There are a lot of things that could have gone wrong during this summer’s FIFA World Cup – a complicated logistical undertaking that included three host nations, 16 stadiums, 48 teams, 104 games and endless opportunities for controversy on and off the soccer field. But in retrospect, a lot of things went right — including record viewership numbers for Spain‘s 1-0 win over Argentina in the final on July 19.…
CHICAGO — Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola confirmed striker Hugo Ekitike and defender Conor Bradley are still “way off” a return to full fitness, with both players continuing their rehabilitation from long-term injuries. Ekitike is unlikely to feature for Liverpool this year after rupturing his Achilles’ tendon in April, while Bradley remains sidelined with a serious knee injury he sustained during the Reds’ 0-0 draw with Arsenal in January. Both…
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has said the club have “obvious” areas to address in the transfer market as he seeks to bolster his squad ahead of the new season. Liverpool have already completed the signings of defender Jérémy Jacquet and forward Víctor Muñoz. However, Iraola’s squad still requires reinforcements following the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté. “I think it is difficult to say a number.…
New signing João Gomes made his Aston Villa debut in a comfortable 5-0 win at Walsall to start their preseason campaign. Unai Emery deployed both regulars and new talent in his squad, and made 10 changes at half-time. 17-year-old Brian Madjo stood out in the first half as he notched a brace, including a smart finish for the opener after he got on the end of a cross from Kosta…
Aston Villa have made a bid to sign Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho on loan with a possible obligation to buy, sources have told the Press Association. The 22-year-old has been told he can leave Stamford Bridge after a poor first season following his move from Manchester United, during which he failed to significantly impact the team’s fortunes, and it is understood the player is eager to depart. He did not…
Elijah Upson has signed a professional contract with Arsenal after deciding to leave Tottenham. The 18-year-old centre-back, son of former Gunners and England defender Matthew, had been in Spurs’ academy and is reported to have been offered terms to stay on after his scholarship contract finished at the end of June. “It is a great feeling, really proud to be here,” England youth international Upson said on the Arsenal website.…
West Ham have agreed a £68 million ($91m) deal to send Crysencio Summerville to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, sources have told the Press Association. The fee is a sizeable increase on the £39m ($52.2m) reportedly bid by Serie A side Roma, with Manchester United and Aston Villa also understood to have been interested in signing the 24-year-old. Summerville has three years remaining on his deal at the London…
A group of investors led by Queens Park Rangers co-owner Amit Bhatia are in talks to buy a significant minority stake in Liverpool, sources told ESPN. Liverpool are currently owned by US-based Fenway Sports Group (FSG) however they are in discussions to sell a stake in the club to a consortium led by Bhatia, who is the son-in-law of billionaire steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal. Sources told ESPN no agreement has…
Anthony Taylor has announced his retirement from refereeing after a career spanning 16 Premier League seasons and more than 660 professional matches. The 47-year-old’s final match came at the 2026 World Cup, where he oversaw Spain‘s 1-0 victory over Portugal in the round of 16. He retires after officiating 432 Premier League games, as well as two World Cups and two European Championships. Taylor began refereeing in the Football League…