Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool set to rake in millions from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid transfer despite star being out of contract

      by

      REAL MADRID are ready to land Trent Alexander-Arnold in time for the Club World Cup.The Liverpool right-back, 26, has agreed a £240,000-a-week five-year deal to join on a free transfer this summer.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid this summerCredit: GettyReal Madrid could pay the Reds £5m to sign the full-back in time for the Club World CupCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold’s Anfield contract runs until June 30 — but the Club World Cup kicks off on June 15.Real are now willing to stump up a fee, understood to be around £5million, to sign him on June 1 so he can join England team-mate Jude Bellingham on the plane for the US-hosted tournament.They are willing to pay out now having had an approach over a transfer knocked back by Liverpool on New Year’s Eve.The Reds refused as they were determined their vice-captain stayed to help boss Arne Slot end his first season in charge with the Prem title.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDutchman Slot was also wary over releasing the player due to a shortage of defenders in his squad.But with Anfield owners the Fenway Sports Group now resigned to losing the England international, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, they could decide to grab some money from his departure.They would not only get a fee but also save a month’s wages on the Scouser, who is on £140,000-a-week at Anfield.Last September, Alexander-Arnold insisted that discussion on his future “would not be played out in public”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it is now common knowledge that he is leaving the club he joined as a six-year-old.His last appearance is likely to be in the home clash with Crystal Palace on May 25 — the final day of the Prem season.Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training Liverpool are still sweating on the decisions by Mo Salah and skipper Virgil van Dijk, who both have their contracts ending on June 30.But FSG and boss Slot are understood to be confident Dutch centre-back Van Dijk and Egyptian striker Salah will sign new deals. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Six players to watch from Baller League as former Team GB Olympics ace is hailed by Shearer after stealing show

      by

      BALLER League UK kicked off on Monday night – and delivered on everything it had promised. With huge names like John Terry, Jody Morris, Jens Lehmann, Gary Lineker, Chunkz, The Sidemen, Alan Shearer and more involved, the pressure was on to deliver on debut night. Marvin Sordell impressed Alan Shearer with a hat-trickChelsea legend John Terry is managing the 26ersCredit: PAEx-Watford and Burnley forward Sordell caught the eyeWith the rules being hugely different to normal football, it was spectacular to see how the players took to the format.Some really stood out, even among talents from the football league and ex-Premier League players like Ciaran Clark and Marvin Sordell. It was Angry Ginge’s ‘YANITED’ who ended the night at the top of the tree.But there were a host of players who impressed from each game.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSunSport’s Lloyd Canfield has noted down the ballers to watch…Game One: Mo Mahyoub – YANITEDPK Humble will take the headlines in this game, with his performance bringing the dancing, the skills and the entertainment to the pitch alongside the first goal of the tournament.But it was Mo Mahyoub who stole the show for YANITED on night one. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe attacker was on fire with electric feet, and scored a beauty at the near post, just kissing it before hitting the back of the net. It was a brace for Mo on the night before you knew it, and he was awarded the Man of the match too. Fans baffled as Mark Goldbridge ‘chats up Alisha Lehmann’ on Baller League live watchalongHe is going to be a threat in this league, and it was evident he has shone previously at academies like Man City and Man Utd as well as becoming Manchester’s 1v1 ‘Top Baller’ champion. Serious tekkers. Game Two: Declan McCarthy – MVPs UnitedAlisha Lehmann’s MVPs United took the win over Clint419’s FC R.T.W, and it was no doubt down to their sensational goalkeeper. A good link-up up top provided them with goals, but it was a stunning triple save from McCarthy that really blew me away. Michael Ndiweni scored but it was his keeper Declan McCarthy who shoneCredit: PAAlisha Lehmann is in charge of MVPs United along with Maya JamaCredit: Sky SportsFormer Newcastle striker Michael Ndiweni is not to be sniffed at, and neither is ex-Manchester United midfielder Josh Harrop, but the man in net managed to deny them both numerous times. He was a great stopper, but in this format you also have to be great with your feet, and he had it all. Game Three: Michael Folivi – SDS FCComing up against a side managed by John Terry and Jody Morris would strike fear into some forwards.Not Michael Folivi.The ex-AFC Wimbledon frontman looked more than comfy on the ball, showed off no better than when he strolled forward from the penalty line to stroke the ball into the top right corner when the pressure was on.The 27-year-old is up against some elite forwards in this competition, but for my money he is one of the very best involved. Expect to see more from the lethal striker for SDS FC, who looked like one of the best teams on the night.Micah Richards was a big-name observer at the Copper Box ArenaCredit: PAGame Four: Michael Hill – Santan FCMichael’s footballing pedigree, being formed at academies like Chelsea and Fulham was evident from the get go as he took on a Prem defender with 200 caps in Ciaran Clark. The midfielder was the ‘Starlight’, always in the right ‘Location’ to put the ball in the back of the net in what was a crunch ‘Clash’ for Dave’s side. Working perfectly in the ‘System’, defenders will be having a ‘heart attack’ seeing him line up against them next week. There really were ‘No Words’ that would do his performance justice, with a clean touch and tidy finish making it clear why his gaffer gave him the nickname KDB previously. Game Five: Toby Bull – M7 FCMiniminter’s M7 FC clutched up with a win against Chloe Kelly’s Wembley Rangers, with another goalkeeper proving one to watch in this game. The ex-Brighton stopper, who was in their matchday squad for a win over Manchester United in 2022 now plays for Lewes FC – and is still only 21. Let me tell you this kid made some exceptional saves, with two big ones springing to mind, palmed onto the post and bar. In what was such a tight game his performance was vital, and was another stopper who looked relaxed and composed with the ball at his feet. If I was Todd Boehly at Chelsea, I’d be taking a look that’s for sure. Game Six: Marvin Sordell – Depotrio FCBeing a striker selected for the team by Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer can either bring you extreme pressure or extreme confidence. For ex-Prem baller Marvin Sordell, it was the latter. A debut hat-trick bought critical acclaim from Newcastle legend Shearer, and it was more than deserved.When the 1v1 wildcard was called, it was he who stood up, lobbing Henri Lansbury and watching the ball loop into the back of the net as well as keeping it out of his own. READ MORE SUN STORIESA sublime performance from the Kettering Town forward who previously represented Bolton, Burnley, Watford and even Team GB at the Olympics showed that this is far from the end of his journey. An experienced attacker in these tight games will bring an air of calmness to his side which may just prove vital as we progress through the league.  More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      BBC coverage of World Cup qualifier is interrupted by temporary fault as Wales fans are left fuming

      by

      THE BBC’s coverage of Wales vs North Macedonia was interrupted by a technical error on Tuesday.Just over two minutes into the World Cup qualifier, coverage of the match was stopped.Coverage of North Macedonia vs Wales was interrupted by a faultCoverage continued shortly afterCredit: APInstead, a screen which read: “Temporary fault,” flashed up while the broadcaster scrambled to get the live feed going again.Coverage of the match eventually continued around a minute-and-a-half later.Fans were left baffled by the early issue, with one person taking to X to write: “Good start to the North Macedonia v Wales game on BBC.”Someone in the commentary box also had their microphone on and was just having a general chat in the background as well 😂 #Cymru.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAhead of the match, Wales head coach Craig Bellamy said: “North Macedonia is a different game to Kazakhstan.”We knew that beforehand so it hasn’t changed anything to what we’re looking to do.”We’ve had to review the game quickly and there were some really positive bits.”There were some things we need to improve on, but overall I’m very happy and it’s another game that allows us to progress.”Most read in FootballAsked if Wales were the underdogs going into the match, he continued: “I never see us an underdog. I’m not an underdog, I never have been. I will not accept that.”Favourites? I hope so. It doesn’t mean you take it for granted. I always look at it as a game of football. Can we have fun? Can we enjoy it?”How Lewis-Skelly could be Tuchel’s secret weapon for England More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea files: John Terry’s manager job that collapsed at last minute and party-loving keeper tipped to surpass Courtois

      by

      GOALKEEPERS have been a big talking point at Chelsea this season with boss Enzo Maresca unsure who is his definite number one.Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have been in and out like the Hokey Cokey.Incoming Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders enjoys a party and a sing-songCredit: RexThe teenager could surpass Thibaut Courtois in West LondonCredit: GettyAnd that’s something that won’t trouble incoming keeper Mike Penders, who just loves a singalong and a party.The teenager is due to join up with the Blues this summer following a £16.7million deal with his current side Genk in the Belgian top flight.Still only 19, colourful Penders loves a party and says it stems from his upbringing in the town of Uikhoven in a region famous for its carnivals.Penders said: “Singalongs are my thing.“It’s simple: if you come from our neighbourhood, you grow up with carnival. Then you learn those songs by heart. “You just have to come and experience it. The last time I went I wore Lederhosen.”England skipper Harry Kane also wears the famous leather trousers when he visits Oktoberfest each year as he plays for Bayern Munich.Penders has all the ingredients to become an even bigger star than Thibaut Courtois at Chelsea – even without his ability to sing a song at his first-team initiation.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeFor a start, the towering keeper is exactly two metres tall – one centimetre more than his famous Belgian predecessor.He is coming through the same famous stable at Genk like Courtois and if the next few weeks go well for him, he could also rock up at Stamford Bridge as a decorated star.Thomas Tuchel always made me feel wanted and England star was destined for greatness, reveals ex-Chelsea wonderkidGenk are top of the table and face the ten-game play-offs bidding for the championship.Penders has every chance to make the biggest move of his career with a league title to his name.He is already a famous name at home. His transfer fee to Chelsea is considered huge back home for a player so young.Some of that money was spread among the clubs of his previous career – right down to sixth-tier Bregel Sport. The 100,000 euros was enough to keep the struggling club afloat – but only temporarily as they went broke just last week.HELD ON BY GAFFER TAPEJOHN TERRY fears his ambition to become a manager is drifting away.Chelsea’s most successful player and captain still hopes his dream of being head coach at the club which is in his heart may still come off one day. But he is caught in a vicious circle.He came painfully close in September 2023 when he was offered a job by Saudi Pro-League side Al-Shabbab… only for the deal to collapse at the last minute.Terry, 44, said: “I got very close with that and things got moved at the last minute, which meant it didn’t go through.“I’ve done my badges. I’m ready. If the right opportunity comes up, and it has to be the right opportunity in terms of squad, location, I’m all ears.“I’m watching every game of football I can possibly watch. I’ve still got my eyes in it. There will come a point for me when I need to say ‘that’s it’.John Terry missed out on becoming a manager in the Saudi Pro LeagueCredit: GettyHe is currently having to make do with testing his management skills in the Baller LeagueCredit: PA“But you have to be obsessed with it and I’m still obsessed with it. I’m analysing games, I’m reviewing stuff, I’m doing online courses and all of that to be a better coach or a better manager that I can be.“So who knows if that opportunity comes along? I’ve got a lot to give. I know that I’ve managed dressing rooms and groups before.”Terry has found work as a coach at Aston Villa and Leicester and is back now working two days a week at his beloved Chelsea.The five-time Premier League winner said: “I led Chelsea for 22 years. So to get thrown at me that I’ve got no experience as a number one is a little bit baffling.“But again I’ll keep trying until that kind of day stops because I have a dream of managing Chelsea one day and that’s the ultimate for me. Would I love to be part of it? Of course I would. Chelsea’s my club.”John Terry was speaking on Chelsea and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Watch every game from the FIFA Club World Cup on DAZN for free.TOUT OF ORDERCHELSEA are going digital with ticket buying and going on the offensive against the touts.Illegal sales are a menace and no home game at Stamford Bridge is complete without a gaggle of shady characters loitering outside Fulham Broadway tube station offering seats at premium price.The club is trying to combat this and have highlighted their efforts in an email to fans detailing the work they have undertaken.This season alone it includes:Stopping more than 1,000 people coming into the ground with touted tickets.Cancelling more than 1,500 membership accounts linked to illegal activity.Arresting individuals following police operations on matchdays.The Blues are stamping down on tickets touts outside Stamford BridgeCredit: ReutersThis is all worthwhile stuff but in the meantime, Chelsea’s chairman Todd Boehly has attracted fierce criticism from fans over his stake in American ticket resale site Vivid Seats.The unauthorised website sells tickets for Premier League games at vastly inflated prices.Vividseats.com even appears on a blacklist of outlets issued by the Premier League who add: “We would urge fans to exercise extreme caution when dealing with these websites.”GLOBAL GAMECHELSEA became the first English club to field an entire team of foreign players against Southampton in the Premier League back in 1999.And the Blues will continue to break new ground across the world when they add Kazakhstan’s teenage wonderkid Dastan Satpaev, 16, to their ranks next summer.Satpaev’s arrival – when he turns 18 – will take the Prem’s number of nationalities to a staggering 127 since the league began in the 1992/93 season.Dastan Satpaev will be the Premier League’s first Kazakhstani footballerCredit: GettyEagle-eyed Chelsea fans will have spotted the Kairat Almaty striker, who has agreed a Stamford Bridge move in a £3.3m deal with a five-year contract, was in the UK last Saturday.Satpaev came off the bench for the final 16 minutes of Kazakhstan’s 3-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Wales in Cardiff.He showed flashes of promise in his brief cameo as a substitute but is already being hailed as the best talent the country has ever produced.No pressure, then.TOP MARCSIT’S A good time to be a Chelsea defender.Club captain Reece James scored a screamer for England on Monday night against Latvia to add to his recent belter at Copenhagen in the Conference League.And his club-mate Marc Cucurella is also in the goals this season with five – four in the Premier League and one in Europe.Part of his increased strike rate has been down to boss Enzo Maresca pushing the Spaniard into a midfield role at times – the new ‘inverted full-back’ fad that is gripping football.Cucurella has responded with two goals in seven games, which is a decent return for a left-back.Marc Cucurella has found his shooting boots this seasonCredit: GettyIt has transformed his standing in the eyes of Chelsea fans who were unsure of his worth to start with but now sing songs about his big mop of curly hair in tribute to his improvement.Cucurella says scoring more goals has been a big priority. He said: “One of the things that I felt that I could improve upon was my ability in the last third – more goals and more assists. I would say this season I have had the opportunity to score a few goals.“I’m very happy because I feel very good and I’ve been able to help the team.“I always try to give the best for my team and I always try to leave everything on the pitch for my team. I always try to win. “I think they are the best things I can have as a player. Now I’m even a goalscorer! Hopefully, I can score a lot more goals and I’m very happy.”LONELY WITHOUT LEONCHELSEA fans eagerly waiting to find out who will be the club’s first opponents in the Club World Cup should not hold their breath.Fifa sources say that it will take some time to find a replacement for Club Leon – the Mexican side booted out of the competition over dual ownership issues.The case is likely to go to appeal and even then if the decision is upheld, a new team will be sought from within the Concacaf football federation.Considering there are 41 member associations throughout the Americas, that will take some sifting. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s next home World Cup qualifier set to be moved to 42,785-seater Premier League stadium due to Coldplay clash

      by

      ENGLAND are set to play their next home World Cup qualifier at Villa Park in September.Thomas Tuchel’s side host Andorra on the sixth of that month but are not due to play at Wembley.Villa Park will host an England match in SeptemberCredit: RexThomas Tuchel will take his side to the MidlandsCredit: AlamyThat is because world-famous band Coldplay are due to play ten gigs between August 22 and September 8 at the Home of Football.That has led Aston Villa’s ground to be prepped as their alternative venue for the Group K qualifier.The last time Villa Park hosted the national senior men’s team was for a 2005 friendly against the Netherlands.Tuchel has six points out of six so far from England’s qualifying campaign, having beaten Albania and Latvia in his first two games in charge over the last week.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEngland play Senegal in a friendly on June 10 at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.Tuchel, 51, has gotten off to a perfect start as Three Lions boss.England defeated Albania 2-0 on Friday night courtesy of goals by Harry Kane and Myles Lewis-Skelly.They then dispatched of Latvia 3-0 last night via Reece James, Kane and Eberechi Eze strikes.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollowing the Latvia win, boss Tuchel said: “It is good, because I learn about my team and my team learn about me.”We will get there.”Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia England will next be in action away to Andorra on June 7.They will then play Senegal three days later. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Alejandro Garnacho accused of ‘letting his family down’ as former Man Utd star says ‘what is he actually good at?’

      by

      FORMER Manchester United full-back Paul Parker has berated Alejandro Garnacho, claiming he needs to “work harder” if he wants to succeed at the top level.The 20-year-old has endured a difficult season with United, scoring just nine goals across all competitions.Alejandro Garnacho has been slammed by a former Man Utd playerCredit: RexPaul Parker boldly claimed the winger has ‘let his family and club down’Credit: GettyHaving also clashed with head coach Ruben Amorim on at least two occasions, he is now at risk of being sold when the transfer window opens.The winger’s attitude has come into question several times this season, with the latest concerns expressed after he stormed down the Old Trafford tunnel mid-match after being substituted last month.Club legend Paul Scholes slammed him for “sulking” in the wake of the incident.And now ex-full-back Parker has given his brutal verdict on the youngster.Read More on Man UtdSpeaking to SpilXperten, he said: “We can’t keep using the excuse that Garnacho is young. He is not young anymore, at least not in football.”He turns 21 in the summer and before he knows he will be 30. He needs to understand that and start performing.”The best players, like Ryan Giggs, were not considered young when he was 21.”Garnacho might be immature but he is not young anymore, and it is a massive disappointment that he is not performing at all.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”He is not playing like an adult and he is certainly not acting like an adult, and he has to have a good look in the mirror, to tell himself that he needs to stop thinking about being the next [Cristiano] Ronaldo.”He will never be that, so he has to accept the fact that he needs to work hard to get a decent career.”Alejandro Garnacho’s punishment for Man Utd tunnel strop revealed as Ruben Amorim sheds light on controversyParker then continued: “I liked him when he came through and he had that Argentinian fire in his belly, which he has lost completely. He has let himself and his family down. He has let his club down, because he is not taking advantage of the talent he was supposed to have.”I am not seeing anything from him. The most important thing for him now is to understand what he is good at and what he is bad at.”He can’t take on people, he is not quick enough and he doesn’t want to work hard. So, what is he actually good at? He needs to figure that out and show it, rather than just wanting to be the next Ronaldo.”Because at the moment, to me, he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy, who would rather make a few highlights to post them on social media rather than winning football matches and make this club great again.”Garnacho was left out of the Argentina squad for the international break.Instead, manager Lionel Scaloni called up Bologna winger Benjamin Dominguez.He explained: “We decided to call up Benjamin Dominguez over Garnacho to be able to see him, he brings something we didn’t have.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He is a guy who is doing well, he can play as a winger on the right or left, he easily gets past defenders.”As a result of his omission, Garnacho enjoyed a week away from the pitch but returned to Carrington on Monday.Man Utd ratings vs LeicesterMANCHESTER UNITED leapfrogged Tottenham into 13th in the Premier League by beating Leicester.Rasmus Hojlund was left to run in behind and shoot low into the bottom corner from an angle to open the scoring on 28 minutes.The Danish striker had not found the net since December 12 – a run of 21 matches.Alejandro Garnacho saw a goal chalked off for offside but there was no taking his snap-shot finish off him on 67 minutes.And skipper Bruno Fernandes rounded off the comfortable 3-0 win in style in the closing stages.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Hill rated the Man Utd stars. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I am really scared’ – Former Man Utd star Jesse Lingard filmed eating LIVE octopus as it wriggles on his plate

      by

      JESSE LINGARD ate a live octopus while filming his latest YouTube video.The former Manchester United star has embraced life in South Korea since signing for FC Seoul last year.Jesse Lingard struggled with his octopusLingard, eventually gave the octopus a goLingard recently headed to Gwangjang Market with pals to try Korean street food, sharing the results on his YouTube channel.During the tasting, the midfielder gasped as he saw that the octopus on his plate was still moving.The ex-England ace visibly squirmed as he contemplated eating the meal.Lingard said: “Why are you moving? I can’t eat because I’m scared.”READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe Mancunian kept repeating that he was “scared”, before adding: “I can’t do it.”After eventually eating the octopus, Lingard began to calm down.He then grinned as he said: “It’s easy. I was just playing around.”Lingard even claimed that the food was “not bad”.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile Lingard struggled with the octopus, he enjoyed much of the other food, which included sweet and sour chicken.He said: “I love Korean street food. It’s 10 out of 10.”Jesse Lingard reels off FIVE different celebrations after ex-Man Utd star scores bizarre goal in South KoreaHaving quit English football last year, Lingard has enjoyed his time in Asia.He swiftly earned the captain’s armband at FC Seoul, becoming a fans’ favourite.After losing against Jeju United on the opening day, Lingard’s side have since put together a run of four matches undefeated.Lingard scored his first goal of the season against Anyang, reeling off five celebrations in one.Lingard was thrilled after his goal against AnyangCredit: Rex More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I couldn’t believe it’ – Ronaldo still stunned by how Brazil team-mate drank his £8,000 bottle of wine

      by

      RONALDO has a vintage reason for remembering a jaw-dropping incident with a team-mate.The former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker played alongside Vampeta for both Brazil and Inter Milan.Ronaldo has told of his shock when his pal opened some special wineCredit: GettyVampeta had an unusual reaction to spotting the bottleCredit: AP:Associated PressAnd even though the midfielder played only eight games for the Italians, he still made a special mark on Ronaldo – or at least his wine collection.The 98-cap legend had spent 10,000 euros – about £8,000 – on a bottle of Petrus wine.Arguably the most famous ‘plonk’ in the world, the brand from Bordeaux originated in the 18th century.Petrus wine takes three or four decades to reach its best – but Vampeta needed just a few seconds to do his worst!READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRonaldo, 48, told Brazilian podcast Charla what unfolded when the 51-year old saw the bottle.He said: “I bought a bottle of Petrus wine. I brought it home more for its symbolic value, being the most famous wine in the world. “I had no intention of opening it because the bottle dated back to the year of his birth – 1500.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”They had told me it hadn’t even been a good year! Most read in Football”Well, Vampeta opened it, took some plastic glasses, poured it, drank it and made a disgusted face saying, ‘It’s damn hot, is there ice in it?'”Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starIf that wasn’t enough for poor Ronaldo to deal with, he explained that Vampeta wasn’t quite finished.The ex-PSV Eindhoven hero added: “Then he started putting an ice cube in each glass.”And I couldn’t believe it because, as I said, it was just a wine for display.”There was no suggestion Vampeta was aware of the wine being so special.And it’s also unclear what Ronaldo meant by the date “1500”.That’s because the earliest trace of the Petrus vineyards in Pomerol, Bordeaux, appears to be the 1750s.Interestingly, however, the 19 years of especially fine vintages for the elite brand include 2000… the year Vampeta was making his own unique contribution to its history! Wine connoisseur Ronaldo twice won the World Cup with BrazilCredit: AFP More