La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal and Tottenham in Renato Sanches transfer battle but face competition from Barcelona for Lille star

      by

      ARSENAL and Tottenham are locked in a fierce transfer battle for Lille star Renato Sanches, according to reports.And the North London rivals also face competition from Catalan giants Barcelona.
      Arsenal, Tottenham and Barcelona are all keen on Renato SanchesCredit: EPA
      At the end of last month, the former Bayern Munich midfielder said he was ‘waiting for an invitation’ to join the Gunners, leaving fans excited about a potential move.
      But Spurs and Barca are now in the picture with the Catalans the most likely to complete the signing, according to French outlet Le 10 Sport.
      The 23-year-old has become one of the hottest talents in Europe again after a tricky start to his professional career.
      Sanches burst onto the scene at Benfica in 2015-16, making 35 appearances in all competitions to help the Portuguese side win a league and cup double.
      His performances at domestic level saw him included in Portugal’s squad for Euro 2016, starting their historic win against France in the final.
      But Sanches struggled after the tournament, making just 17 league appearances at new club Bayern following a high-profile move.
      An unsuccessful loan spell at Swansea followed – featuring just 12 times for the relegated Premier League side – before he was allowed to join Lille in August 2019.
      Despite making only making 42 Ligue 1 appearances in two seasons at the French club due to injury, he has reinvented himself – inspiring them to a shock title triumph last term.

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      Sanches sent Gunners fans into a frenzy in June.
      Responding to a picture on Sanches’ Insta, Gabriel commented: “Come to Arsenal.”
      To which Sanches replied: “I’m wait for your invitation [sic].”
      The Gunners are reportedly monitoring several midfielders as they face losing Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka to Roma.
      The Premier League side have also been linked with Brighton star Yves Bissouma and Lyon talent Houssem Aouar.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Roy Keane slams senior England stars for letting ‘young kid’ Bukayo Saka take crucial fifth penalty in Italy defeat More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City ‘make contact’ with Antoine Griezmann over transfer with Barcelona willing to flog star to reduce wage bill

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY have contacted France international Antoine Griezmann over a potential transfer, according to reports.It’s believed Barcelona are willing to sell the striker to reduce their wage bill, allowing them to re-sign out-of-contract star Lionel Messi.
      Barcelona reportedly want to get Antoine Griezmann’s salary off their booksCredit: AP
      According to French website Foot Mercato, City boss Pep Guardiola has spoken to Griezmann, 30, about a potential move to the Etihad.
      The Premier League champions are in need of a new striker after releasing club legend Sergio Aguero and the Frenchman could fit the bill.
      City have been linked with England captain Harry Kane but may be priced out of a move by current employers Tottenham.
      Rumours suggest Barcelona are hoping to receive a serious offer for Griezmann this summer to appease their financial woes.
      It is believed the Spanish giants need to cut their costs to operate under a salary cap, with new signing Memphis Depay reportedly agreeing to a 30 per cent pay cut.
      Barca are yet to agree a new contract with Messi and the sale of Griezmann could finance his wages.
      BETTING SPECIAL – Get McGregor to win by knockout, TKO or DQ at 40/1

      The five-time European champions signed the World Cup winner in July 2019 for £108m but are unlikely to recuperate all of that money.
      Griezmann has scored just 22 LaLiga goals since leaving Atletico Madrid, while his former side have gone on to become champions of Spain.
      Reports claim the player wouldn’t be interested in joining Paris Saint-Germain – and fellow European giants Bayern Munich and Juventus are waiting to see how the transfer window unfolds before considering a move.
      Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman hinted at Griezmann’s departure in a recent press conference.

      He said: “For me, Griezmann is very important.
      “He was an excellent recruit for Barca and he showed his quality. He is a very good player.
      “But I insist, I do not know what decisions will be made in the end, because the most important thing is that Leo stays with us.
      “This is the future of this club and we must try to the maximum [to keep Messi].”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Kylian Mbappe’s hilarious reaction after Antoine Griezmann tells him he signed PSG star for Newcastle on Football Manager More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Neymar lashes out at Brazil fans supporting Argentina legend Lionel Messi in Copa America 2021 final

      by

      NEYMAR has blasted Brazilians who are throwing their weight behind Argentina ahead of the Copa America final. It is reported compatriots of the PSG and Brazil superstar – who are also Lionel Messi fans – will be cheering their nation’s fiercest rivals during their clash. 
      Lionel Messi and Neymar will go head-to-head in the Copa America finalCredit: Getty
      These include Brazilian sports TV journalist Fabiola Andrade.
      She explained in an Instagram post: “Before stoning me in a public square, let me explain: I love Brazil, Brazilian football…I have several Argentine friends. But I’m not going to root for Argentina in the Copa America final because of them, no. I cheer because I love #football and @leomessi This guy needs to win a title with his country’s shirt! For justice!”
      Brazil fans have struggled to get enthused by the tournament with a Covid pandemic raging and last-minute changes to the competition.
      Many would also like to see Messi finally lift an international trophy with Argentina.
      In an Instagram story Neymar, 29, wrote: “I am Brazilian with a lot of pride and love.
      “My dream was always to be in the Brazil national team and hear the fans singing.
      “I never attacked, nor will attack [Brazil] if they are competing for something, whether that is in sport, a modelling competition, the Oscars.
      “If it’s Brazil I am Brazil, and who is Brazilian and does it differently
      “It’s fine, I will respect it, but go to [hell]… those who are in opposition.”

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED
      The South American football titans will be going head-to-head for the regional championship crown in Brazil’s 78,000-seater Maracana stadium.
      A victory for Neymar and his team-mates in Rio would see their country claim their tenth Copa crown and a second successive trophy win in the contest. 
      Neymar was forced to miss the 2019 Copa America due to an ankle ligament injury he sustained during a 2-0 friendly win against Qatar in June that year. 
      The Paris Saint-Germain forward has scored twice and provided three assists in five games in this year’s competition. 
      Neymar is vying with Messi for the 2021 Copa America Golden BootCredit: Rex

      However, the Brazil ace’s former Barcelona team-mate Messi is currently the contest’s leading scorer with four goals. 
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is on course to claim the tournament’s Golden Boot.
      And Messi, who is yet to win a major international trophy with Argentina, is hoping to triumph in this year’s Copa America. 

      The Barcelona superstar was sent off in a third-place play-off against Chile in 2019 following an altercation with Gary Medel. 
      And the last Copa tournament win for his side was back in 1993 when he was six.
      Meanwhile, some of Brazil’s players have echoed Neymar in urging their fans to get behind their team ahead of the mouthwatering duel between the two nations on Saturday.  
      These include the PSG ace’s club and country team-mate Marquinhos. 
      Messi is hoping to win his first Copa America trophy with ArgentinaCredit: Reuters
      The centre-back, 27, said: “It is difficult [the situation] because we see so many Brazilians, so many people in the press who are against and simply do not support the Brazilian team, who have no pleasure and pride in seeing the team, in rooting for us.
      “The fans, the journalists, the Brazilian people, no matter how difficult the moment we are living, could send positive energy, good energy because the national team is a source of pride for the Brazilian fans.
      “From our part, we have tried to represent the team and the fans in the best possible way, giving everything on the pitch and that’s what we’ve been doing at the Copa America.”
      Argentina vs Brazil – FREE – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Copa America Final More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      LaLiga chief says Spanish football would cope without Lionel Messi as it did after Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar exits

      by

      JAVIER TEBAS believes Spain’s top-flight can survive Lionel Messi’s departure should he opt to swap La Liga for another division in Europe.Reports claim the superstar’s Barcelona future is up in the air due to the club not being able to register new signings after exceeding their wage cap.
      Javier Tebas believes Spain’s top football division will survive should Lionel Messi leave LaLigaCredit: AP
      The Argentina playmaker is currently out of contract with his most recent Barca deal coming to end on June 30.
      The Daily Mail says Barcelona need to slash £160.4million (187m euros) off their salary bill with financial rules for Spain’s top-flight placing a limit on club wages. 
      It is reported the Nou Camp giants are currently unable to re-sign Messi, 34, on a two-year deal they hoped to agree with him. 
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED
      The forward is due to take on Brazil with his national side in this year’s Copa America final.
      And although the Argentinian is one of the world’s most famous football stars, Tebas, 58,  believes his exit will not be harmful to the country’s top tier. 
      The La Liga president said: “Of course we want Messi to stay but when you are running a league you cannot base decisions on individual players or clubs.’
      “Ronaldo and Neymar went and we are still here and neither Serie A nor Ligue 1 has grown as they thought it would. 
      “Economically the Premier League is the best competition in the world and it has done it without Ballon d’Or winners.
      “Of course our rivals will be happy if he (Messi) leaves, but let’s see what happens. 
      “As far as I know he has not signed for anyone else. 
      “Right now he is a lot closer to staying at Barcelona than he is going to another club.”
      In March Barcelona were instructed to make huge salary cuts reducing their wage spend from £331million to £300millon. 
      And the Catalan juggernauts were reported to be operating beyond that figure even without a new deal offer for Messi.

      Messi is currently without a contract ahead of the 2021-22 seasonCredit: AFP

      The demands followed the Covid pandemic having a detrimental effect on the earnings of Spain’s top two tiers. 
      Finance firm PwC reported a £1.7 billion (Two million euros) total income shortfall for both divisions in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. 
      And it is claimed Barcelona, who finished third in La Liga last term, may need to consider selling some of their players in a bid to retain Messi. 

      The Argentina captain – regarded as one of the best ever football players – has enjoyed a glittering career at the Nou Camp winning 35 trophies 
      Major silverware wins for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner include 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions League medals.
      And Barca forward’s previous contract was worth a whopping £2.4m per week – or £123m per year.
      It’s unthinkable that he (Lionel Messi) could get the same contract at Barcelona and that goes for other clubsJavier Tebas – LaLiga President
      The Mail reports that La Liga regulations oblige clubs who have gone over their wage cap by adhering to a ‘one for four’ rule. 
      This means every euro spent on new contracts or transfer fees must be being balanced by four euros earned from player sales or reduced salaries
      However, Tebas is confident that Barcelona and Messi can come to an agreement that fits in with Spanish football’s salary rules.  
      Tebas added: ‘I still think they will solve their problems. 
      “It’s unthinkable that he could get the same contract at Barcelona and that goes for other clubs. 
      “It would be very difficult for any club in Europe to be able to play that contract. 
      Barcelona are hoping to offer their star player a new two-year dealCredit: AFP
      ‘If City have just had losses of 270m euros (£231m) and PSG 240m (£205m) (because of the pandemic) it’s clear they cannot pay Messi’s contract. 
      “If they are able to sign Messi by matching his previous Barca contract, it will be an example of the financial doping that I have been talking about for a long time now.
      “Of course we want Messi to stay but when you are running a league you cannot base decisions on individual players or clubs.”
      Messi and Argentina celebrate beating Colombia in shootout to reach Copa America final More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How Martin Braithwaite is Barcelona’s RICHEST player despite being 14th-best paid at club with Lionel Messi off books

      by

      DENMARK striker Martin Braithwaite is now the RICHEST player in Barcelona’s squad following Lionel Messi’s departure, according to reports.The 30-year-old has a property empire in the US, believed to be worth £181MILLION.
      Martin Braithwaite is believed to be Barcelona’s richest player after Lionel Messi’s exitCredit: AFP
      The 30-year-old, who is married to journalist Anne-Laure Braithwaite, owns a property empireCredit: INSTAGRAM / @annelaurebraithwaite
      According to Forbes via Marca, Braithwaite’s company is worth $250m – around £181m.
      The Barcelona star is believed to have invested around £617,000 into the business with his uncle, Philip Michael, in 2017.
      NYCE Companies is now reportedly 25 times bigger than it was four years ago, with Braithwaite and Michael owning 1,500 apartments.
      And the pair are said to have another 500 properties in development around Philadelphia and New Jersey.
      Speaking to Danish website BT earlier this month, Michael said: “It started with our family having been in the real estate business for a long time.
      “Here you will find that one of the ways you can build a fortune and secure your future financially is by investing in real estate. And that’s what I’ve been doing with my dad and Martin since I came over here.
      “Martin’s role is very much about how we do in terms of strategy and vision in the long run.
      “He is involved, but not so involved that it distracts him from football.”

      Braithwaite is married to French journalist Anne-Laure Braithwaite after spending four years at Ligue 1 side Toulouse.
      The couple have two kids and the Barcelona star is stepfather to another two from his wife’s previous relationship.
      Braithwaite’s reported wealth makes him the richest player in Barca’s squad – despite earning the joint 14th-highest wage, said to be £85,000-a-week.
      Messi does have more cash than the Denmark international – believed to be worth $400m (around £289m) – but is now a free agent after his contract expired.
      The 34-year-old is yet to agree a new deal with the Spanish giants, who reportedly need to cut their costs to operate under a salary cap.

      New Barcelona signing Memphis Depay is understood to have accepted a 30 per cent pay cut to appease the club’s worrying financial state.
      Although Braithwaite’s bank balance is healthy, his club form is worrying.
      The former Middlesbrough striker has scored just THREE goals in 40 LaLiga games since his controversial move in February 2020.
      Barcelona were allowed to buy Braithwaite outside of the transfer window as an ’emergency signing’ – but his former side Leganes were not allowed to replace him and were subsequently relegated by just a point.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Fuming Denmark striker Martin Braithwaite blasts England penalty decision More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Gareth Bale’s wife Emma Rhys-Jones, when was their wedding and how many children do couple have?

      by

      EMMA Rhys-Jones is the wife of Welsh football ace Gareth Bale.Here’s everything you need to know about her and when the couple tied the knot…
      The pair were photographed on e-scooters in Madrid with two of their kidsCredit: Getty
      Who is Emma Rhys-Jones?
      Emma Rhys-Jones, 29, has been with Gareth Bale, 29, for over a decade.
      She grew up in Llanishen, a district in north Cardiff a couple of miles from Bale’s family home.
      The couple began dating in the early 2000s while attending Whitchurch High School.
      They got engaged in July 2016 and Gareth announced the news on social media posting: “She said yes!! This is a birthday weekend I won’t forget for a long time…”
      The pair got married in 2019 – a year after Gareth scored a stunning goal in the Champions League final.
      Gareth Bale with daughter Alba, fiancée Emma Rhys-Jones and baby AxelCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Who is Emma’s fiance Gareth Bale?
      Gareth is a professional footballer who plays for Real Madrid and Wales.
      He was born on July 16, 1989, in Cardiff.
      He started his football career at Southampton before moving to Tottenham.
      He signed a six year deal with Spanish club Real Madrid in 2013.
      He’s won the Champions League with the club four times.
      Emma and Bale celebrate with daughter Nava after Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph against Atletico Madrid in 2016Credit: EPA
      When is Emma Rhys-Jones’ and Gareth Bale’s wedding?
      Emma and Gareth were set to get married in summer 2018 but the wedding has been postponed until 2019. 
      They decided to put their plans on hold due to an ongoing feud with Emma’s family.
      Her father Martin, 54, was released from prison in June after being imprisoned for fraud for six months in the US.
      But she banned him from the wedding after he moved in with a florist half his age, Alina Baranova. 
      Other members of her family including her aunt Jane Burns, 55, have been embroiled in a violent drugs feud.
      The couple were set to tie the knot at the  historic Vincigliata castle in Tuscany, where Theo Walcott – Gareth’s former Southampton team-mate – wed in 2014.
      But they are now reportedly getting married on private island Tagomago, near Ibiza, as exclusively revealed by The Sun.
      Bale will also splash out on ex-SAS soldiers to ensure his party are kept safe with any uninvited guests having no chance of getting ashore.

      How many children do Emma Rhys-Jones and Gareth Bale have?
      Gareth and Emma have four children – two daughters and two sons.
      Their first child Alba Violet was born at the University Hospital of Wales on October 21, 2012.
      Their second daughter, Nava Valentina arrived on March 22, 2016.
      The couple’s son Axel was born on May 8, 2018, before their fourth child Xander was born on July 7, 2021. More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid plan to pull off Kylian Mbappe transfer by hiring Luis Campos – the man who discovered PSG superstar

      by

      REAL MADRID are upping the ante in their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe with the club rumoured to be considering recruiting Luis Campos.Reports claim the club believe the ex-Lille director – who is thought to have close ties with the striker – could strengthen their chances of signing the France ace. 
      Luis Campos has been credited with discovering Kylian Mbappe as a teenager at MonacoCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Real Madrid reportedly believe recruiting Campos as a sports director could help them sign MbappeCredit: Getty
      And Spanish newspaper Marca claims the club believe Campos, 56, could be key in helping them acquire one of Europe’s most feared centre-forwards.
      The reports come after a phenomenal season at club level for the Paris Saint-Germain star, who was one of the shining lights for France during their disappointing Euros. 
      The Parc des Prince forward, 22, who has one year left on his current contract, netted 42 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions. 
      And SunSport reports the Bernabeu side were open to selling Raphael Varane to Man United to fund a move for his international team-mate Mbappe.
      Campos was employed as a Madrid scout and tactics guru from 2012 to 2013 during Jose Mourinho’s tenure. 
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED
      And the Portugal-born football expert is reported to have developed close ties with Madrid president Florentino Perez before becoming Monaco’s sporting director in 2013. 
      It was there that Campos is thought to have nurtured warm links with a then 14-year-old Mbappe starting out on his career in the Ligue One club’s academy. 
      However, the former Madrid scout is keen to play down his connection with the PSG striker. 
      In a L’Equipe interview, Campos said: ‘It’s true that I know the family well since Kylian was 14 years old. We have a great friendship, but that’s all.”
      Campos would go on to take up a sporting director position at Lille from 2016 to December 2020 boosting his credentials as one of Europe’s best scouting specialists. 
      The Daily Mail claims the club is undergoing a restructure behind the scenes following the June appointment of new manager Carlo Ancelotti.
      And following his Stade Pierre Mauroy departure last year, Campos has been heavily linked with a return to Spain and the Bernabeu. 
      But the former Lille director has downplayed speculation concerning a move back to Madrid. 
      Campos told L’Equipe: ‘I had a very good relationship with the president and the directors
      “But, for now, I can assure you that there is nothing (agreed) with anyone.”
      Reports claim Madrid could find themselves battling Mbappe’s current employers PSG for Campos’ services. 
      Real Madrid target Mbappe’s current contract with PSG is due to expire in 2022Credit: AP

      The Paris giant’s current sporting director Leonardo has come under pressure following the club missing out on a Champions League trophy last season. 
      However, Campos has poured cold water on rumours linking him with the Parc des Prince side.
      Campos added: “Is Leonardo going to leave? I may be tough in negotiations, but I’m not a liar. I assure you that I have not spoken to anyone at PSG.”
      Kylian Mbappe’s hilarious reaction after Antoine Griezmann tells him he signed PSG star for Newcastle on Football Manager More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Sergio Ramos signs for PSG on free transfer after bungling French giants accidentally announce move day early

      by

      SERGIO RAMOS’ move to PSG was accidentally leaked – by the French giants themselves.The Real Madrid legend completed his move to Paris on Thursday.
      Sergio Ramos has signed for PSG on a two-year deal

      But somebody at PSG appeared to have jumped the gun on Wednesday night.
      An article announcing that Sergio Ramos will wear the No 4 shirt was posted on the club’s website.
      It was swiftly deleted – but not before the internet had already noticed.
      Ramos said in the article: “This number four, I appreciate it a lot out of superstition, because I had it from the start of my career, and then it accompanied me throughout my life, continued with me, brought good luck, and a lot of victories.
      “Now number four is part of me as a person and as a professional. For me, it’s a privilege to be able to wear this number in such a great team, Paris Saint-Germain.
      “So it will be very special to be able to wear my number here in Paris.”
      The Real Madrid legend is leaving after 16 trophy-laden years in the Spanish capital.
      He has signed a two-year deal with the French giants after completing his medical.
      The Spain international will be on lower wages at PSG than the approximately £310,000-a-week he earned at Madrid.
      PSG sporting director Leonardo accelerated talks in the middle of June and progress has been made this week.
      COMPETITION: WIN A MERCEDES AMG A45S WORTH £51,000 PLUS UP TO £50k IN CASH

      Former Clasico rival Neymar, described as a friend of Ramos, has reportedly urged the player to make the switch to PSG.
      Mauricio Pochettino’s side failed to win either Ligue 1 or the Champions League last campaign, falling short in the final weeks of both competitions.
      The coach is said to want extra experience and leadership added to his squad this summer, with Ramos boasting over 700 club appearances.
      It is said that he views Paris as a better location for his family of TV presenter wife Pilar Rubio and their four sons.
      Sergio Ramos arrives at PSG for medical More