Analysis, features, news plus more – on European football and sports galore!
Eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool and counting, Premier League defending champions Manchester City have been off-the-pace across all competitions this season and their slump in form has been worsened by the long-term absence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. As such, they’re open to acquiring midfield acquisitions next month and beyond, with several lucrative names being linked. Continue reading “Missing Rodri and out-of-sorts, City linked with Wirtz, Guimaraes and Zubimendi”
England captain and Bayern forward Harry Kane has publicly criticised his teammates who withdrew from Lee Carsley’s latest squad before their must-win Nations League fixture against Greece, accusing them of “taking advantage” as they round out the year without a permanent manager after long-time boss Gareth Southgate’s departure. Thomas Tuchel succeeds him on New Year’s Day. Continue reading “Kane criticises England teammates over withdrawals as Tuchel’s arrival beckons”
Having activated his €60m (£50.7m) release clause, Bayern beat competition from big Premier League clubs to prise Michael Olise away from England, and after this month’s Olympics on home soil in Paris, the 22-year-old playmaker will ply his trade alongside familar faces like Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane under Vincent Kompany’s stewardship after the deal was made official today. Continue reading “Michael Olise completes £45m move to Bayern, in Palace’s best possible scenario”
Granit Xhaka repaired his reputation in north London before departing for £21.6m last summer, joining Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen project – quickly establishing himself as an indispensable player spreading his wings further since returning to Bundesliga play. He’s carried that form on the international stage at the Euros, where the 31-year-old faces some familiar faces Saturday. Continue reading “Granit Xhaka’s metronomic momentum – club and country – hasn’t gone unnoticed”
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”
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”
Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich were said to be flirting with the fullback all summer long, but Manchester City’s Kyle Walker says his desire to complete another treble-winning season – like their unprecedented 2022-23 campaign – is why he rejected their advances to extend his stay at Eastlands, until 2026.
Continue reading “Bayern target Walker: Repeating treble-winning success was key in City extension”
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”
Per reports in Italy today, Inter are monitoring a series of Premier League-based defenders – Tottenham’s Japhet Tanganga, Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah and Arsenal’s versatile fullback Takehiro Tomiyasu as their search for more defensive reinforcements continue after news broke of their accelerated interest in acquiring Bayern’s wantaway World Cup winner Benjamin Pavard. Continue reading “Pavard push aside, Inter linked with Tottenham’s Tanganga and Chalobah at Chelsea as possible defensive signings”
Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Milan have all been linked with an approach to sign Chelsea’s out-of-favour winger Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer, after the 22-year-old’s unspectacular loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen this past season. Continue reading “Fulham, Forest and Milan all linked with move for Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi”
After six goal involvements in 21 appearances during half-a-season with Championship side Middlesbrough last term, Folarin Balogun notched seven in his first six Ligue 1 matches – four starts – as Stade Reims reaped the rewards of their Arsenal loanee’s ever-improving growth abroad. Now with uncertainty over his long-term future in north London, suitors across Europe are circling. Continue reading “Milan rivals, Leipzig, Monaco and Villarreal linked with Arsenal’s £34m-rated Balogun”
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