LALIGA

28Jul By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Bale Aims to Have Beckham-Like Impact in China

Gareth Bale believes he can be at the forefront of a football revolution in China should he complete his impending move to Jiangsu Suning.While the deal, which is worth around £1m per week to the Real Madrid forward, is being finalised, a key motivation for the Welshman is the chance to effect fundamental change in the game, rather as David Beckham energised football in the United States with his move to MLS.The 30-year-old believes he has achieved everything in the European game, having claimed four Champions Leagues, one La Liga, one Copa del Rey, three Uefa Super Cups and three Club World Cups in six years at Real. He scored three times in the Champions League final triumphs, and six times in six Club World Cup matches, the second highest tally, behind Cristiano Ronaldo. When at Tottenh...

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28Jul By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Valverde : Griezmann Will Flourish With Messi

New boy Anotine Griezmman will likely settle well alongside Barcelona veterans Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez when the trio link up for the new season, says coach Ernesto Valverde.The striker, who arrived from Atletico Madrid as the Blaugrana's biggest recruit of a busy off-season so far , made his second appearance for the club in Saturday's 2-0 friendly win against Vissel Kobe in Japan.The La Liga champions, who also lost to Chelsea in Saitama on their pre-season tour, return to Spain now ahead of the 2019-20 campaign, where they will link up with Argentina duo Messi and Suarez following the duo's extended post-Copa America break."The good players always understand things easily," Valverde told the media, addressing how the France international has settled since the switch to Camp Nou."We'...

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27Jul By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

'We Lacked Everything' – Zidane Upset After Atletico Rout

Zinedine Zidane is upset but "convinced" Real Madrid will enjoy a good season following their 7-3 rout at the hands of rivals Atletico Madrid at the International Champions Cup.Madrid were put to the sword in New Jersey, where La Liga neighbours Atletico led 5-0 at half-time in the pre-season fixture on Friday.It was an incredible match at MetLife Stadium, where the margin of defeat could have been greater if not for some desperate defending and late goals from Karim Benzema and Javi Hernandez."At eight minutes we were down 2-0. There was no response from us to change something. The first part was difficult. We never entered the game. We have lacked everything. Especially intensity."Zidane continued: "They scored seven goals, it can't happen. That is also known to the players, who are disa...

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26Jul By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid's Ferland Mendy Suffers Injury Blow

Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy is expected to be out of action for three to four weeks with a thigh problem, the club has confirmed. The left-back has been diagnosed with a muscular lesion that will keep him on the sidelines for the opening weeks of the new La Liga campaign. French international Mendy, who made a big money move to Santiago Bernabeu in June from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon, will likely miss his side's first game against Celta Vigo. He has featured in both of Madrid's International Champions Cup pre-season encounters so far, as a substitute in their defeat to Bayern Munich and starting in their penalty shoot-out victory against Arsenal. Los Blancos have already been struck by injury issues, with Marco Asensio suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against the Gunners aft...

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25Jul By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Atletico Madrid Want to block Antoine Griezmann's transfer to Barcelona

Antoine Griezmann's contentious move to Barcelona looks set to get even uglier after his former club, Altetico Madrid, requested La Liga block the French forward's transfer as the two clubs continue to dispute over the fee.World Cup winner Griezmann signed for Barcelona earlier this month for €120 million (Dh491m) after the Spanish giants triggered the buyout clause in his Atletico contract.However, Atletico are insisting Barca did not pay enough. The buyout clause had dropped from €200m to 120m on July 1, but Atletico claim that Griezmann's May 14 announcement that he was leaving the club is proof a deal was struck between the player and Barcelona much earlier.Atletico had previously accused Barcelona of approaching Griezmann behind their back, and have now taken their issues to the Spani...

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24Jul By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid's Asensio Suffers Bad Injury

Real Madrid star Marco Asensio has been stretchered from the field with a 'worrisome' knee injury during the penalty shootout win in the International Champions Cup against Arsenal in Maryland.The attacking midfielder appeared to get his foot stuck in the turf during a tussle with Gunners star Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang around the hour mark, before falling to the pitch clutching his left knee.Asensio was seen banging the turf in frustration after suffering the issue before covering his face to hide his emotion as he was removed from the pitch by medical staff - with Real coach Zinedine Zidane admitting the injury could be serious."It's worrisome," Zidane said in his post-match press conference."Hopefully not, but he's gone directly to the hospital to test. It looks bad."

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21Jul By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Bale Very Close to Leaving Real Madrid – Zidane

Zinedine Zidane said Gareth Bale is close to leaving Real Madrid after he was left out of Saturday's International Champions Cup clash against Bayern Munich.Bale has been deemed surplus to requirements by head coach Zidane and the Welsh star was absent as Madrid lost 3-1 to Bayern in Houston.The 30-year-old, who has three seasons remaining on his contract, has been linked to former club Tottenham, Manchester United and Saturday’s opponent Bayern.And it appears Bale's future is close to being resolved, with Zidane determined to sell the Wales international sooner rather than later.Asked why Bale was left out of the squad on Saturday, Zidane told reporters: "Bale did not play because he is very close to leaving."We hope he leaves soon, it would be best for everyone. We are working on his tra...

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15Jul By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona Officially Present Antoine Griezmann

France star Antoine Griezmann joined Barcelona on Friday after the Spanish club agreed to pay his €120 million release clause to rival club Atletico Madrid. On Sunday the club presented Griezmann with the number 17 shirt. Griezmann spoke on the opportunity with his new club saying, "It's a new challenge. I always try to better myself and break out of my comfort zone. I want to win LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League -which is missing from my curriculum."The 28-year-old World Cup winner with France last year joins Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele and Malcom as an attacking option, adding to the already world-class forwards that Barcelona possesses. Griezmann had a contract with Atletico until 2023 with a buyout clause of €200 million...

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6Jul By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Frenkie de Jong Wants De Ligt at Barcelona

New Barcelona recruit Frenkie de Jong says he would like to see his ex-teammate from Ajax Matthijs de Ligt join him at Camp Nou, but that he cannot make up the defender’s mind for him.Ajax skipper De Ligt has been the subject of intense transfer speculation since he led the Dutch champions to an unlikely semi-final appearance in the Champions League, where only a stoppage-time comeback from Tottenham prevented them from reaching the final.Barca had been favourite to land the 19-year-old’s signature earlier in the summer, but it now looks like Juventus will win the race to sign Europe’s most sought-after defender after the Serie A champions reportedly agreed a fee with Ajax.And De Jong, who was finally unveiled on Friday as a Barcelona player having agreed to join the club six months previo...

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3Jul By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Everton Striker Sandro Ramirez Join Real Valladolid on Loan

Everton striker Sandro Ramirez has joined LaLiga side Real Valladolid on a season-long loan.The 23-year-old forward spent last season on loan at Spanish top-flight outfit Real Sociedad.He joined Everton in July 2017, signing a four-year contract after the Toffees triggered a £5.3million release clause in his contract with Malaga.Sandro, who has yet to find the target in eight appearances for Everton, had previously had a goalless loan stint with Sevilla in 2018-19.He featured only once for the Toffees last season, playing 86 minutes of the 3-1 Carabao Cup second-round defeat of Rotherham in August.Everton confirmed the news in a statement which read: "Sandro Ramirez has joined La Liga side Real Valladolid on a season-long loan for the 2019-20 campaign."

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2Jul By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid's Hernandez Undergoes AC Milan Medical

Theo Hernandez has arrived to undergo a medical at AC Milan before completing a transfer from Real Madrid this week.The left-back arrived in Milan to have the first part of his physical exam at La Madonnina private hospital on Monday evening and is scheduled for the second part on Tuesday.The Rossoneri will reportedly pay €20 million (£18m/$23m) to land the France Under 20 international, who had been linked with a move to Bayer Leverkusen and Napoli.Hernandez, 21, rose through the Atletico Madrid youth system before leaving for Real in 2017, signing a six-year contract.He appeared in 23 games for the Santiago Bernabeu outfit before he was sent to Real Sociedad on loan last season, where he made 28 appearances in all competitions.Hernandez was targeted by Paolo Maldini, who was promoted to ...

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27Jun By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Jasper Cillessen Seals move from Barcelona to Valencia

FC Barcelona has agreed to a transfer, sending goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen to Valencia.The clubs made the deal official Wednesday. Valencia will pay Barcelona nearly $40 million for Cillessen. The veteran net-minder appeared in 32 games and won five titles during his three seasons with Barcelona."FC Barcelona would like to publicly express its gratitude to Jasper Cillessen for his commitment and dedication, and wishes him the best of luck and success in the future," FC Barcelona said in a news release.Cillessen, 30, arrived at Barcelona in 2016 after tenures with Nijmegen Eendracht Combinatie and Ajax. He also has 48 international appearances for the Netherlands."I am really proud to have signed for Valencia CF. I am really excited to play in Mestalla," Cillessen wrote Wednesday on social ...

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21Jun By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Reports : Real Madrid Refuse to Let James Leave On Loan

Real Madrid are refusing to let playmaker James Rodriguez leave the club on loan this season, instead holding out for a permanent deal amid interest from Napoli.Reports say that Madrid are keen to get Colombia international James off their payroll this summer as they aim to raise funds for more signings after a busy start to the transfer window.Napoli have emerged as the club to have shown the most interest in the 27-year-old, though it is understood that reports from Italy that a deal has already been reached are wide of the mark.James spent the previous two seasons on loan at Bayern Munich, scoring 15 goals and laying on 20 assists in 67 appearances for the Bundesliga winners, but the Bavarians decided not to exercise the option to sign him permanently for €42 million (£37m/$47m).Carlo A...

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21Jun By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Inter Reportedly Keeping Tabs on Theo Hernandez

Inter are considering a move for Real Madrid left-back Theo Hernandez, according to Sport italia.Hernandez joined the Spanish giants from rivals Atletico in 2017 but spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad, having struggled for game-time in his first year.The 21-year-old made 28 appearances in all competitions for the Basque outfit, scoring once and creating two assists as La Real narrowly missed out on a place in Europe.Inter have not made a move for Hernandez yet and would need to sell at least one of their current full-backs before pursuing him.Kwadwo Asamoah was the Nerazzurri’s first-choice at left-back under Luciano Spalletti, with Dalbert struggling to make an impact as an unreliable backup.The Brazilian is widely expected to leave this summer but there have been no reports recen...

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21Jun By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barca and Napoli Set to Clash in First Ever La Liga-Serie A Cup

Barcelona have confirmed that they will face Napoli across a two-legged clash in the United States in the inaugural La Liga-Serie A Cup during their pre-season preparations this year.The Spanish champions and Italian heavyweights will square off in two games played across two states in early August as part of their schedule ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.The first encounter, on August 7, will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, at the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.Barcelona were set to face Girona in a regular season La Liga fixture at the venue earlier this year, though the endeavour was ultimately shelved after it was met with strong opposition from FIFA and UEFA.The second, three days later on August 10, will see the duo take in Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, at the...

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19Jun By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Bale Not Leaving Real Madrid on Loan – Agent

Gareth Bale will not leave Real Madrid on loan this summer, his agent has said. The 29-year-old has fallen out of favour at the Bernabeu under Zinedine Zidane, who has "decided he can do without" Bale, according to Jonathan Barnett. Real have already spent over £250m this summer on five arrivals as Zidane begins his rebuild and they are understood to be keen to offload Bale to balance their books. However, Real's high-valuation, Bale's reported £600,000-a-week wages and the fact the winger is settled in Madrid make a departure difficult. A loan move had been suggested as a short-term solution, but Barnett has ruled that out, saying "there's more chance of me winning at Ascot". "A loan move is not going to happen," he said. "I don't think he wants to go out on loan. He's got a lovely life a...

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12Jun By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Messi Crowned World's Highest Paid Athlete

Lionel Messi has been named as the world’s highest paid athlete over the last 12 months, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, in the Forbes top 100 list.The Barcelona and Argentina star earned $127m in the last year – more than Juventus forward Ronaldo ($109m) in second place and Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar ($105m) in third.It is the first time that a trio of footballers have ranked as the top three earners, while Messi becomes only the second footballer to top the rankings after Ronaldo.The next footballer on the list is Manchester United's Paul Pogba in 44th place, who is the highest earning Premier League player with $33m.Former Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta (46th), who now plays his football in Japan with Vissel Kobe, is the only other player to be found inside the top 50, wit...

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10Jun By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Jan Oblak want to quit Atletico Madrid for Man Utd transfer

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak wants to quit the Spanish club to become David de Gea's replacement at Manchester United , according to a report.ESPN FC claim that the Slovenian - who was seemingly a United fan in his youth - has become increasingly frustrated at the transfer activity at the Wanda Metropolitano this summer, as he's seen Diego Simeone's side become weaker. Star forward Antoine Griezmann has announced his intention to leave the club, and is widely expected to join Barcelona . But Atletico are also losing veteran defenders Diego Godin, Juanfran and Filipe Luis, as well as young talent Lucas Hernandez to German giants Bayern Munich for a club record fee.Oblak is said to be disappointed with the departures as he feels that they indicate a lack of competitiveness ...

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4Jun By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Sevilla Confirm Lopetegui Appointment

Sevilla have announced the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as their new coach. The former Spain and Real Madrid boss joins the club on a three year deal. Lopetegui has been out of work since he was sacked by Real Madrid last October after just 10 league matches in charge of the club. He takes over from Joaquín Caparros who was diaognosed with chronic leukemia . He is expected to take a directorial role at the club.

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4Jun By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Real Madrid Make Final Push to Sign €120m Hazard

Real Madrid are sending a representative to London to meet with Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia as Los Blancos commit to a final push to get a transfer deal for Eden Hazard over the line, reportedly. Negotiations over the Belgian's future at the Santiago Bernabeu have been going on for months but the Spanish capital side are now keener than ever to wrap up proceedings, as they hope to make an official announcement this week after agreeing upon a fee. Chelsea's ideal scenario would see Hazard snapped up for €130 million (£115m/$146m), while Madrid hope to pay closer to €100m (£89m/$112m), but there is a firm expectation that a deal will inevitably be done. Indeed, some close to the ongoing talks feel that an agreement could be reached at around €120m (£106m/$135m) to end the protracted ...

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