Barcelona remain optimistic of completing the signing of Manchester City midfielder Rodri, while they also plan to offer Marc Bernal an improved contract, a source told ESPN. Barça failed with a first bid of around €50 million (£42.7m / $57.7m) for Rodri last week but remain in negotiations with City. A club source told ESPN it is a “complex” deal to get over the line, but there is optimism they…
Erling Haaland is unlikely to be given the captain’s armband at Manchester City due to his goalscoring prowess, head coach Enzo Maresca has indicated. The new City boss utilises the ploy of insisting his skipper comes to the touchline for a tactic update when a goal is scored. As Haaland scores so many of the team’s goals, Maresca does not feel it would be a good idea for the Norway…
Fulham have announced the signing of Shea Charles from Southampton as Alvaro Arbeloa continues to strengthen his squad. Sources have told ESPN that Northern Ireland international Charles, 22, is moving to Craven Cottage in a deal worth £27 million, plus £6m in add-ons. The midfielder will become the most expensive Northern Ireland footballer in history after signing a five-year contract until June 2031, with an option to extend for a…
Enzo Maresca has opened up on life at Manchester City, as his first season as head coach of the club draws near. The former Chelsea boss spoke to BBC Sport and other members of UK football media while in Seoul during City’s preseason tour of South Korea. He revealed how he has been coping with the expectations that come with following in the footsteps of Pep Guardiola, how the Premier…
Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil‘s moves to Everton and Crystal Palace respectively have been confirmed, with the Premier League clubs completing a rare straight swap deal. The deal, as reported by ESPN on Monday, sees McNeil join Palace and Johnson move to Everton. McNeil, 26, made 114 appearances for Everton, and nearly joined Palace on loan in February. His partner, Megan Sharpley, had hit out at Palace’s “radio silence” following…
Uefa referees’ chief Roberto Rosetti has called for a change in the use of the video assistant referee (VAR) in European football. The Italian had a meeting with senior officials from each of the top five European leagues — The Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga ahead of the new season. And, as he announced the launch of Clear Line, a video portal for fans…
President Donald Trump defended FIFA president Gianni Infantino amid backlash over his handling of a plan to sell an interest in the World Cup, warning soccer federations they would make a “terrible mistake” if they force Infantino out. In a message posted to Truth Social Monday night, Trump said FIFA “would never be as successful or profitable” without Infantino. “FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason,…
Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven has signed a new contract to extend his stay in north London, the Premier League club has announced. Spurs have not said how long the contract is due to run for. “It’s a special moment to sign a new deal and a proud moment for me and my family,” Van de Ven said in a statement. “I’ve always loved Spurs, from the first day…
Liverpool have completed the signing of Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo on a season-long loan. Sources have told ESPN that the deal includes an option for Liverpool to make the move permanent next summer for around €55 million. Liverpool will cover his wages for the duration of the campaign, however the defender has taken a pay cut to facilitate the move. Araújo, 27, is looking to kick start his career at…