La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Luis Suarez faces Gareth Bale treatment at Barcelona and could spend a YEAR in the stands if he rejects transfer exit

      by

      LUIS Suarez faces the ‘Gareth Bale treatment’ at Barcelona and could face a year sidelined if he rejects an exit this summer, reports say.
      The Uruguayan is not set to feature in new boss Ronald Koeman’s plans and the Dutchman is keen to get rid of him.

      3

      Sport newspaper reports on the growing tensions between Luis Suarez and Barcelona

      3

      Gareth Bale has been left sidelined at Real Madrid

      If not, Suarez situation could parallel that of wantaway Welshman Gareth Bale at Real Madrid.
      The ex-Spurs attacker has been almost completely sidelined and limited to very few minutes under Zinedine Zidane in the last few seasons as the club struggles to flog their £350,000-a-week star.
      According to Spanish outlet Sport, Suarez could be facing the same fate if his rumoured transfer to Juventus falls through.
      The striker reportedly wants to be paid the final year of his contract but Barcelona are believed to be not willing to do this.

      The Old Lady were reported to be close to bringing the ex-Liverpool hitman to Turin on a discounted two-year deal worth £6million a season.
      The move looked certain with reports that Suarez would even have to take a language test before his move to Italy.
      But the move has stalled amid rumours that Suarez fancies a switch to La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid instead, along with the impasse over his exit terms.
      Tensions continue to rise between himself and the club as Luis Suarez reportedly grows unhappy with how he is being treated.

      3

      Gareth Bale, frozen out at Madrid, has become known for his touchline antics
      Part of his unease could be the abrupt one-minute phone call he had with his new gaffer last month, where he was told he could leave.
      He is just one of a number players set to be axed as Koeman looks to overhaul the team following a humiliating conclusion to last season’s Champions League campaign.
      The likes of Samuel Umtiti, Arturo Vidal and Martin Braithwaite are also being pushed towards the exit door.

      Suarez has enjoyed six years at the club and has hit 198 goals, making him their third-highest scoring player ever.
      This included his extraordinary 59 goal haul in the 2015-16 season.
      Last season he managed 21 goals as Barcelona fell short in La Liga and lost out to rivals Real Madrid before their dramatic European rumbling.

      Barcelona star Luis Suarez returns to training after injury More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City ‘launch £82m Jose Gimenez transfer bid but Atletico Madrid demand entire £111m release clause for defender’

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly launched an £82million bid for Atletico Madrid star Jose Gimenez.
      Pep Guardiola is keen to add another centre-back to his squad after landing Nathan Ake earlier in the window.

      2

      Jose Gimenez is highly rated in Spain after signing for Atletico Madrid in 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The lack of a top-class centre-back alongside Aymeric Laporte was often described as one of City’s biggest issues last season.
      And reports in Spain suggest Gimenez, 25, has been identified as the man to fill that hole at Etihad Stadium.
      According to AS, City have offered £82m plus £4.5m in add-ons for the defender.

      However, Atletico are said to be demanding the player’s full £111m release clause.
      The two clubs negotiated over a similar deal last season, which saw defensive midfielder Rodri trade Madrid for Manchester.
      On that occasion, Atleti failed to convince their man to stay but did get the full buyout stipulated in his contract.
      Both Gimenez and his club are said to be tempted by City’s proposal.

      The Uruguayan was relegated to the bench at times during last season, but finished strongly as Atletico comfortably bagged third in LaLiga.

      2

      But the opportunity to play in the Premier League has previously been talked up by Gimenez.
      He even suggested earlier in the summer that a move to Chelsea would interest him, before the Blues snapped up Thiago Silva.
      Atletico are also reportedly pondering the sale, given their financial difficulties amid the coronavirus pandemic.

      Sign up to play Dream Team 2020/21 now

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

      Gimenez is not expected to push for a move and is reportedly happy in Spain, having signed from Danubio in 2013.
      City have also been linked with Kalidou Koulibaly throughout the summer.
      Napoli remain staunch in their £70m demands for the centre-back and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s agent has talked up the chances of the left-back being involved in a player-plus-cash deal.

      17-year-old Man City wonder kid Charlie McNeill shows off his talents on the pitch More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ronald Koeman admits Barcelona could be ‘more defensive’ as he looks to banish memories of last season’s collapse

      by

      NEW Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has admitted that his team may be “more defensive” than previous Nou Camp sides.
      The ex-Everton and Southampton manager took over in the wake of a full-scale crisis at the LaLiga giants.

      4

      Koeman watched on as his side beat third tear Tarragona 3-1Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      4

      Lionel Messi made his return to Barcelona’s starting XICredit: AFP or licensors

      Amid supporter unrest, Champions League embarrassment and the not-so-small matter of Lionel Messi trying to leave, Koeman is trying to turn his former club around.
      But with the Messi situation sorted, at least for now, the Dutchman, 57, outlined his tactical plans for the season following a 3-1 friendly victory over Gimnastic de Tarragona.
      He said: “It may be different and somewhat more defensive than what has been seen in recent years, but the objective is to move the ball, hold on to it and find the spaces to play between the lines, and behind rival midfielders.

      “I think this team can do it because we have midfielders to play like that.
      “The most important thing is that fortunately there have been no injuries. Everyone has played 45 minutes.
      “There were moments of good intensity. There are always things to improve on but we’re happy.
      “We have been here for two weeks and we have two more to go.

      “It is important that they all ready play because it is not a normal pre-season. We only have four weeks, not six. It is complicated.

      4

      Antoine Griezmann scored from the spot in the friendlyCredit: Reuters

      “What we want to do now is physical work and in the next two weeks work on the tactical side more.”
      Following his belated return to training on Monday, Messi has been working hard to get up to speed – including coming in for extra work on the squad’s day off on Thursday.
      And the 33-year-old started against the third-tier side, playing for 45 minutes before being replaced at the break.
      But it was Ousmane Dembele that put Barca 1-0 up with just six minutes on the clock.

      My attitude won’t change because I wanted to leave. I will give my all
      Lionel Messi

      And Antoine Griezmann then doubled their advantage from the penalty spot 11 minutes later.
      Javi Bonilla got the Spanish minnows back into the game shortly after.
      But ex-Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, back from his loan spell at Bayern Munich, then put the game to bed – making it 3-1 from 12-yards six minutes into the second half.
      Ahead of Barcelona’s LaLiga campaign, which will belatedly get underway on September 27, Messi assured fans: “My attitude won’t change because I wanted to leave. I will give my all.”

      4

      Philippe Coutinho also made his return in Barcelona coloursCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lionel Messi plays in Barcelona friendly after transfer saga with Griezmann, Coutinho and Dembélé scoring in win More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd plot Gareth Bale transfer swoop if they fail to prise top target Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED could swoop for Real Madrid outcast Gareth Bale if they miss out on Jadon Sancho, according to reports.
      United are looking increasingly unlikely to prise Sancho away from Borussia Dortmund before the end of the transfer window, having missed the German club’s August 10 deadline to meet their £109million asking price for the England international.

      1

      Manchester United could swoop for Real Madrid outcast Gareth Bale if they fail to land top target Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Daily Star claims United will instead turn their attention to out-of-favour Real Madrid star Bale, who is free to leave the Spanish capital.
      Real are reportedly so desperate to offload the 31-year-old they could agree to pay half of his £600,000-a-week wages to force through a move.
      The Welshman made just 14 starts for Los Blancos last season and has grown increasingly frustrated over his lack of playing time.
      Bale has a contract at the Bernabeu until 2022 and Real would accept as little as £22million for the ex-Tottenham forward.

      United would prefer to take Bale on loan, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believing a move for the four-time Champions League winner could turn his side into genuine title contenders.
      The Wales captain, 31, came close to leaving Madrid for Chinese side Jiangsu Suning last summer only for Real to block the move at the last minute.
      Bale made clear his desire to leave the Spanish champions while on international duty last week, despite previous reports he could decide to run down his contract on the Bernabeu sidelines.
      He told Sky Sports: “What can I say? I want to play football.

      “I am still motivated to play football so I guess it is on the club really.
      “I can’t do anything, they are in control of everything
      “I have a contract so all I can do is carry on what I am doing and hopefully something comes up.
      “It is in the club’s hands and they have made things very difficult to be honest.”

      Gareth Bale pleads with Real Madrid to let him leave after club made transfer exit ‘very difficult’ More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Eden Hazard steps up training after angering Real Madrid by returning from summer break overweight

      by

      EDEN HAZARD has been knuckling down in the gym after returning to training overweight.
      Furious Real Madrid chiefs predicted the 29-year-old would need “two to three weeks” to get match fit.

      3

      Eden Hazard was filmed doing some press-ups in the gymCredit: Real Madrid TV

      But Hazard has stepped up his training regime in a desperate bid to drop a few pounds.
      The ex-Chelsea star worked out in the gym with his team-mates at Valdebebas.
      He worked up a sweat alongside Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez and Mariano Diaz.
      The rest of Real Madrid’s squad worked on tactics on the pitches outside.

      It is the second time that Hazard has returned to pre-season training out of shape.
      It was only 12 months ago when he admitted he piled on the bounds while on “vacation”.
      He told L’Equipe: “It’s true. I’m not going to hide it, but when I’m on vacation, I’m on vacation.

      3

      The former Chelsea star is on a mission to get back in shapeCredit: Real Madrid TV

      “I had put on five kilos. I’m the type to put on quickly and lose so quickly if I’m careful.

      “When I was 18 in Lille, I was 72 or 73kg. Muscle mass was 75kg, on a bad day, 77kg.
      “I was 80kg this summer, I lost it in 10 days.”
      Hazard jetted off for international duty with Belgium earlier this month.
      But Roberto Martinez did not play him as he “wasn’t fit enough”.

      3

      The Belgian star pumped up his shoulder musclesCredit: Real Madrid TV

      Eden Hazard shows off his talent in Real Madrid training More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd transfer target Sergio Reguillon ‘prefers Sevilla return’ in blow to Solskjaer’s summer plans

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED target Sergio Reguilon would prefer a return to Sevilla over a summer switch to Old Trafford, reports claim.
      The Red Devils are believed to be chasing the Spaniard, as they seek to upgrade on Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams at left-back.

      2

      Reguilon made his Spain debut last weekendCredit: Getty Images

      And Reguilon, 23, would fit the bill, having impressed while on loan at Sevilla from Real Madrid in the 2019-20 season.
      But in a blow to the Red Devils, AS report that the newly-capped Spanish international would rather return to Seville.
      The LaLiga side appear to be front-runners at this stage, although are also in advanced talks with Sporting Lisbon over signing another left-back in Marcos Acuna.
      Napoli are interested, while Tottenham Hotspur too have been mentioned as a possible destination.

      A major stumbling block in Man United’s pursuit has been Real Madrid’s insistence on a £27million buy-back clause – which the Red Devils are dead against.
      Academy graduate Reguilon burst onto the scene at Santiago Bernabeu in the 2018-19 season, making 22 appearances for Los Blancos.
      But he fell out of favour following the 2019 arrival of Ferland Mendy from Lyon, finding himself behind the Frenchman as well as Marcelo in the pecking order.
      And while he doesn’t currently feature in Zinedine Zidane’s plans, Madrid want to cover themselves for the future in case that situation changes.

      2

      Reguilon impressed against Manchester United last monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      An example of this occurred with mainstay right-back Dani Carvajal, who was initially sold to Bayer Leverkusen in 2012.
      Following an impressive season in Germany, however, Real Madrid were able to exercise a clause to bring him back for just £6m a year later.
      Reguilon impressed as Sevilla won the Europa League last month, featuring as they defeated Man United in the semi-finals.

      Man United pair Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard show off ‘double dab’ celebration More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi plays in Barcelona friendly after transfer saga with Griezmann, Coutinho and Dembele scoring in win

      by

      LIONEL MESSI today returned to action in a Barcelona shirt for the first time since trying to leave the club earlier this summer.
      The 33-year-old shocked the football world last month when he outlined his desire to leave Camp Nou.

      7

      Messi had a smile on his face as he returned to Barca actionCredit: AFP or licensors

      7

      The twinkle-toed attacker lines up a trademark shotCredit: AFP or licensors

      7

      Ronald Koeman had been preparing for his star player to departCredit: EPA

      But having made a dramatic U-turn on the move – deciding he didn’t have the heart to take his beloved club to court in order to force his way out – Messi returned to training on Monday.
      And new boss Ronald Koeman elected to pick him from the start as his side overcame Gimnastic 3-1 in the late-summer sunshine.
      But it was a trio of Messi’s team-mates with points to prove that got on the scoresheet.
      Ousmane Dembele put Barca 1-0 up with just six minutes on the clock.

      And Antoine Griezmann doubled their advantage from the penalty spot 11 minutes later.
      Javi Bonilla got the Spanish minnows back into the game shortly after, with Messi being withdrawn at half-time.
      Ex-Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, back from his loan spell at Bayern Munich, then made it 3-1 from 12-yards six minutes into the second half.
      Messi has been doing his best to make up for lost time this week, after skipping the start of Barcelona’s pre-season.

      7

      Barca and Messi will get back to LaLiga action in a fortnightCredit: AFP or licensors

      7

      Ronald Koeman watched his new charges in actionCredit: EPA

      The Argentine turned up for training an hour-and-a-half early on Monday – and was first to arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday too.
      He then trained on the team’s day off on Thursday in a bid to catch up.
      And the legendary No10 assured fans: “My attitude won’t change because I wanted to leave. I will give my all.”
      Barcelona will get their LaLiga campaign underway in a fortnight, having been given extra time to recover following their now-infamous Champions League run.
      Messi will also be in action for his country next month too, after an international suspension was overturned by CONMEBOL.

      7

      Antoine Griezmann netted from the spotCredit: Reuters

      7

      Philippe Coutinho returned with a goalCredit: AFP or licensors

      Lionel Messi trains with Barcelona for first time since failed transfer request as he prepares for new season More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Diego Simeone tests positive for coronavirus in blow to Atletico Madrid’s LaLiga prep

      by

      ATLETICO MADRID boss Diego Simeone has tested positive for coronavirus.
      The shock diagnosis comes just two weeks before their LaLiga season opener against Granada.

      2

      Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has tested positive for coronavirusCredit: EPA

      An Atletico statement confirmed: “This Friday new tests were carried out on the whole group and the manager has given a positive result.
      “Simeone is isolated at home fulfilling quarantine.
      “Fortunately he does not present any symptoms after being with the team since last Monday.”
      The news is sure to come as a huge blow to Atletico’s preparations for the upcoming campaign.

      Simeone will be forced to cut himself off from others in quarantine for two weeks.
      It means assistant Nelson Vivas will have to take charge of affairs on the training ground after long-serving No2 German Burgos left this summer.
      However, Simeone should be fine to return to the dug-out for Atleti’s home opener against Granada on September 27.
      There is also transfer business to be conducted, with Simeone reportedly lining up a number of ins and outs.

      2

      The news comes just a fortnight ahead of Atleti’s LaLiga season opener against GranadaCredit: AFP or licensors

      Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata, who has only just joined Atletico on a permanent deal worth £56million, is being lined up for a stunning return to Juventus.
      It’s claimed Morata could be replaced at the Wanda Metropolitano by Barcelona outcast Luis Suarez – who was Juve’s previous top attacking target.
      Meanwhile, Thomas Partey remains an Arsenal target after reportedly rejecting a new Atletico contract.
      But should the Gunners meet Partey’s £45m asking price, Atleti will have the funds to pull off a move for unwanted Juventus winger Douglas Costa.

      Man Utd transfer target Douglas Costa in shock Alvaro Morata transfer swap talks between Atletico Madrid and Juventus More