Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea agree deal to sign second Portuguese wonderkid in two days with £18.5m transfer for midfielder Dario Essugo

      by

      CHELSEA have reportedly agreed a deal to sign a second Portuguese wonderkid in two days.The Blues secretly completed a shock transfer to land Geovany Quenda earlier this week.Chelsea have agreed an £18.5m deal to sign Dario Essugo from Sporting in the summerCredit: GettyAnd now The Athletic state Dario Essugo is also on his way to Stamford Bridge. A £18.5million fee has been negotiated between Chelsea and Sporting.It is claimed there are no add-ons or sell-on clauses included. Essugu, 20, looks set to put pen to paper on a seven-year contract in West London.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd that would see him link up with the Chelsea first team in the summer, as first revealed by SunSport last year.Essugu came through the academy at Sporting and has 23 first-team appearances for the Portuguese giants.However, it has been during his loan to Las Palmas in LaLiga this season that he has really shone, attracting plenty of interest from the Blues.The holding midfielder and Portugal youth international is expected to provide support for Moises Caicedo next season. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Ecuadorian has started all 28 Premier League games for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca this term. But the addition of Essugu could help ease the burden on the £115m ex-Brighton man. Enzo Maresca defends lacklustre Chelsea after Conference League progress However, while Essugu is set to arrive in the summer, Chelsea fans will have to wait another year to see Quenda in action for them.The 17-year-old winger sensation was a top target for Manchester United but Chelsea launched a “secret blitz” to secure a £40m deal as he underwent a medical in private. Quenda turns 18 next month and will stay with Sporting for the 2025-26 season.Geovany Quenda will join Chelsea in the summer of 2026Credit: AFPChelsea player ratingsCHELSEA are into the Conference League quarter-finals after beating Copenhagen 1-0.A rare moment of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall magic and two half-time subs igniting the game and the crowd were the difference.Cole Palmer’s half-time introduction alongside Marc Cucurella certainly injected some energy into the Chelsea attack, but he was still unable to break his run of poor form in this one.Enzo Maresca and his men will be hoping that small issue is fixed before they face Legia Warsaw in the next round.Check out our full Chelsea player ratings. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I don’t subscribe to it’ – Howe insists Newcastle are NOT cursed ahead of Liverpool despite 70-year-old ‘Gypsy Hex’

      by

      EDDIE HOWE refuses to say the word “curse” never mind believing Newcastle have one.And he wants his players to use the 70-year wait for domestic silverware as a positive to become heroes against Liverpool.Eddie Howe is keen for Newcastle to ignore the past ahead of their Carabao Cup final with LiverpoolCredit: GettyThousands have Geordies have packed out the capital ahead of Sunday’s showdownCredit: AFPWembley success used to be a sure thing for the Magpies back in the day, with the club winning in their first five appearances at the Twin Towers.But the story goes that not long after the 1955 FA Cup triumph, a group of travellers made themselves at home on the land Newcastle used to train on.They were forcibly removed and, in retaliation, they are said to have placed a Gypsy curse on Toon.The Magpies have lost five Wembley finals in a row since but Howe issued a bold message to fans who say the club is hexed.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Toon boss said: “I don’t subscribe to that way of thinking.”There isn’t always a negative outcome.”I understand the finals record isn’t great but I take us qualifying for the Champions League, when we had to go deep into the season.”It was nip and tuck if we were going to qualify and we got over the line.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”So, there are examples where we have been really successful and even getting to the final isn’t a given. They are very difficult to get there.”Now we are there, we just want to play to our true maximum and capabilities.Iconic London landmark lit up by Newcastle stars in incredible projection show ahead of Carabao Cup final”Destiny is in our own hands. I’m not even going to use the word you mentioned, it is not in that mindset, it’s about us delivering a great performance if we can.”Talking about the other outcome [winning] — that is exciting.”Joe Harvey was the last Toon boss to lift a major domestic trophy in 1955.And Howe added: “I understand it will be a negative or perceived negative for a lot of people — but we’re trying to look at it the other way around.I really respect him as a footballer…but I think it’s always about the team. Eddie Howe on Mo Salah”A chance to make history for us as a team. That’s very rare in football. You get very few opportunities to do that.”A chance to be remembered positively.”Howe must decide on Nick Pope or Martin Dubravka in goal.Winger Anthony Gordon is banned, with defenders Lewis Hall and Sven Botman injured.Toon’s biggest task is stopping Mo Salah.The Egyptian superstar has been directly involved in an astonishing 18 goals in 16 games against the Magpies.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Howe said: “I really respect him as a footballer. “I think it’s always about the team and making sure our structures are good, not about any individuals.” More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League stars among 530 footballers being treated for addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling

      by

      PREMIER League stars are among 530 footballers being treated for addiction to drugs, alcohol and gambling and other mental health issues, figures reveal.Last season, 80 professional players sought therapy for problems with illicit substances such as cocaine and nitrous oxide, as well as sleeping pills and booze.Brentford Premier League star Christian Norgaard, pictured above, recently revealed he previously feared he was becoming addicted to sleeping tablets. He said: “It’s a topic that has been going under the radar.”Some have become addicted to using black market zopiclone tablets to help them sleep as part of their recovery from training.The stars received treatment from the Sporting Chance clinic, which works with the Professional Footballers’ Association.READ MORE ON ADDICTIONOf the 530 supported last season, 42 players got help for gambling addictions.But these latest PFA figures for 2023-24 are said to be just the tip of the iceberg as scores of top stars seek help privately.Officials are also increasingly worried about the prevalence of nicotine pouches, called snus — with one in five professional footballers admitting to using them.And on Friday, it emerged two unnamed players tested positive for a banned ­substance immediately after games in the Premier League and Football League last season, according to UK Anti-Doping.Most read in FootballA dealer, who has supplied sleeping tablets to stars in the Premier League, said: “The main reason some players rely on them is because of their sleeping patterns.“Some expect players to train twice a day and want them to sleep in the afternoon to recover. It’s hard when your body is wired.A Premier League star has become the first footballer to go into rehab for an addiction to nitrous oxide canisters”Other times they rely on them is when they have a big midweek game which kicks off at 8pm. They might not get home until the early hours.“I know a few players who have tried to wean themselves off them but it’s hard.“They go cold turkey and spend days suffering from acute tiredness — but also being unable to sleep.”Brentford Premier League star Christian Norgaard recently revealed he previously feared he was becoming addicted to sleeping tablets More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle star Anthony Gordon raking in millions off the pitch as his company posts accounts for first time

      by

      ANTHONY GORDON is proving as much of a hotshot off the pitch as on it.The Newcastle forward banked almost £3million last season in image rights payments.Anthony Gordon is raking it in off the pitch with his image rights companyCredit: GettyGordon’s image was dented this month with a three-match ban for violent conduct after lashing out at Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke.His red mist meant he is suspended for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.But he remains a key member of Eddie Howe’s squad as they push to get back into the Champions League.Gordon earns £150k a week from his bumper contract with Toon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the 24-year-old also earned the eye-watering sum on top of that last year.His firm Ollenotna Ltd made about £2.9m before tax in 2023-24.After settling bills, the company was left with assets of £1,694,030.The company was set up in January 2023 when Gordon signed from Everton in a £45million deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe huge sums were revealed in the first set of accounts posted by his firm, described as “other sports activities.”Gordon could earn even more should he eventually leave Newcastle.Iconic London landmark lit up by Newcastle stars in incredible projection show ahead of Carabao Cup finalThe winger was a target for Liverpool last summer.But he ended up staying put at St James’ Park before signing a new long-term contract in October.Gordon is now preparing to link up with England after being called up to Thomas Tuchel’s first squad.He will compete with Marcus Rashford for a spot on the left wing and will be hoping to line up in the first World Cup qualifier against Albania. More

    • 288 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I was the last English manager to win major trophy SEVENTEEN YEARS ago… I hope Eddie Howe and Newcastle can do it today

      by

      IT’S a fact people remind me of with every passing year — and one I’d love to see overtaken at long last.When I won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008, I never thought we would still be waiting for the next English manager to lift silverware.Harry Redknapp lifted the FA Cup in May 2008Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdEddie Howe is dreaming of lifting silverware with the ToonCredit: GettyBut here we are, 17 years on, and still twiddling our thumbs, which is one of the reasons why I’d love to see Eddie Howe do so with Newcastle on Sunday at Wembley.Much of that, of course, is down to the infatuation with overseas coaches, which I’ve never understood because we have so many good ones of our own.And Eddie is top of that list — I would go so far to say as the nailed-on certainty to follow Thomas Tuchel as the next England boss.Admittedly, the field doesn’t have as many runners as you’d have said back in the day — you can thank owners obsessed with foreign managers for that!READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Eddie is different class and it would be great to see him win something with Toon before he moves on to even bigger things.Sadly for the Geordie Nation, I don’t think it will be on Sunday afternoon.Mind you, just imagine the celebrations if they do get over the line.Yet that would be a disaster for Liverpool fans who were dreaming of a Treble just a week ago. Those same Reds supporters would have snapped your hand off for the Premier League title last summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut I guarantee that before their Champions League exit, a few would have been muttering “is that all” too.Which is why Sunday’s big game has suddenly become massively important for Arne Slot and his team.Iconic London landmark lit up by Newcastle stars in incredible projection show ahead of Carabao Cup finalWin and it’s the first trophy in the cabinet. Lose and it becomes a week to forget in a season to remember.Seven days which started with fans buzzing but ending with them resigned to “only” winning the title.When the one bauble is the Premier League — the be-all and end-all for everyone — then anything else is always going to be a bonus.Especially when your manager is in his first season, as Slot is.After going 70 YEARS without a major domestic trophy, if any fans deserve to see their team win one it’s those Geordies.Harry RedknappThat’s not to suggest Merseyside has suddenly become the ungrateful capital of the country, though, before anyone gets on my case.It’s just an indication of how far ahead of the rest Liverpool have been this season and why, only a few days ago, their fans had hopes of winning three.That all ended with Paris Saint-Germain’s last penalty on Tuesday, when the Champions League went up in smoke.You won’t find a Geordie who wasn’t thrilled to see the game go the distance, by the way. Let’s not kid ourselves, Eddie will have been delighted with that too.Arne Slot has done an impressive job in his first season at LiverpoolCredit: AFPThe Reds crashed out of the Champions League in mid-weekCredit: RexBut the Reds have had five days to recover, Slot won’t have had them doing much in training, and with all the medical staff and care these days, they will be well over it.And what better way to put a defeat behind you than a cup final at Wembley for the first trophy of the season?It’s so evenly balanced, though. The Newcastle midfield is on a par with Liverpool’s and their forward line isn’t too shabby either.Anthony Gordon is banned but Harvey Barnes is no big drop in standards down one wing, with Jacob Murphy on the other. Plus Alexander Isak through the middle.So although Liverpool will understandably and rightly be favourites, Newcastle go there with a real chance — make no mistake about that.And let’s face it, after going 70 YEARS without a major domestic trophy, if any fans deserve to see their team win one it’s those Geordies.Sadly for the Geordie Nation, I don’t think it will be on Sunday afternoon.Harry RedknappBut ending that run means beating the best team in the country, because there’s no doubt they are up against the Premier League’s stand-out side.And Liverpool won’t want a bad week to turn into a terrible one.The big thing in their favour is the depth in the squad — Slot can make two, three or four changes and it hardly weakens his line-up.Cody Gakpo didn’t start midweek, so you would imagine he is a certainty for Wembley. That’s not exactly a step down in anyone’s book!Mo Salah is probably the only one of those forwards whose place is nailed on. It’s any two from four of the rest, and they don’t dip whoever gets the nod.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd it’s not as though Slot has to think about giving players a rest to concentrate on winning the league — let’s not beat about the bush here, that job is already done.The Kop outfit have such a huge lead it does not enter the equation and of course it’s an international break after today.Mo Salah is nailed on to start the Carabao Cup finalCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle fans take over Covent Garden ahead of Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and bid to end 70-year trophy wait

      by

      NEWCASTLE fans took over Covent Garden ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.Eddie Howe’s men are looking to end a 70-year trophy hoodoo by beating the Premier League leaders at Wembley tomorrow.Newcastle fans took over Covent Garden ahead of the Carabao Cup finalCredit: GettyLoyal Geordies travelled in their thousands for the clash with LiverpoolCredit: AlamyThousands gathered in the capital for a pre-match partyCredit: AFPToon are hoping to end their 70-year trophy droughtCredit: PAFans young and old enjoyed the partyCredit: AFPIt will be Newcastle’s first final since losing the Carabao Cup to Manchester United two years.And hopes are high after thousands of dedicated Geordies travelled down to London.They are widely regarded as some of the most passionate supporters in English football.But the Magpies took things up a level as they spent Saturday partying in Covent Garden.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThousands of supporters took to the streets to toast Newcastle’s journey to the capital.A white smoke flare could be seen in the background as fans enjoyed a laugh and a drink in the popular tourist location.And the Toon faithful will be hoping their lengthy trip from the North East will be rewarded with victory at Wembley tomorrow.Newcastle will be without four senior players against Liverpool, including star winger Anthony Gordon.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe ace is serving a three-match ban after being sent off against Brighton earlier this month.Sven Botman, Lewis Hall and Jamaal Lascelles will also be absent through injury.Iconic London landmark lit up by Newcastle stars in incredible projection show ahead of Carabao Cup finalNewcastle lost the Carabao Cup final to Man Utd in 2023Credit: PAThey are desperate for success under Eddie HoweCredit: AFPNewcastle fans toasted their trip to LondonCredit: PACovent Garden was a sea of black-and-white stripesCredit: AFPFans will be hoping to still be in good spirits by tomorrow eveningCredit: GettyBut Liverpool are also suffering problems, specifically at right-back.Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley have both been ruled out.While versatile Joe Gomez is another injury absentee.Liverpool are also sweating over the fitness of Ibrahima Konate.And it means Arne Slot will have to deploy one of Jarell Quansah, Wataru Endo or even midfielder Curtis Jones on the right. More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Dele Alli shown red card just 10 MINUTES into first game for two years as even rival Kyle Walker pleads with referee

      by

      DELE ALLI was sent off just TEN MINUTES into his first appearance in over two years.The former England midfielder signed for Italian club Como in January on a free transfer.Dele Alli made his Como debut on Saturday night but was sent for an early bathCredit: GettySubstitute Alli’s yellow card was controversially upgraded to a red by the refereeThe ex-England midfielder caught Ruben Loftus-Cheek on the back of the legCredit: GettyPlayers from both teams pleaded for the decision to be overturnedCredit: ReutersEven Alli’s ex-Spurs and England team-mate Kyle Walker tried to talk the referee roundCredit: XAlli last played in the Turkish Super Lig for Besiktas and has penned an 18-month deal with the Serie A side. The 28-year-old came off the bench on Saturday against AC Milan, his first appearance since February 2023. But the cameo quickly turned into a nightmare for the ex-Tottenham ace.Alli was shown a yellow card for a late tackle on Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the closing stages at the San Siro. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe appeared to rake his studs down the back of the former Chelsea man’s leg.Referee Matteo Marchetti was called to the monitor after an intervention from VAR.After studying the tackle for several minutes, Marchetti decided to upgrade Alli’s yellow card to a red. The decision sparked fury on the Como bench, with head coach Cesc Fabregas seeing red himself shortly afterwards.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd even Milan’s Kyle Walker – a former England and Spurs team-mate of Alli – was seen begging with the ref not to send the 28-year-old off.One fan agreed on X: “That’s a yellow. The force is so little. Slow motion makes it look 10x harder.”Dele Alli hailed for opening up on mental health battles as Everton star joins Monday Night Football panelAnother said: “Even Walker was saying to not give him a red for it. That’s actually heartbreaking.”While a third added: “Feel for Dele, man has gone through so much s**t and now this.”Alli broke through as a teenager at MK Dons before earning a big-money move to Tottenham in 2015. He has since gone on to earn 37 England caps, but his career has taken a nosedive over the past five years.Dele’s career in numbersDELE ALLI has been handed a career lifeline by Como – here’s his career path up until this point.2012-15 MK Dons (88 appearances, 24 goals)2015-22 Tottenham (269 appearances, 67 goals)2022-24 Everton (13 appearances, 0 goals)2022-23 Besiktas loan (15 appearances, 3 goals)2025-present Como (1 appearance, 0 goals)International career2012-13 England U17 (9 appearances, 0 goals)2014 England U18 (2 appearances, 0 goals)2014 England U19 (4 appearances, 0 goals)2015 England U21 (2 appearances, 0 goals)2015-2019 England (37 caps, 3 goals)Alli spent an unhappy three years at Everton, joining Besiktas on loan in 2023.His last game before Como’s clash in Milan was a 0-0 draw with Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig on February 26, 2023.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlli was praised for a groundbreaking interview with Manchester United legend Gary Neville later that year. The midfielder opened up on his mental health struggles, opening up on childhood trauma including being abused and selling drugs. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Bournemouth 1 Brentford 2: Christian Norgaard winner for Bees stings Cherries and squashes their European dreams

      by

      CHRISTIAN NORGAARD gave sleepy Bournemouth nightmares.The Dane revealed last week he feared that he might become addicted to sleeping pills.Christian Norgaard completes Brentford’s comebackCredit: GettyNorgaard runs away to celebrate putting the Bees aheadCredit: PABut Norgaard was wide awake when he volleyed home a second half winner that equalled a 15-year record.Brentford claimed their fifth consecutive away win for the first time since they achieved it in League One in 2010.And his goal only served to add more misery on the Cherries who have never beaten the Londoners in the Premier League.This was a big blow to Bournemouth’s Champion League dreams having now lost three home games in a row.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Cherries recalled Illia Zabarnyi after the Ukraine defender had served a three-match ban for a sending off against Wolves.Zaba had played every minute of Bournemouth fabulous season before he saw red.The Bees arrived on the south coast knowing they had the Indian sign over their hosts.Bournemouth were winless in their last eight league meetings since beating them in the Championship in August 2014.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSYoane Wissa levels for the BeesCredit: GettyWissa wheels away after his equaliserCredit: ReutersAnd the Londoners love hitting their opponents fast having scored four times from kick-off.But it was the Cherries who came out flying in attack and left-back Milos Kerkez shot straight at goalkeeper Mark Flekken in the second minute.Then Bournemouth’s teenage centre-back Dean Huijsen stormed upfront, seeing his powerful drive blocked for a corner.Kerkez made a wonderful goal for Marcus Tavernier in last week’s 2-2 draw with Spurs.And the flying Hungarian who was born in Serbia was celebrating another assist on 17 minutes.Antoine Semenyo slipped the perfect pass into Kerkez who fired the ball across the box.Vitaly Janelt, in attempting to help clear the danger, bumped into a team-mate and the ball went into his own net off his arm.This woke the visitors up and it was Bournemouth’s turn to defend for the first time.And the Bees were level on the half-hour when Yoane Wissa outjumped goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and headed home Bryan Mbeumo’s corner.Vitaly Janelt inadvertently turns into his own netCredit: GettyBournemouth celebrate taking a first half leadCredit: ReutersOnce again there were question marks over Arrizabalaga’s goalkeeping because it was a weak effort from the Brazilian to fist the ball clear.Last weekend the Chelsea loanee gave away a penalty allowing Spurs to take a point after being 2-0 down.Kepa’s fellow countryman Evanilson nearly gave the hosts the lead again in this end-to-end contest.Huijsen crossed to the back post where Evanilson’s shot bounced off the ground forcing Flekken to tip the ball against the bar.At the other end Kristoffer Ajer set-up a chance for Janelt to belt the ball over the home bar.The fans must have thought they were at the Wimbledon tennis watching the ball ping around from one end to the other.Semenyo this time found Ryan Christie who drove just wide of the far post.Then two minutes after the break Semenyo thought he had given his team the lead.The Ghana international met Justin Kluivert’s cross perfectly with his head but the ball smashed against the bar.Evanilson burst down the left and as the unmarked Semenyo yelled for the cross Flekken came to the rescue and cut it out.Bournemouth went into this match having notched just four points since the start of February.And with European qualification places up for grabs boss Andoni Iraola was desperate to get his boys back on the Euro track.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut that won’t happen if his team continue to make defensive errors which led to the Bees second goal on 71 minutes.Two defenders allowed Kevin Schade’s long throw bounce in the box and a grateful Norgaard volleyed the ball into the net. More