FC Rostov defeated Akhmat 1-0 in Premier League. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 1 stage in the 2018 season. The match was played at Rostov Arena in Rostov-na-Donu. Aleksei Vasilevich Suhoi, Russia officiated the match. The full-time result capped a FC Rostov vs Akhmat meeting in Premier League with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for FC Rostov and Akhmat. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Premier LeagueRecorded meetings: 4 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
FC Rostov defeated Akhmat 1-0 in Premier League. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 1 stage in the 2018 season. The match was played at Rostov Arena in Rostov-na-Donu. Aleksei Vasilevich Suhoi, Russia officiated the match. The full-time result capped a FC Rostov vs Akhmat meeting in Premier League with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for FC Rostov and Akhmat. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Premier LeagueRecorded meetings: 4 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Cristiano Ronaldo could see the successful Al Ahli manager, Matthias Jaissle, leave the Saudi club for the Premier League. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon see one of his toughest domestic rivals lose the manager behind its recent continental dominance, with Al Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle closing in on a move to Newcastle United. According to Fabrizio Romano, Jaissle is “the top candidate and in advanced talks to become Newcastle’s new head coach,” with the Italian journalist adding that “he’s the number one candidate to replace Eddie Howe“. The move comes after Howe informed Newcastle of his desire to step away from the game for a break following five years in charge. Newcastle and Al Ahli share the same ownership structure, both being majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has made the transition between the two clubs notably smooth from an administrative standpoint. Jaissle’s departure would mark the end of a hugely successful spell in Saudi Arabia. The 38-year-old German, once tipped as the “new Julian Nagelsmann,” led Al Ahli to back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles, becoming the only manager in history to win the competition in consecutive seasons. He Led. We Conquered ☝️#AlAhli | #ACLElite | #LetsGoWithAlAhli pic.twitter.com/nr27AYMxh2— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) April 25, 2026 Ronaldo facing Jaissle’s Al Ahli For Ronaldo and Al Nassr, Jaissle’s Al Ahli represented one of the club’s most competitive rivals in the Saudi Pro League, where, since Jaissle’s arrival in the summer of 2023, the sides have met seven times. Al Nassr has won four of those meetings, drawn one, and lost one in normal time, with an additional penalty-shootout defeat in the 2025 Saudi Super Cup final after a 2-2 draw. Across those seven encounters, Ronaldo managed to score five goals, with his most recent coming in the 2-0 win on April 29, 2026. Arne Slot emerges as a candidate for Al Ahli With Jaissle’s departure looking increasingly likely, Al Ahli have reportedly identified Arne Slot as a primary target to take over. The Dutch coach has been out of work since leaving Liverpool in May, a spell of just over two years at Anfield that included a Premier League title in 2025. Complicating matters, Slot is simultaneously being linked with the vacant Netherlands national team job, according to Fabrizio Romano. Slot emerged as the leading candidate to replace Ronald Koeman after the Dutch federation began searching for a successor following the Oranje’s disappointing Round of 32 exit to Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.
Real Madrid have been very active in the summer transfer window so far, making signings like Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries.The club have also wrapped up a deal to...
After shining as the MVP of the 2026 World Cup, Rodri Hernández has once again attracted the attention of Real Madrid. Unlike a few weeks ago, president Florentino Pérez has reportedly changed his perspective on signing him, bringing the 30-year-old star closer to a return to Spain. Despite arriving with growing doubts, Rodri Hernández became the MVP of the 2026 World Cup. As the central figure of Spain, he established as the undisputed starter ahead of Martin Zubimendi. However, the 30-year-old star is not clear about his future, as he wants to return to Spain despite being under contract with Manchester City. As a result, he is reportedly getting closer to Real Madrid, as Florentino Pérez changed his stance. Amid Real Madrid’s recent presidential elections, Rodri’s arrival was candidate Enrique Riquelme’s main campaign promise. Despite being under contract with Manchester City, the former candidate claimed that he had already secured the midfielder’s signing. After Florentino Pérez was re-elected, any potential move for him appeared to be ruled out. However, there has reportedly been a change in the last few hours. According to Matteo Moretto, a well-known journalist, via X, Rodri Hernández has given the green light to Real Madrid, reaching a contractual agreement. Unlike a few weeks ago, president Florentino Pérez is now very open to his arrival after he shined as the MVP of the 2026 World Cup. However, Los Blancos have not yet opened negotiations with Manchester City, something that may not be easy at all. Amid brilliant performances from Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and others, Rodrigo Hernández was named the MVP of the 2026 World Cup. Providing solidity to the team, he clearly led Spain to victory, establishing as an undisputed starter. With his contract expiring in 2027, the Citizens would need to sell him this summer to avoid losing him as a free agent, something they reportedly appear open. Rodri #16 of Spain is presented the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy by Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino Real Madrid’s Rodri pursuit may threaten Tchouameni’s future Real Madrid appear willing to rebuild their roster. To do so, head coach José Mourinho will be the central figure, already receiving reinforcements such as Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, and Bernardo Silva. While Rodrigo Hernández could still become another marquee addition in midfield, Los Blancos could be forced to sell Aurélien Tchouaméni. Aurélien Tchouaméni is already one of the best players in the world, being a starter for both France and Real Madrid. However, Rodri’s arrival would likely relegate him to the bench, something that would limit his development. At just 26 years old, he still has many years of his career ahead of him compared to the 2026 World Cup MVP, who is already 30. With Rodri Hernández close to joining Real Madrid, Tchouaméni is already attracting interest from the Premier League. According to Samuel Luckhurst, Manchester United have inquired about the French midfielder’s situation, as they are prepared to submit a formal offer this summer. As a result, Real Madrid could undergo a complete rebuild of their midfield.
With Duran heading back to European soccer, speculation has intensified over who could partner Ronaldo next as the club prepares for the new campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo is still waiting to see who will arrive to strengthen Al-Nassr after Jhon Duran completed a season-long loan move to Benfica, but the Saudi club faces an obstacle that has slowed its plans. With Duran heading back to European soccer, speculation has intensified over who could partner Ronaldo next as the club prepares for the new campaign. The Colombia national team striker leaves after a turbulent spell in Saudi Arabia that included multiple loan moves before his latest switch to Portugal. While Al-Nassr wants to reshape its squad under Ange Postecoglou, developments behind the scenes have complicated the club’s search for reinforcements. Benfica officially signed the 22-year-old on a season-long loan, with the agreement including a reported $34 million purchase option if certain conditions are met. The move gives Duran another opportunity to establish himself in European soccer after brief spells with Fenerbahçe and Zenit St. Petersburg. Duran expressed his excitement during his presentation in Lisbon. “It is a dream to be here. Benfica is the biggest club in Portugal. I want to help the team, score goals, win titles and repay the confidence the club has shown in me,” he said. 🎙️ As primeiras palavras de Jhon Durán de vermelho e branco! pic.twitter.com/wwriuy9oiq— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) July 20, 2026 The transfer marks the seventh club of the player’s professional career, a remarkable journey for a player who is still only 22. Since making his senior debut with Envigado in 2019, he has represented clubs in Colombia, the United States, England, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Russia and now Portugal. The issue delaying Al-Nassr’s transfer plans As Duran departs, Al-Nassr has yet to announce a direct replacement, and reports suggest there is a significant reason behind the inactivity. According to multiple reports, including Saudi outlet Al-Riyadiyah, Al-Nassr is having a serious cash flow problem since club income is less than outstanding obligations. The situation has affected transfer planning, delayed recruitment, and reportedly forced the club to slow negotiations despite identifying several transfer targets. The financial situation has also reportedly contributed to restrictions on transfer spending, leaving the club unable to complete deals until budgets receive executive approval. Even relatively modest transfers have reportedly stalled during the current window. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr lifts the Saudi Pro League Trophy Ronaldo waits for attacking reinforcements With Duran now in Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the focal point of Al-Nassr’s attack heading into the 2026-27 season. The Portuguese captain is expected to lead the frontline once again while the club continues searching for additional attacking quality. Several high-profile names have been linked with Al-Nassr over recent months. Reports have mentioned Premier League stars, such as Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes, and Gabriel Martinelli, although none of those moves has progressed into a completed transfer. Some reports also suggest the club could prioritize signing another winger rather than replacing Duran with a traditional center-forward. That strategy would still leave Ronaldo as the primary goalscoring reference in the squad.
Karim Benzema is seto for a major squad boost with Al Hilal reportedly agree for a $91 million fee for West Ham United to sign Crysencio Summerville. Preparations are officially underway for the 2026-27 season, and with the World Cup in the rearview mirror, Karim Benzema is eager to wrestle Saudi Arabian soccer dominance away from Cristiano Ronaldo. In what serves as a massive boost for the French striker, Al Hilal has reportedly agreed to a $91 million deal to acquire Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United. As reported by journalist and transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Al Hilal and West Ham reached an agreement on a total package worth €80 million ($91 million). The Saudi powerhouse initially approached the 24-year-old winger back in May, but after Summerville spent the early summer exploring options across Europe, he is now set to put pen to paper on a long-term contract in Riyadh. Summerville also drew significant interest from AS Roma during the primary window. According to Jacobs, the Italian club was preparing a €46 million offer for the forward, but despite his €35 million valuation on Transfermarkt, Al Hilal’s overwhelming bid proved too lucrative for both West Ham and the player to turn down. A move away from East London was all but guaranteed for Summerville after West Ham suffered a catastrophic relegation from the Premier League to the EFL Championship. While several top-flight English clubs expressed interest in keeping him in the UK, none were willing to match the aggressive financial package put forward by the Saudi side. Crysencio Summerville #24 of the Netherlands celebrating. Despite a turbulent 2025-26 campaign with the Hammers, Summerville emerged as one of the brightest lights for the Netherlands during their World Cup run. In four appearances before the Dutch fell in the Round of 32, the dynamic winger tallied two goals and two assists in his debut tournament on the international stage. Summerville gives Benzema a elite partner in attack Al Hilal has consistently featured near the top of Saudi soccer, but the 2025-26 campaign proved frustrating: even after landing Benzema during the winter transfer window, the club walked away with only the King Cup. Heading into 2026-27, Summerville’s arrival could be the exact piece needed to tip the scales back in their favor. Benzema is locked in as the starting center forward, having already featured in a recent preseason friendly against Austrian side Sturm Graz II, with Brazilian star Malcom anchoring the right wing. Because Summerville did his finest work on that same right flank in London, head coach Simone Inzaghi will need to tweak his standard 4-3-3 tactical setup or shift one of his high-priced wingers over to the left side.
France face England in a crucial 2026 World Cup third-place match, and William Saliba is unavailable for the game. France face England in the third-place match of the 2026 World Cup at Miami Stadium, and manager Didier Deschamps will be without William Saliba for the occasion, as the defender got injured and was ruled out for this game. In his place, Deschamps is expected to turn to Maxence Lacroix, who already stepped in for Saliba during the semifinal loss to Spain and is favored over Ibrahima Konate given his familiarity on the left side of central defense. Saliba was Deschamps’ undisputed starting center back throughout the tournament alongside Dayot Upamecano, though it now appears the Arsenal defender was playing through his injury for the entire World Cup. According to a report from RMC Sport, Saliba wasn’t just injured against Spain — he had been carrying the issue through the entire tournament, managing it well enough to keep playing until his body gave out on the sport’s biggest stage. William Saliba #17 of France is attended to by medical staff after sustaining an injury vs Spain. (Getty Images) What injury did Saliba suffer? Saliba fractured a vertebra in his back during a Premier League match roughly two months before the World Cup began. Rather than pull out of the tournament, he elected to play through it, receiving daily specialized treatment from France‘s medical staff and taking painkillers throughout the competition. The injury finally caught up with him around the half-hour mark against Spain, when he had to be substituted in tears. He’s since been examined by doctors, who are still determining whether surgery will be required, meaning he’s expected to be out for an extended period. It’s a situation that echoes what Samuel Umtiti went through for France at the 2018 World Cup, when the defender played through a serious knee issue rather than have surgery, helping Les Bleus win the title in Russia at a steep cost to the rest of his career.
Compared with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose careers have become synonymous with winning, Mbappe now faces growing questions about whether this difficult spell is merely a temporary setback or the beginning of a larger challenge. Kylian Mbappe‘s latest season has ended without a major trophy for either club or country, placing the Real Madrid and France superstar in unfamiliar territory. Compared with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose careers have become synonymous with winning, Mbappe now faces growing questions about whether this difficult spell is merely a temporary setback or the beginning of a larger challenge. The France national team also finishes the campaign without silverware after the dissappointing 2026 World Cup exit, adding to the disappointment after Real Madrid fell short in every major competition. Individual brilliance has never been in doubt, but soccer’s biggest prizes have once again slipped away from one of the game’s brightest stars. Mbappe arrived at Real Madrid in summer 2024 carrying enormous expectations after years of success with Paris Saint-Germain. Although he has continued to score at an elite level, his first two seasons in Spain have both ended without a major collective trophy, despite winning consecutive Pichichi awards and scoring 86 goals in his first 103 appearances for Los Blancos. The French forward also misses out on this year’s Ballon d’Or race after Madrid failed to capture La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the Copa del Rey, or the Spanish Super Cup, while France also ends the international campaign empty-handed. Kylian Mbappe #10 of France. However, Mbappe has now completed exactly two senior trophyless seasons, both coming consecutively during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 campaigns. Before joining Madrid, he had collected 18 major trophies, including the 2018 World Cup and multiple Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain. How many trophyless seasons has Lionel Messi endured? Mbappe’s current drought inevitably invites comparisons with the two players who have defined modern soccer for nearly two decades. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final. Even though Lionel Messi built one of the most decorated careers in soccer history, he also endured periods when Barcelona failed to lift silverware. The Argentine completed three trophyless seasons during his senior career: 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2019-20. His longest barren spell lasted two consecutive campaigns before everything changed under Pep Guardiola. SeasonClubTrophies Won2007-08Barcelona02019-20Barcelona0 Following those difficult years, Messi spearheaded Barcelona’s historic 2008-09 sextuple, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Years later, after the disappointment of 2019-20, he inspired Argentina to win the 2021 Copa America before finally lifting the 2022 World Cup. CategoryRecordSenior Career Seasons20+Trophyless Seasons2Trophyless RateOnly 2 seasons without silverwareLongest Trophy Drought2019-20 seasonFirst Trophyless Season2007-08 (Barcelona) How many trophyless seasons has Cristiano Ronaldo endured? Cristiano Ronaldo also discovered that sustained success is never guaranteed, regardless of individual excellence. The Portuguese legend experienced multiple trophyless campaigns, beginning with his early Manchester United years before later enduring difficult seasons during his return to Old Trafford and the start of his Saudi Arabian adventure. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal applauds fans His setbacks, however, were followed by equally remarkable rebounds. After his first barren season, Ronaldo became the centerpiece of Manchester United’s dominant era, helping the club win three consecutive Premier League titles, the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League, and his first Ballon d’Or. SeasonClubTrophies Won2004-05Manchester United02009-10Real Madrid02021-22Manchester United02022-23
Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland will face off at the World Cup on Saturday, as England take on Norway in a huge quarter-final clash. The post Bellingham and Haaland could replicate Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, predicts Konsa appeared first on SoccerNews.
Chelsea's newest signing Geovany Quenda hopes to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo by leaving Sporting's academy for the challenge and exposure of the Premier League. Quenda's path to the top was far from conventional. "We saw him as an under-10 player playing against us for Benfica," former youth coach Roque told BBC Sport.
New Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa is best known in England for his impressive two-year spell at Liverpool as a player before returning to Real Madrid for a seven-year stint and ending his career with a season at West Ham. Chelsea's new manager Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa played together for seven consecutive years at club level and even longer with the national team - and now they will face each other in rival dugouts in their Premier League opener at Craven Cottage on Monday, 24 August. Jose Mourinho signed the pair from Liverpool in the same summer both Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka joined Real to help them compete with a dominant Barcelona side managed by Pep Guardiola.
Former Tottenham manager signs two-year contractAl-Nassr won the Saudi Pro League last seasonAnge Postecoglou has been appointed as the new head coach of the Saudi Pro League champions, Al-Nassr, on a two-year deal as the Australian attempts to revive his career after two bruising stints in the Premier League.“A new chapter. Mr Ange Postecoglou appointed as head coach of the Al-Nassr first team. The contract spans two seasons,” the club said in a statement. “We wish him and his staff every success in their journey.” Continue reading...
Real Madrid have been busy lately, with Ibrahima Konate becoming their third signing of the week after Marc Cucurella and Bernardo Silva. The post Madrid announce Konate agreement following Cucurella and Silva signings appeared first on SoccerNews.
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Cristiano Ronaldo could see the successful Al Ahli manager, Matthias Jaissle, leave the Saudi club for the Premier League. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon see one of his toughest domestic rivals lose the manager behind its recent continental dominance, with Al Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle closing in on a move to Newcastle United. According to Fabrizio Romano, Jaissle is “the top candidate and in advanced talks to become Newcastle’s new head coach,” with the Italian journalist adding that “he’s the number one candidate to replace Eddie Howe“. The move comes after Howe informed Newcastle of his desire to step away from the game for a break following five years in charge. Newcastle and Al Ahli share the same ownership structure, both being majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has made the transition between the two clubs notably smooth from an administrative standpoint. Jaissle’s departure would mark the end of a hugely successful spell in Saudi Arabia. The 38-year-old German, once tipped as the “new Julian Nagelsmann,” led Al Ahli to back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles, becoming the only manager in history to win the competition in consecutive seasons. He Led. We Conquered ☝️#AlAhli | #ACLElite | #LetsGoWithAlAhli pic.twitter.com/nr27AYMxh2— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) April 25, 2026 Ronaldo facing Jaissle’s Al Ahli For Ronaldo and Al Nassr, Jaissle’s Al Ahli represented one of the club’s most competitive rivals in the Saudi Pro League, where, since Jaissle’s arrival in the summer of 2023, the sides have met seven times. Al Nassr has won four of those meetings, drawn one, and lost one in normal time, with an additional penalty-shootout defeat in the 2025 Saudi Super Cup final after a 2-2 draw. Across those seven encounters, Ronaldo managed to score five goals, with his most recent coming in the 2-0 win on April 29, 2026. Arne Slot emerges as a candidate for Al Ahli With Jaissle’s departure looking increasingly likely, Al Ahli have reportedly identified Arne Slot as a primary target to take over. The Dutch coach has been out of work since leaving Liverpool in May, a spell of just over two years at Anfield that included a Premier League title in 2025. Complicating matters, Slot is simultaneously being linked with the vacant Netherlands national team job, according to Fabrizio Romano. Slot emerged as the leading candidate to replace Ronald Koeman after the Dutch federation began searching for a successor following the Oranje’s disappointing Round of 32 exit to Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.
Real Madrid have been very active in the summer transfer window so far, making signings like Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries.The club have also wrapped up a deal to...
After shining as the MVP of the 2026 World Cup, Rodri Hernández has once again attracted the attention of Real Madrid. Unlike a few weeks ago, president Florentino Pérez has reportedly changed his perspective on signing him, bringing the 30-year-old star closer to a return to Spain. Despite arriving with growing doubts, Rodri Hernández became the MVP of the 2026 World Cup. As the central figure of Spain, he established as the undisputed starter ahead of Martin Zubimendi. However, the 30-year-old star is not clear about his future, as he wants to return to Spain despite being under contract with Manchester City. As a result, he is reportedly getting closer to Real Madrid, as Florentino Pérez changed his stance. Amid Real Madrid’s recent presidential elections, Rodri’s arrival was candidate Enrique Riquelme’s main campaign promise. Despite being under contract with Manchester City, the former candidate claimed that he had already secured the midfielder’s signing. After Florentino Pérez was re-elected, any potential move for him appeared to be ruled out. However, there has reportedly been a change in the last few hours. According to Matteo Moretto, a well-known journalist, via X, Rodri Hernández has given the green light to Real Madrid, reaching a contractual agreement. Unlike a few weeks ago, president Florentino Pérez is now very open to his arrival after he shined as the MVP of the 2026 World Cup. However, Los Blancos have not yet opened negotiations with Manchester City, something that may not be easy at all. Amid brilliant performances from Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and others, Rodrigo Hernández was named the MVP of the 2026 World Cup. Providing solidity to the team, he clearly led Spain to victory, establishing as an undisputed starter. With his contract expiring in 2027, the Citizens would need to sell him this summer to avoid losing him as a free agent, something they reportedly appear open. Rodri #16 of Spain is presented the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy by Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino Real Madrid’s Rodri pursuit may threaten Tchouameni’s future Real Madrid appear willing to rebuild their roster. To do so, head coach José Mourinho will be the central figure, already receiving reinforcements such as Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, and Bernardo Silva. While Rodrigo Hernández could still become another marquee addition in midfield, Los Blancos could be forced to sell Aurélien Tchouaméni. Aurélien Tchouaméni is already one of the best players in the world, being a starter for both France and Real Madrid. However, Rodri’s arrival would likely relegate him to the bench, something that would limit his development. At just 26 years old, he still has many years of his career ahead of him compared to the 2026 World Cup MVP, who is already 30. With Rodri Hernández close to joining Real Madrid, Tchouaméni is already attracting interest from the Premier League. According to Samuel Luckhurst, Manchester United have inquired about the French midfielder’s situation, as they are prepared to submit a formal offer this summer. As a result, Real Madrid could undergo a complete rebuild of their midfield.
With Duran heading back to European soccer, speculation has intensified over who could partner Ronaldo next as the club prepares for the new campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo is still waiting to see who will arrive to strengthen Al-Nassr after Jhon Duran completed a season-long loan move to Benfica, but the Saudi club faces an obstacle that has slowed its plans. With Duran heading back to European soccer, speculation has intensified over who could partner Ronaldo next as the club prepares for the new campaign. The Colombia national team striker leaves after a turbulent spell in Saudi Arabia that included multiple loan moves before his latest switch to Portugal. While Al-Nassr wants to reshape its squad under Ange Postecoglou, developments behind the scenes have complicated the club’s search for reinforcements. Benfica officially signed the 22-year-old on a season-long loan, with the agreement including a reported $34 million purchase option if certain conditions are met. The move gives Duran another opportunity to establish himself in European soccer after brief spells with Fenerbahçe and Zenit St. Petersburg. Duran expressed his excitement during his presentation in Lisbon. “It is a dream to be here. Benfica is the biggest club in Portugal. I want to help the team, score goals, win titles and repay the confidence the club has shown in me,” he said. 🎙️ As primeiras palavras de Jhon Durán de vermelho e branco! pic.twitter.com/wwriuy9oiq— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) July 20, 2026 The transfer marks the seventh club of the player’s professional career, a remarkable journey for a player who is still only 22. Since making his senior debut with Envigado in 2019, he has represented clubs in Colombia, the United States, England, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Russia and now Portugal. The issue delaying Al-Nassr’s transfer plans As Duran departs, Al-Nassr has yet to announce a direct replacement, and reports suggest there is a significant reason behind the inactivity. According to multiple reports, including Saudi outlet Al-Riyadiyah, Al-Nassr is having a serious cash flow problem since club income is less than outstanding obligations. The situation has affected transfer planning, delayed recruitment, and reportedly forced the club to slow negotiations despite identifying several transfer targets. The financial situation has also reportedly contributed to restrictions on transfer spending, leaving the club unable to complete deals until budgets receive executive approval. Even relatively modest transfers have reportedly stalled during the current window. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr lifts the Saudi Pro League Trophy Ronaldo waits for attacking reinforcements With Duran now in Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the focal point of Al-Nassr’s attack heading into the 2026-27 season. The Portuguese captain is expected to lead the frontline once again while the club continues searching for additional attacking quality. Several high-profile names have been linked with Al-Nassr over recent months. Reports have mentioned Premier League stars, such as Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes, and Gabriel Martinelli, although none of those moves has progressed into a completed transfer. Some reports also suggest the club could prioritize signing another winger rather than replacing Duran with a traditional center-forward. That strategy would still leave Ronaldo as the primary goalscoring reference in the squad.
Karim Benzema is seto for a major squad boost with Al Hilal reportedly agree for a $91 million fee for West Ham United to sign Crysencio Summerville. Preparations are officially underway for the 2026-27 season, and with the World Cup in the rearview mirror, Karim Benzema is eager to wrestle Saudi Arabian soccer dominance away from Cristiano Ronaldo. In what serves as a massive boost for the French striker, Al Hilal has reportedly agreed to a $91 million deal to acquire Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United. As reported by journalist and transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Al Hilal and West Ham reached an agreement on a total package worth €80 million ($91 million). The Saudi powerhouse initially approached the 24-year-old winger back in May, but after Summerville spent the early summer exploring options across Europe, he is now set to put pen to paper on a long-term contract in Riyadh. Summerville also drew significant interest from AS Roma during the primary window. According to Jacobs, the Italian club was preparing a €46 million offer for the forward, but despite his €35 million valuation on Transfermarkt, Al Hilal’s overwhelming bid proved too lucrative for both West Ham and the player to turn down. A move away from East London was all but guaranteed for Summerville after West Ham suffered a catastrophic relegation from the Premier League to the EFL Championship. While several top-flight English clubs expressed interest in keeping him in the UK, none were willing to match the aggressive financial package put forward by the Saudi side. Crysencio Summerville #24 of the Netherlands celebrating. Despite a turbulent 2025-26 campaign with the Hammers, Summerville emerged as one of the brightest lights for the Netherlands during their World Cup run. In four appearances before the Dutch fell in the Round of 32, the dynamic winger tallied two goals and two assists in his debut tournament on the international stage. Summerville gives Benzema a elite partner in attack Al Hilal has consistently featured near the top of Saudi soccer, but the 2025-26 campaign proved frustrating: even after landing Benzema during the winter transfer window, the club walked away with only the King Cup. Heading into 2026-27, Summerville’s arrival could be the exact piece needed to tip the scales back in their favor. Benzema is locked in as the starting center forward, having already featured in a recent preseason friendly against Austrian side Sturm Graz II, with Brazilian star Malcom anchoring the right wing. Because Summerville did his finest work on that same right flank in London, head coach Simone Inzaghi will need to tweak his standard 4-3-3 tactical setup or shift one of his high-priced wingers over to the left side.
France face England in a crucial 2026 World Cup third-place match, and William Saliba is unavailable for the game. France face England in the third-place match of the 2026 World Cup at Miami Stadium, and manager Didier Deschamps will be without William Saliba for the occasion, as the defender got injured and was ruled out for this game. In his place, Deschamps is expected to turn to Maxence Lacroix, who already stepped in for Saliba during the semifinal loss to Spain and is favored over Ibrahima Konate given his familiarity on the left side of central defense. Saliba was Deschamps’ undisputed starting center back throughout the tournament alongside Dayot Upamecano, though it now appears the Arsenal defender was playing through his injury for the entire World Cup. According to a report from RMC Sport, Saliba wasn’t just injured against Spain — he had been carrying the issue through the entire tournament, managing it well enough to keep playing until his body gave out on the sport’s biggest stage. William Saliba #17 of France is attended to by medical staff after sustaining an injury vs Spain. (Getty Images) What injury did Saliba suffer? Saliba fractured a vertebra in his back during a Premier League match roughly two months before the World Cup began. Rather than pull out of the tournament, he elected to play through it, receiving daily specialized treatment from France‘s medical staff and taking painkillers throughout the competition. The injury finally caught up with him around the half-hour mark against Spain, when he had to be substituted in tears. He’s since been examined by doctors, who are still determining whether surgery will be required, meaning he’s expected to be out for an extended period. It’s a situation that echoes what Samuel Umtiti went through for France at the 2018 World Cup, when the defender played through a serious knee issue rather than have surgery, helping Les Bleus win the title in Russia at a steep cost to the rest of his career.
Compared with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose careers have become synonymous with winning, Mbappe now faces growing questions about whether this difficult spell is merely a temporary setback or the beginning of a larger challenge. Kylian Mbappe‘s latest season has ended without a major trophy for either club or country, placing the Real Madrid and France superstar in unfamiliar territory. Compared with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose careers have become synonymous with winning, Mbappe now faces growing questions about whether this difficult spell is merely a temporary setback or the beginning of a larger challenge. The France national team also finishes the campaign without silverware after the dissappointing 2026 World Cup exit, adding to the disappointment after Real Madrid fell short in every major competition. Individual brilliance has never been in doubt, but soccer’s biggest prizes have once again slipped away from one of the game’s brightest stars. Mbappe arrived at Real Madrid in summer 2024 carrying enormous expectations after years of success with Paris Saint-Germain. Although he has continued to score at an elite level, his first two seasons in Spain have both ended without a major collective trophy, despite winning consecutive Pichichi awards and scoring 86 goals in his first 103 appearances for Los Blancos. The French forward also misses out on this year’s Ballon d’Or race after Madrid failed to capture La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the Copa del Rey, or the Spanish Super Cup, while France also ends the international campaign empty-handed. Kylian Mbappe #10 of France. However, Mbappe has now completed exactly two senior trophyless seasons, both coming consecutively during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 campaigns. Before joining Madrid, he had collected 18 major trophies, including the 2018 World Cup and multiple Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain. How many trophyless seasons has Lionel Messi endured? Mbappe’s current drought inevitably invites comparisons with the two players who have defined modern soccer for nearly two decades. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final. Even though Lionel Messi built one of the most decorated careers in soccer history, he also endured periods when Barcelona failed to lift silverware. The Argentine completed three trophyless seasons during his senior career: 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2019-20. His longest barren spell lasted two consecutive campaigns before everything changed under Pep Guardiola. SeasonClubTrophies Won2007-08Barcelona02019-20Barcelona0 Following those difficult years, Messi spearheaded Barcelona’s historic 2008-09 sextuple, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Years later, after the disappointment of 2019-20, he inspired Argentina to win the 2021 Copa America before finally lifting the 2022 World Cup. CategoryRecordSenior Career Seasons20+Trophyless Seasons2Trophyless RateOnly 2 seasons without silverwareLongest Trophy Drought2019-20 seasonFirst Trophyless Season2007-08 (Barcelona) How many trophyless seasons has Cristiano Ronaldo endured? Cristiano Ronaldo also discovered that sustained success is never guaranteed, regardless of individual excellence. The Portuguese legend experienced multiple trophyless campaigns, beginning with his early Manchester United years before later enduring difficult seasons during his return to Old Trafford and the start of his Saudi Arabian adventure. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal applauds fans His setbacks, however, were followed by equally remarkable rebounds. After his first barren season, Ronaldo became the centerpiece of Manchester United’s dominant era, helping the club win three consecutive Premier League titles, the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League, and his first Ballon d’Or. SeasonClubTrophies Won2004-05Manchester United02009-10Real Madrid02021-22Manchester United02022-23
Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland will face off at the World Cup on Saturday, as England take on Norway in a huge quarter-final clash. The post Bellingham and Haaland could replicate Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, predicts Konsa appeared first on SoccerNews.
Chelsea's newest signing Geovany Quenda hopes to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo by leaving Sporting's academy for the challenge and exposure of the Premier League. Quenda's path to the top was far from conventional. "We saw him as an under-10 player playing against us for Benfica," former youth coach Roque told BBC Sport.
New Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa is best known in England for his impressive two-year spell at Liverpool as a player before returning to Real Madrid for a seven-year stint and ending his career with a season at West Ham. Chelsea's new manager Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa played together for seven consecutive years at club level and even longer with the national team - and now they will face each other in rival dugouts in their Premier League opener at Craven Cottage on Monday, 24 August. Jose Mourinho signed the pair from Liverpool in the same summer both Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka joined Real to help them compete with a dominant Barcelona side managed by Pep Guardiola.
Former Tottenham manager signs two-year contractAl-Nassr won the Saudi Pro League last seasonAnge Postecoglou has been appointed as the new head coach of the Saudi Pro League champions, Al-Nassr, on a two-year deal as the Australian attempts to revive his career after two bruising stints in the Premier League.“A new chapter. Mr Ange Postecoglou appointed as head coach of the Al-Nassr first team. The contract spans two seasons,” the club said in a statement. “We wish him and his staff every success in their journey.” Continue reading...
Real Madrid have been busy lately, with Ibrahima Konate becoming their third signing of the week after Marc Cucurella and Bernardo Silva. The post Madrid announce Konate agreement following Cucurella and Silva signings appeared first on SoccerNews.
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