Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal £72m signing Nicolas Pepe warned he will NEVER play for Gunners again if he refuses to agree transfer

      by

      NICOLAS PEPE has been told to leave Arsenal while he still can or spend the rest of the season sitting on his hands.The 28-year-old Ivorian international has resisted all the club’s efforts to get rid of him without a lucrative pay-off.
      Nicolas Pepe has been warned he will never play for Arsenal againCredit: Rex
      But now he has just days to sort out a move before his last escape routes slam shut in his face.
      Turkish title contenders Besiktas are still keen to sign Pepe despite being turned down by the player earlier in the summer.
      And his representatives are also trying to raise a last-ditch offer from  Al Shabab before the Saudi transfer window closes on Thursday.
      But Pepe still has ten months remaining on his £150,000-a-week Arsenal contract which will net him around £6.5million if he stays at the Emirates.
      READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
      And he is reluctant to take a pay cut just so Arsenal can get him off their wage bill.
      Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has already washed his hands of the player who cost what was then a club record £72million when he was signed from Lille by Unai Emery in 2019.

      He has been ordered to train alone since returning from an unsuccessful loan spell at Nice and doesn’t even have a squad number after his number 19 shirt was handed to Leandro Trossard at the beginning of the year.
      It has been made clear to him that he has no future at the club and will not play another game for them if he declines to leave.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      His lack of activity has already cost him his place in the Ivory Coast squad for their forthcoming games against Lesotho and Mali.
      And with his home country hosting the African Cup of Nations in January, Pepe knows his international career is in jeopardy unless he finds another club.
      But Arsenal are still asking for a nominal transfer fee in the region of £4million and Besiktas want to sign him for nothing.
      The Turkish transfer window closes on September 15 and it could be a case of which club blinks first.
      That could all change if Al Shabab follow up their interest with a firm bid but Arsenal have not yet received any offers.
      Pepe has been unable to agree a move away from ArsenalCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Forgotten Premier League title winner, 33, announces shock transfer as he shows off new company car

      by

      FORGOTTEN Manchester City star Stevan Jovetic has announced a shock move to Greek giants Olympiacos.The striker confirmed the move while posing in front of a red Renault gifted by the club.
      Stevan Jovetic has signed for OlympiacosCredit: Twitter @olympiacosfc
      Olympiacos gifted the striker a RenaultCredit: Twitter @olympiacosfc
      The 33-year-old won the Premier League-Carabao Cup double at the Etihad nine years ago under Manuel Pellegrini.
      He scored 11 goals in 44 appearances for City across two seasons.
      Since then he has gone on to feature for the likes of Inter Milan, Sevilla and Monaco.
      And most recently he spent two years with the German side Hertha.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      The Montenegro captain has also racked up 68 appearances for his country, netting 31 goals.
      But he has only scored ten club goals in one of his NINE seasons since leaving Man City.
      On top of that, he failed to prevent Hertha from being relegated to the second tier last season.
      It is the first time in 11 years the club has dropped down from the Bundesliga.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      In an attempt to redeem his career the striker is now off to make his debut in the Super League after signing a one-year contract with Olympiacos.
      The club have even treated the former Premier League star with what appears to be a red Renault Megane Sport Tourer.
      The price tag for the car ranges from £18,560 – £33,490, according to Car Wow.
      The Greek giants will play rivals AEK Athens next on September 17th where Jovetic may make his debut.
      Jovetic won the Premier League with Man City in the 2013/14 seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham cult hero, 34, announces retirement from football after a year without a club

      by

      TOTTENHAM cult hero Sandro has retired from football aged 34.The former Brazil international had been without a club for more than a year.
      Sandro became a cult hero figure at SpursCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The 34-year-old starred in a Spurs win at AC Milan in 2011Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Sandro joined Spurs from Brazilian side Internacional in 2010.
      He went on to play 106 times for the Lilywhites in four years at White Hart Lane.
      His tough tackling on the field and quirky personality off it made him a heroic figure among Tottenham fans.
      After their former player announced he was hanging up his boots, Spurs wrote on social media: “Wishing you all the very best in your retirement, Sandro!
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      “Thank you for the memories during your time at our Club.”
      Confirming his decision, Sandro simply wrote: “Thank you football.”

      During his career, he earned 17 caps for Brazil.
      But a series of serious knee injuries hampered his progress after his initial great start at Spurs.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Sandro wore Spurs colours once again for a charity match earlier this yearCredit: Getty
      He left Tottenham for Queens Park Rangers in 2014, but would only make 36 appearances in three years for the Loftus Road club – while also playing 13 times during a loan spell at West Brom.
      Following his QPR exit he had spells with Benevento, Antalyaspor, Genoa, Udinese and Goias.
      He finished his career with Portuguese lower league side B-Sad in 2022.
      Wishing Sandro well in his retirement, one Spurs fan wrote on social media: “Happy Retirement Beast.”
      And a second tweeted: “He is fully COYS.”
      Another added: “A regular on away days. Love the fella.”
      Sandro further endeared himself to Spurs fans by joining them in the away end during their Champions League round of 16 clash with AC Milan earlier this year.
      He had starred in a Tottenham win at the San Siro back in 2011, and hoped for a similar result again.
      Asked what he thought of rivals Arsenal by a fan, he cheekily replied: “S***!”
      Read More on The Sun
      Back in May he donned a Spurs shirt once more for a charity match, playing alongside old pal Aaron Lennon and under former boss Harry Redknapp.
      He has since began analysing football matches, and was at Brighton’s clash with Newcastle last weekend.
      The Brazilian met up with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy earlier this yearCredit: Instagram @sandroraniere
      Sandro attended Brighton’s clash with Newcastle last weekendCredit: Instagram @sandroraniere More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I taught Evan Ferguson how to drive in a Ford Fiesta and helped get Brighton sensation’s career on track with pep talks

      by

      EVAN FERGUSON has gone from strength to strength on the pitch but had help from an unlikely source – his driving instructor.The Brighton striker broke into the first-team last season and became just the fourth teenager to score a Premier League hat-trick against Newcastle on Saturday.
      Evan Ferguson’s driving instructor knew he would go all the way to the topCredit: TikTok / @shaakils
      He shared how proud he was of the striker after his hat-trick against NewcastleCredit: TikTok / @shaakils
      Ferguson, 18, joined an elite club which includes Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Chris Bart-Williams, and his driving instructor never doubted his potential.
      Shakil Chowdhury, whose TikTok video praising the Seagulls star went viral, knew Ferguson would go far as soon as he began teaching him.
      Chowdhury, 38, told SunSport: “I knew it! When I started teaching him he was in and out of the main team, but I knew he would go far.
      “I used to wind up my mates by saying ‘this guy is going to destroy you tonight’ and my prediction came true. If you talk to someone you can tell what they want to achieve in their life. He was so committed, so focused.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “When he used to be a substitute he prayed to play for longer so I encouraged him, I said ‘you will get this opportunity, you will get this chance just trust me, be patient’.
      “It’s the same as driving you have to have patience, so that’s the way I used to motivate him – I used to motivate him a lot.”
      Chowdhury’s Shakil School of Motoring usually charges customers £38 per hour, and teaches pupils around Worthing and Lancing.
      Ferguson, who reportedly earns around £20,000 a week at Brighton, is now planning to buy a Mercedes after passing in a Ford Fiesta thanks to Chowdhury’s tutelage.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      The Republic of Ireland international found Chowdhury to be so helpful he has recommended his team-mates enlist his services.
      Chowdhury revealed he has taught eight Brighton academy stars how to drive, with more learning.
      He added: “They are all amazing, it wasn’t hard to teach them.
      “[With Ferguson] It was easygoing, lovely and fun, we had lots of funny conversations and we used to chat a lot. As a teacher I was very close to him and got to know him very well.
      “We talked about his hobbies and his matches. We used to talk about the games coming up and I used to wind him up about it.
      “His dream is to play for a top club. He believes in himself so much.” More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Jadon Sancho ‘was lined up for shock CHELSEA transfer this summer’ before falling out with Man Utd boss Ten Hag

      by

      CHELSEA were interested in signing Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho the summer, reports claim.The 23-year-old has hit the headlines after a public bust-up with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
      Jadon Sancho was set for a move to Chelsea prior to his fall-out with Erik ten HagCredit: Getty
      The winger took to social media Sunday night to fire back at claims made by the Dutch boss regarding his training performance and effectively called him a liar.
      Sancho posted online: “I will not allow people saying things that is completely untrue, I have conducted myself in training very well this week.
      “I believe there are other reasons for this matter that I won’t go into, I’ve been a scapegoat for a long time which isn’t fair!”
      The extraordinary comeback came as the Dutchman blasted the winger after not selecting him for the Arsenal game on Sunday.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      The spat has put Sancho’s future at Old Trafford into doubt, with it emerging the Red Devils were prepared to let him go this summer.
      United were open to offers of £45million for the winger.
      The Daily Mail report Sancho was lined up for a shock move to Chelsea at the start of summer.
      However, the report claims Chelsea pulled the plug because they “were concerned about his mindset.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      The Blues instead moved for Man City’s Cole Palmer.
      Sancho has been tipped to still depart this summer, however only a handful of countries’ transfer windows remain open – among them Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
      Since signing for the Red Devils in 2021 for £73m from Borussia Dortmund Sancho has struggled to reproduce his Bundesliga form.

      A total of 12 goals and six assists from 82 games has been seen as a poor return on United’s investment.
      Last December Sancho trained alone for eight weeks at Dutch amateur club OJC Rosmalen working alongside coaches trusted by Ten Hag- to deal with the player’s physical and mental issues.
      He did not play for United for more than three months.
      While there has never been any doubt about his enormous talent, Pep Guardiola, former team-mate Emre Can, Dortmund managers and club officials, along with Gareth Southgate, have all questioned his work ethic and lifestyle choices.
      Ten Hag going public appears to suggest he’s now had enough. More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      How Man Utd were ‘forced to pay TWICE as much for Sofyan Amrabat loan transfer after trying to play hardball’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED were forced to pay twice as much for Sofyan Amrabat’s loan transfer from Fiorentina.The Moroccan midfielder completed a deadline day switch to Old Trafford after weeks of negotiations.
      Manchester United had to pay twice as much to sign Sofyan Amrabat on loanCredit: Getty
      He has signed on an initial loan from Fiorentina with an option to make the deal permanent.
      As part of the deal, United will pay an £8.5million loan fee, but the deal would have cost less had the Red Devils not played hardball.
      According to The Athletic, negotiations last week saw Fiorentina ask for a £4.25million loan fee.
      However, when United only offered just over £2.5million, the Italians informed them the deal was off.
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      Talks later resumed, but with the Serie A side now demanding an £8.5million loan fee, the report adds.
      United were able to reach an agreement close to those terms on Friday, with the deal worth a total of £30million, including a £17million option to buy clause.
      Amrabat went on to complete his medical in Pisa before his signing was announced late on deadline day.
      It is understood the 27-year-old had only wanted to join Erik ten Hag’s side and rejected a move to three other Premier League clubs.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Fans have been forced to wait to see their new midfielder in action as he was not registered in time to appear against Arsenal on Sunday.
      Instead, Amrabat’s United debut could come after the international break, with the club’s next match at home to Brighton on September 16.
      However, it has emerged that a recurring back injury, which forced him to use painkillers to play at the World Cup, was detected in his medical.
      It is not clear how this will affect when he will play.
      Amrabat has also yet to be given a squad number by United, who have said it will be revealed “once his registration is completed”.
      The Morocco international wears number four for his country and was number 34 at Fiorentina.
      Phil Jones’ exit has left four vacant, but Donny van de Beek currently holds the number 34 shirt.
      Amrabat will have to wait to make his United debutCredit: Reuters More

    • 175 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Sofyan Amrabat ‘arrives with injury’ following revelation about World Cup struggles

      by

      SOFYAN AMRABAT arrived at Manchester United with a recurring back injury which had hampered his World Cup. The midfielder joined Old Trafford from Fiorentina on a deadline-day loan deal.
      Sofyan Amrabat arrived at Manchester United with a recurriing back injuryCredit: Getty
      But according to The Athletic, United detected a minor back injury in Amrabat’s medical.
      The Moroccan had revealed he received pain-killing injections just to play in the round of 16 against Spain.
      Following a knock to Mason Mount which sidelined the summer signing, United were forced into the market for a new midfielder.
      But talks to sign Amrabat were not plane sailing.
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      It is claimed Fiorentina wanted a total package worth near £30million — an £8.5m loan fee, £17.1m after 15 appearances plus £4.2m in add-ons.
      United only offered £2.5m for the loan, which was rejected and left the Serie A club short of patience.
      The club’s director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves was left to resurrect the deal after being told it was off.
      Amrabat, 27, was hellbent on a move to Manchester and even switched to the same agency as manager Erik ten Hag to get it done.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Eventually, the two clubs agreed on an £8.5m loan fee with the option to make the move permanent for £17.1m.
      Amrabat has not played all season, not because of injury but as Fiorentina wanted the player to make a decision on his future.

      But it remains to be seen how his back problem will effect the start of his season.
      Rasmus Hojlund came off the bench in United’s 3-1 loss at Arsenal over the weekend having also joined with a back injury.
      Rasmus Hojlund joined Man Utd with a back injuryCredit: Getty More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League side’s abandoned 19th-century stadium is now a huge housing estate

      by

      A FOOTBALL stadium that housed one of England’s historic clubs for over a century is now a housing estate.From the highs of promotions to the agony of relegation, the ground witnessed plenty of ups and downs.
      This former stadium now looks like any other streetCredit: Google Streetview
      The old ground could house 33,000 fansCredit: Getty
      It is now a residential areaCredit: Getty
      In its pomp it was even able to house 33,000 passionate supporters.
      But when the Taylor Report emerged in 1990 its days were always going to be numbered.
      With much of the ground having terracing, converting it into an all-seater stadium was never going to be feasible.
      And when its club began to harbour ambitions of one day reaching the Premier League, its old stadium had to be replaced.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The ground in question is Reading’s old Elm Park.
      Having formed in 1871, the Royals moved to Elm Park all the way back in 1896.
      They played their first match there on September 5, 1896 against an A. Roston Bourke XI – with the game abandoned due to the weather with Reading leading 7-1.
      The Royals would stay at Elm Park until 1998, before moving into the Madejski Stadium, where they still reside today.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Flats have been built in the old ground’s former spotCredit: Getty
      Elm Park is now a street like many othersCredit: Getty
      Their new home was initially named after former owner John Madejski, who bought the club in 1990 and set about rising them up through the leagues.
      Elm Park’s final match was against Norwich on May 3, 1998.
      Reading’s last season at their old home didn’t go to plan as they were relegated from Division Two.
      The final goal at Elm Park was scored by Craig Bellamy, who netted for the Canaries in their 1-0 win over Reading.
      Elm Park is now a regular residential area, with houses having been built where fans used to congregate.
      It now appears to be a street like any other, with cars parked outside houses and wheelie bins put out on the correct days.
      The old ground was situated between Norfolk Road and Tilehurst Road.
      But now all that remains are memories of years gone by.
      Reading moved out of their old home in 1998Credit: Alamy
      Now all that remains of Elm Park stadium are memoriesCredit: Getty More