La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham plotting £55m transfer swoop for Villarreal’s ex-Man Utd target Pau Torres to partner Cristian Romero

      by

      TOTTENHAM are plotting a £55million transfer swoop for Villarreal’s Pau Torres, according to reports.The North Londoners want to bring in another centre-back before the summer window closes on August 31.
      Pau Torres could be on his way to Tottenham in a £55m transferCredit: Reuters
      They lost Toby Alderweireld to Qatari side Al-Duhail but did splash out £47million on Cristian Romero.
      But director of football Fabio Paratici still sees the defence as a priority position to bolster.
      And according to The Times, Torres has been identified as a target.
      His release clause rose from £47m to £55m last season when he hit a threshold for international caps.
      But Spurs may see if the Spanish side will accept a fee slightly below that.
      Torres, 24, played a key role in Villarreal’s run to winning the Europa League last season, beating Manchester United on penalties.

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET MAN CITY AT 7/1 OR TOTTENHAM AT 33/1
      His fine form earned him a spot in Spain’s Euro 2020 squad.
      He featured in all six games as Luis Enrique’s side reached the semi-finals – and then played every minute of Spain’s run to the Olympics final.
      Torres was previously linked with United and Real Madrid.
      But the Red Devils opted for Raphael Varane instead, unveiling the £34m signing at Old Trafford before Saturday’s win over Leeds.
      And Los Blancos’ financial struggles mean they used the wages freed up by Sergio Ramos’ exit to fund David Alaba.
      Quizzed about his future earlier in the summer, Torres refused to be drawn on speculation.

      He said: “I have a contract at Villarreal.
      “I just won the first title for the club, we have qualified for the Champions League and it is something that excites me a lot.
      “Now I’m focused on the Euros. Then the Super Cup and nice things will come, so I’m totally calm.”

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      Tottenham boss Santo refuses to say if Harry Kane will stay at club More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid ‘open to selling’ Odegaard for £34m with Arsenal poised for transfer swoop after Willock’s exit to Newcastle

      by

      REAL MADRID are ‘eager’ to sell Martin Odegaard and will let him go for £34million, according to reports.And Arsenal are reportedly poised to swoop after they sold Joe Willock to Newcastle for £25m.
      Real Madrid are willing to sell Martin Odegaard for £34m and Arsenal are preparing a moveCredit: Getty
      Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave the 22-year-old out Real’s squad for their LaLiga opener against Alaves on Saturday.
      His No 21 shirt was also given to Brazilian sensation Rodrygo.
      And the club will now welcome any formal bid and will accept any of £34m and above, according to Goal.
      Arsenal initially signed the Norwegian on loan from Real Madrid in January.
      He subsequently impressed boss Mikel Arteta, making 20 appearances and scoring key goals against Olympiacos and Tottenham.
      Odegaard scored two goals and provided two assists during his time at the Emirates.

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET MAN CITY AT 7/1 OR TOTTENHAM AT 33/1
      Following the 22-year-old’s Los Blancos return, Arteta was eager to bring him back for this season.
      But the North London side were dealt a huge blow when it looked like Madrid were going to keep hold of him as cover for the injured Toni Kroos.
      However their stance appears to have shifted despite the German’s groin injury.
      Odegaard has two years left on his Real deal which explains the hefty fee for someone who barely plays for the first team.
      But Arsenal have more cash available after Willock, 21, was sold to Newcastle for £25m.
      The midfielder agreed a six-year deal after enjoying an excellent spell on loan last at St James’ Park in the second-half of last season – scoring eight goals in 14 Premier League appearances.
      Speaking to Newcastle’s website, Willock said: “I’m buzzing to be here.
      “I loved my time here last season and I’m really happy to be back and to be a Newcastle United player.

      “Leaving Arsenal is obviously a big step – and I’d like to thank everyone involved with the club for all their support over the years.
      “But this is the right move to the right club at the right time for me.
      “I only got one chance to play in front of a smaller number of Newcastle fans as a home player last season, so I can’t wait to step out in front of a packed St James’ Park and experience that atmosphere.
      “Come on, you Maggies!”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates
      Mikel Arteta apologises to fans for Brentford shambles More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona star Ilaix Moriba’s dad reveals he ‘cancelled flight to Manchester’ to seal Man City transfer before debut

      by

      THE father of Ilaix Moriba has revealed he cancelled his son’s flight to Manchester City so the teen could remain at Barcelona.Moriba, 18, burst into Ronald Koeman’s team last season and is tipped for a bright future with the Catalans.
      Ilaix Moriba, 18, was set to agree a deal with Man City two years ago before staying at BarcelonaCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
      He’s clocked up 18 appearances in all competitions and scored his first-ever goal in a 2-0 win against Osasuna.
      However, his future is up in the air after Barça president Joan Laporta revealed he can leave after a row over his contract.
      Amazingly, Moriba came close to joining Pep Guardiola at City two years ago when doubts emerged over a Barca deal back in 2019.
      The Spain youth international, who has reportedly chosen to represent his country of birth – Guinea – at senior level, had even booked a plane ticket to the Etihad as he searched for his first professional contract.
      However, Moriba’s dad Mamady Kourouma cancelled the ticket on the morning of the flight after a breakthrough in contract talks with Barca.
      He told Sport: “With Barcelona, the negotiations did not advance. We met with Txiki Begiristain [City’s sporting director] and he explained his entire project to us.
      “We liked it because they bet a lot on him. A few weeks later we had the tickets to travel to Manchester and sign the contract.
      “I cancelled it the morning that we had to go there. I wanted Ilaix to be an example and a reference for the next generations of Barcelona.
      “His friends were gone. If he stayed, it was proof Barca was betting on the youth players. We managed to reach an agreement where we all came out winning.”

      Barcelona indeed proved their determination to keep Moriba, making him the best-paid player in the history of their academy while handing him an £90million release clause.
      But that contract expires in 2022, and Barcelona fear they may lose him for nothing.
      Manchester United are thought to be eager as they hunt for Paul Pogba’s long-term replacement.
      Meanwhile, Chelsea are also said to be keeping tabs with N’Golo Kante not getting any younger.
      Moriba would like to stay at Barca but is reluctant to have his new release clause raised higher than £130m.
      And that could cause conflict with the Catalans, who would prefer it to be nearer the £343m in fellow youngster Ansu Fati’s deal.
      Workers remove picture of Lionel Messi from mural outside of Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona FINALLY register Depay and Garcia after Pique agrees to take ‘significant’ pay cut to help cash crisis

      by

      BARCELONA have FINALLY registered new signings Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia after Gerard Pique agreed to a ‘significant’ pay cut.The pair arrived on free transfers from Lyon and Manchester City respectively this summer.
      Gerard Pique has agreed to a huge pay cut to help Barcelona register new signingsCredit: GettyDREAM TEAM 2021/22 – IT’S NOT TOO LATE!PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON

      £100,000 prize pot up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      But in order to be eligible to play, they needed to make huge further reductions to the wage bill to operate within LaLiga regulations.
      It was those rules – along with Spanish employment laws – that saw Lionel Messi forced out of the club.
      But Pique, a product of the famous La Masia academy, has repaid his club with a selfless gesture to help Barca.
      Boss Ronald Koeman paid tribute to the defender – and hopes other Barca legends will follow his lead to enable more signings to arrive at the Nou Camp, especially a forward.
      Koeman said: “We all know the situation that the club finds itself in and it needs help in any way possible.
      “Gerard, Sergio Roberto, [Jordi] Alba and Sergio Busquets have all been here for many years and they want to help and they have shown that.

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET MAN CITY AT 7/1 OR TOTTENHAM AT 33/1
      “This is their club and that shows in this gesture.
      “It hurts all Barcelona supporters what Messi has done but we cannot live in the past.
      “The squad is short of forward players and we have spoken about signing a striker.
      “It would help us but let’s see if it can be possible.”
      Ex-Barcelona forward Gary Lineker tweeted: “The great @3gerardpique is to take a substantial pay cut to ease @FCBarcelona’s registration issues.
      “El Presidente del futuro. [The president of the future].”
      However, more sacrifices to the budget need to be made before injured Sergio Aguero – or any other arrivals – can be added.
      LaLiga set Barcelona an annual salary budget of £295million.
      But they are currently operating at £340m so still need to cut around £45m, even with Messi and his mammoth wages gone.

      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS
      The Argentine icon joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer this week on an eye-watering £1m per week.
      To make matters worse for Barcelona, who are already in £1billion of debt, the Nou Camp club still owe Messi £44.2m in deferred wages from last season.
      Barca begin their new LaLiga campaign at home to Real Sociedad on Sunday.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      Memphis Depay arrived from Lyon to join up with compatriot Ronald KoemanCredit: Getty
      Eric Garcia left Manchester City when his contract expired at the end of last seasonCredit: Getty
      Workers remove picture of Lionel Messi from mural outside of Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid ‘looked at quitting LaLiga and joining Premier League’ claims shock report – but club deny ‘absurd’ claims

      by

      REAL MADRID looked at quitting LaLiga to join the Premier League, claimed shocking reports.But the Spanish giants have vehemently denied the ‘absurd’ claims.
      Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was reportedly looking to get his club out of LaLiga – but they deny the claimsCredit: GettyDREAM TEAM 2021/22 – IT’S NOT TOO LATE!PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON

      £100,000 prize pot up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      The Bernabeu club have been at loggerheads with LaLiga in recent times.
      In a stunning article by Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid have allegedly been ‘studying for weeks the possibility of leaving’ the Spanish top flight.
      And Los Blancos would be thought to prefer a switch to England to become a part of the Premier League – although the Bundesliga and Serie A were also reportedly considered.
      However, in response to the bombshell report, Real Madrid released a statement shutting down the rumours immediately.
      It said: “Given the information published today by the newspaper Mundo Deportivo, in which it says that our club studied going from LaLiga to the Premier League, Real Madrid wants to make it clear that it is completely false.
      “It is absurd and impossible and it only intends to disturb once more the day to day of our club.”

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      And any chance of actually switching from LaLiga to the Premier League would meet further complications due to Brexit.
      Real Madrid angered LaLiga after president Florentino Perez’s leading role in the European Super League.
      Perez was the chairman of the proposed closed-shop breakaway division which spectacularly collapsed in April.
      And this month Real launched civil and criminal lawsuits against LaLiga president Javier Tebas and CVC Capital Partners over the league’s £2.3billion sale.
      The Spanish giants also said they would pursue legal action to block approval of the planned deal, which is to be voted on by LaLiga members.
      The league said last week that the deal, called ‘Boost LaLiga’, would strengthen its clubs and give them funds to spend on new infrastructure and modernisation projects.

      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS
      But Real and Barcelona fiercely opposed the deal as it gives CVC a 10 per cent share in the league’s future television rights.
      Tebas responded to the statement with a message on Twitter in which he criticised Perez for using ‘threatening methods’.
      Real Madrid begin their new league season on Saturday night with an away trip to Alaves.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      Real Madrid release amazing time lapse footage of Bernabeu construction work as retractable roof is added More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Raphael Varane spotted stuck in traffic near Manchester as £42m transfer from Real Madrid drags on

      by

      RAPHAEL VARANE is getting used to life in England having been spotted in a Manchester traffic jam already.The Frenchman’s £42million transfer to Manchester United from Real Madrid is still dragging on but is expected to be completed on Saturday.
      Raphael Varane was pictured in traffic near Manchester as his Man Utd transfer edges closerCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The Frenchman was pictured in a white BMW in Alderley Edge on FridayCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Varane is close to completing a £42m move to Old Trafford from Real MadridCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeDREAM TEAM 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON

      £100,000 prize pot up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      Varane, 28, was seen in a white BMW 4X4 in Alderley Edge, Cheshire on Friday.
      He had a woman next to him and stepped out the vehicle at one stage at a garage.
      The Red Devils are signing the France international centre-back with the deal worth an initial £34m.
      The star was spotted arriving at United’s training ground for the first time on Tuesday after he enjoyed a post-Euro 2020 break to undergo his medical.
      SunSport now understands that Varane has successfully completed those medical checks and signed on the dotted line to make the transfer official.
      He has agreed a four-year contract with the option for a further 12-months.

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET MO SALAH TO SCORE ONE OR MORE GOALS IN AUGUST AT 20/1
      Varane has already posed in United’s colours for the official announcement with his shirt number all set to be unveiled.
      The numbers 12, 16, 22, 24 are the lowest ones currently available at Old Trafford but it will not be until the official confirmation that his shirt is revealed.
      But he could struggle to be on the bench for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side when they kick-off the Premier League campaign at home to Leeds on Saturday.
      The 2018 World Cup winner arrived at the Aon Training Ground on Thursday to finalise his switch.
      Varane was spotted being driven into Carrington in the back of a black Mercedes to finally undergo his medical.
      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS

      The star had just one year left on his current contract at the Bernabeu.
      And, much like Sergio Ramos, talks over a new deal reached a stalemate, with United taking advantage.
      He is United’s second major transfer arrival this summer after they finally ended their long-pursuit of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      Fired-up Solskjaer insists ‘nothing is beyond’ Man Utd as he bids to bring back glory days More

    • 175 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi’s heartbreaking final WhatsApp message to Barcelona team-mates revealed after shock PSG transfer

      by

      LIONEL MESSI’S final WhatsApp message to his former Barcelona team-mates have been revealed prior to his move to Paris Saint-Germain.The 34-year-old has ended his 21-year stay in Catalonia after joining the Ligue 1 outfit on a free transfer.
      Lionel Messi has left Barcelona after 21 years to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transferCredit: Getty
      Messi has agreed a contract at Parc des Princes until 2023, with the club having the option to keep him in France for a further year.
      And while the Argentine legend has expressed his excitement at linking up with Les Parisiens, Messi had been keen to remain at the Nou Camp.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s Barca exit was confirmed last week, with the player reduced to tears in his leaving press conference where he declared he wanted to stay.
      He even agreed to halve his wages at Barca, but a salary cap ensured the cash-strapped LaLiga club couldn’t offer him a new deal.
      And his heartbreak at leaving the Blaugrana has now been revealed with Argentine journalist Veronica Brunati tweeting what Messi told his team-mates.
      She claims Messi said: “I don’t want to go. There is nothing left to do, there is no money.
      “The club is doing very badly, they cannot extend with me.”
      Messi – one of five summer signings brought in by PSG – is now looking forward to a new chapter in his career.
      PRICE BOOST – GET CHELSEA AT 8/1 OR VILLARREAL AT 33/1
      FREE BETS BONUS: GET £180 IN FREE BETS FOR CHELSEA vs VILLARREAL

      DREAM TEAM 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON

      £100,000 prize pot up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      Asked about playing alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, he remarked: “It’s crazy. I am very happy sharing day to day life with them and all the squad.
      “Really there are some amazing transfers – the team is incredible.
      “I want to train and compete now because I’m going to be playing with the best players in the world and that’s always good.
      “It’s very nice, it’s an incredible experience to be able to enjoy this.”
      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS
      Lionel Messi greets PSG fans as they light flares and scream his name at historic unveiling More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool ‘set to win Renato Sanches transfer race ahead of Barcelona as Lille slap £40m price tag on midfielder’

      by

      LIVERPOOL look set to win the transfer race to sign Renato Sanches, according to reports.The midfielder, 23, is expected to leave Lille this summer after helping them win the Ligue 1 title last season.
      Renato Sanches is expected to leave Lille this summer with Liverpool interestedCredit: AFP
      According to Mundo Deportivo, the French side are demanding £40million for their Portuguese star.
      Liverpool are keen to bring in an extra midfielder after the departure of Gini Wijnaldum on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain while Youri Tielemans looks set to stay at FA Cup winners Leicester.
      But the Reds may try and lower the asking price to get a cheaper deal for the energetic midfield man.
      Barcelona were also thought to be interested in Sanches, after missing out on Wijnaldum.
      But their financial disarray means they are unable to register any new signings.
      And that may well give Liverpool a free run to bring Sanches back to the Premier League.
      After breaking through with Benfica, he won the league and cup double, Euro 2016 and Golden Boy award in a stunning 2016.
      But after joining Bayern Munich, his career spiralled downwards with a flop loan spell at Swansea in 2017-18.
      However, the star got it back on track when he transferred from Bayern to Lille two years ago and has been on an upward trajectory ever since.
      Selling Sanches would mean losing two of their key title-winning central midfielders after Boubakary Soumare moved to Leicester.
      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has only brought in one new face in the summer window so far.
      Ibrahima Konate signed from RB Leipzig in a £36m transfer to bolster the defence.
      PRICE BOOST – GET CHELSEA AT 8/1 OR VILLARREAL AT 33/1
      FREE BETS BONUS: GET £180 IN FREE BETS FOR CHELSEA vs VILLARREAL
      DREAM TEAM 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON

      £100,000 prize pot up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      But with the club also linked with £38m-rated Belgian teenage winger Jeremy Doku, Klopp hinted there could be more arrivals before the August 31 deadline day.
      Speaking after Sunday’s 1-1 pre-season draw with Athletic Bilbao, the German said: “I am very happy with the squad, but it doesn’t mean that we don’t look at the market.
      “We have a big squad and there might be something happening until the end of the transfer window, but I cannot say anything about that at the moment.”
      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS

      Cristiano Ronaldo bizarrely SNIFFS Renato Sanches’ hair in Portugal training More