More stories

  • in

    Barcelona ‘open talks’ with Prem legend about becoming manager with bizarre clause that will let him keep current job

    BARCELONA have contacted Portugal boss Roberto Martinez over the prospect of replacing Xavi in the dugout this summer, reports suggest.The Barca manager has announced he will leave his post in June once the season is complete and club chiefs are rigorously searching for his replacement.Barcelona have contacted Portugal manager Roberto MartinezCredit: GettyMartinez has been offered the chance to continue coaching Portugal after replacing XaviCredit: RexA number of candidates have been touted, including the likes of Barcelona B coach Rafa Marquez, ex-Germany and Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has also been linked with the Blaugrana but he quickly dismissed those rumours as “totally fake news”.According to FootballTransfers, however, Barcelona have approached Martinez, 50, over the possibility of taking over the top job at the Nou Camp.The Catalan giants are offering the ex-Swansea, Wigan and Everton boss an initial one-year deal with the option for one more.Read More on FootballBarcelona are also on board with the Spanish tactician juggling his current job as Portugal’s head coach, which will allow him to continue working with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.Barca have been keeping tabs on the Premier League hero for a long time as they almost signed him in 2021 before ultimately turning to Xavi following Ronald Koeman’s dismissal.Club president Joan Laporta is a big admirer of Martinez, who has close ties to Barcelona because of his relationship with the Cruyff family. The ex-Wigan star is godfather to one of the sons of Jordi Cruyff, who is the son of Barcelona legend Johan.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReports suggest Martinez has previously expressed interest in coaching the Spanish giants.The Catalan head coach is no stranger to success as he shocked the world when he won the FA Cup with Wigan in 2013 after beating Manchester City in the final.Sports reporter Melissa Reddy works up a sweat as she shows off her gym routineHe also led Belgium to third place in the 2018 World Cup as well as the top spot in the FIFA rankings.Roberto Martinez’s Managerial Record

    2007-2009: Swansea
    2009-2013: Wigan
    2013-2016: Everton
    2016-2022: Belgium
    2023-: Portugal

    Trophies: League One (Swansea – 2007-2008), FA Cup (Wigan-2013) More

  • in

    Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel ‘open to replacing Xavi at Barcelona but wants to take Erik ten Hag’s job at Man Utd’

    THOMAS TUCHEL would consider bossing Barcelona – if he can’t get the Manchester United job.That’s the claim from Germany after the ex-Chelsea chief agreed to leave Bayern Munich this summer.Thomas Tuchel could land another huge role when he leaves BayernCredit: GettyAnother former Blues’ manager, Graham Potter, is the current favourite to succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford – closely followed by Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane and ex-Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui.But SportBild journalist Christian Falk says Tuchel’s “priority” is a Premier League return – with United topping his wishlist.However, if Ten Hag holds onto his position, or if new Red Devils’ minority owner sir Jim Ratcliffe looks elsewhere, then Barca could beckon.Nou Camp legend Xavi has refused the Spanish giants’ request to U-turn on his pledge to quit as boss at the end of the season.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd the race to replace him appears wide open.Falk has named Tuchel as a willing contender – but the ex-PSG chief faces tough competition from fellow German Hansi Flick.It leaves at least four of Europe’s traditional giants – United, Real, Bayern and Liverpool – staring at major managerial decisions this summer.Indeed, Tuchel has also been mentioned as an option to follow Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALLIt appears Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is so far Liverpool’s top target.But Bayern have also been linked with the former Spain midfielder, who played for the Bundesliga club as well as the Reds and Real.I won iconic Treble at Man Utd… but I fear I’ll have to BUY a football club to ever land another managerial job More

  • in

    Erling Haaland’s agent ‘meets with Barcelona and discusses Man City star’s future’ in hint at huge transfer

    ERLING HAALAND’S agent has held a meeting with Barcelona in what could be a hint at the forward’s future.Footage captured from Spanish outlet Jijantes shows Barca sporting director Deco meeting with superagent Rafaela Pimenta.Erling Haaland could be on his way to BarcelonaCredit: Alamy💣 EXCLUSIVA @JijantesFC‼ Cumbre del BARÇA con los agentes de HAALAND ‼Deco, el director deportivo azulgrana, se ha reunido hoy con Rafaela Pimenta y Maxwell, agentes del delantero noruego, entre muchos otros. El futuro de Haaland, el gran sueño de Laporta, uno de los… pic.twitter.com/lFKPtXTQdF— Jijantes FC (@JijantesFC) February 28, 2024

    They allege that Haaland’s future was discussed at the meeting.The 23-year-old has previously been linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid.However, it seems Barcelona want to try and steal a march on their LaLiga rivals by pipping them to the signing of the Manchester City ace.Haaland has a contract at Man City running until 2027 which sees him earn £375,000 a week before bonuses. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt then eclipses the £850,000 mark when bonuses and incentives are added.Reports in Spain suggest the Norwegian’ has a £171.6million (€200m) release clause in his contract that will become active in the summer. The value of the clause is set to decrease in every transfer window beyond 2024 until its expiry.A “big dream” of Barcelona president Joan Laporta is said to have been one of the points of discussion at the meeting.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPimenta took over the agency left behind by Mino Raiola following his passing in April 2022.Haaland netted five goals in Man City’s 6-2 win over Luton in the FA Cup.His hat-trick in the game was the 18th of his club career, with two more coming for his country.He has already scored 27 goals in all competitions this season, which comes on the back of a record-breaking 52-goal campaign last season.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top five More

  • in

    Tottenham fans say ‘that’s just ridiculous’ as transfer deadline day signing runs rings around defenders in viral video

    TOTTENHAM fans are licking their lips at the prospect of welcoming wonderkid Lucas Bergvall to the club. Spurs beat Barcelona to the Djurgarden midfielder on Deadline Day as they agreed an £8.5million deal plus add-ons.
    Lucas Bergvall scored a wonder goal
    Spurs fans are licking their lips at his arrival
    Bergvall is spending the rest of this season at Djurgarden, before he officially links up with Tottenham on July 1.
    And the playmaker already has Spurs fans in awe of his talent after scoring a stunner against United Nordic.
    Bergvall skipped past six defenders on a magical solo run before cooly slotting past the keeper, leaving fans stunned.
    One said: “That’s just ridiculous.”
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Another added: “Top talent. They got him for peanuts.”
    Bergvall scored twice in the game to help Djurgarden to a 5-0 win.
    Spurs beat off interest from Aston Villa or Wolves to sign the teenage sensation as well as Barcelona.
    And Bergvall was forced to hit back at claims that he used Barca to get a better deal out of Tottenham.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Ex-Barca scout Bojan Krkic snr, dad of the former Stoke star of the same name, also questioned Bergvall’s ambition.
    But Bergvall, 18, said: “They can say what they want. I know what the truth is.”
    Tottenham HIJACK Barcelona’s transfer for Swedish wonderkid Lucas Bergvall in major deadline day coup
    Krkic snr claimed Bergvall’s girlfriend and mum steered him towards Spurs and his camp played Barca along to improve Tottenham’s offer.
    Krkic said: “Where is the player’s ambition? Barca would be the opportunity of his life right now.”
    When asked if the smears could be bitterness on Barcelona’s part, Bergvall said: “That could be the case, absolutely.
    “There was a lot of speculation, but it’s nice that everything has settled down and that I can focus only on Djurgarden.”
    Bergvall signed for Tottenham in JanuaryCredit: Rex More

  • in

    My dad is a Real Madrid icon… now I’m playing alongside Barcelona legend Lionel Messi at Inter Miami after transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend David Beckham has welcomed a promising young ace to his Inter Miami side.And the youngster is set for an exciting adventure as he will be linking up with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
    Federico Redondo has joined Lionel Messi at Inter MiamiCredit: https://www.instagram.com/fede.redondo/
    Federico is the son of Real Madrid legend Fernando Redondo
    The Argentine will also be rubbing shoulders with some of Messi’s most legendary Barcelona teammates in Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
    But hanging out with football icons is nothing new for Federico Redondo, 21, as he grew up in that environment as the son of the legendary Fernando Redondo.
    Fernando enjoyed a stunning 19-year career that saw him dazzling the crowds around the world during his time at Real Madrid, AC Milan and Argentina.
    And now Federico is looking to follow in his dad’s footsteps, starting in the MLS.
    Read More on Football
    Inter Miami announced they signed the midfielder from Argentinos Juniors, which is the same club where Fernando’s career kicked off.
    The Argentina Under-23 international has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with a club option to extend until 2028.
    Federico has penned a youth contract and the paperwork is expected to be completed once his visa is finalised.
    Inter Miami chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said: “We’re pleased to bring an exciting young midfielder like Federico to Inter Miami.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    “He’s a very promising player who is sharp with the ball at his feet, and shows awareness out of possession.
    “We believe in his potential, but also feel he will immediately be a strong addition to our squad as we look to build on our successes in 2024.”
    ‘He’s just taking the p**s,’ say fans as they spot ‘savage’ Messi’s ‘disrespectful’ skill against injured opponent
    Federico joined Argentinos Juniors in 2013 at the tender age of 10 years old and spent nine years in the youth ranks.
    The defensive midfielder made his senior debut in 2022 and went on to amass two goals as well as two assists in 58 appearances.
    Federico said: “I’m very happy to join a Club that is growing so much. It’s a great opportunity to share the pitch with top players.
    “I’m looking forward to integrating in the group with my teammates. We have to go step by step but always dream big.” More

  • in

    I’m ex-Premier League star who may be forced to retire aged 29… I may never recover from mystery injury, says Deulofeu

    FORMER Barcelona and Everton star Gerard Deulofeu has admitted to fearing may never play again after his latest knee injury.Deulofeu, 29, is currently playing for Serie A side Udinese but has been out since January last year.
    Deulofeu has admitted to fearing his career may be overCredit: Getty
    The player has undergone three knee surgeries in an attempt to save his careerCredit: Instagram @gerardeulofeu
    Thirteen months on from a gruelling operation, the winger has admitted to already planning for life after football amid doubts that he can return to the game.
    Speaking on the Jijantes Twitch channel via Calciomercato.com Deulofeu said: “For several months I’ve known that I might not play again.
    “I can’t do what I love for a long time, I haven’t played for over a year. I can’t say much, but I’m going through an ordeal.
    “You can’t imagine what I’m going through. I’m trying to recover in every way, but I’ve accepted the idea that I may never recover.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    “I had an injury in 2020, my knee was very traumatized, but I managed to recover. I then suffered another injury, for a third time and there were complications.
    “I can’t say much because I have an agreement with my club, but I’ll just say that it’s a real ordeal, you can’t imagine what’s happening to me.
    “However, I’m trying to recover in every way. But I’m also preparing for what could be a post-playing career.”
    Deulofeu is still contracted at Udinese until June 2026 and Calciomercato claim that he could be offered a role in the club’s backroom staff should he be forced into retirement.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Deulofeu was a fan favourite at EvertonCredit: PA:Press Association
    The player was reportedly close to linking up with Antonio Conte at Spurs prior to the injury in January last year, now 13 months later he is looking at retirement.
    He went on to open up about planning for a career change after football and said: “Luckily I was able to make a big change on a personal level. I am happy with my change, for those who have been by my side and for what I have created in my life.
    Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers
    “This is saving me, because when you don’t have an organised life on a personal level, after such a hard blow, with so many operations on my leg… I probably would have fallen into depression.”
    The winger did not expand exactly on what his plans would be if his latest operation is to force him to walk away from the game.
    Deulofeu joined Everton on loan from Barcelona ahead of the 2013-14 season before joining the Toffees permanently in 2015.
    He then left Everton to join AC Milan in 2017 before returning to Barcelona, so he’s had quite the CV.
    Deulofeu joined Watford in 2018 and was a key part of the team that made the 2019 FA Cup final.
    Both Everton and Watford have shown their support for Deulofeu on X after he went public with his struggles.
    The winger responded to both clubs by writing “Love you.”
    The Spaniard had two spells at BarcelonaCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    David Beckham hell-bent on Inter Miami world domination as Man Utd legend reveals when he’ll know MLS club are global

    DAVID BECKHAM is hell-bent on world domination with Inter Miami.Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, now calls South Florida home and has catapulted the club to a level of global recognition they could only have dreamed of six years ago.
    David Beckham and a group of investors bought Inter Miami in 2021Credit: AP
    Becks managed to lure footie superstar Lionel Messi to Chase StadiumCredit: GETTY
    Beckham has huge plans for the MLS franchiseCredit: GETTY
    But Beckham, fellow owner Jorge Mas and all involved in this frenzied football club are not stopping there.
    Having played at Manchester United and Real Madrid, Beckham knows what it means to be a truly big club.
    Javier Morales, the assistant manager who has been with the club since the start and played against Beckham when he played for LA Galaxy, said: “When I first spoke to David, he said he thinks this could be a big club.
    “Obviously he came from Man United and he used to play for big teams. That is his idea.
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    “He wants Inter Miami to be not just a top team not just in the country but also in the world.”
    Their ambitions are, in a very American and Miami fashion, straightforward and stratospheric. Inter Miami are aiming to become the New York Yankees of football.
    With the stardust of Messi, Beckham and the celebrities who are regulars at their Chase Stadium – Inter Miami want their pop of pink to be as recognisable as the pinstripes of the Yankees.
    And when you see Messi, having dazzled in the Major League Soccer season opener on Wednesday night, hugging Hollywood star Will Smith as he heads down the tunnel at half-time it is hard to say it is not possible.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Hollywood superstar Will Smith was in attendance for Inter Miami’s midweek clash with Real Salt LakeCredit: Instagram
    Xavier Asensi, one of the top figures at the club who joined after a decade on the Barcelona board, said: “Football is global, Messi and Beckham.
    “After Covid a lot of celebrities moved here, it is super well connected.
    ‘He’s just taking the p**s,’ say fans as they spot ‘savage’ Messi’s ‘disrespectful’ skill against injured opponent
    “It is a mosaic and a place that embraces and welcomes people from all over the world.
    “You have the two largest languages in use around the world here.
    “All this combined creates this aura, which gives a power if you know how to action it that the sky is the limit.
    “Do you like baseball? I don’t. But do you have a cap with the NY of the Yankees? How cool is that?
    “For me, that is the potential we have. We have the potential of the sexiness, the brand that can be a fashion.
    “We have that potential. In order to unlock that, only the best are enough.
    David Beckham recently secured the services of Luis Suarez for Inter MiamiCredit: EPA
    Becks is loving the latest chapter of his football careerCredit: AP
    “We need to surround ourselves with the best people to unlock the potential that we have as a brand.
    “This is not just football, we can go bigger and better.”
    The attitude of only the best being enough has seen Beckham’s club chase not only Messi but a trio of his former teammates from Barcelona.
    Luis Suarez was unveiled by the ex-England captain along with a fireworks display ahead of their win over Real Salt Lake, with Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who struggled somewhat, also starting.
    Landing Messi was a statement of intent, proving they can compete not only with European clubs but also the emerging threat of Saudi Arabia.
    And more will follow. World Cup winner Antoine Greizmann is expected to join the club in the not-too-distant future, potentially following Messi as the biggest name once the Argentine calls it a day.
    Asensi said: “More players from Barcelona? Yeah, why not? What we want is good players and if they are coming from Barcelona, perfect.”
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Messi made Inter Miami the most Googled sports club in the world last year and helped them embark on a world tour across pre-season, something unprecedented in MLS.
    A first League title is the expectation this season, but Beckham’s ambitions go way beyond MLS and even Messi. More

  • in

    Dani Alves’ ex-wife Joana Sanz looks defiant in selfie posted MINUTES after former Barcelona star found guilty of rape

    DANI Alves’ estranged wife Joana Sanz posted a glowing selfie just minutes after the former footballer was found guilty of rape.The Spanish model appeared unfazed in the snap she uploaded on her Instagram story – just a few minutes after the sentence of her ex-husband was announced.
    Joana Sanz posted the selfie a few minutes after Alves’ sentenceCredit: instagram/@joanasanz
    The Brazilian footballer was found guilty of raping a woman at a nightclub in BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
    The Spanish model posted a photo of herself holding a coffeeCredit: instagram/joanasanz
    Sanz testified in court Alves “smelled of alcohol” after arriving home the night of December 30Credit: Getty
    Sanz, who is in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria for an advertisement shoot, according to El Español, posted a series of snaps on Instagram.
    In one of them she shared a photo of herself holding a coffee as she is surrounded by makeup tools.
    The model testified in court earlier this month that her ex-husband “smelled of alcohol” and “he bumped into several pieces of furniture and collapsed on the bed” when he arrived home the night of December 30.
    This morning the ex-Barcelona star, 40, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for raping a woman in the toilets of the nightclub Sutton in Barcelona.
    READ MORE ON DANI ALVES
    He was also ordered to pay the victim £130,000 (150,000 euros) and to stay away from her for nine-and-a-half years.
    The court said in a statement: “The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven.”
    State prosecutors were seeking nine years while the lawyers representing Alves’s accuser wanted 12 years.
    Alves, who has been held in pre-trial detention since his arrest last year, was then transferred back to Brians 2 prison.
    Most read in Football
    Speaking outside the court, Alves’s lawyer Inés Guardiola said they were planning to appeal the sentence.
    She told reporters:” Four and a half years is much better than 9 and 12 that the accusation requested, but we are going to appeal because I still believe in Mr. Alves’ innocence. 
    Dani Alves’ model ex Joana Sanz arrives at court to reveal what ‘drunk’ ex-Barcelona star told her moments after ‘rape’
    “We are going to review the sentence, but I can tell you that we are going to appeal.
    “We continue to believe in the innocence of Mr. Alves. He already knows the sentence and is whole.
    “We will defend his innocence to the end.”
    Alves had appeared before court two weeks ago and denied the allegations insisting the encounter had been consensual. 
    He denied any wrongdoing, telling his defence lawyer that he is “not that type of man”.
    The three-day trial at Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court saw the victim, witnesses and experts testifying.
    His accuser told the prosecution that she had willingly entered the bathroom with him, but that he forced her to stay after she wanted to leave.
    During the first day of the footballer’s trial, a friend and cousin of his accuser claimed he also groped them in the VIP area.
    The two women claim he then invited their friend, the alleged rape victim, to follow him through a separate door after flirting with her.
    The dad-of-two has made repeated bail requests but they have all been turned down, with judges saying his alleged victim’s version of events was coherent and pointing out Alves had changed his story several times as the evidence authorities have against him has emerged.
    He was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrest after he flew back to Barcelona to attend his mother-in-law’s funeral.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    As well as two spells at Barcelona, Alves has played for Seville, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Sao Paulo.
    Sanz claimed her ex-husband stumbled on furniture after coming home that nightCredit: Instagram @joanasanz
    Alves was transferred back to Brian 2 prison after the sentencingCredit: EPA More