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Transfer Talk: Pavard eyed by Man Utd, Madrid but Bayern want €40m deal

The summer transfer window might not be open yet in Europe, but teams are getting ready for it, and there’s plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals! Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard is attracting interest from other top clubs in Europe, according to Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. Barcelona, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Manchester…

‘Internazionale’? ‘Inter Milan’? Just plain ‘Inter’? What should we call the UCL finalists?

With Inter Milan preparing to face Manchester City in their first Champions League final since 2010, now seems a pertinent time to address a common query relating to the Italian side — specifically the origins of their club name. The club, one of the most decorated in Italy, have won a whole host of trophies including 19 Serie A titles and three European Cups. The first two continental title triumphs…

Benzema joins Al Ittihad after Madrid departure

Karim Benzema has signed for Al Ittihad, the club announced Tuesday, becoming the latest star to join the Saudi Pro League. Benzema, 35, left Real Madrid following the 2022-23 season after 14 years at the Bernabeu. He scored his final goal for the club in their season-ending 1-1 draw against Athletic Club on Sunday. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) The former France striker was expected to sign…

Spain, Brazil plan ’24 friendly to combat racism

Spain and Brazil will play a friendly in March of 2024, a match organised by the football federations of both countries to combat racism under the theme: “We are all alike.” Spanish federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales and his CBF counterpart, Ednaldo Rodrigues, said they would reinforce their commitment against violence in football with the match, part of a friendly series that will see Brazil play against one other UEFA…

Ten Hag’s first season at Man United was a success, so all is great, right? Wrong.

Erik ten Hag has created a problem for himself at Manchester United, but at least it’s a good one. It’s been a while since the club have been in a position to look forward with optimism. That is down to the man who ended a six-year trophy drought and secured Champions League football in his first season as manager at Old Trafford. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)…

Liverpool Keep or Dump: Who stays and who goes this summer?

Liverpool will miss out on Champions League football next year. There were some really rough moments this season, they’re losing sporting director Julian Ward (a disciple of Michael Edwards, who built the current squad before leaving a year ago), and there is some uncertainty with the ownership who initially put all or part of the club up for sale, only to later change their minds. That said, we don’t think…

Fan charged over offensive jersey at FA Cup final

London’s Metropolitan Police said on Sunday that a football fan has been charged with wearing an offensive jersey to the FA Cup final that referenced the 1989 Hillsborough Stadium disaster where 97 Liverpool fans died. James White, 33, of Warwickshire, will appear in court June 19 on a charge of displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. A photo retweeted by police after Saturday’s match…

Ibrahimovic retires from game after AC Milan win

AC Milan and Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic said on Sunday he had decided to end his football career. The 41-year-old’s Milan contract expires at the end of June and will not be renewed following a season plagued by injuries, prompting him to end a remarkable and successful career. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) But Ibrahimovic later revealed in a news conference that no one knew the big…

With the treble secured, what’s next for Ange Postecoglou?

During the build to Saturday’s Scottish Cup final, Celtic coach Ange Postecoglou was loath to discuss his future — or anything else that could distract him and his squad from the task at hand. “Do you think the person who wins The Masters or Wimbledon thinks about all these other things? Or does he think about winning?” Postecoglou retorted, in typical fashion, when it floated that he could both focus…

Man City outclass Man United to take another step toward treble

LONDON — Manchester City lifted the FA Cup thanks to a 2-1 win over Manchester United at Wembley (stream a replay on ESPN+, US only), and are closing in on the treble. Ilkay Gundogan scored the quickest goal in the FA Cup final history after just 12 seconds, only for United to equalise before half-time through Bruno Fernandes’ penalty, awarded after a VAR check when Jack Grealish handled in the…