Analysis, features, news plus more – on European football and sports galore!
If Real Madrid come calling, you’d be wise not to reject them. Milan shouldn’t give Malick Thiaw the chance to accept their advances, should their reported interest escalate into a formal approach next summer as Los Blancos’ never-ending pursuit of reinforcements sees them return to Italy for younger talent. Continue reading “Real might come calling next summer, but Milan must hold firm with Malick Thiaw”
With newly-appointed captain Reece James and vice Ben Chilwell both sidelined, England midfielder Conor Gallagher again captained the side to a 2-0 away win over their west London rivals Fulham earlier tonight – producing precisely the sort of individual showing convincing other clubs to test Chelsea’s resolve for an overly criticised player keen to breakthrough at his boyhood club. Continue reading “After rejecting summer interest aplenty, Chelsea captain tag looks good on Conor”
Alejandro Balde’s public comments this week, demanding patience for his teenage teammate at both club level and the international scene, are predictably well-intentioned by a fellow youngster who wants the best for a friend in Barcelona’s latest wonderkid forward Lamine Yamal. That sentiment doesn’t make it any less likely scrutiny doesn’t follow him around, though. Continue reading “Urging patience for Barca wonderkid Lamine Yamal is easier said than done”
Tottenham academy graduate Japhet Tanganga didn’t look out of place in the Premier League, but hasn’t kicked on in subsequent seasons. Persistent injuries haven’t helped establish himself as a defensive mainstay, at what quickly proved an unpredictable time in north London. After a deadline day move to Augsburg, he has an opportunity to shine with less scrutiny in Germany this coming season, with multiple agemates who’ll give him inspiration abroad. Continue reading “Tanganga’s Augsburg loan the latest in British-based defenders venturing abroad”
Having only played 13 minutes – a Champions League cameo on MD1 vs. Napoli – on a season-long loan deal from Juventus that quickly soured at Liverpool, Roberto de Zerbi is reportedly leading the charge for his Brighton side to offer Arthur Melo a second opportunity at Premier League football, bolstering their midfield with more shrewd signings as European adventures await next term. Continue reading “After Dahoud and Milner deals, Brighton may offer injury-stricken Arthur a chance”
The Champions League semifinalists could cause an internal riot by sanctioning a record-breaking departure of a prized asset in their central midfielder this summer, currently captaining the Azzurini in Romania as their U21 European Championship campaign got underway yesterday.
Continue reading “Newcastle’s fast-growing pursuit of Sandro Tonali says plenty for both sides”
His Crystal Palace teammates were said to be in tears after an abrupt training ground injury – rupturing his Achilles – left him sidelined for several months on the same day he was part of England’s Euro 2020 provisional squad. Two years on, he could make his senior debut this weekend, and it’s another timely reminder how important patience is as far as long-term goals are concerned. Continue reading “As first England cap awaits, Eze shows value of patience after untimely setbacks”
Graham Potter was always going to find himself under intense scrutiny after succeeding Thomas Tuchel last September, and has barely lasted seven months in charge. The managerial merry-go-round has returned once more in west London, where club legend Frank Lampard will this week take interim charge while a host of free agent big names are linked for the summer months. Continue reading “Graham Potter was doomed at Chelsea from Day 1, but poisoned chalice moves on”
10 days after he shook off the cobwebs in a drab-but-dominant world title defence against mandatory challenger David Light, WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie was surveying the scene in a Marylebone hotel. Why? A quick turnaround awaits in a tough ask on enemy soil down the south Coast, against friend Chris Billam-Smith and former trainer Shane McGuigan.
Continue reading “Lawrence Okolie vs. Chris Billam-Smith: World champion enters the lion’s den – against a friend – on May 27”
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All things considered, Zurdo Ramirez’s massive weight miss – cancelling a matchup against friend and former sparring partner Gabe Rosado last Saturday night – was a blessing in disguise for the former super-middleweight world champion. After suffering a decisive world light-heavyweight title defeat by WBA champion Dmitry Bivol last November, he’s had some decisions to make. Continue reading “Yes, Zurdo Ramirez’s big weight miss at the weekend was a blessing in disguise”
UFC president Dana White says he doesn’t make fights immediately after cards, but declared former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington is the next challenger for Leon Edwards’ 170lb belt. Considering the 35-year-old’s relative inactivity and underwhelming resume, a myriad of questions have been asked. Continue reading “Questions asked as Colby Covington mooted as Edwards’ next title defence”
After Morocco stunned them in the World Cup quarter-finals, the Portuguese federation (FPF) yesterday announced their decision to part ways with head coach Fernando Santos, whose deal ran until 2024. The 68-year-old, who guided them to their first-ever senior international title back at Euro 2016, also led A Seleção to the UEFA Nations League title three years later. Continue reading “World Cup 2022: Portugal’s Fernando Santos is ninth manager to part ways post-tournament”
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