La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona in shock £20m bid for Max Aarons as Norwich TURN DOWN offer for right-back so Catalans move on to Sergino Dest

      by

      NORWICH have turned down TWO offers from Barcelona for right-back Max Aarons.
      The second offer could have been worth £20million including add-ons but the Championship club are holding out for more.

      1

      Max Aarons’ move to Barcelona could be off after Norwich rejected two bids for the defenderCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But Aarons, 20, is one of the most wanted young right-backs in Europe and has already interested Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.
      Barcelona are now set to sign their second choice Sergino Dest from Ajax.
      Norwich, relegated from the Premier League, want a guaranteed £20m for Aarons and are refusing to budge on their price.

      They have already sold Jamal Lewis to Newcastle for £15m and are in a stable financial situation.
      Norwich boss Daniel Farke admitted earlier in the month that key players could be sold if “unbelievable” offers are received.
      He said: “Let’s see where we are when the window is closed.
      “At this moment everything is possible in football. Let’s wait because the experience of the past tells you major transfers can happen quite late.

      “I expect it will be getting worse and worse with the speculation and rumours.

      Barcelona boasted the highest wage bill in football ahead of a crucial transfer window at the Camp Nou

      “But as long as the club and these young players are open, honest and transparent with each other then we are pretty clear.
      “We have said we don’t want to sell them unless we get an unbelievable crazy offer and the club has to make a decision. That is the business we are in. But they are fully in our plans.”
      England Under-21 international Aarons was named EFL Young Player of the Year after his breakout campaign of 2018/19, and was one of the Canaries’ bright spots of their single season in the top-flight.

      Watch Lionel Messi score stunner with his RIGHT foot in Barcelona friendly after Man City’s failed transfer swoop More

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Chelsea striker Torres slams Atletico boss Simeone claiming he was ‘never starting striker’ in manager’s head

      by

      FERNANDO TORRES has criticised Diego Simeone after their relationship “blew up” at Atletico Madrid.
      Los Rojiblancos brought the Spaniard back to Madrid in 2015 after his flop spells at Chelsea and AC Milan.

      1

      Diego Simeone (left) never saw Fernando Torres (right) as a starter, the former striker has claimedCredit: AFP or licensors

      However, Torres feels Simeone could not handle the return of a club legend and never considered him a genuine option in attack.

      In the 36-year-old’s Amazon documentary, titled Fernando Torres: The Last Symbol, he said: “I don’t think he ever saw me as his starting striker.
      “For me the most important thing was that I was where I was supposed to be. I wasn’t too worried about the conditions.

      “What I felt was a great responsibility to the fans. I never asked Simeone for any kind of explanation because I know how he is.
      “I don’t know if it was something personal or professional or a bit of both.
      “I understand it can get complicated for a manager to manage the return of a player like me. But at some point everything just came to a head. It just blew up.
      “I could accept that reality that maybe I wasn’t up to starting 40 matches of the season as the starting striker but I could never understand how he wouldn’t even have me sitting on the bench for games.”

      Simeone and Torres played together at Estadio Vicente Calderon between 2003 and 2005, in the Argentine’s own second spell at the club.
      Upon the ex-Liverpool forward’s return, he made 160 appearances but the majority came from the bench.
      And he feels the “awkward” situation created tension between the pair and the fans.

      I thought that he might be ready to offer an apology or an explanation, but that’s not what happened.
      Fernando Torres

      Torres noted: “They asked him if he wanted to keep me for another season and he said no.
      “It was the first time he gave an unfortunate answer like that and it created an awkward situation for the fans.
      “I went to a meeting because I thought that he might be ready to offer an apology or an explanation, but that’s not what happened.
      “Simeone was my mate. He was my idol, then my team-mate and then my manager, I understand that must have been an awkward situation for him.”

      Most expensive flop XI in Premier League history – including Sanchez, Kepa and Torres More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Bale seals bargain £12m Tottenham loan transfer which may extend to NEXT season – when Real Madrid contract ends

      by

      GARETH BALE sealed his return to Spurs for the rest of the campaign — but could end up staying for LONGER.
      Welsh superstar Bale was mobbed by fans when he arrived at Tottenham’s training ground on Friday to wrap up his season loan from Real Madrid.

      4

      Gareth Bale will return to Spurs seven years after he left for Real MadridCredit: Louis Wood – The Sun

      The North London club have agreed to pay a percentage of his wages in a bargain deal which amounts to around £12million for the season — and they will officially confirm it today.
      SunSport understands if the move goes well, it could even be extended for a further year until the end of NEXT SEASON, when his Bernabeu contract is due to expire.
      Spurs have worked the numbers to keep within their wage structure and bring back Bale, 31, seven years after selling him to the Spanish giants for a then-world record £86m.

      The North Londoners also completed a £25m swoop for Real left-back Sergio Reguilon on a five-year deal.
      Spain ace Reguilon, 23, and Bale flew to London yesterday on a private jet chartered by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.
      After landing at Luton airport, they were driven to the Enfield training HQ in separate luxury cars.
      When they arrived they were greeted by dozens of fans who had congregated outside the gates.

      Bale was all smiles as supporters with camera phones chanted: “Gareth Bale, Gareth Bale, he was born to play for Spurs.”

      4

      Jose Mourinho’s side are set to sign the Welshman on loan for the seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      4

      Both new boys also met boss Jose Mourinho, who had spent the night with his players in the training ground’s luxury lodge after arriving back from Thursday’s 2-1 win over Lokomotiv Plovdiv in Bulgaria early yesterday.
      Mourinho then put his stars through a light training session ahead of their Premier League clash at Southampton tomorrow lunchtime.
      After the victory in Plovdiv, Mourinho said: “I don’t like the number of players I have in my squad.
      “It’s very, very difficult to manage in every aspect. Too many players.”
      Mourinho’s comments hinted he is now looking to trim his squad.
      Genoa target Danny Rose, Ryan Sessegnon, Juan Foyth, Paulo Gazzaniga and Erik Lamela are those likely to move on before the deadline.

      4

      Spurs chief Daniel Levy has been thrashing out a deal for Gareth BaleCredit: Reuters

      Gareth Bale arrives at Tottenham training centre for transfer talks More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Bale signed Tottenham loan transfer while INJURED and ‘will have to wait a month to make debut’

      by

      GARETH BALE will have to wait a month to make his Tottenham debut as he has arrived INJURED, according to reports in Spain.
      The 31-year-old is close to completing his £20million loan move to former club Spurs from Real Madrid.

      3

      Gareth Bale was all smiles as he touched down in London on Friday – but reports in Spain claim he is injured and out for a monthCredit: Reuters

      But Spanish publication Marca claim he will be out of action for “at least four weeks”.
      Bale reportedly suffered a knee injury while on international duty with Wales.
      The 31-year-old had been training in the club’s Valdebebas gym for the past ten days.

      But he said his goodbyes to his team-mates on Friday before his flight to London.
      Before he hopped on his private jet, which landed at Luton Airport, the 31-year-old passed his medical despite nursing an injury.
      Bale was all smiles as he arrived to finalise the deal with Jose Mourinho’s side.
      SunSport predicted the Welshman is likely to make his second Spurs debut on October 17 against West Ham.

      The complicated issues regarding his contract with the North London could also slow the process down.

      3

      Real Madrid have been keen to get the Welshman’s huge £650,000-per-week wages off the book.
      It is understood that Spurs will pay 50 per cent – with Real covering the other half.
      Bale’s incredible wage packet will see him pocket more £125,000 than captain Harry Kane.

      3

      Gareth Bale has struggled with injury throughout his careerCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Gareth Bale arrives at Tottenham training centre for transfer talks More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid reassign Gareth Bale’s No11 shirt BEFORE he officially joins Tottenham in brutal parting blow

      by

      REAL MADRID have wasted no time in cutting ties with Gareth Bale after handing his No11 shirt to Marco Asensio.
      Incredibly, Los Blacos’ actions have come BEFORE the Welshman has even completed his stunning return to Tottenham.

      3

      Real Madrid have already taken away Gareth Bale’s No11 jerseyCredit: PA:Press Association

      3

      Marco Asensio has inherited Bale’s shirt, with Vinicius Jr taking the No20

      Bale arrived in England on Friday morning to put the finishing touches on his incredible £20million season-long loan move.
      The 31-year-old returns to north London after seven years in Madrid, where he won two LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues.
      And Jose Mourinho will be hoping Bale, who could be deployed in a central role alongside Harry Kane, can replicate the form that secured his £86m Real switch in 2013.

      Despite his success in Spain, Bale’s relationship with the Real hierarchy was never easy.
      And he also became a target for frustrated fans due to his relaxed attitude despite pocketing £500,000 each week in wages.
      Bale came close to leaving Real last year for the Chinese Super League on a free transfer before the move was axed.
      And there still appears to be no love lost between player and club after Real took away Bale’s No11 jersey on Friday.

      The squad number has now been given to fellow winger Marco Asensio, who missed most of last season after rupturing his ACL.

      Sign up to play Dream Team 2020/21 now

      It’s completely free to play
      Play the traditional Season game as well as Draft
      There’s a hefty jackpot up for grabs across 2020/21
      SIGN UP TO PLAY HERE

      3

      He joins the likes of Ronaldo, Michael Owen and Arjen Robben to wear the No11.
      And the move also suggests that there may be no way back for Bale at the Bernabeu, despite his Spurs switch only being a loan.
      Meanwhile, Asensio’s former No20 has been given to young Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr.
      But Bale’s focus will be solely on his season with Spurs, where he was named PFA Players’ Player of the year TWICE while also netting 26 goals in his final campaign.

      Gareth Bale arrives at Tottenham training centre for transfer talks More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Mauricio Pochettino reveals ‘dream’ of being Real Madrid boss and says he would not have joined Barcelona under Bartomeu

      by

      FORMER Tottenham boss Mauricio has once again reiterated his desire to manage Real Madrid as he admitted it is his ‘dream’.
      The 48-year-old stated last year how he wants to be in charge of Los Blancos at one point in his career.

      1

      Mauricio Pochettino has stated it is his dream to manage Real MadridCredit: PA:Press Association

      Pochettino remains on the lookout for a new job having been sacked by Spurs last November.
      In an interview with Marca about Real, he said: “I don’t know if I’ll ever coach Madrid, but of course it’s my dream.
      “If it’s not the best it’s one of the best clubs in the world.
      “I’m no different, everyone has it on their dream list.”

      Former Southampton gaffer Pochettino – who has watched just 25 minutes of Spurs’ Amazon documentary – has also revealed he would have refused to manage Barcelona this summer.
      Not because of his links to Espanyol, but due to the fact he didn’t want to work under current president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
      He added: “They didn’t offer me to coach Barca. I didn’t see myself with [president Josep Maria] Bartomeu.
      “I did eat with Ramon Planes [Barcelona sporting director] because we have a friendship for many years, since 2009 when he signed for Espanyol.”

      Sign up to play Dream Team 20/21 now

      It’s completely free to play
      Play the traditional Season game as well as Draft
      There’s a hefty jackpot up for grabs across 2020/21
      SIGN UP TO PLAY HERE

      There was speculation that French and Italian clubs were interested in hiring Pochettino this summer, but those rumours have been shut down.
      Poch remarked: “Neither PSG, nor Juventus, nor Inter Milan.
      “I did have a call from Benfica and Monaco. I have no need to lie.”

      Gareth Bale arrives at Tottenham training centre for transfer talks More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Bale has replica of Sawgrass’ iconic 17th hole built in his back garden in Wales

      by

      GARETH BALE’S imminent return to Tottenham will enable the winger to enjoy his replica of Sawgrass’ iconic 17th hole built in his back garden in Wales.
      The 31-year-old – who is closing in on a loan move to Spurs after seven years at Real Madrid – is known to be huge lover of golf.

      5

      This is how Gareth Bale expects his replica of Sawgrass’ 17th hole to look likeCredit: Twitter @golfnewsmag

      5

      Gareth Bale is a huge fan of golf, but has taken this to another levelCredit: Rex Features

      Back in 2015, the former Southampton man set out plans to build three replica holes from the world’s most famous golf courses.
      Sawgrass would be followed by the famous Postage Stamp at Royal Troon and then the tricky 11th at Augusta National.
      With one down and two to go, Bale is on the way to having his own mini-course just a drive away from his base in Tottenham.
      Sawgrass is renowned for being one of the trickiest holes on the circuit as it is surrounded by water and is a par 3.

      And he will have some time now to sharpen up his golf skills having arrived back in Blighty ahead of a season-long loan deal in North London.
      Spurs opted against an £18.5million move and instead settled for a loan transfer, with the Premier League side set to pay just 50 per cent of his wages.
      Having been frozen out by Zinedine Zidane for so long, Spurs have some fears over his fitness with just 215 minutes of action for club and country since February.
      It’s thought Bale could take as long as FOUR WEEKS to get up to speed and match-readiness.

      Bale gave the thumbs up as he arrived at Spurs’ training ground

      5

      Wales international Bale will soon be lining his own shots up in the back gardenCredit: Rex Features

      5

      The ex-Southampton man posed for a selfie as he jumped into a car en route to Spurs

      Bale will be joined by his Real team-mate Sergio Reguilon at Spurs, and with the club having already brought in Matt Doherty, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Joe Hart this summer, Jose Mourinho has stated his squad is too big.
      He said: “To be honest, I don’t like the number of players I have at the moment in my squad.
      “It’s very, very difficult to manage in every aspect of my job. Very, very difficult to manage this situation. Too many players.”

      Gareth Bale arrives at Tottenham training centre for transfer talks More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Everton signed James Rodriguez on FREE transfer as ex-club Banfield chased Real Madrid for cash from deal but was none

      by

      JAMES RODRIGUEZ’S former club Banfield have confirmed that Everton paid no transfer fee to Real Madrid for his services.
      In one of the coups of the summer, the Toffees managed to lure the Colombian playmaker to Goodison Park on an initial two-year deal.

      1

      Everton midfielder James Rodriguez joined the club from Real Madrid on a two-year dealCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It was initially believed that Everton had forked out £22million to bring the 29-year-old to the Premier League.
      But SunSport reported last week how the Merseyside outfit landed him on a free – despite Rodriguez having a year left on his contract at the Bernabeu.
      And now his former club Banfield have revealed that Everton signed him for nothing, as they claimed they received no money from the deal.
      Having sold the player to Porto in 2010, they ensured they would be due a small fee of the transfer for whenever Rodriguez joined other teams.

      But in a statement from the Argentine side obtained by Marca, Banfield have insisted they have received no money from his latest move.
      Club treasurer Ignacio Urquiza said: “After hearing the news of the transfer of James Rodriguez from Real Madrid to Everton, and attentive to the current FIFA regulations, the Club Atletico Banfield made the pertinent consultations to find out if it was their responsibility to collect money through a solidarity mechanism.
      “Unfortunately for the pass of James Rodriguez from Real Madrid to Everton, Banfield does not correspond to money. 
      ‘The transaction was made without cost, as if it were a free player.

      Sign up to play Dream Team 2020/21 now

      It’s completely free to play
      Play the traditional Season game as well as Draft
      There’s a hefty jackpot up for grabs across 2020/21
      SIGN UP TO PLAY HERE

      “The pertinent consultations have already been made to the two clubs involved and to the corresponding organisations. 
      “In all cases they confirmed to us that the club will not receive money as a solidarity mechanism.”
      Rodriguez starred on his debut for the Toffees on Sunday as he was instrumental in the 1-0 win away at Tottenham.

      Jose Mourinho blames a disrupted pre-season for opening Spurs Premier League defeat More