La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham urged to sign Gareth Bale on season-long loan transfer from Real Madrid after come-and-get-me plea

      by

      SPURS legend Cliff Jones has urged the club to bring fellow Welshman Gareth Bale back to N17.
      Double-winning winger Jones remains a massive fan of the club and watched with pride as Bale turned himself into a global superstar in his six seasons at White Hart Lane.

      1

      Gareth Bale has been urged to sign for Tottenham on loan
      And after Bale responded to his unwanted status at Real Madrid by making a public “get me out of here” plea, Jones suggested Jose Mourinho and Daniel Levy should pounce.
      Writing on Twitter, the 85-year-old said: “Come on @SpursOfficial – get @GarethBale11 on a season loan. Would suit all concerned. #COYS”
      Bale seems potentially open to a return to Tottenham, and the prospect has got Spurs fans salivating.

      While there was frustration when Bale left in a world record breaking £86m move to Madrid in 2013, leaving a hole then-boss Andre Villas-Boas was unable to fill, the passage of time has healed most of those scars.

      The fans do recall Bale’s brilliance, sheer exhilaration and goalscoring feats.
      And with Mourinho’s side seeking a confirmed winner to potentially take them over the line, Bale would be seen by many as the missing piece in the jigsaw.
      Former centre-half Graham Roberts backed fan calls for a Bale return with many believing the Welshman, now 31, would be an inspirational figure – and fired up by a determination to prove Real boss Zinedine Zidane wrong.
      The biggest issue of course would be the money with Bale on an estimated £600,000-a-week, more than double the current wages of Spurs’ top earner Harry Kane.

      But with Madrid seemingly desperate to get rid of him, even for nothing, Tottenham could consider a package involving a huge signing-on fee and lower salary, or a loan deal with Real making a substantial contribution.
      Bale said: “It’s one of those situations if those options arise it’s something I would look at, for sure. We’ll see what happens.
      “We have plenty of time in this transfer window and I guess a couple of others as well. Time will tell.
      “It’s not really in my hands, the decision is in Real Madrid’s hands. They make things very difficult to be honest.”

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

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sergio Reguilon ‘tempted’ by Man Utd’s ‘very interesting transfer offer’ as they lead race for £27m Real Madrid defender

      by

      REAL MADRID left-back Sergio Reguilon is reportedly tempted by a transfer to Manchester United.
      The Red Devils are said to be plotting a move for the £27million rated 23-year-old.

      1

      Real Madrid left-back Sergio Reguilon is ‘tempted’ by a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP or licensors
      And the out of favour star is keen on the switch, according to Spanish outlet AS.
      The Spanish defender is free to leave the Bernabeu this summer after a season-long loan at Sevilla.
      And Zinedine Zidane does not think he is ready for a place in his squad.
      Reguilon is behind Ferland Mendy and Marcelo in the pecking order at the Bernabeu.

      That is despite his hugely impressive campaign where he helped Sevilla to Europa League glory.
      United are now ready to take advantage of his situation, according to Marca.
      They say Real Madrid would be willing to let him leave should they receive an offer in the region of £22m.
      But AS put his value at around the £27m mark.

      Chelsea were interested at one stage but instead opted for Leicester’s Ben Chilwell in a £50m deal.
      Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to bolster his options at left-back and provide competition for places.
      Luke Shaw remains injury prone while Brandon Williams is regarded as one for the future after his breakthrough campaign.
      United are likely to face competition across Europe with Juventus and Inter Milan interested.

      Cristiano Ronaldo stars in cheesy advert for pasta alongside Juventus team-mate Dybala More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi’s dad Jorge confirms for first time son is considering STAYING at Barcelona after positive talks with club

      by

      LIONEL MESSI is considering staying at Barcelona for one more year, according to his father.
      Jorge, who is also the 33-year-old’s agent, jetted to Spain for showdown talks with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

      3

      Lionel Messi’s father has jetted to Barcelona to discuss the forward’s futureCredit: AFP or licensors
      Messi reportedly has a £623million contract offer to join Manchester City this summer.
      But after a “very good” meeting with the club bosses, his father admitted he could see out his contract in Spain.
      Jorge was asked whether there was a possibility of the Argentine ace staying at the Nou Camp.
      He simply replied: “Yes.”

      When asked how the meeting with Josep Maria Bartomeu went, he said: “Very good.”
      The 33-year-old’s situation appears to have taken a huge U-turn after his dad allegedly told the club president: “My son isn’t staying.”
      Jorge flew by private jet from his home in Rosario, Argentina, to Spain for showdown talks with Barcelona chiefs.
      The discussion earlier this week lasted around 90 minutes – and they were not able to reach an agreement.

      Messi demanded to leave the club on a free after he handed in his transfer request.

      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner called for the club to activate the clause in his contract that allowed him to leave for nothing.
      But the Spanish giants insisted the clause had expired – and that he could only leave if his £629m buy-out clause was met.
      Barcelona have vowed to take their all-time top scorer to court if he leaves the club for free.
      But Pep Guardiola’s side are prepared to offer him the biggest deal in sporting history.
      A move to the Etihad would see Messi pocket £124.6m-per-YEAR.
      The incredible deal equates to £14,2000 an hour, £341,000-per-month and £2.4m-per-week.
      New Barcelona boss Ronald Joeman has decided that if Messi does not want to stay then it would be better to get him out as soon as possible.
      Barca presidential hopeful Victor Font insists current president Josep Maria Bartomeu must honour his pledge to allow the Argentine superstar “to leave whenever he wants.”
      He declared: “A couple of months ago the president said players have earned the right to leave and retire whenever they want.

      3

      “Now, because of these very exceptional circumstances, he has to honour that commitment.”
      When asked whether Messi had been betrayed by the club, Font added: “There is an inconsistency, probably due to mismanagement by the current  board, trying to hide behind these wrongdoings.
      “That’s why it’s extremely important for the history of the club that we do what it takes.”

      3

      NINTCHDBPICT000605559708Credit: AFP or licensors

      Bartomeu’s car stops outside Lionel Messi’s dad’s apartment with son driving but no sign of Barcelona president More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi would thrive at Man City but he needs pace around him to adapt to the Premier League aged 33

      by

      THESE Fifa player of the year awards are all very well, but can he do it on a wet Wednesday night in the West Midlands?
      It is a question – perhaps a veiled accusation – that some English fans have been asking for ages about Lionel Messi.

      4

      Lionel Messi would be surrounded by the pace he needs should he sign for Manchester City
      And the events of the last few days – with Messi making it clear that he wants to leave Barcelona and Manchester City in pole position to sign him – mean that we can at least dream that we are close to getting an answer.
      There is something unfair about the question.
      With the exception of the 2018-19 season, the Premier league clubs have hardly cleaned up in Europe, and the Europa League has provided evidence that the Spanish championship has more strength in depth than sometimes assumed.
      Also, Messi has produced plenty of fine displays against English clubs in the Champions League – even in defeat in last year’s semi-final against Liverpool he was outstanding in both legs.

      And although he is now 33 there seems no reason to believe that he is unable to shine at the top level.
      True, he might be past his athletic peak. The little burst of acceleration that leaves three defenders stranded might be a rarer sight these days.
      But it would be foolish to underestimate the range of his talent.
      Messi’s old Barcelona and Argentina team-mate Javier Mascherano once made a comment of great precision.

      4

      Almost all players are controlled by the game – but Messi controls it.
      It often seems that he is playing while also sitting in the best seat in the house.
      He has remarkable vision and capacity to read the game, the intelligence to find the space on the field where he can be most dangerous.
      And in addition to the river of goals that he scores, he is also one of the best passers of a ball that football has ever seen.
      As he gets older, then, it is easy to imagine him dropping deeper, operating in a role where extreme pace is not so important.
      True, the Premier League would present him with new challenges.
      If this was the 1980s, when rough tackling was still permitted and the pitches were often dreadful, then it might be difficult to shine.
      Even on today’s billiards tables, with referees looking to protect the skilful player, Messi would have to deal with the relentless physicality of a tough championship.

      Messi may have reached a stage where, in the conditions of the Premier League, he is not able to play every game.
      Tim Vickery

      The collective context would be important.
      The story of last month’s crashing 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich is one of a Barcelona side that had aged together and re-enforced badly.
      In his prime Luis Suarez was magnificent on the shoulders of the last defender, forcing the opposing line back and creating space for Messi.
      But Suarez has slowed down – and Barca had no pace up front. Bayern, then, could press with total aggression.
      The clinching goal, Bayern’s fifth, came when the left-back reached the by-line and pulled across for the right-back to score from inside the six-yard box.
      Bayern could charge forward with impunity, squeezing Messi’s space and reducing his effectiveness.

      4

      Messi was often at his devastating best when Luis Suarez used his pace to stretch defencesCredit: AFP or licensors

      4

      The little wizard has reached a stage in his career when he needs to be surrounded with pace, to open up the field, create room for him and give him options.
      He may also have reached a stage where, in the conditions of the Premier League, he is not able to play every game.
      He is known for not wanting to be rested.
      But to keep him fresh for the big matches, it may now be necessary to give him an occasional break.
      That would be hard on those fans who buy tickets for the games that he misses – everyone would want to see him, including fans of the opposing team – but worthwhile so that we can all enjoy him for longer.

      Lionel Messi’s future still up in air after dad’s talks with Barcelona chief end in stalemate More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Top ten biggest contracts in sport but where does Lionel Messi sit after ‘agreeing £623m Man City deal’ from Barcelona

      by

      LIONEL MESSI has reportedly been offered the biggest deal in sporting history to join Manchester City.
      The 33-year-old is set to earn a mind-blowing £341,000-per-day if he makes the move from Barcelona.

      Lionel Messi’s proposed deal to join Manchester City is the biggest in history
      Messi planned to leave the club on a free transfer after he handed in his transfer request.
      But the situation turned sour as Barcelona claimed the clause that would allow him to do so has expired.
      LaLiga jumped to the defence of the 26-time champions – and insisted he is tied down at the Nou Camp until 2021.

      However, the latest reports are that Manchester City’s super-rich owners are ready to offer him an escape route.

      With claims that a record contract is on the cards, SunSport have pulled together a list of the biggest deals in history.
      Lionel Messi – £623m
      It will come as no surprise that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is heading for the record books.
      The £623million contract has been offered to him as a part of a five-year deal.

      This means he will earn a whopping £124m-per-year, £10m-per-month and £2.4million-per-week.

      Should he accept the alleged offer, he will spend three seasons with Manchester City then two years with New York City FC.
      Patrick Mahomes – £402
      NFL star Mahomes, 24, penned a ten-year contract extension worth £402m to stay with the Kansas City Chiefs.
      The contract, which equates to £40.2m-per-year, also has a £112m injury guarantee.
      Mike Trout – £341m
      Los Angeles Angels tied down the eight-time MLB All-Star, 29, with a £341m contract.
      The three-time American League Most Valuable takes home an incredible £28.3m-per-year during his 12 year deal.
      Canelo Alvarez – £292m
      When Mexican boxer penned an 11-fight deal with DAZN in 2018, it became the richest deal in sport.
      The four-weight champion, 30, has a deal worth £292million – which averages out at £26.5m per fight.

      2

      Canelo Alvarez boasts a record of 53-1 in the boxing ringCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Neymar – £278m
      Messi’s former Barcelona team-mate Neymar is the only other footballer that has made the list.
      Following his £198m move to Paris Saint-Germain, the 28-year-old received a five-year deal worth £278m – meaning he pockets £55.6m-per-year.
      Bryce Harper – £264m
      In March 2019, right-fielder penned a 13-year deal with Philadelphia worth £264m.
      At the time it was the largest contract in baseball history – worth £20.3m-per-year to the American ace, 27.

      2

      Bryce Harper signed a deal with the Phillies until 2032Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Giancarlo Stanton – £260m
      The Marlins proved Stanton, 30, was irreplaceable as they offered him a 13-year deal worth £260m six years ago.
      But the MLB star did not see out his £20m-per-year contract at the club as he joined the New York Yankees in 2017.
      Geritt Cole – £258m
      Cole, 29, was snapped up by the Yankees in 2019 when he was a free agent after leaving Houston Astros.
      He accepted a nine-year deal worth a whopping £28.6m-per-year.
      Manny Machado – £238m
      After leaving the LA Dodgers, the five-time MLB all-star was wanted by the Padres and Chicago White Sox.
      But the Padres lured the 28-year-old to their team with a 10-year deal with an annual salary of £23.8m.
      Nolan Arendo – £207m
      Last but not least on the list, Arendo pocketed £25.8m-per-year when he extended his deal with the Rockies.
      The eight-year extension made the seven-time golden glove winner, 28, one of the highest earners in the MLB.

      Bartomeu’s car stops outside Lionel Messi’s dad’s apartment with son driving but no sign of Barcelona president More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Luis Suarez phones Chiellini to clear the air after infamous World Cup 2014 bite ahead of £256k-a-week Juventus transfer

      by

      LUIS SUAREZ has reportedly called Giorgio Chiellini to clear the air ahead of his move to Juventus.
      The Uruguayan famously bit the Italian at the 2014 World Cup and has made sure Juve’s captain bears no grudges before he agrees to the £256k-a-week switch.

      2

      Luis Suarez has called Giorgio Chiellini ahead of his £256k-a-week move to Juventus

      2

      The Uruguayan wanted to clear the air after biting him at the 2014 World Cup
      Suarez is poised to depart the Nou Camp after he was deemed surplus to requirements by Ronald Koeman.
      And he has sought to avoid an awkward encounter with Chiellini after nibbling on the 36-year-old’s shoulder during during Uruguay’s group stage game with Italy in Brazil, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
      Despite the savage nature of Suarez’s chomp, Chiellini has since shrugged off the incident.

      He said: “Suddenly I noticed he had bit my shoulder.

      “It just happened, but this is his contact strategy in hand-to-hand combat and, if I may say so, it is mine too.
      “He and I are similar.”
      Suarez also took responsibility for his actions at the time so a meeting between the two in the coming weeks should not be too awkward.
      Suarez said: “I admit I was wrong, but I am a human being.

      Bayern Munich are now the joint-fifth-most successful team in Europe

      “Each player has his own style of play, his own character and this got me where I am now.”
      Ajax have already confirmed their interest in signing Suarez, 33, as they look to bring the player back to Holland.
      But a move to Turin seems more than likely, where he could link up with old rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
      It was reported over the weekend Suarez has spoken to Juve chief Pavel Nedved to discuss a potential switch to Italy.
      And according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Old Lady has now agreed personal terms with the player’s representatives during a second meeting.

      Four Premier League teams crack the top ten highest wage bills in Europe
      The report adds that Suarez is set to pen a £256k-a-week deal.
      Juve boss Andrea Pirlo has identified the ex-Liverpool ace as a replacement for Gonzalo Higuain, who has been linked with an MLS switch.
      Suarez took to social media last week where he broke his silence on speculation regarding his future.
      Should Barca fail to get an offer for the Uruguay international, they would have to fork out £12million to cancel his contract.
      Swapping Barcelona for Juventus will mean the striker would have played with both Lionel Messi and Ronaldo.
      And SunSport listed every player who has played with both of the greatest players of our era.

      Bartomeu’s car stops outside Lionel Messi’s dad’s apartment with son driving but no sign of Barcelona president More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi’s dad tells Barcelona president Bartomeu ‘my son isn’t staying’ in cutting remark during showdown talks

      by

      LIONEL MESSI’S dad reportedly told Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu in their showdown talks: “My son isn’t staying.”
      Jorge Messi flew into Barcelona yesterday for face-to-face discussions with the Nou Camp chief.

      6

      Jorge Messi, left, met with Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and told the club chief his son will not be stayingCredit: Reuters

      6

      Lionel Messi stunned Barcelona by handing in a transer request last week after falling out with the boardCredit: Manu Fernandez
      Messi dropped a huge bombshell last week when he told the club – via fax – he wanted to leave.
      And, according to Marca, in the negotiations between Messi Sr – who is also his son’s agent – and Bartomeu, the legend’s father made the cutting remark.
      Despite the emergency crisis talks, no agreement was reached over the club captain’s Nou Camp future.
      But in a bizarre twist, it is understood Bartomeu’s car drove up and stopped outside Messi Sr’s Barcelona apartment – without the club chief inside.

      Reports stated the vehicle was being driven by Bartomeu’s son – with an L plate in the back window – while the president’s wife accompanied him.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner wants to join Manchester City and Messi Sr yesterday told reporters: “It is difficult for Leo to stay.”
      Messi no longer considers himself a Barcelona player and has not returned for pre-season training under new boss Ronald Koeman but the club insist he is still due to play.
      However, according to TyC Sports in Argentina, Messi may be resigned to the idea of seeing out the final year of his contract at the Nou Camp.

      6

      Bartomeu and Messi Sr were unable to reach a resolution during their discussions with the captain’s future still unclearCredit: EPA

      6

      The Barcelona president’s car turned up outside the apartment of the legend’s dad with only Bartomeu’s son and wife inside

      6

      The report adds it is “90 per cent likely” the forward will stay before leaving for free next summer instead of forcing an exit in the current transfer window.
      A £623million release clause in his contract is a huge stumbling block to any move.
      And Jorge swerved questions about the Etihad, only saying: “I don’t know anything about City. I have not spoken with Pep Guardiola.”
      However, reports suggest City have lined up a stunning offer worth a staggering £2.4m per week for five years.
      That would see him spend three years in Manchester before two seasons with City’s sister club New York City FC in the MLS.

      6

      Bartomeu’s car stops outside Lionel Messi’s dad’s apartment with son driving but no sign of Barcelona president More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi’s future still up in air after dad’s talks with Barcelona chief end in stalemate

      by

      BARCELONA used Lionel Messi to promote their new kit — but his dad admitted it would be “difficult” for him to stay at the club.
      Messi’s father Jorge, who is also his agent, flew in for a crisis meeting with Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

      3

      Lionel Messi’s father Jorge held crunch talks with Barcelona on WednesdayCredit: EPA

      Talks lasted 90 minutes and the two sides are still poles apart.
      It came as the Spanish giants launched pictures of the forward fronting their kit commercial.
      The Argentine, 33, wants to join Manchester City and Messi Sr yesterday claimed: “It is difficult for Leo to stay.”

      Messi  no longer considers himself a Barcelona player after faxing a transfer request last month.

      But the Nou Camp club insist he is still under contract and on strike after refusing to  train.
      A £623million buyout clause in his   contract is a huge stumbling block to any move.
      And Jorge swerved questions about the Etihad, only saying: “I don’t know anything about City. I have not spoken with Pep Guardiola.”
      City star Joao Cancelo, 26, is adamant Messi would have “a great season” if he moves to the Etihad.

      3

      The full-back said: “He’s a great player. In a team like Manchester City,  also with great players on his side, he’d have a great season.”
      Bartomeu knows his future as Barca president is at stake, with elections next year.
      His biggest rival Victor Font  told talkSPORT: “Messi wants to win more Champions Leagues and Manchester City and Pep are top candidates.
      “The damage this is doing to  Barcelona is quite phenomenal.
      “The two parties need to sit down  to ensure whatever transition needs to happen is smooth, and we can protect the ties between Messi and Barcelona, which are deep.”

      3

      President Josep Bartomeu’s talks with Jorge Messi ended in a stalemateCredit: Reuters

      Messi’s father lands in Barcelona amid reports of FC Barcelona meeting More