Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed his goalkeeper hierarchy at Stamford Bridge, even as the club remains linked with AC Milan’s Mike Maignan. Last week, Chelsea approached Milan over a potential move for the French international, who is yet to sign a contract extension with the Serie A side. Maignan has long been on Chelsea’s radar, but negotiations hit a roadblock as the Blues were unwilling to meet Milan’s valuation. The deal stalled ahead of the Club World Cup, with Chelsea reportedly unwilling to pay a premium often dubbed the “Club World Cup tax.” While a future move remains…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Atletico Madrid captain Koke has hit out at the match officials following a humiliating 4-0 loss to Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup, accusing the referee of showing favoritism toward the French side. The Spanish midfielder didn’t hold back in his post-match comments, calling the officiating “unfair” and blaming questionable calls for Atletico’s heavy defeat. PSG Outclass Atletico Atletico were overwhelmed by a dominant PSG side that looked every bit the European champions. Early goals from Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha put the Parisians in control, before second-half strikes from youngsters Senny Mayulu and Lee Kang-in…
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has expressed strong belief that his team can secure their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup title under the tournament’s new expanded format. Speaking ahead of Madrid’s opening match against Al-Hilal on Wednesday, the Brazilian winger highlighted the significance of the trophy—one of the few major honors missing from the club’s collection. “We are eager to win this first Club World Cup because people never forget the first one,” Vinicius said, as quoted by Madrid Xtra.“It’s the only title Real Madrid doesn’t have. We’re going for it.” Vinicius also emphasized the determination within Xabi Alonso’s squad…
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is set to replace André Onana at Manchester United. According to TouchlineX on X (via @LeoParadizo), the Red Devils are already in talks with the Argentina World Cup winner to take over from Onana. Onana is set to leave Old Trafford, with Martínez expected to be his successor at Man United. The Cameroonian joined Manchester United from Inter Milan in 2023 after helping the Serie A side reach the Champions League final, where they lost 1-0 to Manchester City. The 29-year-old has had a mixed season at United, facing occasional criticism as the team finished…
Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi will miss the Club World Cup in the United States after becoming stranded in Tehran amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. The ongoing conflict has forced the closure of all Iranian airports following a series of military strikes over the past two days, grounding all flights. Taremi was unable to catch his scheduled flight to Los Angeles on Saturday. Italian media report that the 32-year-old will miss Inter’s opening match against Monterrey on Wednesday, as well as any subsequent games, even if Iranian airspace reopens. Taremi joined Inter Milan from Porto last year. During…
Tottenham Hotspur, the Premier League club, have set their sights on Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika. Following the appointment of new manager Thomas Frank, the London-based team is looking to strengthen their squad. Frank is said to have requested six new signings. Onyedika, currently with Belgian Pro League side Club Brugge, has been linked with a summer transfer. The 24-year-old midfielder has attracted attention with his strong performances in the UEFA Champions League. He also played a key role in helping Club Brugge secure the Belgian Cup.
High line. Selective pressing. Long goal kicks. Set-piece dominance. Thomas Frank’s “Frank-Ball” isn’t exactly the same as Ange Postecoglou’s “Ange-Ball,” but the footballing DNA shares some key strands. Now officially appointed as Tottenham Hotspur’s new head coach on a three-year deal, Frank makes the move from Brentford, where he transformed a former League One side into one of the Premier League’s most respected overachievers. His tactical flexibility, eye for player development, and ability to build cohesive squads have earned him widespread respect. While many Spurs fans were underwhelmed by his appointment, especially in the shadow of Postecoglou’s departure, a growing…
Real Madrid announced on Friday that they have reached an agreement to sign highly rated Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono from River Plate. The deal is valued at approximately €61 million, including taxes. However, according to beIN Sports, Mastantuono will not link up with the squad immediately. Madrid have agreed to delay his arrival until after the Club World Cup, in part due to River Plate’s desire to keep the 17-year-old for the remainder of their Copa Libertadores campaign. “Mastantuono will be a player at our club for the next six seasons, from 14 August 2025 to 30 June 2031,” Real…
Paul Pogba, the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder, is in advanced talks with AS Monaco as he looks to revive his career following a doping suspension. The 32-year-old French World Cup winner is edging closer to a return to Ligue 1, with Monaco hopeful of securing a deal in the coming days. Discussions have centred around a proposed two-year contract, and Pogba has been training ahead of pre-season in preparation for a potential comeback. Pogba was provisionally suspended after a random drug test following Juventus’ opening match of the 2023–24 season against Udinese. Initially handed a four-year ban, it…
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi is on the brink of breaking the FIFA Club World Cup goal record currently held by Cristiano Ronaldo and the late Pelé. The Argentine star has scored five goals in previous editions of the tournament, just two shy of the record shared by Ronaldo and Pelé—both of whom are not participating this year. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, will represent Inter Miami in the revamped Club World Cup, which now features 32 teams. The MLS side is placed in Group A alongside Al Ahly, Palmeiras, and FC Porto. The Herons will kick off their…