ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has confirmed he is leaving Bayern Munich – saying simply: “My era at Bayern is now over.”
He added: “Bayern’s a serious club and I believe they won’t keep me. I don’t want to play there anymore – it’s clear.
“A transfer is the best solution. I hope they don’t stop me.”
Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat woes were further added to when Sadio Mane announced his imminent departure this summer.
The Reds ace is aiming for a new challenge with Bayern Munich reportedly set to be his likely destination.
However, Liverpool are not willing to waste anytime on finding the 2022 AFCON winner’s replacement as reports suggest that they have their ‘eye’ on a free Ousmane Dembele transfer.
One man who Jurgen Klopp was reported to have been very keen on was Tottenham’s Son Heung-min, but this move has been put on the backburner after Spurs qualified for the Champions League.
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Chelsea up Dembele chase
Chelsea are reportedly ready to offer summer transfer target Ousmane Dembele improved terms.
The winger is out of contract at Barcelona come the end of June and can join another club for free.
A number of Europe’s elite including Chelsea and Man Utd are keen on the Frenchman.
But according to Fichajes, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has requested the club to complete the signing of Dembele.
‘They know what I want’
Everton and Brazil forward Richarlison has broken his silence on his future.
The forward has been linked with a move to Arsenal recently.
Richarlison said: “I’ve already made it clear to the board.
“I’ve already talked to Frank Lampard too, with my agents and they know what I want. Let’s wait for June.
“Now I can’t talk, because when we talk about leaving a club I’m kind of like this, because of the history I have at Everton, the affection that the fans have for me.
“When we talk about leaving I’m a little speechless.”
City chairman promises more signings
Manchester City have vowed there are more new signings to come after buying “the best No 9 in the world”.
The Premier League champs moved quickly to tie up a £51.4million move for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, 21, on a five-year deal earlier this month.
And Argentina international hotshot Julian Alvarez, 22, is also due to arrive from River Plate in July.
Yet chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has vowed City are not finished there.
Khaldoon said: “In Haaland we have arguably the best No 9 in the world at the right age. When you look at the next ten-15 years we have invested in that striker for the future.
“He is a very, very unique striker that the whole world has been looking at.
“His record is phenomenal. Every big team in the world wanted Haaland to join them.
“He is one of the most — if not the most — exciting strikers in the world.
“Haaland made a very wise decision in choosing to come to Man City. For us, it’s a super decision.
“And in Alvarez I think we have found one of the most talented young strikers in South America.
“But I can confirm that there will be more players coming in.
“We are looking to strengthen in the areas we need strengthening.”
Palmeiras rule out selling Danilo
Palmeiras have ruled out selling 21-year-old Danilo to West Ham or Arsenal.
The midfielder was being linked with a £21million switch to the Premier League.
But according to president Leila Pereira, Danilo isn’t going anywhere.
He said: “Our squad is very small. We need reinforcements. We need to buy players, not sell players.
“And, in the summer window, Danilo stays. You can put a nail in it.”
VP Buosi added: “I repeat and reiterate what President Leila Pereira said: Danilo will stay with us.
“We still have a way to go with Danilo. I repeat and reiterate: Danilo will not be sold.”
Credit: AFP Abramovich’s first game 19 years ago
Roman Abramovich era as Chelsea owner has finally come to an end following confirmation Todd Boehly has taken over at Stamford Bridge.
It concludes the Russian’s 19-year spell as Blues chief, a reign which has seen them collect five Premier League titles, FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions Leagues.
Chelsea supporters would not have believed the kind of success they were going to have had you told them back in 2003.
However, it is important to remember that the team which Abramovich walked into Stamford Bridge with did secure them fourth place the previous season.
We looked at the team which started the first match of the Abramovich era – a Champions League qualifier against Slovakian side MSK Zilna on August 13, 2003 – as well as where they are now.
Henderson ‘good choice’ for Newcastle
Jose Enrique reckons Man Utd’s Dean Henderson is a “good choice” for Newcastle.
The Keeper could be available on loan this summer.
Enrique told Genting Casino: I would definitely sign Dean Henderson. I’ve said I like him a lot in the past. He’s a great goalkeeper.
“Dubravka is doing well but Henderson would be a good fit in the long run and Newcastle’s back-ups aren’t good enough at the moment.
“Henderson will be looking for a move too as with the form De Gea is in now, he’s not going to play.”
Mane Liverpool mistake
Sadio Mane is making a big mistake by leaving Liverpool, says former defender Jose Enrique.
Mane looks set to leave Liverpool this summer, with Bayern Munich believed to be frontrunners.
Enrique told Genting Casino: “I think Liverpool should do everything to keep Mane. He could go to Bayern, yes, but in the end he’ll be happier at Liverpool.
“I believe it’ll be a massive mistake if he leaves and the same goes with Salah too. I don’t think he’s going to be more loved anywhere else than where is at Liverpool.
“He has a lot more to give to Liverpool and people always say they should sell him because he’s 29, but we need experienced players at the club.”
Enrique recommends Aarons, Bowen and Saka
Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has told Reds boss Jurgen Klopp to look at Norwich’s Max Aarons, Jarrod Bowen and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
He told Genting Casino: “We definitely need a back-up for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Trent will start so we need a younger player to put Trent on his toes.
“Max Aarons from Norwich would be a good player to have. He’s not the quality of Trent but he’s a bit like Tsimikas with a similar style.
“We need a starting number eight. Thiago Alcantara is brilliant but he has injuries every season.
“Keita has the same injury problems, Henderson is getting older so we need a number eight for sure.
“I don’t know too much about the Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni but you look at Luis Diaz and the recruitment usually gets it right.
“We also need a right winger and I think Jarrod Bowen or Bukayo Saka could be a great shout as they’re both not playing in the Champions League so it’s a big possibility.”
Real target Slonina
Real Madrid have made an “official proposal” for Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gaga Slonina.
The keeper was once a target of Chelsea’s before government sanctions were put in place.
The 2004-born shot stopper has admirers at Bayern Munich to.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed: “Real Madrid official proposal for Gaga Slonina will be on the table soon, per club sources.
“He’s considered a top talent for the future as also Chelsea and Bayern wanted him.
“Chelsea were one step away from signing Slonina before the sanctions.”
Lenglet available on loan
Barcelona have made defender Clement Lenglet available for a loan transfer this summer.
Sport claim the Frenchman is not part of boss Xavi’s plans for next season.
The news is a boost to Premier league trio Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle, who are all interested.
Newcastle steal Dan Ashworth
Newcastle have swooped in to steal transfer guru Dan Ashworth from Premier League rivals Brighton.
The 51-year-old will take up the role of sporting director for the money-mad Magpies.
A statement from the Saudi-owned club read: “Newcastle United are delighted to announce that Dan Ashworth will become the club’s sporting director after an agreement was reached with Brighton & Hove Albion to release him from his current contractual obligations with immediate effect.
“The terms of this agreement will remain confidential between the clubs and are subject to Premier League approval.
“Newcastle United will issue further information following the relevant approval process.”
United contact with Watford over keeper
Watford keeper Daniel Bachmann has revealed Manchester United have made an approach for him
The Austrian international said he is honoured by the prospect of becoming David de Gea’s understudy at Old Trafford next season.
Bachmann, 27, also said he received DEATH THREATS during the season as Watford headed towards relegation from the Premier League.
Former United interim boss Ralf Rangnick, who has now left to coach Austria’s national side, is thought to have been behind the move for the keeper.
Bachmann said: “There has been contact with Manchester United. It hasn’t just fallen out of the sky. I don’t know whether the team boss [Rangnick] has a say in transfer matters.
“Several clubs have shown interest in me – but the most intensive contacts have come from Manchester. It is a massive honour for a club like that to be interested in you.
“I would be second choice behind David de Gea, who has been one of the Premier League’s best keepers for years.
“But anything can happen in football. The performance principle applies. As a result, even big stars can sit on the subs’ bench.”
Bale standing ovation
Gareth Bale received a standing ovation in his final act as a Real Madrid player.
The Welshman was introduced to the Bernabeu crowd for the last time as part of Real’s Champions League final victory parade celebrations in Madrid on Sunday night.
Many expected jeers for Bale because he was booed by Real fans on his previous appearance in the Spanish capital against Getafe on April 9.
But the five-time Champions League winner, who was an unused substitute against Liverpool, finally earned the respect from the Bernabeu faithful as he was cheered after being called to the podium in the centre of the pitch.
In response, Bale applauded the fans back in a rare sign of affection between the two.
Bale leaves the 14-time European champions when his contract expires next month on a high after a glittering nine years since leaving Tottenham for £86million back in 2013.
Winks wanted in shock Sevilla transfer
Sevilla are considering joining the race to sign Spurs star Harry Winks.
Tottenham have told the 26-year-old midfielder he can leave this summer as he is not essential to boss Antonio Conte’s plans.
The Spurs academy product, who has ten England caps, is valued at about £20million.
La Liga giants Sevilla would offer playmaker Winks the chance to revive his career in a league that would suit his technical ability.
Fulham and Everton have also been touted as possible destinations if he wants to stay in the Premier League.
Southampton are also interested but the price could be prohibitive as they are prioritising other positions in this summer’s transfer market.
Boehly completes takeover
Todd Boehly’s takeover of Chelsea is officially complete.
The American takes ownership from controversial former owner Roman Abramovich, who was sanctioned by the UK government over his ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Boehly said: “We are honoured to become the new custodians of Chelsea Football Club.
“We’re all in – 100% — every minute of every match. Our vision as owners is clear: we want to make the fans proud.
“Along with our commitment to developing the youth squad and acquiring the best talent, our plan of action is to invest in the Club for the long-term and build on Chelsea’s remarkable history of success.
“I personally want to thank ministers and officials in the British government, and the Premier League, for all their work in making this happen.”
The consortium also includes Hansjörg Wyss, founder of the Wyss Foundation, and Mark Walter, co-founder and CEO of Guggenheim Capital.
Credit: PA
Hammers eye Onana
West Ham could potentially move for Lille midfielder Amadou Onana.
The Hammers are in the market for a midfielder following the exits of Mark Noble and Alex Kral.
Tomas Soucek’s form at times last season was also a cause for concern.
But according to Foot Mercato, West Ham would face competition from Arsenal and Monaco for Onana’s signature.
Tolisso confirms Bayern exit
Corentin Tolisso has confirmed his exit from Bayern Munich.
The Frenchman will leave at the end of next month when his contract expires.
Tolisso spent five years with the German champions.
On Twitter, he said: “A new page is turned…
“A big THANK YOU for these 5 beautiful years which brought me so much on a sporting and personal level!
“I wish the best to @fcbayern for the years to come!”
Man Utd ‘very close’ on Nunez transfer
Erik ten Hag looks set to secure the first signing of his reign at Manchester United with 22-year-old Darwin Nunez, according to reports.
An agreement between United and Benfica is said to be ‘very close’ for the striker according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.
The report claims Nunez is a ‘priority’ target for Ten Hag as he tries to find a striker to bolster The Red Devils in attack.
Nunez scored 34 goals in all competitions this season for The Eagles as they came third in the Primeira Liga in Portugal and progressed into the Champions League quarter-finals.
Perhaps the most striking metric Nunez can boast though is his colossal Expected Goals over-performance in the league this season.
Nunez struck 26 times in 28 games from an xG rating of just 15.73, meaning he scored nearly 11 more goals than an average striker would have.
Jose Enrique wants Raphinha for Liverpool
Ex-Liverpool full-back Jose Enrique has stated Raphinha would be an incredible backup option to star Mohamed Salah.
When discussing the Reds line up with bettingexpert, Enrique said: “The other position that will need strengthening, is definitely a backup for Salah.
“I don’t think Salah has a proper backup in that position.
“So for example Raphinha for Leeds would be an incredible option for Liverpool.
“I’m not sure who they are looking for, but Salah needs it as well.
“For example at this time around, when Salah hasn’t been as good, with the AFCON and getting eliminated from the World Cup, the contract situation.
“Then you could have a player, like Raphinha, coming in and pushing him.”
Lewandsoski announces decision to leave
Robert Lewandowski, 33, has announced that his time at Bayern Munich may be over.
The lethal striker said he DOESN’T want to stay.
Lewandowski said: “My era at Bayern is over. I don’t see any possibility to continue playing for this club anymore.
“Bayern are a serious club and I believe that they will not keep me just because they can.
“I don’t want to play there anymore. A transfer is the best solution. I hope they don’t stop me.”
Benzema’s Mbappe stance
Karim Benzema has spoken of Kylian Mbappe’s decision to stay at PSG and snub a move to Real Madrid.
The pair could have been strike partners at Los Blancos, had he decided to move to LaLiga.
However, he opted for a mega pay day at PSG worth a reported £300m.
He told Telefoot: “I would have liked him to be able to fulfill his dream of playing for Real Madrid, being together. He chose PSG, we must respect him.
“It is his choice, he has many responsibilities. We will enjoy playing together in the national team. Everyone makes their own decisions.”
Bellerin to Roma?
Roma are reportedly eyeing up a shock swoop for Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin following his impressive loan spell at Real Betis.
The 27-year-old is facing an uncertain future at the Emirates with the player not believed to be in Mikel Arteta’s plans.
Bellerin is on his way back to North London after his loan at Betis came to an end.
SunSport understands that the player’s £100,000-a-week wages are a major stumbling block in Betis signing him on a permanent deal.
And this has seen Roma eye up a move for the player as Jose Mourinho looks to bolster his backline.
According to Calciomercato, Bellerin is seen as someone who could provide competition for Rick Karsdorp.
They claim that Betis’ struggles to bring Bellerin back has seen Roma look to steal a march on Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
Roma are prepared to back the Special One in the market and have promised him defensive reinforcements after he guided them to Europa Conference League glory.
Neuer’s the GOAT
Bayern Munich bizarrely announced Manuel Neuer’s new contract with the goalkeeper stood next to a goat.
The 36-year-old has extended his contract until the summer of 2024 after another trophy-laden spell with Bayern.
Club captain Neuer guided the team to a tenth-straight Bundesliga title.
On his contract extension, Neuer said: “The journey continues!
“I am delighted to have extended my contract with FC Bayern today until 2024.
“It makes me proud to be part of this club since 2011 and now for two more years.
“My motivation is extremely high to win more titles together with you and the team – especially after the not perfect last season.
“I am ready, because you know: I’ve still got a bit of space left!”
Happy birthday Eddie Nketiah!
Eddie Nketiah is 23 today.
And Nketiah is set to celebrate his birthday by signing a new long-term deal at Arsenal soon.
It will see him net £100,000 a week, according to reports.
An impressive end to the season from the youngster saw him score five goals in eight games.
The Gunners striker is out of contract this summer, and according to sources, Nketiah and Arsenal have changed their respective stances.
Gareth Bale transfer odds
Gareth Bale is leaving Real Madrid – and Betfair think he’s heading back to the UK with Cardiff.
Bale collected a winners medal after Saturday’s Champions League success over Liverpool at the Stade de France in Paris.
And that was undoubtedly his last action for Los Blancos after agent Jonathan Barnett confirmed his client would leave the Bernabeu after a turbulent eight-year spell.
The 32-year-old has barely featured this season, making just four starts and three substitute appearances in all competitions.
His departure has been inevitable for months given his contract expires in June.
However, a future in football or early retirement hinges on whether or not Wales qualify for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Barnett recently told Portuguese outlet Record: “Gareth is leaving Real Madrid, but we have to wait for what Wales do. Is it more likely to return to England? I think so, but we’ll have to wait and see if Wales qualify.”
Betfair odds
- Cardiff – 3/10
- Any MLS Club – 6/1
- Tottenham – 9/1
- Newcastle – 11/1
- Rangers – 16/1
- AC Milan – 16/1
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
