Match story
- Inter created the clearer chances on xG (0.62 vs 2.35, Δ 1.73).
- Inter fired more attempts (16 vs 12 shots).
- Inter was more accurate in front of goal (38% on target vs 25%).
- Inter held more of the ball (64% possession).
Inter defeated Salernitana 0-4 in Serie A. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 7 stage in the 2023 season. The match was played at Stadio Arechi in Salerno. R. Abisso officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Salernitana vs Inter meeting in Serie A 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 Salernitana and Inter. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Serie ARecorded meetings: 4 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Inter defeated Salernitana 0-4 in Serie A. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 7 stage in the 2023 season. The match was played at Stadio Arechi in Salerno. R. Abisso officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Salernitana vs Inter meeting in Serie A 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 Salernitana and Inter. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Serie ARecorded meetings: 4 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Inter Miami take on the Philadelphia Union in the 2026 MLS, where they won't be able to count on Rodrigo De Paul for this match. Rodrigo De Paul will be a notable absence when Inter Miami travel to face the Philadelphia Union for the 2026 MLS season. The Argentine midfielder has racked up enough yellow cards over the course of the campaign to trigger an automatic one-match ban under MLS’s accumulation rules, ruling him out of the starting lineup for this game. The suspension comes at an inconvenient time for Guillermo Hoyos, who will need to reshuffle his midfield. De Paul has been a near-constant fixture in Miami’s XI since arriving, and his absence leaves a gap both defensively and offensively. This isn’t the first time De Paul has sat out an MLS match this year. Earlier in the campaign, he was also left out against the Chicago Fire and CF Montreal as part of a managed workload following Argentina’s exhausting World Cup run. In those games, the Herons managed to win both matches without Lionel Messi as well. With De Paul sidelined, Miami will likely lean on Casemiro as the midfield engine, while Messi remains the team focal point. The absence is a one-match issue rather than a long-term concern, and De Paul will be back once the suspension is served. Looking ahead, together 🫡⚽️ pic.twitter.com/92PgwDQ76P— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 19, 2026 Inter Miami looking to snap a three-game losing skid Beyond the De Paul suspension, this match carries extra weight for Inter Miami, who arrive in Philadelphia in the middle of their worst stretch of the season. The Herons have lost three straight games, two Leagues Cup matches that ended Miami’s tournament campaign, followed by a 4-1 collapse against Nashville SC in which Messi missed his third consecutive penalty. Despite the skid, Miami still sit second in the MLS standings at 39 points from 19 games, and a result against Philadelphia would go a long way toward steadying the ship before the stretch run.
The Philadelphia Union host Inter Miami in a high-stakes 2026 MLS season Eastern Conference fixture at Subaru Park. Here are all the details on how to watch this match live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami WHAT MLS 2026 season WHEN 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT • Wednesday, August 19, 2026 WHERE Apple TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview Inter Miami hold second place in the 2026 MLS Eastern Conference standings with 38 points from 19 matches. A recent 4-1 loss to Nashville SC created a five-point gap with the conference leaders. As for the Philadelphia Union, they have struggled to find consistency this campaign. The club carries a 5-4-10 record with 19 points, sitting in 13th place just above CF Montreal and Atlanta United FC. Details on how to watch Apple TV is the home for Major League Soccer – where you can watch Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami and every MLS and Leagues Cup game. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple TV, smartphone, tablet, Roku, and other smart streaming devices. Apple TV will stream every MLS game – including MLS Cup Playoffs and Leagues Cup – with no blackouts. Apple TV is available on all Apple iOS devices, Mac, PC, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick, Android TV, Google TV, LG smart TVs, Panasonic smart TVs, Playstation 4 & 5, Roku streaming devices and smart TVs, Samsung smart TVs, Sony smart TVs, Vizio smart TVs, and Xbox One, One S, Series X and Series S. In addition, you can AirPlay or cast from your phone or computer to any compatible screen. SEE MORE: Schedule of Leagues Cup games on US TV and streaming How to watch anywhere with VPN If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
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
After talks for Julian Alvarez stalled, Barcelona are reportedly looking at Lautaro Martinez to reinforce their attack. Barcelona’s search for a new center-forward has taken a fresh turn, with Lautaro Martinez emerging as the club’s top target as their pursuit of Julian Alvarez hits a wall. With no resolution in sight with Atletico Madrid over Alvarez, Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco have reportedly shifted their focus toward Inter Milan’s captain in these final days of the transfer window. According to Jijantes‘ Gerard Romero, Lautaro is now the name Barcelona are putting all their effort behind. “Lautaro Martinez is the name Hansi Flick and Barca are working to close. It’s a very difficult operation, agreed, but it’s priority number one. There was Julian, Lautaro and the rest of the options,” Romero reported. The Argentine forward’s camp appears open to the idea. Romero added that a recent meeting between Deco and Lautaro’s agent in Madrid was meant to lay the groundwork and gauge real interest. “Lautaro opened the door to Barca, and now Lautaro is the top option. We’ll see how these next 10 days play out, but Lautaro is out in front to be the striker Barca are looking for,” he added. Any deal will still require serious negotiation with Inter, since Lautaro has a contract through June 2029 with no release clause, and his transfer value is estimated at around €85 million by Transfermarkt. Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan. (Getty Images) Barcelona will need to reach an agreement with the Italian club before Europe’s transfer window closes on September 1, all while having already wrapped up the signings of Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon, Jesse Bisiwu and Rodri earlier this summer. Julian Alvarez looks set to stay at Atletico Madrid Despite Barcelona’s shifting focus, one thing seems increasingly clear: Julian Alvarez isn’t going anywhere this summer. Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo reaffirmed the club’s stance while speaking to the media, insisting the forward was never for sale. “I already said from the start that he wasn’t being sold, that he was our player and an important piece of our team. As an important piece, we want him, we like having him with us, and I think he’s going to have a magnificent season,” Cerezo said. He also brushed off the tension from Alvarez’s public request to leave, adding, “I don’t know if he’ll apologize, but Julian is an excellent person, and I’m sure he’ll win the fans back over within two matches“. Diego Simeone still left Alvarez out of the squad for the LaLiga opener against Malaga, a decision tied both to his late return from vacation and the standoff over his proposed exit, but with Cerezo’s comments making Atletico’s position unmistakably clear, all signs now point to Alvarez staying put for at least one more season.
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
He is replacing a World Cup winner and is his country’s first Premier League keeper, but Villa’s new signing has already dealt with harder challengesIn November 2001, the first Japanese goalkeeper to play English league football conceded a goal within the first minute of his debut. Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi may have struggled for second-tier Portsmouth, conceding 21 times in his 12 league games after being spotted by the then director of football, Harry Redknapp, but he also produced some world-class saves and had glowing things to say about the Royal Mail.Replaced by a 42-year-old Dave Beasant, Kawaguchi nevertheless remains a cult hero on the south coast, as a standing ovation in his final game demonstrated. Despite going on to play 116 times for Japan, he never made the jump to the Premier League. Now though, finally, Japan has a No 1 in the top flight. Continue reading...
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Inter Miami take on the Philadelphia Union in the 2026 MLS, where they won't be able to count on Rodrigo De Paul for this match. Rodrigo De Paul will be a notable absence when Inter Miami travel to face the Philadelphia Union for the 2026 MLS season. The Argentine midfielder has racked up enough yellow cards over the course of the campaign to trigger an automatic one-match ban under MLS’s accumulation rules, ruling him out of the starting lineup for this game. The suspension comes at an inconvenient time for Guillermo Hoyos, who will need to reshuffle his midfield. De Paul has been a near-constant fixture in Miami’s XI since arriving, and his absence leaves a gap both defensively and offensively. This isn’t the first time De Paul has sat out an MLS match this year. Earlier in the campaign, he was also left out against the Chicago Fire and CF Montreal as part of a managed workload following Argentina’s exhausting World Cup run. In those games, the Herons managed to win both matches without Lionel Messi as well. With De Paul sidelined, Miami will likely lean on Casemiro as the midfield engine, while Messi remains the team focal point. The absence is a one-match issue rather than a long-term concern, and De Paul will be back once the suspension is served. Looking ahead, together 🫡⚽️ pic.twitter.com/92PgwDQ76P— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 19, 2026 Inter Miami looking to snap a three-game losing skid Beyond the De Paul suspension, this match carries extra weight for Inter Miami, who arrive in Philadelphia in the middle of their worst stretch of the season. The Herons have lost three straight games, two Leagues Cup matches that ended Miami’s tournament campaign, followed by a 4-1 collapse against Nashville SC in which Messi missed his third consecutive penalty. Despite the skid, Miami still sit second in the MLS standings at 39 points from 19 games, and a result against Philadelphia would go a long way toward steadying the ship before the stretch run.
The Philadelphia Union host Inter Miami in a high-stakes 2026 MLS season Eastern Conference fixture at Subaru Park. Here are all the details on how to watch this match live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami WHAT MLS 2026 season WHEN 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT • Wednesday, August 19, 2026 WHERE Apple TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview Inter Miami hold second place in the 2026 MLS Eastern Conference standings with 38 points from 19 matches. A recent 4-1 loss to Nashville SC created a five-point gap with the conference leaders. As for the Philadelphia Union, they have struggled to find consistency this campaign. The club carries a 5-4-10 record with 19 points, sitting in 13th place just above CF Montreal and Atlanta United FC. Details on how to watch Apple TV is the home for Major League Soccer – where you can watch Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami and every MLS and Leagues Cup game. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple TV, smartphone, tablet, Roku, and other smart streaming devices. Apple TV will stream every MLS game – including MLS Cup Playoffs and Leagues Cup – with no blackouts. Apple TV is available on all Apple iOS devices, Mac, PC, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick, Android TV, Google TV, LG smart TVs, Panasonic smart TVs, Playstation 4 & 5, Roku streaming devices and smart TVs, Samsung smart TVs, Sony smart TVs, Vizio smart TVs, and Xbox One, One S, Series X and Series S. In addition, you can AirPlay or cast from your phone or computer to any compatible screen. SEE MORE: Schedule of Leagues Cup games on US TV and streaming How to watch anywhere with VPN If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
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
After talks for Julian Alvarez stalled, Barcelona are reportedly looking at Lautaro Martinez to reinforce their attack. Barcelona’s search for a new center-forward has taken a fresh turn, with Lautaro Martinez emerging as the club’s top target as their pursuit of Julian Alvarez hits a wall. With no resolution in sight with Atletico Madrid over Alvarez, Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco have reportedly shifted their focus toward Inter Milan’s captain in these final days of the transfer window. According to Jijantes‘ Gerard Romero, Lautaro is now the name Barcelona are putting all their effort behind. “Lautaro Martinez is the name Hansi Flick and Barca are working to close. It’s a very difficult operation, agreed, but it’s priority number one. There was Julian, Lautaro and the rest of the options,” Romero reported. The Argentine forward’s camp appears open to the idea. Romero added that a recent meeting between Deco and Lautaro’s agent in Madrid was meant to lay the groundwork and gauge real interest. “Lautaro opened the door to Barca, and now Lautaro is the top option. We’ll see how these next 10 days play out, but Lautaro is out in front to be the striker Barca are looking for,” he added. Any deal will still require serious negotiation with Inter, since Lautaro has a contract through June 2029 with no release clause, and his transfer value is estimated at around €85 million by Transfermarkt. Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan. (Getty Images) Barcelona will need to reach an agreement with the Italian club before Europe’s transfer window closes on September 1, all while having already wrapped up the signings of Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon, Jesse Bisiwu and Rodri earlier this summer. Julian Alvarez looks set to stay at Atletico Madrid Despite Barcelona’s shifting focus, one thing seems increasingly clear: Julian Alvarez isn’t going anywhere this summer. Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo reaffirmed the club’s stance while speaking to the media, insisting the forward was never for sale. “I already said from the start that he wasn’t being sold, that he was our player and an important piece of our team. As an important piece, we want him, we like having him with us, and I think he’s going to have a magnificent season,” Cerezo said. He also brushed off the tension from Alvarez’s public request to leave, adding, “I don’t know if he’ll apologize, but Julian is an excellent person, and I’m sure he’ll win the fans back over within two matches“. Diego Simeone still left Alvarez out of the squad for the LaLiga opener against Malaga, a decision tied both to his late return from vacation and the standoff over his proposed exit, but with Cerezo’s comments making Atletico’s position unmistakably clear, all signs now point to Alvarez staying put for at least one more season.
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
He is replacing a World Cup winner and is his country’s first Premier League keeper, but Villa’s new signing has already dealt with harder challengesIn November 2001, the first Japanese goalkeeper to play English league football conceded a goal within the first minute of his debut. Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi may have struggled for second-tier Portsmouth, conceding 21 times in his 12 league games after being spotted by the then director of football, Harry Redknapp, but he also produced some world-class saves and had glowing things to say about the Royal Mail.Replaced by a 42-year-old Dave Beasant, Kawaguchi nevertheless remains a cult hero on the south coast, as a standing ovation in his final game demonstrated. Despite going on to play 116 times for Japan, he never made the jump to the Premier League. Now though, finally, Japan has a No 1 in the top flight. Continue reading...
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