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    Liverpool sign Jeremie Frimpong in £29m transfer as Arne Slot completes first deal of summer

    JEREMIE FRIMPONG has completed his £29.5million move to Liverpool.The Bayer Leverkusen right-back, 24, touched down in the UK on Tuesday after the Premier League champions met his release clause.Jeremie Frimpong has officially joined Liverpool before the start of the windowThe 12-cap Dutch international becomes Arne Slot’s first summer signing, with his bargain fee a big role in the club’s decision to pursue him.His arrival coincides with the departure of long-serving full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to join Real Madrid.Frimpong will compete with homegrown talent Conor Bradley, 21, for the right-back spot.He builds on the Dutch influence at Anfield, alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKop boss Slot, who took over from Jurgen Klopp and won the league title during his first season in charge, is also from the Netherlands.Speaking to the Reds’ website upon signing, Frimpong said: “It went quite easy. Liverpool came and said they had interest, and obviously for me it was a no-brainer.”For me, it was like, ‘Whatever you guys do, just get this done’, [speaking to] my agents: ‘Just get this done.’”Liverpool fans, I’m going to give my all, my energy, my work-rate and hopefully we can win together, we celebrate together, get everything together.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’m just excited to be here. Thank you guys for accepting me and I won’t let you guys down and I’ll give you the energy that you guys want.”Frimpong was a key part of the Leverkusen team that pipped Bayern Munich to the 2023/24 Bundesliga title, starting 25 league games.Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong reveals why he snubbed Liverpool and chose Man City last time Reds tried to sign himAfter finishing second behind Bayern this season, Leverkusen are also set to lose Florian Wirtz, who could bag them £125million.Liverpool were tipped to get Wirtz too, but Real Madrid and Bayern have entered the race for the 22-year-old attacking midfielder.Signing Frimpong adds to the number of home-grown players on the Reds’ books.He would qualify as homegrown as he spent nine years in England when he was on Manchester City’s books from age nine.While Liverpool will miss Alexander-Arnold’s attacking prowess, Frimpong has scored five goals this season and can operate as a right winger.Frimpong recently revealed that he was close to joining Liverpool as a kid.The Kop new-boy told Rising Ballers: “I actually chose Liverpool first.”I was going to sign for them, but back then, driving wasn’t a thing. My family wasn’t driving and it was far.”Man City was local, so it made more sense. It was 15 minutes on the bus.”Read More on The SunAfter failing to get onto Pep Guardiola’s radar at City, Frimpong joined Celtic and won the domestic Scottish treble during his first season north of the border.Liverpool are also interested in Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, who is valued at £45m. More

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    Son Heung-min wanted in mega-money Saudi transfer and Tottenham would consider cashing in on club legend

    TOTTENHAM ace Son Heung-Min is being chased by clubs in Saudi Arabia.And sources close to Spurs say the club WOULD consider selling their captain if a massive offer comes their way this summer.Son Heung-Min is the latest Premier League star being chased by clubs in SaudiThe Tottenham skipper remains a hugely popular figure at the North London club, despite his drop off in form this season.The 32-year-old signed a contract extension in January and is believed to be happy to stay, after Spurs’ Europa League triumph secured Champions League football next season.But uncertainty over Ange Postecoglou’s future, and the chance to leave Spurs on a high, could persuade Son that now is the perfect moment to take on a new challenge.Daniel Levy will green-light a major shake up of the squad, although it’s unclear whether Postecoglou will be trusted to oversee it or not.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd although Spurs have secured a lucrative Champions League spot, a mega-money offer for Son would help to bankroll new signings.The South Korean winger has been identified by the billionaire-backers of the league as a superstar target, with Cristiano Ronaldo set to leave Al-Nassr.Chiefs believe Son can open the Saudi Pro League up to a whole new audience in the Far East, where he is adored and a national icon.Saudi League owners had hoped to persuade Mo Salah to join this summer. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the Egyptian has remained in the Premier League having signed a new bumper deal at champions Liverpool.That’s led to Saudi switching their attention to Son, who has suffered this season with injuries.Son helped end Spurs’ 17-year major trophy drought last weekUefa awkwardly RUN OUT of Europa League winners’ medals as Son and Romero among Tottenham stars to miss outSon used to be Tottenham’s ever-present and was a constant source of goals and assists down the years.But like many of his team-mates, he has been off the pace this term, scoring just 11 goals in all competitions.Son just ended his 10th season in North London and second with the armband after Hugo Lloris left for the MLS last summer.Meanwhile, the Saudi’s have given Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes a few days to make his mind up.Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are willing to pay around £100million for Fernandes, 30, and will offer him a whopping £700,000 a week to ditch Old Trafford for the Middle East.Son’s Premier League stats dropped off this season More

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    Raheem Sterling urged to join Arsenal’s London rivals with Emirates loan up and Chelsea career all-but over

    RAHEEM STERLING has been urged to seek a “fresh challenge” at Premier League side Fulham.The 30-year-old winger is set to return to Chelsea now that his season-long loan at Arsenal has ended.Raheem Sterling’s season-long loan with Arsenal has come to an endCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSterling is set to return to Chelsea, where his contact ends in 2027Sterling hoped to revive his career under Mikel Arteta after being frozen out by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca last summer.But he failed to make an impact at the Emirates, scoring just once in 28 appearances.The four-time Premier League winner started just SEVEN out of 29 available league games this season.Sterling struggled for game-time, with Arteta even reluctant to rely on him during Arsenal’s injury crisis in forward areas.RED MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Spaniard often played 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to cover Bukayo Saka’s right flank and turned midfielder Mikel Merino into a No 9 when Kai Havertz was ruled out for months.While Sterling is now set to return to Chelsea, he does not have a future at the club while Maresca is still in charge.But ex-Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas has tipped the England international for another Prem club this summer. Gallas thinks Sterling could benefit from following several Arsenal stars who have left North London for game time at Fulham.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeGallas told Casino Games: “I think it’s time for a fresh challenge for Sterling.”I think one of Arteta’s biggest mistakes has been a lack of rotation at times because they have picked up injuries.Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’William Gallas can see Sterling at FulhamCredit: Getty”You have to give players a rest at certain times, but with Sterling, he must be frustrated, maybe he will want to stay in the Premier League and in London.”He’s 30 now, but maybe a club like Fulham could give him that opportunity and more chances to play.”The Cottagers enjoyed another steady season under Marco Silva, finishing 11th in the Prem and reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.Goalkeeper Bernd Leno, midfielder Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe all joined Fulham from the Gunners over the last few seasons, while Willian played for all three clubs, including Chelsea.Sterling was one of the marquee signings of the early Todd Boehly era, joining for £47.5m in the summer of 2022 from Manchester City.He earns an eye-watering £325,000-per-week in wages, with his contract expiring in 2027. Read More on The SunSterling enjoyed the best period of his career at Man City, scoring over 100 goals for the club and lifting 12 trophies.The Wembley-born winger was named PFA Young Player of the Year at City in 2018/2019.Sterling’s Premier League stats this season More

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    Jude Bellingham parties with brother Jobe at Wayne Lineker’s O Beach in Ibiza as Real Madrid star kicks off his summer

    JUDE BELLINGHAM celebrated brother Jobe’s Premier League promotion in style with a trip to Wayne Lineker’s beach club.The Real Madrid superstar is enjoying a very brief chance for some downtime before joining England for two games and jetting to the USA for the Club World Cup.Jude and Jobe Bellingham partied at Wayne Lineker’s Ocean Beach with their palsCredit: INSTAGRAM@WAYNELINEKERThe brothers were taking a well-deserved holiday following long seasons with Real Madrid and Sunderland respectivelyCredit: INSTAGRAM@OBEACHIBIZAJude happily posed for photos with beach club goersCredit: INSTAGRAM@DANIELLELOUISEBRADBellingham, 21, opted to let his hair down on the world-famous Balearic Island with friends and younger brother, Jobe.And where better than the iconic Ocean Beach club in San Antonio Bay, owned by Gary Lineker’s brother, Wayne.Bellingham and his pals had one of the most expensive VIP areas to themselves and certainly made the most of it.The drinks were flowing as the England star and his buddies kept themselves out of the Spanish sun.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were even visited in their VIP area by Wayne, who dished out fistbumps galore.Jude was dressed for the occasion, donning yellow shorts with an open yellow shirt.Ocean Beach were thrilled to have Jude and Jobe in attendance, plastering a photo of the pair to their official Instagram.The accompanying caption read: “Always a pleasure to have the boys parting @oceanbeachibiza @judebellingham @jobebellingham.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJude Bellingham’s girlfriend Ashlyn Castro was nowhere to be seen at Ocean BeachCredit: LA LIGABellingham started dating Castro in JanuaryCredit: INSTAGRAM@ASHLYNCASTROCastro is a model who boasts over 500,000 followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@ASHLYNCASTROJude was also spotted posing for a photo with an unknown brunette, who was seemingly over the moon to meet the Real star.The Bellingham boys’ venture to Ocean Beach was seemingly a lads’ day out as Jude’s other half, Ashlyn Castro, wasn’t present.Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Ashlyn Castro releases emotional statement on relationship history Jude went public with his relationship with the American model in January and the pair have been joined at the hip ever since.Castro has been spotted watching her man in action at the Bernabeu on multiple occasions over the last few months.Jobe, 19, jetted off to Ibiza just days after helping Sunderland return to the Premier League.The midfielder was part of the starting XI that beat Sheffield United 2-1 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley last Saturday afternoon.Jobe Bellingham jetted to Ibiza just days after helping Sunderland win promotion back to the Premier LeagueCredit: GETTYBut he may not star in the Prem as he’s been heavily linked with following in Jude’s footsteps and heading to the Bundesliga.Jobe was in Germany last to hold talks with Eintracht Frankfurt, while Jude’s old club Dortmund are keen as well.Read More on The SunJude won’t be partying hard in Ibiza as he’s set to be in Club World Cup action for Real next month as well as the Three Lions’ clashes with Andorra and Senegal.He is then set to undergo surgery on his shoulder which could see him ruled out for up to three months, missing the start of the 2025/26 La Liga season. More

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    Florian Wirtz ‘tells Bayern Munich he’s joining Liverpool’ with £125MILLION transfer just days away

    FLORIAN WIRTZ has told Bayern Munich he is joining Liverpool, according to reports.The German is one of the hottest properties on the transfer market this summer.Florian Wirtz has told Bayern Munich he will be joining Liverpool this summerCredit: GettyBut according to football journalist, Sacha Tavolieri, Wirtz is now just one step away from joining the Anfield outfit.Mere days ago it was revealed that Manchester City had pulled of the race to sign the Bayer Leverkusen ace over concerns about the overall cost of the deal potentially reaching a figure of £252million.However, numbers involved in the deal have not deterred German champions Bayern Munich or English champions Liverpool.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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    The crisis at Man Utd this summer will be bigger than ever – fans will back Amorim but how can he rebuild with no money?

    HERE we go again. The vicious cycle of doom and gloom is up and running.In the post Sir Alex Ferguson era, we’ve seen this all before.Ruben Amorim’s side have had one of the worst seasons in Manchester United historyBut the crisis at Manchester United this summer is going to be bigger than ever before.Defeat to Spurs, who finally won a trophy after 17 years, just sums up a disastrous season.The future looks bleak but where do United go from here?In the past, the manager has carried the can for poor results and performances.READ MORE IN MAN UTDDavid Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag all lost and the players won.But the scale of this loss in Bilbao and its consequences will be more widespread than Ruben Amorim’s future.The Portuguese boss has already stated this is probably one of the worst teams in United’s history and who can argue?However, fingers will now be pointed elsewhere.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe scrutiny will intensify on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership while this season’s abject failure will spark more protests against him and the Glazer family.And the turmoil will only filter down.’That’s for you, son’ – James Maddison brutally digs out Roy Keane in savage interview after Europa League final, CBSSportsGolazoExpect a toxic atmosphere at Old Trafford when Aston Villa visit on Sunday – and the likelihood of another defeat – as supporters make their voices heard once again.Lying 16th in the Premier League is embarrassing, so will Ratcliffe back Amorim? Will Amorim walk?This is on United’s hierarchy. They picked the Portuguese boss and told him to leave Sporting mid-season.Ratcliffe and co have already sacked one manager so what look is it to axe another one?Man Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depthAMAD DIALLO’S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Rasmus Hojlund’s plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years – as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity – on 42 minutes.Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr’s inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.But United’s chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.Here’s how SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge rated United on a miserable night individually and collectively for Ruben Amorim’s men…United fans will back Amorim and give him the chance to rebuild.But what material will he have to work with, especially under PSR constraints?Without the £100m Champions League money, I’m sure there will be more cost-cutting.This time it won’t just be staff cuts, first-team players will need to be sold and it won’t be a case of picking and choosing who goes because no one is safe.The prospect of United competing with the best is drifting further and further away.Read More on The SunAdd in the fact Liverpool are Premier League champions and it’s probably best to stay away from the UK for a few days which I’ll be doing direct from Spain thanks to a Bruce Springsteen gig in France this weekend.Bilbao was certainly a City of Ruins for United… More

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    Lamine Yamal set to land Messi’s No10 shirt after signing generational new Barcelona deal with €1billion release clause

    LAMINE YAMAL will reportedly inherit Lionel Messi’s iconic No 10 shirt at Barcelona after signing a generational deal this summer.The 17-year-old has emerged as a Ballon d’Or front-runner and is widely viewed as the game’s biggest talent since Messi burst onto the scene almost 20 years ago.Lamine Yamal will reportedly inherit Lionel Messi’s iconic No 10 shirt when he signs a new deal this summerMessi famously wore the No 10 jersey for the majority of his iconic Barcelona careerMessi wore the No 10 for 13 years, winning seven of his eight Ballon d’Ors in that timeYamal was considered the heir to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi when he came the youngest player to start a Euros final with Spain.And Yamal, who has already provided 25 goals and 34 assists in 105 appearances for Barca, will celebrate his 18th birthday in July by signing a new long-term contract.According to Memorabilia1899.co, the Catalan club will include a €1billion (£841million) release clause in the once in a lifetime deal.Yamal, who still wears braces, will also be handed the iconic No 10 shirt, which is worn by Ansu Fati at the moment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFati was termed as the original heir to Messi, but injuries and a lack of form has left him facing an exit this summer.Yamal currently holds the No. 19 jersey, which was also the number worn by fellow former La Masia product Messi before he switched in 2008.The changeover will mark another historic moment in Yamal’s young career, after he made his Barca debut two years ago when he was only 15.Since then, he has won LaLiga twice and provided 43 goal contributions in 54 games for Barca’s domestic treble this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe stats show Yamal’s trajectory since his debut aged 15 years and 290 days is rising faster than that of either Messi or the other superstar of his generation, Cristiano Ronaldo.By 17, Messi had scored once in nine senior games for Barca, while Ronaldo had netted five goals in 19 games for Sporting.’Absolute cinema’ – Kate Abdo dubbed ‘real talent’ after showing off incredible Spanish in Lamine Yamal interviewYamal also has four goals in his 19 appearances for Spain. Neither Messi or Ronaldo made their international debut until they turned 18.It took Messi, who made his debut at 16, until shortly before his 21st birthday to hit the 100-game mark in Barcelona colours, scoring 41 goals in the process.Before bagging an incredible screamer in Barca’s 3-3 Champions League draw on his 100th appearance, Yamal said: “I don’t compare myself to anyone, and much less with Messi.”So I don’t think the comparison makes sense, with Messi even less, I’m going to enjoy myself and be myself.”Remarkably, there are pictures of baby Yamal being held by a 20-year-old Messi during a photoshoot for Barcelona and Unicef in 2007.Seven years later, that baby was training with the club. By the age of 12, Spanish publication Marca was already comparing him to Messi.The Argentine icon finished his Barcelona career in 2021 with a staggering 672 goals in 778 appearances, plus 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions League triumphs to his name.Messi held baby Lamine Yamal for Unicef in 2007 More

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    Blackburn release TWENTY players after narrowly missing out on Championship play-offs under Valerien Ismael

    BLACKBURN have released 20 players and sprung a surprise over a midfielder.Rovers acted decisively after missing out on the Championship play-offs by one place and two points.Valerien Ismael has kept the core of a squad who finished seventhCredit: RexAdam Forshaw has been released – but there’s a twistCredit: AlamyBoss Valerien Ismael has kept his main men and reportedly wants around six key signings this summer.But Adam Forshaw’s inclusion in a big batch of departures has raised eyebrows in some quarters.The former Middlesbrough and Leeds star, 33, had been praised by Ismael in recent months.And Forshaw remained in Rovers’ matchday squad until the end of the season as they finished seventh.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL But although the ex-Brentford ace has been freed, Blackburn say they will “keep in close contact” with him over the summer.Rovers admit he is “entitled to explore other options”.But it leaves the door open for an intriguing transfer saga to develop.Blackburn also revealed they are still in talks with three senior players, having offered all of them new contracts.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThey are Danny Batth and Tyrhys Dolan – who both started Rovers’ season-ending 1-1 draw at Sheffield United – plus Andi Weimann.Rovers said in a statement over their released list: “Batth and Weimann both enjoyed magnificent maiden seasons at Ewood Park last term, bringing vast Championship experience, leadership qualities and high standards to the dressing room and out on the pitch.”Centre-back Danny Batth is in talks over extending his Blackburn stayCredit: RexMeanwhile, Blackburn have activated a one-year option to keep Wales winger Ryan Hedges another year after his 42 league games in 2024-25.Under-21 players Harrison Wood, Zack Stritch and Adam Khan have also had the option of an extra 12 months triggered.Jake Batty and Felix Goddard, who were both loaned out last season, have been offered fresh Ewood Park deals.And teenage midfielder Lorenze Mullarkey-Matthews has been handed the chance to sign his first professional contract.On the way out are: Dilan Markanday, Jack Vale, Zak Gilsenan, Patrick Gamble, Tom Bloxham, Jordan Eastham, Rhys Doherty, Isaac Whitehall, Jalil Saadi, Alex Baker, Adam Caddick, Paul Murphy-Worrell, Lewis Bell, Bradley Taylor, Jackson Shorrocks, Nathan Willis, Stephen Edmondson and Teddy Ramwell.On top of this, Dan Shaw’s registration has been cancelled by mutual consent.Read More on The SunFive loanees have returned to their parent clubs – Owen Beck, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Dion Sanderson, Cauley Woodrow and Emmanuel Dennis.Blackburn said: “Rovers would like to place on record its sincere thanks to all the players who will be leaving the club for their contribution and commitment during their time at Ewood Park, and we wish them all well in their future careers.” More