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La Liga outfit interested in Man United outcast Donny van de Beek

Jason Pettigrove — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 05:26:46 +0000

The curious case of Donny van de Beek and Man United is one that will forever puzzle those with an interest in football.

During their time at Ajax, the midfielder was the fulcrum of Erik ten Hag’s brilliant young side, and showed off his skills to brilliant effect as the Dutch dismantled Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Once the club were knocked out of the Champions League in stunning style by Tottenham Hotspur, it was entirely obvious that Ajax’s new golden generation were going to be broken up.

Frenkie de Jong headed to Barcelona, Matthijs de Ligt initially to Juventus and now Bayern Munich… it was a foregone conclusion that van de Beek would follow them out of the exit door.

Though de Ligt has found himself sidelined at the Bavarians of late, he gave a timely reminder of everything he has to offer with a towering header against Bochum.

De Jong is an immovable object as far as Barca are concerned, but the Man United outcast has done little since swapping the Ajax ArenA for Old Trafford to justify his inclusion into ten Hag’s first-team on a regular basis.

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It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what has gone wrong and the sad fact of the matter is that a move away is probably the only thing that will suit all parties.

Fichajes report that Spanish top-flight outfit, Villarreal, are ready to offer the player a way out in 2024, and one imagines that van de Beek will grab the opportunity with both hands.

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Inside Spain: Luis Rubiales case takes fresh turn, the Deco era and a first sacking

Ruairidh Barlow — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 15:43:53 +0000

Inside Spain is a weekly instalment brought to you by Football España, providing an insight into all of the major stories coming out of the rich and intense climes of La Liga and beyond.

This week on Luis Rubiales-watch… He’s gone. After dragging the Spanish Football Federation’s through the global mud, seeing his mother go on hunger strike, and refusing the pleas of his colleagues, Rubiales resigned as RFEF President.

Unsurprisingly, his troubles have not stopped with a Piers Morgan interview. While Rubiales might have given his version of the truth, some of them are if not lies, errors of memory. Initially Rubiales said it was a spontaneous moment of affection when he kissed Spain forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent, then told the general assembly at the RFEF that he had had a conversation with her at the time about it.

One of these stories will have to be explained to a judge. Last week the public prosecutor brought allegations and evidence to a judge, and he has approved the opening of a case, which will see him testify and potentially face up to five years in jail. In the meantime, Hermoso’s phone was allegedly hacked, but finally, one of the 13 Rubiales scandals in the last five years has brought him down.

Dani Carvajal has played with several Real Madrid legends during this time at the club. pic.twitter.com/wA8JJ6RLWH

— Football España (@footballespana_) September 12, 2023

Outside of that, Spain have been in fine form, thumping Georgia 7-1 and Cyprus 6-0, but all anyone was talking about was Lamine Yamal. The 16-year-old made his debut in the first match, becoming the youngest player to play for Spain and the youngest player to score for La Roja. Against Cyprus, he became the youngest player to start a Spain match.

Back home in Barcelona, Deco has been presented as the latest Sporting Director, bringing former teammate Bojan Krkic back into to the fold to work with him and Xavi Hernandez. Not that it’s a middle-aged boys club. Raising more eyebrows is the fact that the Rolling Stones will be appearing on Barcelona’s shirt later this year.

Over at Real Madrid, the general narrative is mostly the same as in England for once – how good is Jude Bellingham? Things may be in the honeymoon phase currently, but as Los Blancos position themselves for Kylian Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain are drawing up a ‘revenge list’.

Elsewhere, Girona have renewed the contract of excellent Sporting Director Quique Carcel until 2027, and Villarreal have given one to their new manager. Former Barcelona coach Quique Setien was sacked at the Yellow Submarine after falling out with the squad, and Pacheta has been appointed. Far from a big name, his last two jobs have seen relegation from La Liga, Pacheta put it well – ‘I don’t know if it’s fair or not, but I’m here.’

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FIFA suspend Luis Rubiales from all football related activities for 90 days

Jason Pettigrove — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 17:26:20 +0000

It’s become one of the most unsavoury incidents in women’s football, but FIFA have taken matters into their own hands and suspended Spanish Football Federation president, Luis Rubiales, from all football duties for 90 days after his conduct in the immediate aftermath of Spain Women’s World Cup final win over England.

Seen by TV cameras grabbing his crotch in celebration, Rubiales also gave Spain player, Jenni Hermoso, a strong kiss on the lips whilst hugging her tightly as she collected her winner’s medal.

Though laughed off by the player at the time, she was eventually forced to issue a statement to deny that she had solicited the kiss.

Official Announcement. August 25th,2023. pic.twitter.com/lQb18IGsk2

— Jenn1 Hermos0 (@Jennihermoso) August 25, 2023

Such conduct should have no place in women’s football, let alone when it comes from high-ranking football officers that should know much, much better.

“FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respect the integrity of all persons and therefore condemns with the utmost vigour any behaviour to the contrary,” a FIFA statement read (h/t ABC News).

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will not provide any further information on these disciplinary proceedings until a final decision has been taken.”

It’s difficult to believe that there’s any coming back from this for Rubiales, given that he really should’ve resigned of his own accord in any event.

Spain’s women’s team had subsequently refused to play under the president, so this first move by FIFA should be seen in a positive light.

More heads undoubtedly need to roll given that it’s believed there were also problems pre-World Cup between coach Jorge Vilda and many players, detailed by the Daily Mail, who also note that Vilda’s entire backroom team resigned on Saturday over the row.

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England’s Lionesses show strong support for Jenni Hermoso after Spain squad strike until Luis Rubiales is removed

Jason Pettigrove — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 21:36:57 +0000

Spanish football can consider itself in crisis on Friday night after Jenni Hermoso issued an unequivocal statement regarding the unsolicited kiss she received from Spanish Football Federation president, Luis Rubiales.

So strongly worded was her statement, that it really has left Rubiales nowhere to go, despite his protestations earlier in the day that he would not resign after a trial by social media.

Official Announcement. August 25th,2023. pic.twitter.com/lQb18IGsk2

— Jenn1 Hermos0 (@Jennihermoso) August 25, 2023

The entire Spain Women’s squad, less than a week after becoming World Cup winners, have now gone on strike in support of Hermoso, and the player has made it crystal clear that she did not instigate nor want to be kissed by Rubiales.

Furthermore, the statement speaks of a culture in Spanish women’s football that is manipulative and created by the president himself.

If that were not enough, the England Lionesses who were conquered by Spain in the final last weekend, have come out in support.

Jess Carter posted the following on her Twitter account, as football’s very own ‘me too’ movement gathers pace and puts incredible pressure back on Rubiales to do the decent thing:

pic.twitter.com/m7LwfLSvFK

— Jess Carter (@_JessCarter) August 25, 2023

The incredibly bad publicity around the world for the federation surely can’t be allowed to continue, and if Rubiales insists that he won’t resign, it may well fall upon his bosses to remove him from the position.

It isn’t only this one issue that will need to be resolved now either, because it has opened a can of worms that appears to have long been kept quiet.

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Video: Spain’s World Cup winners refuse to play unless Luis Rubiales resigns

Jason Pettigrove — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 18:16:02 +0000

Things have got much, much worse for Spanish Football Federation president, Luis Rubiales, on Saturday night.

Rubiales has been under fire since the Women’s World Cup final after he was pictured holding his groin in celebration at Spain’s win and then kissed Spain player, Jenni Hermoso, full on the lips as she went up to collect her medal.

His actions have been widely condemned by the football fraternity but he has, so far, refused to resign.

That could all change after news broke that the Spain women’s team have all refused to play until he is relieved of his duties.

BREAKING: The Spain women's football squad say in a joint statement they will not play any matches until Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales has resigned ?? pic.twitter.com/Yp7jKdqf6I

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 25, 2023

Pictures from Sky Sports News

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Inside Spain: The shock transfer with the summer and the consequences for Barcelona

Ruairidh Barlow — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:15:56 +0000

Inside Spain is a weekly instalment brought to you by Football España, providing an insight into all of the major stories coming out of the rich and intense climes of La Liga and beyond.

This week in Spain has been defined by Ousmane Dembele. The French winger has spent the vast majority of his career in Spain seeming like an outsider, failing to deliver on his potential and generally looking like a terrible deal for the Blaugrana. Just when it seemed he was set up change that narrative, Dembele left.

His €50m move to Paris Saint-Germain is a blow to Xavi Hernandez in particular, who stood defiant in the face of an institutional desire to move him on, and championed Dembele when no-one else would. His success was Xavi’s success.

Now Barcelona are working out just what to do with the money coming in. They will likely only receive around €27m from the deal, but reportedly are mounting a €75m offer for Bernardo Silva – where that money comes from, nobody knows. They are moving on Franck Kessie, trying to move on Clement Lenglet, and have moved on Nico Gonzalez. If, as seems the case, they cannot pull off a deal for Silva, then their choice is between the unproven Ivan Fresneda or the character concerns that come with Joao Cancelo.

??????????
? BARÇA 3-0 REAL MADRID
? Dembélé, Fermín, Ferran pic.twitter.com/DE0bPcYqOc

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 30, 2023

Real Madrid are starting to wonder just how much they need Kylian Mbappe. Their new 4-4-2 diamond formation has gone down well, and they are creating plenty of chances. But after hitting the post 7 times in two defeats to Juventus (3-1) and Barcelona (3-0), some are wondering if Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior will finish enough of the chances they are creating. At the very least, Bellingham is enjoying himself on the pitch.

Away from the big two, Villarreal signed Alexander Sorloth from RB Leipzig for €10m, who scored 16 goals at Real Sociedad last season. In order to replace him, they brought in another Leipzig striker in Andre Silva on loan. Real Mallorca have signed Canadian striker Cyle Larin from Real Valladolid for €8m, meaning they can now line him up alongside Vedat Muriqi. A large and large partnership if ever there was one, good luck to Eric Garcia if comes up against Muriqi (6’4) and Larin (6’2).

For those unaware, Brazilian Ronaldo owns Valladolid, and he was deemed to be doing a good job until they were relegated last season. Perhaps he isn’t making the decisions, but one way or another, the plot has been lost a little. Eleven days before their first Segunda match, Valladolid sacked their entire transfer team and brought in a new Sporting Director in former Espanyol man Domingo Catoira – who masterminded their relegation. Meanwhile former Chelsea player Kenedy was due to head to Olympiakos on loan, but the Greek giants sent Kenedy back, claiming he was ‘unfit for football’.

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Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano provides update on four potential Arsenal transfer exits

Mark Brus — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 07:53:03 +0000

Fabrizio Romano has provided some Arsenal transfer news in his exclusive CaughtOffside column this morning, discussing the latest on the futures of the likes of Nicolas Pepe, Rob Holding, Cedric Soares and Arthur Okonkwo.

Arsenal have had a busy summer bringing in Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz, so there will surely now be outgoings before they can possibly consider re-entering the market for further signings.

While Gunners fans will surely want to see more new faces coming in, it could take some time to see movement on the likes of Pepe and Cedric, according to Romano.

It had looked like Pepe could move to the Saudi Pro League, but that seems to have stalled, while Cedric’s wage demands seem to be proving an issue for suitors like Villarreal.

Romano also didn’t have a further update on Holding’s future, so things may become clearer in the coming weeks with regards to how much AFC can spend.

What next for Rob Holding?

Inside Spain: Real Madrid and Barcelona go to battle over starlet, Fede Valverde doesn’t go to court

Ruairidh Barlow — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 13:39:43 +0000

Inside Spain is a weekly instalment brought to you by Football España, providing an insight into all of the major stories coming out of the rich and intense climes of La Liga and beyond.

Turkish teenager Arda Guler has been the talk of Europe for several weeks, with a number of clubs interested in signing the 18-year-old. In the last week, it became a political battle between the big two in Spain.

Late last Thursday night Barcelona President Joan Laporta said they were confident of signing one of the best creative talents in Europe, and were very much the favourites come Monday morning. But if there is one thing Real Madrid, and particularly Florentino Perez enjoy just as much as beating Barcelona on the pitch, it’s outdoing them off it.

Perez supposedly called Guler in order to convince him, and it is little wonder he was keen on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. The deal Real Madrid are reportedly offering him could go over €50m, without including his salary, despite the fact his release clause is only €17.5m. Perez was reportedly furious when Barcelona beat Los Blancos to Neymar Junior’s signature over a decade ago, and since they have won the race for Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Endrick Felipe – Guler is set to be the latest.

Meanwhile Fede Valverde looked like he was set to watch Guler from the stands at the start of the season – and that may well still be the case, if his suspension holds. However he will not face legal action for allegedly punching Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena after a match in April. The case was dropped at Baena’s recollection of the events didn’t add up.

Otherwise Villarreal have been winning. Pau Torres and Nicolas Jackson look set to bring in at least €70m in from their moves, while they have already made five signings for €2.5m, all of which look like smart additions – the latest is Ben Brereton Diaz.

Atletico Madrid are set to sign Cesar Azpilicueta on a permanent deal, after announcing Caglar Soyuncu on Wednesday, while Barcelona also confirmed the signing of Athletic Club defender Inigo Martinez on a free. Barcelona aren’t done there, at least if Xavi Hernandez has his way, he has demanded more business from the club before the window shuts.

Image via OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images

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Video: EA Sports set to complement La Liga viewing experience

Jason Pettigrove — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 18:28:51 +0000

As technology becomes more and more sophisticated, so the experience of the viewing public can be enhanced when watching films, TV series or otherwise, and La Liga have jumped on the bandwagon by partnering with EA Sports to provide their on-screen graphics from the start of the 2023/24 season.

The Spanish league suggest it will provide a more immersive viewing experience and clearly that means it should hold the attention of those watching for that much longer.

Different angles of goals, more cameras, real-time stats and more will arguably place La Liga at the forefront of this new era.

? Cameras.
?? New and improved graphics.
? New perspectives and angles.

But without changing the fundamentals ? ??? ???? ?????? ?? ??? ?????#NewEraLALIGA pic.twitter.com/qWOiSdDcC0

— LALIGA Corporativo (@LaLigaCorp) July 3, 2023

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Transfer news: Next Kane Bayern bid, Lavia Liverpool latest, why Mount left Chelsea for Man Utd – Fabrizio Romano

Fabrizio Romano — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 09:46:09 +0000

Good morning guys and welcome to my latest Daily Briefing – click here to subscribe for this post ad-free and straight to your inbox, plus a weekly podcast and more exclusive columns!

AC Milan

AC Milan have opened official talks with AZ Alkmaar for Tijjani Reijnders. More to follow in the next days, opening verbal bid expected to be around €19m. Talks will continue between clubs this week.

Al Ahli

Roberto Firmino has completed the first part of his medical tests as a new Al Ahli player, as expected. The former Liverpool star now set to check and sign all documents, club statement will be the next step. Firmino will join Edouard Mendy at Al Ahli. Here we go confirmed.

Al Ittihad

Official, confirmed. Al Ittihad sign Jota on permanent deal from Celtic, as called last week. The deal is worth £25m, three year contract. Jota joins Kante and Benzema at Al Ittihad.

Al Nassr

Marcelo Brozovic has signed contracts as new Al Nassr player. Deal valid until June 2026. €18m final fee to Inter. Here we go, officially confirmed by the club.

Arsenal

What’s the hold up with Declan Rice? Important clarification on reports here.
Granit Xhaka has had an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen since May. Bayer Leverkusen have an agreement with Arsenal since May. The deal is expected to be completed once Declan Rice joins, just waiting for the green light.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa yesterday signed the documents for the Pau Torres transfer from Villarreal — it’s now done and sealed.
It is also my understanding that Aston Villa have completed the signing of Rico Richards from West Brom, here we go. Agreement in place on a two year contract. The talented 19-year-old attacking midfielder joins Villa on a free.
Aston Villa are open to listen to offers for Leander Dendoncker despite his longer running deal. He’s rated by Emery but there’s lot of competition. French and Italian clubs already asked for info; player open to any kind of proposal. PL clubs also keen.

Atletico Madrid

Official, confirmed. Javi Galan has joined Atletico Madrid on a three-year deal from Celta Vigo. Diego Simeone has a new left-back now.

Barcelona

Barca president Joan Laporta: “Ansu Fati? Let him continue here. He has to earn Xavi’s trust, but Ansu can do it with his talent.”
Laporta: “We have received offers for Christensen, for Gavi, for Pedri, for Araujo, for Ter Stegen, for Ansu, for Raphinha, for Balde…But we are not a selling club. We have no intention to sell our stars.”

Bayern Munich

When can we expect Bayern to bid again for Harry Kane?
Kim Min-jae will undergo medical tests with Bayern this week, currently scheduled on Wednesday. Bayern will trigger the release clause from Napoli right after, could be this week too. Here we go since last week, confirmed.

Borussia Dortmund

Official, confirmed. Felix Nmecha has joined Borussia Dortmund on a permanent deal for €30m package, add ons included. He’s signed a deal until June 2028.

Brighton

Official, confirmed. Brighton have announced Bart Verbruggen as new goalkeeper, it’s done and signed.
Mohammed Kudus deal – no change at this stage. He’s on Brighton list since ten days ago but it’s not close yet. Kudus remains on Brighton’s list.
Official, completed. Joel Veltman has signed a new long term deal at Brighton valid until June 2025.

Burnley

Burnley are now closing in on a deal for Soumaila Coulibaly – it’s going to be a loan from Borussia Dortmund with a mandatory buy clause. The value of the deal is expected be around €15m in total.
Burnley are closing in on a deal for James Trafford. Talks are at a very advanced stage and expected to be done soon for a fee of £14m plus add-ons. It’s almost done, here we go soon. Negotiations are underway between the two clubs with the player keen on the move.

Chelsea

Mauricio Pochettino wanted to keep Mason Mount, so what went wrong? Full details here.
Brazilian talent Angelo will travel to England this week in order to complete medical tests and then sign six year deal as new Chelsea player. All documents are in place with Santos set to receive €15m fee.
Could another top young Brazilian talent be next for Chelsea? More info here.
Moises Caicedo and talks with Brighton – the latest here.
It’s now over for Abdul Rahman Baba at Chelsea. Contract set to be terminated on mutual agreement and he’s joining Greek side PAOK.
Pochettino on his first official day as Chelsea head coach: “It was easy to say yes to Chelsea. We’ll work hard, play in a way the fans can enjoy football. The history of Chelsea is to win and be at the top. We can’t have up and downs. In the last 10, 12, 15 years, Chelsea is the greatest team in England.”

Crystal Palace

Official, confirmed. Roy Hodgson stays at Crystal Palace manager as he signs new deal valid until June 2024. Backroom staff also confirmed: Paddy McCarthy as assistant manager, Ray Lewington as coach and Dean Kiely as goalkeeper coach.

Inter Miami

Sergio Ramos has been approached by Inter Miami — one more option on the table as the defender waits to pick his next club. There are two Saudi clubs also keen on signing Ramos — the decision will be up to him together with his family.

Liverpool

What’s the latest on Romeo Lavia and how does he impact Liverpool’s pursuit of Khephren Thuram?
What’s Liverpool’s stance on Moises Caicedo? Ben Jacobs has more info here.
What does the future hold for Joel Matip? Full details here.
Liverpool’s owners FSG are still in the market for investors after deciding not to sell the club fully and Ben Jacobs has the latest on when fans can expect movement on this front.

Manchester City

Where are we at with the Josko Gvardiol transfer? Full details here.

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