Bandits defeated Verdes 2-4 in Premier League. The fixture is part of the Opening - Finals stage in the 2018 season. The full-time result capped a Verdes vs Bandits 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 Verdes and Bandits. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Premier LeagueBandits defeated Verdes 2-4 in Premier League. The fixture is part of the Opening - Finals stage in the 2018 season. The full-time result capped a Verdes vs Bandits 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 Verdes and Bandits. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Premier League
Verdes
BanditsRecorded meetings: 2 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Newcastle United’s search for a new midfield leader has suffered another setback, with Pierre-Emile Højbjerg turning down the chance to return to the Premier League at St James’ Park. The 31-year-old had emerged as one of Newcastle’s preferred options following an extraordinary summer of change. Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source […] The post Newcastle United suffer major transfer blow as midfielder rejects Magpies move appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Ronald Araujo was unveiled at Liverpool on Monday (Picture: Getty Images) New Liverpool signing Ronald Araujo used to get up early in the morning to watch their matches when his countryman Luis Suarez starred for the club. The Uruguayan defender has arrived at Anfield on a season-long loan deal from Barcelona, with a €55 million (£47m) buy option for the Reds. The 27-year-old has been at Barcelona since 2018, making 213 appearances for the Spanish giants and winning three La Liga titles. He has not always been a regular in the starting XI, but has featured regularly, making 38 appearances in all competitions last season. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. The Reds have brought him in as they reshape their defence following the departure of Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid. Araujo is delighted to be at Anfield, partly because of the Uruguayan connection as he watched on from his homeland when Suarez was banging in the goals for the Reds from 2011-14. ‘Of course I did,’ he said of following Suarez when he was at Liverpool. Araujo will hope to partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back (Picture: REUTERS) ‘We loved watching the English Premier League and everyone in Uruguay gets up early in the morning to catch the games. ‘Of course as a kid I used to watch Luis playing all those fantastic games for Liverpool. We all know what he achieved, the history that he made within this club during his time here. So it’s fantastic. ‘From minute one, I’ve been sort of asked about that kind of comparison since I’ve arrived here. I get on really well with him, we’re quite close. ‘Just a few minutes ago I got a good luck message from him saying all the best, you’ve joined a great club and all the very best for your time here.’ Araujo (right) played for Uruguay against England at Wembley in March (Picture: Getty Images) The Reds have another friendly coming up against Como on Saturday before starting their Premier League campaign at Newcastle on August 23. ‘I can’t wait to get started. I’m very, very happy,’ said the new arrival. ‘I’m excited to be here at this massive club with lots of history. I’m excited to meet my teammates, excited to get started playing, and I’m very motivated and really up for getting going. ‘I think it was the ideal move for me at this stage in my career. I think it was a move that was necessary for me to take. As soon as I heard that interest from Liverpool, everything went into action really, really quickly. ‘As I say, I’m super-happy to be here and excited to get started. I’m glad about the interest and it was the right move at the right time.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Jayden Bogle doesn’t expect a calm affair when Leeds play Manchester United (Picture: Getty Images) Manchester United face Leeds at Croke Park on Wednesday and the Red Devils have been told that it will not be the friendliest friendly. The rivalry between the two clubs goes back decades and has been one of the most heated in English football. On the field it has been one-sided in Manchester United’s favour for a long time, but Leeds did pick up a memorable win at Old Trafford last season. After a 1-1 draw at Elland Road in January, Leeds won the reverse fixture 2-1 in April, with Noah Okafor scoring both goals for the Yorkshire side. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Jayden Bogle started in that victory for Leeds and he is looking forward to a very competitive pre-season contest in Dublin this week. Asked if anyone can truly call this fixture a friendly, he told LUTV: ‘No, you can’t. ‘Even though it is pre-season, it is not going to be a friendly. We will recover now and then prepare for that one next.’ Leeds have won friendlies this summer against RB Leipzig, Liverpool and Sunderland (Picture: Getty Images) Red Devils boss Michael Carrick was not looking to spice things up so much, just saying he is looking forward to a trip to Ireland. It has been a typically globe-trotting pre-season for United, having played inHelsinki, Trondheim, Solna and Goteborg already this summer and with fixtures in Ireland and Wroclaw in Poland, against AC Milan, to come. ‘I’m looking forward to it,’ Carrick said of the Ireland trip. ‘It’s been, a little bit, different chapters through pre-season and we’ll get everybody together, when we get to Dublin over the next couple of days. ‘It’ll be great, two more games this week and, again, I’m looking forward to seeing the group develop.’ Man Utd drew with PSG on Saturday (Picture: Getty Images) The Red Devils’ last two friendlies have been encouraging, with a win over Atletico Madrid and a 1-1 draw against European champions PSG. Marcus Rashford has joined up with the rest of the Manchester United squad in Ireland, as his reintegration at the club continues. The England winger has been handed a new squad number – 14 – and could feature against Leeds on Wednesday. Marcus Rashford is back after a season on loan at Barcelona (Picture: Getty Images) Michael Carrick has already confirmed that Rashford will be part of the squad for their final two pre-season friendlies, saying: ‘We have a full squad next week in Dublin. ‘We fly straight there and meet Leeds on Wednesday. We have a few days in Dublin where we have the whole squad, including Marcus, Kobbie [Mainoo] and Lisandro [Martinez]. ‘I’ve played with him [Rashford]. I played in the game he made his debut, so we have a history.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Manchester City beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 on Sunday, with Omar Marmoush scoring twice (Picture: Getty Images) Omar Marmoush scored twice for Manchester City in a friendly win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday, but manager Enzo Maresca was coy on his future at the club. The Premier League side beat the Atletico 3-1 in Seoul as the new season approaches, with Jorge Dominguez putting the Spaniards ahead. Marmoush then scored twice, before Rayan Ait-Nouri netted a third at the death. With Erling Haaland yet to return to action after the World Cup, Marmoush started up front and took his chance to impress the new City boss. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. However, he remains linked with a move away from the club as his playing time is limited by the presence of Haaland in the squad. The Egyptian made 21 Premier League appearances last season, but 13 of them were from the substitutes’ bench and he scored just three league goals. Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have been linked with moves for the 27-year-old and Maresca did not rule out an exit after his goal-scoring heroics against Atletico. Enzo Maresca is taking on the huge task of replacing Pep Guardiola (Picture: AP Photo) In fact, the Italian spoke of Marmoush in the same manner as James Trafford, the goalkeeper who has left City this summer to sign for Leeds United. ‘The answer has to be similar to the one I answer about James Trafford. Players work every day, they want to play so when they don’t play they are not happy,’ Maresca said, via the Manchester Evening News. ‘Omar did not play a lot last year so his desire is probably to play more minutes. It doesn’t mean that he isn’t going to play more minutes here but it’s also his decision, and to understand his decision in details.’ Marmoush was not speaking like a player itching for a move after the win on Sunday, quickly turning attention to next weekend’s Community Shield, in which he will hope to star as well. That assist 🤯Semenyo tees up Marmoush to level the scores in Seoul! ✨ pic.twitter.com/mrGDxDBhHz— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 9, 2026 ‘I’m enjoying myself a lot. Obviously, as a striker, it gives you confidence, and it gets you going in the flow, and I just had to tap it on the net, and I’d like to thank [Antoine Semenyo, for the assist], of course, and yeah, it just gives me confidence in the preseason. It feels good, next is the Community Shield. ‘We’re trying to learn the new tactics, the patterns, and what the coach demands from us, and I think we’re starting to get the hang of it. ‘Obviously, after 10 years, what Pep did here was unbelievable. It’s not easy after the change, but we’ve done really well, and we’ll go back home and keep going. Antoine Semenyo impressed in Seoul (Picture: REUTERS) ‘The summer was amazing. I also got married as well, so I had the best days of my life and it’s amazing to be back. ‘The culture here is so nice. I’d like to thank all the fans for this unbelievable support. ‘I felt the warmth. All of us felt it. The stadium was full today. Their culture is amazing. The food. I love their food, and we had a couple of amazing weeks.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Rodri's agent Pablo Barquero revealed that he decided to join FC Barcelona despite Real Madrid's "unrefusable" offer. Rodri dominated soccer headlines on Thursday following reports of his decision to join FC Barcelona despite holding extensive contract talks with Real Madrid over recent weeks. With a transfer nearing completion, the star midfielder’s agent revealed that his client chose the Blaugrana despite receiving an offer from Los Blancos that was described as “unrefusable.” According to Cadena SER reporter Nil Sola, Rodri opened the door to joining Barcelona during the 2026 summer transfer window. Even though Real Madrid actively pursued his signature following the World Cup, with manager Jose Mourinho and club president Florentino Perez directly involved in recruiting efforts, Barcelona entered the race late to secure the high-profile commitment. Following a discussion with Pablo Barquero, Rodri’s agent, journalist Anton Meana shared details on why the midfielder ultimately selected Barcelona over Real Madrid: “The offer is really good; both the agent and Rodri appreciate the class, dignity, respect, and manner with which Madrid handled the negotiations.” Barquero highlighted just how invested Real Madrid’s front office was in landing his client. “Real Madrid made an unrefusable offer to Rodri after the World Cup. Madrid were serious about going after Rodri and put everything on the table so that he would play for Madrid. From their president down to the general director, everyone worked so that Rodri could play for Real Madrid,” he added. Rodri #16 of Spain lifts the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy. (David Ramos/Getty Images) Under new manager Enzo Maresca, Manchester City were eager to retain Rodri as a cornerstone of its squad, but the midfielder’s contract situation, entering its final year through June 2027, forced the Premier League club to either secure an extension or sell him before losing him for free. With Rodri determined to return to Spain, Real Madrid launched a major bid for the World Cup champion, only for the player to lean toward their fiercest rivals. Despite Madrid’s persistent interest and lucrative package, Rodri’s camp officially communicated his choice to Los Blancos. “The conversations were positive and they have been negotiating over these past two weeks, but Rodri has made the decision to choose another offer, and he’s told them his decision,” the agent concluded. Final financial hurdles remain before official unveiling Rodri’s decision is reportedly finalized, and at 30 years old, the Spanish star is set to make his return to La Liga with Barcelona as his destination. According to Diario AS, personal terms are fully agreed upon, with the midfielder expected to sign a four-year contract featuring a €30 million (around $33 million USD) gross annual salary, though one final detail remains before finalizing the move. An official agreement on the transfer fee between Barcelona and Manchester City has yet to be finalized. Diario AS reports that the acquisition will cost roughly €60 million (around $66 million USD), a sum Barcelona can now accommodate after parting ways with high earners such as Robert Lewandowski, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Marcus Rashford, freeing up significant payroll flexibility to invest in a marquee signing like Rodri.
#FIFA's crisis meeting and apology haven't convinced #Europe's #football governing body. In a statement published on August 6, the #UEFA said it would maintain its #WorldCup #boycott over FIFA's plan to open up competitions to private investment.
Arsenal have a leadership group that supports club captain Martin Odegaard but, with the addition of Bruno Guimaraes, they will be bringing in a player who is a natural leader. Guimaraes became Newcastle's talisman during his time at St James' Park and, as Arteta looks to maximise every marginal gain he can, the Brazilian's ability and his way of connecting with supporters will be another weapon. Arsenal have had campaigns seriously affected by injury, but Guimaraes has missed just 16 Premier League games since he signed for Newcastle in 2022.
Highly rated set-piece coach Austin MacPhee has joined Chelsea's pre-season tour in Hong Kong after moving from Aston Villa. The Scottish coach, 46, joins for an undisclosed release-clause fee in his contract amid competition from other Premier League and Saudi Pro League teams. MacPhee has also been working with the Portugal national team for the past five years under Roberto Martinez, who resigned after the World Cup.
Everything was looking rosy for Howe at St James’ Park until Alexander Isak’s departure led to rushed signings and a messy seasonLast September, David Hopkinson, just installed as Newcastle’s chief executive, perched on a stool at a downstairs corner table in Shearer’s Bar at St James’ Park and between sips of zero alcohol lager, likened Eddie Howe to Bruce Springsteen. According to Hopkinson, Newcastle’s manager was “the Boss” and “the talent”. He conjured up an imaginary scene involving Springsteen asking for M&M’s before a concert and being duly supplied with a dressing room overflowing with the brightly coloured confectionery. The same principle, he said, would apply to “Eddie”, who would e furnished with “whatever he wants”.Six months later, things had changed. In late March, Hopkinson sat around a heavy wooden table in a St James’ Park boardroom and, between sips of coffee, said he did not “have a stance on the manager’s future”. What he could tell assembled reporters was that a recent home defeat by Sunderland “hurt”. It “resonated” and was being taken “seriously”. Given that Newcastle had just lost a Champions League tie 8-3 to Barcelona on aggregate and were en route to finishing 12th in the Premier League, Howe admitted to “sleepless nights” before a summit with the club’s majority Saudi Arabian ownership at Matfen Hall hotel in Northumberland the following month. Continue reading...
Amid AC Milan’s reconstruction, Rafael Leao’s future has remained quite controversial, as it has not yet been defined. In response, head coach Ruben Amorim gives a clear answer, seeking to end the controversy surrounding the Portuguese star. After a disappointing end to the season, AC Milan have decided to begin a reconstruction of their sporting project. Amid this process, Rafael Leao has put his future in doubt, making it clear that he wants to leave. Despite this, he has not found a team yet, creating a lot of debate around his situation. In response, head coach Ruben Amorim has broken his silence on the matter, making his position clear. “He is our player until anything changes, the team comes first. It is not too complicated, for me the team is the most important thing… I will speak with Rafael, with [Goncalo] Ramos, with [Alexis] Saelemaekers, with all the players returning from the World Cup to explain what we will do. I know there is a lot of speculation about some of our players, but they remain ours until anything changes,” Ruben Amorim said, as per Gianluca Dimarzio. At the end of the 2025-26 season, Rafael Leao publicly announced his desire to leave AC Milan. However, he has a contract with the Rossoneri until 2028, so his departure is not easy at all. Instead of creating more noise around the star’s future, Ruben Amorim has looked to keep the focus on the team, opening the door to his continuity if he wants it himself. Amid the criticism, Leao established as one of the Rossoneri’s most important players. In 31 games, he scored 10 goals and provided 3 assists, playing out of position. However, Ruben Amorim could find his best version again, using him as a left winger and giving him more prominence. In addition, he has reportedly not received any offers from the Premier League or LaLiga, his two preferred options. Rafael Leao of AC Milan competes for the ball with Manuel Akanji of FC Inter. Report: Fenerbahce chase Rafael Leao in a €42M move from AC Milan Rafael Leao was determined to leave AC Milan, looking to move to the Premier League or LaLiga. However, he has not received concrete offers from either of the two leagues, as teams are prioritizing other moves in different positions. Therefore, the 27-year-old star only has one real possibility left: Fenerbahce. The Turkish side is reportedly pursuing the Portuguese player in a €42M move. According to Sport Mediaset, Fenerbahce have made a formal offer to AC Milan for Rafael Leao, in a €42M operation. They are proposing a loan deal with a mandatory purchase option worth €35M, along with a €5M fee and €2M in performance-based add-ons. However, the Rossoneri remain firm: A direct transfer worth €50M. In addition, the Turkish side has not yet secured its place in the Champions League, preventing Leao from accepting.
Bournemouth centre-back James Hill says that new manager Marco Rose is allowing him and his Cherries team-mates to dream. Following the departure of former manager Andoni Iraola, Rose was brought in to fulfil the Spaniard's legacy, leading Bournemouth in their first European campaign - in addition to performing competitively in the Premier League following a sixth-placed finish. Hill said Rose has made a strong start and praised his encouragement of a "family-first" approach as the defender awaits the birth of his first child.
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Newcastle United’s search for a new midfield leader has suffered another setback, with Pierre-Emile Højbjerg turning down the chance to return to the Premier League at St James’ Park. The 31-year-old had emerged as one of Newcastle’s preferred options following an extraordinary summer of change. Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source […] The post Newcastle United suffer major transfer blow as midfielder rejects Magpies move appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Ronald Araujo was unveiled at Liverpool on Monday (Picture: Getty Images) New Liverpool signing Ronald Araujo used to get up early in the morning to watch their matches when his countryman Luis Suarez starred for the club. The Uruguayan defender has arrived at Anfield on a season-long loan deal from Barcelona, with a €55 million (£47m) buy option for the Reds. The 27-year-old has been at Barcelona since 2018, making 213 appearances for the Spanish giants and winning three La Liga titles. He has not always been a regular in the starting XI, but has featured regularly, making 38 appearances in all competitions last season. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. The Reds have brought him in as they reshape their defence following the departure of Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid. Araujo is delighted to be at Anfield, partly because of the Uruguayan connection as he watched on from his homeland when Suarez was banging in the goals for the Reds from 2011-14. ‘Of course I did,’ he said of following Suarez when he was at Liverpool. Araujo will hope to partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back (Picture: REUTERS) ‘We loved watching the English Premier League and everyone in Uruguay gets up early in the morning to catch the games. ‘Of course as a kid I used to watch Luis playing all those fantastic games for Liverpool. We all know what he achieved, the history that he made within this club during his time here. So it’s fantastic. ‘From minute one, I’ve been sort of asked about that kind of comparison since I’ve arrived here. I get on really well with him, we’re quite close. ‘Just a few minutes ago I got a good luck message from him saying all the best, you’ve joined a great club and all the very best for your time here.’ Araujo (right) played for Uruguay against England at Wembley in March (Picture: Getty Images) The Reds have another friendly coming up against Como on Saturday before starting their Premier League campaign at Newcastle on August 23. ‘I can’t wait to get started. I’m very, very happy,’ said the new arrival. ‘I’m excited to be here at this massive club with lots of history. I’m excited to meet my teammates, excited to get started playing, and I’m very motivated and really up for getting going. ‘I think it was the ideal move for me at this stage in my career. I think it was a move that was necessary for me to take. As soon as I heard that interest from Liverpool, everything went into action really, really quickly. ‘As I say, I’m super-happy to be here and excited to get started. I’m glad about the interest and it was the right move at the right time.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Jayden Bogle doesn’t expect a calm affair when Leeds play Manchester United (Picture: Getty Images) Manchester United face Leeds at Croke Park on Wednesday and the Red Devils have been told that it will not be the friendliest friendly. The rivalry between the two clubs goes back decades and has been one of the most heated in English football. On the field it has been one-sided in Manchester United’s favour for a long time, but Leeds did pick up a memorable win at Old Trafford last season. After a 1-1 draw at Elland Road in January, Leeds won the reverse fixture 2-1 in April, with Noah Okafor scoring both goals for the Yorkshire side. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Jayden Bogle started in that victory for Leeds and he is looking forward to a very competitive pre-season contest in Dublin this week. Asked if anyone can truly call this fixture a friendly, he told LUTV: ‘No, you can’t. ‘Even though it is pre-season, it is not going to be a friendly. We will recover now and then prepare for that one next.’ Leeds have won friendlies this summer against RB Leipzig, Liverpool and Sunderland (Picture: Getty Images) Red Devils boss Michael Carrick was not looking to spice things up so much, just saying he is looking forward to a trip to Ireland. It has been a typically globe-trotting pre-season for United, having played inHelsinki, Trondheim, Solna and Goteborg already this summer and with fixtures in Ireland and Wroclaw in Poland, against AC Milan, to come. ‘I’m looking forward to it,’ Carrick said of the Ireland trip. ‘It’s been, a little bit, different chapters through pre-season and we’ll get everybody together, when we get to Dublin over the next couple of days. ‘It’ll be great, two more games this week and, again, I’m looking forward to seeing the group develop.’ Man Utd drew with PSG on Saturday (Picture: Getty Images) The Red Devils’ last two friendlies have been encouraging, with a win over Atletico Madrid and a 1-1 draw against European champions PSG. Marcus Rashford has joined up with the rest of the Manchester United squad in Ireland, as his reintegration at the club continues. The England winger has been handed a new squad number – 14 – and could feature against Leeds on Wednesday. Marcus Rashford is back after a season on loan at Barcelona (Picture: Getty Images) Michael Carrick has already confirmed that Rashford will be part of the squad for their final two pre-season friendlies, saying: ‘We have a full squad next week in Dublin. ‘We fly straight there and meet Leeds on Wednesday. We have a few days in Dublin where we have the whole squad, including Marcus, Kobbie [Mainoo] and Lisandro [Martinez]. ‘I’ve played with him [Rashford]. I played in the game he made his debut, so we have a history.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Manchester City beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 on Sunday, with Omar Marmoush scoring twice (Picture: Getty Images) Omar Marmoush scored twice for Manchester City in a friendly win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday, but manager Enzo Maresca was coy on his future at the club. The Premier League side beat the Atletico 3-1 in Seoul as the new season approaches, with Jorge Dominguez putting the Spaniards ahead. Marmoush then scored twice, before Rayan Ait-Nouri netted a third at the death. With Erling Haaland yet to return to action after the World Cup, Marmoush started up front and took his chance to impress the new City boss. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. However, he remains linked with a move away from the club as his playing time is limited by the presence of Haaland in the squad. The Egyptian made 21 Premier League appearances last season, but 13 of them were from the substitutes’ bench and he scored just three league goals. Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have been linked with moves for the 27-year-old and Maresca did not rule out an exit after his goal-scoring heroics against Atletico. Enzo Maresca is taking on the huge task of replacing Pep Guardiola (Picture: AP Photo) In fact, the Italian spoke of Marmoush in the same manner as James Trafford, the goalkeeper who has left City this summer to sign for Leeds United. ‘The answer has to be similar to the one I answer about James Trafford. Players work every day, they want to play so when they don’t play they are not happy,’ Maresca said, via the Manchester Evening News. ‘Omar did not play a lot last year so his desire is probably to play more minutes. It doesn’t mean that he isn’t going to play more minutes here but it’s also his decision, and to understand his decision in details.’ Marmoush was not speaking like a player itching for a move after the win on Sunday, quickly turning attention to next weekend’s Community Shield, in which he will hope to star as well. That assist 🤯Semenyo tees up Marmoush to level the scores in Seoul! ✨ pic.twitter.com/mrGDxDBhHz— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 9, 2026 ‘I’m enjoying myself a lot. Obviously, as a striker, it gives you confidence, and it gets you going in the flow, and I just had to tap it on the net, and I’d like to thank [Antoine Semenyo, for the assist], of course, and yeah, it just gives me confidence in the preseason. It feels good, next is the Community Shield. ‘We’re trying to learn the new tactics, the patterns, and what the coach demands from us, and I think we’re starting to get the hang of it. ‘Obviously, after 10 years, what Pep did here was unbelievable. It’s not easy after the change, but we’ve done really well, and we’ll go back home and keep going. Antoine Semenyo impressed in Seoul (Picture: REUTERS) ‘The summer was amazing. I also got married as well, so I had the best days of my life and it’s amazing to be back. ‘The culture here is so nice. I’d like to thank all the fans for this unbelievable support. ‘I felt the warmth. All of us felt it. The stadium was full today. Their culture is amazing. The food. I love their food, and we had a couple of amazing weeks.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Rodri's agent Pablo Barquero revealed that he decided to join FC Barcelona despite Real Madrid's "unrefusable" offer. Rodri dominated soccer headlines on Thursday following reports of his decision to join FC Barcelona despite holding extensive contract talks with Real Madrid over recent weeks. With a transfer nearing completion, the star midfielder’s agent revealed that his client chose the Blaugrana despite receiving an offer from Los Blancos that was described as “unrefusable.” According to Cadena SER reporter Nil Sola, Rodri opened the door to joining Barcelona during the 2026 summer transfer window. Even though Real Madrid actively pursued his signature following the World Cup, with manager Jose Mourinho and club president Florentino Perez directly involved in recruiting efforts, Barcelona entered the race late to secure the high-profile commitment. Following a discussion with Pablo Barquero, Rodri’s agent, journalist Anton Meana shared details on why the midfielder ultimately selected Barcelona over Real Madrid: “The offer is really good; both the agent and Rodri appreciate the class, dignity, respect, and manner with which Madrid handled the negotiations.” Barquero highlighted just how invested Real Madrid’s front office was in landing his client. “Real Madrid made an unrefusable offer to Rodri after the World Cup. Madrid were serious about going after Rodri and put everything on the table so that he would play for Madrid. From their president down to the general director, everyone worked so that Rodri could play for Real Madrid,” he added. Rodri #16 of Spain lifts the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy. (David Ramos/Getty Images) Under new manager Enzo Maresca, Manchester City were eager to retain Rodri as a cornerstone of its squad, but the midfielder’s contract situation, entering its final year through June 2027, forced the Premier League club to either secure an extension or sell him before losing him for free. With Rodri determined to return to Spain, Real Madrid launched a major bid for the World Cup champion, only for the player to lean toward their fiercest rivals. Despite Madrid’s persistent interest and lucrative package, Rodri’s camp officially communicated his choice to Los Blancos. “The conversations were positive and they have been negotiating over these past two weeks, but Rodri has made the decision to choose another offer, and he’s told them his decision,” the agent concluded. Final financial hurdles remain before official unveiling Rodri’s decision is reportedly finalized, and at 30 years old, the Spanish star is set to make his return to La Liga with Barcelona as his destination. According to Diario AS, personal terms are fully agreed upon, with the midfielder expected to sign a four-year contract featuring a €30 million (around $33 million USD) gross annual salary, though one final detail remains before finalizing the move. An official agreement on the transfer fee between Barcelona and Manchester City has yet to be finalized. Diario AS reports that the acquisition will cost roughly €60 million (around $66 million USD), a sum Barcelona can now accommodate after parting ways with high earners such as Robert Lewandowski, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Marcus Rashford, freeing up significant payroll flexibility to invest in a marquee signing like Rodri.
#FIFA's crisis meeting and apology haven't convinced #Europe's #football governing body. In a statement published on August 6, the #UEFA said it would maintain its #WorldCup #boycott over FIFA's plan to open up competitions to private investment.
Arsenal have a leadership group that supports club captain Martin Odegaard but, with the addition of Bruno Guimaraes, they will be bringing in a player who is a natural leader. Guimaraes became Newcastle's talisman during his time at St James' Park and, as Arteta looks to maximise every marginal gain he can, the Brazilian's ability and his way of connecting with supporters will be another weapon. Arsenal have had campaigns seriously affected by injury, but Guimaraes has missed just 16 Premier League games since he signed for Newcastle in 2022.
Highly rated set-piece coach Austin MacPhee has joined Chelsea's pre-season tour in Hong Kong after moving from Aston Villa. The Scottish coach, 46, joins for an undisclosed release-clause fee in his contract amid competition from other Premier League and Saudi Pro League teams. MacPhee has also been working with the Portugal national team for the past five years under Roberto Martinez, who resigned after the World Cup.
Everything was looking rosy for Howe at St James’ Park until Alexander Isak’s departure led to rushed signings and a messy seasonLast September, David Hopkinson, just installed as Newcastle’s chief executive, perched on a stool at a downstairs corner table in Shearer’s Bar at St James’ Park and between sips of zero alcohol lager, likened Eddie Howe to Bruce Springsteen. According to Hopkinson, Newcastle’s manager was “the Boss” and “the talent”. He conjured up an imaginary scene involving Springsteen asking for M&M’s before a concert and being duly supplied with a dressing room overflowing with the brightly coloured confectionery. The same principle, he said, would apply to “Eddie”, who would e furnished with “whatever he wants”.Six months later, things had changed. In late March, Hopkinson sat around a heavy wooden table in a St James’ Park boardroom and, between sips of coffee, said he did not “have a stance on the manager’s future”. What he could tell assembled reporters was that a recent home defeat by Sunderland “hurt”. It “resonated” and was being taken “seriously”. Given that Newcastle had just lost a Champions League tie 8-3 to Barcelona on aggregate and were en route to finishing 12th in the Premier League, Howe admitted to “sleepless nights” before a summit with the club’s majority Saudi Arabian ownership at Matfen Hall hotel in Northumberland the following month. Continue reading...
Amid AC Milan’s reconstruction, Rafael Leao’s future has remained quite controversial, as it has not yet been defined. In response, head coach Ruben Amorim gives a clear answer, seeking to end the controversy surrounding the Portuguese star. After a disappointing end to the season, AC Milan have decided to begin a reconstruction of their sporting project. Amid this process, Rafael Leao has put his future in doubt, making it clear that he wants to leave. Despite this, he has not found a team yet, creating a lot of debate around his situation. In response, head coach Ruben Amorim has broken his silence on the matter, making his position clear. “He is our player until anything changes, the team comes first. It is not too complicated, for me the team is the most important thing… I will speak with Rafael, with [Goncalo] Ramos, with [Alexis] Saelemaekers, with all the players returning from the World Cup to explain what we will do. I know there is a lot of speculation about some of our players, but they remain ours until anything changes,” Ruben Amorim said, as per Gianluca Dimarzio. At the end of the 2025-26 season, Rafael Leao publicly announced his desire to leave AC Milan. However, he has a contract with the Rossoneri until 2028, so his departure is not easy at all. Instead of creating more noise around the star’s future, Ruben Amorim has looked to keep the focus on the team, opening the door to his continuity if he wants it himself. Amid the criticism, Leao established as one of the Rossoneri’s most important players. In 31 games, he scored 10 goals and provided 3 assists, playing out of position. However, Ruben Amorim could find his best version again, using him as a left winger and giving him more prominence. In addition, he has reportedly not received any offers from the Premier League or LaLiga, his two preferred options. Rafael Leao of AC Milan competes for the ball with Manuel Akanji of FC Inter. Report: Fenerbahce chase Rafael Leao in a €42M move from AC Milan Rafael Leao was determined to leave AC Milan, looking to move to the Premier League or LaLiga. However, he has not received concrete offers from either of the two leagues, as teams are prioritizing other moves in different positions. Therefore, the 27-year-old star only has one real possibility left: Fenerbahce. The Turkish side is reportedly pursuing the Portuguese player in a €42M move. According to Sport Mediaset, Fenerbahce have made a formal offer to AC Milan for Rafael Leao, in a €42M operation. They are proposing a loan deal with a mandatory purchase option worth €35M, along with a €5M fee and €2M in performance-based add-ons. However, the Rossoneri remain firm: A direct transfer worth €50M. In addition, the Turkish side has not yet secured its place in the Champions League, preventing Leao from accepting.
Bournemouth centre-back James Hill says that new manager Marco Rose is allowing him and his Cherries team-mates to dream. Following the departure of former manager Andoni Iraola, Rose was brought in to fulfil the Spaniard's legacy, leading Bournemouth in their first European campaign - in addition to performing competitively in the Premier League following a sixth-placed finish. Hill said Rose has made a strong start and praised his encouragement of a "family-first" approach as the defender awaits the birth of his first child.
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