Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares78 Views

      in Soccer

      Rennes boss breaks silence on Kyogo and Jota transfers and reveals Celtic star’s already lined up for dramatic debut

      by

      KYOGO FURUHASHI looks set to leave Celtic for Ligue 1 side Rennes this month.And the French side’s coach has already been talking up the prospect of throwing the Japan international into his team. Kyogo Furuhashi looks set to leave Celtic for French side RennesCredit: ReutersFormer Hoops ace Jota could be heading the other way in a sensational return to ParkheadCredit: AFPRennes boss Jorge Sampaoli has talked up the chances of Kyogo joining and making his debut sooner rather than laterCredit: AFPRennes have made Kyogo their top target and are now hopeful of sealing a deal worth around £10million for the striker.And their coach Jorge Sampaoli says he hopes the 30-year-old could make his debut as soon as THIS weekend.He said: “We hope first of all that the deal is finalised today.”If that is the case, he could perhaps play a few minutes [in Monaco].”We expect a lot from him because he is a player who can help us a lot, and in particular bring us depth.”And the Argentine coach also gave an update on the transfer of former Celts ace Jota, who has been linked with a move back to Parkhead.He continued: “With the departures of Jota and others, we are considering the arrival of a winger, who would bring us more variance in our game.”Jota has made just ten appearances since signing for Rennes from another disappointing spell, in the Saudi Pro League with Al Ittihad. Most read in FootballThe Portuguese winger left for Saudi Arabia in a £25million deal in summer 2023, having been a key part of Ange Postecoglu’s two title-winning teams at Parkhead. SunSport told earlier that initial discussions have taken place over the 25-year-old’s return, but there’s still work to do to get the deal done.Celtic fans have short memories when it comes to Greg Taylor and Kieran Tierney’s return says Kris Boyd Brendan Rodgers is also understood to be closing in on a pre-contract agreement with another ex-Hoops star, Kieran Tierney.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 238 Shares74 Views

      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim ‘keeping close eye on Chido Obi-Martin, 17, in Man Utd training’ as flops struggle to score goals

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM is keeping a close eye on Chido Obi-Martin by inviting him to Manchester United first-team training.The former Arsenal wonderkid, 17, has been making headlines in United’s youth ranks during his first season with the club.Chido Obi Martin has been recently called up to train with United’s first teamRuben Amorim and his staff are keeping a close eye on Obi-MartinObi-Martin scored twice in a 5-2 Youth Cup win against Preston North End, having also produced a pinpoint ball for Jack Fletcher’s goal.And the teenager is already mingling with senior players after joining a few training sessions, according to The Mail.He’s often invited the day after first-team matches when numbers in Amorim’s sessions are slightly low due to recovery.United won’t rush him up to the Premier League just yet as they carefully manage his development.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut his progress is becoming increasingly familiar to Amorim and his staff as they monitor him in training.Obi-Martin, the record goalscorer in U18s Prem history, has bagged 10 goals in his first nine appearances for the Red Devils U18s and U21s.The young Dane spent two years in the Gunners’ youth system after joining from Copenhagen in 2022.He starred for the North London side’s academy, catching the eye by scoring 10 goals in one match against Liverpool.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, his 32 goals in 18 matches saw him scoop the U18 Premier League golden boot last term.His progress is handy as Amorim has problems up front.’His finishing is NUTS,’ say Man Utd fans as teen who scored 10 against Liverpool trains alone before joining Red DevilsRasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee cost a combined £108.5million but have managed a total of five Prem goals this season.Amad Diallo’s is the club’s top goalscorer this term with six goals.United will be strongly linked with a summer pursuit of Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, but Obi-Martin is an exciting future option.Obi-Martin turns 18 in November and is believed to have left Arsenal for United due to the better pathway to first-team football.Left-back Harry Amass, who has been named in several first-team squads already, also played against Preston.And winger Amir Ibragimov, 16, has impressed with people at the club comparing him to Wayne Rooney.READ MORE SUN STORIESSunday’s 3-1 defeat by Brighton saw United sink to a new 131-year low.It was their sixth loss from 12 home Prem games this season — and it was 1893-94 last time they made such a dismal start to a league season. More

    • 225 Shares69 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City flops given brutal L’Equipe ratings after dismal collapse at PSG… with Kevin De Bruyne slammed hardest

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY stars were given some devastating player ratings after their shocking collapse against Paris Saint-Germain.City surrendered a two-goal lead and lost 4-2 to PSG in the Champions League at Parc des Princes on Wednesday.Manchester City star Erling Haaland was eviscerated in L’Equipe’s player ratingsCredit: GettyMan City captain Kevin De Bruyne was among the lowest gradedCredit: RexMan City surrendered a two-goal lead against Paris Saint-GermainCredit: GettyJack Grealish opened the scoring for the reigning Premier League champions just five minutes into the second half.Erling Haaland doubled the Citizens’ lead three minutes later to break the home crowd’s hearts.However, Luis Enrique’s men hit back just three minutes later through Ousmane Dembele and levelled things up thanks to Bradley Barcola, who had set up the ex-Barcelona star earlier, on the hour mark.PSG turned the game on its head on 78 minutes with a header by Joao Neves, who picked up a stunning free-kick from Vitinha.Read More on FootballAnd Goncalo Ramos put the icing on the cake in the third minute of stoppage time.It was another horrific display from City amid an extremely turbulent campaign.And L’Equipe didn’t hold back as they eviscerated Pep Guardiola’s flops in their player ratings.Man City captain Kevin de Bruyne was among the worst as he was given a grade of 4.Most read in FootballThe same went for Ederson, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and Mateo Kovacic.Matheus Nunes, Josko Gvardiol, Phil Foden, Savinho and Haaland all received a grade of 5.Man City boss Pep Guardiola’s recen struggles could be a response to the end of his marriage to teenage sweetheart  Cristina SerraBernardo Silva was the best of the worst as he left Paris with a grade of 6 in the French publication’s notoriously harsh ratings. The result leaves City outside the play-off places in 25th place in the Champions League table.They need a victory against Club Brugge in their final game next week to keep any hopes of progress in Europe alive. More

    • 225 Shares74 Views

      in Soccer

      EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League side

      by

      PLYMOUTH ARGYLE star Morgan Whittaker REFUSED to turn up for last night’s Championship clash with Burnley, claims boss Miron Muslic.Whittaker, 24, has been Argyle’s star man since signing permanently from Swansea in a £1million transfer in the summer of 2023.Morgan Whittaker has been heavily linked with an Argyle exitCredit: GettyBoss Miron Muslic pulled on punches on Whittaker’s absence last nightCredit: RexThe winger was denied a potential move to Lazio last January, and was linked with Burnley last summer.Argyle have turned down bids from the Clarets and Middlesbrough this month and are demanding at least double the £5million offered.Swansea possess a hefty sell-on clause, which has contributed to Argyle digging in on their asking price.Whittaker is under contract at Home Park until 2027.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe highly-rated attacker, who was named in last season’s Championship Team of the Year, had been due to face one of his potential suitors, Burnley, last night.But he was a notable absentee from Muslic’s matchday squad.And when the new Argyle boss was asked about Whittaker’s absence after his side’s grim 5-0 defeat, he pulled no punches.The 42-year-old said: “We need players who really want to play for Argyle so we can always come to them when we need players, who are ready to give everything.Most read in ChampionshipSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYWhittaker met new boss Muslic last weekCredit: Getty”I know he’s a target and linked with transfers. He was available today, he was in the selection and he wasn’t there.”So, it’s what I said again, we need to change this mentality, we need to change the locker room, we need to get characters inside with the desire to face this challenge and to give it all, that’s our only way and our only chance.” ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died-LocatMuslic then continued: “He was in the selection, and that’s everything I have to say.”Morgan is an Argyle player under contract here as long as nobody has paid the money we as an organisation demand, to pay his value.”He’s an Argyle player and he has responsibilities and obligations to Argyle and like I said, that’s one of the reasons why Argyle is struggling for the last months.”Morgan didn’t show up, he was in the selection. We had a game today, he was in the selection, he wasn’t there, and that’s everything I have to say on Morgan.”SunSport understands that Boro are favourites to secure Whittaker’s signature this month.The move would see him reunite with former Argyle team-mate Finn Azaz, who has shone on Teesside since cutting short his Home Park loan last January to quit parent club Aston Villa for Boro.Whittaker scored 19 Championship goals last season as Argyle stayed up on the final day.But he has endured a significantly less prolific campaign this time around, with the Pilgrims having struggled under Muslic’s predecessor Wayne Rooney.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe offered a stark reminder of his quality in the FA Cup earlier this month, scoring a brilliant winner as Argyle dumped Brentford out of the FA Cup under caretaker boss Kevin Nancekivell.The Championship’s bottom side return to action this Saturday, when they make the long trip to high-flying Sunderland.Whittaker scored a brilliant FA Cup winner at BrentfordCredit: Rex More

    • 213 Shares50 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham stars woken up at 2am before Hoffenheim clash with huge firework display right outside team hotel

      by

      TOTTENHAM stars were woken up at 2am by a firework display ahead of their crunch Europa League clash against Hoffenheim.Ange Postecoglou’s beleaguered side are in Germany tonight looking to move out of the playoff positions and into the top eight.Tottenham stars were woken up by loud fireworks set off outside their hotel at 2amCredit: GettyThe noises came as Ange Postecoglou’s men prepare to face HoffenheimCredit: APSpurs’ continental form has seen them win three of their six games so far.And victory tonight will go a long way to sealing a spot in the next stage without having to go through a play-off.However, any Tottenham stars hoping for a good night’s sleep beforehand were left disappointed.As Spurs snored into the early hours, cheeky Hoffenheim fans decided to let off a loud fireworks display outside their team hotel.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe explosive noises and dazzling colours started at 2am, according to the Mail.And they did not let up for a whole five minutes.It saw many members of Spurs’ travelling party rudely woken up.And some may now need a nap before kick-off to ensure they are in top condition for the game against Hoffenheim.Most read in Europa LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTottenham’s dismal Premier League form means it is likely to be a difficult task away from home.But Hoffenheim are also in a similar pickle domestically.Ange Postecoglou’s press conference interrupted by coughing fit amid Tottenham crisis They lie 18th in the Bundesliga, just three points above the drop zone, after winning only four of their 18 games this season.Unfortunately for Spurs, one of those victories came in their last match on Saturday — a 3-1 win at Holstein Kiel.There will also be a familiar face leading the line for Hoffenheim in former Leicester striker Andrej Kramaric, who netted four times in 20 games for the Foxes between 2015 and 2016. More

    • 163 Shares65 Views

      in Soccer

      Omar Marmoush’s starting Dream Team price revealed as Manchester City announce Egyptian forward

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY have confirmed the signing of Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt.The acquisition of the highly-rated Egypt forward represents a significant reaction from the defending champions following a downturn in results.Marmoush is officially a Manchester City playerCredit: Dream TeamPep Guardiola’s side are fifth in the Premier League table and 25th in the Champions League, needing a win next week to scrape a spot in the play-offs.Marmoush’s transfer will satisfy calls for fresh blood in attack and the 25-year-old arrives at the Etihad in sparkling form having scored 20 goals (plus 14 assists) from 26 appearances in all competitions this season.That works out at a goal involvement every 60.9 minutes!15 of Marmoush’s goals have come in the Bundesliga, hence why Frankfurt are flying high in third right now.Only Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane has scored more goals in the German top flight in 2024/25.One of Europe’s best players this seasonCredit: GettyMarmoush generally plays as a centre forward but he’s not an out-and-out poacher in the same mould as Erling Haaland (£7.9m).He likes to drop into deeper positions and has occasionally operated as a second striker or left winger.It wouldn’t be incorrect to think of him as a replacement for Julian Alvarez.Most read in FootballThat’s all well and good but what does this mean for Dream Team?Marmoush is averaging a goal or assist every hour this seasonCredit: GettyMan City have reportedly forked out £59million to acquire Marmoush’s services but Dream Team managers can add him to their XI in exchange for £4.5m of their budget.This puts him level with Kai Havertz, a tad cheaper than Matheus Cunha (£4.7m) and marginally more expensive than Diogo Jota (£4.4m).Whether this proves to be good value remains to be seen.Gaffers would probably be wise to wait and see how Guardiola deploys his new forward before making a firm decision on his viability.Will he be integrated slowly or thrown straight in at the deep end?Guardiola must be tempted to give Marmoush substantial minutes from the get-goCredit: AlamyMarmoush is available for selection in Dream Team right now.Man City have previously confirmed the signings of defenders Abdukodir Khusanov (£3.5m) and Vitor Reis (£2.5m) from Lens and Palmeiras respectively.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

    • 250 Shares75 Views

      in Soccer

      I have THREE brothers in the Man Utd academy… one will be even better than Wayne Rooney, says MMA star

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have been told they already have the next Wayne Rooney on their hands.Rooney was just 16 when he broke onto the Premier League scene for Everton – scoring a famous goal for Everton. MMA star Ibragim Ibragimov with brother and Man Utd academy star AmirCredit: INSTAGRAM @ibragimWayne Rooney pictured in 2005Credit: AP:Associated PressTwo years later he joined United and an iconic career would follow – leaving as club legend and all-time top scorer. Nowadays though the glory years at Old Trafford are long gone with the Red Devils struggling for form and in desperate need of some inspiration. But MMA star Ibragim Ibragimov – whose three siblings all play for United – reckons his 16-year-old brother Amir as the man for the job.Ibragimov told SunSport: “My brother is the next big thing, I’ve already said that to everybody. READ MORE IN MMA”He’s ready for the first-team, he just needs the chance. Once he gets the chance, Inshallah he will make it, 100 per cent this year.”They are comparing him to Wayne Rooney, so he’s going to be the next Wayne Rooney. A better version than Wayne Rooney.” Amir, 16, Gazik, 15, and Muhammad, 12, are all products of United’s youth team and touted for big futures.Gazik once played with Cristiano Ronaldo’s son while Wayne Rooney’s eldest Kai is an academy team-mate. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd even Old Trafford icon Sir Alex Ferguson has given his endorsement to Amir, who has also scored for England at Under-16 level.Ibragimov said: “They need young fresh blood. They need more academy players.MMA star Ibragim Ibragimov is the eldest brother to three Man Utd players including one England international”They have a lot of academy players at the moment, really good, like dark horses and they’re on the bench.”Some of the guys on the bench already, some of the guys are playing for the academy, they got a good team.”So yeah, hopefully they have youngsters play for the first team and then they’ll show the levels of Manchester.”Ibragimov moved from Dagestan – where UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov hailed – to Manchester aged 13. And the 20-year-old was a talented footballer himself landing trials at Man City and Sheffield United – before focussing on just MMA. He said: “I used to play football. I think if I would have come to the UK a little earlier, I would’ve made it to a football 100 per cent.”I was doing both, doing well, so I could’ve done the football and I obviously I decided to do MMA.Muhammad, far left, next to Amir, middle left with Gazik and Ibragim, far rightAmir has scored for England U16sCredit: GettyAmir Ibragimov with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Instagram @gazik_ibra4Gazik also plays with Wayne Rooney’s son Kai, rightCredit: Instagram @gazik_ibra4″I don’t know, but sometimes on a deep weight cause I’m thinking, ‘I should have done football!'”Because the way my brother live, all they need is just train, eat, sleep, repeat, all they need, they, they don’t need anything else.”They get good food. They don’t have to go away. They just need to train. “They say concentrate, focus, and then just go out there on the stadium and then play and enjoy this enjoy themselves.”Ibragimov is 8-0 in the cage and returns on Saturday in Dubai against 5-1 Irishman Kenny Mokhonoana. And the avid United fan has vowed to finally give Red Devils fans something to cheer about. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “All the guys from Manchester who supported me, I appreciate everything. “Guys, just keep watching on 25th of January I’ll bring the win for Manchester and Manchester United.”The MMA star once played football himselfCredit: Instagram @pfleuropeIbragimov is 8-0 as an MMA fighterCredit: Instagram @ibragim.60 More

    • 238 Shares96 Views

      in Soccer

      Kyle Walker lands in Italy to complete AC Milan loan as glittering Man City career comes to an end

      by

      KYLE WALKER has landed in Italy ahead of completing his move to AC Milan.The Manchester City star flew out this morning to seal his initial six-month loan deal that includes a club option to make it a permanent stay.Kyle Walker has arrived in Italy ahead of completing his loan switchCredit: Simone Togna / The SunThe full-back was spotted arriving at Manchester Airport this morningCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe could be seen in the back of a Mercedes vanCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeWalker is set to join AC MIlan initially on loan until the end of the seasonCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe England defender flew to Italy on a private jetCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeWalker was pictured in the back of a Mercedes van that dropped him off at the airport this morning.He then boarded a private jet to Milan, with the transfer to be officially announced in the coming days.Upon arriving in Italy, Walker left the airport in a black BMW.A source told SunSport: “The deal is done. Walker is excited about the future and can’t wait to pull on the famous shirt.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWe also understand that the Serie A giants have agreed a deal that will see them pick up the majority of his £150,000 weekly pay packet.There has been interest in Walker from their city rivals Inter but a move could not be agreed due to his wage demands.Saudi Arabian clubs were also keen on the 34-year-old and offered him a lucrative contract.But Walker has aspirations to get back in the England setup under Thomas Tuchel and therefore was keen to still play at the highest level.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe right-back’s glittering seven-and-a-half year spell at Man City will come to an end – for now at least.Walker has lifted six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups, the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup a the club.Kyle Walker & Annie Kilner plotting move to Italy in bid to save marriage – as love rat lines up deal with Serie A giantsBut despite his contract not ending until 2026, he informed Pep Guardiola he wanted to leave this month amid a dip in form.Walker came close to leaving after City’s Treble win in 2023 when Bayern Munich wanted to sign him.His switch to Milan ends the club’s pursuit of Manchester United’s wantaway star Marcus Rashford as a little-known rule stops them from buying two English players this month.The club has just one spot remaining in their squad for a British player following a change in regulations after Brexit.Restrictions say Italian teams can only bring in two non-EU squad members each year, with one bonus English or Albanian ace permitted.Milan have now hit the threshold by signing Walker. More