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    Barcelona chief breaks silence on Ilkay Gundogan’s shock transfer return to Man City and reveals real reason he left

    BARCELONA transfer chief Joan Laporta has revealed the reasons behind Ilkay Gundogan’s return to Manchester City.Gundogan, 33, left Man City as a treble-winner last summer to join the Catalan outfit when his contract expired.Ilkay Gundogan returned to Man City after a season with BarcelonaCredit: GettyGundogan left following the big money signing of Dani OlmoCredit: EPABut Barcelona chief Joan Laporta insists Gundogan’s exit was down to ‘sporting’ reasonsCredit: GettyHowever, just one year later, he sealed a move back to his old stomping ground on a free transfer to reunite with Pep Guardiola and co.His time in Catalonia came in a season in which Barcelona desperately struggled across the board.It also saw Gundogan brutally call out his team-mates after their exit from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage, with his wife later forced to defend his “treble mentality”.The German was reportedly the eighth-highest earner in the squad on £165,000 a week, but Barcelona needed to make room in their budget in order to register new signing Dani Olmo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Blaugrana chief Joan Laporta has insisted Gundogan left for sporting reasons, following a discussion with new manager Hansi Flick.Speaking in a press conference on Tuesday, he said: “[Gundogan is] a great player and an excellent person. The year we spent with him showed us what he’s like. “But after a meeting with [Hansi] Flick and assessing the situation of the squad, he decided he wanted to leave.”The signing of Dani Olmo [meant] he was a player who performs a similar function to that of Gundo.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It’s purely a sporting decision. It wasn’t a financial one, but the financial repercussions have been good for us. It’s a sporting decision by Barca and Gundogan.”He came without a transfer fee and it was fair that if he wanted to go to City there wouldn’t be a fee.Ilkay Gundogan points blame at two Barcelona team-mates on live TV after nightmare Champions League exit to PSG”It has had an impact on our accounts, but the reason was a sporting decision by the player.”Gundogan made 51 appearances for Barca last season, scoring five goals and adding 14 assists – the most in the squad.He has made two appearances off the bench for the Cityzens this season.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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    Cesc Fabregas set to complete double-transfer of Barcelona legend and Man City star as fans say Como are ‘new Inter’

    CESC FABREGAS’ Como side are poised to sign Barcelona legend Sergi Roberto and Manchester City midfielder Maximo Perrone, according to reports.The ex-Arsenal star, 37, took over as head coach of the newly-promoted Serie A side last month.Cesc Fabregas has landed two new big signings for his sideCredit: AlamySergi Roberto is poised to sign for the Serie A clubCredit: RexHe left Barcelona this summer after featuring 14 times last seasonHaving spent time as a player, academy coach and assistant at the Italian club, he assumed the role as boss and is wasting no time in bolstering his squad.They are already closing in on a deal for Real Madrid youngster Nico Paz, 19.Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, ex-Barcelona man Roberto, 32, is expected to follow suit with a “deal in place” for him to join Como.The versatile midfielder and full-back ended his 18-year affinity with the Catalan giants earlier this month in an emotional press conference after his contract came to an end.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRoberto, who played with Fabregas, racked up 373 games for Barcelona’s first team, winning seven LaLiga titles and two Champions Leagues.As a free agent he is an attractive proposition for Como – who are enjoying a first ever season in the top flight.They will offer him a two-year deal plus the option of an additional 12 months.And Roberto is set to be joined in the beautiful Italian region by Man City man Perrone, 21.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMaximo Perrone is set to join Roberto at ComoCredit: RexPeronne spent last season on loan at Las PalmasThe Argentine midfielder arrived at the Etihad in January 2023 and made his Premier League debut the following month.After just one more appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side, he spent last season on loan at Las Palmas, playing 29 LaLiga games.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton break down the new changes for the UEFA Champions League format for 2024/25″Final details” are being worked out around Perrone’s move, but Como are said to be “closing in”.Fabregas began life as Como boss with a penalty shoot-out defeat to Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia.Como then kicked off their league campaign with a 3-0 loss away at Juventus. More

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    Ilkay Gundogan signs autographs as Man City icon meets Pep Guardiola at boss’ Manchester restaurant to seal transfer

    ILKAY GUNDOGAN has arrived back in England ahead of sealing his free transfer to Manchester City from Barcelona.The midfielder was pictured signing autographs for fans after returning to Manchester.Ilkay Gundogan has arrived back in England ahead of his Manchester City returnCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeGundogan signed autographs for fans as he prepares to complete a free transfer from BarcelonaCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe was spotted leaving a restaurant where he met City manager Pep Guardiola.The pair held a 50-minute meeting at TAST Restaurant in Manchester, which is owned by the Spaniard.City have agreed terms with Gundogan ahead of a dramatic return to the Etihad Stadium.The Premier League champions have seen off rival interest from Turkish sides Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes just over a year after he left for Barcelona following seven years in England.Gundogan signed from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 before going on to make 304 appearances for City.The German scored 60 goals and provided 38 assists as well as serving as captain in his final season.He also won 14 trophies including the treble during the 2022/23 campaign.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJust 12 months after moving to Barca on a free, though, he has all but left the Spanish giants.Gundogan leads a fire-sale at the club with up to 10 players expected to leave before the transfer window closes. Micah Richards explains awkward exchange with Erling Haaland live on Sky Sports after Man City’s win over ChelseaDuring his time in Spain, he made 51 appearances for Barcelona, scoring five goals.As well as his imminent City return, Gundogan’s international future has also been finalised this week.The 33-year-old announced his retirement from Germany duty after winning 82 caps and scoring 19 goals for his country.He is now set to become Guardiola’s second signing of the summer.City have already added Brazilian winger Savinho to their ranks after bringing him to the club from French side Troyes. More

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    Thiago Alcantara leaves Barcelona just a month after ex-Liverpool star joined Spanish giants in new role

    THIAGO ALCANTARA has left his coaching role at Barcelona after a one-month stint in Spain.Thiago, 33, was suddenly forced into early retirement due to recurring injuries this summer.Thiago Alcantara has left Barcelona after a brief coaching stintCredit: RexThiago was brought in to help his former boss Hansi Flick adjust to BarcaCredit: GettySpanish outlet Marca claimed the former midfielder will now likely return to his Liverpool home.Thiago must reportedly spend the rest of the year in the UK due to tax reasons related to his P45 at Anfield.His deep knowledge of Barcelona and his fluency in German, after spending nine seasons at Bayern Munich, made him an ideal addition to Hansi Flick’s coaching staff.The former Spain international undertook an internship under Flick to obtain his coaching licence.He allegedly impressed those around him during his return and Flick has left the door open for the 33-year-old to return.The pair previously worked together during their time at Bayern, where Flick was both assistant boss and manager.Barca announced under-16 coach Arnau Blanco as Thiago’s replacement.In addition to working under Pep Guardiola, he has also been with Jurgen Klopp, Flick and Carlo Ancelotti.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThiago spent four years with Liverpool, making 98 appearances despite persistent injury issues.Prior to his retirement, he had been linked with a return to Barcelona on a free transfer this summer.PREM RULE CHANGESHe previously spent eight years with the club after coming through Barca’s fabled academy.Thiago went on to make 100 first-team appearances before joining Bayern in 2013.Following seven years in Germany, he signed for Liverpool in 2020 but has always struggled with injuries.Despite that, Thiago won 32 major trophies across his spells with the three clubs.Thiago joined Liverpool in 2021Credit: Getty More

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    Spain & Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is seen leaving hospital after dad stabbed during argument in car park

    BARCELONA star Lamine Yamal has been seen leaving hospital after his dad was brutally stabbed during an argument in a car park.Mounir Nasraoui, 35, was reportedly rushed to hospital in “serious condition” on Wednesday evening after he was knifed several times.Lamine Yamal pictured in a car as he leaves the hospital his dad is in near BadalonaCredit: AFPYamal (L), Barcelona and Spain star winger, leaves the hospital todayCredit: ReutersLamine Yamal, 17, with his dad Mounir Nasraoui, 35,Credit: GettyFootage showed Nasraoui fighting with people in the street hours before the attackFootballer Yamal, 17, was by his dad’s side along with was Barcelona chief Joan Laporta at the facility in Badalona.Nasraoui allegedly got into an argument with several people while walking his dog, which spiraled and ended with him being stabbed, La Vanguardia reports.He was attacked in the Spanish town of Mataro and is understood to now in a “stable” condition but still “under observation”, Relevo reports.The football pro’s proud dad was first admitted to an intensive care unit.READ MORE ON SPORTHorrified bystanders witnessed the stabbing at around 9.10pm on Wednesday, with cops launching an investigation.Three people have now been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and are undergoing questioning, according to El Mundo.Nasraoui allegedly has a “history” with the three men that go back “a long way”, Spanish outlet Marca reports.A fourth man is also reportedly being hunted by police.Most read in FootballFootage surface this week of Nasraoui rowing with locals at 3.45pm – just hours before the stabbing in the Barcelona neighbourhood Yamal grew up in.The video shows Nasraoui, wearing a Barcelona football shirt with his son’s name on the back, arguing with a group standing in a doorway.Barcelona star Lamine Yamal’s dad ‘stabbed in car park’ & rushed to hospitalThey could be seen trading jeers back and forth and gesturing angrily in the street.A spokesman for Mossos d’Esquadra police said this morning: “I can confirm three people have been arrested following the stabbing of a man in the neighbourhood of Rocafonda in Mataro. “The investigation is still open and officers are still trying to establish the level of implication of those detained.”More arrests may take place later today. We’re not in a position to offer any more details at this stage about the arrested mens’ ages and nationalities.”What we can say is that the stabbing occurred at 9.10pm in a car park and the arrests took place a couple of hours later and the three people arrested were in custody by 11pm.”The arrests occurred in the neighbourhood of Rocafonda in Mataro. The victim was taken to hospital in Barcelona.”There was a previous incident involving the men believed to have been involved in the stabbing, shortly after midday yesterday.”That incident and the circumstances surrounding the subsequent stabbing and whether the men allegedly involved bumped into each other or the suspects laid in wait for the victim is still under investigation and is an important part of the probe because it will determine the charges the arrested men could face.”Nasraoui is renowned for being his son’s number one supporter and was there when the 17-year-old secured the European Championship title this year.At just 15, Yamal made his debut for Barcelona in LaLiga – coming off the bench for a lively cameo.In doing so, he became the Catalan giants’ youngest ever player this century.He is Spain’s youngest ever goalscorer, and the youngest player to play at the Euros in the 64-year history of the competition.Born to a Moroccan father and Guinean mother, Yamal grew up in the suburb of Mataro.He is fiercely proud of his roots – donning the flags of both of those countries on his Adidas F50 boots, the same worn by his idol Lionel Messi, who he has been compared to, and told GQ that the same people who call him the ‘next Messi’ are also likely to criticise him.Incredibly, Messi and Yamal crossed paths when he was just six months old, after his parents bagged a charity calendar photoshoot with the Argentina and Barca great.READ MORE SUN STORIESA baby Yamal was lovingly held by the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, just 20 himself at the time, before being given a bath.Yamal’s mum and dad split when he was a young boy, so he divided his time between two homes – using a train pass to get around.Yamal exited the hospital car park on Thursday afternoonCredit: ReutersMounir Nasraoui wearing a football strip shirt in support of his sonYamal is Spain’s youngest ever goal scorer, and the youngest player to play at the Euros in the 64-year history of the competition More

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    Man Utd hold shock transfer talks over Marcos Alonso with former Chelsea and Barcelona star now a free agent

    MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a swoop for former Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso, according to reports.Erik ten Hag’s defensive injury woes have continued into the new season, with Luke Shaw ruled out until the international break with a fresh calf problem.United have considered a move for free agent Marcos AlonsoCredit: GettyAlonso was out injured for most of last season as Barcelona finished second in La LigaUnited remain short on left-back options with Tyrell Malacia still out after his knee surgery caused him to miss the whole of last season.And according to The Athletic, ex-Chelsea star Alonso has been discussed as a potential option by Old Trafford chiefs.The 33-year-old is a free agent after his contract with Barcelona expired at the end of last season and he would be open to returning to the Premier League.The former Champions League winner with Chelsea was limited to eight appearances last season owing to a back injury.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAlonso joined Stamford Bridge in 2016 in a deal worth £24m from Fiorentina and made 212 appearances for the Blues, scoring 29 goals.Ten Hag was forced to rely on centre-back Victor Lindelof and defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat to fill the void at left-back last term.Meanwhile, star centre-half Lisandro Martinez was forced to play on the left-side of defence during the Community Shield on Sunday.The Red Devils suffered a 7-6 defeat on penalties to Manchester City following a 1-1 draw at Wembley.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Man Utd have had a welcome boost with the signing of right-back Noussair Mazraoui, 26, from Bayern Munich.The Dutchman’s ability to play on the left was a factor in United picking him to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka who joined West Ham for an undisclosed fee this week.Paul Scholes says ‘that is a massive concern for me’ as Man Utd legend opens up on ‘second-rate’ De Ligt transfer Meanwhile Matthijs de Ligt, 25, also joined United in a combined deal with Mazaroui worth £60m, including add-ons.The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, whose agent Jorge Mendes arrived in England to broker a deal on Tuesday. More

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    Real Madrid and Barcelona in Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer battle as Liverpool bid to stop star running down contract

    REAL MADRID and Barcelona are watching Trent Alexander-Arnold’s  situation at Liverpool closely.The Liverpool vice-captain, 25, is out of contract next year and has been strongly linked with a move to the European champions.Trent Alexander-Arnold has developed into one of the world’s best right backs but his next step is unclearCredit: EPAReports in Spain say both LaLiga clubs think the England ace is willing to leave following the progress of 21-year-old right-back Conor Bradley.The Reds will offer Alexander-Arnold a new deal that would increase his £180,000-per-week wages — but they are not willing to break the bank.And rumours have swirled that he may leave to join England team-mate Jude Bellingham at the Bernabeu.The pair were also spotted holidaying in Los Angeles together last month, where Alexander-Arnold was seen signing a Madrid shirt for a fan.Read more transfer newsAnfield bosses also have to sort out what to do with Mo Salah, 32, and Virgil van Dijk, 33, who are the only two players at Anfield who earn more than Alexander-Arnold.All three players contracts will expire in June 2025.It still seems unlikely Liverpool would cash in on their academy graduate this summer as it would be a wrench for both parties.But Real and Barca, along with other top clubs, are looking at what might be possible in the next 12 months or so.Most read in FootballJude Bellingham and Trent Alexander Arnold holidayed together in LACredit: InstragramFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis assist tally and chance creation from right back have led to calls for him to be utilised further forward despite misgivings about that from former boss Jurgen Klopp.Alexander-Arnold is arguably the most complete passer in the game bar Kevin De Bruyne, and has scored 15 goals for Liverpool and provided 58 assists, a record for defenders in the Premier League.SunSport launches weekly Football League feature called ‘What the EFL-!’New boss Arne Slot prefers a more orthodox right back, with Northern Ireland international Bradley mooted as the more natural fit there.Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Michael Owen said Madrid might prove too irresistible of a destination for Alexander-Arnold.Owen told Casino Hawks: “Obviously Real Madrid at the moment are the best team in Europe, they are the biggest team in the world and have that iconic kit and their players… It’s the best stage in Europe.”I had a similar thing at that stage of my career, and I decided that it was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. “I don’t know if it’s an opportunity for Trent or a possibility, but he’d have a lot to think about if they came in for him.”Liverpool are the only Premier League club yet to sign a player in the summer transfer window but are expected to bring in a new defensive midfielder.Real Sociedad and Spain star Martin Zubimendi – who has a £51.7m release clause – is a top-priority for new boss Arne Slot.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan KingLIVERPOOL’S new manager Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.“The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More

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    Lucy Bronze confirms Chelsea move and return to England’s top-flight after Barcelona exit

    LUCY BRONZE has joined Chelsea on a free transfer after leaving three-time Women’s Champions League winners Barcelona.The England defender’s move to the WSL title holders comes three weeks after her contract with the Catalan giants ended.Lucy Bronze has joined Chelsea after a trophy-laden two-year stint with BarcelonaBronze’s move comes a day after the Lioness helped European champions England automatically qualify for next year’s Women’s EurosCredit: GettyBronze, who has won five Champions League trophies, will hope to do so for a sixth time with ChelseaCredit: GettyHer switch was confirmed by Chelsea a day after she helped England automatic qualify for next year’s Euros in SwitzerlandThe 125-capped right-back, 32, and her team-mates hope to win the tournament for the second time in a row following their 2022 triumph.Bronze’s transfer will see her return to the Women’s Super League for the first time since leaving Man City two years ago to play in Spain.It will also see her link up with her England team-mates Millie Bright, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones.Read More Football StoriesThe defender, who has won three WSL titles, describes her Chelsea move as “surreal”.Bronze said:  “I’m really excited to be back in England.”My family are so excited as well to get to more of my games. “I’m excited to be in London, to see what the capital holds and to be at a club that is renowned for winning so many trophies.Most read in Football”To know I’m a Chelsea player still feels a little bit surreal. “It’s obviously a club I know so much about and have done for such a long time.”Over the course of a 17-year senior playing career which began in Sunderland in 2007 has lifted five Champions League trophies – two with Barcelona and three her former club Lyon.And the full-back has won three WSL titles in 2013, 2014 and 2016 during spells with Liverpool and Man City.  Blues general manager Paul Green added: “Lucy will bring leadership to the group. She is a serial winner and a versatile defender.”She has lots of experience and a winning mentality which we feel will fit well into the squad.”Bronze’s arrival at Chelsea follows a busy month of transfers for the Blues since new boss Sonia Bompastor took charge of the club.The ex-Lyon head coach has bolstered her midfield options with Julia Bartel and Oriane Jean-Francois joining from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Chelsea’s new additions include France forward Sandy BaltimoreCredit: GettyThis follows Melanie Leupolz’s departure for Real Madrid after four years with the Blues. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club have also strengthened their attacking options by signing of France and former PSG forward Sandy Baltimore following Fran Kirby’s move to WSL rivals Brighton.Next season the team will chase an eighth top-flight title win and as well pushing to win the Champions League for the first time. More