Match story
- Portugal fired more attempts (9 vs 3 shots).
- Portugal was more accurate in front of goal (67% on target vs 0%).
Portugal defeated Russia 0-1 in the Confederations Cup. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 2 stage in the 2017 season. The match was played at Otkrytiye Arena in Moscow. Gianluca Rocchi, Italy officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Russia vs Portugal meeting in Confederations Cup 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 Russia and Portugal. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Confederations CupRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Portugal defeated Russia 0-1 in the Confederations Cup. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 2 stage in the 2017 season. The match was played at Otkrytiye Arena in Moscow. Gianluca Rocchi, Italy officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Russia vs Portugal meeting in Confederations Cup 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 Russia and Portugal. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Confederations Cup
The Dutch midfielder’s rapid departure from Manchester City has raised plenty of eyebrows, but behind the headline transfer lies another development that could prove especially significant for the Italian club. Christian Pulisic and his Milan teammates have suddenly found themselves linked to a remarkable financial story after Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders followed Cristiano Ronaldo into the Saudi Pro League. The Dutch midfielder’s rapid departure from Manchester City has raised plenty of eyebrows, but behind the headline transfer lies another development that could prove especially significant for the Italian club. Reijnders has completed his move from Manchester City to Al-Qadsiah, with the Saudi club agreeing to pay $71 million for the Netherlands international. The 28-year-old has signed a five-year contract and will now work under former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers alongside Italy striker Mateo Retegui. Al-Qadsiah announced the signing with a video introducing their new midfielder as “A Dutch artist who will paint his masterpieces on our pitches.” Reijnders also offered his own memorable message after arriving, saying: “I’m a Dutch artist; I’m a Qadsiah man.” The transfer brings an unexpectedly quick end to Reijnders’ time at Manchester City. The midfielder joined from Milan in 2025 and made around 50 appearances in his only season, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists across competitions. Tijjani Reijnders has joined Al Qadsiah on a permanent deal, subject to international clearance.All the best, @T_Reijnders 🩵 pic.twitter.com/A11q2S0Vce— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 19, 2026 The clause that changes everything for Milan While Manchester City will receive a substantial fee from Al-Qadsiah, the transfer has an even more interesting consequence for the Rossoneri. A clause inserted into Reijnders’ original move to England means Milan is entitled to the full value of his performance-related bonuses if City sells him within the first year. Milan had sold Reijnders to City for an initial fee of around $64 million, with another $16 million available through bonuses. Those incentives were originally connected to achievements such as appearances, team success and individual accolades, but the special resale provision means the Italian club can collect the entire bonus package following his immediate departure. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates with his team-mate Tijjani Reijnders That takes City’s total payment to Milan to almost $82 million, despite Reijnders failing to trigger all of those performance-based targets during his season in England. It represents an extraordinary piece of business for Milan, which originally signed the midfielder from AZ Alkmaar for roughly $15 million in 2023. Milan turn Reijnders into $65m profit The numbers make the financial impact particularly striking. The Red and Blacks’ overall profit from Reijnders’ sale now rises to approximately $65 million, highlighting how effectively the club managed the midfielder’s transfer despite losing him after only two seasons at San Siro. The Dutchman had become one of Milan’s most important players after joining from AZ. His ability to carry the ball, progress possession and contribute in the final third made him one of Serie A‘s most sought-after midfielders, eventually convincing City to make a major investment in him. His move to the Saudi Pro League means Christian Pulisic’s squad has effectively turned that investment into a huge financial return. The Rossoneri will receive considerably more from the overall deal than the original guaranteed transfer fee suggested, thanks to the clause negotiated when Reijnders moved to Manchester. 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️#AlQadsiah | #TijjaniQadsawi pic.twitter.com/xdkcmcgRVc— AlQadsiah Saudi Club (@AlQadsiahEN) August 19, 2026 What the move means for Christian Pulisic and Milan For Milan, the biggest takeaway is financial rather than sporting. The club has lost a player who became an i
The situation has taken an intriguing turn in recent days, with discussions between two league rivals potentially opening the door to a move that could reshape both squads. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon have another experienced name alongside him at Al-Nassr, with Nahitan Nandez emerging as a surprise target in a developing Saudi Pro League transfer story. The situation has taken an intriguing turn in recent days, with discussions between two league rivals potentially opening the door to a move that could reshape both squads. Nandez has been linked with Al-Nassr throughout the transfer window, although earlier attempts to bring the Uruguayan to Riyadh failed to produce an agreement. Now, fresh reports suggest the midfielder’s situation at Al-Qadsiah has changed considerably, giving Al-Nassr renewed hope of completing a deal. According to reports from Thmanyah, Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah are discussing a potential player swap involving Nandez. The proposal would see the 30-year-old move to the Riyadh outfit, with an unnamed player potentially heading in the opposite direction. The idea is still at the discussion stage, meaning there is no official agreement between the two clubs. However, the possibility of a swap could provide an alternative solution after the Saudi champion previously saw its approach for the Uruguay international rejected. Nandez joined Al-Qadsiah from Cagliari in July 2024 on a free transfer and signed a contract running until June 2027. His versatility has made him an attractive option, as he can operate in central midfield, on the right side or at right-back while offering considerable energy and defensive discipline. Nandez’s stance could change the picture The biggest development surrounding the potential transfer concerns Nandez’s own position on a move to Al-Nassr. According to 365Scores Arabic, the midfielder is open to joining the Riyadh side and has given his preliminary approval. That stance could give Ange Postecoglou’s side an important advantage if negotiations with Al-Qadsiah progress. The player’s willingness removes one potential obstacle, although the clubs still need to settle the financial and structural details of any transfer or swap. Al-Nassr had previously made an enquiry for Nandez earlier in August, only for Al-Qadsiah to reject the approach. The Saudi club was reportedly offered German midfielder Julian Weigl instead, but that proposal did not lead to a breakthrough. Nahitan Nandez of Al Qadsiah in action Why Nandez makes sense for Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr For Al-Nassr, Nandez would offer something different from a conventional midfield signing. His ability to cover several positions–central midfielder, right-back, attacking midfielder or winger–combined with his experience in Saudi Arabia and European soccer, could give the squad greater tactical flexibility. The midfielder spent five seasons in Serie A with Cagliari before moving to the Saudi Pro League, meaning he already understands the demands of the competition. His high-energy style and defensive work could also complement a squad built around attacking stars such as Ronaldo. Al-Nassr is continuing to compete for major domestic and continental honors, making squad depth increasingly important. Adding a player who can switch between midfield and defence could give the club another useful option during a demanding campaign.
Joao Cancelo was reportedly left furious inside the tunnel after Barcelona informed him at the last possible moment that his official presentation had been cancelled ahead of the Joan Gamper Trophy fixture. The 32-year-old Portuguese defender had arrived at the stadium carrying his printed Barcelona shirt, complete with his name and squad number, expecting to […] The post Watch: Joao Cancelo left fuming after Barcelona pull plug on return presentation at last minute appeared first on CaughtOffside.
While Goncalo Ramos acknowledges Cristiano Ronaldo's greatness, he believes the retirement of the Portuguese legend is imminent. Following a challenging 2026 FIFA World Cup with Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted at a potential retirement in the near future. His international teammate Goncalo Ramos is well aware of the legacy Ronaldo will leave behind, while acknowledging that every athlete’s career comes with a time limit. Earlier this week, Ronaldo revealed his timeline, stating that the current campaign will likely be his last as a professional soccer player. His announcement generated a strong reaction across the squad. Goncalo Ramos, who shares a locker room with Ronaldo for the national team, emphasized that while CR7 is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in history, age affects every competitor. “It’s hard to believe that Cristiano will end his career,” Ramos said on press conference. “It’s been such a long time, and I think everyone has tied their soccer memories to his presence. “Personally, I don’t know soccer without Cristiano, so it would be very strange. But I think it’s something everyone expects, because age doesn’t lie. We all know that he will retire one day, and after what he said, perhaps that will be next season.” The 2026 World Cup was decisive for Cristiano Ronaldo Before the 2026 World Cup began, Portugal were viewed as serious title contenders. Alongside a star-studded squad, Ronaldo’s presence inspired his teammates to pursue the trophy. However, Portugal fell short of expectations. Despite reaching the Round of 16, their overall performances were inconsistent, and Ronaldo struggled to sustain a peak level of play throughout the tournament. Intense scrutiny weighed on the squad before they were ultimately eliminated by Spain. After the final whistle, an emotional Ronaldo was visibly distraught, recognizing that his final World Cup match had come to an end. The 1,000-goal milestone remains in sight Cristiano Ronaldo currently sits on 976 official career goals, leaving him just 24 goals away from reaching the historic 1,000-goal mark. That milestone stands as his primary remaining objective. If this proves to be Ronaldo’s final season, scoring 24 goals is well within reach given his typical output. However, should he fall slightly short by season’s end, he may extend his career just long enough to secure the historic benchmark.
According to reports, Cristiano Ronaldo's debut this season with Al Nassr might not happen on Saturday in the Saudi Pro League clash against Al Riyadh. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s wait to make his 2026-27 debut is set to drag on a little longer. According to Saudi outlet Al Riyadiyah, the Al Nassr captain continued his individual rehabilitation program on Wednesday without taking part in group training, still working his way back from a pelvic muscle injury that he suffered last week. Per the report, Ronaldo felt pain in the area during a group training session last week, but experienced no discomfort in Wednesday’s session, opting instead to stick to his rehabilitation routine alongside specific fitness work as part of his return-to-play plan. The club’s medical staff is expected to evaluate him again during Thursday’s session, with his final availability for the upcoming match against Al Riyadh on Friday to be determined based on the results of those medical and physical tests. The 41-year-old has already missed Al Nassr‘s first two competitive matches of the season, against Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League and Al Diriyah in the King’s Cup, where his side picked up two wins to start the campaign on the right foot. From the Cup, back to our league journey 💛 pic.twitter.com/HY8rvPO6Es— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 19, 2026 Why Ronaldo missed Al Nassr’s season debut Ronaldo’s absence from Al Nassr’s opening fixtures actually does tie back to fitness, just not the pelvic injury that’s now in question. The forward spent the club’s entire preseason on vacation following the 2026 World Cup, a break during which he married long-time partner Georgina Rodríguez in Portugal, missing the team’s overseas training camp in Lisbon entirely. With no preseason work under his belt, Ange Postecoglou chose not to rush him into a squad that had trained together for weeks, resting him for Al Nassr’s first two games of the season. He rejoined training just two days before the Saudi Pro League opener, and now, his debut hinges on whether he’s cleared to face Al Riyadh on Saturday. Ronaldo’s chase for 1,000 career goals continues this season Beyond the immediate injury concerns, this season also carries historic weight for Ronaldo, who sits on 976 official career goals for club and country, just 24 short of becoming the first player in history to reach 1,000 official goals.
Manchester City are in the midst of attempting to bolster their midfield. With Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders having left the club, City are looking at midfielders with Lille midfielder A...
Cristiano Ronaldo has never had it this low. The Al Nassr forward, now 41 and reportedly closing in on the final stretch of his professional career, has been handed an overall rating of 84 in EA Sports FC 27, his weakest base card since FIFA 04, the very game that introduced him to the franchise […] Cristiano Ronaldo has never had it this low. The Al Nassr forward, now 41 and reportedly closing in on the final stretch of his professional career, has been handed an overall rating of 84 in EA Sports FC 27, his weakest base card since FIFA 04, the very game that introduced him to the franchise as a raw 19-year-old winger at Manchester United. It’s a stark departure from the version of Ronaldo that dominated the series for the better part of two decades. Between FIFA 17 and FIFA 19, he sat at a career-high 94 overall, a level matched by only a handful of players in the game’s history. Even as his output tailed off in his mid-to-late 30s, EA Sports kept him in elite territory well into his time at Al Nassr, refusing to nerf him below 84 until this year’s edition. The decline has been gradual but steady. His rating dropped a single point across FC 25 and FC 26 (85 in both), then fell again this year to 84, continuing a slide that began in earnest once he left Europe for the Saudi Pro League in early 2023. The Saudi Pro League’s best. But who deserves the top spot?The Top 27 rated @SPL players in #FC27 are here. Now, let the debate begin.Pre-order today: https://t.co/HCrRKgAJWR pic.twitter.com/ZXy3Tlp8iM— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) August 19, 2026 FIFA 23 marked the first real inflection point, when EA slashed his card from an initial 90 down to 87 mid-cycle following the Al Nassr transfer, a rating cut that set the tone for everything since. Despite the drop, Ronaldo’s 84 overall still ranks as the highest base cards ever assigned to a 41-year-old in the franchise’s history. Whether EA Sports FC 27 ends up being his final appearance in the series remains to be seen, but for now, the numbers tell the story of a decline two decades in the making. Cristiano no longer the Saudi Pro League’s top-rated player For the first time since arriving in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t the highest-rated player at the Saudi Pro League. According to the latest EA Sports FC 27 ratings, Ruben Neves now tops the league pecking order with an 85 overall, edging out Ronaldo’s 84. Even so, Ronaldo remains comfortably the highest-rated player at Al Nassr. His 84 overall sits well clear of the club’s next-best cards, João Felix (83), Iñigo Martinez (83), and Kingsley Coman (83), all a full point behind their captain. Ronaldo’s overall rating through every FIFA/EA Sports FC edition EditionOverall RatingFIFA 0480FIFA 0588FIFA 0691FIFA 0787FIFA 0891FIFA 0991FIFA 1089FIFA 1189FIFA 1292FIFA 1392FIFA 1492FIFA 1592FIFA 1693FIFA 1794FIFA 1894FIFA 1994FIFA 2093FIFA 2192FIFA 2291FIFA 2387EA Sports FC 2486EA Sports FC 2585EA Sports FC 2685EA Sports FC 2784
Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have shared the Saudi Pro League spotlight since their moves to the Middle East, but the latest development surrounding the Frenchman's future could take their rivalry in a completely unexpected direction. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have shared the Saudi Pro League spotlight since their moves to the Middle East, but the latest development surrounding the Frenchman’s future could take their rivalry in a completely unexpected direction. With Benzema’s position at Al-Hilal increasingly uncertain, a surprising Turkish destination has now emerged, potentially setting up a blockbuster reunion with another global superstar. Benzema’s future has become increasingly complicated after Al-Hilal began considering a major overhaul of its attacking options. The former Real Madrid captain remains productive, but his place in Simone Inzaghi’s plans is reportedly under serious scrutiny, creating uncertainty over where the 38-year-old will play next. Benzema joined Al-Hilal in January after ending his spell with Al-Ittihad, but his time in Riyadh could already be approaching an unexpected conclusion. The Frenchman has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 13 appearances for the Blue Waves, showing that his individual numbers remain impressive despite the doubts surrounding his future. The club is reportedly considering terminating his contract as it looks to reshape its squad and accommodate another high-profile striker. Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins and Victor Osimhen have all emerged as possible targets, with Inzaghi understood to want another center-forward for the new campaign. Karim Benzema of Al Hilal celebrates with his coach Simone Inzaghi The situation is complicated by Benzema’s contract, as the striker reportedly wants the full amount owed for the final year of his deal before agreeing to leave. That demand has made negotiations more difficult and could determine whether Al-Hilal can move ahead with its preferred attacking changes. Turkish Super Lig suddenly enters the Benzema race That uncertainty has now opened the door to the surprise development involving Trabzonspor, which has reportedly made contact regarding Benzema. According to Turkish journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu, the club has inquired about the conditions required to sign the veteran striker while its discussions with Al-Hilal continue. “Trabzonspor inquired about the conditions for Karim Benzema, who wears the Al-Hilal shirt!” Sabuncuoglu reported on X (formerly Twitter). He added: “Trabzonspor has not yet reached an agreement in their discussions with Al-Hilal. As the process continues, Karim Benzema was offered to Trabzonspor, and simultaneous talks with the French star have begun!” Trabzonspor, Al-Hilal ile yaptığı görüşmelerde henüz anlaşmaya varamadı. Süreç devam ederken Karim Benzema, Trabzonspor'a önerildi ve Fransız yıldızla eşzamanlı görüşmeler başladı! https://t.co/1ssqyHDXON— Yağız Sabuncuoğlu (@yagosabuncuoglu) August 18, 2026 The move represents a major change in Trabzonspor’s transfer strategy, particularly because the club had failed to close a deal for Darwin Nunez. With those negotiations yet to produce an agreement, Benzema has emerged as an experienced alternative for the attack. Mohamed Salah could make the move even bigger The biggest twist is the possibility that Benzema could join Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor, creating a remarkable attacking partnership if the negotiations progress. Salah reportedly joined the Turkish club on a free transfer after leaving Liverpool, signing a two-year contract on August 6. Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor That would give the Claret-Blues two of the most recognizable forwards of their generation in the same attack. Salah’s arrival has already transformed the profile of the Turkish club, while Benzema would add Champions League experience, elite finishing and the pedigree of a former Ballon d’Or winner. However, the talks remain at an early stage, and there is currently no
The league has introduced a series of changes designed to make matches faster and reduce the amount of time lost to stoppages, with the new approach potentially changing how players manage substitutions, injuries and restarts. Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie are entering another important Serie A campaign with Milan and Juventus respectively, but the American stars will have something new to deal with once they step onto the pitch. The league has introduced a series of changes designed to make matches faster and reduce the amount of time lost to stoppages, with the new approach potentially changing how players manage substitutions, injuries and restarts. The changes arrive after a summer in which similar measures were trialed elsewhere in soccer, including at the 2026 World Cup. Serie A wants more soccer actually being played, while referees have also been given clearer instructions on player behavior and communication with officials. For Pulisic, who is looking to rediscover his best form with Milan after a difficult second half of last season, the changes could create a faster and more demanding environment. The American winger scored 10 Serie A goals before the turn of the year last season but then went through a prolonged scoring drought, making a strong response particularly important. McKennie enters the season after producing the best numbers of his Juventus career, having recorded nine goals and six assists in 52 appearances last campaign. His versatility means he could be particularly exposed to the substitution and injury-management changes, especially given how frequently he operates across different positions. Christian Pulisic #10 and Weston McKennie #8 of the United States celebrate a goal. The two Americans are also among the leading USMNT figures preparing for another major period with the national team. The new Serie A regulations could therefore have an impact beyond their club careers, particularly as players adjust to a quicker tempo and fewer opportunities to slow matches down. Serie A introduces stricter rules on time-wasting The biggest change concerns the amount of time players will have to restart play or leave the field. A substituted player must leave the pitch within 10 seconds after the substitution board is shown, while the countdown begins when the final board is displayed if several substitutions are made simultaneously. Throw-ins and goal kicks are also coming under greater scrutiny. Players will have five seconds to restart play, with a corner awarded to the opposition if a goalkeeper takes longer than five seconds to take a goal kick. The new rules also target situations involving injuries. A player who receives treatment on the field must remain off the pitch for one minute after play resumes, although goalkeepers are exempt from the provision. Former Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri embrace his player Rafael Leao Serie A’s leadership believes these changes can make a significant difference to the spectacle. “Many of the changes introduced will concern situations where play is stopped, with the aim of increasing the effective playing time of matches, making games even more dynamic and spectacular,” Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo said, according to ANSA via CalcioMercato. Only captains can approach the referee Another major change concerns communication with officials. Only the designated captain will be allowed to approach the referee to complain or request explanations, meaning other players will have to stay away from confrontations. Daniele Orsato explained the reasoning behind the measure during the briefing attended by representatives from all 20 Serie A clubs. “The captain will be the figure representing the club on the pitch, and the referee will only refer to them,” Orsato said, according to CalcioMercato. Lautaro Martinez #10 of FC Internazionale Milano speaks with the match officials The refereeing authorities have also addressed the controversial gesture of covering the mouth d
Chelsea are bound to be the busiest Premier League club in what remains of the summer transfer window - at least when it comes to getting players out of the door.
Al Hilal are facing a tough time signing Pedro Neto from Chelsea, which could well spell bad news for Tottenham Hotspur. The post Tottenham At Risk Of Being Rivalled For Key Target Due To ‘Would Like To Keep’ Factor appeared first on Inside Futbol | Latest Football News, Transfer Rumours & Articles.
Bernardo Silva, 32, has been presented as a new Real Madrid player. Thirty-three days after the official announcement confirming his signing, the Portuguese midfielder took part in an institutional ce...
Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans will be key to Michael Carrick’s chances of success over a full season and of healing the rift between club and fansGuardian writers’ predicted position: 5th (NB: this is not necessarily Jamie Jackson’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)Last season’s position: 3rd Continue reading...
FC Porto has had an improved bid for Santos central defender Jair Filho turned down, with the Brazilian club insisting it wants to keep him until its season ends in December, according to Flashscore Portugal. Porto’s second offer, worth €12 million plus the permanent transfer of forward Wendel Silva back to Santos, followed an initial […] The post Porto’s improved bid for Santos defender Jair Filho rejected appeared first on SoccerNews.
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The Dutch midfielder’s rapid departure from Manchester City has raised plenty of eyebrows, but behind the headline transfer lies another development that could prove especially significant for the Italian club. Christian Pulisic and his Milan teammates have suddenly found themselves linked to a remarkable financial story after Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders followed Cristiano Ronaldo into the Saudi Pro League. The Dutch midfielder’s rapid departure from Manchester City has raised plenty of eyebrows, but behind the headline transfer lies another development that could prove especially significant for the Italian club. Reijnders has completed his move from Manchester City to Al-Qadsiah, with the Saudi club agreeing to pay $71 million for the Netherlands international. The 28-year-old has signed a five-year contract and will now work under former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers alongside Italy striker Mateo Retegui. Al-Qadsiah announced the signing with a video introducing their new midfielder as “A Dutch artist who will paint his masterpieces on our pitches.” Reijnders also offered his own memorable message after arriving, saying: “I’m a Dutch artist; I’m a Qadsiah man.” The transfer brings an unexpectedly quick end to Reijnders’ time at Manchester City. The midfielder joined from Milan in 2025 and made around 50 appearances in his only season, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists across competitions. Tijjani Reijnders has joined Al Qadsiah on a permanent deal, subject to international clearance.All the best, @T_Reijnders 🩵 pic.twitter.com/A11q2S0Vce— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 19, 2026 The clause that changes everything for Milan While Manchester City will receive a substantial fee from Al-Qadsiah, the transfer has an even more interesting consequence for the Rossoneri. A clause inserted into Reijnders’ original move to England means Milan is entitled to the full value of his performance-related bonuses if City sells him within the first year. Milan had sold Reijnders to City for an initial fee of around $64 million, with another $16 million available through bonuses. Those incentives were originally connected to achievements such as appearances, team success and individual accolades, but the special resale provision means the Italian club can collect the entire bonus package following his immediate departure. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates with his team-mate Tijjani Reijnders That takes City’s total payment to Milan to almost $82 million, despite Reijnders failing to trigger all of those performance-based targets during his season in England. It represents an extraordinary piece of business for Milan, which originally signed the midfielder from AZ Alkmaar for roughly $15 million in 2023. Milan turn Reijnders into $65m profit The numbers make the financial impact particularly striking. The Red and Blacks’ overall profit from Reijnders’ sale now rises to approximately $65 million, highlighting how effectively the club managed the midfielder’s transfer despite losing him after only two seasons at San Siro. The Dutchman had become one of Milan’s most important players after joining from AZ. His ability to carry the ball, progress possession and contribute in the final third made him one of Serie A‘s most sought-after midfielders, eventually convincing City to make a major investment in him. His move to the Saudi Pro League means Christian Pulisic’s squad has effectively turned that investment into a huge financial return. The Rossoneri will receive considerably more from the overall deal than the original guaranteed transfer fee suggested, thanks to the clause negotiated when Reijnders moved to Manchester. 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️#AlQadsiah | #TijjaniQadsawi pic.twitter.com/xdkcmcgRVc— AlQadsiah Saudi Club (@AlQadsiahEN) August 19, 2026 What the move means for Christian Pulisic and Milan For Milan, the biggest takeaway is financial rather than sporting. The club has lost a player who became an i
The situation has taken an intriguing turn in recent days, with discussions between two league rivals potentially opening the door to a move that could reshape both squads. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon have another experienced name alongside him at Al-Nassr, with Nahitan Nandez emerging as a surprise target in a developing Saudi Pro League transfer story. The situation has taken an intriguing turn in recent days, with discussions between two league rivals potentially opening the door to a move that could reshape both squads. Nandez has been linked with Al-Nassr throughout the transfer window, although earlier attempts to bring the Uruguayan to Riyadh failed to produce an agreement. Now, fresh reports suggest the midfielder’s situation at Al-Qadsiah has changed considerably, giving Al-Nassr renewed hope of completing a deal. According to reports from Thmanyah, Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah are discussing a potential player swap involving Nandez. The proposal would see the 30-year-old move to the Riyadh outfit, with an unnamed player potentially heading in the opposite direction. The idea is still at the discussion stage, meaning there is no official agreement between the two clubs. However, the possibility of a swap could provide an alternative solution after the Saudi champion previously saw its approach for the Uruguay international rejected. Nandez joined Al-Qadsiah from Cagliari in July 2024 on a free transfer and signed a contract running until June 2027. His versatility has made him an attractive option, as he can operate in central midfield, on the right side or at right-back while offering considerable energy and defensive discipline. Nandez’s stance could change the picture The biggest development surrounding the potential transfer concerns Nandez’s own position on a move to Al-Nassr. According to 365Scores Arabic, the midfielder is open to joining the Riyadh side and has given his preliminary approval. That stance could give Ange Postecoglou’s side an important advantage if negotiations with Al-Qadsiah progress. The player’s willingness removes one potential obstacle, although the clubs still need to settle the financial and structural details of any transfer or swap. Al-Nassr had previously made an enquiry for Nandez earlier in August, only for Al-Qadsiah to reject the approach. The Saudi club was reportedly offered German midfielder Julian Weigl instead, but that proposal did not lead to a breakthrough. Nahitan Nandez of Al Qadsiah in action Why Nandez makes sense for Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr For Al-Nassr, Nandez would offer something different from a conventional midfield signing. His ability to cover several positions–central midfielder, right-back, attacking midfielder or winger–combined with his experience in Saudi Arabia and European soccer, could give the squad greater tactical flexibility. The midfielder spent five seasons in Serie A with Cagliari before moving to the Saudi Pro League, meaning he already understands the demands of the competition. His high-energy style and defensive work could also complement a squad built around attacking stars such as Ronaldo. Al-Nassr is continuing to compete for major domestic and continental honors, making squad depth increasingly important. Adding a player who can switch between midfield and defence could give the club another useful option during a demanding campaign.
Joao Cancelo was reportedly left furious inside the tunnel after Barcelona informed him at the last possible moment that his official presentation had been cancelled ahead of the Joan Gamper Trophy fixture. The 32-year-old Portuguese defender had arrived at the stadium carrying his printed Barcelona shirt, complete with his name and squad number, expecting to […] The post Watch: Joao Cancelo left fuming after Barcelona pull plug on return presentation at last minute appeared first on CaughtOffside.
While Goncalo Ramos acknowledges Cristiano Ronaldo's greatness, he believes the retirement of the Portuguese legend is imminent. Following a challenging 2026 FIFA World Cup with Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted at a potential retirement in the near future. His international teammate Goncalo Ramos is well aware of the legacy Ronaldo will leave behind, while acknowledging that every athlete’s career comes with a time limit. Earlier this week, Ronaldo revealed his timeline, stating that the current campaign will likely be his last as a professional soccer player. His announcement generated a strong reaction across the squad. Goncalo Ramos, who shares a locker room with Ronaldo for the national team, emphasized that while CR7 is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in history, age affects every competitor. “It’s hard to believe that Cristiano will end his career,” Ramos said on press conference. “It’s been such a long time, and I think everyone has tied their soccer memories to his presence. “Personally, I don’t know soccer without Cristiano, so it would be very strange. But I think it’s something everyone expects, because age doesn’t lie. We all know that he will retire one day, and after what he said, perhaps that will be next season.” The 2026 World Cup was decisive for Cristiano Ronaldo Before the 2026 World Cup began, Portugal were viewed as serious title contenders. Alongside a star-studded squad, Ronaldo’s presence inspired his teammates to pursue the trophy. However, Portugal fell short of expectations. Despite reaching the Round of 16, their overall performances were inconsistent, and Ronaldo struggled to sustain a peak level of play throughout the tournament. Intense scrutiny weighed on the squad before they were ultimately eliminated by Spain. After the final whistle, an emotional Ronaldo was visibly distraught, recognizing that his final World Cup match had come to an end. The 1,000-goal milestone remains in sight Cristiano Ronaldo currently sits on 976 official career goals, leaving him just 24 goals away from reaching the historic 1,000-goal mark. That milestone stands as his primary remaining objective. If this proves to be Ronaldo’s final season, scoring 24 goals is well within reach given his typical output. However, should he fall slightly short by season’s end, he may extend his career just long enough to secure the historic benchmark.
According to reports, Cristiano Ronaldo's debut this season with Al Nassr might not happen on Saturday in the Saudi Pro League clash against Al Riyadh. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s wait to make his 2026-27 debut is set to drag on a little longer. According to Saudi outlet Al Riyadiyah, the Al Nassr captain continued his individual rehabilitation program on Wednesday without taking part in group training, still working his way back from a pelvic muscle injury that he suffered last week. Per the report, Ronaldo felt pain in the area during a group training session last week, but experienced no discomfort in Wednesday’s session, opting instead to stick to his rehabilitation routine alongside specific fitness work as part of his return-to-play plan. The club’s medical staff is expected to evaluate him again during Thursday’s session, with his final availability for the upcoming match against Al Riyadh on Friday to be determined based on the results of those medical and physical tests. The 41-year-old has already missed Al Nassr‘s first two competitive matches of the season, against Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League and Al Diriyah in the King’s Cup, where his side picked up two wins to start the campaign on the right foot. From the Cup, back to our league journey 💛 pic.twitter.com/HY8rvPO6Es— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 19, 2026 Why Ronaldo missed Al Nassr’s season debut Ronaldo’s absence from Al Nassr’s opening fixtures actually does tie back to fitness, just not the pelvic injury that’s now in question. The forward spent the club’s entire preseason on vacation following the 2026 World Cup, a break during which he married long-time partner Georgina Rodríguez in Portugal, missing the team’s overseas training camp in Lisbon entirely. With no preseason work under his belt, Ange Postecoglou chose not to rush him into a squad that had trained together for weeks, resting him for Al Nassr’s first two games of the season. He rejoined training just two days before the Saudi Pro League opener, and now, his debut hinges on whether he’s cleared to face Al Riyadh on Saturday. Ronaldo’s chase for 1,000 career goals continues this season Beyond the immediate injury concerns, this season also carries historic weight for Ronaldo, who sits on 976 official career goals for club and country, just 24 short of becoming the first player in history to reach 1,000 official goals.
Manchester City are in the midst of attempting to bolster their midfield. With Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders having left the club, City are looking at midfielders with Lille midfielder A...
Cristiano Ronaldo has never had it this low. The Al Nassr forward, now 41 and reportedly closing in on the final stretch of his professional career, has been handed an overall rating of 84 in EA Sports FC 27, his weakest base card since FIFA 04, the very game that introduced him to the franchise […] Cristiano Ronaldo has never had it this low. The Al Nassr forward, now 41 and reportedly closing in on the final stretch of his professional career, has been handed an overall rating of 84 in EA Sports FC 27, his weakest base card since FIFA 04, the very game that introduced him to the franchise as a raw 19-year-old winger at Manchester United. It’s a stark departure from the version of Ronaldo that dominated the series for the better part of two decades. Between FIFA 17 and FIFA 19, he sat at a career-high 94 overall, a level matched by only a handful of players in the game’s history. Even as his output tailed off in his mid-to-late 30s, EA Sports kept him in elite territory well into his time at Al Nassr, refusing to nerf him below 84 until this year’s edition. The decline has been gradual but steady. His rating dropped a single point across FC 25 and FC 26 (85 in both), then fell again this year to 84, continuing a slide that began in earnest once he left Europe for the Saudi Pro League in early 2023. The Saudi Pro League’s best. But who deserves the top spot?The Top 27 rated @SPL players in #FC27 are here. Now, let the debate begin.Pre-order today: https://t.co/HCrRKgAJWR pic.twitter.com/ZXy3Tlp8iM— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) August 19, 2026 FIFA 23 marked the first real inflection point, when EA slashed his card from an initial 90 down to 87 mid-cycle following the Al Nassr transfer, a rating cut that set the tone for everything since. Despite the drop, Ronaldo’s 84 overall still ranks as the highest base cards ever assigned to a 41-year-old in the franchise’s history. Whether EA Sports FC 27 ends up being his final appearance in the series remains to be seen, but for now, the numbers tell the story of a decline two decades in the making. Cristiano no longer the Saudi Pro League’s top-rated player For the first time since arriving in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t the highest-rated player at the Saudi Pro League. According to the latest EA Sports FC 27 ratings, Ruben Neves now tops the league pecking order with an 85 overall, edging out Ronaldo’s 84. Even so, Ronaldo remains comfortably the highest-rated player at Al Nassr. His 84 overall sits well clear of the club’s next-best cards, João Felix (83), Iñigo Martinez (83), and Kingsley Coman (83), all a full point behind their captain. Ronaldo’s overall rating through every FIFA/EA Sports FC edition EditionOverall RatingFIFA 0480FIFA 0588FIFA 0691FIFA 0787FIFA 0891FIFA 0991FIFA 1089FIFA 1189FIFA 1292FIFA 1392FIFA 1492FIFA 1592FIFA 1693FIFA 1794FIFA 1894FIFA 1994FIFA 2093FIFA 2192FIFA 2291FIFA 2387EA Sports FC 2486EA Sports FC 2585EA Sports FC 2685EA Sports FC 2784
Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have shared the Saudi Pro League spotlight since their moves to the Middle East, but the latest development surrounding the Frenchman's future could take their rivalry in a completely unexpected direction. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have shared the Saudi Pro League spotlight since their moves to the Middle East, but the latest development surrounding the Frenchman’s future could take their rivalry in a completely unexpected direction. With Benzema’s position at Al-Hilal increasingly uncertain, a surprising Turkish destination has now emerged, potentially setting up a blockbuster reunion with another global superstar. Benzema’s future has become increasingly complicated after Al-Hilal began considering a major overhaul of its attacking options. The former Real Madrid captain remains productive, but his place in Simone Inzaghi’s plans is reportedly under serious scrutiny, creating uncertainty over where the 38-year-old will play next. Benzema joined Al-Hilal in January after ending his spell with Al-Ittihad, but his time in Riyadh could already be approaching an unexpected conclusion. The Frenchman has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 13 appearances for the Blue Waves, showing that his individual numbers remain impressive despite the doubts surrounding his future. The club is reportedly considering terminating his contract as it looks to reshape its squad and accommodate another high-profile striker. Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins and Victor Osimhen have all emerged as possible targets, with Inzaghi understood to want another center-forward for the new campaign. Karim Benzema of Al Hilal celebrates with his coach Simone Inzaghi The situation is complicated by Benzema’s contract, as the striker reportedly wants the full amount owed for the final year of his deal before agreeing to leave. That demand has made negotiations more difficult and could determine whether Al-Hilal can move ahead with its preferred attacking changes. Turkish Super Lig suddenly enters the Benzema race That uncertainty has now opened the door to the surprise development involving Trabzonspor, which has reportedly made contact regarding Benzema. According to Turkish journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu, the club has inquired about the conditions required to sign the veteran striker while its discussions with Al-Hilal continue. “Trabzonspor inquired about the conditions for Karim Benzema, who wears the Al-Hilal shirt!” Sabuncuoglu reported on X (formerly Twitter). He added: “Trabzonspor has not yet reached an agreement in their discussions with Al-Hilal. As the process continues, Karim Benzema was offered to Trabzonspor, and simultaneous talks with the French star have begun!” Trabzonspor, Al-Hilal ile yaptığı görüşmelerde henüz anlaşmaya varamadı. Süreç devam ederken Karim Benzema, Trabzonspor'a önerildi ve Fransız yıldızla eşzamanlı görüşmeler başladı! https://t.co/1ssqyHDXON— Yağız Sabuncuoğlu (@yagosabuncuoglu) August 18, 2026 The move represents a major change in Trabzonspor’s transfer strategy, particularly because the club had failed to close a deal for Darwin Nunez. With those negotiations yet to produce an agreement, Benzema has emerged as an experienced alternative for the attack. Mohamed Salah could make the move even bigger The biggest twist is the possibility that Benzema could join Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor, creating a remarkable attacking partnership if the negotiations progress. Salah reportedly joined the Turkish club on a free transfer after leaving Liverpool, signing a two-year contract on August 6. Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor That would give the Claret-Blues two of the most recognizable forwards of their generation in the same attack. Salah’s arrival has already transformed the profile of the Turkish club, while Benzema would add Champions League experience, elite finishing and the pedigree of a former Ballon d’Or winner. However, the talks remain at an early stage, and there is currently no
The league has introduced a series of changes designed to make matches faster and reduce the amount of time lost to stoppages, with the new approach potentially changing how players manage substitutions, injuries and restarts. Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie are entering another important Serie A campaign with Milan and Juventus respectively, but the American stars will have something new to deal with once they step onto the pitch. The league has introduced a series of changes designed to make matches faster and reduce the amount of time lost to stoppages, with the new approach potentially changing how players manage substitutions, injuries and restarts. The changes arrive after a summer in which similar measures were trialed elsewhere in soccer, including at the 2026 World Cup. Serie A wants more soccer actually being played, while referees have also been given clearer instructions on player behavior and communication with officials. For Pulisic, who is looking to rediscover his best form with Milan after a difficult second half of last season, the changes could create a faster and more demanding environment. The American winger scored 10 Serie A goals before the turn of the year last season but then went through a prolonged scoring drought, making a strong response particularly important. McKennie enters the season after producing the best numbers of his Juventus career, having recorded nine goals and six assists in 52 appearances last campaign. His versatility means he could be particularly exposed to the substitution and injury-management changes, especially given how frequently he operates across different positions. Christian Pulisic #10 and Weston McKennie #8 of the United States celebrate a goal. The two Americans are also among the leading USMNT figures preparing for another major period with the national team. The new Serie A regulations could therefore have an impact beyond their club careers, particularly as players adjust to a quicker tempo and fewer opportunities to slow matches down. Serie A introduces stricter rules on time-wasting The biggest change concerns the amount of time players will have to restart play or leave the field. A substituted player must leave the pitch within 10 seconds after the substitution board is shown, while the countdown begins when the final board is displayed if several substitutions are made simultaneously. Throw-ins and goal kicks are also coming under greater scrutiny. Players will have five seconds to restart play, with a corner awarded to the opposition if a goalkeeper takes longer than five seconds to take a goal kick. The new rules also target situations involving injuries. A player who receives treatment on the field must remain off the pitch for one minute after play resumes, although goalkeepers are exempt from the provision. Former Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri embrace his player Rafael Leao Serie A’s leadership believes these changes can make a significant difference to the spectacle. “Many of the changes introduced will concern situations where play is stopped, with the aim of increasing the effective playing time of matches, making games even more dynamic and spectacular,” Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo said, according to ANSA via CalcioMercato. Only captains can approach the referee Another major change concerns communication with officials. Only the designated captain will be allowed to approach the referee to complain or request explanations, meaning other players will have to stay away from confrontations. Daniele Orsato explained the reasoning behind the measure during the briefing attended by representatives from all 20 Serie A clubs. “The captain will be the figure representing the club on the pitch, and the referee will only refer to them,” Orsato said, according to CalcioMercato. Lautaro Martinez #10 of FC Internazionale Milano speaks with the match officials The refereeing authorities have also addressed the controversial gesture of covering the mouth d
Chelsea are bound to be the busiest Premier League club in what remains of the summer transfer window - at least when it comes to getting players out of the door.
Al Hilal are facing a tough time signing Pedro Neto from Chelsea, which could well spell bad news for Tottenham Hotspur. The post Tottenham At Risk Of Being Rivalled For Key Target Due To ‘Would Like To Keep’ Factor appeared first on Inside Futbol | Latest Football News, Transfer Rumours & Articles.
Bernardo Silva, 32, has been presented as a new Real Madrid player. Thirty-three days after the official announcement confirming his signing, the Portuguese midfielder took part in an institutional ce...
Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans will be key to Michael Carrick’s chances of success over a full season and of healing the rift between club and fansGuardian writers’ predicted position: 5th (NB: this is not necessarily Jamie Jackson’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)Last season’s position: 3rd Continue reading...
FC Porto has had an improved bid for Santos central defender Jair Filho turned down, with the Brazilian club insisting it wants to keep him until its season ends in December, according to Flashscore Portugal. Porto’s second offer, worth €12 million plus the permanent transfer of forward Wendel Silva back to Santos, followed an initial […] The post Porto’s improved bid for Santos defender Jair Filho rejected appeared first on SoccerNews.
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