The owners of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers have assumed control of the English soccer club Leeds United. Leeds United announced on Monday that the English Football League had approved the sale of the club to 49ers Enterprises, allowing for “an immediate transition of ownership.” Leeds was relegated from the Premier League to the second-tier Championship for next season. “This is an important moment for Leeds United and we are…
Luis Suarez had a nice line in gentle mischief, many a true word said in jest and with a little bit of edge. Delivered with the Galician accent he never lost over 60 years living within a short stroll of Milan’s San Siro, that fit somehow. An understated dignity, a kind of reserved irony, supposedly defines people from the wet northwest of Spain which faces the Atlantic, a place apart,…
The transfer window across Europe’s top leagues is in full swing and already there have been some huge moves made. But while the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool have spent over €100 million ($111.6m) to sign world-class players already, there have been a few bargain deals too. Here, we look at six of the best value-for-money transfers so far, as well as six players clubs could pick up…
Harry Maguire said he has been removed as Manchester United captain by manager Erik ten Hag. Maguire, 30, has been out of favour at United under Ten Hag, making just 16 appearances in the Premier League last season, including just eight starts. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) “After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. He outlined his reasons to me…
Arsenal have smashed their transfer record to complete the signing of England midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham, the club announced on Saturday. The Premier League runners-up agreed a fee for Rice worth £100 million ($131m) plus £5m ($6.5m) in add-ons, sources told ESPN. The amount easily eclipses Arsenal’s previous record fee — the £72m paid to sign Nicolas Pepe from Lille in 2019. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga,…
Arsenal have smashed their transfer record to complete the signing of England midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham, the club announced on Saturday. The Premier League runners-up agreed a fee for Rice worth £100 million ($131m) plus £5m ($6.5m) in add-ons, sources told ESPN. The amount easily eclipses Arsenal’s previous record fee — the £72m paid to sign Nicolas Pepe from Lille in 2019. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga,…
Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw has said her players “feared for their bodies” during a Women’s World Cup warm-up match with Colombia that was called off after 20 minutes following a series of robust challenges. The Irish Football Association confirmed midfielder Denise O’Sullivan was taken to hospital for treatment on a shin injury during the friendly at Meakin Park in Brisbane, Australia, but was found not to have suffered…
Manchester City head a worldwide group of 13 partner clubs, while Red Bull own five football teams in Europe and the Americas. Last month, Chelsea acquired a majority stake in French Ligue 1 club Strasbourg to become the latest major team to move into the business of multi-club ownership. Have you heard of the Pacific Media Group, King Power International, INEOS or Eagle Football Holdings? They are also multi-club ownership…
Carlo Ancelotti has said he plans to trial a new formation during Real Madrid’s U.S. tour this month, as the coach looks to fit new arrivals like Jude Bellingham into the team ahead of the 2023-24 season. A busy summer so far has seen midfielder Bellingham, forward Joselu, playmakers Arda Guler and Brahim Díaz and full-back Fran García join Madrid, while Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard and Mariano Díaz…
This summer’s Women’s World Cup is going to be one for the books. Not only is it the first to be jointly hosted by multiple nations (matches will take place in both Australia and New Zealand), but it could be the first to see a team three-peat as champions. If that weren’t enough reason to heighten your anticipation, it will also likely be the final World Cup appearance for some…