Despite encountering issues with agents, Manchester City remains keen on securing the services of 20-goal wonderkid Matija Popovic on a free transfer, according to Christian Falk, BILD’s Head of Football. Initially, AC Milan appeared close to securing the Serbian talent, seemingly placing Manchester City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, at a disadvantage. Calciomercato’s Daniele Longo reported dissatisfaction from AC Milan as negotiations with Popovic’s representatives reached a critical point, leading to the collapse of the deal. Despite Popovic’s desire to join the Rossoneri, complications arising from the agents’ demands left AC Milan in a state of ambivalence. Christian Falk asserts…
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Chelsea’s ambitious attempt to secure the services of Sporting CP’s standout player, Viktor Gyokeres, with a staggering $92 million bid, has hit a roadblock in the highly competitive realm of football transfers, as reported by GOAL. Despite Gyokeres’ impressive performance this season, with 24 appearances, 20 goals, and 10 assists, Sporting CP is standing firm on their demand for a substantial €100 million, invoking the non-negotiable release clause. The Swedish striker, who joined Sporting CP in 2023 for a modest €20 million, has become a crucial asset, contributing significantly to the team’s success with an impressive 30 goals in his…
David Ornstein has recently shed light on Chelsea’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) situation, especially in the wake of Everton’s second accusation of violating financial regulations. The Premier League appears to be increasingly stringent in cracking down on FFP violations, evident in the recent charges against Nottingham Forest and Everton, the latter facing its second sanction of the season. Despite Chelsea’s notable spending spree over the past 18 months, they have not yet faced charges for FFP violations. Ornstein, on The Athletic Football Podcast, offered insights into Chelsea’s current standing, noting that the club has managed to stay within the FFP…
Karim Benzema is contemplating leaving the Saudi Pro League following a less-than-impressive stint, and rumors suggest he might issue warnings to potential suitors like Chelsea and Manchester United. The French striker reportedly had disagreements with his now-former manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, who was dismissed in November. Several prominent Premier League teams are reportedly interested in signing the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner to bolster their striker options before the January transfer window closes. Manchester United, in particular, faced challenges in filling the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure last year, resorting to the loan market for Wout Weghorst under manager Erik…
After a tenure of two and a half years, Roma has parted ways with Jose Mourinho, the former manager of Manchester United. The decision came amid a lackluster performance, with the club securing only one victory in five Serie A matches. Mourinho’s contract, initially set to conclude in less than six months, was unexpectedly terminated. Mourinho’s stint at Roma began on a high note in May 2021, ending an 11-year trophy drought for the club by clinching the Europa Conference League title in his first season. Despite reaching the Europa League final in the 2022–23 season, where they narrowly lost…
Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has voiced his discontent with Mauricio Pochettino’s management at Stamford Bridge, expressing bewilderment over the team’s actions and a lack of consistency. Despite recent victories, Gallas is critical of Pochettino’s choices and tactics, particularly regarding the selection of left-backs. Chelsea, currently ninth in the Premier League standings, is just three points behind sixth-placed West Ham and nine points behind fourth-placed Arsenal. Although the team has won three of their last five matches across all competitions, Gallas remains unconvinced about Pochettino’s management. In an interview with Gambling Zone, Gallas remarked, “To be honest, his management is…
Manchester City has finalized the acquisition of Mexican youth talent Alex Alcala, securing the 18-year-old midfielder from the LA Galaxy. The Blues exercised a purchase option outlined in a 2020 agreement with the City Football Group, positioning Alcala to enhance City’s academy for the remainder of the current season and the upcoming campaign. There’s also speculation about a potential loan move for Alcala in the subsequent season. Further bolstering their squad, City is on the verge of completing a permanent deal with River Plate for 17-year-old midfielder Claudio Echeverri. Expected to be their primary signing in the January window, Echeverri…
The 25-year-old striker, currently representing Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations, has gained recognition as one of Europe’s deadliest goal-scorers, notably achieving 31 goals for Napoli in the previous season. His exceptional performances played a pivotal role in Napoli clinching the Serie A title after a thirty-three-year drought, sparking interest from top clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea in the current transfer window. Amidst speculations, Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly dissatisfied with Nicolas Jackson’s perceived lack of ruthlessness and sees Victor Osimhen as a potential game-changer for Chelsea. Simultaneously, Mikel Arteta aims to secure a top-tier forward for Arsenal, aiming to…
Jordan Henderson is set to end his stint with Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League after approximately six months, having reportedly agreed to depart the team. The decision comes amid a challenging period for Al Ettifaq, where despite an initial success in the Saudi Pro League, the team has faced a winless streak since October 28, following five consecutive victories. Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia coincided with the appointment of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as the manager of Al Ettifaq. Reports suggest that Henderson, despite Al Ettifaq’s early achievements, has been eager to cut short his six-month journey in…
Manchester City midfielder Rodri is vocal about his struggles to manage his emotions on the field, attributing it to the officiating standards and rulebook complexities in the Premier League. With seven yellow cards this season and a previous red card, Rodri finds himself close to a third suspension. The recent clash against Newcastle heightened his frustrations, with a contentious yellow card incident involving Bruno Guimaraes. Rodri expressed bewilderment over refereeing decisions during the 3-2 win against Newcastle, labeling the referee’s performance as “unbelievable in a negative way.” He questioned the increased yellow card count this season and highlighted the challenges…