Analysis, features, news plus more – on European football and sports galore!
Having spent two years playing in west London, where he won the FA Cup and Premier League over a decade ago, it should come as no surprise Barcelona sporting director Deco is venturing back to English shores as he’s been linked with approaches for two Chelsea midfield reinforcements this coming summer – even if head coach Hansi Flick is reportedly content with his existing options.
Continue reading “Report: Deco targets former side Chelsea, Barca want midfield bolstered in January”
Although the axe appears likely to fall on Erik ten Hag at Manchester United and Frank de Boer had a nightmare spell at Crystal Palace, there’s renewed optimism that Liverpool – led by their data-driven recruitment approach – are targeting the right man in Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot, after the 45-year-old rejected English overtures last term and has since won more silverware. Continue reading “Given his managerial rise, Liverpool’s pursuit of Arne Slot should be no surprise”
Roberto De Zerbi’s impressive managerial work at Brighton hasn’t gone unnoticed, to the point where a series of top sides in England and beyond are seriously interested in making him their new head coach come the summer months – less than two full years after joining the Seagulls as Graham Potter’s successor on the south Coast. Judging by recent comments, he’ll soon depart. Continue reading “De Zerbi’s managerial future unclear as cluster of top clubs circle for Brighton boss”
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”
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”
Second-half goals from Fred and substitute Anthony were the catalyst for a nervy but hard-earned comeback win for Manchester United over La Liga leaders Barcelona in the second leg of their Europa League last-32 tie, prevailing 4-3 on aggregate – welcome preparation before their Wembley trip on Sunday for the Carabao Cup final as Newcastle await.
Manchester United have informed Barcelona they want to conclude a deal to sign Dutch international Frenkie de Jong by Friday, per reports today. Paul Pogba’s Juventus return on a free is among their summer departures, with Wolves’ Ruben Neves and Leicester’s wantaway star Youri Tielemans linked as possible alternatives should they fail to sign the 25-year-old. Continue reading “Man Utd’s pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frankie de Jong drags on, with other options linked”
After watching a potentially promising campaign fizzle out rather unceremoniously from mid-March onwards, it makes sense Steven Gerrard is bolstering his squad over the summer as they look to bridge a fairly feasible gap between themselves and the division’s top seven sides.
Continue reading “Why Aston Villa are boosting their European ambitions with £26m Diego Carlos deal”
While still battling over a fair price for RB Salzburg’s latest hotshot, around the €45m (£37.4m) figure, Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund have been linked with approaches for other strikers this summer as they prepare for life after Erling Haaland – whose €75m (£62.4m) release clause is active and will inevitably be explored by Europe’s elite in the weeks to come. Continue reading “Contingency plans: Adeyemi fee impasse, Dortmund also linked with other Haaland replacements”
Karim Benzema’s 14th and 15th goals of the La Liga season, bullish but devastating, ensured Carlo Ancelotti’s men returned to winning ways – leaving San Mames with a hard-fought three points vs. Athletic Bilbao, who created more chances but crucially lacked incisive execution against the league leaders. Heading into 2022, Real are eight points clear of Sevilla in second. Continue reading “Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Real Madrid: Benzema’s quick-fire brace sees Los Blancos prevail”
Less than six months into his Catalan adventure, Manchester City’s all-time top goalscorer wept during the announcement as he explained what we’ve known for a few weeks now: having to retire prematurely with a heart condition. But as we reflect on his greatest moments and angrily wonder what could’ve been, I’m relieved he’s okay at a time where nothing is certain. Continue reading “Sergio Aguero’s abrupt retirement, aged 33, is upsetting but tinged with relief”
Out of contract next summer, Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria will likely see a whole host of offers from various European clubs hoping they can agree a pre-contract agreement with the Swiss international come January. Roma are regarded the frontrunners for his signature, though Juventus, Barcelona and Antonio Conte’s Tottenham are also linked.
Continue reading “Juventus, Roma targeting Gladbach’s out-of-contract midfielder Denis Zakaria”
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