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Barcelona have sounded out the possibility of signing Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi, although Julián Álvarez remains the Spanish champions’ top target this summer, a source told ESPN. After completing deals for forwards Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, Barça are now eyeing a No.9 to replace Robert Lewandowski, who has joined the Chicago Fire. President Joan Laporta has confirmed Barça made an offer for Álvarez, who told ESPN in June…

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has defended his players and called them “warriors” in the wake of the World Cup final defeat to Spain. The Albiceleste were slammed by pundits and rivals for their aggressive play throughout the game, and a lack of sportsmanship after the final whistle. FIFA opened an investigation after several Argentina players and coaches clashed with members of the Spain team on the field after the match…

SYDNEY — Micky van de Ven has said a repeat of Tottenham‘s horror 2025-26 season is something he does not even want to contemplate. Speaking to the media the day before a friendly match against A-League Men side Sydney FC, the Dutch defender was clear that this upcoming season will return Tottenham back to where they deserve to be among the Premier Leagues’ top sides. “That’s something we’re gonna do,”…

World Cup final referee Slavko Vincic has retired just a week on from the tournament’s conclusion. The Slovenian received widespread criticism for allowing Argentina’s physical approach as they were beaten 1-0 by Spain in extra-time. Vincic sent off Argentina’s Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández in stoppage time at the end of the regulation 90 minutes. A statement from the Slovenian Football Association read: “A week after the World Cup final in…

Real Madrid expect to complete a deal to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig in the coming hours, sources have told ESPN. Winger Diomande, 19, is one of football’s top young prospects after excelling in the Bundesliga last season — scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists — and starring for Ivory Coast at the World Cup. A source told ESPN that Madrid were set to seal the teenager’s signing…

Xabi Alonso has said he is sure Morgan Rogers will have an “almost instant impact” at Chelsea after his record move from Aston Villa. Rogers recently signed for £117 million ($156m) after playing a significant role in England’s World Cup campaign. Chelsea are currently in Sydney as part of a preseason tour of Australia and Asia, but Rogers will not report for duty until the club is back in London…

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — Xabi Alonso has asked for patience as his new coaching era at the helm of Chelsea kicks off in Sydney this week. As he was for most of his playing career, Xabi Alonso is in no rush. The former Liverpool midfielder became an icon for his metronomic style of play, his calm and considered passes, and his patient reading of space, time, and angles. 17 years on,…

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has launched a scathing attack on critics of the 2026 World Cup, accusing them of being “consumed by hate” and saying they should “reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match.” In a lengthy message published after the tournament, Infantino defended FIFA’s handling of the World Cup, claimed critics had “missed all that joy and togetherness” and said they had been “spreading hate and false rumours”…

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has confirmed captain Granit Xhaka will stay at the club this summer, insisting the saga linking him to a potential move to Chelsea is “closed.” Xhaka joined Sunderland in a £17.2million ($22.9m) deal from Bayer Leverkusen last summer and was their standout performer as they qualified for the Europa League. Last month, sources told ESPN that Chelsea were exploring a deal to sign the…

NASHVILLE — Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has admitted losing defender Joe Gomez to injury in Saturday’s 4-2 preseason victory over Sunderland is “the worst news,” but has backed new signing Jérémy Jacquet to feature during the club’s tour of the United States. Jacquet, who joined the club this summer in a £55 million move from Rennes, was ruled of Liverpool’s win as a precautionary measure before kick-off after missing…