Arsenal star Bukayo Saka could be sidelined for several weeks after picking up a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Manchester United could make a shock approach to sign Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier in the next transfer window, according to The Sun.
Manchester United have been handed a massive boost in signing Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani during the winter transfer window.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher hailed the performance of Mohamed Salah following the 6-3 Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur away from home.
Ange Postecoglou has some options to freshen up his Tottenham team for the Premier League Boxing Day clash away at Nottingham Forest
Bukayo Saka is in line to miss many massive Arsenal matches after suffering hamstring injury against Crystal Palace
The Gunners boss is set to face the press at London Colney ahead of his side's Premier League clash with Ipswich Town
Chelsea were held to a goalless draw by Everton at Goodison Park
World Cup holders Spain and four-time gold medallists the US are on course for a standoff in the Olympic ladies’ football last with the two heavyweights top choices to win World Cup holders Spain and four-time gold medallists the US are on course for a confrontation in the Olympic ladies’ football last with the two heavyweights top choices to win on Tuesday. Driven by ruling Ballon d’Or Aitana Bonmati, Spain faces shock semi-finalists Brazil in Marseille while a revived USA under new mentor Emma Hayes meets Germany in Lyon. The Americans are the conventional force to be reckoned with in ladies’ global football and their exhibitions at the Olympics recommend they are back as a power after a disheartening World Cup a year ago. Hayes just took over in May and is as yet getting to know her group however the USA finished off their gathering with three successes from three and edged a noteworthy Japan after additional time in the quarter-finals, with Trinity Rodman scoring the essential objective. They have proactively beaten Germany in the competition, and that 4-1 pounding in Marseille in the gathering stage recommends they ought to favour their possibilities of winning through to the gold award match in Paris on Saturday. “We are so sure going into games. That comes from Emma. She trusts in us so much,” expressed the forward Sophia Smith when she got some information about the effect of the new mentor. Hayes, 47, showed up after north of 10 years of progress at Chelsea and is expecting to lead the USA to a record-broadening fifth gold since ladies’ football was presented at the Olympics in 1996. They last brought home the championship in 2012. “I trained Chelsea for quite a long time. I won’t be disheartened at anything this group does because I regard football at the high level, and for us to show up strategically at the spot we have so rapidly is a genuine credit to the players,” the mentor said of her new charges. Germany was a gold medallist in 2016, the one Olympics in which the USA won no decoration in ladies’ football. Under Horst Hrubesch, they completed second in their gathering behind the USA and afterwards defeated reigning Olympic heroes Canada on punishments in the quarter-finals. Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who played under Hayes at Chelsea, was the star against Canada as she saved two punishments in the shoot-out before changing over the triumphant kick herself. “It was an extremely intense game, yet when it went to the shootout, I realized we had an extraordinary goalkeeper. It gave us certainty, and she got us the triumph,” safeguard Kathrin Hendrich told FIFA.com. Marta boycott for Brazil Spain is showing up in the Olympic ladies’ football interestingly however their Reality Cup win last year showed they are at present the most achieved side in the global game. Nonetheless, they were minutes from being disposed of in the quarter-finals by Colombia, as they followed 2-0 preceding retaliating to adjust through Irene Paredes somewhere down in injury time. They then won on punishments, with Barcelona’s Bonmati changing over the conclusive spot-kick. “We would rather not leave here. We need to keep our Olympic dream alive. This group has no restrictions,” proclaimed youthful going after star Salma Paralluelo to FIFA.com in front of confronting Brazil. The Brazilians have two times won Olympic silver, in 2004 and 2008, yet were not supposed to get this far at the Paris Games. They scratched through their gathering as the best third-put side notwithstanding a 2-0 loss by Spain in a game set apart by the shipping off of unbelievable chief Marta. Brazil then, at that point, staggered as France in the last eight, winning the quarter-last 1-0 without their suspended captain. Marta was given a two-match boycott by FIFA for her red card in the last gathering game, meaning she can not highlight against Spain. The Brazilian Football Confederation referred to that suspension as “unreasonable” and said it would interest empower the 38-year-old to highlight. The US Ladies’ Public Soccer Group (USWNT) are in the semi-finals of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. After a somewhat great gathering stage, Emma Hayes’ side was made to work for their last four spot by a restrained Japan side. Level following an hour and a half, it required a snapshot of wizardry from Trinity Rodman in the principal half of extra-time to break the halt, scoring the main objective of the game in a 1-0 win. For the second time in this competition, the Americans will take on Germany for a spot in the gold decoration match. The pair met in the gathering stages, where the US travelled to triumph in a 4-1 destroying of the Europeans. Hayes is currently only two wins from bringing back her most memorable significant title, only two months on from taking the rules. Peruse on to look into the U.S. furthermore, Germany’s common history, and how you can watch them live in Paris. For more Paris Olympics News visit : Home, News
Genuine Madrid has a troublesome difficult exercise to pull off in front of the Bosses Association quarterfinal second leg at the Etihad next Wednesday, after an exhilarating 3-3 draw recently. Genuine Madrid visit Genuine Mallorca on Saturday hoping to keep their La Liga plate turning in the midst of their exciting Heroes Association fight with Chief Association champions Manchester City. Carlo Ancelotti’s side, eight focuses clear at the highest point of the table, have a troublesome difficult exercise to pull off in front of the second leg at the Etihad next Wednesday, after an undeniably exhilarating 3-3 draw recently. Taking their eye off the ball locally could be a grave mistake with the Clasico drawing nearer. Resurgent opponents Barcelona, second, visit the Santiago Bernabeu on April 21, frantic for a way back into the title race so they can safeguard their crown. Copa del Rey’s other participants Mallorca are partaking in areas of strength for an and regardless of not having the option to guarantee the club’s most memorable cup prize beginning around 2003, will get a legends’ wanted at their Child Moix arena. Javier Aguirre’s group, fifteenth, should turn their concentration back to La Liga rapidly as well, sitting just six focuses clear of the transfer zone with eight matches remaining. Assuming Ancelotti chooses to turn his crew to save players sharp for the Bosses Association, Mallorca could benefit, albeit the Italian has a lot of areas of strength for of for possible later use. Brahim Diaz, Joselu, and veteran Luka Modric might all actually play, while safeguard Eder Militao could be given his initial beginning after his drawn-out knee injury. Ancelotti demonstrated his advances – – driving goalscorer Jude Bellingham and Brazilian couple Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo – – finished the City conflict having done their absolute best. “The work they increased front was generally excellent… perhaps they didn’t have their standard newness, they accomplished phenomenal guarded work that let us have control of the game,” said the mentor. In the past, there has been some animosity between Mallorca protectors and Madrid winger Vinicius. The Brazilian was ridiculed by full-back Pablo Maffeo in a match last season, with the Argentine making a crying motion at the 23-year-old after he griped about being fouled. Maffeo finished the cup last punishment rout by Athletic in tears and Genuine Madrid fans immediately took to web-based entertainment to help him to remember his spat with Vinicius. The safeguard erased his record on X, previously Twitter, because of getting maltreatment by Los Blanco’s allies. “It isn’t so much that we as a whole are frantic at him for not an obvious explanation, it’s that maybe there is one,” Maffeo said last year, further stirring up the fire. In the event that Ancelotti chooses not to rest Vinicius then their singular duel will make for a convincing review. Aguirre said Mallorca’s Copa del Rey’s last loss would spike his players on in La Liga. “Absolutely, I will allow them to assimilate the loss and afterward we must be ready,” said the veteran Mexican mentor a week ago. Player to watch: Nico Williams The Athletic Bilbao winger assumed a key part in his group’s Copa del Rey success last the end of the week and his next challenge is to motivate his side to triumph against Villarreal as Los Leones fight for a main four completion to get once more into the Bosses Association interestingly since the 2014-15 season. Key details 0.61 – In spite of his Heroes Association botch against Man City, Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has the least objectives yielded each hour and a half in Spain 31 – Argentines have highlighted in first-class matches this season, the greater part of any identity bar Spanish 82 – Valencia striker Hugo Duro has been La Liga’s most fouled player Apparatuses (all times GMT) Friday Genuine Betis v Celta Vigo (1900) Saturday Atletico Madrid v Girona (1200), Rayo Vallecano v Getafe (1415), Mallorca v Genuine Madrid (1630), Cadiz v Barcelona (1900)
Paris Saint-Germain overcame a controversial first-half sending-off to win 2-0 away to bitter rivals Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday Paris Holy person Germain defeated a questionable first-half shipping off to win 2-0 away to harsh opponents Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday, with Portuguese team Vitinha and Goncalo Ramos scoring their objectives. Marseille’s expectations of a first home association win against PSG since November 2011 were raised when the away side had Lucas Beraldo shipped off five minutes before the span. However, the Qatar-possessed club actually ended up as the winner, with Vitinha trading passes with Ousmane Dembele prior to terminating home a wonderful opening objective in the 53rd moment on a wet night at the Velodrome. Marseille went searching for a balancer and Jordan Veretout had an objective prohibited for an offside against partner Luis Henrique. PSG mentor Luis Enrique then, at that point, pulled out commander Kylian Mbappe soon after the hour imprint and it was his substitution Ramos who ensured the success a short ways from time. The objective came on the breakaway, with the guests clearing a corner before Achraf Hakimi found Marco Asensio and he chose Ramos, who completed coolly for his tenth objective of the time. Just Mbappe, with 38 in all contests, has found the net all the more frequently for PSG this season. The outcome implies PSG end the end of the week as they began it, 12 focuses clear of second-put Brest, who won 1-0 at Lorient prior on Sunday. There are only seven rounds of the mission remaining, and PSG need just 10 additional focuses to guarantee a tenth title in 12 seasons. The greatest idea on the night was the red card for Beraldo, the youthful Brazilian safeguard endorsed in January. He went side by side with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, pushing the aggressor over past mostly close to the right touchline. Currently on a booking, he got away from a subsequent mindfulness however at that point official Benoit Bastien went over to check the VAR screen and, following the survey, shockingly decided to show Beraldo a straight red card, passing judgment on him to have been the last protector. Marseille couldn’t exploit the additional man and a subsequent straight association misfortune implies they stay seventh, three focuses away from the European spots.
Dortmund’s most memorable association win in Munich in 3,641 days, tracing all the way back to 2014 when Jurgen Klopp was in the burrow, took them three focuses clear of RB Leipzig and back into fourth spot with the fight for the Bosses Association heightening. Bayern Munich lost 2-0 to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, their most memorable home “Der Klassiker” misfortune in 10 years, permitting Bayer Leverkusen, who returned to prevail upon 2-1 Hoffenheim, to go 13 focuses clear with seven games remaining. Leverkusen’s triumph put the onus on Bayern in Saturday’s late match, however the German bosses lost at home with Dortmund scoring objectives in every half through Munich-conceived Karim Adeyemi and protector Julian Ryerson. Harry Kane had the ball in the net in the perishing stages to give Bayern any desire for a rebound, yet the Britain chief’s objective was struck off for offside. Bayern mentor Thomas Tuchel sent “congrats to Leverkusen”. Inquired as to whether the title race was finished, Tuchel answered “obviously”, saying “it’s undeniable, clear”. Bayern protector Joshua Kimmich was enraged and freely scrutinized his group. “I can’t help thinking about how we can place in such an exhibition in a game like this. It’s totally unimaginable. “In the last part you had the inclination that nothing was in question, it resembled a cordial. “We really want to return home and question ourselves.” Dortmund’s most memorable association win in Munich in 3,641 days, tracing all the way back to 2014 when Jurgen Klopp was in the burrow, took them three focuses clear of RB Leipzig and back into fourth spot with the fight for the Bosses Association strengthening. The success in Munich “took excessively lengthy” said Dortmund mentor Edin Terzic. “We had a touch of karma, however we really buckled down for it,” Terzic told Sky. Prior on Saturday, Maximilian Baier gave Hoffenheim a 1-0 lead at Leverkusen. Be that as it may, with this season’s unbeaten record in serious peril a day after Xabi Alonso swore to remain on as mentor for one more year, the association chiefs hit back. Robert Andrich evened out in the 88th moment before a physical issue time Patrik Schick volley fixed another astounding rebound win. Leverkusen’s late success proceeded with their record of triumphs in the perishing minutes this season. Alonso’s side have scored late to beat Augsburg, Leipzig, Stuttgart in the German Cup and Qarabag two times against in the Europa Association. “I was dependably hopeful,” Alonso told correspondents. “We said at half-time that one objective is significant. Everything can change in one second. “We have a victor’s mindset – – we fabricated that for ourselves this season.” “We continued battling and continued to accept until the end,” Leverkusen goalscorer Andrich said to Sky. “I had most likely we’d score no less than one today. I knew at last one of our shots needed to go in.” The midfielder, who remained close by his mentor as the group celebrated before the home fans after the match, said Alonso told the players on Friday he would remain past the season. “He said he was staying put – – he said he’d remain here. “The timing he picked was generally excellent. Presently we can continue pushing and ideally accomplish something incredible this season.” Dortmund’s success implied RB Leipzig’s offered for a Bosses Association spot endured a shot, after the German Cup holders played out a scoreless draw at home against modest Mainz notwithstanding overwhelming belonging and domain. The home side were two times denied in the initial half, with an eighth-minute handball punishment toppled by VAR and a Lois Openda objective chalked off for offside. “I can’t hear one more word about anticipated objectives – – we simply didn’t take our risks,” bemoaned Leipzig’s David Raum. Champions Association regulars for as long as decade, RB Leipzig and Dortmund go head to head in the association in late April at the Red Bull Field. New Wolfsburg chief Ralph Hasenhuettl, the previous Southampton mentor, asserted triumph in his most memorable match in control, 2-0 at Werder Bremen. Bremen were decreased to 10 men not long before half time following a last-man foul from Anthony Jung. Maxence Lacroix put the Wolves in front in practically no time a while later. Lacroix was shipped off in the final part, however Wolfsburg’s Lovro Majer scored to seal the success. Freiburg made a stride towards European capability in lengthy serving mentor Christian Streich’s last season at the club with a 3-0 win at Borussia Moenchengladbach. The Dark Woodland side were in full control against battling Gladbach, Michael Gregoritsch, Merlin Roehl and Ritsu Doan all scoring objectives. Association Berlin held Eintracht Frankfurt to a 0-0 away draw, getting a significant highlight go nine clear of the transfer spots. (This story has not been altered by NDTV staff and is auto-created from a partnered feed.)
La Liga pioneers Genuine Madrid have Athletic Bilbao on Sunday as the Spanish first class increase for a thrilling finish to the season. Madrid have a strong hold on the title race in the wake of shaking liberated from Catalan minnows Girona before the global break, yet Ernesto Valverde’s high-flying Athletic will be precarious resistance at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Basque side, in the Copa del Rey last, are battling to tie down a main four completion and a re-visitation of Champions Association football next season. Athletic are fourth, a point clear of Diego Simeone’s Atletico in fifth, who face Villarreal on Monday. Madrid have an agreeable noteworthy lead on champions Barcelona with nine matches remaining and in the event that they can beat Athletic will be certain of clutching guarantee a third title in five seasons. The Catalans have found structure lately after mentor Xavi Hernandez said he would leave toward the finish of the time, and face Las Palmas at home on Saturday. Barcelona are unbeaten in 10 matches and pounded Atletico 3-0 at the Metropolitano arena in their last excursion, showing Madrid they wouldn’t give up their crown easily. “Every one of the players are doing the best that they can with and are at their best level,” cautioned Xavi before the worldwide break. “Presently we’re at our best snapshot of the time, it’s a second to dream.” He added: “An eight point advantage is a ton (however) we have an immediate conflict against them and we will attempt to make it happen.” Genuine Madrid are near recuperating safeguard Eder Militao from injury despite the fact that he is probably not going to confront Athletic. Top goalscorer Jude Bellingham is set to get back to the side after a two-match suspension, despite the fact that he and Fede Valverde got back from global obligation with minor wellness concerns. In spite of Madrid’s regular physical issue issues this season, Ancelotti was certain about the group’s possibilities of flatware this season. “I’m very hopeful and we are over and above anyone’s expectations,” said the Italian, before Madrid beat Osasuna in their past match. “We must be energized for the games to come, we must be blissful, fulfilled and confident.” Seven focuses clear of Atletico, Girona ought to have the option to clutch a main four spot, despite the fact that their structure has dunked severely with four losses in their last six matches. “Not arriving at the Heroes Association would be a major blow,” conceded mentor Michel Sanchez. Girona have Genuine Betis, seventh, on Sunday prior to visiting Atletico Madrid. Player to watch: Lamine Yamal The Barcelona winger keeps on sparkling for his club and nation, assuming a critical part for Spain against Brazil on Tuesday in an engaging draw. Barca mentor Xavi Hernandez is conflicted between making an effort not to wear out the 16-year-old and permitting him free rule to cause destruction down the conservative, with Las Palmas next visiting the Catalan capital on Saturday. Key details 3 – Genuine Betis striker Chimy Avila has been shipped off more than whatever other player this season, two times with Osasuna 15 – Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon has kept the most spotless sheets 72 – level of tackles won by Barcelona safeguard Pau Cubarsi, who as of late made his Spain debut at 17 Installations Friday Cadiz v Granada (2000) Saturday Getafe v Sevilla (1300), Almeria v Osasuna (1515), Valencia v Mallorca (1730), Barcelona v Las Palmas (2000) Sunday Celta Vigo v Rayo Vallecano (1200), Girona v Genuine Betis (1415), Alaves v Genuine Sociedad (1630), Genuine Madrid v Athletic Bilbao (1900)
Indian safeguard Bijay Chhetri has joined Uruguayan football club Colon FC borrowed until the year-end, his Indian Super Association (ISL) club Chennaiyin FC said on Wednesday. Indian safeguard Bijay Chhetri has joined Uruguayan football club Colon FC borrowed until the year-end, his Indian Super Association (ISL) club Chennaiyin FC said on Wednesday. Chhetri hence turned into the primary Indian footballer to finish paperwork for a Latin American club. Colon is situated in Montevideo, while the club contends in Segunda Division Proficient (second division) of the nation, where it is right now put third on the Gathering B association table. “I feel so eager to get this chance for the new test in my expert profession. I desire to place in great exhibitions to upgrade my game, reimburse the trust displayed in me by Colon FC and to keep the Indian banner taking off,” Bijay said in a delivery. “I’m very much aware that assuming I get along admirably, it can prepare for future Indian players likewise to move to another country into these business sectors.” The 22-year-old Bijay from Manipur started his footballing profession with Shillong Lajong in 2016 and showed up with Indian Bolts in 2018. From that point forward, he has played for clubs like Chennai City, Genuine Kashmir and Sreenidi Deccan prior to joining CFC this season, his lady ISL club. Wishing Bijay karma on his transition to Colon, CFC co-proprietor Vita Dani said, “We are very pleased to see Bijay advance toward one of the world’s greatest football countries. Uruguay are perpetually carved in the game’s set of experiences, with four stars on their chest as champs of two Olympic gold awards in 1924 and 1928, the principal World Cup in 1930, and afterward rehashing in Brazil in 1950. “What’s more, Colon Futbol Club are important for that legacy; established even before the principal World Cup. I hope everything turns out great for Bijay, and we are expecting his prosperity as he leaves a mark on the world as the main Indian player to protect an agreement with a Latin American club.”
Cristiano Ronaldo added another accolade to his already illustrious career as he scored his 750th goal in club football during Al-Nassr’s 3-2 win over Al-Shabab. Portuguese star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo added another accolade to his already illustrious career as he scored his 750th goal in club football during Al-Nassr’s 3-2 win over Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League on Sunday. It was a big occasion for the footballer as he controlled the game and guided his side to a much-needed victory. However, the occasion was marred with controversy as he was targeted with “Messi Messi” chants from a section of the opposition fans. In reply, Ronaldo directed a gesture towards them that many alleged was obscene and the video of the incident has gone viral on social media. Earlier, Ronaldo guided Al Nassr into the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League as the Saudi Arabian side defeated domestic rivals Al Fayha 2-0 to progress 3-0 on aggregate. Nassr, who won last week’s first leg 1-0 thanks to a Ronaldo goal nine minutes from time, were the better side at Al Awwal Park and took the lead on 17 minutes through Portuguese winger Otavio. imagine being 39 years-old and acting like this Ronaldo is truly finished pic.twitter.com/fG1Q3yu262— Joey (@NUFCJoey) February 25, 2024 The former Porto star, who joined Nassr last summer, headed home from close range to score in his second successive game for the club. His compatriot, Ronaldo, looked set to endure a frustrating night personally, with the Portugal captain having a number of penalty appeals turned down and, not long into the second half, a goal disallowed for offside. Ronaldo, 39 earlier this month, was also booked in first-half stoppage time for a late challenge, with Nassr manager Luis Castro then given a yellow card for protesting the decision too vehemently. However, the Nassr skipper would have the final say, when four minutes from time, he latched onto yet another Marcelo Brozovic through ball. Fayha goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic really should have dealt with the situation but could only kick his attempted clearance off the onrushing Ronaldo. The ball fell invitingly for Ronaldo to tap into the empty net. Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com It marked the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward’s 10th goal in his past nine matches for Nassr. Ronaldo, a five-time winner of the UEFA Champions League, is competing for the first time in its Asian equivalent.
Manchester City and Real Madrid will both be in action when the UEFA Champions League knockout stages begin this Tuesday, and it is the last two winners of European football’s greatest prize who appear the strongest contenders to go all the way this season. Pep Guardiola has been busy playing down City’s chances of repeating their remarkable treble triumph of last year, when they retained the English Premier League title and won the FA Cup before claiming their first ever Champions League crown. “We have 99.99 per cent possibility that we are not going to win the treble because it has never, ever, ever been done,” Guardiola said this week when asked about the prospect of retaining all three trophies. Yet City seem to be finding their very best form again just at the right time, and they head to Denmark for Tuesday’s last 16, first leg against FC Copenhagen on a run of 10 straight wins in all competitions. Copenhagen are into the knockout phase of Europe’s elite club competition for just the second time, and first since 2011. They held City at home in last season’s group stage and beat Manchester United 4-3 earlier this season at their Parken Stadium, so Tuesday’s game will perhaps not be straightforward for the reigning champions. But Guardiola’s team will surely be far too strong over two legs, and Madrid should also have too much for RB Leipzig, who they face in Germany first. Led by Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are in superb form in La Liga despite being hampered by a cascade of injuries in defence. The draw for the last 16, made in December, was somewhat underwhelming, even if the meeting between last season’s runners-up Inter Milan and Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid has the makings of a cracker. It will also be fascinating to see how Barcelona fare against Napoli as the Catalans head into their final months under Xavi Hernandez before their legendary former player departs as coach at the end of the campaign. Given Napoli’s own difficulties in following up their stunning run to the Serie A title last season, Barcelona will be hopeful of advancing to a first Champions League quarter-final since 2020. That year they beat Napoli in the last 16 before a stunning 8-2 hammering by Bayern Munich in Lisbon. Bayern themselves travel to face Lazio reeling from a 3-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen which leaves their decade-long grip on the Bundesliga title looking more fragile than ever. Harry Kane and his teammates will hope that the return to continental competition brings out the best in them, especially with the increasing prospect that the England star’s first season in Germany might end without a major trophy. PSG’s last chance with Mbappe? A classic quarter-final line-up could be in store if all the heavyweights avoid shock defeats in the last 16. Arsenal should be too strong for Porto, while PSV Eindhoven and Borussia Dortmund meet in a battle of two outsiders. Then there is Paris Saint-Germain, the club who have made a habit of failing spectacularly in Europe in recent years despite the lavish spending of their Qatari owners. PSG have been eliminated in the first knockout round in five of the last seven seasons, and it seems certain that this will be their last chance to win the Champions League with Kylian Mbappe in their ranks. The France captain’s future appears likely to lie elsewhere — most probably with Real Madrid — as his contract expires after this campaign. Yet PSG’s form this season under Luis Enrique — the man who led Barcelona to Champions League glory in 2015 — has been so unconvincing that the prospect of them going all the way in Europe appears slim. Understandably wary supporters of the French club may even be dreading facing Real Sociedad, who they face in Paris in the first leg on Wednesday. The Basque side come into the tie in poor form and with considerable injury problems, but the pressure will all be on PSG. “If you want to get to the final you have to play against the best teams,” said Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil as he reflected on the draw. “That is their objective, to get to the final. Imagine what a bombshell it would be if we eliminated them.”
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was distraught at not being able to sign a striker in the January transfer window this year. “I wanted a striker, and because of the injury to (Anthony) Martial, we don’t really have the back-up. It was not possible because we have to meet the FFP rules,” he said. It’s been a while since the Premier League managers have had to worry about Financial Fair Play rules as witnessed by their spending in the last three record-breaking winter windows. Even last year, the EPL clubs had spent £815m. This year, it has seen a mighty fall with the 20 top-flight clubs spending just £100m, which is £715m less than last year according to a report by Deloitte, with Tottenham’s signing of Radu Dragusin from Genoa for £25m the highest spent this time around. So, was the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) the only factor that restricted the clubs from going all out in the market this year? Let’s find out. Written by Sayak DuttaUpdated: February 4, 2024 18:51 IST Follow Us The 20 top-flight Premier League clubs spent just £100m in January 2024, which is £715m less than last year, with Tottenham’s signing of Radu Dragusin from Genoa for £25m the highest spent this time around. Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was distraught at not being able to sign a striker in the January transfer window this year. “I wanted a striker, and because of the injury to (Anthony) Martial, we don’t really have the back-up. It was not possible because we have to meet the FFP rules,” he said. It’s been a while since the Premier League managers have had to worry about Financial Fair Play rules as witnessed by their spending in the last three record-breaking winter windows. Even last year, the EPL clubs had spent £815m. This year, it has seen a mighty fall with the 20 top-flight clubs spending just £100m, which is £715m less than last year according to a report by Deloitte, with Tottenham’s signing of Radu Dragusin from Genoa for £25m the highest spent this time around. So, was the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) the only factor that restricted the clubs from going all out in the market this year? Let’s find out. https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=indianexpress&dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1753438927019561126&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Findianexpress.com%2Farticle%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2Fexplained-why-it-was-dry-january-transfer-window-in-the-premier-league-9143927%2F&sessionId=470acc4d789929bd578f882eb2212ea1637666ef&siteScreenName=The%20Indian%20Express&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px What are the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules? According to the rules, Premier League clubs are allowed to lose a maximum of £105 million across a three-year assessment period. However, for every season a club was in the second-tier Championship, that amount is reduced by £22 million. There are a number of deductions allowed for spending on costs that are deemed to be in the general interest of the club and the game. Everton and Nottingham Forest have been charged with breaching the financial rules with both clubs being referred to an independent commission for their 2022-23 accounts. The Toffees have already faced a 10-point deduction this season due to t heir alleged breaches in the 2021-22 season where their losses amounted to £124.5m. Meanwhile, the reigning champions Manchester City are also under the scanner after getting accused of more than 100 financial breaches in an investigation which has gone on for 5 years, with charges dating way back to 2009 by a Premier League investigation. An independent commission is now in charge to pass the verdict on the matter at a date yet to be confirmed. What might have been the other factors for a dry January? There might be many other factors that have led to such an uneventful month in transfers in January with the past record-breaking windows having already strengthened teams that do not have to spend more. There can also be the factor that only 2 managers were sacked this season compared to 11 last year so there was no need for an influx of new players for a new manager. Which transfer was the biggest deadline day permanent signing in January 2024? In order to understand how far the mighty have fallen, you just have to look at the biggest deadline day permanent signing in the country with Crystal Palace spending £18m for Blackburn’s Adam Wharton, a fee that can rise to £22m. In January 2023, the highest deadline day deal was Chelsea’s £107m signing of Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.
Long-term Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe is now the subject of interest from Premier League giants Liverpool as his Paris Saint-Germain contract nears its end Kylian Mbappe’s club future is once again the subject of discussion but some reports are now touting him with a move to Liverpool, rather than Real Madrid. The Paris Saint-Germain superstar is out of contract with the French giants come the end of the current campaign and has long been widely tipped to join Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have been interested in the World Cup winner for nearly three years, but a move has never materialised. However, there is talk that suggests that Los Blancos are no longer in pole position to sign Mbappe, amid interest from the Reds. The 25-year-old came close to making the move to Anfield once before, back in 2017 before his move to Paris. At the time, Mbappe was weighing up the idea of swapping Monaco for Merseyside and according to L’Equipe, even held a two-hour with Reds owner John W. Henry on his private jet to discuss the idea of a transfer. The French outlet reported that Henry tried to win over both Mbappe and his family by flying his private jet to Monaco and inviting them on board. The rumour mill has started to turn with reports suggesting Jurgen Klopp is keen on reigniting the club’s interest in Mbappe given they would not have pay a penny in transfer fees. However, PSG haven’t lost hope of convincing the forward to pen an extension at the Parc des Princes. PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi discussed the situation in detail while on the Rothen s’enflamme RMC podcast. He explained: “Look, I am not trying to hide anything. “I want Kylian Mbappe to stay at PSG. He’s the best player in the world and the best club for him is PSG. “He is central to our project. We have done a lot of things, some have worked more than others. We have made mistakes and this is normal. Now we have a young team, with French players, and we are not in a hurry, this is for the long term. “We have put together a team that is solid on a technical level and our system of play has been changed and it is a pleasure to watch this team. We play as a team, we defend as a team, it is magnificent.” Though Liverpool are delighted by the fact that Mbappe would arrive on a free, it is believed that the Reds would have to restructure their entire wage system if the Frenchman was to join. The Telegraph claim that Mbappe’s representatives are demanding a salary of ÂŁ64.5million a year after tax, which works out as ÂŁ1.24m a week. For context, Liverpool’s current top earner, Mohamed Salah, is on a salary of around ÂŁ350,000 per week.