Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Wolves release TEN players including Wrexham-linked former European champion and Champions League runner-up

      by

      WOLVES have announced TEN players will leave the club this summer. Skipper Nelson Semedo is among those to be offered a new deal at Molineux.Pablo Sarabia is among ten players leaving Wolves this summerCredit: GettyDefender Craig Dawson is also on the lookout for a new clubCredit: GettyBut Pablo Sarabia and Craig Dawson are heading out of the exit door. Sarabia, 33, joined the club from Paris Saint-Germain in January 2023. The Spaniard was a Champions League runner-up with PSG in 2020 and brought flair to Wolves on the flanks. He scored eight goals in 77 games, twice winning the club’s Goal of the Season award. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSarabia confirmed last week he was to leave the Midlands after just over two years. He wrote on Instagram: “Two and a half seasons ago, I had the chance to become part of the Wolves family and experience a league as competitive as the @premierleague.”It’s been an exciting challenge, and even though we went through tough moments, we reached our goals — thanks to the unity between the club and the fans.”Now it’s time to start a new chapter, taking with me some amazing memories from a club that my family and I will never forget.”Most read in Football”Wishing you all the best for the future. Once a Wolf, always a Wolf. Thank you @wolves.”BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKDawson has been linked with a move to ambitious Championship side Wrexham following their consecutive promotions. The ex-West Ham defender played 61 times in the gold of Wolves.Matheus Cunha gifts Wolves team-mates Joao Gomes and Andre a Rolex ahead of Man Utd transferAnd reports suggest Wrexham have tabled a contract offer to the former Conference League champion.Wolves also announced eight players from their youth set-up will be released.Stan Amos, Justin Hubner, Testimony Igbinoghene, Aaron Keto Diyawa, Lucas Kibrya, Filozofe Mabete, Josh Nyakudya and Matty Whittingham are all free to find new clubs. The club have also chosen not to take up the option in Carlos Forbs’ loan deal, with the forward returning to Ajax.It comes after last season’s top scorer Matheus Cunha moved to Manchester United for £62.5million. The Brazilian looks set to be joined in leaving by Rayan Ait-Nouri, who is a target for Manchester City. More

    • 88 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Why are England playing Andorra in Barcelona?

      by

      THE Thomas Tuchel era marches on as the Three Lions take on Andorra in a World Cup qualifier.England continue their journey towards the 2026 World Cup in USA.Thomas Tuchel heads to Barcelona for his first away day as England managerCredit: GettyThe England squad recently went on a day out to the Spanish Grand Prix ahead of the clashCredit: GettyEspanyol’s RCDE Stadium will host the Andorra vs England clashCredit: AlamyWith the Premier League season now over, attention briefly turns to the national team, ahead of the 2025 Club World Cup.The German has already promised a second star for England, and hopes to get one step closer with a victory over Andorra – that will not take place in Andorra.The side have already landed in Spain, heading to the Spanish Grand Prix to see Oscar Piastri pick up victory in Barcelona.SunSport can reveal why England are taking on Andorra in Barcelona. Read more FootballWhy is England vs Andorra taking place in Barcelona?England are taking on Andorra in Spain to accommodate for the travelling England fans.The last time the sides met in October 2021, the game was played at the Estadi Nacional in Andorra la Vella, but the ground only has a capacity of 3,000.The game will instead take place at Espanyol’s 40,000-capacity RCDE Stadium, meaning more England fans can make the trip.This also means there will be a greater financial benefit for Andorra.Most read in FootballThis is not the first time the sides have met in Spain, with clashes in 2007 and 2008 both taking place at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona.How to watch England vs Andorra for FREE and is there a live stream?England take on Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday, June 7, with kick-off at 5pm BST.The game will come LIVE on ITV1 in the UK.Action will also be available to stream on ITVX.Alternatively, SunSport will blog all the action as it happens. More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Antony ‘could be rescued from Man Utd hell by Erik ten Hag with Real Betis unable to afford permanent transfer’

      by

      ANONY could be saved from his Manchester United hell by the man who brought him to Old Trafford in the first place. According to reports, new Bayer Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag is considering signing the Brazilian for Leverkusen this summer.Erik ten Hag is reportedly keen to sign Antony for Bayer LeverkusenCredit: GettyTen Hag was in charge at United when Antony arrived for £86m in 2022.But the tricky winger’s time in Manchester has been nothing short of a disaster, with Antony even admitting he went days without eating as it got so bad.Antony was handed a loan lifeline by Real Betis for the second half of this season, excelling in Spain where he registered 14 goal contributions in 26 games as Betis secured a Europa League place next season.However, despite glowing reviews and an internal ambition to re-sign the 25-year-old, Betis are thought to be unable to afford Antony on a permanent deal.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited are understood to prefer a permanent sale for Antony if an exit is sanctioned.According to Sky Sports, Bayer Leverkusen could offer a viable option for Antony to finally call a permenant end to his time at the Theatre of Dreams.The Bundesliga club are thought to have shortlisted Antony as one of a number of forwards they are keen on should Florian Wirtz leave for Liverpool this summer.Wirtz looks destined for a switch to the Premier League champions with Arne Slot and his team tabling club-record bids to convince the German to head to Anfield.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordReports claim that Antony being reintegrated back into the fold under Ruben Amorim should not yet be ruled out either.However Antony made it clear how much he has struggled to adapt to life in the spotlight at one of the world’s biggest clubs in United.Real Betis come up with new name for Antony as chant begs Man Utd loanee to stayIn an emotional interview with TNT Sports Brazil, he revealed: “I wanted to do things [at Man Utd], but they didn’t see to work out because I wasn’t happy.”I didn’t feel that desire to play football, and I needed to find myself and be happy again because playing football was always something I loved.“I went through difficult times when I no longer felt that pleasure. I even always told my brother, I told him that I couldn’t take it anymore.“[My brother] told me to hold on a little longer, that things were going to change. It even made me emotional, because they were very hard days for me.“Only I know what it was like to be there at home, not having the strength to even play with my son, going days without eating, staying locked in my room.“So, for me it was very complicated, but thank God, with the help of my family and mainly with the help of God, I managed to get ahead and today I am very happy here.”Man Utd have already announced the arrival of Matheus Cunha in a £62.5m swap from Wolves, while Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo appears to be next in line for a summer move to join Amorim’s underachieving outfit. More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal fans expecting ’30 assists a year with Sesko’ after Martin Odegaard’s sublime pass to Haaland for Norway goal

      by

      ARSENAL fans are banking on Martin Odegaard to bag 30 assists next season, after seeing him partnered up with a “proper top-tier cf”.Odegaard, 26, struggled to find his best form for the Gunners after returning from a major ankle injury.Martin Odegaard expertly combined with Erling Haaland as Norway beat Italy 3-0Credit: ReutersOdegaard played a lovely pass into HaalandCredit: XThe midfielder waited for Haaland to run before playing the ballCredit: XHaaland then got on the end of it, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted homeCredit: XPart of the reason for that lack of form was due to Arsenal being without a recognised frontman for much of the season.Kai Havertz was preferred in striker role by Mikel Arteta when available, but when he suffered a season-ending injury in February the Gunners opted to play Mikel Merino there.Merino, to his credit, performed well, but fans of the north London club still called for them to sign a top tier striker to get winning major honours again, rather than having near misses.Arsenal transfer chiefs are said to be working to find that player, with Benjamin Sesko heavily linked with a transfer to the Emirates from RB Leipzig.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSesko, 22, has a similar profile to Manchester City ace Erling Haaland.Fans watching Norway’s World Cup qualifier with Italy on Friday had the chance to see Odegaard in action with Haaland.And it’s safe to say the link-up has raised expectations among the Arsenal faithful for next season.With the score already 2-0 after goals from Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa, Odegaard picked up the ball in midfield in the 42nd minute.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe then spotted an expertly-timed run from Haaland and played a perfectly weighted pass into the 24-year-old’s path.Haaland then dribbled the ball around Champions League-winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma before squeezing the ball into an empty net.’Captain on and off the pitch’ – Fans love Arsenal star Martin Odegaard’s classy gesture on international dutyArsenal fans reacting to the goal on social media were thrilled to see Odegaard’s contribution.One fan said: “He’s feasting this season with Sesko. He finally gets a runner.”A second said: “Teta needs to give the man willing runners.”A third added: “He’d have 30 assists a season with a proper top-tier cf.”And Arsenal fans are licking their lips to see what Odegaard could do with transfer target Benjamin SeskoCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAnother said: “All he needs is a big striker.”A fifth said: “Sesko is gonn eat nice.”A sixth wrote: “See that vision. Sesko will cook.”The most recent reports suggested Sesko would cost around £60million, despite his club wanting to bag £85m for him.Read More on The SunElsewhere, they have been linked with a blockbuster move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo and Chelsea outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga as they eye a back-up for David Raya.Norway’s win tonight also put them in a strong position at the top of Group I, with three wins in as many games.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ‘have ambitious Christopher Nkunku swap transfer for Euro 2024 winner turned down by Barcelona’

      by

      BARCELONA have turned down an ambitious swap offer from Chelsea to sign a highly-rated Euro 2024 winner, according to reports.It’s claimed that the Blues approached Barcelona about swapping out-of-favour forward Christopher Nkunku for the 22-year-old talent.Chelsea have reportedly offered Christopher Nkunku to Barcelona as part of an ambitious swap transferCredit: GettyThe Blues have tried to sign Fermin LopezCredit: AFPA report from Mundo Deportivo claims that Chelsea tabled an offer worth around £60million – including Nkunku – to try and prise Fermin Lopez away from the Nou Camp.However, Barcelona officials have outright rejected the approach, with manager Hansi Flick keen to keep hold of the two-time Spain international.Barcelona are interested in bringing in a new forward this summer, but are thought to consider Liverpool winger Luis Diaz as their number one target – who has admitted he is talking to other clubs.Nkunku, 27, looks destined for a Stamford Bridge exit after making just nine Premier League starts under Enzo Maresca this season.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe Frenchman’s £52m move to SW6 in 2023 has proved unsuccessful so far, with the former RB Leipzig man managing only six Prem goals in his 38 league appearances for the Chelsea.Lopez has also struggled for consistent minutes at Barcelona, falling behind the likes of Dani Olmo, Raphinha and Gavi in the pecking order for the Catalan giants.However, he is still understood to be considered a crucial part of Barcelona’s future – picking up 18 goal contributions across all competitions this season.It’s claimed that the only way Barcelona would let Lopez go would be if the Spain star pushed for an exit himself in search of more regular minutes.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeLopez will have one eye on making Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad for next summer’s World Cup, something he will have to be playing regularly to achieve. Chelsea have already added Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap to their ranks since the conclusion of the current campaign, signing the England youth star for £30m.Jadon Sancho shares his Chelsea highlights reel as he says goodbye to fans ahead of Man Utd returnBut they will need to find a replacement for outgoing loanee Jadon Sancho, who is returning to Manchester United following the expiration of his loan deal in West London.Chelsea opted against activating a buy clause in Sancho’s contract, choosing instead to pay Man Utd a £5million penalty fee for deciding against completing a permanent deal.Meanwhile forgotten Blues goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga – who spent the season on loan with Bournemouth – could be on his way to London rivals Arsenal.The Gunners are interested in signing the Spanish shot-stopper as backup to number one David Raya – seeing his £5m release clause as an attractive market opportunity.Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 live on DAZN More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Bukayo Saka a serious doubt for England’s World Cup qualifier vs Andorra in blow to Thomas Tuchel’s plans

      by

      BUKAYO SAKA is struggling with an injury he picked up on the final day of the season for Arsenal.The winger could miss the World Cup qualifier against Andorra as he has only trained the last two days.Bukayo Saka is out of the England squad for the clash with AndorraCredit: GettyIt is a bitter blow to Thomas Tuchel’s plansCredit: GettySaka also missed Tuchel’s first England squad in March through injuryCredit: GettySaka returned at the end of the season after missing three months with a hamstring problem.Tuchel said: “Until that latest injury he was more or less always available, always playable every three days. “He had this consistency in his game and in his body, which made him very unique.“He was decisive for England, he took responsibility, he bounced back after a decisive and dramatic penalty miss (Euro 2020 final).READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s nice to see that he’s back because he wanted to be back, and you straight away see when he comes in, he is comfortable to be with the squad.”He knows what it takes to be a national player.“He came into camp with a little bit of discomfort from the last match against Southampton, so we took care of him and treated him individually.“It was the first training session that he started and finished with the group today. Yesterday, he started with the group but did not finish with the group, so let’s see.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“I’m not sure if we take the risk for this game. “The decision has not been taken, but he will be available for the Senegal match, and he plays a major role in our thoughts on how to build a competitive team.”How Lewis-Skelly could be Tuchel’s secret weapon for EnglandIn addition, Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins will play no part against Andorra or Senegal on Tuesday in Nottingham.The striker withdrew from Tuchel’s party as a precaution because of what the FA described as a “minor” issue.Tuchel said: “Ollie Watkins has a discomfort in his upper thigh or groin area in the muscle and we decided not to take any risks. “He will go home to continue treatment and we will not take any risks in case he gets an injury. It’s very minor.”Watkins was the top-scoring Englishman in the Premier League last season with 16 goals, one ahead of Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.The Villa star scored the dramatic late winner in last summer’s European Championship semi-final against Holland.Read More on The SunWatkins’ withdrawal leaves Tuchel with captain Harry Kane and Saudi-based Ivan Toney as his two centre forwards.England do not intend to bring in a replacement and so will have 25 players for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra and Tuesday’s home friendly against Senegal.Ollie Watkins has also pulled out of the squadCredit: PA More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ready to win £60m Viktor Gyokeres transfer race as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal cuts start to pay off

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to win the race for Viktor Gyokeres.The Red Devils recently revealed total operating expenses have dropped by £41.6million to £162.1m in the latest quarterly club accounts after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal cost cutting.Manchester United are ready to win the race for Sporting Lisbon star Viktor GyokeresMan Utd minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cuts appear to have handed Ruben Amorim a substantial transfer potMan Utd boss Ruben Amorim is now ready to raid his former club for GyokeresThat is despite the cash spent on the Glazers’ debt spiralling to a staggering £1.2BILLION.United’s gradual U-turn in club finances means they are ready to pip Arsenal to land Sporting Lisbon striker Gyokeres.The Gunners are keen on the former Coventry hitman, 27, but are also chasing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.Sweden striker Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season, has an £85m release clause.Read More on Man UtdBut it is understood that the Portuguese side would accept a fee closer to £60m this summer.United boss Ruben Amorim is now ready to raid his former club after the boost in their accounts.Yet the Glazers’ debt still casts a long shadow over the fallen giants, whose wage bill was down a huge £20m to £71.2m compared with a year ago.United  have now spent an astonishing £1.2bn on the debt in 20 years of the Americans’ ownership.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAccording to the BBC, £815m in debt interest repayments; £166m in dividends to shareholders; £197m in external net debt repayments and £10m in management and administration fees to the Glazer family companies has left the club since the Glazers bought it in June 2005.Meanwhile, chief executive Omar Berrada warned United must improve after a humiliating season in which they finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final against Tottenham.Viktor Gyokeres responds as he is asked if he ‘likes London’ amid Arsenal transfer linksHe said: “We were proud to reach the final of the Europa League but ultimately were disappointed to finish as runner-up in Bilbao.“We had a difficult  season in the Premier League, which fell below our standards, and we have a clear expectation of improvement next season.”United have already agreed to pay £62.5m to land forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves.And they are chasing a £55m deal for Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo as they attempt to stay within the Prem’s Profit and  Sustainability Rules.But Amorim will also need to offload a clutch of big-name players from a group  including Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Casemiro.­ More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Jordan Pickford’s England No.1 spot under greater threat than ever before as Thomas Tuchel issues warning

      by

      JORDAN PICKFORD has clung on to England’s No.1 jersey without breaking sweat for seven years.But manager Thomas Tuchel — who officially took over on New Year’s Day — warned that reputations are out the window in the build-up to next year’s World Cup.Everton star Jordan Pickford’s No1 spot at England is at riskEngland boss Thomas Tuchel is not afraid to make drastic changes ahead of the 2026 World CupAnd that put 75-cap star Pickford, 31, on notice that he now faces a battle to keep his spot.That is despite claiming the Everton ace is back to his best after the return of boss David Moyes to the Toffees.Dean Henderson, fresh from helping Crystal Palace to their historic FA Cup win last month, has just two England caps but will now provide some stiff competition over the next 12 months.There are high hopes for Burnley youngster James Trafford, who has also spent the week at the Three Lions’ training camp in Girona.Read More on England Southampton veteran Aaron Ramsdale — although not selected for this squad — is liked by Tuchel.But the 27-year-old needs to find a top-flight club in England or elsewhere following Saints’ relegation.At Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium on Saturday, the player in goal for Tuchel will be able to enjoy the sun without having to break sweat.But the German is expecting some fierce competition between the sticks, which was not the case under former manager Gareth Southgate. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTuchel said: “It will always be a fight for every position and there is no exception for the goalkeepers.“At the moment, Jordan is in a good place mentally and performance-wise.England boss Thomas Tuchel explains Ivan Toney recall“It helped him to stabilise himself at Everton with the change of manager with David Moyes.“He became very, very stable and also emotionally stable and we’re very happy with that.“Jordan has been in goal for a long, long time and he earned  his place with consistent performances at a high level in international football.“All three of our goalkeepers are not involved in European football. They’re not used to European football, which would be ideal. It’s not a problem, though.“Jordan behaves and trains at the highest level and we’re very, very happy with him.“He’s doing everything at the moment to keep his place because he feels Dean stepped up and found another level, another gear.Alternative goalkeeper options“Dean got a big title with his club and was a key figure in the campaign, so that helped his confidence a lot.”And then there is 22-year-old Trafford, who kept 29 clean sheets in 45 matches as Burnley won promotion back to the Premier League.Tuchel added: “James had a long, long break after his  fantastic season with Burnley.“He hasn’t been on the pitch for four weeks, he finished the season the earliest. That’s a little bit of a disadvantage for him, it’s not his fault but he is pushing strongly.“That’s what we expect from him and he is at the moment a competitor for Dean Henderson and Jordan Pickford.“Hopefully, he can prove  himself next season and then the race is on.”Fitness challengesIt is not ideal that England, who won their opening World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia in March, are in such a weak group.Andorra will be no trouble but the qualifier away to Serbia in September is a decent test, while there is also a Wembley friendly with Wales the following month.This week has seen Tuchel test his players on how they deal with the heat as the conditions will be baking-hot at the World Cup next year in the USA, Canada and Mexico. And he is trying to work out how his players can be at peak fitness, because he admits the squad were in their best shape during the mid-season 2022 World Cup.Tuchel said: “The majority of our players play in the toughest league in the world and they are used to a kind of rhythm that is very unique.“The tournaments are normally played after a long season and  it is not maybe an advantage for us but it is just a fact. It is maybe not a coincidence players felt the most comfortable in the Qatar World Cup.“Suddenly, the demands of the Premier League became an advantage because they were  in the middle of it and felt they had an advantage over other players.“It can be that at some point we need to adjust our style of play when it comes to tournament football and when it comes to knockout football.Read More on The Sun“Everyone wants to win. Everyone wants to win in style. Can you really play the same game in 40C heat and humidity that you play in 20C in an evening match?“So, these are some questions I don’t have all the answers  to and I don’t have to right now, because we still have one year to go but we are on it to answer them.”Crystal Palace star Dean Henderson will provide some stiff competition to Pickford at EnglandThere are high hopes for Burnley star James Trafford at EnglandSouthampton ace Aaron Ramsdale is liked by Tuchel despite not being selected More