Transfer News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Trent Alexander-Arnold will be forced to break from nine-year tradition at Real Madrid thanks to little-known rule

      by

      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD will not be able to wear his No66 shirt at Real Madrid due to a little-known rule.The Liverpool star’s contract expires this summer and he is ready to leave Anfield for free.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid this summerCredit: GettyHe will be forced to ditch his No66 shirt due to a LaLiga ruleCredit: AlamyAlexander-Arnold will reportedly sign a five-year deal at Real Madrid and pocket £240,000-a-week.His move to Spain sees his spell at boyhood club Liverpool come to an end and his nine years wearing the No66 is also over.That is because a LaLiga rule prevents players having kit numbers above No25, corresponding to the size of a team’s squad.Only youngsters who are not registered in the senior squad, but can still play, are allowed to wear a higher digit on their back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis future Real Madrid team-mate Raul Asencio is an exception to the rule amid a breakthrough season in the No35 shirt.The No66 has become synonymous with Alexander-Arnold after he was given it when he first started training with the first-team in 2016.It was handed to him as it was a free number and not low enough to think he was an established part of the Liverpool side.But Alexander-Arnold quickly broke into the starting XI in the unique number and has decided to keep it ever since.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile playing for England, he has donned the No2, No7, No8 and No10 shirts.Despite him seemingly leaving Liverpool on a free, the club are still set to rake in cash from Real Madrid.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdThe Champions League holders want to complete the signing in time for the revamped Club World Cup, which starts on June 15.Alexander-Arnold’s deal does not expire until June 30 and Real Madrid are therefore willing to pay around £5million to break the contract early so he can join his new team in the US for the tournament. More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Bastian Schweinsteiger went from zero to hero while getting jeered by own fans after Trent Alexander-Arnold-style saga

      by

      BAYERN MUNICH legend Bastian Schweinsteiger faced a saga similar to that of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2011.Alexander-Arnold, 26, has reportedly agreed to join Real Madrid in June when his Anfield contract expires and is expected to sign a five-year deal worth in excess of £220,000 per week.Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly agreed to join Real MadridCredit: PABayern Munich legend Bastian Schweinsteiger faced a similar predicament as Alexander-ArnoldSchweinsteiger was linked with an exit but he ultimately signed a new contract with BayernThis comes after months of intense speculation regarding the full-back’s future that even led to a section of the Reds’ faithful booing him at times, claiming his mind was focused on Real.Schweinsteiger, 40, faced the same problem 14 years ago when his Bayern contract was coming to an end.Just like Alexander-Arnold, he also came out of his esteemed club’s academy and was adored by fans as one of their own.The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and – funnily enough – Real all tried to take advantage of the situation and lure the then Germany international.Read More on FootballAnd after a 3-0 victory over St Pauli on January 2, 2011, the German took the microphone from the stadium announcer to speak to the live crowd at the Allianz Arena.Schweinsteiger was met with a chorus of boos from the Bayern faithful, who thought he was about to announce his imminent departure.However, the crowd was swerved as the fan favourite instead confirmed he had signed a new contract.Schweinsteiger said: “I’ve been playing here at FC Bayern Munich for 12 years now.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And I wanted to tell you, I have extended my contract and will stay at FC Bayern until 2016. Long live Bayern!”Schweinsteiger spent another four years with Bayern where he amassed a total of 500 appearances and won every title available until his departure for Man Utd.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports It’s not too late for Alexander-Arnold – who could become the seventh Englishman to play at the Bernabeu – to deliver a similar swerve to Liverpool fans as nothing has been finalised yet.However, the latest reports indicate that the Enland international is closer to an exit than he is to a new contract with Arne Slot’s side.Liverpool are also at risk of losing Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk at the end of the season as their deals also run out in three months. More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi deal ‘faces being hijacked by Real Madrid with £50m transfer plotted’

      by

      ARSENAL’S bid for Martin Zubimendi is at risk of being hijacked by Real Madrid.The Gunners have been keeping tabs on Real Sociedad star Zubimendi, 26, ever since last year when they tried to lure him away from Spain.Arsenal’s bid for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi could be hijacked by Real MadridCredit: GettySociedad star Zubimendi has also been linked with LiverpoolCredit: RexThe North Londoners are going toe to toe with Premier League rivals Liverpool for the midfielder’s signature – with the midfielder having dramatically snubbed the champions-elect last summer.Now, according to El Partidazo de COPE, Arsenal – and the Reds for that matter – are now facing serious competition from Real who are pushing hard for the Spain international’s signature.As per the same source, Zubimendi’s agent is listening to offers ahead of the summer transfer window.And Real president Florentino Perez is making his move as he understands his team’s advantage.Read More on ArsenalThe reigning European champions can guarantee the talented Spaniard Champions League football next season as well as silverware in the near future.Sociedad, on the other hand, are 12th in Laliga with 17 points separating them from the top four.This comes after Imanol Alguacil’s side were eliminated from the Europa League in the Last 16 by Manchester United.Real are more than willing to meet Zubimendi’s €60million (£50m) release clause and the potential arrival of Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso in the dugout will have no affect regarding their plans.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe same report claims the final decision now lies on the defensive midfielder.Zubimendi is highly rated and has been compared to Chelsea and Real legend Claude Makelele, Barcelona hero Sergio Busquets and Manchester City star Rodri.Myles Lewis-Skelly lost for words after finding out he has broken England recordArsenal and Liverpool were very keen to sign him last summer but he was persuaded to remain at his beloved Sociedad by manager Alguacil and sporting director Roberto Olabe.The pair prepared a presentation and pulled on the player’s San Sebastian heartstrings with pictures of his favourite local tapas restaurants and mountain hikes he enjoys in the Basque Country.The talented No6 has amassed a total of two goals and two assists in 38 appearances this season. More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Leah Williamson to use memorable Arsenal defeat of Bayern Munich as fuel for Real Madrid duel

      by

      LEAH WILLIAMSON hopes Arsenal’s Champions League knockout of Bayern Munich can fuel their battle for a semi-final spot. Her side are 2-0 down after losing their first-leg quarters game away at Real Madrid last Tuesday.Leah Williamson and her Arsenal team-mates aim to overcome Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: PAThe Gunners need to overcome a two-goal deficit in order to reach the contest’s semi-finals this yearCredit: PAThe last time Williamson’s side reached the contest’s last four was back in March 2023. Back then they overturned a 1-0 deficit to beat Bayern 2-1 on aggregate. And the Arsenal centre-back, 27,  hopes they can repeat this feat against Real Madrid in one of their biggest games this season. Williamson said: “The experience of overturning the quarter-final against Bayern Munich – that comes in handy for anybody that played in that game. That was a great memory. Read More Football Stories “Anybody that was involved in that game will take confidence from that knowing that we know how to do it.”Good things happen in football, bad things happen in football. “And when the good things happen you keep them in your pocket and just as much as the bad but you call them when you need them.”Arsenal’s game this evening will take place on pristine turf at the Emirates – a stark contrast to the muddy pitch they played on in Spain last week. Most read in FootballHeavy rain in Madrid left the turf at Alfredo Di Stefano stadium in a shabby state with players on sides getting covered in mud. However Williamson refused to blame the conditions for the Gunners’ first-leg defeat. She adds: “We were frustrated but more so at ourselves than anything else.Rainy weather ruined the condition of the pitch Arsenal and Real played on in Spain in the first leg of their quarters clashCredit: Getty”Whether pitch, weather, whatever it is, the standards of Arsenal are higher than they were last week.”The last time Arsenal won the Champions League was back in 2007 when they became the first English club to do so. Lifelong Gunners supporter Williamson, who dreams of helping them win again, said: “I’m an Arsenal fan and grew up at this club so that’s the dream.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Arsenal in transfer battle for two Olympiacos wonderkids but face fight with host of European giants

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal are keeping tabs on two Olympiacos wonderkids ahead of the summer transfer window.Both teenage sensations are part of the Greek giants’ exciting new generation that won the Uefa Youth League with the Under-19s last season.Manchester United and Arsenal are keeping tabs on Olympiacos wonderkid Babis KostoulasCredit: GettyChristos Mouzakitis is also being eyed by Man Utd and Arsenal along with a host of European giantsCredit: GettyBabis Kostoulas and Christos Mouzakitis were among the main protagonists of that historic triumph that saw them become part of the first ever Greek team to win a European title, shortly before the seniors conquered the Europa Conference League.Both of them were quickly promoted into Olympiacos’ first team under manager Jose Luis Mendilibar last summer.Highly-rated forward Kostoulas, 17, has so far amassed a total of six goals and two assists in 33 appearances with the Piraeus outfit this season.And rising midfield star Mouzakitis, 18, has registered two goals as well as four assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.Read More on FootballSunSport understand that their ongoing rise to prominence has led to interest from Man Utd and Arsenal, but both Premier League giants are facing competition from a host of European rivals.The pair are also being monitored by Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Juventus.Tottenham, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are reportedly keen on Kostoulas, while SunSport can reveal that the Greece Under-21 international – soon to be a senior – has received interest from Spain.We can also report that Brighton, Wolves, Villarreal and Atletico Madrid are eyeing Mouzakitis.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe midfielder stood out during the international break as he made his first ever start with Greece in Scotland and helped his team climb up to League A in the Nations League with a stunning 3-0 win.Kostoulas missed out on a call-up by manager Ivan Jovanovic due to a hamstring injury he suffered three weeks ago.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewBut he is in contention for Sunday’s crunch derby against rivals Panathinaikos. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd make contact with Olympiacos over wonderkid also chased by Arsenal but pair face stiff transfer competition

      by

      OLYMPIACOS wonderkid Babis Kostoulas is being eyed by Manchester United and Arsenal amid a stunning breakout season in Greece.Kostoulas, 17, burst onto the scene last term when he led the Piraeus outfit’s Under-19s to the Uefa Youth Cup.Manchester United made contact with Olympiacos over Arsenal target Babis KostoulasCredit: GettyKostoulas also received interest from Spain after Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A linksCredit: APThat made Olympiacos’ youth team the first ever Greek club to win a European title shortly before the seniors made history by conquering the Europa Conference League.The versatile forward was quickly promoted to the first team under manager Jose Luis Mendilibar and earned a place in the starting line-up.The Greece Under-21 international, who will soon be joining the senior national team, has so far amassed a total of six goals and two assists in 33 appearances with Olympiacos this season.That has led to interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston Villa.Read More on FootballUnited have even made contact with the Greek giants, who are not keen to sell their most promising prospect this summer.Man Utd and other interested Premier League sides face competition from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and AC Milan.SunSport also understand there is interest from Spain for Kostoulas.This comes after last month’s reports suggesting Real Madrid are keeping tabs on the Greek teenage sensation.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordSunSport can’t confirm any interest from Real but the striker has certainly turned heads in LaLiga.Kostoulas was set to join Greece during the current international break for the Nations League play-offs against Scotland.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewHowever, the youngster didn’t make the cut due to a hamstring injury he suffered three weeks ago in the Europa League’s Last 16 first leg against Bodo/Glimt.However, SunSport understand the rising star will be in contention for Sunday’s crunch play-off derby against rivals Panathinaikos at Georgios Karaiskakis. More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Mason Greenwood ‘faces being SOLD by Marseille as former Man Utd striker is handed two-month ultimatum’

      by

      MASON GREENWOOD could be sold by Marseille after being handed a two-month ultimatum, it’s claimed.The former Manchester United striker, 23, moved to France in a £25million deal last summer.Mason Greenwood reportedly has two months to save his Marseille careerCredit: ReutersAnd he has since scored 15 goals in 26 Ligue 1 appearances under Roberto De Zerbi.However, Greenwood found himself dropped for Marseille’s last two matches against Lens and Paris Saint-Germain.The forward has come under fire from his boss for a lack of effort.And reports in France claim Greenwood now has two months to save his Marseille career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s reckoned the forward has until the end of the season to show he is capable of cutting it at the highest level.Greenwood has been told he must start showing more intensity in all aspects of his game.And it seems the message is already getting through after La Provence claimed he returned to training early during the international break.Greenwood’s efforts are sure to go down well with his manager.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSDe Zerbi did not hold back when assessing the Englishman’s form at a press conference earlier this month.The ex-Brighton boss said: “No one can have more respect for him that I do.Mason Greenwood to switch allegiance to Jamaica“But that doesn’t change anything: I expect more from him. He has to do more, because what he is currently showing is not enough.“If he wants to achieve his ambition of becoming a champion, he has to be more consistent, sacrifice more and be more determined.”RMC reporter Florent Germain said separately: “Greenwood is a player that can make a big difference.“But honestly, if he doesn’t react, questions will be asked about a departure for him this summer.”Greenwood has in the past been linked with a transfer to Barcelona.PSG and Bayern Munich have also been credited with an interest.READ MORE SUN STORIESWere he to move this summer, Manchester United would be in line for a heft financial windfall.It’s understood they will receive 50 per cent of any transfer fee thanks to a clause agreed hen he left Old Trafford. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Jadon Sancho ‘wants Borussia Dortmund return’ as Chelsea’s clause to avoid permanent signing from Man Utd revealed

      by

      JADON SANCHO wants to return to Borussia Dortmund just seven months after joining Chelsea, according to reports.Sancho, 25, joined the Blues on loan in the summer from Manchester United in a deal that includes an obligation to buy with conditions.Jadon Sancho is reportedly keen to return to Borussia DortmundCredit: GettySancho has made 158 appearances for Dortmund over two spells with the clubCredit: GettyBut after struggling to hit top form in SW6, Sancho is already dreaming of a return to Germany, according to Bild.They claim that Sancho’s desire to return to Dortmund is “growing daily”, after two spells with the Bundesliga club. Sancho is said to have already “expressed his desire” to head back to the continent, having made 158 appearances for Dortmund in the past.SunSport understands that Sancho’s representatives are confident this is not the case.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea’s loan move for Sancho is understood to include a buy obligation worth £25m, making a move to Dortmund difficult to complete.However, it emerged this week that the Stamford Bridge outfit can opt out of the purchase by paying Man Utd a £5m compensation fee.That would open the door for Dortmund to swoop in and try and sign the winger from United, having already established a relationship with the Red Devils when they took Sancho on loan last season.Sancho’s time at Chelsea hasn’t exactly convinced the club to splash out the full £25m, however reports claim that Blues chiefs still intend to make the deal permanent.Most read in FootballSancho is still under contract at Man Utd until 2026Credit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSince signing for Chelsea, Sancho has managed two goals and six assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.The 23-time England international started well as he registered an assist in each of his first three Premier League matches with the West Londoners. Man Utd flop Jadon Sancho makes bizarre claim about Enzo Maresca being reason he joined Chelsea but it doesn’t add upBut he has now managed just one goal contribution in his last 14 league appearances.There could be another option for Sancho too, with Bild claiming that Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen are also interested in striking up a potential deal for the tricky forward.Sancho’s current terms at Man Utd run until 2026, with his contract thought to be worth around £250,000-per-week.However, staying with United seems to be unlikely after minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe gave a damning assessment of Sancho and four other players who never lived up to expectations.Speaking recently, he said: “If you look at the players we are buying this summer, that we didn’t buy, we’re buying Antony.”We’re buying Casemiro, we’re buying [Andre] Onana, we’re buying [Rasmus] Hojlund, we’re buying Sancho.READ MORE SUN STORIES”These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not, we’ve inherited those things and have to sort that out.”For Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea and we pay half his wages, we’re paying £17million to buy him in the summer.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe gave a damning assessment of Sancho and four other Man Utd stars in a recent interviewCredit: PA More