CF Montréal Signs Alexis Sánchez

Posted on August 11, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Alexis Sánchez is heading to The City of Saints.

CF Montréal has signed the 37-year-old Chilean forward to a Designated Player contract, the club announced on Tuesday.

Sánchez was most recently with LaLiga side Sevilla, where he scored four goals in 30 matches across all competitions.

He joins Montréal on a contract through next May, which will include the current Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign, as well as the sprint season set to take place in the first half of 2027.

The club retains a one-year option for the 2027-28 campaign, which will be the first under the modified league calendar.

“I am very happy to join CF Montréal and take on this new challenge,” said Sánchez. “I’m grateful to the Club for the confidence they’ve shown in me and I’m eager to put my experience to work so that we can reach our objectives and create memorable moments for our supporters. I’m here to give everything I have for the Club and for this city.”

The move sees Sánchez conclude an 18-year spell in Europe, which saw him play for some of the game’s biggest clubs including River Plate, Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United and Internazionale.

Along the way, Sánchez was part of teams that claimed six league championships and 11 cup titles. In a career that began in his native Chile with Cobreloa in 2005, he has made over 800 appearances in all competitions at club level, scoring over 200 goals.

“The arrival of Alexis Sánchez represents an important step in our sporting project,” said CF Montréal Senior Director Luca Saputo. “Alexis possesses exceptional technical quality and experience at the highest level of world football. His personality, leadership and competitive mindset fully align with our club’s identity and ambitions. We are of firm belief that he will have an immediate impact both on the field and in the locker room.”

At international level, Sánchez was a stalwart for Chile, leading La Roja to two Copa América titles in 2015 and 2016, both of which came at the expense of Lionel Messi and Argentina.

In the latter competition, Sánchez was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

Sánchez holds Chile’s all-time records for both goals scored (51) and international appearances (168).

Montréal sits second-to-last in MLS’ Eastern Conference, with 16 points from 18 games played. Its next games is at home against DC United on August 15.

Eduardo Saverin Joins Consortium Looking to Buy Stake in Liverpool F.C.

Posted on August 10, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Eduardo Saverin is hoping to get in the game.

The 44-year-old Brazilian entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist who co-founded Facebook and Jeff Bezos are set to become the latest tech giants entering the English football world.

Saverin and Bezos are part of a consortium that’s set to buy a stake in 20-time English league winners Liverpool, according to Sky News.

News of the deal first emerged last month, and Sky News business editor Mark Kleinman is now reporting that an agreement on a 30% stake is close to being announced by current owner Fenway Sports Group (FSG), which also owns the likes of the Boston Red Sox.

The consortium is led by Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal. Bhatia was until recently a major shareholder and boardroom player at English Championship side Queens Park Rangers, but sold his shares on the same day in initial report about the Liverpool deal emerged.

Liverpool are one of English footballs’ best-supported teams, having won multiple top division titles, especially in the 1970s and 1980s, and six European Cups – more than anyone else in the UK. They most recently won the Premier League in 2024-25, but finished a disappointing fifth, 25 points behind champions Arsenal.

Saverin now runs private equity company B Capital. He was previously part of a group that looked to take over Liverpool rivals Chelsea in 2022, but this would also represent a first move in the sports space. His wealth is estimated at over $30B.

Saverin left Facebook in 2005 when Mark Zuckerberg effectively diluted his shares and relieved him of active duty – a situation that played out in Aaron Sorkin’s movie The Social Network, with Andrew Garfield playing the Brazilian-born Saverin opposite Jesse Eisenberg’s Zuckerberg.

Sky News reported FSG plans to make an announcement on the deal in “coming days,” but that this could push into next week. It will value Liverpool at $6B, making it one of the biggest investments in football history.

The news comes at a very delicate time for world football, with European association UEFA effectively at war with world governing body FIFA, whose President Gianni Infantino has faced a barrage of criticism after announcing a plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup to the likes of Joshua Kushner, the brother of President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

The plan was scrapped after UEFA and several other bodies rejected the plan. Infantino has been urged to resign, but it appears he has the support to continue in the role, at least for now.

Vinícius Júnior Agrees to New Deal with Real Madrid

Posted on August 6, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Vinícius Júnior isn’t switching sides anytime soon…

The 26-year-old Brazilian professional footballer has accepted Real Madrid‘s latest contract offer, ending months of speculation by agreeing to a new deal at the club until 2032, the Spanish giants confirmed on Thursday.

It came a day after the star forward’s representatives held talks with club executives in a meeting that left his camp feeling optimistic about reaching an agreement, after Real Madrid offered improved terms.

Negotiations had previously been deadlocked for over a year, with doubts growing over the Brazil international’s future, and his deal due to expire in June 2027.

“Real Madrid and Vinícius Jr have agreed to extend our player’s contract, keeping him at the club until June 30, 2032,” the club said in a statement.

“Vinícius joined Real Madrid in July 2018, at the age of 18. In his eight seasons with us, he has played 375 matches, scoring 128 goals and winning 14 trophies: two Champions Leagues, three Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, three LaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey, and three Spanish Supercopas.

“His contribution to all these titles has been crucial thanks to his play, assists, and goals… Vinicius has become one of the most important players in one of the most successful periods in our history.”

ESPN had reported that Real Madrid were open to a departure this summer if no agreement was reached on an extension, with interest from Premier League champions Arsenal.

Vinícius returned to training at Valdebebas on Monday, after a break following Brazil’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup.

A meeting then took place Wednesday, with the player’s agent, Frederico Pena, and adviser, Tata Soares, both present, along with Real Madrid’s director general José Ángel Sánchez and chief scout Juni Calafat.

Sources told ESPN that discussions had been positive after Madrid proposed a new, improved contract beyond their previous offer, which had been worth around €22 million ($25.3m) a year.

Vinicius was earning around €17.5 million ($20.2m) a year in the final year of his previous deal and had previously been asking for a new package worth around €30 million ($34.6m) a year.

Vinícius joined Madrid as a teenager in 2018 and has been one of their most influential players in the years since, scoring in two Champions League finals.

He finished runner-up in the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or and was named FIFA‘s The Best Men’s Player that same year.

Arsenal Signs Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia

Posted on July 24, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Cristhian Mosquera is switching sides.

Arsenal has confirmed the signing of the 21-year-old Spanish professional footballer from Valencia for an initial fee of €15 million (£13m).

Sources have told ESPN that Mosquera has signed a five-year deal to June 2030 with the option for a further 12 months.

ESPN has also been told the fee could rise to something in the region of €20m if all performance-related add-ons are met.

Mosquera becomes Arsenal’s fifth summer signing after Martín Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Nørgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga with their total outlay in the region of £140m.

Mosquera flew out to Singapore to join up with the Arsenal squad on tour in Asia after negotiations led by sporting director Andrea Berta, with manager Mikel Arteta also involved in discussions.

He made 90 appearances for Valencia and sources have told ESPN that Mosquera is viewed internally as one of the brightest young defensive talents in Europe, primarily as a right-sided player but with an ability to play anywhere across the back line.

Santi Cazorla Returning to LaLiga for First Time in 24 Years with Real Oviedo Signing

Posted on July 13, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Santi Cazorla isn’t ready to retire yet.

The 40-year-old Spanish futbolista will return to LaLiga next season after signing a new contract with Real Oviedo.

Cazorla, whose previous deal expired this summer, has signed a one-year extension, the team has announced.

That means Cazorla will be part of the Real Oviedo squad as the club returns to Spain’s top division for the first time in 24 years.

The former Arsenal and Villarreal midfielder was a key part of the Real Oviedo team that secured promotion, scoring one of the goals to help his hometown club win their promotion playoff against Mirandes last month.

The former Spain international last played in LaLiga in 2020.

Cazorla spent seven years in Oviedo’s youth team but then left for Villarreal to start his professional career as Oviedo sunk deep into a financial crisis.

After three years in Qatar with Al Sadd, Cazorla returned to Real Oviedo in 2023.

In an illustrious career, Cazorla won 81 caps for Spain and was part of the squad that won back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

Arsenal Complete Signing of Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad

Posted on July 6, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Martín Zubimendi is upgrading his arsenal…

Arsenal have completed the signing of the 26-year-old highly rated Spanish midfielder from Real Sociedad, the club have announced.

The north London club beat opposition from top European outfits after triggering Zubimendi’s €60 million ($67m) release clause.

His contract at Real Sociedad was due to expire in June 2027.

A source told ESPN that Real Madrid tried to sign Zubimendi when Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti in May, but a deal with Arsenal had already been struck in March.

Zubimendi had the chance to move to the Premier League a year ago having been Liverpool‘s top choice in defensive midfield.

However, he turned down the transfer, opting instead to remain atReal Sociedad for the 2024-25 season, a decision he later said was “the right one.

A Sociedad youth product, Zubimendi spent five years with the first team, making over 170 appearances across all competitions.

The San Sebastián-born player had reportedly attracted interest from Real Madrid this summer after strong performances in LaLiga, and with Spain at Euro 2024.

In the final against England, he came on in place of injured Rodri at half-time and shone in the deep-lying midfield role as Spain went on to win 2-1.

Manchester City also tracked Zubimendi after Rodri sustained a serious knee injury in September.

It’s believed Mikel Arteta played a key role in talks with Zubimendi to convince the player to join Arsenal this summer.

Zubimendi will join his former Real Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino, who signed for the club last summer.

Mikel Merino Completes Move From Real Socieded to Arsenal

Posted on August 27, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Mikel Merino is officially switching sides…

The 28-year-old Spanish professional footballer has completed his move to Arsenal from Real Sociedad in a deal reportedly worth €37.5 million ($41.9m), per ESPN.

Merino, who has agreed to a four-year deal, was part of the Spain team that lifted the Euro 2024 title, contributing most notably with an extra-time winner against Germany in the quarterfinals.

The deal is thought to be €32.5m plus €5m in add-ons.

Arsenal sporting director and former midfielder Edu said of the transfer: “We are so happy to have completed the transfer of Mikel Merino. This has been another great team effort from many people at the club to finalize the transfer of a player who attracted interest from a number of clubs over the summer.

“Mikel was a key target for us this summer, and we identified him as a player who can fit perfectly into our squad and profile to improve us, as we aim to build on our strong performances of last season.”

Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil left Merino out of the squad for their LaLiga opener against Rayo Vallecano due to talks advancing with Arsenal at the time of the match, and he also did not feature in the team’s win over Espanyol last weekend.

Merino played 242 times for Real Sociedad, scoring 27 goals and adding 30 assists after signing for the Basque club in 2018.

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has been a fan of the player for some time, and believes his profile — and evolution in recent seasons — is what his team needs to pursue the Premier League title.

“Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger, with his technical ability, together with his strong and positive character and personality,” Arteta said in the news release announcing Merino’s arrival.

Lautaro Martinez Wins 2024 Copa America Golden Boot Award

Posted on July 16, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Lautaro Martinez is getting the boot!

The 26-year-old Argentine professional footballer, who scored the sole goal to lead Argentina to the title in the Copa America final against Colombia, has been awarded the tournament’s Golden Boot award.

Copa America 2024 Golden Boot winner: Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan):
Martinez, who plays as a striker for Serie A club Inter Milan, earned some redemption at this year’s Copa America. After tons of criticism in Qatar and fans around the world saying they won in spite of his performances, the Inter Milan striker lifted the Golden Boot after scoring five goals this summer, including the tournament winner in extra time against Los Cafeteros.

Martinez has been one of the best strikers in Europe for years winning Serie A, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana titles with Inter Milan. His performances at the 2022 World Cup, along with the rise of Manchester City‘s Julian Alvarez saw the striker lose his starting position. Though, after this summer, he’s quieted the doubters and haters whether starting or off the bench.

Copa America 2024 Golden Glove winner: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa):
Another international tournament, another Golden Glove for Emiliano Martinez. Three straight Golden Gloves at international competitions for the 31-year-old Argentine professional footballer and Aston Villa player has cemented himself as an Argentinian legend.

The meteoric rise he’s been on since his last season at Arsenal winning the FA Cup and Community Shield to helping Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League this past Premier League season has been one of the best stories in the sport.

Copa America 2024 Golden Ball winner: James Rodriguez (Sao Paulo):
If James Rodriguez announced himself to the world at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, this summer he reminded the world why he’s such a talented and special player.

The 33-year-old Colombian professional footballer and Sao Paulo player won the Golden Ball signifying himself as the best player of the tournament, a consolation prize after heartbreak in the final.

James assisted six times in the tournament, four more than Nicolas de la Cruz and Alexis Mac Allister.

He also overtook Radamel Falcao this tournament as the fourth-most capped player in Los Cafeteros history. A remarkable tournament for the player despite it ending in disappointment.

Arsenal F.C. Complete Permanent Signing of David Raya from Brentford

Posted on July 4, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

David Raya is making things permanent…

Arsenal F.C. has completed the permanent signing of the 28-year-old Spanish professional footballer from Brentford, the club has confirmed.

Arsenal paid an initial £3 million ($3.8m) to take Raya on loan last season and have now triggered an option worth £27m ($34.3m) to sign him on a long-term contract.

Raya kept 20 clean sheets in 41 appearances last season and won the Premier League Golden Glove award as Arsenal finished runners-up to Manchester City.

“After a year on loan as a Gunner, I can finally say that I’m an Arsenal player for the coming years,” Raya said.

“I’m excited to see what the future holds but always living in and enjoying the present. It’s a dream come true to be here and I want to thank you for all the support you have already given me throughout the last year.”

The deal for Raya — although widely expected — casts further doubt over the future of Aaron Ramsdale, who has been linked with a move to Newcastle but has put any talks on hold while with England at Euro 2024.

“David showed us last season what an important player he is for us, so we are delighted he is now officially our player,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said. “He is a big presence in our dressing room and we are really pleased to keep working with him.

“We know he will take the strong foundations he put in place last season and build on them in the years to come, and that he will enjoy more success with us.

“We have a very talented group of goalkeepers and I love to see connections like the one I see in our goalkeeping unit.”

Sporting director Edu added: “David’s signing is another strong example of our recruitment strategy in action, as we continue to build a team that will challenge for major trophies.

“We know there’s so much more to come from him and we are excited that he will continue to be a big part of the journey we are all on.”

Pep Guardiola Named Premier League Manager of the Year

Posted on May 21, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Pep Guardiola is in a premier class all his own…

The 53-year-old Spanish professional football manager and former player has been named Premier League Manager of the Year after guiding Manchester City to an unprecedented fourth successive title.

Guardiola has previously won the award four times since he joined the club in 2016.

With six league titles, he’s now the joint second-most successful coach in the history of English football.

Only former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, with 11, has won the award more times.

Guardiola saw off competition from Arsenal‘s Mikel Arteta, Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, Bournemouth‘s Andoni Iraola and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp.

“I want to share it, yes, oh yes! Especially with Mikel for the incredible job he has done until the last game, bringing us to our limits,” Guardiola said.

“Of course, for Jurgen, for the unforgettable battles for many, many years. And Unai Emery, making something unbelievable again to bring Aston Villa to the Champions League.

“And Andoni Iraola, with Bournemouth, being his first season in the Premier League, doing what he has done, coming back from the tough start of the season.

“It is an honor to be alongside all of them and to win this trophy. We will defend this award as best as possible in the future.”

Added Guardiola: “Winning four titles in a row is one of the proudest achievements of my career. This is the toughest league in the world and our competitors have played some incredible football.”

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