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    eToro Football Investment Report reveals elite club secrets for success

    IT’S no secret that football and big business go hand-in-hand. Behind the scenes, there are huge sums of money at stake.Investment platform eToro has published an in-depth report that reveals the buying, selling and investment habits of Europe’s elite clubs over the past few years.
    eToro has published a report that takes a deep dive into the world of European club investments and transfers

    You don’t need to be a football fan to know that player acquisition isn’t just about winning matches – it’s about bottom-line profits, too.
    Just as important as scouting for rising, small-league stars is knowing the right moment to let go of established names to generate the maximum profits.
    This report from eToro offers an absolutely fascinating windowpane into the business dealings of clubs including Premier League treble-winners Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica and dozens more.
    There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to elite club success – each team’s methods and priorities vary. Some strategies are long-term, some short-term.
    Perhaps the one thing Europe’s titan football clubs have in common is that they’re all operating in an absolutely ruthless big-bucks industry.
    As former England midfielder and BT Sport pundit Joe Cole comments on in his foreword to the report: ‘The way that football clubs approach transfers and talent development has never been more important.
    ‘The margins at the top of the game are so small that any edge a team can find can be the difference between success and failure. Getting it right has never been so important.’
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    We’ve read the report and have listed some of its most compelling findings below.
    Key findings: the eToro Football Investment report
    The Football Investment Report was created by eToro along with the German football site Transfermarkt.
    It draws from multiple variables of data across time frames of either 5 or 10 years.

    The club to generate the highest profits from transfer sales was Benfica, which made a cool £625.4m in player sales, and a £312.3m profit in transfer activities. 
    ‘Buy low, sell high’ is a business adage as old as time – and it’s Borussia Dortmund who saw the highest return on a player: it bought Ousmane Dembélé from Stade Rennais for £30.7m, before selling him to Barcelona for £122.8m.
    The most profitable player as a whole, again, goes to Benfica, who sold João Félix to Atlético Madrid for £111.6m in 2019/20. Interestingly, the next two – Ruben Dias and Éderson – were both sold to Man City.
    Ousmane Dembélé delivered the biggest profit after just one season  – but it’s worth mentioning that Benjamin Mendy ranks at number 5 on the list: he was signed from Monaco to Marseille for £11.4m in 2016/17, and then was picked up by Manchester City in 2017/18 for £50.4m.
    In terms of UK clubs, it’s Tottenham Hotspur who has added the most value to their team. It ranks at number 3 in the list with an increased value of £281.4m.

    For a deep dive into these stats and how they compare against rival clubs, we highly recommend you read eToro’s Football Investment Report for a deep dive.
    If you’re passionate about football and you’re thinking of getting into investing, the 27-page report is essential reading – you can head to the eToro site and download the PDF.
    Since 2018, eToro has been a major sponsor of the Premier League, and since 2020 has also sponsored teams across the top European leagues.
    Next season, they will sponsor the men’s, and for the first time, the women’s teams of Arsenal, Everton, West Ham and Crystal Palace in the PL and WSL

    eToro is a multi-asset investment platform with over 30 million users worldwide. Visit the website to start your investment journey today.
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    eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
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    Head to our football transfer news hub for all the latest information on transfers and signings. More

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    Jurrien Timber ‘completes Arsenal medical’ ahead of £34m transfer with Man Utd target set to join imminently

    JURRIEN TIMBER is on the verge of joining Arsenal after completing his medical.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta identified the Ajax defender as a major summer target last season and has moved quickly to get his man.
    Jurrien Timber is on the verge of joining Arsenal after reportedly undergoing a medical with the GunnersCredit: Getty
    The North Londoners reached an agreement with the Dutch giants this week to sign the 22-year-old.
    And he’s on the brink of becoming the club’s second summer signing after undergoing his medical.
    That’s according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted: “Jurrien Timber has just successfully completed his medical tests as new Arsenal player.”
    The Emirates faithful were quick to react, with one tweeting: “Arsenal will cook next season. I predict not less than 2 trophies.”
    Another said: “Arsenal are cooking.”
    And another said: “Edu and Arteta are cooking with an A La Carte menu this summer. Michelin Star.”
    One remarked: “Here we go.”
    Another chimed in: “We got Ten Hag’s number one target.”
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    Timber’s passing of his medical has seemingly seen Arsenal pip Premier League rivals Manchester United to his signature.
    It’s understood Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag contemplated adding the defender to his squad this summer.
    But barring a dramatic turn of events, they’ve missed out on the versatile right back.
    The arrival of Timber will take Arsenal’s summer spending to £98million – £65m of which they spent on signing Kai Havertz from Chelsea.
    But that fee is set to rise to a whopping £203million when they complete the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham.
    THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Erling Haaland gets hair braided by stunning bikini-clad Wag Isabel Haugseng Johansen before wakeboarding in the sea

    ERLING HAALAND and his stunning girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen enjoyed a day of wakeboarding while on holiday in Ibiza.The couple have had an active break which has included jet ski rides and obstacle courses.
    Erling Haaland and Isabel Johansen soak up the sun in IbizaCredit: BackGrid
    The couple have enjoyed a break after attending Aymeric Laporte’s weddingCredit: BackGrid
    The striker tried his hand at wakeboardingCredit: BackGrid
    Isabel tied Haaland’s hair into a braid before he took to waterCredit: BackGrid
    Isabel beams from ear to ear as they relax on the boatCredit: BackGrid
    It would be easy to forgive Haaland for enjoying a week of relaxation and sunbathing after his record-breaking Premier League campaign.
    But the Treble winner took to the seas to try his hand at wakeboarding alongside partner Isabel.
    At first his face was a picture of concentration but he eased into a big smile once he got the hang of tackling the waves.
    Isabel, 19, also helped out by tieing his lengthy blond locks into a braid, before having a go at wakeboarding herself.
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    Haaland also scrambled around an obstacle course after chilling out on the back of the boat with Isabel.
    The pair appeared to have a lot of fun and they are making the most of their time in the Mediterranean, having attended the wedding of Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte last month.
    Earlier in the week the goal machine was out raving in the early hours to Abba in Ibiza — with his dad.
    Alfie, who also played for City, hugged his son as they and 20 pals enjoyed a vodka-fuelled party in a nightclub’s VIP booth.
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    Haaland seemed to pick up the sport quicklyCredit: BackGrid
    Isabel also had a go at wakeboardingCredit: BackGrid
    The Manchester City star also spent time on an obstacle courseCredit: BackGrid
    The Norweigan dived into the sea from the top of a slideCredit: BackGrid
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    Haaland, 22, is believed to have splashed out on a booth with a £10,000 minimum spend at the Hi Ibiza club.
    The £375,000-a-week striker showed off his best dance moves as he raved the night away in Monaco.
    That’s after enjoying a regal lunch date with Prince Albert.
    Video footage showed the 6ft3in hitman rhythmically grooving to tunes at a fancy nightclub.
    City pal Jack Grealish is also enjoying a break in Ibiza and was spotted dancing in the DJ booth at Hi Ibiza nightclub too.
    Haaland and Isabel also spent time jet skiing earlier this weekCredit: BackGrid
    Haaland partied at Hi Ibiza nightclub with his dad AlfieCredit: BackGrid
    Isabel is also a footballerCredit: BackGrid More

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    Watch Arsenal star Jorginho belt out Oasis track as he does karaoke with stunning Wag Catherine Harding on Italy holiday

    ARSENAL star Jorginho has been enjoying the last of his holidays in his homeland of Italy with girlfriend Catherine Harding.The midfielder was filmed duetting Oasis’ Wonderwall with girlfriend Catherine as part of a karaoke night.
    Jorginho and wife Catherine sing a duet of Wonderwall in ItalyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/cat_cavelli_/?hl=en
    Jorginho and Harding have dated since 2019Credit: https://www.instagram.com/cat_cavelli_/?hl=en
    The video was posted on a friend of Jorginho’s Instagram story which Jorginho then reposted on his own story.
    The midfielder captioned the post “Pra que filma veiii” which roughly translates to “what are you filming for?”.
    While Jorginho is better known for his football than his singing, his wife Harding is a professional singer.
    She competed on the UK version of The Voice in 2020 under her stage name Cat Cavelli where she reached the first knockout stage and was mentored by Olly Murs.
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    Prior to dating Jorginho, Harding was in a relationship with A-list actor Jude Law.
    Law and Harding have one child together, Ada, who is now seven.
    Jorginho and Harding began dating in 2019, and had their first child, Jax, together in 2020.
    They sparked rumours that the two were engaged when Harding posted a series of sweet snaps and a video of the two wearing matching rings in October.
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    Jorginho will be expected to report back for pre-season training soon, with a number of players returning to Arsenal’s London Colney training centre on Monday.
    The Gunners’ first game of pre-season will see them take on the MLS All-Stars next Friday.
    Fans that were hoping to see Lionel Messi in action for the MLS team will be disappointed – as current rules mean he is ineligible.
    Jorginho recently shared a gushing post alongside his partner Catherine HardingCredit: Instagram @jorginhofrello
    Catherine Harding stunned in a red cut-out dressCredit: Instagram @jorginhofrello More

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    Mason Greenwood’s career in tatters as he faces being used as pawn by Man Utd to land ‘£50m’ striker

    MASON Greenwood’s career faces being left in tatters as he faces being used as a pawn by Manchester United to net a striker rumoured to be worth £50m.Greenwood, 21, has not played since January last year when he was arrested after allegations of physical and sexual abuse.
    Mason Greenwood, 21, has edged closer to a return to footballCredit: Getty
    Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund is said to be part of a loan deal for GreenwoodCredit: AFP
    It has now emerged that Serie A club Atalanta are interested in signing the forward on loan, according to the Manchester Evening News.
    Manchester United football director John Murtough has reportedly held talks with the Italian side as part of a deal to sign Rasmus Hojlund.
    The Danish striker scored nine goals in 32 games last season and is one of United’s targets this summer.
    The Red Devils believe they can net the 20-year-old for around £50 million, the Telegraph reported.
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    Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour, but the CPS dropped its case in February.
    The £75,000-a-week star has been suspended on full pay ever since.
    United bosses will rule on his future this month.
    And boss Erik ten Hag is said to be willing to let the Bradford-born player back in the squad.
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    The club started their own investigation when claims against Greenwood came to light.
    Ten Hag will now decide what to do based on the findings and believes there is a place for the England international in the team, reports The Athletic.
    Negotiations over Greenwood’s review have taken longer than expected with some speculating he’ll be kicked to the curb, the outlet continued.
    However, it shows the club’s “thoroughness and seriousness” during their investigation.
    The Sun understands most of his team-mates at Old Trafford would welcome him back into the dressing room if the club agrees.
    Boss Erik ten Hag is said to be willing to let the Bradford-born player back in the squadCredit: Getty
    Greenwood has not played since January last yearCredit: AFP
    However, it could trigger a wave of controversy after United’s women players called for Greenwood to go earlier this year.
    A source claimed Greenwood and his teammates made it clear to United owners Glazer – who will be making the final call – that they need to “sack him or back him”.
    The source said: “Mason was delighted to hear that the manager and most of his team-mates would welcome him back.
    “He firmly believes he is an innocent man and is very frustrated he’s not been able to play.
    “He understands that the club have had to carry out an investigation, but he feels like his career is slipping by.
    “He and his team have made clear to United that they now want to know what is happening.
    “They have basically said, ‘sack him or back him’.
    “If they want to reintegrate him, then do so. If they want to sell him, then tell him.
    “And if they want to loan him out, then tell them so his team can find the best club for him.”
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    The Sun revealed that his former boss Jose Mourinho has telephoned Greenwood to sound him out about a loan move to Roma.
    Greenwood is set to become a dad later this month, with his partner enjoying a baby shower with pals this weekend.
    Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviourCredit: AFP More

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    Man Utd fans go mad for two-minute clip of ‘Japanese Onana’ and reckon £5million fee could be ‘steal of a transfer’

    MANCHESTER United fans are excited by the prospect of signing Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki – a player being dubbed as ‘the Japanese Onana’.United have reportedly tracked the 20-year-old for six years as they continue to plan for life after David De Gea.
    The 20-year-old would break the J-League transfer record if United follow-up on their interestCredit: Getty
    Fans were impressed by his saves and skills on the ballCredit: YouTube
    United have tracked the keeper for six yearsCredit: YouTube
    The move for the Japanese youth international follows reports that United and Inter have agreed a £47million fee for Andre Onana, who is United’s priority for the goalkeeper position.
    United have already agreed personal terms with Onana, 27, so a deal is expected to be concluded swiftly once United and Inter reach full agreement over a fee.
    And it looks like they could also be signing his successor in Suzuki.
    Erik Ten Hag is keen to sign a goalkeeper that is adept at playing the ball out with his feet, something which De Gea has traditionally struggled with.
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    Suzuki excels at playing the ball out from the back, and a two minute compilation of his passes and saves was impressing fans on Manchester United Twitter.

    The poster of the video said: “Nahhh this Suzuki kid is actually the Japanese Onana.”
    He added: “We’re gonna have two keepers with a modernised style, Ten Hag you are that guy.”
    Another fan added: “Suzuki by name, Rolls-Royce by nature.”
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    While a third wrote: “That’s a steal of a transfer”
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    The Daily Mail report that United plan to make a £5m offer for the Urawa Red Diamonds stopper which would make him the most expensive player in J.League history.
    Suzuki made his full debut for the Japanese national team last July at the age of just 19.
    Prior to his first senior appearance he represented Japan at under-21 level.
    United are understood to have tracked Suzuki since 2017 when the keeper was just 14 years old.
    With De Gea already departing the club after his contract expired last month, Dean Henderson is also expected to depart the club.
    Nottingham Forest are expected to bid for Henderson after he spent last season on loan at the City ground. More

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    Former Man Utd star Daley Blind set for transfer to LaLiga after leaving Bayern Munich

    FORMER Man Utd star Daley Blind is set for a fresh start at FC Girona after a frustrating spell at Bayern Munich.The 33-year-old made just four league appearances after joining the Bundesliga giants in January and hasn’t featured since playing six minutes against Augsburg in March.
    Daley Blind looks set for a move to GironaCredit: Willie Vass
    The Dutchman is now set to play in La Liga for the first time in his career with a free transfer agreed, pending a medical.
    Blind, who has 101 international caps, would become the first Dutch star to play for the Catalan club.
    Since leaving Manchester United in 2018 it hasn’t been all plain sailing for Blind, including a scary injury in a Champions League match for Ajax when he complained about suffering from dizziness in 2019.
    A medical examination revealed he had a heart muscle inflammation, but Blind has continued to play after having an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) fitted to regulate his heartbeat.
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    He later collapsed in a friendly against Hertha Berlin with his team-mates quickly instantly racing over to him and medics arriving seconds later.
    Erik ten Hag, the Man Utd manager who was Blind’s Ajax boss at the time, revealed “his ICD went off and he was subbed off straight away”.
    Blind returned to football but later admitted pal Christian Eriksen’s collapse on the pitch at Euro 2020 , during which he died before being resuscitated, led to him “overcoming a mental hurdle” to keep playing.
    Despite this Blind recovered and starred for the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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    But his free transfer to Bayern from Ajax didn’t pan out with the star now hoping to resurrect his career in Spain. More

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    My Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell was gutted when Luton were promoted to the Premier League, says Christian Horner

    GERI HALLIWELL was gutted to see Luton promoted to the Premier League, claims her husband Christian Horner.The Hatters defeated Red Bull chief Horner’s beloved Coventry on penalties in the Championship play-off final.
    Geri Halliwell and Christian Horner were both gutted to see Luton promotedCredit: Getty
    Spice Girl Geri is a Watford fanCredit: Getty
    Horner was naturally crestfallen to see his team fall at the final hurdle after a brilliant season.
    But he wasn’t the only one in his household holding out for a Sky Blues win.
    Chatting to talkSPORT, Horner said: “They came so close, what a cruel way to go out on a penalty shootout the way they did.
    “I thought they played so, so well this last season.
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    “So hopefully they can go one better [next season] and make it through without the stress of the play-offs.”
    On wife Geri, he added: “As a Watford fan, she was gutted to see Luton get through.
    “I think there is a local rivalry between Watford and Luton.
    “Certainly, my step-father was a bit annoyed about it.
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    “But Geri appreciates all sport and I think she is looking forward to seeing Watford get back there soon as well.”
    The Hornets suffered the ignominy of having to watch their former manager Rob Edwards guide their biggest rivals to promotion.
    Sack-happy Watford bafflingly axed Edwards after just 11 games in charge – only to then watch him succeed at Kenilworth Road.
    Spice Girl Geri wed Horner in 2015 after around 15 months of dating – and they went on to have their first child together, Monty, in January 2017.
    Luton beat Coventry in the Championship play-off finalCredit: PA
    Horner and Geri wed in 2015Credit: Getty More