Pat is having a good run so Joe wants to work out what contributes to his impressive form.
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Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Her last Olympic act? Brazil Marta sent off against Spain
Watch as Brazil's captain Marta is shown a red card for a high tackle against Spain's Olga Carmona in the women's football on day five of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The legendary player is due to retire from international football later this year.
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Spain beat Brazil as Marta sent off - highlights
Watch highlights as Spain beat Brazil 2-0 in a final group game which sees Marta sent off at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Transfer pain for Arsenal as Man Utd agree deal to sign striker
Manchester United have struck a deal to sign highly-rated striker Chido Obi-Martin following his departure from Arsenal, according to reports.
Arsenal confirmed last week that Obi-Martin had left the club after rejecting a contract offer from the Gunners.
The 16-year-old striker was regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the Arsenal youth ranks, scoring 32 goals for the club last season – including 10 in one game against Liverpool.
Arsenal wanted to keep hold of the teenager and were surprised he decided to leave after being offered a deal they believed to be ‘fair’.
Several clubs across Europe expressed interest in signing Obi-Martin, including German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
But Manchester United met with the player’s representatives last week and have now agreed a deal to bring him to Old Trafford, according to Fabrizio Romano.
It is claimed Obi-Martin agreed to join the Red Devils after being convinced that the Manchester club would offer him the best pathway going forward.
His impending move to United will further frustrate Arsenal fans, who saw Obi-Martin train with the first-team last season and feature for the U21 side in the UEFA Youth League.
Born just outside Copenhagen, Obi-Martin has played for the youth teams of both Denmark and England.
Speaking last week, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag reiterated his desire to see academy players come through during his tenure.
Under the Dutchman, the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Ethan Wheatley and Toby Collyer have been given chances at the Theatre of Dreams.
Collyer, 20, was even handed the captain’s armband for the second-half of Manchester United’s recent pre-season friendly against Norwegian outfit Rosenborg.
‘You know me, I always want to make pathways for young players but they have to earn it,’ Ten Hag said.
‘He’s now earned an opportunity. Today he was in the starting XI, that’s something, and we see how we can progress.
‘We saw last year with [Alejandro] Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo what can happen, so the pathway is also open for other players and Toby is there.’
Manchester United finished just eighth in the Premier League last season, six places and 29 points behind runners-up Arsenal.
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Atletico Madrid in Chelsea talks over Gallagher
Atletico Madrid are in talks with Chelsea to sign England midfielder Conor Gallagher.
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France to play Argentina in Olympic quarter-finals
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta scores as France book a game against Argentina in the Olympic men's football quarter-finals.
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Monday, July 29, 2024
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta sends message to Chelsea over Riccardo Calafiori transfer
Mikel Arteta has revealed new signing Riccardo Calafiori told him he only ever wanted to sign for Arsenal despite also being linked with a move to Chelsea.
Arsenal confirmed they had signed Calafiori on Monday afternoon, with the Italy defending putting pen to paper on a five-year deal in north London.
Calafiori impressed for Bologna last season, helping the Serie A side qualify for the Champions League, and then attracted praise at Euro 2024 despite Italy’s underwhelming exit.
Arsenal spent over £40m to bring the 22-year-old to the Emirates Stadium and Arteta’s new signing immediately joined up with his new team-mates on the pre-season tour of America.
While Arsenal were always believed to be leading the race to sign Calafiori, they saw their summer target linked with a move to Chelsea earlier in the summer.
But Arteta says Calafiori only ever wanted to join Arsenal and revealed he spoke to the Italy star a couple of times to make sure the deal was still on track.
‘I spoke to him one or two times and I knew the other things [teams being interested],’ Arteta said.
‘I wasn’t really sure if we could do it or not, but he was adamant: “let me know when you’re ready, my bags are ready and I just want to come to Arsenal”.
‘Those were his words and when you have that feeling, someone with that willingness to join us and make us better and that determination, it’s something really powerful and as a club, we should be really proud of that.
‘I’m very happy. It took a while – it was a player that we have monitored for a year. We were really short in the backline last year in terms of numbers and we demanded so much from them.
‘William Saliba, for example, played in every minute of the Premier League and we believe we had to be more protected.
‘We identified him as a talent that can give us skill and qualities that are going to make us better. We are signing a player with a huge capacity to develop.’
Calafiori will strengthen an Arsenal defence that conceded just 29 goals in the Premier League last season.
Despite the excellent defensive record, Arsenal still fell short of an elusive Premier League title as Manchester City won a record fourth consecutive crown.
Reacting to his move to Arsenal, Calafiori said: ‘I’m really happy to be here. I waited a lot for this.
‘I hope we are going to do something great this season.’
Arsenal prepare to face Liverpool in pre-season
Arsenal drew 1-1 with Bournemouth in their first pre-season friendly before beating Manchester United 2-1 thanks to goals from Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
The Gunners continue their preparations for the 2024-25 campaign in the early hours of Thursday morning with a friendly against Liverpool, managed by Jurgen Klopp’s replacement Arne Slot.
‘It’s another great test,’ Arteta said. ‘We’re in a different city, there’s jetlag and we have to adapt to that.
‘It’s a different pitch, different stadium and weather conditions. It’s all great, and we’re against a team with a new manager that I really like, especially the way he plays. It is going to be really tough and will be a good test as well.’
Asked what he likes about Slot, Arteta added: ‘I don’t know him personally but I watched him with his past team.
‘First of all, I like him a lot as a person and the way he comes across. I’ve heard very good things from players who are probably the best ones to ask.
‘I’m really impressed with the way he sets out his teams and the clarity and the quality that they show, so it’s going to be a really good game.’
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Nico Williams makes transfer decision amid Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea links
Nico Williams has made a big decision over his future as he continues to be linked with Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea.
The 22-year-old winger had already emerged as a target for some of the biggest clubs in the world but saw his reputation grow even further during Spain’s successful Euro 2024 campaign.
Williams was one of the stars of the tournament and scored in Spain’s 2-1 final win over England to help his nation secure a record fourth European Championship crown.
Barcelona stepped up their interest in Williams after Euro 2024, while Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea are still eyeing moves for the Athletic Bilbao star.
Williams said he was relaxed about his future during the Euros and told his representatives not to contact him about any transfer news as he wanted to focus on the tournament.
And according to Marca, Williams has already decided to spend at least one more season at Bilbao despite the interest from clubs in Spain and England.
Discussing his future and interest from other clubs during the Euros, Williams said: ‘In the end, my brother [Athletic team-mate Inaki Williams] is a very important person for me. He has lived a similar situation to mine.
‘He has also had offers from outside Athletic, but I said that I didn’t want to know anything about what comes from outside, about signings or stories.
‘They know what I am like, the personality I have, and I don’t like to know because I get distracted easily. I prefer to focus on one thing and go for it.
‘Because if one thing or another comes to me, in the end my head doesn’t work very well.
‘My agent, my parents and my family know me perfectly and they know that I don’t want to hear anything until the Euros are over.’
Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte criticised the persistent questions Williams has faced over his future during Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign.
‘Nico is very committed to Athletic Bilbao,’ he said. ‘He has been subjected to a bombardment of questions about his future in an excessive and uncontrolled manner while on international duty at Euro 2024.
‘The Spanish Federation does not know how to protect him.
‘Respect between all the members of the football club is key, or at least that is the case at Athletic Club, which does not have as a strategy of subjecting players contracted to other clubs to public pressure in order to try to incorporate them,’ he added.
‘Athletic Bilbao aim for the maximum, without limits. We are showing that we have a winning project for footballers and coaches.
‘We have renewed the contracts of players who are playing at the European Championship, such as Unai Simon and Vivian, as well as coveted players like [Benat] Prados, Oihan [Sancet], Julen [Agirrezabala] or [Aitor] Paredes, who have also signed for several seasons.
‘Athletic Bilbao is economically, socially and sportingly capable of keeping footballers of the calibre of those named in its structure, including Nico Williams.’
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Arsenal want Napoli's Osimhen - Tuesday's Gossip
Arsenal are interested in Victor Osimhen but Napoli could sell him to Chelsea as part of a Romelu Lukaku swap deal, plus more.
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Calafiori 'ready to pack bags' after first Arsenal talk
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says defender Riccardo Calafiori was "ready to pack his bags" and join the club as soon as the pair first spoke.
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Sunday, July 28, 2024
'Absolutely excellent' - Japan late winner features in goals of day
Watch the goals of the day from the second round of women's football matches at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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Southampton close to £7m Brereton Diaz signing
Southampton are close to the £7m signing of Chile forward Ben Brereton Diaz from Villarreal.
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Saturday, July 27, 2024
Celtic crush struggling Chelsea in Indiana
Celtic cruise past Chelsea 4-1 in their pre-season friendly at Notre Dame Stadium in Indiana.
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Ezequiel Fernandez's 'rocket' & 'golden boy' Enciso - goals of the day
Watch all the best goals of the day from the men's football on day one of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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Arsenal fans judged price tag, not my football - Pepe
Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe says Gunners fans judged his transfer fee rather than his performances for the club.
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Friday, July 26, 2024
'I didn't say I was leaving' - Guardiola undecided on future
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he could stay at the club beyond the end of the season, when his contract expires.
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Tottenham lead race to sign Chiesa - Saturday's gossip
Tottenham lead the race to sign Federico Chiesa, Newcastle are confident Anthony Gordon will remain with the club, plus more.
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Sessegnon returns to Fulham on free transfer
Ryan Sessegnon signs for Fulham on a two-year deal as a free agent after the expiry of his contract with Tottenham.
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Thursday, July 25, 2024
Canada come from behind to beat New Zealand
Watch highlights as Canada come from behind to beat New Zealand 2-1 in the group stages of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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Arne Slot gives Liverpool injury update ahead of Man Utd and Arsenal friendlies
Andy Robertson is set to miss Liverpool’s US pre-season tour matches against Real Betis, Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Reds begin their Stateside tour against Betis on Friday night before meetings with two of their biggest Premier League rivals. Arsenal await in Philadelphia on 1 August with a friendly clash with United taking place three days later in South Carolina.
Robertson suffered an ankle injury during Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign which ended at the group stages with the left-back expected to return at the back end of the US tour.
‘He is not fully fit yet,’ Slot said of Robertson. ‘But we are expecting him in the end of the tour – maybe just after the tour – to be fully fit again.
‘He took a small injury into the Euros and afterwards he had to recover from that after playing those games. But we will expect him back after our tour – but he joined us over here.’
In total, Liverpool are without 11 players as they begin their tour with a large contingent of the squad still on their summer breaks following Euro 2024 and the Copa America.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konate, Luis Diaz, Alisson Becker and Darwin Nunez are all still on holiday.
Diogo Jota is expected to link up with the squad this week with Slot expecting more faces to arrive before they head back to Merseyside.
‘Diogo is arriving today I think, so he will have his testing day tomorrow and the day after he will join us in the session,” Slot said.
‘And I think it’s Ibou [Konate] and Ryan that will join us later in the trip. I don’t think I have forgotten anyone. The rest will start after the trip when we are back in Liverpool.’
Alexander-Arnold meanwhile has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid with his current contract at Anfield set to expire next summer.
Quizzed on his right-back, Slot said: ‘My answer would probably be a bit boring… I think it’s the same answer you’ve heard in the last five, six or seven years. Contract situations are not discussed at this place.’
Liverpool begin the new Premier League campaign away to newly-promoted Ipswich Town on 17 August.
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Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Lionel Messi blasts Olympics officials after chaos in Argentina vs Morocco match
Lionel Messi led Argentina’s fury towards FIFA and Olympics officials after Argentina’s football match against Morocco descended into chaos on Wednesday.
Argentina were beaten 2-1 by Morocco in their opening game in Group B but the game lasted just over four hours, having initially kicked off at 2pm, following crowd trouble which resulted in every fan being ordered to leave the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Etienne.
Morocco appeared to be on course to secure the win when Cristian Medina headed the ball into the net in the 16th minute of injury time in what looked to be an equaliser for Argentina.
Argentina’s players were pelted by cups and bottles during their celebrations, while a flare landed near the players and coaching staff in the dugout.
Morocco supporters also ran on to the pitch, while French riot police emerged on the touchline to help restore order.
Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg opted to take the players off the pitch and a message on a big screen in the stadium told supporters: ‘Your session has been suspended please make your way to the nearest exit.’
But instead of ending the game, the players were forced to play the final three minutes to an empty stadium.
During the break in play which lasted over an hour, it was also announced that Medina’s goal had been ruled out for offside by the VAR.
After his players were brought back out to finish the game, Argentina’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, was heard saying on the touchline: ‘The biggest circus I’ve ever seen in my life.’
Messi, meanwhile, is not playing at the Olympics having led Argentina to victory at the Copa America this month.
But Argentina’s talisman was clearly watching the farcical scenes unfold as he posted on Instagram after the final whistle: ‘Unbelievable’.
Argentine athletes have also faced a hostile reception at the Olympics in the wake of Enzo Fernandez’s video which showed Argentina’s players singing a racist song about France after their win in the Copa America final.
The racist and transphobic chant, which was first sung by Argentina supporters during the 2022 World Cup, claims that France’s players are ‘all from Angola’ and makes a vile reference to a reported relationship between France striker Kylian Mbappe and transgender model Ines Rau.
Argentina’s national anthem was booed loudly before their game kicked off against Morocco, while in the Rugby Sevens, Argentina’s players were whistled as they walked out at the Stade de France before beating Kenya 31-12.
The truth is that I was surprised, I didn’t know it was going to be so much,’ Santiago Alvarez, a member of Argentina’s Rugby Sevens squad, told TyC Sports.
‘But that’s also nice. The same thing happens in Argentina, the French are very similar to us in that sense, they are very passionate. It’s one more thing. But well, we have to abstract ourselves from that and think about ourselves.’
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'Concrete offer' for Rangers' Goldson - Clement
Rangers have received "a concrete offer" for defender and vice-captain Connor Goldson, manager Philippe Clement has said.
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Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Manchester United told asking price to sign Youssouf Fofana has now doubled
Monaco have told Manchester United that they need to pay €35 million (£29.4m) to sign Youssouf Fofana this summer, according to reports in Italy.
After completing deals for Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro this month, United are now looking to recruit a new central midfielder to add to Erik ten Hag’s squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
United have held extensive talks with Paris Saint-Germain for Manuel Ugarte but the French champions are holding out for a €70 million (£58.9m) fee for the Uruguay international.
Fofana is on United’s list of alternative options, although they face strong competition from AC Milan for the Monaco midfielder.
According to Sky Sports Italy, Monaco had initially demanded €18m (£15m) for Fofana, with AC Milan hopeful that their bid of €12m (£10m) plus add-ons would be enough to reach an agreement.
However, following enquiries from both United and Atletico Madrid, Monaco have decided to nearly double his asking price to €35m (£29.4m).
Fofana, who made three substitute appearances for France at Euro 2024, has just a year left on his contract with Monaco.
AC Milan have already lost out once to United in this summer’s transfer window as they came close to signing Zirkzee before the Netherlands international opted to make the move to Old Trafford.
Milan have since signed Alvaro Morata from Atletico Madrid for an £11m fee.
United, meanwhile, remain in talks with Bayern Munich to sign Matthijs de Ligt but the German club are seeking a €50m (£42m) transfer fee for the 24-year-old.
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Football Daily
Gary, Micah & Alan are back for another episode to rank ten of the best dugout rivalries.
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Monday, July 22, 2024
Chelsea defender axed from pre-season tour with summer exit likely
Trevoh Chalobah looks certain to leave Chelsea this summer after being told to stay at home and miss the club’s pre-season tour of America.
The 25-year-old has been at Chelsea since the age of eight, although has spent three loan spells with Ipswich, Huddersfield Town and Lorient.
He may well have played his final game for the Blues, though, having been axed from the squad for the pre-season trip.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Chalobah was instructed not to travel with the rest of the squad as Chelsea have the likes of Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo at centre-back and feel they have no need for him.
Enzo Maresca’s squad have a busy schedule ahead of them in the States, taking on Wrexham, Celtic, Club America, Manchester City and Real Madrid from 25 July to 7 August.
Chalobah will not be a part of any of it, though, and with 80 appearances for his boyhood club he may have played his last.
The defender looked very likely to leave last summer, with the likes of Tottenham and Bayern Munich thought to be interested in signing him.
However, he remained at Stamford Bridge and went on to make 17 appearances in all competitions under Mauricio Pochettino.
The England Under-21 international still has four years to run on the contract he signed in 2022, but Chelsea would certainly like to cash in on him this summer if possible, with his chances of regular game time extremely lengthy.
The Telegraph reported earlier this summer that the Blues are looking for £25m for the centre-back, the same as they were asking for last year.
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Northern Ireland 'only going to get better' - Dallas
Former Northern Ireland midfielder Stuart Dallas says he is "excited" by the team's progress this year.
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Man Utd in talks to sign second Bayern Munich star to follow Matthijs de Ligt
Manchester United have opened talks to sign Bayern Munich full-back Noussair Mazraoui, who is eager to make the move to the Premier League.
With the new Premier League season now just over three weeks away, United have moved quickly to bolster their squad with Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro already enlisted.
United are also in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a move for Manuel Ugarte with a new midfielder also on their list of targets but they are also looking to strengthen in full-back positions.
Sky Sports Germany report United officials are now exploring a deal to sign Bayern right-back Mazraoui, another player who previously starred under Erik ten Hag at Bayern Munich.
Mazraoui left Amsterdam to join Bayern the same summer ten Hag took the reins at Old Trafford with a reunion in Manchester now a possibility. West Ham United however are also keen on the Morocco international with both Premier League sides holding ‘concrete talks’ over a move.
Bayern are open to selling Mazraoui this summer and are hoping to collect a fee of between €25million [£21m] and €20million [£16.8m]. But United and West Ham consider €15m [£12.6m] to €20m [£16.8m] to be a more realistic price.
Mazraoui started 15 Bundesliga matches for Bayern last season, providing four assists in all competitions.
Diogo Dalot will start United’s season as first-choice right-back after a superb 2023-24 campaign but Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s departure would open up another spot in the squad.
West Ham are believed to be the side most interested in signing the former Crystal Palace star who has just one year left on his contract at Old Trafford.
In addition to Mazraoui, United also remain in talks with Bayern Munich over Matthijs de Ligt.
Despite the signing of Yoro, they remain keen on another option at centre-half following the departures of Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala with the futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof still uncertain.
De Ligt is keen to make the move but United’s opening bid of around £30m is someway short of Bayern’s valuation.
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Sunday, July 21, 2024
Man Utd youngster reveals ‘massive’ impact of returning club legend
Manchester United youngster Joe Hugill was full of praise for the impact of Ruud van Nistelrooy following his return to the club as part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff.
Hugill caught the eye as he got on the scoresheet in United’s 2-0 pre-season win over Rangers on Sunday.
The 20-year-old spent part of last season on loan at League One side Burton Albion but may now be pushing to be involved in the first team alongside Rasmus Hojlund and new summer signing Joshua Zirkzee.
Speaking after the game, Hugill was quick to praise the impact of former United striker Van Nistelrooy who has only recently returned to Old Trafford as one of Ten Hag’s new assistant managers alongside Rene Hake.
‘We’ve been doing a few shooting drills and he’s been giving us a few tips,’ he said.
‘But obviously it’s massive having Ruud here, especially for people like myself who are young and coming up. To have him in the building to just ask questions is massive.’
Pressed on what areas he had sought the Dutchman’s advice, Hugill answered: ‘In and out of possession. We were massively out of possession here – so work rate, getting back in.
‘And then in possession doing what a striker needs to do. Battle up there and then when you get in front of the goal being composed.’
‘It’s massive [to score early in the season], especially when you’re a striker,’ he continued. ‘You want to score every game but the reality is it’s probably not going to happen. To get an early goal in pre-season helps you start really well.
‘My target this summer is just to work hard, get the fitness up, try impress the manager and the coaching staff, and see what happens’
Van Nistelrooy has not been seen in the dugout since leaving Dutch side PSV Eindhoven before the end of the 2022/23 season.
But Ten Hag talked up the Dutchman’s potential impact back at the club, pinpointing his ‘great skillset as a manager’.
‘He will help individual players but definitely he will help the team in all the team functions in football, but definitely attacking-wise and pressing-wise,’ he added.
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Rangers, Kilmarnock & St Mirren await Euro draws
Rangers, Kilmarnock and St Mirren will feature in Monday's European qualifying draws.
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Scotland striker Adams set for Torino medical
Scotland striker Che Adams agrees a contract in principle at Torino and is set for a medical on Monday.
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Saturday, July 20, 2024
Leeds sign Bogle from Sheff Utd on four-year deal
Leeds United sign defender Jayden Bogle on a four-deal from Sheffield United for a "significant, undisclosed fee".
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Erik ten Hag names Man Utd star who must step up after ‘bad times’ despite goal against Rangers in pre-season win
Erik ten Hag has urged Amad Diallo to improve and step up this season after his ‘bad times’ at the club, following his goal in the 2-0 win over Rangers.
Diallo opened the scoring for the Red Devils as they defeated their Glasgow opponents on Saturday in a pre-season friendly ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
The 22-year-old Ivory Coast international has only played 21 competitive games for United since he joined the club three years ago from Atalanta.
Diallo has spent time out on loan at Rangers and Sunderland and is now hoping to break into United XI after making nine Premier League appearances last term.
Ten Hag has told his player that it is very much his time to shine and he now needs to grasp the opportunity with both hands.
‘We have to see Amad in a different way, Ten Hag told MUTV after the victory over Rangers. ‘Of course, he is still young, but he is not inexperienced anymore.
‘Last season, he had bad times with bad injuries, before that he was in the Championship, he had a great season.
‘At the end of last season, he had a very good time with our first team. Played some very good games, now this season, this has to be the year.
‘It is great that he starts like this, on Monday he could not play, he was not allowed to go into Norway but today he could play and he played a very good game.’
Diallo’s biggest moment in a United shirt came last season when he scored a dramatic extra-time winner to knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup.
‘I’m so happy for him,’ Ten Hag said after that match. ‘He is one of the players with a huge setback this season, a bad injury, returning from it, but returning to a team where there is a lot of competition for his position.
‘He does not always get the time to play he deserves by his training performances but then he is coming on, then he shows his contribution, scoring a goal.
‘But we know he can do it, we know he has the key moments where he can decide a game. I am very pleased he got the winner.’
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Liverpool U19s walk off pitch and refuse to play following alleged racist abuse during clash against Frankfurt
Liverpool Under-19s’ match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday was abandoned after one of their players was subject to alleged racist abuse.
The young Reds were playing Frankfurt in Schwabish Hall in Germany as part of a youth football tournament when the incident happened.
According to German outlet Bild, a Frankfurt player allegedly used a racist term when aiming at insult at an opponent, after which Liverpool’s team walked off the pitch and refused to continue.
As the incident happened in the final few minutes of the game, it was first assumed that the match had ended 1-1, bit it was later announced that the match had officially been abandoned, giving Frankfurt a 3-0 win by default.
Following the match, Frankfurt sporting director Timmo Hardung spoke to the media and claimed the accused player had been misheard and that no racist language had been used.
He said that his player had actually said the word ‘digga’, a German slang term for ‘bro’ or ‘dude’.
‘Our entire NLZ [Youth Performance Centre] is like Eintracht Frankfurt, multicultural and we have clear values that we live by and constantly demand,’ Hardung said.
‘Racism has no place here, but we still take such an accusation seriously.
‘After consultation, our player confirmed that he had used the word ‘digga’, which is common in youth slang, in the course of a normal game. We have no doubt that this statement is correct.
‘We can rule out racism, it is a linguistic issue and we therefore hope that we have also cleared up the misunderstanding with the players concerned and those responsible at Liverpool FC.’
At the time of writing, Liverpool are yet to comment on the matter.
It comes at a time when the issue of racism in football is very much in the spotlight after Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez filmed himself and teammates singing a racist and transphobic chant after Argentina’s Copa America victory.
More to follow…
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Friday, July 19, 2024
Arsenal set to lose wonderkid with Manchester United in talks to sign striker sensation
Manchester United are in talks to sign prolific wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin who is all set to leave Arsenal, according to reports.
Obi-Martin made headlines last season thanks to an incredible goalscoring spree, that included scoring 10 in a 14-3 win against Liverpool U16s.
The 16-year-old would go into find the back of the net 32 times in just 20 league games for Arsenal U18s.
Eligible to play for England and Denmark, he has also scored 10 goals in 14 caps for the Danish U17s and last month was named in the Team of the Tournament for the European U17 Championships.
Naturally, there has been considerable interest in the teenage striker, with Bayern Munich attempting to pinch him from Colney.
For months, the Gunners have been trying to persuade Obi-Martin to stay in North London, with his next deal to be a scholarship before he is eligible to sign a professional contract on his 17th birthday in November.
But The Athletic report that while Arsenal have made ‘what they felt was a fair offer’ to the forward, he has decided his future lays elsewhere and will move on this summer.
There are plenty of clubs keen on acquiring his services, with United named as one, though local rivals Manchester City are not.
It is said that Obi-Martin visited the Red Devils’ training facilities in Carrington earlier this week, and the club are in early talks over a move.
It’s been a busy few days for United in the transfer market who recently secured the first signings of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era, splashing a combined £88.5million on Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro.
They’re wasting no time in their next move, agreeing personal terms with Manuel Ugarte, though they are some way away from agreeing a fee with PSG.
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Arsenal star changes agent amid uncertainty around his future
Oleksandr Zinchenko has switched agents, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his future at Arsenal.
The left-back, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, was a huge hit at the Emirates in his debut season after signing from Manchester City in 2022 for £35million.
However, the 2023/24 campaign was far more difficult, with a series of nervy displays in big games, most notably in the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa that effectively cost Arsenal the Premier League title.
To make matters worse, Zinchenko suffered an early exit from Euro 2024, with his Ukraine side crashing out of the tournament at the group stage.
It is no secret that Mikel Arteta plans to sign a new left-sided defender this summer, with the Gunners currently trying to buy Riccardo Calafiori after his impressive performances for Italy at the Euros.
A deal was thought to be close, but the transfer is stalling thanks to a dispute over a sell-on clause in the Bologna star’s contract, while new reports claim the two clubs are yet to reach an agreement on a fee.
If Arsenal do land Calafiori, he and Jurrien Timber will likely contest the left-back position, casting into doubt the futures of Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior.
The latter has been linked with a move to AC Milan, but it remains to be seen whether Zinchenko will move on too, especially as there appears to be little interest in him.
But that could change as of Friday, when the 27-year-old announced he had changed agency, posting on Instagram: ‘Proud to start this new chapter with Unique Football Agency. Let’s get started.’
It was reported last month that Bayern Munich, now managed by Zinchenko’s former City teammate Vincent Kompany, were interested in the Ukrainian, but those rumours were quickly shot down.
In the meantime, he’s set to join Arsenal on their pre-season tour of the USA which kicks-off next week against Bournemouth in Los Angeles.
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PSG threaten legal action against Lyon owner Textor
Paris St-Germain threaten Lyon owner John Textor with legal action unless he stops what the French champions feel are "defamatory and damaging statements" about the club.
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Korea FA contacts Fifa over alleged racist abuse of Hwang
The Korean FA writes to Fifa after Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan is the target of an alleged racist remark by a Como player in a pre-season friendly.
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Thursday, July 18, 2024
Arsenal urged to sign ‘physical’ striker similar to former Gunners icon
Former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna has urged his old club to prioritise signing a physical striker like Oliver Giroud in the transfer window this summer.
Mikel Arteta’s side are seeking summer additions as they look to finally pip Manchester City to the Premier League title after two excruciating near misses in the last two campaigns.
One obvious area of improvement is the lack of a prolific central striker, with both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah scoring just nine league goals combined last season.
Kai Havertz deputised up front to good effect at points last campaign, but Sagna wants to see the club target a more physical presence to add an extra dimension to their attacking options.
‘Arsenal need to be stronger and be more attacking going forward,’ the former full-back told Paddy Power.
‘This season, scoring goals was a problem for them. They could add a proper striker – a number nine.
‘Arsenal are playing well but they can improve on crossing the ball – they hold the ball well generally, but occasionally they’ll need to cross it more.
‘Arsenal are a fantastic team but they pass the ball around the box a lot, and some teams can come and make it difficult for them.
‘I’m happy with Gabriel Jesus, as long as he stays fit, but they still have to have cover. I would go for someone like Olivier Giroud, someone physical who can hold the ball quite well and support the team if they’re struggling.
‘They need someone who can wait in the box and help out offensively and defensively.’
As well as their quest for a striker, Arsenal are also looking to sign a versatile defender as well as a central midfielder.
The Gunners were progressing well in talks for Bologna and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori but a deal has now stalled due to a difference in valuation and Jakub Kiwior’s reluctance to join Bologna as a makeweight.
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Marseille sign Man Utd forward Greenwood
Marseille sign forward Mason Greenwood from Manchester United until 2029 in a deal worth up to 31.6m euros (£26.6m).
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Wednesday, July 17, 2024
West Ham bid accepted for former Man Utd target but player eyeing another move
West Ham have agreed a loan deal, with an option to buy, for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo but the player is hoping for a move to Juventus instead.
The 24-year-old had been a target for Manchester United, but the Red Devils and Nice agreed not to transfer players between each other as the French club is owned by United part-owners INEOS.
Avoiding deals between the clubs ensures that the two are able to play in the same UEFA competitions and don’t fall foul of any rules.
With the Red Devils out of the running, West Ham have made their move and Sky Sports report they have agreed a loan deal with an option to buy set at £26.8m.
However, that is an agreement between the clubs and there has been no consensus between the player and the Hammers.
The France international is thought to be waiting on a possible move to Juventus, with the Italian giants interested in signing him but yet to agree a deal with Nice.
Still early in the transfer window, there is time for Juve to make their move, but West Ham will be hoping to persuade Todibo that east London is a more appealing destination than Turin.
The French centre-back first became known at Toulouse before a move to Barcelona at just 19 years old.
Things did not work out for him at the Camp Nou and went out on loan to Schalke in Germany, Benfica in Portugal and then Nice back in his homeland, where he made a permanent move to in 2021.
Since then he has been a regular in the starting line-up and made 119 appearances for Les Aiglons, attracting the attention of bigger clubs again.
West Ham are also interested in Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer and are in talks over a deal which could be done for as little as £15m.
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Joshua Zirkzee reveals squad number depends on decision of new Man Utd teammate
Joshua Zirkzee anticipates wearing the no9 or no11 shirt at Manchester United next season, but admits the decision may ultimately rest with new teammate Rasmus Hojlund.
Zirkzee, 23, became United’s first signing of the summer after arriving from Bologna in a deal worth £36million on Monday. He could soon be followed by Leny Yoro, with the Lille sensation having undergone the first stage of his medical in Manchester ahead of his move from France.
The Netherlands international will offer United a versatile option in attack, finishing the 2023-24 season as Bologna’s top scorer as they qualified for the Champions League.
His first interview with club media was released on Wednesday with the forward revealing his idols growing up were Ronaldinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
His squad number has still to be confirmed however with the no9 vacant following Anthony Martial’s departure at the end of his contract.
Zirkzee has his eye on the famous no9 but admits Hojlund may get the nod ahead of him.
The Denmark international, who like Zirkzee, arrived at Old Trafford from Serie A, established himself as United’s leading centre forward last season and will be looking to improve on his debut haul of 16 goals in the 2024-25 campaign.
Zirkzee is also happy to take Hojlund’s 11 if a switch is made – previously worn by club legend Ryan Giggs.
Asked what shirt number he will be wearing, Zirkzee told YouTube show Supergraande: ‘That depends a bit on Rasmus Højlund. He’s already there and he’s also a striker. No9 is free, but yeah… He has 11, so I can imagine that he wants no9 now. In that case I’ll take 11.
‘At Bologna I also had 11, so that doesn’t really matter to me.’
Zirkzee also opened up on his initial talks with United during Netherlands’ Euro 2024 campaign which ended in semi-final defeat to England.
‘I had a conversation in Wolfsburg. My father was there too, because he is there for everything. After that conversation I immediately had a good feeling, then the choice was actually already made,’ he said.
‘The European Championship was number one anyway, United also thought that was important. That was where the focus had to be. So that was doable.’
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