bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 30, 2023 5:49:19 GMT
Transfer window: Where will Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Lionel Messi, Declan Rice and Victor Osimhen move to ?ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/45EA/production/_129789871_bbc-sport-index-imagery-4-split-images-gradient-8ec3bea8-ba79-44d1-98be-d1e99a425f05.pngJude Bellingham, Lionel Messi, Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane are just four of the world-class players who could be on the move in what looks set to be a huge transfer window this summer. Will Messi return to Barcelona? Is Declan Rice bound for Arsenal? The transfer window for clubs in the Premier League next season opens on Wednesday, 14th June and closes on Friday, 1st September. Let's run through the rumours and gorge on some gossip as we take a look at the big names who might be set to make a switch. Jude Bellinghamichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/BE83/production/_127317784_gettyimages-1243238268.jpgBorussia Dortmund's youngest captain at 19 and deemed "exceptional" by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, Bellingham is one of football's hottest properties this summer and on Monday was named Bundesliga player of the season. Real Madrid are in advanced talks to sign the England midfielder and are willing to pay about £89m - although Dortmund are understood to want £130m. Manchester City are also believed to be interested in the teenager who played 42 times for his club this season, scoring 14 goals and registering seven assists. In April, Liverpool ruled out signing the former Birmingham City star with Klopp saying the Reds' interest was like a "child wanting a Ferrari for Christmas". Harry Kaneichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/13C43/production/_129836908_gettyimages-1491682425.jpg"Harry Kane, we'll see you in June." Manchester United fans serenaded the Tottenham talisman during their 2-2 draw in London in April. United, like Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain, are being repeatedly linked with the 29-year-old. Spurs and Kane have a decision to make. England's record goalscorer has one year left on his contract and, if he does not extend his deal, could leave for free at the end of next season. There is no doubting Kane's ability - he has scored 280 goals in 435 appearances for Spurs and is 47 goals shy of Alan Shearer's Premier League goalscoring record of 260. Spurs have kept hold of him before, two summers ago when he tried to engineer a move to Manchester City. But with Spurs unable to deliver Champions League football next season and Kane yet to win a major trophy, the forward's future in north London remains unclear. Declan Riceichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/BDD6/production/_129089584_gettyimages-1471234847.jpgDeclan Rice could become the first West Ham captain to win a European trophy since England's Bobby Moore lifted the Cup Winners' Cup in 1965. Before their Europa League semi-final second-leg win at AZ Alkmaar, West Ham manager David Moyes said there was "a good chance" Rice will leave this summer. The 24-year-old has rejected all efforts to get him to sign an extension amid interest from virtually all of England's top clubs. Moyes accepts Rice may leave in summer Rice came through the youth system at West Ham and has been capped 41 times by England, playing in all five of their matches at last winter's World Cup. There are reports Rice is leaning towards a move to Premier League runners-up Arsenal, but the Gunners may have to double the £72m they paid for record signing Nicolas Pepe in 2019. In April, Moyes said Rice would not be sold for less than £150m - believing his star midfielder is worth "north" of that figure. Lionel Messiichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/0BE9/production/_129594030_hi082353398.jpgWorld Cup winner Lionel Messi will leave Paris St-Germain when his contract expires this summer. His relationship with PSG has soured. On 3 May he was suspended by the club for two weeks after travelling to Saudi Arabia without their permission. In his first game back he was booed by supporters. Messi left Barcelona in 2021 because of financial issues at the club, but a move back to the Nou Camp, where the Argentine is the all-time top scorer with 672 goals in 778 games, may not be an option. Barcelona have a wage bill of about £530m which they need to reduce by at least £177m. The 35-year-old has also attracted interest from Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) and an eyewatering offer of about £350m to play in Saudi Arabia for one year with Al-Hilal. Victor Osimhenichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/A13B/production/_129857214_anapoli2.jpgVictor Osimhen has become the envy of Europe's top clubs with his blockbuster performances for Napoli. Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, PSG and Real Madrid are just some of the teams linked with the striker recently, making Osimhen a regular in the BBC Sport gossip column. He is Serie A's top scorer this season with 23 goals in 30 games, powering Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years. The 22-year-old idolised Chelsea striker Didier Drogba growing up, and in 2016 rejected Arsenal when he signed his first professional contract with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg. Italian football expert James Horncastle said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast that Osimhen would cost more than £90m, and "probably closer to" £130m. The striker made headlines in March when he said: "I'm working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League some day." Mount? Mbappe? Maddison? An epic summer awaitsManchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are set to battle it out for Mason Mount's signature with the England midfielder refusing to sign a new contract at Chelsea. Mount's deal runs out at the end of next season and the Blues have reportedly put a £70m price tag on the 24-year-old. Brighton supporters face a nervy summer after manager Roberto de Zerbi said stars Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister "deserve to play in another level". Brighton rejected a bid from Arsenal of about £70m for Ecuador midfielder Caicedo in January, while World Cup-winning Argentina midfielder Mac Allister has been heavily linked with Liverpool. Meanwhile, James Maddison is likely to move following Leicester's relegation, with Newcastle and Tottenham rumoured to be interested in the 26-year-old England midfielder. And superstar Kylian Mbappe is being monitored by Europe's top clubs with the 24-year-old's contract expiring at the end of next season, while PSG team-mate Neymar, who joined from Barcelona for £200m in 2017, is being linked with Manchester United. It is going to be an epic summer. Make sure you follow every twist and turn on BBC Sport's football section.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 30, 2023 23:26:38 GMT
Pep Guardiola: Manchester City boss named LMA manager of the year..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/50B7/production/_129936602_guardiolabody_gettyimages-1492066204.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/00A3/production/_129936100_guardiolaindex_gettyimages-1256956102.jpgManchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been named manager of the year by the League Managers Association. It's the third time Guardiola has collected the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy, voted for by managers across all of the divisions. The Spaniard, 52, also won the Premier League manager of the year award after his side clinched a third consecutive title and fifth in six seasons. Chelsea boss Emma Hayes won the Women's Super League award. It was her fourth successive award and sixth in total. Under Hayes, Chelsea clinched a fourth successive WSL title by two points over Manchester United, who they also beat to win the FA Cup for the third time in a row. Guardiola became only the third manager to win three or more LMA manager of the year awards, matching David Moyes' tally, but still two behind Sir Alex Ferguson. City face Manchester United in Saturday's FA Cup final. Victory in that match would set up a chance to win the Treble when they face Inter Milan in the Champions League final on 10 June. Guardiola said: "It's an incredible honour to get his trophy. We are in the best league in the world and I promise you we will be there next season." Lou Macari won the inaugural John Duncan Award, which recognises outstanding achievement. The 73-year-old former Scotland, Celtic and Manchester United midfielder has been running a homeless shelter in Stoke, where he had two stints as manager. Arsenal's Mikel Arteta, Brighton's Roberto de Zerbi, Newcastle's Eddie Howe, Burnley's Vincent Kompany and Plymouth's Steven Schumacher were also on the manager of the year shortlist. Kompany and Schumacher won the Championship and League One manager of the year awards respectively, after their clubs each amassed 101 points on their way to the title. Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens claimed the League Two award after also clinching the title. The Women's Championship award was won by Lauren Smith, who won the league with Bristol City.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 1, 2023 8:20:38 GMT
Teenage footballer tragically dies following altercation with opponent after youth match..by Colin Millar.
A 15-year-old footballer from German club JFC Berlin has tragically passed away after clashing with a rival player following a youth team match.
The Berlin-based club were playing against a performance programme team representing French outfit FC Metz in an invitational tournament in Frankfurt, Germany.
A report from NW News claims that an altercation broke out between players following the match on Sunday, with the victim suffering head and neck injuries and collapsing with a brain injury.
A police report of the incident reads: “After a fight on Sunday… a 15-year-old boy died in hospital of serious brain injuries. In order to clarify the circumstances of (the death of the young German), an autopsy will be performed in the coming days.”
The alleged perpetrator is currently being held by local authorities to establish the course of events surrounding the tragedy. The match was part of a 16-team invitational tournament held in Germany.
A statement from Metz on Wednesday read: "FC Metz has learned of the incident that took place in Frankfurt during a friendly private U17-U19 football tournament in which two FC Metz Performance Programme teams were participating.
"At the end of a match which had taken place in good spirits, an incomprehensible altercation took place and a young German player was hospitalised in serious condition, with his condition being able to be established today.
"The German justice in charge of the case is now investigating the incident to shed light on these tragic facts.
"A young player from FC Metz Performance Program is currently being held by the German authorities and denies having deliberately damaged the physical integrity of the injured young player.
"FC Metz Performance Program, as well as all the players and parents present, are obviously at the disposal of the German authorities to help advance the investigation.
"The entirety of FC Metz is deeply shocked by this tragedy and sends its most sincere support to the young player, his family and his loved ones."
Berlin FA president Bernd Schultz has said of the inicident: "Our thoughts and sympathies go out to all the relatives and team members of the player concerned in these difficult hours."
As detailed by AFP, the victim has been kept artificially alive in compliance with his family’s wishes to preserve and donate his organs.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 2, 2023 14:25:30 GMT
Jose Mourinho: Roma boss charged for using abusive language towards official at Europa League final..ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/6/2/e9c9c6fe-9cf1-4138-9e44-e61ee75c1e95.jpgRoma coach Jose Mourinho has been charged by Uefa for using insulting or abusive language against an official at Wednesday's Europa League final. The Portuguese, 60, was booked by English referee Anthony Taylor in Budapest, where Sevilla beat his Roma side on penalties after a 1-1 draw. After the ill-tempered game, Mourinho was seen in a car park confronting Taylor with a foul-mouthed rant. Both clubs also face several charges over their fans' and players' conduct. They have both been charged with throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks and improper conduct of their team. Sevilla have an additional charge for invasion of the field of play, while Roma have also been charged with acts of damage and crowd disturbances. Uefa's control, ethics and disciplinary body (CEDB) will decide on the matter in due course. What did Mourinho do?
Mourinho criticised Taylor in his news conference and he was later captured in the car park under the stadium, ranting and making pointed comments as the Englishman and other officials were boarding a minibus. The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss repeatedly swore and twice shouted about a "disgrace", before talking further in Italian. Uefa's chief refereeing officer Roberto Rosetti attempted to calm the situation down. Taylor and his family were then shouted at by angry fans in Budapest Airport. During the game, Taylor was repeatedly called to the benches to take action as fourth official Michael Oliver struggled to keep control. Taylor issued yellow cards to 13 players, the most bookings in a Europa League game. Seven of them were to Roma players, which was a record for a final. Delays and injuries saw more than 25 minutes of injury time played across the four halves of the game, which went to extra time and then a shootout. Airport abuse described as 'abhorrent' and 'unacceptable'
Referees' body PGMOL said it was appalled by the "unjustified and abhorrent" abuse towards Taylor, seen in a video shared on social media. The Manchester-based official, 44, and his family were accosted as they were escorted through the airport. Scuffles then broke out as they disappeared through a secure door, while a chair was thrown. Budapest airport officials said an Italian citizen involved in the incident had been charged with affray. A Budapest Airport statement read: "Fans of the losing Roma team recognised the referee in the food court of the airport, where he was waiting for his flight to depart. "Thanks to the airport operator's close co-operation with the police and the increased police presence at the airport during the arrival and departure of the fans, the authorities intervened immediately, and the referee was escorted to a lounge and boarded his flight safely, accompanied by police officers. "The Italian citizen involved in the incident was apprehended by the police and criminal proceedings have been initiated on charges of affray." PGMOL said in a statement: "[We are] aware of videos circulating on social media showing Anthony Taylor and his family being harassed and abused at Budapest Airport. "We are appalled at the unjustified and abhorrent abuse directed at Anthony and his family as he tries to make his way home from refereeing the Uefa Europa League final. "We will continue to provide our full support to Anthony and his family." The Premier League said it was "shocked and appalled by the unacceptable abuse" directed at Taylor and his family. A spokesperson added: "No-one should have to suffer the inexcusable behaviour they had to endure. "Anthony is one of our most experienced and accomplished match officials and we fully support him and his family." West Ham manager David Moyes, whose side play Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday in Prague, said: "All referees have a really difficult job and shouldn't be put through any difficult situations. That's not correct."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 2, 2023 14:54:25 GMT
SATURDAY 3rd JUNE 2023 - THREE FINALS TO PLAY
FA CUP FINAL - MANCHESTER CITY v MANCHESTER UNITED - 3PM - LIVE ON BBC 1
WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL - BARCELONA v VFL WOLFSBURG - 3PM
SCOTTISH CUP FINAL - CELTIC v INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE - 5.30PM
Good luck to all teams playing in their cup final matches.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 4, 2023 22:01:29 GMT
Karim Benzema: Five-time Champions League winner to leave Real Madrid after 14 years..By Emma Smith, BBC Sport.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/12410/production/_129986747_gettyimages-1399815272.jpgKarim Benzema won his fifth and final Champions League trophy with Real Madrid in 2022ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1375D/production/_129990797_benzema2.jpgKarim Benzema scored his 354th Real Madrid goal in his final match for the clubKarim Benzema is to leave Real Madrid after 14 years at the club. The Ballon d'Or-winning striker, who joined the Spanish giants from Lyon in 2009, will depart on a free transfer when the season ends. Benzema, who had a year left on his contract, is set to move to Saudi Arabia after receiving a "record offer" from Al-Ittihad, according to Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague. Benzema, 35, won five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles with Madrid. Saudi state-run Al Ekhbariya television station reported on Sunday that Benzema will sign a two-year deal with Al-Ittihad. Real boss Carlo Ancelotti had said on Saturday that he expected the former French international to stay next season. "Benzema has been an example of behaviour and professionalism, and has represented the values of our club," Madrid said in a statement on Sunday. "He has earned the right to decide his future." He is the third first-team player confirmed to be leaving Madrid in two days, after it was announced on Saturday that both Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio will also depart this summer. The Frenchman won a total of 25 major titles with Real Madrid, a record for the club. Benzema is the Ballon d'Or holder, having guided Madrid to the Champions League title last season with 15 goals in the competition. Also among his titles were five Club World Cups and three Copa del Rey triumphs. Benzema, who has made 647 appearances for Madrid, is the second on their all-time goalscoring list with 353 - only Cristiano Ronaldo has more. He is set to make his final Madrid appearance on Sunday against Athletic Bilbao, their final match of the 2022-23 La Liga season. "Madridistas and all the fans around the world have enjoyed his magical and unique football, which has made him one of the great legends of our club and one of the great legends of world football," the club added. "Real Madrid is and will always be his home, and we wish him and all his family the best in this new phase of his life." Madrid will finish second in La Liga if they win on Sunday - but they are 11 points behind champions Barcelona and have failed to retain their Champions League title after being beaten in the semi-finals by Manchester City. Those disappointments have led to many changes being rumoured at Santiago Bernabeu this summer - with Benzema's departure among the most seismic. Ancelotti had said on Saturday that he had "no doubts" Benzema would stay, and Benzema himself claimed "the internet is not reality" when asked about his future on Thursday. With a number of key players leaving, Real will need to bring in a new striker. Balague says Spanish striker Joselu could join on loan from Espanyol, while Ancelotti is a fan of Tottenham striker Harry Kane. Real are also planning on a move for Paris St-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe next summer. Speaking on Saturday, Ancelotti said: "Kane is a great player, he is from Tottenham and we have to respect both the player and the club." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/CF60/production/_129988035_gettyimages-1493524234-1.jpgTotal Career Stats: Age 35, Clubs: Lyon B, Lyon, Real Madrid & France, Played 948, Goals 491
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 4, 2023 22:22:28 GMT
Zlatan Ibrahimovic retires: Swedish great ends football career at 41..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/F757/production/_129991336_gettyimages-1258443087.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/6/5/fb3ff28a-b25a-46a0-bab7-3f1db6a7a932.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/6/5/af2637f9-b79d-44a0-8270-4cd2af0dece1.jpgAC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic has announced his retirement from football at the age of 41. "I say goodbye to football but not to you," the Swede told AC Milan's fans after being serenaded by the San Siro crowd following Sunday's final game of the season against Hellas Verona. Ibrahimovic had already announced he would leave the Italian club, with his contract expiring this month. He scored 580 career goals and won league titles in four countries. Ibrahimovic arrived in Milan for his second spell with the club in early 2020, having won the Scudetto with them in 2011, and helped them win the title again last season. But he played only four times and started one match for the Serie A side this term - and scored one goal - following a series of injuries. The striker also retires as Sweden's all-time top scorer with 62 goals in 121 matches. He quit the national side after Euro 2016 but returned in 2021 for their unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/5AF7/production/_129978232_gettyimages-1474402333.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/6373/production/_128995452_gettyimages-1353301273.jpgTotal Career Stats: Age: 41, Clubs: Malmo, Ajax, Juventus, AC & Inter Milan, Barcelona, PSG, Man.Utd, LA Galaxy & Sweden, Played 999, Goals 580
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 6, 2023 18:43:33 GMT
Karim Benzema agrees to join Saudi champions Al-Ittihad after Real Madrid exit..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/14641/production/_130012538_6cece5a3-62d4-4cd8-9a91-c07449c5f2da.jpgBallon d'Or winner Karim Benzema has agreed terms on a three-year deal with Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad after leaving Real Madrid. French striker Benzema, 35, won 25 trophies - including five Champions Leagues and four La Ligas - in 14 years with Madrid but they agreed to let him leave his contract a year early. He scored 354 goals for Real, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo, who hit 450 Real goals, plays for another Saudi club, Al-Nassr. "It's a good league and there are many good players," said Benzema. "Cristiano Ronaldo is already there, a friend which shows Saudi Arabia is starting to further progress its level. I am here to win, like I did in Europe. "I have been fortunate to achieve amazing things in my career and achieve everything I can in Spain and Europe. It now feels the time is right for a new challenge and project." Al-Ittihad are managed by former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo. Benzema played 648 times for Real after his 2009 move from Lyon and scored with his last touch for the club, netting a penalty in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao before being replaced. On Monday it was announced Al-Ittihad were one of four leading Saudi Arabian clubs to be taken over by the country's Public Investment Fund, which also owns Newcastle United. Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are another, and so are Al-Hilal, who have been strongly linked to Paris St-Germain's Lionel Messi this summer.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 6, 2023 18:46:27 GMT
Erling Haaland, Vinicius Jr & Bukayo Saka ranked as 'world's most expensive' players by researchers..By Bobbie Jackson, BBC Sport.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/B694/production/_130004764_gettyimages-1495876490.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/104B4/production/_130004766_bbc-sport-index-imagery-3-split-images-gradient-0569ad4e-d302-4fcd-af52-28a43e465326.pngManchester City striker Erling Haaland is the world's most expensive player and valued at 245.1m euros (£211.2m), a new study says. Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka are ranked second and third respectively in the CIES Football Observatory's latest report. Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham came in at number four. Benfica defender Antonio Silva is the highest ranked player outside of Europe's big five leagues. The CIES Football Observatory utilised a wide variety of measures to create a scientific model, estimating the top 100 most expensive players. The study took into account over 2,000 transactions of players transferred for money from clubs in the five major European leagues during the period July 2012 to November 2021. Length of contract with players' current clubs was also considered as well as age, goals, assists and appearances for the national team. Haaland leads the wayAfter a record-breaking season with Manchester City, Haaland is rated as the most expensive player in world football. The Norway international, 22, won the Premier League's Golden Boot award this season with 36 goals in 35 appearances as City successfully defended their Premier League title. He also helped them win the FA Cup following his £51.2million switch from Borussia Dortmund last summer. City triggered a release clause in Haaland's contract to acquire his services for a snip of what he was actually worth and his reputation has grown further since linking up with manager Pep Guardiola. If City beat Inter Milan in the Champions League final on Saturday, completing a memorable treble, his value no doubt would rise further. He is contracted at City until the summer of 2027. Saka's stock continues to riseArsenal and England forward Saka, 21, has enjoyed a meteoric rise to become one of the most highly-rated players in world football. The academy graduate made his Premier League debut in January 2019 and has been a regular starter for his boyhood club since 2019-20. His ability to score and create chances almost led Arsenal to their first league title since 2004 last season, finishing second, while he is a firm fixture in Gareth Southgate's England starting XI. The CIES metrics placed Saka as the third most expensive player, potentially commanding a fee of 195.8m euros (£168.7m). However, he doesn't look likely to be on the move any time soon after the Gunners tied down their top asset with a new deal which runs until May 2027. Real Madrid superstar Vinicius, 22, sits just ahead of Saka in the rankings, valued at 196.3m euros (£169.1m). The Brazilian is just over a year older than Saka but his current deal with Los Blancos is set to expire in the summer of 2024. Interestingly, the CIES study found that Vinicius would carry a value of 314.9m euros (£271.3m) - knocking Haaland off top spot - if he was committed to a contract that ran longer than three years. Teenage kicksBellingham, 19, is already showing major leadership qualities and has worn the captain's armband during his time in Germany with Borussia Dortmund. He is fourth on the list with an expected value of 190.2m euros (£163.9m). The England international, who is understood to be in advanced talks to join Real Madrid this summer, joined Dortmund from Birmingham for a fee of £30m including add-ons in 2020. Dortmund are set to make a healthy profit if he does depart for the Spanish capital. Big five dominationichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/0546/production/_130005310_gettyimages-1257123279.jpgAntonio Silva scored three goals in 30 league appearances for BenficaEurope's big five leagues - the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1 - are the driving force behind the largest expected fees on the list. Benfica centre back Silva, 19, who sits 23rd in the rankings, is the most highly-valued player, priced at 89.5m euros (£77.1m) to ply his trade outside of those leagues. The Portugal international scored three goals in 30 Primeira Liga appearances in 2022-23 as his club won the title. Just seven players outside of the top five leagues made it into the top 100 list: forward Goncalo Ramos, also of Benfica, PSV midfielder Xavi Simons, Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio, Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa and Ajax duo Kenneth Taylor and Mohammed Kudus. Who is getting value for money?With the summer transfer window on the horizon, according to the CIES model, there could be some very good deals in the offing. Brighton midfielder and World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, 24, appears to be on his way out of the Amex with Liverpool hoping to win the race for his signature. Rated at 78.4m euro (£67.5m) via the model, the latest reports suggest he could be on the move for a fee under £50m. In contrast, Bayer Leverkusen are said to be demanding a fee in the region of £65million for winger Moussa Diaby, who is reportedly on the radar of Arsenal and Paris St-Germain. Diaby, 23, should have an expected value of 56.7m euro (£48.8m), according to the CIES report.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 8, 2023 21:10:39 GMT
Fifpro says players need protection from 'dangerous' levels of fixture congestion..
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Manchester United and Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes played 74% of his matches 'back-to-back' - without a gap of at least five days in between - this seasonFootball needs to do more to protect players against "dangerous levels of fixture congestion", says Fifpro. A report by the players' union found that nearly half the players at last year's World Cup experienced extreme or increased mental fatigue. Players had little time to prepare or recover from the first mid-season World Cup in Qatar, which began in November. Fifpro added that new Champions League and Club World Cup formats could pose a further threat to player wellbeing. Changes to both competitions from the 2024-25 season could see an 11% increase in the number of matches. The number of teams in the Champions League group stage will rise from 32 to 36, and a team could play up to 17 matches, instead of the current 13, if they reach the final. A new Club World Cup format, starting from the summer of 2025, which includes 32 teams and is due to be played every four years, could see teams play seven extra games to reach the final. Fifpro's Player Workload Monitoring (PWM) report, which used data from 1,800 professional footballers, added: "The reforms of the two major tournaments will ultimately increase the number of games played by top players who could conceivably feature in both. "This poses a threat to the wellbeing of players who are already pushed to their limit with the current international match calendar." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/3109/production/_130035521_gettyimages-1245651323.jpgVarane has made 248 appearances since June 2018 with 58% of those back-to-back, with fewer than five days in between matchesThe 2022-23 season was unprecedented with domestic leagues pausing mid-season for the World Cup, and Fifpro found that 68% of players in the final international squad lists had under two weeks to prepare for the tournament. The report said that 44% of players experienced more physical fatigue and 23% more mental fatigue in January compared with other seasons, while 53% felt more likely to suffer injuries. Manchester United and France defender Raphael Varane, who was included in the report as a case study, played for his club eight days after the World Cup final. "The calendar is already more than full. The players are overworked, and it will get even worse," said Varane, who retired from international football in February aged 29. "I'm afraid that we will witness much shorter careers and that players will have to give up the France team very early because, physically or mentally, what we are asking for today is simply beyond limits." Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) chief executive Maheta Molango said Varane's decision to retire early from international football could happen more often. "If we lose a Varane, we'll lose quality, we'll lose fans and then it's a dangerous spiral I think," Molango said. He added: "We need to find a solution where we stop looking at this in isolation, but rather globally. "You don't put a calendar [in place] and then ask the players 'can you play that?' or rather 'do that'. You look at what is the maximum number of games that they can play. And then from there, you build the calendar. I think we're starting from the wrong end of the discussion around that." Fifpro president David Aganzo said: "The industry needs a far greater collective effort to establish effective player workload safeguards and a responsible calendar solution that protects player health and supports player performance."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 12, 2023 11:40:39 GMT
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Post by Colyton Gas. on Jun 12, 2023 20:13:06 GMT
His Majesty's Revenue & Customs has lodged a winding-up petition against Wigan Athletic over unpaid tax bills, with a hearing date of 26 July.
It follows the English Football League placing the Latics under a transfer embargo last week for breaching league rules on tax payment.
Wigan will begin the League One season after relegation with an eight-point deduction for late payment of salaries.
It also understood money is outstanding from last month's salary payments.
The club has said it is in the process of being sold but one of the interested parties, 21-year-old businessman Sarbjot Johal, failed to gain EFL approval for his proposed purchase of Morecambe earlier this year.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 12, 2023 21:05:42 GMT
Adding to the above news: Wigan Athletic: HMRC lodges winding-up petition against League One club..By Simon Stone, BBC Sport.
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Wigan Athletic were placed under a transfer embargo by the EFL for breaches of tax commitments, and now face a winding-up petitionHis Majesty's Revenue & Customs has lodged a winding-up petition against Wigan Athletic over unpaid tax bills, with a hearing date of 26th July. It follows the English Football League placing the Latics under a transfer embargo last week for breaching league rules on tax payment. Wigan will begin the League One season after relegation with an eight-point deduction for late payment of salaries. It also understood money is outstanding from last month's salary payments. The club has said it is in the process of being sold but one of the interested parties, 21-year-old businessman Sarbjot Johal, failed to gain EFL approval for his proposed purchase of Morecambe earlier this year. Winding-up petitions can be resolved by payment of debt or by arrangement of a payment plan with the creditor, in this case HMRC itself.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 13, 2023 8:20:31 GMT
Kylian Mbappe: Paris St-Germain are prepared to sell France forward..By Simon Stone, BBC Sport.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/60F1/production/_130071842_gettyimages-1497538003.jpgParis St-Germain are prepared to sell Kylian Mbappe this summer rather than risk losing him for free in a year's time, after he told the French club he will not renew his contract. The France forward's current deal expires at the end of next season, with the option of another year. There was a deadline of 31 July for Mbappe, 24, to tell PSG if he was going to renew until 2025. After months of talks, he has sent the club a letter saying he will not. PSG's record goalscorer would be free to leave for nothing at the end of next season and the move could be a negotiating tactic. However, as the French champions try to readjust their team-building policy after years of buying star players with no obvious coherent strategy, PSG have resolved not to let Mbappe go for nothing, with the club irritated that the letter was leaked in the media before they saw it. It means that unless they get assurances about the 2018 World Cup winner's future intentions, they will sell him in a move that would put Europe's leading clubs on alert. Real Madrid are long time admirers of the Frenchman and he rejected a move to the Bernabeu to stay at PSG last year. The exit of Karim Benzema to Saudi Arabia means Real need a striker, although it had been thought Tottenham's Harry Kane was at the top of their list. Mbappe, who joined PSG in 2017 initially on loan from Monaco before a 180m euros move, has scored 212 goals in 260 games. He has 38 goals in 68 games for France, including a hat-trick in last year's final in Qatar, as France lost to Argentina on penalties. Mbappe finished as Ligue 1's top scorer in each of the last five seasons and has won five league titles in his six seasons at PSG. PSG ended 2022-23 with just the Ligue 1 title after once again failing to win the Champions League, losing to Bayern Munich in the last-16. Mbappe would be the second high-profile forward to leave the Parc des Princes this summer, after Argentina forward Lionel Messi left at the end of his two-year contract to join Major League Soccer's Inter Miami. Neymar, the third member of PSG's superstar frontline last season, has been linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia. Total Career Stats: Age 24, Played 413, Goals 288, Clubs: Monaco 11, Monaco, PSG, France & France U17 & U19
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 16, 2023 15:54:42 GMT
2023 Community Shield: Man City to face Arsenal at Wembley on 6th August.ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/4/26/9478c3c2-a62a-4951-93c9-10afd7c64272.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/409D/production/_130114561_891ee1c5108dcf4007a3cf59984806f200ffd269.jpgThe 2023 Community Shield will return to Wembley on the 100th anniversary of the home of English football. The season's traditional 'curtain-raiser' will be played on Sunday, 6th August at 5.30pm. As Manchester City won both the Premier League and FA Cup last season, they will play league runners-up Arsenal. Last year's game between City and Liverpool on 30th July was played at Leicester City as Wembley was hosting the Women's Euros final the next day. Next season's FA Cup final will take place on Saturday, 25th May 2024 - six days after the final round of Premier League fixtures. Manchester City's victory over Manchester United on 3rd June was the latest the FA Cup final has taken place because of the mid-season break for the first World Cup to be held in the winter. Wembley will host next season's Championship play-off final the day after the FA Cup final, 26th May, before staging the Champions League final the following Saturday, 1st June. The Women's FA Cup final will take place on either 11th or 12th May.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 19, 2023 8:25:59 GMT
SUNDAY 18th JUNE 2023 - UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE - FINAL
Croatia 0 Spain 0
Spain win 5-4 on penalties
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Spain's Nations League win follows their World Cup triumph in 2010 and three European Championship titlesCroatia missed out on their first international trophy after losing on penalties to Spain in the Nations League final. Dani Carvajal calmly chipped home the winning effort to seal a 5-4 victory on spot-kicks after Unai Simon had saved from Bruno Petkovic. The contest in Rotterdam had finished goalless after extra time. It is Spain's first international trophy for 11 years, since their victory at Euro 2012. "We're so happy, it was a really tough game and this is so difficult to do," said Spain midfielder Rodri, who was named man of the match and for whom this trophy follows winning the Treble with Manchester City and scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final. Rodri thinks this could be the start of another succession of Spanish titles, with the squad featuring several exciting young players including Gavi, Ansu Fati and Yeremy Pino. "This generation promises a lot. We were very strong mentally. There are things to improve, but winning is always good - we have to celebrate," he said. Victory also means Spain become the second nation to win the World Cup, European Championship and Nations League following France, who beat the Spanish in the 2021 Nations League final. They could have won the shootout earlier after Simon saved from Lovro Majer, only for Aymeric Laporte to slam Spain's fifth penalty off the crossbar. It did not matter, however, as Simon kept out the subsequent effort from Petkovic, allowing Carvajal to be the hero. "For us it was a unique opportunity, we went out early in another tournament and today we had to take advantage," Real Madrid defender Carvajal told Spanish broadcaster TVE. He was referring to the 2022 World Cup, where Spain suffered a shock last-16 exit at the hands of Morocco via a shootout where they failed to score a single penalty. Carvajal added: "We had confidence with the penalties and it went well, I knew how I was going to shoot it, and I knew I was going to be sixth. I wanted to take it 'Panenka' style and it went well." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/813A/production/_130128033_gettyimages-1499555980.jpgDani Carvajal chipped in the winning penalty to secure Spain's shoot-out win after disappointment at the World Cup
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 19, 2023 9:48:31 GMT
Quincy Promes: Spartak Moscow forward sentenced to 18 months in jail for assault..
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Quincy Promes has won 50 caps for the NetherlandsFormer Netherlands striker Quincy Promes has been sentenced to 18 months in jail for stabbing his cousin in the knee. The incident took place at a family party in July 2020 and the Spartak Moscow forward was found guilty of assault by a Dutch court. His lawyer says he will appeal, according to Dutch broadcaster RTL. Promes, who has also played for Sevilla and Ajax, lives in Russia and did not attend the court hearing. The 31-year-old was also charged by Dutch prosecutors last month for his alleged involvement in drugs trafficking. ........................................................................................................................................................................................... Spartak Moscow forward Quincy Promes is being prosecuted for his alleged involvement in drugs trafficking. Promes, 31, is accused of being involved with smuggling 1,362kg of cocaine to the Netherlands or Belgium, Dutch prosecutors said. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Monday, according to Dutch newspaper Het Parool. The former Netherlands international was previously charged in 2021 with attempted manslaughter and assault. Promes, who also played for Sevilla and Ajax and won 50 caps for his country, was accused of seriously injuring a relative's knee in a stabbing attack at a family party in July 2020. He has denied those allegations, with a hearing for that case also scheduled for Monday.
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Post by lostinspace on Jun 21, 2023 16:45:08 GMT
Moaner Mourinho has been given a four match ban after his car park rant against English referee Anthony Taylor following his teams defeat in the Europa league final, he had previously been booked earlier during the game,
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 22, 2023 19:01:37 GMT
Arsenal withdraw new £110 home shirt from sale because of 'design error' by Adidas..
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Arsenal's kit for 2023-24 marks the 20th anniversary of their last Premier League titleArsenal have withdrawn their new £110 home shirt from sale while a "design error" is corrected. The shirt honours the 'Invincibles' season, 20 years on from when Arsene Wenger's side went unbeaten throughout an entire Premier League campaign. However, it incorrectly recorded the results achieved by Arsenal in the 2003-04 campaign. Kit manufacturer Adidas said fans who have already bought the shirt would be refunded. Within the design of the 2023-24 'authentic' home shirt - which has a retail price of £110 - the outcome of the 38 results from the 2003-04 Premier League is detailed with a row of W's and D's to highlight the wins and draws from across the season. But the shirt - worn by the players on a matchday - mistakenly only carried 32 of those results. The 'fan' shirt, which has the same design but is a cheaper option for supporters, is unaffected by the mistake. It retails at £80 and is still available in the Arsenal club shop. "The 2023-24 Arsenal home authentic jerseys are temporarily unavailable while a design error is being corrected," Adidas said. "We are working closely with the club and our partners to ensure restocked jerseys are available as soon as possible, and are offering full refunds to fans who have already bought one. "This design error falls short of the standards we set ourselves as a brand, and we apologise to the club and its fans. "The replica 'fan' version of the home jersey is unaffected and widely available now." BBC Sport has contacted Arsenal for comment. £110 WHAT A CON...
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jun 29, 2023 10:13:03 GMT
Wolves withdraw from South Korea tour..ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/6/29/0147fc82-b9de-44e3-b01c-861affe77ab1.jpgWolves have withdrawn from their pre-season tour in South Korea, claiming "numerous financial and logistical obligations were not met by the tour’s promoter". In what would have been the club's first visit to the country, Julen Lopetgui's side were due to play Roma and Celtic, but the decision has been made to terminate the contract with the promoters and pull out of the tour. Wolves forward Hwang Hee-Chan is a South Korea international and had said the tour to his home country "means everything to me". "We are absolutely gutted to not be going to Korea. We’re all devastated because we had so many different things planned for supporters that we’re now not going to be able to fulfil," said Wolves general manager for marketing and commercial growth Russell Jones. "To the supporters in Korea, we want reiterate to you that we are committed to the Korean market and we hope to find a way to demonstrate that to you, in spite of the disappointing news about the upcoming tour and matches.” "Korea was an exciting proposition for us because of the impact Hee Chan has had on the club from a marketing perspective, but also because of a lot of the work we have done over the last 12 months and the growth we have seen amongst our fan base in Korea." Wolves look for 'European solution'..ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/6/29/b3a50067-50b7-47bf-bd27-204d9cc98999.jpgWolves say they "will find a European solution" after pulling out of their pre-season tour in South Korea. Matches against Roma and Celtic in Incheon and Suwon will not go ahead after the club say they were "let down" by promoters. Wolves general manager for marketing and commercial growth Russell Jones said: "Of course, this decision is a big blow to the club from a commercial perspective, but I am fully aware of the most important reason for pre-season, which is the preparation for another important Premier League campaign. "Because of this, we have to move on quickly from this disappointment. We have to adapt, and will find a European solution to ensure the best possible preparation. "The players will soon be returning for pre-season and will want to know exactly what they will be doing, so, unfortunately, we can’t let this situation drag on any longer. "The focus now has to be making sure the team’s preparation for the new season is as good as it possibly can be."
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