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Best value transfers: Mac Allister, Kovacic, Guler and more

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…

Maguire stripped of Manchester United captaincy

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 complete Rice signing for club-record fee

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,…

West Ham confirm Rice exit amid Arsenal move

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,…

Ireland ‘feared for bodies’ in pre-WWC friendly

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…

The issues with multi-club ownership: City Football Group, Red Bull, more

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…

Ancelotti: Madrid to try new system on U.S. tour

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…

From Marta to Matlou: Starting XI of Women’s World Cup swan songs

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…

FIFA offers 20k free WWC tickets amid poor sales

FIFA said it is giving away 20,000 free tickets for Women’s World Cup games in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Dunedin amid concerns about the slow pace of sales in New Zealand. Co-hosts Australia have snapped up the lion’s share of the 1 million tickets sold so far, with their Matildas team seen as contenders to win the tournament. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) FIFA chief women’s football…

EA Sports FC to feature Haaland on first cover

AMSTERDAM — Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will be the first cover star of EA Sports FC since the globally popular football game ended its three-decade partnership with FIFA. Haaland, 22, takes over as the face of the game from Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe and Chelsea’s Sam Kerr, who both adorned the cover of FIFA 23 last year. The Norway international takes the honour after finishing a historic first season…