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…
MANCHESTER, England — Enzo Maresca has said he hopes to add “a captain” to his Manchester City squad before the end of the transfer window. City have lost the experience of Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Nathan Aké and Rodri this summer. Maresca fielded the club’s youngest opening day XI since 2008 in the 2-1 win over Bournemouth on Sunday and the Italian is keen to bring in more leaders. Sources…
Jamal Musiala is still working toward a comeback after a change to his medication for a neurological issue, Bayern Munich coach Vincent Komany said Thursday. Musiala hasn’t played since collapsing in successive preparation games this month and will not take part in Friday’s Bundesliga opener against Stuttgart. But he was to be a full participant in team training on Thursday, Kompany said. “That means he’s getting used to the increase…
Everton are attempting to seal a £20 million ($27m) deal for Sunderland defender Trai Hume before the transfer deadline, sources have told ESPN. The Northern Ireland international, an ever-present as Sunderland qualified for the Europa League in their first season back in the Premier League, is under contract until 2030 at the Stadium of Light. But sources have said that Sunderland are prepared to offload their 24-year-old vice-captain following interest…
Julián Álvarez missed Atlético Madrid training for the second consecutive day on Thursday, as the row over a possible move away from the club for the star forward continues. The Argentina international, 26, was whistled by Atletico fans during their 2-2 draw with Villarreal on Sunday after a summer in which he made public his desire to leave the club and join rivals Barcelona. Atlético said Álvarez was “unwell” on…
Nottingham Forest have announced the signing of Liam Delap from Chelsea. Sources told ESPN that Delap will join Forest in a move worth an initial £45 million ($61m) plus £5m ($7m) in add-ons, sources added. “I really can’t wait to get started, this is a massive club with a big history,” the forward said in a statement to club media. “I spoke to the manager and I like his way,…
Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, sources told ESPN. Barcola has been Liverpool’s top target throughout the summer and the final details are now being ironed out on a deal worth around £120 million, of which at least £100m is guaranteed.
Ipswich Town are closing in on the signing of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder and World Cup-winner Exequiel Palacios, sources have told ESPN. Ipswich are to pay an up front fee of €22.5 million (£19.3m) for Palacios, with the deal potentially worth up to €27.5m. The signing is a sizeable coup for Ipswich, with Palacios part of the Argentina squad which won the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Palacios, 27, joined Bayer Leverkusen…