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    ‘This changes everything’ – Former European champions release new kit design for first time in 25 years

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    Premier League flop, 37, known for awkward Anfield moment to be given statue at proposed World Cup stadium

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    World’s most valuable players revealed as Jude Bellingham leapfrogs Erling Haaland… but lags behind Lamine Yamal

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    Real Madrid tipped to sign Liverpool cult hero just days after sealing Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer

    LIVERPOOL cult hero Roberto Firmino has been linked with a sensational move to Real Madrid, reports claim.Real are looking for an experienced goalscorer to support Kylian Mbappe up top, after finishing second behind LaLiga champions Barcelona this season.Roberto Firmino is being linked with an unlikely move to Real MadridCredit: GettyFirmino could be reunited with former Liverpool team-mate Alexander-ArnoldCredit: GettyIt comes just days after Madrid swooped Liverpool boyhood star Trent Alexander-Arnold, who ended his 20-year career at Anfield for sunny Spain.And according to Spanish outlet AS Sport, Madrid are in the hunt for a new Joselu-like figure to come to the Bernabeu. The former Stoke and Newcastle forward may have flopped in the Premier League, but he’s fondly remembered in the Spanish capital.Joselu scored crucial goals en route to Real’s 2024 Champions League victory, most notably his two late notches in the semi-final win over Bayern Munich.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJoselu, who came through the ranks at Real as a youngster, scored 18 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions as he played a vital support role after rejoining for a year aged 33.And having been without such a prolific role player this year after Joselu joined Saudi side Al-Gharafa SC, Firmino has reportedly dropped onto Madrid’s radar.The Brazilian, 33, who once featured in one of most lethal Premier League front-threes with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, now plays in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli.Firmino was linked with a shock move to Madrid before the end of Liverpool contract in 2023.Most read in FootballJosulu became a cult hero in MadridCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAfter initially struggling to find his feet, Firmino has managed 21 goals in 65 appearances, and he captained Al-Ahli to the AFC Champions League Elite title this season.Firmino is also seen as someone who could play a vital bench role for new manager Xabi Alonso, who also starred for both Liverpool and Madrid.Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks down in tears and kisses badge as he gets emotional send-off from Liverpool fansA move would allow youngster Gonzalo Garcia, 21, another year to develop after scoring 25 goals for Madrid’s academy this season. If does complete the switch, then Firmino would be reunited with former Liverpool team-mate Alexander-Arnold.The pair who won it all at Liverpool during Jurgen Klopp’s golden years, including the club’s first-ever Premier League trophy and the 2019 Champions League title.While Firmino was given a hero’s send-off when he was released in 2023, the England right-back faced heavy criticism from Liverpool fans, who were initially fuming about his free agent status.But Madrid have since paid £10million to release Alexander-Arnold a month early from this contract that was due to end on June 30.The Spanish giants were hell-bent on having the 26-year-old for the Club World Cup, starting on June 14 in the US.Firmino would also have fellow Brazilians Vinicius Jr and Eder Militao as team-mates.Firmino could also link up with Brazil team-mate Vinicius JrCredit: Reuters More

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    Arsenal interested in shock transfer for Real Madrid star Rodrygo as Mikel Arteta targets two priority positions

    ARSENAL are interested in Real Madrid star Rodrygo as they prepare to strengthen two key attacking areas this summer.Left-wing and striker are the priority positions for Mikel Arteta and the club have a number of targets in each category.Arsenal are interested in Real Madrid star RodrygoCredit: GettyThe Gunners are prepping for a big summer window after narrowly falling short of the Premier League title for a third consecutive season.And Rodrygo is high among the left-wingers on Arsenal’s list, along with Spain star Nico Williams and Leroy Sane, who will be a free agent after leaving Bayern Munich this summer.According to reports, Rodrygo is set for crunch talks about his future with new Madrid manager Xabi Alonso this week.Despite having three years left on his Real deal, the Brazil international lost his starting place this season under former boss Carlo Ancelotti. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe arrival of Kylian Mbappe last year resulted in less game-time for Rodrygo, who’s also been linked with Chelsea and  Manchester City.Rodrygo, who has scored 68 goals and provided 50 assists for Real Madrid in 267 games, is unhappy with his playing time after winning two Champions League titles with Real.Arsenal are on red alert after Madrid splashed out £33million on Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono. No price tag has been confirmed for Rodrygo, but the 24-year-old is expected to cost at least £67million. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesIf Rodrygo and Atletico Madrid winger Williams aren’t available, Arsenal could also move for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.Rogers, who scored 14 goals and provided 15 assists for Villa in the Premier League this season, would still demand a significant fee – likely north of £50million. David Raya reveals Arsenal career changed overnight following two-hour meeting Meanwhile, after finishing second three times in a row, Arteta is desperately searching for a world class No 9.Newcastle’s £150m striker Alexander Isak and Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres are two top targets to lead the line.But Eddie Howe is confident of keeping Isak after the club qualified for next season’s Champions League.RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has been linked with Arsenal since January and has been valued at £70million. More

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    Newcastle confirm first summer signing after pipping Barcelona, Real Madrid and Porto to Spanish wonderkid

    NEWCASTLE have confirmed the signing of Spanish wonderkid Antonio Cordero.SunSport revealed in January that the 18-year-old – dubbed ‘Antoñito’ – would reject a new deal at Malaga in favour of joining the Magpies on a free transfer.Antonio Cordero poses in his new kitCredit: GettySeveral top European clubs were after the wonderkidCredit: GettyCordero, 18, has joined the Toon from MalagaCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Spaniard will arrive at St James’ Park on 1st July – subject to obtaining a UK visa – upon the expiry of his contract, and is expected to spend his first season out on loan.Real Madrid and Barcelona had held talks with the attacker, as did Porto, but he opted to pen a five-year deal to join Eddie Howe’s side.Cordero said: “It’s truly an honour to be here, truly a pleasure. I am a person who likes to aspire high. Why not come to one of the best places in the world to do it.“It’s a big step, and that’s one of the reasons I’m here. I’m happy to do it and have a great desire to get going already.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLStrong reports from Cordero’s homeland suggest he could make a return to Malaga next season, though boss Sergio Pellicer refused to be drawn on the situation when asked recently.He said: “From the outside, it seems easy, but then it requires certain circumstances to make sense of everything – salary caps and other issues. It’s up to the club to talk about it.”Cordero scored his first senior goal for the Andalusian giants in June 2024, bagging a last-gasp equaliser in a play-off final second leg to fire Malaga back in to the Segunda Division.Upon confirmation of the signing, Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell said: “Antonio is an exciting talent. We’re delighted to bring him to Newcastle United amidst interest in Spain and across Europe.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCordero undergoes his medical at NewcastleCredit: GettyThe Spanish wonderkid receives his shirt from Toon youth chief Jack RossCredit: Getty“He has lots of potential, and the next phase of his development will be for the club to select a loan move that will challenge him and build on his experiences.”Cordero’s arrival is set to be the first among a flurry of summer signings.Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man UtdEddie Howe maintains an interest in Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, but hopes of signing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford have been hampered by his desire to join Man Utd.And goalkeeper Nick Pope is being lined up by newly-promoted Leeds after the Yorkshire side missed out on Liverpool’s Caoimhin Keller.Meanwhile Sandro Tonali has nailed his Black and White colours to the mast and committed his future to Newcastle.The Italian midfielder, 25, was one of Newcastle’s top performers this term as they lifted the Carabao Cup and secured Champions League qualification.Despite that, there have been constant reports from his homeland that he would be heading back to former club Milan, who sold him to the Magpies for £55m in 2023, this summer.Barcelona and Real Madrid are two others linked while Juventus are the latest side said to be chasing him.Tonali, however, has shut down any transfer noise and insists he is going nowhere as he wants to repay the club for the support they showed him during his ban.Read More on The SunHe said: “I’m happy where I am now. I’ve found people who care about me, and I care about them. I don’t want to break any of the bonds I’ve built.“I’ve had a lot of thoughts every day, but right now, I’m happy where I am.”Nick Pope is being targeted by newly-promoted LeedsCredit: Getty More

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    Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘banned from taking prized possession to Real Madrid’ after transfer from Liverpool

    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD will not be able to drive his Range Rover into Real Madrid training.The full-back, 26, has penned a six-year deal with the Spanish giants.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to move to SpainCredit: RexThe Liverpool full-back liked to drive a Range Rover into trainingCredit: AlamyAlexander-Arnold is said to have regularly driven a £130,000 Range Rover to Liverpool’s training centre.But per Spanish outlet El Motor, the England star will be forbidden to do so by his new club.Real Madrid have a lucrative sponsorship deal with BMW.As part of the arrangement, the club’s first team players are all gifted a BMW motor each season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLStars get to choose a car, with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham having plumped for the £150k BMW XM.Should Alexander-Arnold fancy a like-for-like replacement for his Range Rover, he could opt for a spacious BMW X7.Or if he fancies something slightly smaller and sportier, he could instead give the BMW X5 a go.Alexander-Arnold is set to be thrown straight in the deep end at Real Madrid after they agreed a £10million fee with Liverpool to enable the right-back to play at the Club World Cup.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBellingham, 21, opted for a plush BMW XMCredit: Instagram @realmadridThe Reds academy graduate could make his Real Madrid debut against Al-Hilal on June 18.This will also mark new boss Xabi Alonso’s first match in charge, having moved from Bayer Leverkusen to replace Carlo Ancelotti. Andy Robertson pays tribute to ‘best friend’ Trent Alexander-Arnold after he is booed by Liverpool fansFirst, Alexander-Arnold has joined up with England for this month’s camp.Boss Thomas Tuchel took his squad out for a team bonding trip to the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend.The Three Lions will take on Andorra at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium this Saturday.They will then face Senegal in a Nottingham friendly next Tuesday.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s BMW optionsBy Michael Golson, Sun Motors correspondentWith Trent being forced to garage his beloved Range Rover and potentially switch to a BMW, Real Madrid’s newest Englishman still has some excellent options if he’s keen on another stylish and luxurious SUV.The obvious choice is the top-of-the-range BMW X7 M60i, which, much like the Range Rover P530, is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo engine. It also combines the very best in luxury, comfort and endless interior space.There’s also the BMW X5 M50i. While it lacks the same off-road capability as the Range Rover, it matches it in terms of on-road performance and dynamics – particularly with its sporty handling.Currently in its fourth generation, the X5 is slightly smaller than the Range Rover but just as popular, thanks to its meticulously finished cabin and BMW’s highly regarded curved screen, perfect for all of the Liverpudlian’s infotainment needs. More

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    Barcelona face starting Champions League 2025/26 with POINTS DEDUCTION with Chelsea and Villa also set to be punished

    BARCELONA are facing the threat of Uefa sanctions after breaching financial rules for a second year running, reports claim.It comes after the Spanish giants lost an appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over a £420,000 fine imposed by Uefa for wrongly reporting profits in October. Barcelona are facing severe sanctions from Uefa after breaching financial rulesCredit: APA CAS ruling in October said a second breach would lead to ‘harsher’ finesCredit: GettyThe CAS ruling at the time warned the club would face “harsher” punishments if they failed to comply with rules again.And according to The Times, they have been found wanting again under Uefa rules, and the La Liga champions are now due to be hit with severe sanctions.These could include a reduced limit on the number of players they can register for next season’s Champions League or even a points deduction in the league phase. English sides Chelsea and Aston Villa are also understood to have breached Uefa rules.However, because they are first-time offenders, they will be slapped with financial penalties only.Both have been in talks with the Uefa’s Club Financial Control Board (CFCB) over a financial settlement.The governing body of European football are due to confirm the sanctions imposed on each team later this month.Barcelona have tried a number of unorthodox ways to help them climb free of financial ruin. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIn 2022, they sold 10 per cent of their broadcasting revenue over the next 25 years for £225million (€267million).They wanted to claim this as “other operating income” on the books, which would have counted towards their FFP calculations.Barcelona win LaLiga at Espanyol as fierce rivals turn sprinklers on to dampen celebration before Hansi Flick intervenesHowever, Uefa insisted it must come under “profits on disposal of intangible assets” which do not count towards FFP.Barcelona then sold another 15 per cent of their broadcast rights for £337m (€400m).But the CAS ruling means it cannot be classed as operating income, which is said to have been the ultimate cause of their latest breach.Barca made the Champions League semi-finals this year, losing to beaten finalists Inter Milan.Chelsea’s breach comes down to Uefa not counting the club’s world record £220m sale of the women’s team to a sister company on their books.This is in contrast to Premier League financial rules which do allow it.Uefa financial rules state clubs can make a maximum loss of £170m (€200million) over three years.Read More on The SunClubs also cannot spend more than 80 per cent of their UEFA-allowed revenue. But this will reduce further to 70 per cent next season. More