More stories

  • in

    Ex-Man Utd enforcer Ander Herrera leaves PSG to re-join old club Athletic Bilbao with option for permanent transfer

    FORMER Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has returned to Athletic Bilbao from Paris Saint-Germain on a season-long loan deal.And the LaLiga outfit have the the option to turn the 33-year-old’s temporary switch into a permanent stay.

    Ander Herrera has returned to Athletic Bilbao on loan from Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Athletic Club Bilbao
    Herrera, who is tied down at Parc des Princes until 2024, has been allowed to depart having been deemed as surplus to requirements.
    New boss Christophe Galtier has brought in central midfielders Vitinha and Renato Sanches to leave no room for the ex-Real Zaragoza ace.
    The Spain international was omitted from all three of PSG’s opening three Ligue 1 matches.
    And he has now linked up with Bilbao for a second time, where he spent three years at between 2011-2014 before making the move to Old Trafford.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    A PSG statement read: “Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera has joined Athletic Bilbao for the 2022-2023 season on a loan with an option to buy.”
    Before adding: “Club wishes Ander a great season in the Athletic Bilbao shirt.”
    Herrera has spoken of his joy at return to San Mames, as he told Athletic: “Coming back here makes me so happy.
    “I am very excited to be able to continue that beautiful story.
    Most read in football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “The challenges and demands are great.
    “I’m really looking forward to it.”
    During his first spell at Bilbao, Herrera chipped in with 11 goals in 128 games.
    After arriving at PSG in 2019, he managed 95 appearance across all competitions in which he scored in six goals and registered as many assists. More

  • in

    Barcelona star Martin Braithwaite demands £4MILLION to leave Nou Camp as stand-off with cash-strapped Catalans goes on

    MARTIN BRAITHWAITE is reportedly demanding a £4million payoff to leave Barcelona this summer.The 31-year-old is surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp this summer.
    Martin Braithwaite wants £4million to rip up his Barcelona contractCredit: Getty
    And broke Barcelona want to get rid of Braithwaite to ease their financial worries.
    The Danish striker has so far refused all transfer offers to leave.
    And Braithwaite will only accept terminating his contract if his wages are met in full.
    That amounts to £98,000-a-week for the next two years.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    And the Mail claims Braithwaite is seeking an immediate £4m total payment before agreeing to Barcelona’s wishes.
    However, the Catalans have no intention of reaching that figure.
    They are instead happy to pay off one year of Braithwaite’s salary, which amounts to £2m.
    It’s believed the ex-Middlesbrough man currently has an offer on the table from LaLiga rivals Mallorca.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    But he is determined to hold out until his demands are met by Barca.
    Earlier this month, it was claimed the Spaniards are ready to do whatever it takes to offload Braithwaite before his salary counts towards LaLiga’s limits for this season.

    Barcelona are now exploring legal options that will allow them not to pay his entire contract.
    And they are also considering terminating Braithwaite’s deal on transfer deadline day to leave him without a club until January.
    Braithwaite has been at Barcelona since February 2020 after a shock move from Leganes.
    He has gone on to score ten goals in 58 games.
    But with Robert Lewandowski, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Memphis Depay all battling for a place in attack, Braithwaite’s chances of playing again for Barcelona are virtually zero.
    Read More on The Sun
    Aubameyang and Depay have also been tipped to leave the Nou Camp.
    Aubameyang is a target for Chelsea, while Depay is wanted by Man United after seeing a move to Juventus collapse. More

  • in

    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘got Real Madrid youngster Manu Hernando axed’ for flooring now-Man United star in training

    MANCHESTER UNITED ace Cristiano Ronaldo got former Real Madrid youngster Manu Hernando axed for flooring the Portuguese superstar in a training session, according to reports in Spain.The Spanish 24-year-old was never called into a first-team training session again after taking out the Bernabeu legend four years ago.

    Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly banished a Real Madrid youngster for flooring him in trainingCredit: AP:Associated Press
    In the final stretch of the 2017-18 season, Zinedine Zidane’s side were going strong in the Champions League despite struggling in LaLiga.
    A routine training session was taking place at Valdebebas when the Frenchman split his squad into two teams for small practice games.
    All hell broke loose when Ronaldo and Hernando both went to pounce on a loose ball.
    According to a 2020 Marca report, the Real academy starlet arrived late and his challenge sent the Portuguese ace crashing to the ground.
    Ronaldo reportedly let rip at Hernando, who held his hands up and apologised, and so the game continued.
    That would be his final session with the first-team as boss Zidane never called on him to participate again.
    most read in football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Ronaldo left the following summer for Juventus after nine years at Real, during which time he won LaLiga twice, the Champions League four times and the Copa del Rey twice.
    In January 2020, Hernando went out on loan to Racing Santander where he became a regular starter, before spending last term at SD Ponferradina in the Spanish second tier.
    He was released at the end of last season before being snapped up by Portuguese side Tondela.
    Ronaldo, meanwhile, enjoyed three years at Juve, before returning to Manchester United last summer.
    But Ronaldo’s return to Man Utd has been far from rosey.
    The 37-year-old wants out of Old Trafford after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League last season.
    Ronaldo was benched, alongside club captain Harry Maguire, for United’s 2-1 win over rivals Liverpool. More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘set to make £25m transfer offer to Real Madrid for Marco Asensio’ but Carlo Ancelotti will fight for midfielder

    MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to make an offer for Real Madrid star Marco Asensio, according to reports.The Red Devils could bid £25million for the Spaniard, claim outlet Relevo.
    Marco Asensio has won three Champions LeaguesCredit: Getty
    Carlo Ancelotti supposedly wants to keep Marco AsensioCredit: Getty
    But a deal could prove difficult to complete because Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti wants to keep Asensio at the club.
    But the 26-year-old midfielder’s contract expires next summer so Real Madrid may want to cash in now in case a new contract cannot be sorted.
    Asensio could be tempted by a move to Old Trafford with his former teammates Raphael Varane and Casemiro at the club.
    Rumours suggest Man Utd may not be the only club in for him with Liverpool previously showing interest.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Newcastle and Arsenal have also been linked with as well as an unnamed Italian club is monitoring him too.
    Real Madrid won the LaLiga title and the Champions League last season with Asensio playing a key role featuring 42 times in all competitions scoring 12 goals.
    He has been at the Spanish giants since 2014 when he joined from Real Mallorca.
    In total, he has played 236 times for the club scoring on 49 occasions and he’s contributed with a further 24 assists.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster his squad in the final week of the transfer window.
    The club remain keen on Ajax winger Antony.
    Meanwhile the future of star striker Cristiano Ronaldo is still unclear. More

  • in

    Samuel Umtiti to join Serie A minnows Lecce on season-long loan transfer from Barcelona with medical this week

    BARCELONA flop Samuel Umtiti is reportedly set for a loan move to Italian minnows Lecce.The defender is out of favour at the Nou Camp after several injury-plagued seasons.
    Barcelona flop Samuel Umtiti is set for a Lecce medical ahead of a loan moveCredit: Getty – Contributor
    And Fabrizio Romano claims Umtiti is now on the verge of a move to Serie A with newly-promoted Lecce.
    Last season’s Serie B champions have endured an awful start to the new campaign.
    They were first knocked out of the Coppa Italia by Cittadella before losing league games to Inter Milan and Sassuolo.
    And club chiefs hope Umtiti will be the man to revive their fortunes as he prepares to undergo a medical this week.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Arsenal were linked with a deal earlier this summer.
    Newcastle also retained interest before moving for Lille’s Sven Botman.
    The 28-year-old has been at Barcelona since 2016 after leaving Lyon for £20million.
    Umtiti’s Nou Camp career started well before injuries took a grip.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    In six years he made just 133 appearances, and featured just ONCE last term.
    World Cup winner Umtiti’s last France cap also came in 2019.
    And despite winning two titles with Barcelona, this summer saw the defender drop to sixth-choice in his position.
    It is hoped Umtiti can recapture his old form while in Italy.
    But it is highly unlikely he’ll be able to force his way into Didier Deschamps’ plans for the winter World Cup in Qatar.
    Read More on The Sun
    The move can still be seen as a major coup for Lecce, who fought off competition from Olympiacos.
    Umtiti had also been close to joining Rennes, but the deal collapsed when he failed a medical. More

  • in

    Gerard Pique takes girlfriend Clara Chia to best friend’s wedding as he goes public with 23-year-old after Shakira split

    GERARD PIQUE took new girlfriend Clara Chia to his friend’s wedding as he went public with the 23-year-old.The Barcelona star, 35, announced his split with popstar Shakira after 12 years together in June.

    Gerard Pique and Shakira announced their split after 12 years together earlier in 2022Credit: AP
    The Sun revealed earlier this month that the defender quickly moved on by dating PR student Clara.
    Pique is believed to have met his new girlfriend, 12 years his junior, as she worked on events put on by his production company Kosmos.
    Gerard and Clara are already claimed to have been seeing each other for some time.
    In pictures obtained by Hello! Magazine in Spain, Pique could be seen attending a wedding with Clara on the Costa Brava.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The former Spain international grinned as he stepped out hand in hand with the blonde student.
    Pique has two kids with ex Shakira.
    The Hips Don’t Lie singer is said to be “very angry” that Pique has gone public with Clara.
    A source told Life & Style magazine that the 45-year-old has been suffering from “awful sleeplessness and worry”.

    Most read in Football
    Pique and Shakira have agreed on a temporary custody arrangement for now.
    But the footballer wants Milan, nine, and Sasha, seven, to stay with him in Barcelona – while Shakira is eager to relocate to Miami with them.
    The pair will also have to carve up their £300million fortune including a £15m private jet and a £6m mansion.
    Pique and Shakira met in 2010 and have two kids togetherCredit: EPA More

  • in

    Ex-Man Utd star Ander Herrera RIPS UP PSG contract and set for emotional transfer return to Athletic Bilbao

    FORMER Manchester United star Ander Herrera is nearing an emotional return to La Liga club Athletic BilbaoThe Spanish midfielder is set to be released by Paris-Saint Germain two years early with the Ligue 1 giants desperate to trim their squad.
    Ander Herrera will be returning to Athletic Bilbao after he terminated his contract with PSG two years earlyCredit: Getty
    Herrera joined PSG from United in 2019 but has seen his playing time severely limited since last season.
    The 33-year-old was determined to fulfil his contract at the Parc de Princes, but has now accepted it is time to move on.
    And the former Spain international only has eyes for his boyhood club.
    Marca report that Herrera has even accepted a 40 per cent reduction on his severance package from PSG so Bilbao won’t have to pay a transfer fee.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    It is understood he will sign a two-year deal with the LaLiga side.
    Herrera will be immediately available for Ernesto Valverde’s side who have so far managed a draw against Mallorca and a 1-0 win over Valencia in the La Liga season.
    This will be Herrera’s return to the club he played for for three years between 2011 and 2014.
    During that period, he was also under the wing of Valverde – who now finds himself once again managing Bilbao – who gave him 128 appearances in which he scored 11 goals.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
    At that time he joined the club from Real Zaragoza.
    From Bilbao he went on to sign for United before he joined PSG on a free transfer in 2019.
    During his time in Paris, he managed 95 appearance across all competitions in which he netted in six goals and registered six assists.
    He added two Ligue 1 titles to his trophy case but unfortunately did not manage to make European success like he had done when he won the Europa League with the Red Devils in the 2016/17 season. More

  • in

    Ex-Man Utd star Juan Mata stuck in limbo over Real Betis transfer as club face Barcelona-style salary sanctions

    JUAN MATA’S hopes of joining Real Betis have hit the skids due to the LaLiga club’s salary sanctions.Mata, 34, has been a free agent since leaving Manchester United this summer.
    Real Betis may be unable to complete the signing of Juan Mata as they need to balance the books before bringing in new facesCredit: Reuters
    The midfielder has been swamped with interest from teams in the MLS since his United exit.
    But he’s not interested in a move Stateside, and a switch to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal doesn’t excite Mata either.
    However, Mata’s agreed terms with Betis, but the club have had to pause their pursuit of the Spaniard due to economic restrictions implemented by La Liga chiefs, according to Ondacero.
    The Spanish outfit still need to register five players compiled of Luiz Henrique, Joaquín, William Jose, Guardado and Claudio Bravo, before bringing in Mata.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    But they’ll need to offload a few stars in order to register the aforementioned bunch, the report adds.
    Betis’ economic woes are the reason why they also cooled their interest in Arsenal ace Hector Bellerin.
    And their dire situation is set to cost them Mata also, as the report claims his agents are beginning to look elsewhere.
    It’s the same plight that Betis’ La Liga counterparts Barca are going through at the moment.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    The Blaugrana are yet to register new recruit Jules Kounde due to strict LaLiga financial rules.
    And they’ve reportedly got ten days to balance the books before the defender can leave for free before kicking a ball in a Barca shirt. More