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      Meet Ivan Toney’s new team-mates after Saudi Arabia transfer including three Champions League winners and Barcelona flop

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      IVAN TONEY will be joined by a star-studded cast when he makes his debut in Saudi Arabia.Toney, 28, completed a £40million transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli from Brentford on deadline day.Ivan Toney completed a £40m transfer to Al-Ahli on deadline dayCredit: Instagram @alahliclub.saHe will be joining stars with top pedigree such as Riyad MahrezCredit: GettyChampions League winner Edouard Mendy is also at the clubCredit: GettyFormer Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino joined the club last summerCredit: GettyThe six-cap England international has already been greeted by fans of the Jeddah-based outfit, though he cast an awkward look as they sang a new chant for him.However, while Toney brings star power in his own right, he will be joining a host of big names who can boast major European silverware.So much so that, even though Toney is earning a whopping £403,000-a-week at base, he is not even close to being top earner at the club.That title belongs to a certain Riyad Mahrez, who reportedly nets a stunning £850,000-a-week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMahrez, 33, won five Premier League titles – one with Leicester and four with Manchester City – as well as two FA Cups, three League Cups and the Champions League.The international stage has also seen Mahrez crowned the African Footballer of the Year for 2016, win the African Cup of Nations with Algeria in 2019 and twice win his nations Player of the Year award.Mahrez headed to the club last summer, the first of a wave of star signings.Those included Chelsea Champions League winner Edouard Mendy, 32, and Prem and Champions League winner Roberto Firmino, 32.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReports suggest Firmino is earning £326,000-a-week and Mendy is taking home £216,000 per week.Al-Ahli’s incredible wage bill is also topped up by Barcelona flop Franck Kessie on £230,000 a week.XI amazing players worth £78m available for freeThe 27-year-old played just 43 times for the Spanish giants in an underwhelming spell following a transfer from AC Milan.Elsewhere in the squad there is highly-rated 22-year-old Gabri Veiga.The midfielder is a former transfer target of Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City.He was labelled “embarrassing” by World Cup winner Toni Kroos after completing a transfer to the club for £34m from Celta Vigo last year.Veiga is estimated to make just shy of £200,000-a-week.Making up the defence, Al-Ahli have ex-Roma star Roger Ibanez, 25, and former Juventus star Merih Demiral, 26.Both centre-backs also played at Atalanta, though the latter of them was hit by a Uefa ban for his controversial “Grey Wolf” goal celebration while playing for Turkey at Euro 2024.It’s at full-back where some Saudi players make the side, with 24-year-old pairing Ali Majrashi and Bassam Al-Hurayji filling in on either side so far this season.As well as the arrival of Toney, Al-Ahli have also handed former RB Salzburg coach Matthias Jaissle a new defensive midfielder in the form of 20-year-old Alexsander, who joined from Fluminense.These stars play at the multi-use King Abdullah Sports City stadium, which can hold more than 62,000 spectators.However, just over 20,000 turned out for their opening home match against Al-Orobah.That game ended in a 2-0 win, while their first away game ended in a 1-0 defeat at Al-Fateh.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Toney could make his debut for the Royals against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr on September 13.Al-Ahli finished third in the Saudi Pro League last season, but will be hoping the addition of Toney can fire them to the title for the first time since 2016.The Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium in Jeddah seats 12,000 peopleCredit: GettyBarcelona flop Franck Kessie joined Al-Ahli last seasonCredit: GettyGabri Veiga was labelled ’embarrassing’ by Toni Kroos when he moved to Saudi Arabia from Celta VigoCredit: Getty More

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      Man City forced to play twice in 49 hours as police refuse to budge on Carabao Cup clash

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      MANCHESTER CITY are set to play twice in the space of 49 hours later this month.City meet Watford in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday, 25 September.Pep Guardiola will have to manage a hectic fixture scheduleCredit: AlamyPep Guardiola’s side face Premier League title rivals Arsenal on Sunday, 22 September, before travelling to Newcastle on Saturday, 28 September.But neighbours Manchester United are playing their Europa League group stage opener against FC Twente on Wednesday night, when City’s game against Watford would have beenmost suitable.Therefore, City will be forced to play twice in three days because Greater Manchester Police are reluctant to let them play at home on the same night.Not since October 2015, when City thumped Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup and United lost on penalties to Middlesbrough, has that happened.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has been confirmed that the clash with the Hornets will take place on the Tuesday.By the time the match at the Etihad Stadium kicks off, it will be just over 48 hours after City’s crucial meeting with the Gunners finishes, meaning Guardiola will have to utilise his talented squad.The fixture comes during a hectic period where the reigning Premier League champions play five times in 15 days following the return of the Champions League.City host Inter Milan on September 18, four days before playing Brentford at home after the international break.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan City has started the season perfectly as they aim to win their fifth Premier League title in a row.The Citizens won the curtain-raising Community Shield over rivals Man United. Micah Richards explains awkward exchange with Erling Haaland live on Sky Sports after Man City’s win over ChelseaGuardiola’s side have since won all three of their league matches, starting with the victory over Chelsea.City then followed up on the win at Stamford Bridge with successes against Ipswich Town and West Ham.Erling Haaland has been sensational so far this season in front of goal.The Norweigian striker has already scored seven goals in his three league matches.This includes back-to-back hat-tricks against the Tractor Boys and the Hammers.Pep Guardiola set for final Man City seasonBy Martin BlackburnAFTER eight glorious years of stability, Manchester City now head into an uncertain 12 months.And Saturday’s FA Cup final defeat to neighbours United was a reminder that this glittering and unforgettable era will not go on for ever.Around this time in 2025, City will be preparing for the highly-lucrative Fifa Club World Cup in the US.Yet in all likelihood they will also be getting ready to say their goodbyes to manager Pep Guardiola, who has brought so much success to the east side of Manchester.Meanwhile, there could be a verdict on 115 charges of financial irregularity which have been levelled at the club by Premier League chiefs.The suggestion is the hearing could start later this year but is likely to take several months to reach a conclusion.City continue to deny any wrongdoing and are confident they will be cleared by the independent commission.Read Martin Blackburn’s full column here. More

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      Scott Carson is forgotten man with more Prem titles than Cristiano Ronaldo and more Champions Leagues than Ronaldinho

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      IF you are asked to name current Manchester City players, you would be forgiven for not remembering third-choice keeper Scott Carson.But the 39-year-old, who celebrates his birthday today, has a glittering trophy cabinet that puts legends to shame.Scott Carson has won four Premier League trophies at Man CityCredit: GettyHe has lifted 14 trophies in 11 matches for City and LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe keeper has been called a role model by Pep GuardiolaCredit: RexA record 18 years separate Carson’s (back right) two Champions League triumphsCredit: RexCarson is one of the most decorated players in English football history thanks to his spells at Liverpool and City.Despite only playing 11 matches for the two clubs, the veteran has won an incredible 14 trophies combined during his time at both sides.Four Premier Leagues, two Champions Leagues, two Super Cups, two League Cups, two Community Shields, a Club World Cup and an FA Cup is not a bad showing for a total of 917 minutes on the pitch.In fact, that’s more Prem titles won than Cristiano Ronaldo, Patrick Vieira and Frank Lampard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis two Champions League crowns mean he has got his hands on the trophy more times than Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.Carson also holds the record for the longest gap between his first and last triumphs in the competition.His first came in 2005 when he was on the bench for Liverpool as they beat AC Milan in the final in Istanbul.A remarkable 18 years later in the same stadium, Carson was part of the squad as Man City beat Inter Milan to pick up his second Champions League medal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSScott Carson has more Premier League titles to his name than Cristiano RonaldoCredit: ReutersCarson has even got one more Champions League crown than icon RonaldinhoCredit: Getty – ContributorIt is easy to dismiss his trophies due to a lack of time on the pitch and fans have said he has “the best job ever” being amongst the world’s best teams without the pressure of playing.But his role at Man City should not be underestimated.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelCarson’s training ground keeper job is vital and his influence in the dressing room is huge.Pep Guardiola explained: “The best advice I could give to the young players is to stay around Scott Carson as much as possible in the locker room.”Every second he is training and every minute you get on the pitch and in the changing room with Carson, you value.“It’s like the young actors have to be with the old actors on the set. They are wiser and have the values of the profession.”On other occasions, Guardiola has said: “I was fortunate to know this guy. He’s like a captain, built incredible love for the team. I’m pretty sure when we need him, he’ll respond.”And the boss has added: “He is a guy when he talks everybody listens. He helps take quality training sessions.”Carson’s leadership is valued so much by City that he has now been there for six seasons.He gained his experience playing for the likes of Leeds, Charlton, Aston Villa and West Brom in the Premier League.The stopper even had a two-year spell in Turkey with Bursaspor and time in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday, Wigan and Derby.But nobody would have expected Carson to have such an incredible career after he made an infamous mistake while in goal for England.During a crucial Euros qualifier against Croatia, the keeper with four caps parried a speculative Niko Kranjcar effort into his own net that stopped England making the 2008 tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESSteve McClaren was sacked the day after and Carson’s time at the top could well have been over.But he has bounced back in incredible style and hopes to guide City to a fifth consecutive Prem title from behind-the-scenes once again. Scott Carson made a horror mistake for England that stopped them making Euro 2008Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Uefa confirm major change to European football in huge boost to Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal fans

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      UEFA have announced a major change to ticket prices for this season’s Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.The European governing body confirmed a price cap for away fans following their favourite club in various stadium visits around the continent.UEFA have announced a price cap on away tickets for this season’s competitionsCredit: ReutersAway tickets will be reduced further more next season in Uefa competitionsCredit: GettyThe maximum ticket prices for away fans will be €60 (£51m) in the Champions League, €40 (£34) in the Europa League and €20 (£17) in the Conference League.Things will get even better next season as visiting supporters will pay no more than €50 (£42) in the Champions League, €35 (£29) in the Europa League and €20 (£17) in the Conference League.Uefa came to the decision following an agreement with European Clubs’ Association and Football Supporters’ Europe.A statement read: “Starting with the 2024/25 season, the maximum ticket prices for away fans will be €60 in the UEFA Champions League, €40 in the UEFA Europa League and €20 in the UEFA Conference League. Read More on Football”This will be further reduced in the 2025/26 season to a maximum price of €50 in the UEFA Champions League, €35 in the UEFA Europa League and still €20 in the UEFA Conference League.”The news will be welcomed by the Premier League’s representatives for this season’s Uefa competitions.Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa fans are set for four trips in the Champions League.The same goes for Tottenham and Manchester United supporters in the Europa League.Most read in FootballChelsea fans, on the other hand, will be going on three away games in the Conference League.There will be more trips in the knockout stages if the Premier League clubs finish in the top 24 places in their competition.Cristiano Ronaldo reveals bizarre thing that ‘turns him on’ during live Champions League drawIf they finish in the top eight of their respective league phase then they will qualify straight to the Last 16 and avoid the play-off round. More

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      Premier League club ready to revamp training ground with 40-room accommodation block and huge dome installed

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      ASTON VILLA are looking to revamp their Bodymoor Heath training ground amid the club’s continuous growth.Villa have risen to new heights under manager Unai Emery and president of football operations Monchi who led them to this season’s Champions League.Aston Villa are planning developments for their Bodymoor Heath training groundCredit: GettyAnd Villa’s plans will be considered by North Warwickshire Borough Council’s planning boardCredit: GettyAnd now the Villans are planning to evolve their training ground by developing overnight accommodation of 40 bedrooms for players and staff to use after returning from evening matches.The plans also include improved facilities for the club’s women and youth teams.In addition, Villa are looking to build a permanent new office space for administrative and media staff.The Premier League club also wants to create a purpose-built academy.Read More on FootballThe existing academy building will be converted into the admin and media offices.However, the indoor 3G pitch next to it will stay in place with another one, covered by a 15-metre dome. And Villa’s plans have received a boost as they will be considered by North Warwickshire Borough Council’s planning board at a meeting this Monday.A council report says: “Normally, such overnight accommodation would only be considered to be appropriate on site for security reasons.Most read in Football”However, this is connected to the established use and activity of the club, particularly in order to retain its status both nationally and internationally. “It is therefore a provision that only relates to the current applicant.”Arsenal ratings vs Aston VillaIf Villa’s plans get the green light then the decision still has to be looked at by Deputy Prime Minister as well as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Angela Rayner. More

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      Watch incredible moment goalkeeper scores late equaliser as former Champions League club rebuild in FOURTH tier

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      BORDEAUX goalkeeper Lassana Diabate scored a dramatic late equaliser to save a point for his struggling side that fell from grace this summer.The Girondins are one of France’s oldest as well as biggest clubs that won the Ligue 1 title six times, but they got relegated to the fourth division this summer due to financial problems.Bordeaux goalkeeper Lassana Diabate scored a late equaliser against Stade PoitevinCredit: TV7Bordeaux played their first game in the fourth tier after their tragic relegationCredit: TV7Bordeaux keeper Diabate celebrated so passionately that he kicked a corner flag awayCredit: TV7The former Champions League side are now looking to rebuild all the way back to the top flight, and started with a dramatic league opener on Saturday.Bordeaux hosted Stade Poitevin away from their Matmut Atlantique ground due to logistical reasons.Therefore the club started their National 2 journey at Stade Sainte Germaine behind closed doors and drew 1-1 thanks to a late goal by the unlikeliest saviour.That was none other than Diabate, 21, who left his goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time for a final set piece.Read More on FootballBordeaux were already 1-0 down and were staring at defeat which would pile on their already existing problems in the dying moments.The goalkeeper took his position inside the Poitiers area and waited for the delivery.The visitors’ poor marking as well as their keeper’s poor decision to leave his line led to Diabate’s header that hit the back of the net.The Frenchman passionately celebrated his stunning goal with his team-mates by kicking the corner flag away.Most read in FootballBankrupt Bordeaux were relegated for the second time in a month in August to the fourth tier.Problems emerged last season, with the club coming 12th in the second-level Ligue 2 but needing £35million to balance the books.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsAnd talks with Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group eventually broke down in July.Bankruptcy and demotion followed – initially to the third tier, which is National 1.Bordeaux went into receivership, as well as going part-time – reverting to “amateur” status after nine whole decades as a professional club.France’s federal financial watchdog, the National Directorate of Management Control, then delivered another hammer-blow last month.The NDMC acted as clubs in receivership must be “demoted to the division immediately below the one for which it would have qualified for the following season”.That meant something that was unthinkable for Bordeaux just a year ago and that was spiralling down to National 2. More

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      Champions League fixtures CONFIRMED with Arsenal handed rarely-seen Thursday night fixture as new format kicks in

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      THE dates for this season’s Champion League fixtures have been confirmed – with a major change to scheduling also being announced.Europe’s elite club competition – which was won by Real Madrid last season – returns next month.The new format Champions League draw took place on ThursdayCredit: GettyArsenal learned their fate in the draw along with Aston Villa, Liverpool and Man CityCredit: APThe Gunners have been handed a rare Thursday night fixture to kick off their campaignCredit: GETTYPremier League quartet Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester City learned their fates for this season’s instalment of the competition, the first outing of the new 36-team league format, this week.But for the first time in the modern era, there’s been a major change to the scheduling of games.Due to the increased number of teams in the tournament, games will now be played on Tuesday, Wednesday and THURSDAY nights.And Arsenal will be the first English team to play Champions League footie on a Thursday night.READ MORE UCL NEWSThe Gunners will kick off their campaign away to last season’s Europa League winners Atalanta on Thursday, September 19.Aston Villa and Liverpool will both be in action on Tuesday, September 17, travelling to Switzerland and Italy respectively to take on Young Boys and AC Milan.Premier League champions Manchester City, meanwhile, will welcome Inter Milan to the Etihad the following night.As well as their match with Atalanta, the Gunners will also be on the road for their clashes with Inter, Girona and Sporting Lisbon.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMikel Arteta’s troops will welcome Shakhtar Donetsk, GNK Dinamo, Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain to the Emirates.In addition to their trip to Young Boys, Villa will be on the road against RB Leipzig, Club Brugge and Monaco.The new Champions League format explainedBayern Munich, Juventus Bologna and Celtic will be the 1982 tournament winners’ opposition at Villa Park.Liverpool’s proverbial ‘Group of Death’ will also see them travel to Spain, the Netherlands and Germany to take on Girona, PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig.Arne Slot’s lot will welcome Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille and Bologna at Anfield.Manchester City, meanwhile, face away days to Juventus, Sporting Lisbon, Slovan Bratislava and Paris Saint-Germain.The 2022/23 winners will also host Club Brugge, Feyenoord and Sparta Prague at the Etihad.New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo leaves fans stunned as he wears £6MILLION worth of diamonds at Champions League draw

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO wore diamond jewellery worth £6million to the Champions League draw.The Al-Nassr star flew from Saudi Arabia to Monaco for last night’s event as he played a key role in launching the competition’s new format.Cristiano Ronaldo caught the eye in £6m worth of jewellery at the Champions League drawCR7 was give the role as ‘button presser’ during the drawCredit: APHis watch costs a whopping £2.2mCredit: AFPThe legend’s pin badge was made of a 33-carat diamondCredit: ReutersRonaldo was given the role of pressing the all-important supercomputer button as AI did the draw for every team.CR7 was also handed an award for being the Champions League’s all-time leading goalscorer.And the 39-year-old dressed to impress for his appearance on stage, looking dapper in a stylish suit.Ronaldo’s outfit was accompanied by three stunning diamonds worth a combined £6m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL£3.8m pin badgeHis most expensive item was a £3.8million Messika Akh-Ba-Ka brooch.The decorative pin contained a stunning 33-carat diamond cut from a rare 110-carat rough stone in Botswana.It was initially part of a necklace that featured 2,550 diamonds.£2.2m watch Ronaldo’s watch also caught the eye, which was a £2.2m Franck Muller Cintree Tourbilon piece.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWatches from the brand have been worn by the likes of David Beckham, Elton John and Kanye West. Ronaldo’s watch is made from 150 layers of compressed carbon fibers and 18k gold.Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at Champions League draw£6.5k earrings And Ronaldo’s luxury accessory collection was completed by Messika So Move Pave earrings valued at a £6,500.They have been described as a “timeless” piece and are made of 18-carat white gold.Ronaldo’s jewellery was made from 18-carat goldCredit: GettyGeor DroppingRonaldo was all smiles as he was presented with his glittering award and while on a yacht with his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez.His long-term partner complemented her stunning white dress with a Night Owl necklace and earrings from the Midnight Sun High Jewellery collection.Prices of necklaces from the range vary from £1,700 to £11,000.Despite the glam evening, fans were convinced Manchester United and Real Madrid legend Ronaldo looked “bored” by his mundane task during the draw.Georgina Rodriguez posed with Ronaldo and his award on a yachtCredit: InstagramShe dazzled in a white dress and diamond necklaceCredit: Instagram More