Tag Archives: Premier League

Lionel Messi Leads Shortlist of Nominees for FIFA’s The Best Mens Player Honor

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Lionel Messi is hoping to best his fellow professional soccer players…

The 36-year-old Argentine soccer star leads the 12-player shortlist for FIFA’s The Best Mens Player nominees alongside Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé.

Lionel MessiMessi, Haaland and Mbappé are joined by Declan Rice, who is nominated after captaining former club West Ham United to Europa Conference League success.

Argentina’s national team captain, Messi, now playing for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, is aiming to win the award for a record third time having been given the honor in 2019 and 2022.

But despite helping Argentina to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022, Messi faces stiff competition from Manchester City forward Haaland after the Norway international scored 52 goals as Pep Guardiola‘s side completed a Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble last season.

Julián Álvarez, Marcelo Brozovic, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gündogan, Rodri, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Victor Osimhen and Bernardo Silva make up the shortlist alongside Messi, Haaland, Mbappe and Rice.

Voting for the eighth annual awards opened on Thursday on FIFA.com and closes in mid-October. National team coaches, captains, journalists and fans make up the list of voters.

Lionel Messi Leads 30-Player List of 2023 Ballon d’Or Candidates

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Lionel Messi is back in the running for one of soccer’s biggest honors…

The 36-year-old Argentine soccer star and Erling Haaland lead the 30-player list of candidates for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award after France Football magazine announced the nominees.

Lionel MessiMessi’s nomination comes a year after he was omitted from the shortlist. Should he win the men’s Ballon d’Or this year, it would mark his eighth time winning the award — the second most is Cristiano Ronaldo with five.

In February, Messi also won the Best FIFA Men’s Player award for a second time.

Ronaldo, who now plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, didn’t make the cut for the first time since 2003.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 30.

Messi led Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup in December — the only major trophy that had eluded him in his 21-year career — finally claiming the trophy at his fifth attempt.

At the club level, Messi had a mixed year. He struggled at Paris Saint-Germain as the French side were dumped out of the Champions League at the round-of-16 stage for a second consecutive season, although he did help the side lift an 11th Ligue 1 title.

However, he ended his stay in Paris this summer, opting to join Inter Miami on a free transfer, where he has made an instant impact by helping them to win the Leagues Cup and claim a spot in the final of the U.S. Open Cup.

Haaland could provide Messi’s strongest competition for the award.

The Norway striker scored 52 goals in 53 games in all competitions as Manchester City clinched the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League titles.

The 23-year-old broke the Premier League‘s single-season scoring record with 36 goals in his debut campaign in England.

The striker also won a number of individual awards for his stunning performances, including PFA Player of the Year, Premier League’s Player of the Season and Football Writers’ Association‘s Men’s Player of the Year.

Unsurprisingly, players from Manchester City and Argentina dominate this year’s list of nominees. Seven players who helped City win the treble last season, including Haaland, made the shortlist, while there are four Argentine players, including Messi, who were part of their country’s third World Cup triumph.

Full list of men’s Ballon d’Or nominees:
André Onana – Manchester United/Cameroon
Josko Gvardiol – Manchester City/Croatia
Karim Benzema – Al Ittihad
Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich/Germany
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool/Egypt
Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid/England
Bukayo Saka – Arsenal/England
Randal Kolo Muani – Paris Saint-Germain/France
Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City/Belgium
Bernardo Silva – Manchester City/Portugal
Emiliano Martínez – Aston Villa/Argentina
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Napoli/Georgia
Rúben Dias – Manchester City/Portugal
Nicolo Barella – Inter Milan/Italy
Erling Haaland – Manchester City/Norway
Yassine Bounou – Al Hilal/Morocco
Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal/Norway
Julián Álvarez – Manchester City/Argentina
Ilkay Gündogan – Barcelona/Germany
Vinícius Júnior – Real Madrid/Brazil
Lionel Messi – Inter Miami/Argentina
Rodri – Manchester City/Spain
Lautaro Martínez – Inter Milan/Argentina
Antoine Griezmann – Atletico Madrid/France
Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona/Poland
Kylian Mbappé – Paris Saint-Germain/France
Kim Min-jae – Napoli/South Korea
Victor Osimhen – Napoli/Nigeria
Luka Modric – Real Madrid/Croatia
Harry Kane – Bayern Munich/England

Manchester United to Sign Sergio Reguilón on Season-Long Loan from Tottenham

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Sergio Reguilón is the Man(chester) of the hour…

Manchester United is set to sign the 26-year-old Spanish soccer player on a season-long loan from Tottenham, according to ESPN.

Sergio Reguilón, Reguilón has been given permission to travel for a medical after the two clubs agreed terms following United’s decision to switch their attention from Chelsea‘s Marc Cucurella.

Manchester United is in the market for left-back cover having learned Luke Shaw is facing several weeks out with a thigh injury, joining back-up option Tyrell Malacia on the sidelines.

Cucurella was on United’s shortlist but Chelsea’s decision to play him in Wednesday’s EFL Cup win over AFC Wimbledon meant he could not join Erik ten Hag‘s side and then play for a third club this season if his loan spell at Old Trafford was cut short in January, when Shaw and Malacia are expected to be available.

Reguilon has been deemed surplus to requirements by new Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou after spending last year on loan at Atletico Madrid.

He joined Tottenham from Real Madrid in 2020 for £25 million, making 52 Premier League appearances.

West Ham United F.C. Signs Edson Álvarez from Ajax

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Edson Álvarez is ready to Ham it up…

West Ham United F.C. has signed the 25-year-old professional soccer play and Mexico midfielder from Ajax on a five-year deal, the Premier League club has announced.

Edson ÁlvarezWest Ham did not disclose terms, but Ajax said the two clubs had agreed a transfer fee of €38 million ($41.90m), which could increase to €41m with add-ons. 

“We’re really pleased to add Edson to our squad,” West Ham manager David Moyes said after his first signing of the summer transfer window.

“The midfield area was one we were especially keen to strengthen this summer, and Edson will complement the other options we have in that department.

“He’s an experienced international player who has enjoyed great success for both club and country during his career to date.”

Alvarez had twice helped Ajax to win the Eredivisie since his arrival in 2019, making 147 appearances and scoring 13 goals in all competitions.

Álvarez has been capped 69 times for Mexico, playing at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

His arrival will be a boost for the Hammers, who sold England midfielder Declan Rice to Arsenal in a deal worth £105m — a record transfer between two British clubs.

Tottenham Hotspur Signs Alejo Véliz from Rosario Central

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Alejo Véliz is spurring forward…

Tottenham Hotspur has signed the 19-year-old Argentine striker from Rosario Central after earlier announcing the arrival of Dutch centerback Micky van de Ven from German side Wolfsburg.

Alejo VélizThe Premier League club said Véliz, a centerfoward, had agreed to a deal tthrough 2029.

Véliz joins Ange Postecoglou‘s squad after making 62 appearances and scoring 19 goals across all competitions for Rosario since his debut in 2021.

He also scored three goals for Argentina at this year’s U20 World Cup, where the South Americans reached the round of 16.

Local media reported Spurs paid around €17 million ($18.62m) plus add-ons to the Argentine side, who completed their most expensive sale in history.

The signing is subject to international clearance and work permits. Véliz will wear the number 36 shirt.

Spurs open their Premier League campaign away at Brentford on Sunday.

Chelsea F.C. Announces Official Signing of Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez

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It’s official! Robert Sánchez is leaving Brighton…

Chelsea F.C. has signed the 25-year-old Spanish goalkeeper from Brighton on a seven-year contract, the club announced on Saturday.

Robert Sanchez

As previously reported, Chelsea had agreed a fee in the region of £25 million ($31.7m) for Sanchez.

Chelsea has been looking to bolster their goalkeeping options since Edouard Mendy joined Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli in June.

Chelsea is looking to revive its fortunes under new manager Mauricio Pochettino after coming 12th in the Premier League last season — their worst finish since 1994.

“Robert has repeatedly proved himself in the Premier League and been capped by his country,” Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, said in a statement.

“We are excited to watch him work with Mauricio and his coaching team during the season ahead.”

Sanchez joined Brighton’s academy in 2013 and has made 87 Premier League appearances for the south-coast club, but fell out of favor towards the end of the previous season, with Jason Steele starting 15 of Brighton’s last 16 league games.

Sanchez, who is adept with his feet and has a strong range of passing, has won two caps for Spain. He will compete for the goalkeeper position at Stamford Bridge with compatriot Kepa Arrizabalaga.

“Robert is a good guy and a really good player, but being a coach sometimes means making difficult and painful decisions for the team,” Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi said.

“I wish him good luck for the future.”

Chelsea Acquire Robert Sanchez from Brighton & Hove Albion

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Robert Sanchez is switching sides…

Chelsea has agreed on a fee in the region of £25 million ($31.7m) for the 25-year-old Spanish professional soccer player and Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper, according to ESPN.

Robert SanchezChelsea returned from their preseason tour to the United States on Thursday and Sanchez is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days ahead of a move all parties hope will be completed in time to start the Premier League season at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea had been looking for a goalkeeper to rival Kepa Arrizabalaga for the No. 1 shirt after Edouard Mendy left the club in June to join Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli.

Sanchez was omitted from Brighton’s U.S. tour amid uncertainty over his future after losing his place to Jason Steele towards the end of last season.

Brighton have already signed Netherlands Under-21 goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht as a replacement for Sanchez.

Sanchez played 25 times for Brighton last season and kept six clean sheets.

Meanwhile, the two clubs are continuing to negotiate a deal for Moises Caicedo as Chelsea pursue their top midfield target.

Brighton value Caicedo in excess of £100m but Chelsea’s latest bid totaled £80m and was immediately rejected when tabled last week.

Fabinho Joins Saudi Pro League’s Al-Ittihad from Liverpool

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Fabinho is headed to the Middle East.

The Brazil midfielder has joined Al-Ittihad from Liverpool on a three-year deal, the Saudi club announced on Monday.

FabinhoFinancial details were not disclosed, but British media reported the Saudi Pro League champions paid £40 million ($51.33 million) for Fabinho.

Al-Ittihad posted a video on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, with the title “Tigers are permitted to pass” in reference to media reports suggesting the deal might be delayed due to the breed of Fabinho’s dogs which are prohibited from entering Saudi Arabia.

The video featured the Brazilian midfielder holding a tiger and saying: “I’m Tiger.”

“Today I leave my home. It’s been five years wearing this jersey and always with the greatest honour and happiness possible. I love this club. Thank you, Reds, for everything we’ve experienced together. You will never walk alone,” Fabinho wrote on X.

Fabinho will join Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema and former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante at the Jeddah-based club.

The Brazil international made 219 appearances for Liverpool since his arrival in 2018, and helped the team to the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Super Cup titles.

Fabinho was not always a regular for Liverpool last season after a loss of form. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has overhauled his midfield by signing Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister and Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai, and the club is now searching for a holding midfielder to replace Fabinho.

The Saudi Pro League has become an attractive destination for high-profile players since Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al-Nassr last January in a deal reported to be worth around $220 million per year.

David Silva Announces Retirement Following Knee Injury

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David Silva is saying farewell to the game…

The 37-year-old Spanish professional footballer and Manchester City legend  has announced his retirement from professional football, days after suffering a knee injury.

David SilvaSilva had planned to continue his career at Real Sociedad but an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury picked up in preseason threatened to keep him out for most of next season and pushed him to change his plans.

“Today is a sad day for me,” Silva said in a video message posted to social media. “Today is a time to say goodbye to what I have dedicated my whole life to. I’m going to miss you. Thank you for making me feel at home.”

Silva began his career at Valencia, where he made 168 appearances and lifted the Spanish Cup, but his prime came at Manchester City, who he joined in 2010 and went on to become a club legend.

The creative midfielder was a crucial part of the Manchester City side that lifted the club’s first 2011-12 Premier League title on the final day of the season. He won three further Premier League titles at City, the final two coming under Pep Guardiola.

A statue of Silva now stands outside the club’s Etihad Stadium alongside former teammates Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero.

Silva left City in 2020 after making 436 appearances and returned to LaLiga in a move to Real Sociedad, again winning the Spanish Cup.

At international level, he played a part in the legendary Spain squad that won the 2010 World Cup, as well as back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

Pau Torres Leaving Hometown Club Villarreal for Premier League’s Aston Villa

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Pau Torres is ready to Aston-ish…

Aston Villa has signed the 26-year-old Spanish professional soccer player from Villarreal for an undisclosed fee, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday.

Pau TorresTorres had a reported release clause of €70 million ($77.8m) but with the centerback having only a year left on his contract with Villarreal, the English side agreed a fee in the region of €36.7 million ($40.8m).

“The 26-year-old defender, who has been capped on 23 occasions for his country, arrives at Villa for an undisclosed fee,” Villa said in a statement.

“A native of Villarreal, Torres came through the ranks of his hometown club and went on to become a key player for the LaLiga side.”

Torres won the Europa League with Villarreal under current Villa boss Unai Emery when they beat Manchester United in the 2021 final.

Villa have been looking to add experience to their squad ahead of their Europa Conference League campaign and Torres is the club’s second signing of the transfer window, following the arrival of midfielder Youri Tielemans from Leicester City earlier this week.