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      Forgotten Barcelona star and World Cup winner wakes up unemployed as ex-Arsenal target is given free transfer

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      SAMUEL UMTITI is a free agent after agreeing to have the remaining three years of his Barcelona contract terminated.The former World Cup winner has left the Catalan club 18 months after his final appearance for them.
      Samuel Umtiti has left Barcelona after having his contract terminatedCredit: Reuters
      Umtiti, once a target of Arsenal’s, will now search for a new club after coming to an agreement to end his time at Barca.
      The 29-year-old joined the LaLiga giants from Lyon for around £21m in 2016.
      He was initially a key man, helping his side to two league titles in his first three seasons.
      Amid interest from elsewhere, Barca handed Umtiti a lucrative new contract in 2018.
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      A series of knee issues derailed his career from that point, although amid financial issues in January 2022, Barcelona opted to extend his contract to 2026 in order to stretch the time period in which he would be paid the money he was entitled to.
      This allowed Barca to register new players in line with LaLiga rules.
      Umtiti played just once during the 2021-22 season, making what would be his 133rd and final Barcelona appearance in a 2-2 draw with Osasuna in December 2021.
      He spent last season on loan at Lecce, managing to stay relatively injury-free in Serie A.
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      Samuel Umtiti spent last season on loan at LecceCredit: Getty
      Umtiti made 25 appearances in the Italian top flight, helping his temporary side avoid the drop.
      His form and fitness was not enough to earn another shot at Barcelona, however, with Xavi and Co opting to move forward with Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and new signing Inigo Martinez.
      After agreeing a contract termination with Umtiti, Barca will also look to flog former Tottenham loanee Clement Lenglet.
      It felt like four years of being imprisoned at BarcelonaSamuel Umtiti
      Earlier this year, Umtiti told French Broadcaster Canal Plus of how Barcelona had begun to feel like a “prison”.
      He said: “It felt like four years of being imprisoned at Barcelona, not just on a sporting level, but in my everyday life too.
      “I was really in a bad way, I preferred to stay out of everyone’s way.
      “At the start I felt good and performed at a high level, but then I started to feel some diffidence towards me and realised then that nobody believed in me anymore.”
      On his time at Lecce, he added: “It was a challenge for me, I needed to feel appreciated, respected and just useful.
      “I know that securing safety from relegation isn’t the same as winning a title, but I am grateful to Lecce, because I rediscovered my smile here.” More

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      Man City mull stunning £90m Frenkie de Jong transfer that would see Treble winners deliver another body blow to Man Utd

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is mulling over a move for Frenkie de Jong — after Manchester City’s boss walked away from a Declan Rice bid.But Barcelona will want up to the £90million that Guardiola was prepared to pay in his attempts to sign West Ham ace Rice.
      Frenkie de Jong has been linked with a move away from Barcelona for some timeCredit: Getty
      Pep Guardiola’s Treble-winning side could go after De Jong this summerCredit: Getty
      The City chief is keen to bring in a new midfielder after Ilkay Gundogan turned down a new deal and opted for a move to the Nou Camp instead.
      Pep ended his interest in Rice when the fee went higher than he was prepared to pay, leaving the way clear for Arsenal.
      Guardiola tried to sign De Jong in 2019, before the Dutchman was swayed by the huge contract at Barca – and he remains a fan.
      He was a major Manchester transfer target a year ago, when his old Ajax boss Erik ten Hag tried to make him one of his first Man Utd signings.
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      But the 26-year-old Dutch star opted to stay in Barcelona and is still in no rush to leave Spain.
      However, he is aware Nou Camp executives are open to a sale in a bid to improve the club’s desperate finances.
      De Jong earns £400,000 a week after tax, has three years left on his agreement and retains the backing of coach Xavi.
      But Barca would like his wages off the books and know that City have cash for a top-class midfielder after the race for Rice.
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      Speaking in February about last summer’s transfer saga involving De Jong, Xavi said: “He was very clear with me. He wanted to stay with us and there was no doubt.
      “He is our player and I am very happy and satisfied with his performance and leadership.
      “He is in a great moment, like the whole team.
      “I think he is having a good time on the field, which is the most important thing.”
      Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag coached De Jong at AjaxCredit: Getty More

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      Legendary football stadium looks unrecognisable as part of it is demolished and pitch is ripped up

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      BARCELONA’S Nou Camp looks completely unrecognisable as part of it is demolished and the pitch is ripped up.The Spanish giants’ iconic home is being redeveloped as part of a plan to achieve the club’s “collective dream”.
      The Nou Camp looks unrecognisable as work continues
      Barcelona president Joan Laporta visited the site with several board members
      Seats have been ripped out as part of the third tier’s renovationCredit: Rex
      New images from the venue show work continuing on the stadium as the demolition of the third tier gets underway.
      The Gol Nord screen and seats in the section have been removed, whilst the pitch has also been ripped up.
      Club president Joan Laporta visited the Nou Camp with several board members this week.
      Speaking to the Spanish press, Laporta explained: “It is an impact, and the first sensation it generates is nostalgia.
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      “But, after walking around and seeing the pace of the works, which are going well, it gives you the feeling of hope and joy because we are fulfilling a collective dream of the people of Barcelona.”
      Barcelona announced in July 2022 that they will play their home matches away from the Nou Camp for the 2023/24 season.
      In order to accommodate the construction work, Barca will play at the nearby Olympic Stadium.
      The Nou Camp renovation is scheduled to finish in 2026, with work including adding a roof and the stadium being renamed.
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      As part of a £237million sponsorship deal, the ground will be called the Spotify Nou Camp once work is completed.
      Plans also include new VIP areas and bigger seats inside the venue as well as a hotel, club offices, bus parking and a pavilion.
      Barca have also stated they will have “sustainability at the DNA of the project”, with solar panels, geothermal energy and a water recycling system all being put in place.
      Work on the Nou Camp is scheduled to be completed in 2026Credit: Rex
      A roof is being added to the Nou CampCredit: Rex
      Barcelona will play their home matches at the Olympic Stadium next seasonCredit: Rex
      The construction represents the first major renovation of the Nou Camp since it opened in 1957.
      Pictures from the building site come after Aston Villa’s stadium looked equally unrecognisable this week.
      7,000 tonnes of dirt have been dumped onto the Villa Park pitch to transform it for the World Supercross Championship on July 1.
      The Nou Camp will be renamed the Spotify Nou Camp once work is finishedCredit: Rex
      The renaming is part of a £237million sponsorship dealCredit: Rex More

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      Gareth Bale reveals furious Cristiano Ronaldo moment at Real Madrid where he would ‘throw his boots’ after 5-0 win

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      GARETH BALE revealed a furious Cristiano Ronaldo would throw his boots in anger – even after 5-0 wins.The Welsh wizard, 33, spent five years playing alongside Ronaldo for Real Madrid.
      Cristiano Ronaldo used to get frustrated even if his team wonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Gareth Bale revealed the story on the golf courseCredit: YouTube
      And he gave the inside story on what it was like to share a pitch and a changing room with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
      Speaking on Martin Borgmeier’s YouTube channel at the BMW International Open Pro-Am golf tournament, Bale was quizzed on the Portuguese star.
      He said: “He was actually okay. He had his moments.
      “For example, if we win 5-0 and he didn’t score, he comes in and throws his boots like he’s angry.
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      “It’s like your team winning in the Ryder Cup but you didn’t get a point so you are angry.
      “But he was a nice guy, nothing wrong, we didn’t really have any problems.
      “A lot of people could be scared of how he is but if you’re not then it’s fine.”
      Serial winner Ronaldo, 38, has racked up an incredible 31 team trophies and countless individual gongs.
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      He is now seemingly seeing out his career at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia following his dramatic exit from Manchester United.
      Bale, meanwhile, secured his fifth Champions League winner’s medal against Liverpool last year.
      The ex-Tottenham star left Real immediately afterwards, ending his nine-year stint with Los Blancos with 106 goals in 258 games, before a final swansong winning the MLS Cup with Los Angeles FC.
      He added: “I enjoyed Tottenham more because it’s more of a family than Real Madrid and everyone is English.
      “But I enjoyed Madrid more in terms of football.”
      Bale announced his retirement in January following the World Cup in Qatar.
      Since then, he has enjoyed playing a lot of golf.
      And that included securing his very first hole-in-one – which was caught on camera in brilliant scenes.
      The pair spent five seasons together at the BernabeuCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg lined up for stunning transfer to Spanish giants with Spurs future plunged into doubt

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      ATLETICO MADRID are keen on Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.SunSport revealed earlier this month that the Dane’s future in North London is looking uncertain as he is not a natural fit in the free-flowing system of new boss Ange Postecoglou.
      Atletico Madrid have expressed an interest in HojbjergCredit: Getty
      Spurs are by no means desperate to sell him as he is a model pro but would be open to letting him go next month.
      A number of clubs have been weighing up a move – with Spanish giants Atletico among them.
      Though SunSport understands there has been no contact yet between the two clubs.
      Hojbjerg, 27, has racked up 145 appearances for Spurs since arriving from Southampton for £15million in 2020.
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      He was a favourite of pragmatic bosses Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte.
      Yet it is questionable if he would start in the attack-minded Postecoglou’s side, which has just been bolstered by the arrival of James Maddison for £40m plus add-ons.
      Spurs, who have already added goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario for £16m from Empoli, are looking at strengthening at centre-back now.
      Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven – dubbed the quickest central defender in the Bundesliga – are all on their radar.
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      Meanwhile, Cristian Romero is being linked with a move away.
      Juventus reportedly want to re-sign the Argentina international. More

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      Man City flop Ferran Torres ‘offered Premier League return’ just 18 months after joining Barcelona

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      BARCELONA are reportedly prepared to sell Ferran Torres this summer.The LaLiga champions are set to let go of several first team stars in a bid to free up space on their wage bill.
      Barcelona want to sell Torres this summerCredit: Getty
      And according to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, Torres is one of the names on the transfer list.
      Barcelona are said to be demanding £35million for the out-of-favour striker.
      Torres has already received three offers from the Premier League, but he is reluctant to leave the Nou Camp.
      The 23-year-old joined Barcelona in a £55million transfer from Manchester City in January 2022.
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      He has scored 14 goals in 71 appearances since joining the club, but he fell out of favour last summer following the arrival of Robert Lewandowski.
      Barcelona are expected to complete the signing of Vitor Roque in the next few weeks, which would likely see Torres fall further down the pecking order.
      Newcastle are understood to be interested in signing striker.
      The Magpies would be willing to match Barcelona’s £35m asking price.
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      Arsenal were linked with a swoop for the Spaniard in January, however they are yet to submit an official bid.
      Unless Torres is sold this summer, Barcelona will likely struggle to recruit and register players due to their financial issues. More

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      ‘Best Champagne’ in the Premier League revealed as sacked chief hopes for European reunion with new club

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      SACKED Leeds chief Victor Orta hopes to draw Newcastle in the Champions League with Sevilla next season… because the Magpies have the best champagne.Orta joined the Spanish side as director of football after being axed by the Whites in May following a string of transfer gaffes.
      Victor Orta hopes Sevilla draw Newcastle in the Champions LeagueCredit: AFP
      He has replaced Aston Villa-bound Monchi.
      Sevilla are in pot one for the upcoming season’s Champions League draw, which takes place in August, due to them winning the Europa League.
      They could face Newcastle, who are in pot four following a 20-year absence from the competition.
      Orta spoke to Newcastle’s transfer chief Dan Ashworth over Zoom at the Sports Data Forum.
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      He admitted he wants the Toon to end their 54-year trophy drought.
      He said: “Dan, I have two wishes for you. One, we cross paths in the Champions League because the suite of your chairman has the best champagne in England by far.
      “I want to come back.
      “Secondly, last year was the Carabao Cup final (defeat against Manchester United). This year, I hope there’s a trophy for Newcastle because you deserve it.” 
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      Orta worked at Leeds for six years, helping the club gain promotion to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa.
      He was slammed by fans after sacking the popular Argentine and bringing in the likes of Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia.
      Orta signed the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Dan James and Georgino Rutter for big money, all of whom struggled to make an impact at Elland Road.
      The 44-year-old returns to Sevilla, where he worked as a technical director from 2006 to 2013. More

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      Zinedine Zidane claims only one player makes him ‘jump off my chair’ and they do not play for Real Madrid

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      REAL MADRID legend Zinedine Zidane has revealed the one player who makes him jump out of his seat.The 51-year-old won two La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues while he was the manager of the club.
      Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema has been hailed by Zinedine ZidaneCredit: Reuters
      Karim Benzema has joined Al-IttihadCredit: Reuters
      And despite working with several top talents like Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, it is Karim Benzema who got singled out by his old boss.
      Zidane told Telefoot: “If there is a player who still makes me jump off my chair it is Benzema, maybe Luka Modric.
      “They are players who, when you think they are about to lose the ball they always manage to get away with it. 
      “They are the ones who drive me crazy more than others, the ones who make the difference for those who are lucky enough to have them.”
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      Benzema spent 14 years at Real Madrid, scoring 354 goals for the club in 648 matches.
      He won an incredible 25 trophies with the Spanish side including five Champions Leagues.
      However, he has left Los Blancos for a move to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad.
      He will team-up with ex-Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante to work under boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
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      As for Zidane, he has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
      However, he has been linked with a return to the Santiago Bernabeu for a third stint in charge.
      Zidane admitted he wants to return to football, saying: “I hope I can get back to coaching soon.
      “I miss that adrenaline, I need it. I haven’t had it for maybe two years, but I’m sure the time will come.” More