Category: League

We will sell Sancho: Dortmund make promise to player in dramatic u-turn

The pressure is on Manchester United to deliver Jadon Sancho according to the latest reports that claim Borussia Dortmund have made a promise they can take advantage of.

The sensational winger has been linked with a move to Old Trafford all summer long but unfortunately, nothing has materialised.

It’s well known that United’s dream signing is Sancho and a lot of their efforts has focussed on him.

After all, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer only recently made his first signing of the summer in Donny van de Beek as the Dortmund man has been the main target.

Nonetheless, despite the potential transfer going quiet recently, the Red Devils have been told exactly what they need to do to finally geet their man.

… Read the rest

(Video) LFC fan has perfect response to GOAL’s question about the best save ever

Trying to pick the ‘best ever’ thing is hard when it comes to anything, but in football there is so much emotion that comes with moments that not everyone will feel.

If you ask somewhat what the best goal Steven Gerrard ever scored is, some may pick out his header against Milan in the 2005 Champions League final.

The midfielder scored many crucial goals and pulled off some wonderful strikes, but that header sticks out more than it probably should because of what it meant.

MORE: (Video) Unreal finish: Bundesliga account shares glorious Firmino goal from 2014

GOAL asked their followers what the best ever save they’d is, and one Liverpool fan had the prefect response. Going back to Istanbul, who remembers THAT save by Jerzy Dudek?! Of course you do…

It was just as important as Gerrard’s header at the other end, if not more, and the former Poland … Read the rest

Opinion: Ansu Fati can take Messi’s Barcelona crown in 2020/21

Ever since Ansu Fati set foot on a football pitch he has been destined for greatness.

The youngster has that intoxicating mix of fearlessness and superlative skill that only the very few have bestowed upon them.

It’s true that 2019/20 was his breakout year, but 2020/21 has the potential to be even better for the striker.

With so much going on behind the scenes at present, no one really knows if Lionel Messi will stay or leave the club, but regardless of that, Fati has everything at his disposal to be able to take the Argentinian’s crown.

A passing of the baton has to happen sooner or later, and the form that Fati is still in suggests that he’ll take on the responsibility with ease.

Making his senior debut for the Spain side in Thursday’s draw against Germany, Fati would’ve become the youngster ever scorer for the national team had … Read the rest

Rabiot: ‘Things have already changed’

Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot believes that many things have already changed at the club since the arrival of Andrea Pirlo as first team coach.

The French international was speaking at a press conference following his call-up to the national team, and explained how the new Bianconeri coach has influenced the squad in such a short space of time.

“I only had the opportunity to work with Pirlo for a week, but from what I saw, it is clear that he was a great player,” Rabiot explained during a press conference at the Clairefontaine  training camp.

“The playing principles he wants to put into practice correspond to me, and I think it is an advantage to have someone like Pirlo, for all of us and for me in particular as a midfielder.

“Even though I only worked with Pirlo for a few days, many things have changed, starting with the fact … Read the rest

Gabriel in! Hector out?

Arsenal yesterday made official what everyone has known for some time now, we’ve signed Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille.

The defender will cost something in the region of €30m, and adds to our expanding collection of centre-halves, as well as swelling our Brazilian ranks to four, alongside David Luiz, Gabriel Martinelli and Willian.

He spoke about how the traditions and history of Arsenal played a part in his thinking, and no doubt coming to a club where he’ll be helped settle in by his compatriots was a factor. Our Brazilian Technical Director Edu was someone with whom he had ‘many good conversations’, but phone calls from Mikel Arteta were important too:

As the days went by I was getting very excited, then I had a call from the coach and that was very reassuring. Having the coach himself calling you to say he wants you in his squad motivates

… Read the rest

Man United edge closer to crucial sale after Van de Beek purchase

Manchester United fans can expect a departure soon according to reports as it has surfaced Chris Smalling wants to leave to return to Roma.

The experienced Englishman spent a brilliant season out on loan with the Italian giants and wants to seal a permanent move this time around.

Smalling was a scapegoat for much of his career at United, often blamed for their horrendous form, particularly in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opting to sign Harry Maguire last summer, it was clear the former Fulham man was not going to be a regular starter.

No one expected him to perform so well at Roma but now Smalling hopes the two clubs can reach an agreement and it seems that may now finally happen.

… Read the rest

Chelsea’s Timo Werner issues Premier League title warning to Liverpool

Chelsea forward Timo Werner, who was heavily linked with a move to Anfield this summer, has fired a warning at Liverpool.

The German international believes the Londoners are able to challenge the reigning Premier League champions this upcoming season, as well as runners up Manchester City.

Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, Werner said what Frank Lampard is building at Stamford Bridge can take the Blues to the next level.

“The work with the manager recently has been really good,” he said.

“He’s been showing and explaining to the whole team, not just me, what we can do on the pitch and how to improve on last season.

“He’s been great to work with and he’s been discussing his plans for the future, and how we want to battle with teams like Man City and Liverpool.

MORE: Wijnaldum to Barcelona transfer rumour rubbished by Liverpool sources… Read the rest

Arsenal midfielder closes in on two year loan switch to Serie A as Dani Ceballos return is almost done

We’re seeing a common theme where a lot of teams are having to get rid of one player in order to bring someone else in, although Arsenal fans will feel they’re still going to be one short compared to last season.

Lucas Torreira was highly rated when he came to the club, he was expected to bring some class to the midfield with a fearsome long shot, while also adding a healthy dose of aggression that short Uruguayan midfielders are famous for.

It’s not worked out for him and it makes sense to return to Serie A where he shone before, and it sounds like a two year loan deal with Fiorentina is edging closer:

The fans will hope that means a new face will … Read the rest

Arthur: ‘I was convinced by the Juve project’

New Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo said he was convinced by the ‘ambitious project’ at Juventus and is looking forward to starting the new season wearing black and white.

The Brazil international gave his first press conference as a Juve player this afternoon and spoke about why he decided to join the Bianconeri.

“This is a very important day for me, I thank my family, the managers, Fabio Paratici, and everyone who have welcomed me,” Arthur began.

“I have the privilege to play with great players, playing with Ronaldo is almost the realisation of a dream. The project convinced me, it’s very ambitious.

“My position? I haven’t spoken in detail with the coach. He has played football like few others, he moved and played in a unique way.

“I feel the privilege of playing for such a coach. We haven’t talked about the formation and position on the pitch yet.

“I … Read the rest

Analysis: Gabriel Magalhaes and what he’ll bring to the Arsenal defence

Arsenal never do things the easy way. After their worst domestic finish in 25 years, three different managers in charge and another season without Champions League football, the damage could have been irreparable. To say their immediate future hinged on one game would not be an understatement, but thankfully Mikel Arteta masterminded an unlikely FA Cup win to buy the club some time – literally.

That trophy high quickly turned into transfer talk and away from Thomas Partey, a deal for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes was completed amid competition from Napoli and others. But who is the Brazilian, what will he bring to Arsenal and why is he costing the best part of €30 million?

Having started his career with then Brasileirão side Avaí, Lille saw fit to spend €3 million on Gabriel in 2017 despite making just 21 senior appearances. The defender later enjoyed two loan spells with ESTAC … Read the rest