Milan CEO Dismisses Leao to Barcelona Rumors

Milan CEO Dismisses Leao to Barcelona Rumors

AC Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani has emphatically denied rumors linking star winger Rafael Leao with a move to Barcelona. Furlani stated that there is “zero possibility” of Leao leaving the Rossoneri, despite reports in Spain suggesting otherwise.

Leao, 25, is one of Milan’s most prized assets and has been a key figure in their recent resurgence. His contract runs until 2028, and Furlani is confident that he will remain at the club for the foreseeable future.

“There is zero possibility that Leao will leave Milan,” Furlani told reporters. “He is a fundamental player for us, and we are counting on him for the future.”

When asked if Leao could potentially submit a transfer request, Furlani responded with certainty: “I am sure that he will not. He is happy at Milan, and he wants to continue his career here.”

Leao’s impressive performances have attracted the attention of several top clubs, including Barcelona. However, Milan is determined to keep hold of their star player and is not willing to entertain any offers.

The Portuguese winger has been a revelation since joining Milan in 2019. He has scored 34 goals in 125 appearances for the club and has played a pivotal role in their recent successes, including winning the Serie A title last season.

Milan began their Serie A campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Torino last weekend. They will face newly promoted Parma on Saturday evening as they look to secure their first win of the season.

Mbappe's Madrid Debut Raises Balance Concerns for Ancelotti

Mbappe’s Madrid Debut Raises Balance Concerns for Ancelotti

Kylian Mbappe’s highly anticipated La Liga debut for Real Madrid has raised questions about the team’s balance, as the Spanish champions drew 1-1 at Mallorca last weekend. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in terms of defensive stability.

Mbappe, who joined Madrid on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, is expected to make his first home appearance for the club on Sunday against Real Valladolid. The French superstar is hoping to make a greater impact at Madrid than his predecessor, Ronaldo, who won just one La Liga title and failed to lift the Champions League during his five seasons in the Spanish capital.

One of the main challenges for Ancelotti is finding the right balance in his attacking lineup. Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Jude Bellingham have all been deployed in the starting XI, but their preference for playing on the left flank has created some congestion. Additionally, Bellingham’s role in midfield has been compromised, as he is forced to drop deeper to accommodate the three forwards.

“We need to defend better, we need more balance,” Ancelotti said after the Mallorca draw. “It’s a team problem that they didn’t understand was a key aspect in this game.”

While Real Valladolid may not pose a significant threat on paper, Ancelotti will be eager to see his team improve their performance. Mbappe, who scored against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup, will be looking to mark his Bernabeu debut with a goal.

However, Madrid’s attacking prowess could also prove to be a double-edged sword. Teams may be motivated to rise to the challenge of stopping the “fantastic four,” as the attacking quartet has been dubbed.

“We’re going to face the best team in the world, with one of the best coaches in history and the best attack in the world today,” said Valladolid coach Paulo Pezzolano. “We know what we’re going to face, but we’re going there convinced that we’re going to compete and bring something back home.”

Fulham Signs Norway Midfielder Sander Berge on Five-Year Deal

Fulham Signs Norway Midfielder Sander Berge on Five-Year Deal

Fulham has bolstered its midfield with the acquisition of Norway international Sander Berge from Burnley on a five-year contract. The undisclosed fee marks a significant investment for the Premier League club, which has been seeking to strengthen its squad ahead of the new season.

Berge, 26, joins Fulham following the departure of Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich earlier this summer. The Norwegian midfielder has been a key figure for Burnley in recent seasons, making over 100 appearances for the club. He has also represented Norway at the international level, earning 33 caps and scoring four goals.

Fulham manager Marco Silva expressed his delight at securing Berge’s services, stating, “Sander is a player we have been tracking for some time. He is a talented midfielder with a lot of experience at both club and international level. We believe he will be a valuable addition to our squad.”

Berge, who can play as a central midfielder or a defensive midfielder, is known for his physicality, passing range, and ability to break up play. He is expected to provide Fulham with much-needed depth and competition in the midfield, alongside the likes of Harrison Reed, Tom Cairney, and Jean Michael Seri.

The Norwegian midfielder is eager to make an immediate impact at Craven Cottage, saying, “I’m very excited to join Fulham. It’s a great club with a lot of ambition. I’m looking forward to working with the manager and the players to help the team achieve its goals.”

Berge could make his debut for Fulham in the Premier League opener against Leicester City on Saturday. The Cottagers will be hoping that the Norwegian’s arrival will help them improve on their 12th-place finish last season and challenge for a top-half spot in the upcoming campaign.

Barcelona's Summer Squad Reinforcements Unraveling Amid Departures

Barcelona’s Summer Squad Reinforcements Unraveling Amid Departures

Barcelona’s summer squad reinforcements are unraveling as the club faces financial constraints and player departures. Ilkay Gundogan is reportedly set to return to Manchester City, while Vitor Roque is close to a loan move to Real Betis. These exits highlight the makeshift nature of Barcelona’s squad building last summer, which failed to address the loss of veteran leaders Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Despite the departures, Barcelona has secured the arrival of Dani Olmo from Leipzig, but his registration is pending due to financial requirements. Coach Hansi Flick has relied heavily on La Masia academy products, giving debuts to Gerard Martín and Marc Bernal in the season opener.

Barcelona’s next test comes on Saturday against Athletic Bilbao, led by former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde. Athletic will be seeking its first victory at Barcelona since 2001-2002, while Barcelona aims to continue its winning start under Flick.

Lucknow to Host Historic Mohun Bagan-East Bengal Derby, Fueling Football in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow to Host Historic Mohun Bagan-East Bengal Derby, Fueling Football in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow to Host Historic Mohun Bagan-East Bengal Derby, Boosting Football in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, the vibrant city of Nawabs, is set to witness a historic football clash on September 2nd as traditional rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal face off at the K.D. Singh Babu Stadium. This highly anticipated derby marks a significant step in promoting football in Uttar Pradesh and is expected to draw a massive crowd of approximately 10,000 spectators.

The preparations for this high-voltage match are in full swing, with the testing of the recently installed floodlights underway. The dressing rooms and other facilities for the players are also being meticulously arranged. State Sports Director R.P. Singh has confirmed that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is likely to grace the occasion.

The decision to host the derby in Lucknow stems from a meeting between All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Chaubey expressed the need to promote football in Uttar Pradesh, and the state government enthusiastically embraced the proposal.

Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, renowned for their passionate fan base, will arrive in Lucknow on September 1st. The derby promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the immense talent and rivalry that defines Indian football.

The hosting of this prestigious match in Lucknow is a testament to the growing popularity of football in Uttar Pradesh. The state government’s commitment to promoting the sport is evident in its support for this event. The derby is expected to inspire young footballers and further ignite the passion for the beautiful game in the region.

Juventus Sign Pierre Kalulu on Loan from AC Milan

Juventus Sign Pierre Kalulu on Loan from AC Milan

Juventus Bolster Defense with Pierre Kalulu Loan from AC Milan

Italian giants Juventus have secured the services of French defender Pierre Kalulu on a season-long loan from AC Milan. The 24-year-old joins the Turin club with an option to buy permanently for 14 million euros ($15.6 million) at the end of his loan spell.

Kalulu has been a consistent performer for Milan since joining from Lyon in 2020, making 112 appearances for the Rossoneri. His versatility and ability to play both as a center-back and a right-back make him a valuable addition to Juventus’ squad.

The move to Juventus represents a significant step up for Kalulu, who will now compete for trophies at the highest level. Juventus are aiming to reclaim the Serie A title they last won in 2020, and Kalulu’s experience and defensive prowess will be crucial in their quest.

Kalulu’s arrival is a boost for Juventus manager Thiago Motta, who is looking to build a competitive team capable of challenging for major honors. The Bianconeri made a winning start to their Serie A campaign with a 3-0 victory over Como, and Kalulu’s addition will further strengthen their defensive options.

With his pace, physicality, and technical ability, Kalulu is expected to play a key role in Juventus’ backline. His partnership with fellow French defender Matthijs de Ligt could prove to be formidable, providing Juventus with a solid foundation on which to build their success.

Five New Faces to Watch in the 2024-25 Bundesliga Season

Five New Faces to Watch in the 2024-25 Bundesliga Season

The upcoming 2024-25 Bundesliga season promises to be an exciting one, with several new faces set to make their mark on the German top flight. Here’s a closer look at five players to watch:

Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)

Bayern Munich’s most expensive signing this summer, Olise is a speedy winger with a knack for scoring goals. The 22-year-old impressed at Crystal Palace last season, contributing 10 goals and 6 assists in just 19 Premier League appearances. His arrival adds depth and attacking threat to Bayern’s already formidable squad.

Pascal Gross (Borussia Dortmund)

Despite his age, Gross brings experience and creativity to Dortmund’s midfield. The 33-year-old German international has spent the last seven years at Brighton, where he was twice named the club’s player of the season. His ability to create chances and score goals could be crucial for Dortmund’s title aspirations.

Aleix Garcia (Bayer Leverkusen)

Garcia was a key figure in Girona’s surprise third-place finish in La Liga last season. The 27-year-old Spanish midfielder provides Leverkusen with additional midfield security and creativity. His ability to control the tempo of the game and contribute defensively will be invaluable to coach Xabi Alonso.

Deniz Undav (Stuttgart)

Undav was one of the standout performers in Stuttgart’s impressive second-place finish last season. The German forward scored 13 goals in 31 Bundesliga appearances, helping the club secure a return to the Champions League. With several key players departing, Undav will be even more crucial to Stuttgart’s success this season.

Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig)

Leipzig have a reputation for developing young talent, and Nusa is the latest addition to their impressive roster. The 19-year-old Norwegian winger arrived from Club Brugge for a reported fee of 22 million euros. He scored on his debut for Leipzig and is expected to play a significant role in replacing Dani Olmo, who departed for Barcelona.

These five new faces are just a few of the players to watch in the upcoming Bundesliga season. With a mix of experience, talent, and potential, they are sure to make an impact on the German top flight.

Cristiano Ronaldo Launches Official YouTube Channel, Amassing 1.69 Million Subscribers

Cristiano Ronaldo Launches Official YouTube Channel, Amassing 1.69 Million Subscribers

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese footballer, has joined the YouTube bandwagon, launching his official channel on Wednesday. The announcement was met with immense enthusiasm, with the channel garnering over 1.69 million subscribers within hours of its launch.

Ronaldo’s YouTube channel will feature a wide range of content, including exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and insights into his personal life. The channel will also serve as a platform for Ronaldo to connect with his fans and share his passion for football.

The launch of Ronaldo’s YouTube channel comes at a time when the platform has become a popular destination for football fans. YouTube offers a vast array of football-related content, including highlights, analysis, and podcasts hosted by former and current players.

Ronaldo’s entry into the YouTube space is expected to further enhance the platform’s appeal to football enthusiasts. His immense popularity and global reach will undoubtedly attract a large audience to his channel.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo will be in action for his new club, Al Nassr, on Thursday as they face Al Raed in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo will be eager to make a positive impact for his team after their recent defeat to Al Hilal in the Spanish Super Cup final.

Al Nassr will be looking to bounce back from that loss and regain their momentum in the league. Ronaldo’s presence in the team is expected to provide a significant boost to their title aspirations.

Chelsea Sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on Seven-Year Deal

Chelsea Sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on Seven-Year Deal

Chelsea have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of Portuguese forward Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on a seven-year deal. The Premier League club confirmed the transfer on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

Financial details were not disclosed, but English media reported that Chelsea paid around 46 million pounds ($59.95 million) to secure the 24-year-old’s return to Stamford Bridge. Felix had previously spent a six-month loan spell at Chelsea in the 2022-23 season, scoring four goals in 20 appearances. He also had a loan stint at Barcelona last campaign, where he netted 10 goals in 44 games.

Atletico Madrid had signed Felix from Benfica in 2019 for a club-record fee of 126 million euros ($140 million). He scored 34 goals in 131 matches for the Spanish club and helped them win the LaLiga title in 2021.

“It’s a chance for me to find a home,” Felix told Chelsea’s website. “After two loans, Chelsea and Barca, I needed to stay permanently in one place. There’s no better place for me to be than Chelsea. I see a perfect place to shine.”

“I felt really good when I was here, despite the results we had. I’m really happy to be back,” he added.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised Felix’s versatility. “The good thing about Joao is that he can play in different positions. He can play inside, he can play as a (number) nine, he can play outside,” Maresca told reporters.

Chelsea will face Swiss side Servette in the Europa Conference League playoff stage on Thursday before visiting Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Sunday.

NorthEast United, Shillong Lajong Advance to Durand Cup Semis

NorthEast United, Shillong Lajong Advance to Durand Cup Semis

NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) and Shillong Lajong FC have secured their spots in the semi-finals of the Durand Cup 2024 after overcoming valiant efforts from Indian Army FT and East Bengal FC, respectively.

In the first quarter-final at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar, NEUFC’s Nestor Albiach and Guillermo Fernandez scored in the second half to seal a 2-0 victory over Indian Army FT. The Highlanders dominated the early exchanges, but the Army men absorbed the pressure and threatened on set pieces. However, Albiach broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, finishing off a long ball from Samte. Fernandez doubled the lead in the 73rd minute with a spectacular ‘scorpion kick’ finish.

In the second quarter-final at Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong Lajong FC stunned East Bengal FC 2-1. Marcos Rudwere gave the hosts an early lead, but Nandhakumar Sekar equalized for East Bengal in the 77th minute. However, Figo Syndai scored the winning goal in the dying moments, capitalizing on an opening created by East Bengal’s aggressive push for a winner.

NEUFC will now face Shillong Lajong FC in the semi-finals, while the other semi-final will feature Gokulam Kerala FC and Sudeva Delhi FC. The Durand Cup is one of the oldest football tournaments in Asia, and this year’s edition has witnessed some exciting matches and impressive performances.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart