August 16 – The AFC today held the draw for its reconfigured two-tier Champions League club competitions which will see the expanded AFC Champions League Elite open with a Swiss style ‘League Stage’ for the first time. For the 2024/25 competitions the qualified club were divided into two leagues of 12 teams in each of the West and East regions, …
Read More »Newcastle United contact Barcelona for €40 million-rated defender – report
With two weeks left before the transfer window slams shut, Barcelona are expected to be a hub of activity with a number of operations, mostly outgoing, set to take place. Out-of-favour players like Clement Lenglet, Vitor Roque, Ansu Fati, and even Mikayil Faye are expected to move on from the Catalan outfit in the coming days. Meanwhile, as reported earlier …
Read More »FIFA signs first major 2026 sponsorship with Bank of America
August 16 – FIFA has announced Bank of America as an official sponsor for the 2026 World Cup, the first time the organisation has partnered with a bank. The 2026 finals, which will be hosted across 16 cities – including 11 in the USA – will be the first to feature an expanded 48-team line-up. The partnership will run until …
Read More »Pep Guardiola makes cryptic comment about the future of Barcelona target
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has left the future of Barcelona target Joao Cancelo uncertain. It must be noted that although Cancelo is under contract with City until June 2029, his recent loan spell at Barcelona has sparked speculation about his potential return to the Catalan club. Guardiola addressed this during a press conference, offering insight into Cancelo’s situation. When …
Read More »Arsenal boss Arteta ‘cannot talk’ about transfer
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said he “cannot talk” about transfer targets after being asked about Mikel Merino, who the Gunners are widely reported to be in talks with, ahead of his side’s Premier League opener against Wolves. Real Sociedad midfielder Merino has less than a year remaining on his contract and would be free to speak to clubs about …
Read More »Pochettino lined up for US men’s team role
August 16 – Former Paris St Germain, Tottenham and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino looks set to take over as coach of the United States men’s team. The Argentine, who has been out of work since parting ways with Chelsea in May after just one season, would lead the team into the 2026 World Cup being co-hosted by the United States, …
Read More »Five things to expect from Hansi Flick’s Barcelona in the new season
A massive season stands ahead of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona. After a trophy-less campaign last time around, the team is under pressure to make the new term count and a new management gives fans reason to maintain hope. Flick’s arrival was always going to be a stark change for the Blaugrana, especially given their history of preferring managers with a history …
Read More »Four Premier League clubs are targeting Juventus outcast
Weston McKennie is drawing interest from several Premier League clubs after being deemed surplus to requirements at Juventus. The Bianconeri are eager to offload the American, who has just one year remaining on his current deal, and he has been actively searching for a new club. Juventus is determined to move him on in this transfer window, so the recent …
Read More »Ipswich sign Sammie Szmodics from Blackburn Rovers
Ipswich Town have confirmed the signing of Blackburn striker Sammie Szmodics. The 28-year-old has joined on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee. Szmodics finished as the Championship’s top scorer last season, netting 27 goals and providing four assists. The Republic of Ireland international has since been linked with a number of Premier League clubs but has eventually settled at …
Read More »Concacaf agrees multi-year partnership with Saudi Arabia’s PIF
August 16 – Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), owner of Premier League Newcastle United and four of the leading clubs in the Saudi Pro League, has agreed a multi-year sponsorship with Concacaf. No value was given for the partnership that will support both Concacaf’s major tournaments and the confederation “in its efforts to increase the number of official youth …
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