More stories

  • in

    Fulham confirm departure of 11 players including Chelsea-bound Tosin Adarabioyo and Euro 2024 star

    FULHAM have announced the departures of 11 players including Chelsea transfer target Tosin Adarabioyo.The Premier League outfit have offered deals to two players, while exercising options to extend the contracts of seven stars.Chelsea target Tosin Adarabioyo has left FulhamCredit: GettyYoungsters Harvey Araujo and George Wickens have both put pen to paper.While the club has triggered extensions for Chris Donnell, Alfie McNally, Olly Sanderson, Devan Tanton, Terrell Works, Chibby Nwoko and first-team player Kenny Tete.Key pair Willian and Bobby Decordova-Reid are still in talks and expected to renew their contracts, which expire at the end of the month.Adarabioyo is the biggest departure and he appears to bound for Stamford Bridge.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe centre-back is set to undergo a medical at Chelsea this week.Negotiations are at the “final stages” after weeks of talks as Adarabioyo prepares to become Enzo Maresca’s first signing following his arrival from Leicester.Fulham have been resigned to losing Adarabioyo since he snubbed their offer of a bumper new deal.The defender made 129 appearances after arriving at Craven Cottage from Manchester City in 2020, and was part of Fulham’s Championship winning team in 2022.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak has also left the club, meaning he will be searching for a new team while at the Euros with Slovakia.Seven other players have been released including Terence Kongolo, Tyrese, George Okkas, Caelan Avenell, Tyrese Francois, Ma’Kel Bogle-Campbell, Montague Conway.While Armando Broja and Fode Ballo-Toure have returned to their parent clubs following the end of their loans.Chris Coleman was left stunned by Michael Jackson’s feet when the King of Pop entered Fulham’s dressing room More

  • in

    Premier League legend you had no idea is still playing wakes up unemployed, aged 41, after leaving LaLiga side

    LIVERPOOL legend Pepe Reina has left Villarreal after two seasons with the LaLiga club.The Spanish keeper, 41, has now been a professional for 25 YEARS, playing for the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Napoli and Inter Milan.Pepe Reina has left Villarreal after two seasons with the clubCredit: AFPHe featured in just two LaLiga games this seasonHe joined Villarreal for a second spell in 2022, 19 years after his first stint came to an end.Since returning, Reina has racked up 43 appearances but become a bit-part player this season, featuring in just two LaLiga games.And now the club have confirmed his departure.Villarreal tweeted: “Pepe Reina and Villarreal part ways.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey then went on to add: “Thanks for everything, Pepe. Your legend will be eternal in Villarreal.”One more Yellow Submarine… and forever 💛.”Meanwhile, Reina appeared to confirm on social media that he plans to continue playing.He said: “Now I need to find the site to help me write the last chapter, I feel very prepared and motivated to do it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Thank you to everyone without exception, but especially to you, Jose Manuel, and to you, Fernando father and son, for making this another stage to remember.”Reina, who earned 36 caps for Spain, started his career at Barcelona, before moving to Villarreal in 2002.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotAfter three years he signed for Liverpool to succeed former Reds goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek as No1.He spent the last of his nine years at Liverpool on loan at Napoli in Serie A, before making a permanent exit to Bayern Munich in 2014.Following a season as Manuel Neuer’s understudy he rejoined Napoli and went on to spend a further three years there.In 2018, he joined AC Milan for a two-year stint, and even returned to the Premier League with Aston Villa on loan from the Italian giants.Two years with Lazio followed, before he finally rejoined Villarreal.Reina’s trophy cabinet includes the FA Cup, League Cup, Bundesliga, two European Championships and the World Cup. More

  • in

    YouTuber IShowSpeed left red-faced after Kylian Mbappe transfer prediction backfires spectacularly

    ISHOWSPEED was left red-faced after his Kylian Mbappe transfer prediction backfired.The superstar was finally confirmed as a Real Madrid signing on Monday after reportedly agreeing a deal to move in February.iShowSpeed mistakenly tipped Kylian Mbappe to join ArsenalCredit: RexKylian Mbappe was finally confirmed as a Real Madrid signing on MondayCredit: RexMbappe joined the Spanish giants on a free transfer after years of speculation linking him with a move to the Bernabeu.But YouTuber iShowSpeed mistakenly tipped the Frenchman to end up at a different club – Arsenal.So after the big news Speed took to X, tweeting: “I thought Mbappe was going Arsenal 🤦🏽‍♂️”It came after transfer transfer expert Fabrizio Romano posted a video discussing Mbappe’s future, suggesting that the Frenchman was bound for Madrid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester United fan and streamer iShowSpeed hit back at Romano, claiming he was lying.Speed said: “He’s capping! He’s capping bro!”He’s not going to Real Madrid, he’s not going. I promise you.”Don’t ask me how I know but he’s not going. Trust me. I’ve got the real insight. Trust me.”Most read in FootballHe then boldly proclaimed: “I’m going to tell you all where he is going. Don’t ask me how I know, but watch how he doesn’t go [to] Real Madrid.”And he’s going [to] Arsenal. You only heard it from me, you only heard it from me.”Kylian Mbappe will join ARSENAL and not Real Madrid, claims IShowSpeed as he slams Fabrizio Romano over transfer claim More

  • in

    Jose Mourinho instantly rules out bringing two of his former players to Fenerbahce as ex-Chelsea boss plans transfers

    JOSE MOURINHO has rubbished rumours linking Fenerbahce with swoops for Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku.Mourinho, 61, was yesterday unveiled as boss of Turkish giants.Jose Mourinho addressed the press for the first time as Fenerbahce bossCredit: GettyWhile addressing the media for the first time as Fenerbahce boss, the Portuguese was asked about his former Roma stars Dybala and Lukaku.Tackling the issue head on, Mourinho said: “Names of my previous players of my previous clubs.”I want to make it 100 per cent my word, I have zero interest in any player of AS Roma.”Mourinho was sacked by the Serie A side in January following a series of bizarre antics and deteriorating results.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss received numerous red cards, substituted a player just 18 minutes after bringing him on and even referred to himself as Harry Potter.Roma went on to finish sixth in Serie A under Mourinho’s successor Daniele De Rossi.Lukaku, 31, netted 13 league goals during his loan spell from Chelsea, and 21 in all competitions.The Belgian has two years remaining on his Blues contract, but is not expected to play for Enzo Maresca’s side again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDybala, meanwhile, enjoyed a productive second season in the Italian capital.The Argentine, 30, scored 13 goals while also laying on nine assists. Inside the mad Fenerbahce world Jose Mourinho is entering with rioting fans, players walking off and notorious hooligansMourinho received a hero’s welcome as he arrived in Istanbul.Fans let off fireworks as their boss was shown around his new home stadium.The new Fenerbahce boss, who appeared on TNT Sports’ Champions League final coverage last weekend, launched a rallying cry to his new fans.He said: “I want to thank you for your love.”Normally a coach is loved after victories. In this case I feel that I am loved before the victories. That for me is a big responsibility that I feel.”I promise you from this moment, I belong to your family. This shirt is my skin.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Football is passion, and there is no better place [than here] to feel that passion.”Since the moment I met the president, I wanted to play for you because you are the soul of the football club. I want to be the coach of all of you.”Mourinho, 61, has received a hero’s welcomeCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Alan Pardew contacted over first job in English football in SIX YEARS with former Newcastle boss keen on job

    ALAN PARDEW has emerged as an early contender for the vacant manager’s job at Burnley.The Clarets have made contact with the former West Ham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace boss as they start the search for a successor to Vincent Kompany.Alan Pardew could be set to return to English football for the first time since April 2018Credit: GettyPardew, 62, is looking to get back into English football and is keen on the challenge to get Burnley promoted straight back to the Premier League following relegation last season.He has also managed at Southampton, Charlton and West Bromwich Albion.Former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard plus his trusted coaching sidekick Ashley Cole have also been linked with the job.Kompany left Turf Moor last week to take up a surprise appointment as new boss of German giants Bayern Munich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLExperienced Pardew has also worked abroad with stints at Dutch side Den Haag, a spell as director of football at CSKA Sofia and with Aris Thessaloniki in Greece.He has won 359 of his 851 games in charge as a manager.But he has not coached in England since he was dismissed by West Brom in April 2018.Pardew lasted five months at The Hawthorns, winning just three of 21 matches at the helm.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHis biggest managerial achievements include securing promotion to the Premier League with Reading and West Ham.He suffered FA Cup final defeats at both West Ham and Crystal Palace.Pardew reveals what life is really like at CSKA Sofia including sleeping at training ground Pardew also steered Newcastle to a fifth-place finish in the 2011/12 campaign, qualifying them for the Europa League where they went on to reach the quarter-finals.In March, the English coach was linked with becoming chairman of the League Managers Association, before ex-Celtic and Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neil landed the role.FA Cup finals to Greek tragedy – Alan Pardew’s rollercoaster careerAlan Pardew has managed a number of teams throughout his career:

    1999-2003 – Reading – 2002 Championship runner-up-
    2003-2006 – West Ham – 2005 Championship play-offs winner – 2006 FA Cup runner-up
    2006-2008 – Charlton – 2007 Premier League relegation
    2009-2010 – Southampton – 2010 Football League Trophy
    2010-2014 – Newcastle – 5th place finish in 2012 Premier League – 2013 Europa League quarter-finals
    2015-2016 – Crystal Palace – 2016 FA Cup runner-up
    2017-2018 – West Brom – Released after four months
    2019-2020 – Den Haag – Left after four months
    2022 – CSKA Sofia – Left as manager and technical director after two months following a racist incident that saw bananas being thrown towards CSKA’s black players by their own fans
    2022-2023 – Aris – Released after five months following run of poor results More

  • in

    Julen Lopetegui’s first two West Ham transfers on brink of collapse as rival clubs leapfrog Hammers

    WEST HAM face losing out on a double Brazilian deal due to interest from Saudi Arabia.The Hammers have been in talks over deals for defender Fabricio Bruno and teenage winger Luis Guilherme.Julen Lopetegui could well be left frustrated as West Ham struggle to get their deals over the lineCredit: ReutersThere is interest from Saudi Arabia in Flamengo defender Fabrício BrunoCredit: GettyA deal was agreed with Flamengo for Bruno, 28, to move to the London Stadium for £12.5million while talks have been progressing with Palmeiras over 18-year-old Guilherme.The winger was valued by the South American club at £25m and had been identified by West Ham technical director Tim Steidten who has been visiting Brazil.However, both Bruno and Guilherme are now targets for Saudi Arabian clubs and have been offered huge contracts in the Gulf state.The Hammers have not completely given up on the deals but there is an expectation both will move to the Saudi Pro League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWest Ham are pushing for a fast start to the transfer window to support new boss Julen Lopetegui.There is a target of three deals before the end of June, while Steidten wants up to eight new signings across the summer.Wolves captain Max Kilman is a target, as is Hull City defender Jacob Greaves.The Hammers explored a deal for Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer, though he is set to join Chelsea.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThere is also interest in Coventry City’s Callum O’Hare – who is available on a free – though they face competition from newly promoted Southampton.No decision has been made on whether to sell Flynn Downes to the Saints.West Ham star Lucas Paqueta charged with betting breachesDownes helped Russell Martin’s side win promotion back to the Premier League on loan this season.Martin is desperate to make the deal permanent, though the Hammers may need to keep the midfielder due to their homegrown quota.Palmeiras winger Luis Guilherme is also turning heads in the Gulf stateCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Jose Mourinho faces losing key player immediately as Arsenal ‘agree personal terms with Fenerbahce star’

    INCOMING Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho already faces a transfer dilemma, according to reports.The Portuguese, 61, is claimed to have agreed a two-year deal to take charge of the Turkish giants.Jose Mourinho is set to move to Fenerbahce on a two-year dealCredit: AlamyFenerbahce supporters recently rioted after their side missed out on the Super Lig title to fierce rivals Galatasaray.Mourinho will be tasked with bringing glory back to Fener, but may immediately be presented with a hurdle.According to Turkish paper Milliyet, via Sportwitness, Arsenal are keen to swoop for full-back Ferdi Kadioglu.They claim that the left-back, 24, is eager to move to the Premier League this summer and has already agreed terms on a move to the Emirates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Gunners are named as front-runners for his signature, with “concrete steps” having been taken to complete a transfer.Kadioglu joined Fenerbahce from Dutch side NEC Nijmegen in 2018.He has gone on to make 199 appearances for them, scoring 17 goals and laying on 22 assists.Having played for the Netherlands at youth level, Kadioglu switched his international allegiance to Turkey in 2022.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFerdi Kadioglu is eager to move to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyKadioglu has since earned 15 caps and has been named in his nation’s squad for Euro 2024.Arsenal are chasing a new left-back, with some of their current stars linked with exits. Inside the mad Fenerbahce world Jose Mourinho is entering with rioting fans, players walking off and notorious hooligansNew Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany is reportedly interested in swooping for his former Manchester City team-mate Oleksandr Zinchenko.While Kieran Tierney is also expected to leave, following a season-long loan at Real Sociedad.And reports in Italy suggest that Jakub Kiwior has emerged as a serious target for AC Milan.Before starting work with Fenerbahce, Mourinho is set for a big telly gig this evening.The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss has signed up to take part in TNT Sports’ Champions League final coverage.Mourinho’s role will see him run the rule over former club Real Madrid as they take on Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.He will join presenter Laura Woods alongside fellow pundits Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves and Steve McManaman.Mourinho, 61, is set to join TNT Sports’ Champions League final coverageCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Tosin Adarabioyo to undergo Chelsea medical after Blues HIJACK Newcastle and Man Utd’s free transfer for Fulham star

    TOSIN ADARABIOYO will undergo a Chelsea medical ahead of joining on a free transfer, according to reports.The Blues have been battling with Newcastle for the English centre-back, 26, while Manchester United was also mooted as a potential destination.Tosin Adarabioyo is set to leave Fulham on a free transfer this summerCredit: AlamyTosin has been a key figure in Fulham’s side this seasonBut now the West London club, who are preparing to welcome Enzo Maresca as their new manager, are set to land the ex-Manchester City man – who is out of contract this summer.Sky Sports claim the 6ft 4in defender will have a medical next week after deciding on Chelsea.According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, negotiations are at the “final stages” after weeks of talks as Tosin prepares to become Maresca’s first signing following his move from Leicester.Chelsea are said to be the “clear favourites” to sign Tosin but are remaining “cautious” until the deal is completed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFulham have been resigned to losing Adarabioyo since he snubbed their offer of a bumper new deal.In May, manager Marco Silva said: “I know all the noise around him and his future of course.”Of course, I have been speaking to him, I have a really close relationship with all the players and everything is clear between myself and him, like all the other players. And from him to me and my staff as well.”If Tosin is going to be on the pitch he’s going to be on the pitch, he’s going to be in the squad if I’m going decide for him to be in the squad. Nothing has changed from last week.Most read in Football”When it starts to come, the news that he’s not going to be with us next season, I know what he told me, I prefer to keep that between us.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Of course, that’s a decision from the player. But apart from that Tosin is ready to play or to be in the squad if I decide for him to be there.”Tosin, a Man City academy product, moved to Fulham from the Etihad in 2020.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaHe has played 129 games at Craven Cottage and established himself as one of Silva’s most important players.Meanwhile, Fulham have identified former Leicester defender Caglar Soyuncu as a possible replacement.Soyuncu, 26, spent this season on loan at Fenerbahce after finding opportunities limited at parent club Atletico Madrid.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo Maresca
    ENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.
    Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
    His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
    He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
    His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
    Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
    He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
    He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
    Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
    He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
    During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi. More