Soccerway.com
Eto´o swaps Antalyaspor for Konyaspor
Konyaspor have announced the signing of the former Barcelona and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Monday, January 29, 2018
Source: Besiktas strikes deal with MLS for Canada’s Cyle Larin
Sportsnet.ca
Source: Besiktas strikes deal with MLS for Canada’s Cyle Larin
Turkey’s Besiktas has reached a deal with Major League Soccer to acquire Canadian striker Cyle Larin from Orlando City SC.
A source said the transfer could be announced as early as Tuesday. Orlando, however, declined comment.
The 22-year-old from Brampton, Ont., made no secret after last season that he wants to test his skills in Europe, only to find himself in a tug-of-war when MLS said that Larin was under contract with Orlando City through 2019.
The Turkish champion ramped up the stakes in mid-January by tweeting photos of Larin giving a thumbs-up in a Besiktas jersey and in the midst of what looked like a medical.
"Negotiations on for signing Canadian striker Cyle Larin as he undergoes physical," the club said on its English Twitter feed.
Video of what looked like Larin training with the Turkish team also surfaced on social media.
Orlando City responded via a terse statement.
"The club has not agreed to terms on a transfer of Larin and will take all necessary action against Besiktas in response to the announcement," the statement read. "Larin remains under contract with Orlando City through 2019 and is expected to join his teammates at preseason camp later this month."
But in acquiring forward Justin Meram from Columbus in Monday, Orlando appears to be preparing for life after Larin. The American-born Iraq international has 37 goals and 33 assists in seven seasons with Columbus, collecting 13 of those goals in 2017.
Columbus got US$1,050,000 in allocation money for Meram: $300,000 in targeted allocation money and $300,000 in general allocation money for the 2018 season and $450,000 in TAM for 2019 season, plus an international roster slot for 2019.
Meram joins Dom Dwyer in the Orlando attack.
Larin, a former MLS rookie of the year, has 43 goals in 87 games for Orlando over three seasons. He made $192,000 last season, according to the MLS Players Association.
Larin has played 23 times for Canada with five goals. The move to Besiktas reunites Larin with Canadian teammate Atiba Hutchinson.
Suarez and Messi earn comeback win for Barca in Coutinho’s LaLiga debut
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Suarez and Messi earn comeback win for Barca in Coutinho’s LaLiga debut
Philippe Coutinho made his first LaLiga start for Barcelona but it was Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi who stole the headlines once again in a 2-1 win against Alaves.
Saturday, January 27, 2018
I feel alive – Tevez revels in Boca Juniors homecoming
Soccerway.com
I feel alive – Tevez revels in Boca Juniors homecoming
Carlos Tevez impressed in his 90-minute performance, setting up Nahitan Nandez for Boca Juniors' second goal in their 2-0 win over Colon.
Giants are Eli's team again, drawing line in the sand with Odell
Football Rss
Giants are Eli's team again, drawing line in the sand with Odell
Eli Manning may get a contract extension before Odell Beckham Jr. does.
Friday, January 26, 2018
Jose Mourinho extends contract at United until at least 2020
Football – Inquirer Sports
Jose Mourinho extends contract at United until at least 2020
Jose Mourinho believes he is laying the foundations for a sustained period of success at Manchester United, and he now plans to stay even longer. The manager, who succeeded Louis van Gaal in 2016 on a three-year deal, signed a new contract on Thursday through 2020. “I am delighted they feel and trust that I […]
The post Jose Mourinho extends contract at United until at least 2020 appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
North America touts ‘risk averse’ World Cup bid amid Trump issues
Sportsnet.ca
North America touts ‘risk averse’ World Cup bid amid Trump issues
LONDON — With barely four months until FIFA votes on the 2026 World Cup host, Morocco got around to launching its bid on Tuesday.
There’s now a campaign logo and social presence but still few details of how the North African nation will stage the first World Cup after the leap from 32 to 48 teams.
Far more active is the rival joint bid from the United States, Canada and Mexico, which was staging a simultaneous event in London on the latest leg of a nine-month-old campaign.
During the near-silence from Moroccan soccer officials, their North American counterparts have been dogged throughout by questions about the impact of inflammatory remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump on FIFA voters in June.
While wanting to promote a North American World Cup offering financial "certainty" and being "risk averse," the bid leadership on Tuesday was pressed on recent comments denigrating African nations during a White House meeting on immigration.
"We can’t control the politics," U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati said alongside Canadian and Mexican colleagues overlooking the River Thames. "It will change over time. And we have got all the assurances we need from all three governments to support the bid in all areas that are important to FIFA."
Gulati said 70,000 pages of contracts are currently being signed.
As well as requiring tax exemptions on FIFA activities in the host nations, the governing body will also demand by March assurances of visa-free access to the tournament. That could run into conflict with Trump’s hard-line immigration stance, including a ban on travel to the U.S. by residents of six majority-Muslim countries, which is being challenged in the courts.
"We have had complete support from the White House on our bid and the government guarantees we need," Gulati said. "Any participants in the World Cup will have access to the country."
As for visiting fans, Gulati stressed that "subject to security checks they will be allowed to participate."
The U.S. is partnering with Mexico on soccer just as Trump also presses ahead with construction of a border wall between the neighbours.
"In terms of the famous wall, I think football is stronger than that," Mexican soccer federation president Decio De Maria said. "We are working together to have this event. It’s not the wall that’s going to be part of this bid. It’s football."
The United States, which hosted the World Cup in 1994 and failed with another solo bid for 2022, is the majority partner in the 2026 proposal. It is being lined up to stage 60 games, including everything from the quarterfinals onward, while Canada and Mexico would have 10 fixtures each.
"Might it change? Sure, it is possible," Gulati said when asked if the junior partners might gain more matches.
FIFA has scrapped the tainted system where a small group of officials decided the host and expanded the vote to the entire membership of 211 soccer nations.
While many countries have little chance of qualifying, they still have a stake in ensuring the World Cup is profitable, Gulati pointed out.
"FIFA’s finances are heavily dependent on one event — the men’s World Cup," said Gulati, who is also a member of the FIFA Council. "So there is a direct line between funding for programs around the world and what happens at the World Cup and the revenue generated."
With 48 finalists to accommodate, the 2026 World Cup is loaded with unprecedented risks for FIFA, just when it needs to be certain of turning a big profit after losing sponsors over corruption scandals.
"We think part of our case is the certainty we can provide for a first-ever expanded World Cup," Gulati said. "Being risk adverse both to members and to FIFA is part of our story. It’s also one of unity."
Morocco, which has failed with World Cup campaigns and faced allegations of bribery, is touting the upside of the ambiguity surrounding its latest bid.
"We may surprise many people with our strong infrastructure and commercial offering," Moroccan soccer federation president Fouzi Lekjaa said in a statement, "and we will highlight our wonderful welcome, host cities and stunning locations. It promises to be a truly special bid."
Monday, January 22, 2018
PyeongChang is under aim by terrorists
Sport – The Standard
PyeongChang is under aim by terrorists
It is not long till the beginning the Winter Olympiad in South Korean PyeongChang. The security of forthcoming Games has became “Achilles heel” for authorities in South Korea. Assessing the […]
The post PyeongChang is under aim by terrorists appeared first on The Standard.
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Ince: Sanchez snubbed City because United are miles bigger
Soccerway.com
Ince: Sanchez snubbed City because United are miles bigger
Paul Ince insisted Manchester City cannot compete with Manchester United's history as Alexis Sanchez closes in on a move to Old Trafford.
Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen overcomes John Higgins to book final place
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen overcomes John Higgins to book final place
Kyren Wilson will take on Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen for the Dafabet Masters title after stunning Judd Trump with a spectacular comeback at Alexandra Palace.
Friday, January 19, 2018
Leitao hangs up his boots
Sport – The Standard
Leitao hangs up his boots
Zimbabwe rugby stalwart Jacques Leitao has retired from rugby, bringing the curtain down on a very successful international and domestic rugby career spanning over a decade.
The post Leitao hangs up his boots appeared first on The Standard.
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Twitter users have been floored by the suggestion Chelsea might be after… Peter Crouch
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Twitter users have been floored by the suggestion Chelsea might be after… Peter Crouch
The former Liverpool and England striker will be 37 by the time the transfer window closes.
Schweinsteiger re-signs with Chicago Fire for 2018
Soccerway.com
Schweinsteiger re-signs with Chicago Fire for 2018
The Chicago Fire have managed to hold onto Bastian Schweinsteiger, re-signing the midfielder for another season.
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Martin O’Neill: Ireland contract issue is now ‘resolved’
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Martin O’Neill: Ireland contract issue is now ‘resolved’
Martin O’Neill has confirmed he’s agreed a new contract to stay on as manager of Ireland.
Monday, January 15, 2018
Castro gives Betis win over Leganes in return to Spain
Sportsnet.ca
Castro gives Betis win over Leganes in return to Spain
MADRID — Veteran forward Ruben Castro made a dream return to the Spanish league, converting a late penalty for Real Betis to beat Leganes 3-2 on Monday.
Castro, in his return after a stint in Chinese soccer, calmly scored in the 83rd minute, securing the victory after the hosts relinquished a two-goal lead.
The club’s all-time leading scorer entered the match only eight minutes earlier.
"It couldn’t have gone any better," the 36-year-old Castro said. "It was perfect. We won and I scored a goal that helped us earn the three points. I was really looking forward to playing here again."
Castro last year played on a loan for Chinese club Guizhou Zhicheng.
Betis ended a three-match losing streak at home.
Betis led 2-0 by halftime. Leganes was level by midway through the second half. Castro converted from the spot after Javier Eraso’s hand ball inside the area.
Betis moved to seventh in the 20-team standings, two points behind city rival Sevilla. Leganes dropped to 13th. It has a game in hand, against Real Madrid.
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Puel confident of keeping Mahrez at Leicester
Soccerway.com
Puel confident of keeping Mahrez at Leicester
Riyad Mahrez is enjoying life at Leicester City and will stay, manager Claude Puel said.
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Pats disregard distractions, make seventh straight AFC title game
Football Rss
Pats disregard distractions, make seventh straight AFC title game
Bill Belichick can't blame the Jets. Tom Brady can't blame Roger Goodell.
Friday, January 12, 2018
'Cork's biggest Liverpool fan' behind catchy chant has a few suggestions for the Reds' Coutinho cash
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
'Cork's biggest Liverpool fan' behind catchy chant has a few suggestions for the Reds' Coutinho cash
Kevin Murphy said the money from Coutinho’s sale should be spent on bitcoin.
Van Dijk not daunted by huge transfer fee
Soccerway.com
Van Dijk not daunted by huge transfer fee
Liverpool set a new transfer record for a defender when they signed Virgil van Dijk, but the player is not worried about proving himself.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Barcelona haven't abandoned La Masia players - Valverde
Ernesto Valverde insisted Barcelona have not moved away from their model of giving homegrown players a chance after the club broke their transfer record for the second time this season with the signing of Philippe Coutinho.
Barca could end up paying Liverpool €160 million for Coutinho, who replaces Ousmane Dembele, who arrived from Borussia Dortmund for an initial €105m in the summer, as the club's record signing.
The Catalan club have often played on the fact they have been able to develop some of the world's best players without having to spend big money in the transfer market, such as Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez and Lionel Messi.
But with fewer players progressing to the first team from the club's La Masia academy in recent years, Valverde defended the decision to invest heavily on Coutinho and Dembele and pointed out that Barca have always signed the world's best players.
"Barcelona's model has always been the same," the coach said in a news conference on Wednesday. "[The club] have always gone to the transfer market to sign the best players in the world. Many of the very best players have played here."
Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona, Romario, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic represent a handful of the big players that Barca have spent big money on in the past.
However, Valverde did acknowledge the importance of La Masia, as well.
"At the same time, we always try to look at the academy," he added. "We want to bring players up [to the first team] based on their style of play and their development.
"You have to remember, we have been through a generation with special players like Xavi and Iniesta (...) sometimes more players will come through from the academy; sometimes there will be less. But we also need to sign players to keep ourselves at the top."
With the arrival of Coutinho, Barca find themselves needing to reduce a wage bill which is threatening to spiral out of control.
Sources have told ESPN FC that the club are working on "several outgoings" with Javier Mascherano, Arda Turan, Aleix Vidal, Rafinha and Gerard Deulofeu all possible makeweights.
Valverde wouldn't be drawn on any of the individual cases. He did admit, though, that he would like to work with a smaller squad, given he now has 25 players registered to play for the first team.
"I have always preferred to work with smaller squads," he said. "I don't want to be working with 20-odd players because then you have to leave a lot of people out and rotate more. And we have the B team, too, where we can also go for players."
Barca host Celta Vigo in the second leg of their Copa del Rey round-of-16 tie on Thursday at Camp Nou. The two sides drew 1-1 at Balaidos last week, giving the Blaugrana a slight advantage going into the game.
"The tie is slightly tilted in our favour because of the away goal, but the advantage is minimal," Valverde said.
"But Celta always score away from home, they have done in every away game this season. We won't have [the away goal] in our heads.
"It would be a mistake to speculate about whether we are in a good position or not going into the game because that leads to mistakes. We want to win the game."
Huddersfield agree deal to sign Alex Pritchard from Norwich City - sources
Huddersfield Town have agreed a deal to sign Norwich City attacking midfielder Alex Pritchard, sources have told ESPN FC.
Huddersfield saw their opening couple of offers rejected for Pritchard, but they have now agreed a fee in the region of £12 million for the former Tottenham man.
Terriers boss David Wagner has been looking to add to his attacking options as he aims to secure Premier League survival and he sees Pritchard as a key addition to his plans.
Former England Under-21 international Pritchard has been open to the switch after 18 months in Norfolk and will now get his wish.
The Canaries are 13th in the Championship and nine points adrift of the top six after an inconsistent first season under head coach Daniel Farke.
Pritchard, 24, has made nine appearances this season and scored eight goals in 43 games for Norwich since joining from Tottenham in 2016.
Huddersfield have won just two of their last 11 Premier League games and sit 11th, four points above the relegation zone. They beat Bolton 2-1 in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
Terriers boss David Wagner previously confirmed his interest in Pritchard but insisted he would not be held to ransom.
"Pritchard is not my player, he is a Norwich player,'' he said.
"I like him, but I have my doubts if he will play for us because I know how expensive British players are in this window.
"If we are able to get some British players in they have to be reasonable prices. At the end it is all about quality.
"If it's one new signing with the quality to help us, good. If it's two, I'll take two. We need to be focused on the quality.''
Pritchard will become Huddersfield's second signing in the transfer window following the arrival of Netherlands international Terence Kongolo on loan from Monaco.
Orlando's Dom Dwyer withdraws from U.S. camp with hamstring strain
Orlando City forward Don Dwyer has withdrawn from the U.S. soccer team's training camp because of a strained right hamstring.
The U.S. Soccer Federation said on Wednesday that Dwyer will not be replaced on the roster ahead of the exhibition on Jan. 28 against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Carson, California.
Juan Agudelo, Jordan Morris, Christian Ramirez, Rubio Rubin and C.J. Sapong are the remaining forwards on the 29-man roster.
A video of Manchester United players diving has caused some jokes
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
A video of Manchester United players diving has caused some jokes
Chris Smalling, Ander Herrera and Juan Mata have had a trip to the pool.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
LA Galaxy complete signing of former San Jose goalkeeper David Bingham
The LA Galaxy have signed goalkeeper David Bingham. The club announced a new deal with their recent acquisition on Wednesday.
Bingham spent the past seven seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes, earning 27 shutouts in 95 starts. He was an MLS All Star in 2016.
The Galaxy acquired Bingham on Dec. 18 in a deal for $100,000 in general allocation money and $100,000 in targeted allocation money.
Bingham is likely to be the starting goalkeeper for the five-time league champion Galaxy, who are rebuilding their roster after finishing last in the MLS standings last season.
Bingham joins midfielder Perry Kitchen, Norwegian defender Jorgen Skjelvik and Venezuelan defender Rolf Feltscher among the Galaxy's new signings.
Monday, January 8, 2018
Barca wins 3-0 before Coutinho arrival; Madrid drops points
Football – Inquirer Sports
Barca wins 3-0 before Coutinho arrival; Madrid drops points
BARCELONA, Spain — Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez scored first-half goals in a 3-0 win over Levante on Sunday, restoring Barcelona’s nine-point lead of the Spanish league while it awaits the arrival of Philippe Coutinho. Messi marked his 400th appearance in La Liga by giving Barcelona the early lead and taking his all-time record in […]
The post Barca wins 3-0 before Coutinho arrival; Madrid drops points appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Odell pleads with Eli Apple to stop arguing with Twitter trolls
Football Rss
Odell pleads with Eli Apple to stop arguing with Twitter trolls
Odell Beckham Jr. held a Twitter intervention of sorts with Eli Apple early Monday morning.
Sunday, January 7, 2018
Antonio Conte labels Jose Mourinho a 'little man' as war of words with Chelsea predecessor intensifies
The Independent - Football
Antonio Conte labels Jose Mourinho a 'little man' as war of words with Chelsea predecessor intensifies
Speaking after Chelsea's 0-0 draw with Norwich, Conte said: 'It is not a surprise for me. It is his way,' in response to Mourinho's latest comments about the Blues manager
Saturday, January 6, 2018
Ndoro ends Saudi nightmare…joins Ajax Cape Town
Sport – The Standard
Ndoro ends Saudi nightmare…joins Ajax Cape Town
ZIMBABWE international forward Tendai Ndoro ended a disastrous short spell in Saudi Arabia after completing a two-year deal with South Africa’s Absa Premiership side Ajax Cape Town for an undisclosed […]
The post Ndoro ends Saudi nightmare…joins Ajax Cape Town appeared first on The Standard.
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Transfer news live: Philippe Coutinho price set, Chelsea eye two Premier League moves, United want Celtic star
The Independent - Football
Transfer news live: Philippe Coutinho price set, Chelsea eye two Premier League moves, United want Celtic star
All the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours throughout the day
What the papers say: Football rumours from the media
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
What the papers say: Football rumours from the media
With Philippe Coutinho’s Liverpool exit looking ever more likely, the Reds are said to be interested in signing Monaco’s Thomas Lemar as his replacement.
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Hectic Premier League schedule will ‘kill’ players, warns Guardiola
Sportsnet.ca
Hectic Premier League schedule will ‘kill’ players, warns Guardiola
MANCHESTER, England -- Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hit out at the amount of games played in the Premier League over the festive period, saying the schedule is going to "kill" the players.
City was one of the teams to play four games in 11 days across Christmas and the new year, with the last two matches -- away to Crystal Palace and at home to Watford -- coming just two days apart.
"What I saw, what everybody sees, in the last weeks is how many injuries the players have," Guardiola said. "We are going to kill them (the players). The federation -- whoever the bosses are --have to reflect. It's not normal."
Guardiola's ire might have been caused by the sight of right back Kyle Walker holding his groin in the final minutes of the 3-1 win over Watford on Tuesday. The City coach said Walker "might have a little bit of a problem."
City lost striker Gabriel Jesus to a ligament injury early in the 0-0 draw at Palace on Sunday that will keep him out for up to six weeks.
"I know the show must go on and it doesn't matter with which guys the show must go on," Guardiola said.
"Here in England, you don't protect the players -- that is a big mistake. You have to do it for the quality, not quantity. Play every three, four, five days, but not every two days ... Look at how many players have muscular injuries in this period. But it doesn't matter; the show must go on. And that's why there will be players not fit."
Guardiola's comments came as Palace's Scott Dann and Jason Puncheon were ruled out for the remainder of the season. Manager Roy Hodgson said both players had suffered cruciate ligament injuries in Sunday's 0-0 draw with City.
"We won't see anything of those players for the rest of our season and it is going to be hard for them to get ready even for the start of next season, because these are serious injuries," Hodgson said after Palace's 2-1 win at Southampton on Tuesday.
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City was one of the teams to play four games in 11 days across Christmas and the new year, with the last two matches -- away to Crystal Palace and at home to Watford -- coming just two days apart.
"What I saw, what everybody sees, in the last weeks is how many injuries the players have," Guardiola said. "We are going to kill them (the players). The federation -- whoever the bosses are --have to reflect. It's not normal."
Guardiola's ire might have been caused by the sight of right back Kyle Walker holding his groin in the final minutes of the 3-1 win over Watford on Tuesday. The City coach said Walker "might have a little bit of a problem."
City lost striker Gabriel Jesus to a ligament injury early in the 0-0 draw at Palace on Sunday that will keep him out for up to six weeks.
"I know the show must go on and it doesn't matter with which guys the show must go on," Guardiola said.
"Here in England, you don't protect the players -- that is a big mistake. You have to do it for the quality, not quantity. Play every three, four, five days, but not every two days ... Look at how many players have muscular injuries in this period. But it doesn't matter; the show must go on. And that's why there will be players not fit."
Guardiola's comments came as Palace's Scott Dann and Jason Puncheon were ruled out for the remainder of the season. Manager Roy Hodgson said both players had suffered cruciate ligament injuries in Sunday's 0-0 draw with City.
"We won't see anything of those players for the rest of our season and it is going to be hard for them to get ready even for the start of next season, because these are serious injuries," Hodgson said after Palace's 2-1 win at Southampton on Tuesday.
[relatedlinks]
Neymar exit was difficult for Barcelona, admits Valverde
Soccerway.com
Neymar exit was difficult for Barcelona, admits Valverde
Ernesto Valverde conceded it was a tough moment for Barcelona when Neymar left for PSG in a €222million deal.
