Leon Goretzka has joined rebuilding Aston Villa on a free transfer from Bayern Munich. The 31-year-old won seven Bundesliga titles, three German Cups and the 2020 Champions League during a success-filled spell in Bavaria. Goretzka, who has made 73 appearances for Germany, has moved on a free to Villa, who have not specified the length of his contract. “It’s a really good feeling to sign here,” the German told the…
Fiorentina are in discussions with Manchester United over a deal for Joshua Zirkzee, sources have told ESPN. The Serie A side have not yet made a formal bid, but talks are ongoing. United are open to offers for the Dutchman, who has also been the subject of interest from Juventus and Napoli. Negotiations with Fiorentina are centring on an initial loan move with an option to make the move permanent…
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher could face bankruptcy after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) issued a bankruptcy petition against him. Court records show HMRC issued the petition against Carragher on Wednesday afternoon over an unpaid tax bill. No further details of the case are currently available. An HMRC spokesperson said: “We take a supportive approach to dealing with customers who have tax debts and do everything we can to help…
Ipswich Town are close to signing Tammy Abraham on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, sources have told ESPN. Abraham, 28, moved to Aston Villa from Besiktas in January. But after just eight months, he is set to swap Unai Emery’s side for Premier League newcomers Ipswich on a straight loan deal. The England striker will become the club’s 14th summer signing, with Ipswich also close to agreeing a move…
UEFA is preparing a criminal complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino in Swiss courts for possible financial mismanagement over his failed plan to sell future World Cup profits to private investors. UEFA said Thursday it filed documents in a Manhattan court requesting discovery of potential evidence from the New York investment fund, Thrive Capital Management, founded by Joshua Kushner. Thrive and Kushner were to be the anchor investors intending to…
Mikel Arteta has told any Arsenal players unsettled by ongoing speculation over Julián Álvarez‘s possible arrival to “knock on his door” and find out the truth. Sources have told ESPN that the Gunners are ready to make a club-record move for the 26-year-old should either Álvarez or Atlético Madrid indicate a willingness to consider a deal before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. Álvarez’s preference is to join Barcelona but Atlético have strongly…
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has said he can offer no guarantees about the future of forward Cody Gakpo amid continued interest from both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City. Sources told ESPN there have not yet been any club-to-club talks between Liverpool and Gakpo’s suitors however both Tottenham and City have been monitoring his situation, which could be impacted by the expected arrival of Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola. The…
One month into a crisis for FIFA provoked by his failed World Cup sell-off plan, Gianni Infantino finally got some public backing from a key nation Thursday — 2034 World Cup host Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) posted a statement on social media saying that “at this time” it supports Infantino’s efforts to restore global unity in football. Infantino has built close soccer and political ties to…
Atlético Madrid insist they will not negotiate the transfer of Julián Álvarez to Barcelona before Monday’s deadline despite the player’s desire to move to the Spanish champions. Barça president Joan Laporta said Wednesday that the club’s first offer — worth over €100 million ($116m) — will remain on the table should Atlético change their mind and consider transferring Álvarez. However, Atlético, who have reported Barça to FIFA and the Royal…
Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic from Turkish club Fenerbahçe Barça said Thursday that the 31-year-old Livakovic signed a contract until 2030. Livakovic is set to play a reserve role in a squad that already has Joan García — the team’s regular starter — and veteran Wojciech Szczęsny. Barça, earlier this month sent Germany goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen to Ajax on loan. Livakovic started at NK…