first international goal after just 13 minutes. Ermendin Demirovic pulled Bosnia and Herzegovina level before Tijjani Reijnders put the Dutch back in front shortly before half time.Cody Gakpo extended the Netherlands’ lead before Edin Dzeko capitalised on an error from De Ligt to pull a goal back for the visitors. After a ball was played into the box from the right flank, De Ligt opted to leave the cross which allowed Dzeko to score from close range. Wout Weghorst and Xavi Simons...
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Hwang Ui-jo leaves Forest for Turkey, this time for good
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Hwang Ui-jo leaves Forest for Turkey, this time for good

Korean forward Hwang Ui-jo has rejoined Turkish team Alanyaspor on a one-year deal, the club announced Friday. The club did not disclose the transfer fee in a statement on its website. The move comes after Hwang played for Alanyaspor on loan in the second half of the 2023-24 season and failed to play a single minute upon his return to Premier League side Nottingham Forest so far this campaign. Alanyaspor is a club based in the southern Turkish city of Alanya and currently sits in 16th place on the 20-team Super Lig table as of press time Sunday. The club finished in eighth place last season, during which Hwang picked up one goal and one assist in eight Super Lig matches. The return to Turkey marks the latest twist in what has also been a tumultuous few years for the 32-year-old...
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Chelsea Could Start A Trend By Leaving Cole Palmer At Home
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Chelsea Could Start A Trend By Leaving Cole Palmer At Home

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer was the star of last season for the Blues, but it is unlikely his skills will be seen in European competition this season. Palmer won’t be on the plane to Greece, Germany or Kazakhstan this season as he has been left out of Chelsea’s UEFA Europa Conference League squad. He could theoretically be added to the squad in January, but whatever happens, he won’t play European soccer again in 2024. Premier League teams often leave their star players out of matchday squads for the group stages of European competitions, opting to blood their young players in these theoretically easier and lower-stakes games, and save their stars for Premier League games and the latter stages of European competitions later in the season. But it is rare that a key player is left completely of...
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