More stories

  • in

    Chelsea set to get second shot at Osimhen transfer in January for £40m discount with advantage due to special clause

    CHELSEA could be set for a second chance at signing Victor Osimhen in January, according to reports.The Blues were strongly linked with a move for the striker throughout the summer.Victor Osimhen is reportedly interested in finally joining Chelsea in JanuaryCredit: RexHowever, they ultimately missed out on a deal after Al-Ahli agreed a fee with Napoli on Deadline Day.The Saudi Pro League side then opted to sign Ivan Toney instead, leaving Osimhen in limbo.He later joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan, with his £109million release clause expiring in the process.According to Corrierre dello Sport, Osimhen remains interested in joining Chelsea when the window re-opens in January.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is even considering the possibility of moving to West London if given the chance.The report adds that Galatasaray are also keen to make his loan permanent, with a £68million release clause becoming active in the New Year.That clause will then drop to £63million next summer once he returns to Napoli.In a further boost to the Blues, the January release clause is not valid to clubs in Serie A.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOsimhen has already scored two goals and provided four assists in four appearances since moving to Turkey.Meanwhile, he has less than two years remaining on his deal with Napoli, which expires in the summer of 2026.Chaos as Victor Osimhen is greeted by flare-wielding Galatasaray fans as he leads them in chant at 4am after transferChelsea would add to their already impressive attacking options at Stamford Bridge by signing Osimhen.Enzo Maresca can currently call upon Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and youngster Marc Guiu to lead the line.Nkunku and Jackson alone have scored 11 goals between them so far this season.The Blues sit fourth in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Liverpool and unbeaten in their last six league matches.Osimhen has scored twice in four appearances since joining Galatasaray on loanCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Paul Pogba tipped for shock transfer to reunite with Man Utd team-mate and ex-Premier League boss after drug ban appeal

    PAUL POGBA is wanted by Marseille ahead of his post-drug ban comeback, according to reports.French news outlets are claiming that the Ligue 1 club are in advanced talks over the signing.Paul Pogba has been linked with a shock move to MarseilleCredit: ReutersThe transfer would see him play with ex-Man Utd team-mate Mason GreenwoodCredit: GettyRoberto De Zerbi is the Marseille gafferCredit: AFPPogba, who remains on the books of Juventus, is likely to have his contract mutually terminated so he can become a free agent.He is then seemingly set to join Marseille in January, with his ban preventing him from playing until March.The club are managed by ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and his former Manchester United team-mate Mason Greenwood is in the squad.Neal Maupay and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are also on loan there from Everton and Tottenham respectively.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPogba was initially banned from football for four years after testing positive for banned substance DHEA in August 2023.The 31-year-old Frenchman has always pleaded his innocence and appealed the decision.Two weeks ago, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his ban to 18 months.They cut his suspension because Pogba was able to prove he took the substance linked to testosterone growth by accident.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSResponding to the reduced ban, Pogba said: “Finally, the nightmare is over. I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.”I always stated that I never knowingly breached Anti-Doping regulations, I play with integrity and I want to thank the Court of Arbitration who heard my explanation.Paul Pogba was brought back to Man Utd to HUMILIATE Sir Alex Ferguson – I told him not to return, says Patrice Evra”This has been a hugely distressing pediod in my life because everything I’ve worked so hard has been put on hold.”Thank you for all the love and support. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch.”What is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket. More

  • in

    How Liverpool’s Bellingham transfer plan spectacularly backfired with Alexander-Arnold now on verge of Real Madrid move

    TWO years ago, Liverpool hatched an elaborate plan to bring Jude Bellingham to Anfield.However, the idea could have spectacularly backfired amid rumours that Trent Alexander-Arnold could join Real Madrid.Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold have struck up a close friendshipCredit: APThe pair are inseparable off the pitchCredit: GettyAnd the tables have now turned, with Jude possibly trying to lure Trent to Real MadridCredit: GettyWhile at Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham had the world’s biggest teams chasing his signature.Liverpool were among them, with the club desperate to overhaul an ageing midfield that featured Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago.The Reds knew they may not be able to match the financial strength and glamour of Real Madrid – but they offered Bellingham the chance to come home to England.They knew they needed to convince the midfielder that the right move was to Merseyside, so the club plotted a sensational plan to get him on side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReports claim they told Liverpool and England stars Henderson and Alexander-Arnold to go on the charm offensive while they were together on international duty.Wherever Bellingham went, one of the duo seemed to be nearby as they tried to form a bromance.Fans noticed on social media that Trent had become especially close mates with Jude, only fuelling the conspiracy there was perhaps an ulterior motive.Bellingham chose Real Madrid and signed for the European giants for £115million in the summer of 2023 despite Liverpool’s interest.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe then fired Los Blancos to Champions League and La Liga glory last season, scoring 23 goals.And although he chose the Spanish sun over Liverpool, Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold struck up a true friendship.’It’s not fair’ says Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid and England star admits fear for younger brother JobeThe best mates performed a pre-planned celebration after Jude scored at Euro 2024, relating to the game Werewolf they often play.And the pair even holidayed together in the US over the summer.Now, the tables have spectacularly turned with Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool contract expiring at the end of the season.Real Madrid are keen to bring him to the Bernabeu and are ready to step up their interest as right-back Dani Carvajal has sustained a long-term ACL injury.The club reportedly also have plans to use him in midfield. In a spectacular U-turn, it is now Bellingham in the ear of Trent, trying to get them to team-up in Spain.The Birmingham-born star even made him a giant birthday card and hid inside it during the current England camp. Jude Bellingham surprised Trent Alexander-Arnold with a huge birthday cardCredit: GettyReal Madrid love to use their power as of one of the world’s biggest clubs to strike bargain transfers.They tell the player they want them but can only do a deal for free.Such is Real’s huge status, stars have been known to run their contract down to force a move to them.Look at Kylian Mbappe leaving PSG in the summer as a prime example.READ MORE SUN STORIESNot forgetting Antonio Rudiger ditching Chelsea and David Alaba running down his contract at Bayern Munich.The ploy has saved Real Madrid millions and perhaps “Agent Bellingham” will prove his worth by getting Alexander-Arnold to be the next in a long line of clever free transfers. More

  • in

    Chelsea legend Claude Makelele breaks silence on why he walked out of management job after just THREE games in charge

    CHELSEA legend Claude Makelele walked out as manager of Greek outfit Asteras Tripolis after just three games in charge.Makelele, 51, claims his decision came after initial promises were not upheld and club chiefs began to interfere in team selection.Claude Makelele resigned as Asteras Tripolis manager after just three games in chargeCredit: AFPMakelele claims promises weren’t kept and Asteras club chiefs interfered in team selectionCredit: GettyThe French tactician crossed over to management after ending his 20-year career in 2011 and worked as a coach at the Blues, Swansea and Paris Saint-Germain as well as manager at Bastia and Eupen.The legendary midfielder had been a free agent since September 2023 when he left the West Londoners’ coaching staff but returned to the dugout for Asteras in the Greek Superleague.However, the Real Madrid great’s stint in Greece lasted barely two weeks and he left after just three games, in which he was undefeated.The former France international claimed club chiefs didn’t keep their word.Read More on FootballMakele told London World: “They promised me full control of the team. “It was my decision who played or didn’t play. Transfers were not my responsibility.”If you want to sack me because the results are not good, that’s fine. This is football. But I don’t want people telling me who should or shouldn’t play.”The final straw took place on Sunday when Asteras visited Kallithea at Leoforos.Most read in FootballMakelele picked up his first victory in charge of the Greek minnows, winning 3-1 thanks to a man-of-the-match performance by Darnell Bile, who registered two assists.The Chelsea icon claims club chiefs ordered him to bench a “key player” before the match because of his contract situation, but he disobeyed.Chelsea’s player ratings against GentMakelele added: “In the last game [at Kallithea], they insisted a key player should be benched. The player has a small amateur salary, but he’s the best player in the team. “I brought him on for just 20 minutes – he got two assists, and we won the game. But they didn’t want him [to play]. “They thought they could control whether he plays because he hadn’t signed a [new] contract [with the club]. I used him because of his quality.”Makelele has left Asteras undefeated having won one and drawing his other two games in charge.However, the ex-Premier League star insists the conditions didn’t allow him to focus on his duties.Makelele added: “They were used to long balls, second balls, but I made them understand that whether you win, lose, or draw, you need to learn to play football.”I’m a manager who looks forward. When I take responsibility for the players, I know what I can and cannot do. “I love the job, but I can’t accept when people interfere and tell me what I can or cannot do.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They know the name, but they don’t know the human being. You cannot lie with your principles. I built my career on honesty with players and the club. Always honest.“Football is about human beings, about connection, understanding movement, tactical awareness, technical skill – individually and collectively. We use data, sure, but football is more than that.” More

  • in

    Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer arrive at Old Trafford 24 hours before crunch talks with Ten Hag over Man Utd future

    MANCHESTER UNITED co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been spotted heading into Old Trafford with chairman Joel Glazer amid speculation over the future of manager Erik ten Hag.The Red Devils played out a goalless draw at Aston Villa on Sunday in their final match before a two-week international break – with Ratcliffe and other Man Utd bosses watching on from the stands.Sir Jim Ratcliffe was spotted heading into Old Trafford on MondayCredit: PAMan Utd bosses will have talks on Tuesday amid speculation over Erik ten Hag’s futureCredit: GettyMan Utd sit 14th in the table and their tally of eight points from seven games makes it their worst ever start to a Premier League season.Now Ineos boss Ratcliffe, 71, who is in charge of the football operations at the club, has been seen at Old Trafford on Monday alongside fellow owner Glazer.He is set for showdown talks with club chiefs, including co-chairman Glazer, in London on Tuesday.Gary Neville – who is on their stadium redevelopment board – was also in attendance.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSunSport understands their trip today is for various meetings, with Glazer attending one with the Fans’ Advisory Board.Reports have emerged claiming The Red Devils are lining up a move for ex-Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.Tuchel has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich in June.He previously spent 20 months in the Premier League managing Chelsea.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd player ratings vs Villa: Evans rolls back the years with Garnacho let downMANCHESTER UNITED eased the pressure slightly on boss Erik ten Hag with a hard-grafted stalemate at in-form Aston Villa.United looked much more solid defensively after Ten Hag rung the changes – though the Red Devils still have just eight points from seven Prem games.Here’s how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated 14th-placed United rated at Villa Park on Sunday.ANDRE ONANA – 7Guilty of sloppy distribution once or twice but his hands were safe enough and he did well to beat away a piledriver from Youri Tielemans to keep United on level terms.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Managed to contain Jaden Philogene comfortably enough in the first 45 minutes but failed to appear for the second half and was replaced by Victor Lindelof.HARRY MAGUIRE – 6Booked for a high forearm challenge on Ollie Watkins but his afternoon ended at half-time after he appeared to jar his knee defending a corner.JONNY EVANS – 9Handled Ollie Watkins well in the first 45 and showed all his experience to deal with the twin threat of Watkins and Jhon Duran for the final half hour. Rolled back the years with a five-star display to earn his Man of the Match rating.DIOGO DALOT – 7Sat in and rarely got forward but snuffed out the threat of Leon Bailey and was tidy enough. Crucial block to deny Philogene a stoppage time winner.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7Used all his experience to plug any gaps in United’s carefully constructed midfield. Dealt with the threat from Morgan Rogers well.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Nothing flashy from the England midfielder who had his work cut out preventing Youri Tielemans carrying out his magic.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Fired in a first-half shot which Emi Martinez dealt with comfortably but shot hopelessly wide a couple of times after the break. Sloppy finishing let him down. BRUNO FERNANDES – 8United’s skipper only played after his red card against Spurs was overturned on appeal.Kept his cool here to avoid a third red card in three games – came closest for United with a free kick which crashed off the Villa crossbar.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Taken off at half-time in Oporto and taken off after 64 minutes to save himself a second yellow card here! Looked United’s likeliest match-winner after forcing an early save from Martinez before bringing the best out in the Argentine World Cup winner with a sizzling effort which the ‘keeper tipped over. Booked for a foul on Cash.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Put himself about and was involved in the clash which led to Ezri Konsa limping off. But lacked service and was replaced by Zirkzee just beyond the hour mark. Below par.SUBSMATTHIJS DE LIGT for Maguire (46 minutes) – 5 – Conceded a few fouls in dangerous areas. Still finding his feet.VICTOR LINDELOF for Mazraoui (46 mins) – 6 – First appearance since March but fitted in well as a stand-in right-back. Booked for a foul on Morgan Rogers.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE for Hojlund (64 mins) – 5 – Miles off the pace, failed to make any impact.ANTONY for Rashford (64 mins) – 6 – Brought out the best in Emi Martinez with a curler which was heading for the top bin until the keeper plucked it out of mid-air.CASEMIRO for Mainoo (85 mins) – 6 – Helped see out the match for United.But earlier this year he told Ratcliffe that he did NOT want the United job.Man Utd had been seeking a new manager before Ten Hag’s FA Cup final triumph and considered Tuchel an option.Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy caught in heated conversation during Man Utd’s draw at Villa But the German told officials that he instead wanted some time away from management.It is currently unclear whether or not his position has changed since then.Tuchel is yet to be contacted by United officials this season.Despite the ongoing speculation around his future, Ten Hag insists he would know if his job was at risk.Following United’s drab 0-0 draw with Aston Villa, he said: “I don’t have any idea that is different. Because they should have told me. We communicate very open, very transparent.”I speak continuously with them and just after the game I have to do my job, talk with the players, manage the players and answer questions from you.”We always talk. Every week, I would say every day we talk, so I expect I will speak with them.”I think you said it very good – external noise. Internal, we are disappointed, we know we have to do better, especially we need to score more, that is the moment in this area after this block of games where we are really short.”All the other areas we are doing really well: four clean sheets, so that tells something about the defending and about the organisation, the defending of defensive transitions.”We are doing really well, we are really improving on that point.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Our build-up play is good, we are calm and composed. We are creating chances apart from today. Today we should have created more.”But that area in the box of the opponent, we have to be more ruthless, more clinical, more killing and we have to work on this.” More

  • in

    Paul Scholes reveals clear reason Man Utd are ‘a MESS’ and namedrops five signings caught up in it

    PAUL SCHOLES has slammed Manchester United’s transfer business and Erik ten Hag’s tactics after the bore draw against Aston Villa.The Red Devils drew 0-0 yesterday to make it five games without a win.Paul Scholes slammed the club’s recruitment strategyCredit: BT SportThe former Man Utd star also hit out at Erik ten Hag’s tacticsCredit: GettyBoth Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt were criticisedCredit: PATen Hag’s side have picked up eight points from seven Premier League games, which is the the United’s worst-ever start to a season.With the manager set to cling onto his job until after the international break, Scholes hit out at the boss, the players and club chiefs.Despite a £180m summer outlay on Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee, the Man Utd legend took aim at the transfer strategy.Scholes ranted to SuperSport: “Zirkzee, what is he? Is he a No9 or a No10? Is he going to get you 20 goals? I don’t think so. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Rasmus Hojlund does alright – but is he gonna score you 20 goals? I don’t think so.”I think they are relying more on hope than actual proven quality and they spent so much money as well.”It’s a ridiculous amount of money and some of them can’t get in the team.”You think of Ugarte coming into the club, who was supposed to change the midfield, he didn’t play him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”De Ligt, £50m and he didn’t play him. Jonny Evans has come in at 36-years-old instead of him. “Martinez, Ten Hag brought him into the club. What must he be thinking? Jonny Evans is playing, Harry Maguire started, Victor Lindelof comes on before him. Erik ten Hag really did not help himself with what he said after Man Utd’s draw with Aston Villa, slams BBC pundit “It’s just a recruitment mess really.”Scholes also slammed Ten Hag’s “survival tactics” versus Villa and said a lack of identity is resulting in his new signings struggling.He said: “When you don’t have a style of play and you don’t know how to play, or the way you want to play, it’s very difficult to choose players.”When you don’t have a style of play and it changes from week to week, you’re almost throwing balls in the air and saying: ‘He looks a good player, we’ll try and get him’.”It’s a point for United, going to a tough ground under a lot of pressure. “I never really felt like they went there to try and win the game. It was more of a survival tactic more than anything.”But from everything we said before the game, United were quite tough to play against.”But you have to take into account the midweek fixtures. Villa had a big lift from Bayern Munich, winning that game, big atmosphere.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They struggled to really live up that today. You could see they probably suffered a bit. “For Manchester United, it’s difficult to go away in Europe on Thursday night and it was a tough game against Porto with ten-men, so I think the game probably reflected the midweek that both clubs had.”Man Utd player ratings vs Villa: Evans rolls back the years with Garnacho let downMANCHESTER UNITED eased the pressure slightly on boss Erik ten Hag with a hard-grafted stalemate at in-form Aston Villa.United looked much more solid defensively after Ten Hag rung the changes – though the Red Devils still have just eight points from seven Prem games.Here’s how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated 14th-placed United rated at Villa Park on Sunday.ANDRE ONANA – 7Guilty of sloppy distribution once or twice but his hands were safe enough and he did well to beat away a piledriver from Youri Tielemans to keep United on level terms.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Managed to contain Jaden Philogene comfortably enough in the first 45 minutes but failed to appear for the second half and was replaced by Victor Lindelof.HARRY MAGUIRE – 6Booked for a high forearm challenge on Ollie Watkins but his afternoon ended at half-time after he appeared to jar his knee defending a corner.JONNY EVANS – 9Handled Ollie Watkins well in the first 45 and showed all his experience to deal with the twin threat of Watkins and Jhon Duran for the final half hour. Rolled back the years with a five-star display to earn his Man of the Match rating.DIOGO DALOT – 7Sat in and rarely got forward but snuffed out the threat of Leon Bailey and was tidy enough. Crucial block to deny Philogene a stoppage time winner.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7Used all his experience to plug any gaps in United’s carefully constructed midfield. Dealt with the threat from Morgan Rogers well.KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Nothing flashy from the England midfielder who had his work cut out preventing Youri Tielemans carrying out his magic.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6Fired in a first-half shot which Emi Martinez dealt with comfortably but shot hopelessly wide a couple of times after the break. Sloppy finishing let him down. BRUNO FERNANDES – 8United’s skipper only played after his red card against Spurs was overturned on appeal.Kept his cool here to avoid a third red card in three games – came closest for United with a free kick which crashed off the Villa crossbar.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Taken off at half-time in Oporto and taken off after 64 minutes to save himself a second yellow card here! Looked United’s likeliest match-winner after forcing an early save from Martinez before bringing the best out in the Argentine World Cup winner with a sizzling effort which the ‘keeper tipped over. Booked for a foul on Cash.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Put himself about and was involved in the clash which led to Ezri Konsa limping off. But lacked service and was replaced by Zirkzee just beyond the hour mark. Below par.SUBSMATTHIJS DE LIGT for Maguire (46 minutes) – 5 – Conceded a few fouls in dangerous areas. Still finding his feet.VICTOR LINDELOF for Mazraoui (46 mins) – 6 – First appearance since March but fitted in well as a stand-in right-back. Booked for a foul on Morgan Rogers.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE for Hojlund (64 mins) – 5 – Miles off the pace, failed to make any impact.ANTONY for Rashford (64 mins) – 6 – Brought out the best in Emi Martinez with a curler which was heading for the top bin until the keeper plucked it out of mid-air.CASEMIRO for Mainoo (85 mins) – 6 – Helped see out the match for United. More

  • in

    Paul Pogba ‘to agree contract termination with Juventus’ after drug ban reduction as former Man Utd star eyes new club

    PAUL POGBA will reportedly agree to terminate his Juventus contract after his drug ban was reduced from four years to 18 months.Pogba, 31, tested positive for banned substance DHEA — which naturally boosts testosterone production — in August 2023.Paul Pogba is set to terminate his Juventus contract after having his drug ban reducedCredit: GettyThe former Manchester United star claimed he took it by accident.But the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office dismissed Pogba’s pleas and handed him a four-year ban in February — effectively ending the French World Cup winner’s playing career.However, Pogba was handed a major lifeline this month after taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.They reduced his ban from four years to 18 months.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it means Pogba will be available to play again from March 2025, while he can train with his club from January.But it appears that will not be at Juventus, with Fabrizio Romano claiming all parties are now close to agreeing a deal that will see Pogba terminate his Turin contract.The midfielder played just twice at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, after rejoining from United.And new Juve boss Thiago Motta has since taken his squad in a fresh direction.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPogba himself is said to agree that a new start is the best course of action.And he will start looking for a club once he becomes a free agent.Paul Pogba was brought back to Man Utd to HUMILIATE Sir Alex Ferguson – I told him not to return, says Patrice EvraJuventus chiefs certainly had a cool reaction to the news of Pogba’s imminent availability.Speaking before the 1-1 draw with Cagliari, boss Motta said: “The club will decide what to do with Pogba.“For me, he was a great player, he hasn’t played for a long time.”Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli added: “He was a great player but he’s been out of action for a long time.”What is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket. More

  • in

    Real Madrid trigger Dani Carvajal contract clause in classy move after defender carried off in tears and out for season

    REAL MADRID have extended Dani Carvajal’s contract until 2026 after his shocking injury that is expected to sideline him for the rest of the season.Carvajal, 32, suffered a horrific clash with Villarreal ace Yeremy Pino during Saturday’s 2-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu that caused his leg to bend unnaturally. Real Madrid have extended Dani Carvajal’s contract until 2026Credit: RexCarvajal’s leg was bent backwards in the challengeThe Real Madrid star screams in agonyCarvajal suffered a horrific injury against Villarreal and was stretchered off in tearsCredit: EPAHe was then seen in tears before being stretchered offReal ace Carvajal is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the seasonCredit: GettyCarvajal’s selfie from inside the ambulanceThe right-back was in such agony that he was immediately stretchered off in tears before boarding an ambulance to undergo tests at a nearby hospital.The defender posted a selfie from inside the ambulance.He later wrote on Instagram: “Serious cruciate ligament injury confirmed, I’ll have to go through surgery and be off the pitch for a few months.”Already looking forward to starting recovery and coming back like a beast. Thank you so much for your messages, I feel very loved.”Read More on FootballReal confirmed the Spain international sustained a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, a rupture of the external collateral ligament and a rupture of the popliteus tendon in his right leg.The full-back is now set to undergo surgery with initial reports in Spain claiming he will be sidelined for the rest of the campaign.In a statement, Real Madrid said: “Following tests carried out on Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, the player has been diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, a ruptured external collateral ligament and a ruptured popliteus tendon in his right leg. He will undergo surgery in the coming days.”The club, though, rallied behind Carvajal at this difficult time with a classy move as they extended his deal, which was running out in June.Most read in FootballThe Spaniard has been with Los Blancos since 2002 when he was 10 years old and competed across all of their youth teams.After a year playing at Bayer Leverkusen, the defender joined Real’s senior team in 2013 and went on to win all major honours, including a staggering six Champions League trophies.Carvajal’s wife Daphne paid tribute to her husband and thanked the club for their support.She posted on Instagram: “It still feels like a bad dream. “To see how you were so sad and going through so much pain… and you tried to make me smile. I love and admire you immensely.”Your path back to where you are the happiest starts today. Stronger. Because you always give your all. You still have a lot to win, my life.Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal involved in furious spat with Barcelona boss Xavi during heated Copa del Rey El Clasico”Thank you for so many messages. And to our Real Madrid family, we felt so loved yesterday, I have no words.”This comes amid rumours suggesting Real are looking to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract runs out in June.However, Carvajal’s new deal may have poured cold water on the speculation involving the star right-back. More