Transfer News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Juventus legend Chiellini confesses he was a ‘fool’ to snub Arsenal’s £66k-a-year offer when he was just 16-years-old

      by

      FORMER Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini has lifted the lid on his failed move to Arsenal in 2001 and says he was a “fool” to reject the club.The ex-Italy international claims the Gunners offered him a huge salary when he was just 16, but felt it would be a betrayal to leave Livorno.
      Giorgio Chiellini has revealed he turned down the chance to join Arsenal in 2001Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Arsene Wenger was keen to bring the defender to North London, but Chiellini has revealed he was too loyal to Livorno, a decision he now regrets.
      The nine-time Serie A champion has stated that he was offered a whopping 200million Italian Lira-a-year by Arsenal, which was roughly around £66,000-per-year.
      Speaking to So Foot via Goal in February 2021 about his failed move, the 38-year-old said: “In hindsight, I was a fool to decline that offer.
      “I was 16, I played in Serie C, I got a huge offer for just under 200 million lira-a-season.
      read more football news
      “I didn’t feel ready. If I had accepted, it would have given the impression of betraying Livorno.”
      Chiellini would leave the following year for Roma, before linking up with Juventus 15 years ago.
      He received 117 caps for Italy before retiring from international football earlier this year.
      The centre-back then also bidded farewell to Juve in 2022, as he joined Los Angeles FC.
      Most read in Football
      latest arsenal news
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Chiellini could have ended up at Arsenal later in his career after Robin van Persie revealed he urged Wenger to sign him, however his plea was ignored.
      On the Effe Relativeren Podcast last year, the ex-Gunners skipper said: “At a given moment I felt called upon to say what Arsenal could do better in order to win the league.
      “I felt we lacked a winning mentality, and asked Arsene Wenger to sign Giorgio Chiellini.
      “I have played against him a few times, and he is a genuine winner. You could see that when he played against Holland a few weeks ago.
      Read More on The Sun
      “He is 36-years-old, but he’ll dish out nine elbows every game with a smile on his face. He’ll keep smiling and never get a yellow card.
      “You need those types of winners and killers in your side. I felt we should get him.” More

    • 175 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd scout Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal replacement Goncalo Ramos but face mammoth transfer fee

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly targeting Goncalo Ramos for a summer transfer.But the Red Devils will need to stump up a British record to trigger his release clause.
      Goncalo Ramos is a transfer target for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Ramos, 21, has shone for Benfica since breaking through as a first-team regular last season.
      And his heroic exploits at the World Cup showed he can be the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo’s throne for Portugal.
      Now United want him to be Ronaldo’s successor at Old Trafford, too, after sending scouts to watch him in action.
      As reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Erik ten Hag is desperate to add a striker to his squad and has identified Ramos as a potential option.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      However, United face plenty of competition for his signature with some of Europe’s top clubs on the hunt for a new centre-forward.
      And Romano insists Benfica are determined to do everything they can to hold on to the academy graduate – including with a mammoth release clause in his contract.
      The journalist said on his YouTube channel: “Many European clubs are interested in Goncalo Ramos.
      “PSG director Luis Campos wanted the player a year ago, last summer but it was not possible to negotiate with Benfica because they did not want to sell.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      “Also Manchester United scouts have been following the player for a really long time.
      “They really appreciate Goncalo Ramos. He’s one of many players they are tracking.
      “But it’s important to say the Benfica position.
      “Benfica love the player, they want to keep him, the manager Roger Schmidt has said publicly he loves him not just for the goals but also his attitude, hard work and defensive work with the team.
      “This is why it will be really difficult to sign Goncalo Ramos but there is a release clause, the release clause will be buried in the summer 100 per cent and it is €120million [£106m].”
      That £106m fee would match the fee Chelsea paid Benfica for Enzo Fernandez in January – a new British transfer record.
      Ramos has 37 goals in 93 senior games for his club – with a whopping 23 in 34 this term to help fire Benfica clear at the top of the Primeira Liga and into the Champions League quarter-finals.
      For Portugal, he has four goals in five caps – including a phenomenal hat-trick against Switzerland in the World Cup last-16 6-1 win.
      As revealed by SunSport, though, United have already made contact with Harry Kane over a blockbuster summer transfer while Napoli ace Victor Osimhen is also on their wishlist.
      Ramos looks to be the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo for PortugalCredit: AP More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Callum Hudson-Odoi’s Chelsea career ‘is OVER’ with winger set to be in limbo after Bayer Leverkusen loan transfer

      by

      CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI’S Chelsea is career is reportedly at an end.And there’s no future for him at loan side Bayer Leverkusen either.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi is set to be sold by Chelsea this summerCredit: Getty
      Sky Sports Germany claims Hudson-Odoi faces a “bleak future” after failing to make an impression in the Bundesliga.
      Despite initially looking like a bright prospect, the winger has fallen out of Xabi Alonso’s plans.
      He has just one strike in all competitions for Leverkusen.
      And club chiefs have no intention of making Hudson-Odoi’s stay permanent come the summer.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      It means the forward will return to Stamford Bridge where he faces huge competition for a place.
      But it’s reckoned Hudson-Odoi, linked with Arsenal, is out of Graham Potter’s plans too.
      There are numerous stars competing for attacking places at Chelsea.
      And there could be even more joining this summer alongside RB Leizpig’s Christopher Nkunku.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      Hudson-Odoi’s Blues deal expires in 2024.
      And Todd Boehly is reportedly planning to cash in as soon as possible.
      It will bring a swift end to Hudson-Odoi’s Chelsea career, having burst onto the scene in the 2017/18 season.
      The three-time England international became a regular starter a year later under Maurizio Sarri.
      And Chelsea were forced to hand him a lucrative contract to ward off interest from Bayern Munich.
      But despite playing 72 times in total for Chelsea, Hudson-Odoi has ended up with just four league goals.
      And with Potter looking to reinvigorate his attack, Hudson-Odoi is no longer needed. More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Jamie O‘Hara pleads with Tottenham to sack Antonio Conte and bring back Mauricio Pochettino in talkSPORT meltdown

      by

      FORMER Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has called on the club to sack Antonio Conte and seal Mauricio Pochettino’s return.Spurs were dumped out of the Champions League in dismal fashion on Wednesday evening as a goalless second leg saw them lose 1-0 on aggregate to AC Milan in the round of 16.
      Antonio Conte’s reign as Spurs boss seems to be coming to an endCredit: Getty
      Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a return to the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: Reuters
      Jamie O’Hara wants Spurs to replace Conte with PochettinoCredit: Talksport
      The Lilywhites’ European exit comes just one week after they were eliminated from the FA Cup by Championship side Sheffield United.
      It means the club’s wait for a first trophy since 2008 rumbles on for at least another season.
      And after the AC Milan result, Tottenham fans were heard singing ex-manager Pochettino’s name inside the concourse of the stadium.
      In a post-match interview, Conte then admitted he could be axed before the end of the season.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      And O’Hara, who came through the Spurs youth set-up and featured for the first team from 2005 to 2011, wants the change in management to happen NOW.
      Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “I feel for the Spurs fans there tonight because it was embarrassing. It was a pathetic performance all over the park.
      “I think for me now the time has come for Conte to go. He doesn’t look like he wants to be there and the players are not getting what he wants to do.
      “I just think put him out of his misery, put everyone out of their misery, get Poch in and move on.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      “Let him have three months until the end of the season to see what he’s got, and then have pre-season and the start of next season and we might get top four.
      “There’s no way I can keep watching… I’m actually tired of watching Tottenham, I just want to enjoy watching the team.”
      Pochettino, 51, was sacked by Spurs in 2019 after a five-year spell at the club and replaced by Jose Mourinho.
      He guided Tottenham to three top four finishes – including second place in 2017.
      The Argentine also led them to the 2019 Champions League final.
      After leaving Spurs,he was appointed Paris Saint-Germain boss at the beginning of 2021.
      He had 18 months in the role, in which he won Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France, but was dismissed at the end of last season.
      Meanwhile, Spurs are on their third manager since sacking Pochettino.
      Mourinho was axed after less than 18 months and replaced by permanent successor Nuno Espirito Santo.
      Read More on The Sun
      He was then sacked four months into the job and replaced by Conte.
      But Tottenham fans are now thoroughly unhappy with the style of football and calling for change. More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Cesc Fabregas admits he ‘hurt’ Arsene Wenger by quitting Arsenal with boss rejecting comeback before Chelsea transfer

      by

      CESC FABREGAS has revealed Arsene Wenger rejected the chance to re-sign him for Arsenal after being “hurt” by his initial departure.The Spaniard, now 35, left Barcelona to join the Gunners at the age of just 16.
      Cesc Fabregas was brought through by Arsene WengerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Under Wenger, he went on to enjoy eight stellar seasons in North London, winning the FA Cup and reaching the Champions League final.
      In 2011, he returned to Barcelona for three years where he claimed the LaLiga title and Copa del Rey.
      Then in 2014, the midfielder sought a Premier League comeback and gave Arsenal the opportunity to agree a deal before any other club.
      However, Wenger ended up passing on Fabregas’ return, before he joined Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Speaking on Kammy and Ben’s Proper Football Podcast, he said: “I really wanted to go back to the Premier League.
      “In the contract when I signed for Barcelona we said that, after I leave, Arsenal will have the first option. They had a week to respond.

      “So obviously we approached Arsenal, we said ‘listen I’m leaving Barcelona and by law, you have a week to decide if you want to take me back or not.’
      “For a week I couldn’t talk to anyone (else). We notified Arsenal, Arsene, everyone, so after a week we called Arsene and he said he’d thought about it and he said they already had a lot of players in my position like Mesut Ozil, Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and he said to fit me in he would have to play someone out [of position].
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      “I think also he was a little bit hurt… by how I left and everything.
      “I don’t hold anything bad because it’s their right, their decision and they could do what they wanted.
      “I had a few options and one of them was Chelsea. I spoke to Mourinho, I met him. He told me things that were very nice to hear. He wanted me to be the leader of that team. It just felt right.”
      Fabregas would go on to win the Premier League and League Cup in his first season at Stamford Bridge.
      He then claimed another league title in 2017 and the FA Cup in 2018.
      Nowadays he is playing for Serie B side Como – where he is also a part-owner.
      But he returned to Arsenal earlier this week to coach the Gunners’ U18s alongside former team-mate Wilshere. More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Harry Kane will be thinking… now or never’ – Pundits slam Spurs’ woeful squad and hint at transfer for England captain

      by

      RIO FERDINAND and Peter Crouch have urged Harry Kane to leave Tottenham.The Spurs striker, 29, suffered a disappointing night in North London as Antonio Conte’s men crashed out of the Champions League following a goalless last-16 second leg with AC Milan.
      Harry Kane will go another season without a trophy at TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Rio Ferdinand and Peter Crouch believe Harry Kane should leave TottenhamCredit: BT SPORT
      Following Spurs’ FA Cup exit seven days earlier, it means the Lilywhites’ wait for a first trophy since 2008 will extend for at least another season.
      Kane is Tottenham’s all-time record goalscorer, hitting the back of the net 267 times for the club.
      But an empty trophy cabinet continues to see him linked with a move away, with Manchester United interested in a summer transfer.
      And Ferdinand feels the only way Spurs keep the England skipper is if he wishes to end his career as a one-club man.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Speaking on BT Sport, he said: “Whatever happens silverware-wise, Spurs fans will be hoping that Harry Kane is ‘that’ guy. They’ll hope he wants to be ‘Mr Spurs’ for the rest of his career.
      “If I was him I’d be looking at pastures new to get some silverware. It’s not long ago playing the Champions League final and finishing second in the league, but they’re a club that are moving further and further away from where he wants to be.
      “He needs to go where he thinks he’ll get his hands on a trophy quickest.”
      Crouch then offered his opinion on Kane’s future, insisting he must make a move at the end of the season or face spending the rest of his career at the club.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK

       “I think it’s now or never,” said the ex-Spurs striker. “He’s the club’s record goalscorer, he’s done everything he’s been asked to here. 
      “Then again, the grass isn’t always greener. If he leaves and then sees Tottenham win an FA cup that’ll hurt him. But having said that, the likelihood of Tottenham winning things feels low.
      “I do think he goes in the summer. He’ll look at it tonight and the season he’s had. He is in the 20-goal bracket. There’s no one close to him at the club.
      “I think he’ll perhaps want to move on. I see him at [Manchester] United.” More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘willing to shatter club-record transfer with £115million bid for Eduardo Camavinga from Real Madrid’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly willing to smash their club record to sign Eduardo Camavinga. Camavinga, 20, joined Real Madrid in 2021 from Rennes for £26million as a long-term replacement for Casemiro.
      Eduardo Camavinga is a target for Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex
      Following the Brazilian’s departure, Camavinga has enjoyed a more prominent role in the team and Madrid now want a reported £115m for him.
      And according to Fichajes, it is a fee United are willing to pay.
      Erik ten Hag is keen to reinforce his squad’s midfield and Camavinga fits bill.
      However, the report also states that Los Blancos have no interest in selling the six-cap France international.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      United’s summer plans are set to see them target Frenkie de Jong and a new forward as priority.
      Harry Kane, Tammy Abraham and Victor Osimhen are the three strikers most heavily linked.
      A new goalkeeper may also be in the works too, with United linked to both Illan Meslier and David Raya as David De Gea’s contract runs down.
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      However, these plans could be dashed if the Glazers make a U-turn on their decision to sell the club.
      Most read in Football
      Madrid play Liverpool in the Champions League last 16 second leg next Wednesday.
      They hold a three goal advantage from the 5-2 drubbing at Anfield. More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Thierry Henry says everyone knows who Jude Bellingham wants to join with star linked with huge Premier League transfer

      by

      THIERRY HENRY has claimed everyone knows who Jude Bellingham wants to play for when he leaves Borussia Dortmund.Bellingham, 19, has been linked with a host of Europe’s biggest clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea.
      Jude Bellingham is expected to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summerCredit: Getty
      Thierry Henry believes he knows where Bellingham wants to goCredit: Twitter
      But Arsenal legend Henry believes all of those sides are set to miss out on the England midfielder.
      That’s because he understands Bellingham has his heart set on Liverpool.
      While discussing Kylian Mbappe’s future on CBS’ Champions League coverage, Henry made a passing remark to Jamie Carragher.
      He said: “Bellingham wants to play for Liverpool, right? Everyone knows that.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Liverpool legend Carragher, grinning from ear to ear, replied: “I hope so.”
      Bellingham, who is set to cost around £100million, is widely regarded as one of the hottest young talents in European football.
      Earlier this week, it was reported his father, Mark, who manages his son’s career, met with Real Madrid chiefs.
      However, Jurgen Klopp’s men are still hopeful they can agree a deal for the former Birmingham man – who is under contract until 2025.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      And they could use his potential arrival as extra motivation to secure Champions League football next season.
      Liverpool sit fifth in the Premier League table and will move into the top four if they win their game in hand.
      Speaking about Bellingham back in December, Klopp said: “I don’t like to talk about money when you talk about a player like him. Everyone can see he is just exceptional.
      “If you mention to someone who has no clue about football, or who knows about football and has not watched it for a while (and ask) ‘How old do you think Jude Bellingham is?’, I don’t think anyone would get even close to his age.
      “They would say 28 or 29 because he plays so maturely. He played an exceptional World Cup. Absolutely exceptional.
      “With all the things he has and things he can improve, to describe him I would say the things he can do are difficult to learn, and the things he can improve are easy to learn.
      “So, yes, he is a really good player. What can I say? I have thought that already for two or three years since he had his breakthrough at Dortmund.
      “Everybody knew already but I have no idea what that means for the money side of it.
      “I really think if we all want to do him a favour then we do not talk too much about money. I mean that from an England point of view. Do not throw any hurdles in his development.” More