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

Posted on September 14, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

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.

Messi, 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.

Sergio Ramos In Advanced Talks to Return to Sevilla

Posted on September 3, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Sergio Ramos is thisclose to returning to the place where it all began…

The 37-year-old Spanish soccer player is in advanced talks over a return to Sevilla.

Ramos has been a free agent since his Paris Saint-Germain contract expired in July.

The former Real Madrid centre-back attracted interest from Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad, Galatasaray, FC Porto and MLS, sources said, but has opted for Sevilla as he prefers to stay closer to home.

Sevilla — whose LaLiga game at Atletico Madrid was postponed on Sunday on the advice of local authorities, due to a forecast of heavy rain — are hoping to close the deal in the coming hours.

Club president Pepe Castro appeared to rule out a move for Ramos last month, saying he had “never been an option” and said the defender had been offered to the club “directly and indirectly.”

Sevilla — who won the Europa League in May — have had a poor start to this LaLiga season, losing all three matches so far and are bottom of the table.

Ramos was born in Camas, a town just outside the city of Seville, and played for Sevilla as a teenager before joining Real Madrid in September 2005.

He spent 16 years at Real Madrid, becoming club captain and winning five LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues — providing one of the most iconic moments in the club’s history with his goal in the 2014 Champions League final — before joining PSG on a free transfer in July 2021.

After an injury-hit first season in Paris and a more impressive second campaign, Ramos left PSG this summer and has since been considering his options.

The former Spain captain retired from international football in February — two years after his last appearance — when he was told he was not part of coach Luis de la Fuente‘s plans.

Ramos was a key part of the Spain teams that won three back-to-back international tournaments between 2008 and 2012, including the 2010 World Cup.

Neymar Officially Joins Saudi Club Al-Hilal from PSG in Two-Year Deal

Posted on August 15, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Neymar’s transfer to the Middle East is complete…

The 31-year-old Brazilian soccer star has officially completed a move from French champions Paris Saint-Germain to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, the clubs confirmed Tuesday.

As previously reported, Brazil’s joint all-time top scorer was close to accepting personal terms with Al Hilal after the clubs agreed a transfer fee of €90 million ($98.6m).

“I have achieved a lot in Europe and enjoyed special times, but I have always wanted to be a global player and test myself with new challenges and opportunities in new places,” Neymar said.

“I want to write new sporting history, and the Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment. I have heard a lot and learned that I am following a long list of Brazilian players who have played in Saudi Arabia over the years, so I believe it is the desired place.

“Al Hilal is a giant club with fantastic fans, and it is the best in Asia. This gives me a feeling that it is the right decision for me at the right time with the right club. I love winning and scoring goals, and I plan to continue doing that in Saudi Arabia and with Al Hilal.”

Neymar will link up with new teammates Kalidou Koulibaly, Rúben Neves and Sergej Milinković-Savić, who all made the move to Al Hilal earlier this summer.

Al Hilal are one of four clubs — along with Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad who were taken under the ownership of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in June as part of the country’s “Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project.”

Neymar has reportedly been offered a two-year contract expected to pay an annual salary of around $100 million. That would be around half of the reported salary Cristiano Ronaldo is being paid by Al Nassr.

“Neymar Jr is a global icon who has brought joy and pleasure to all fans wherever he plays,” Al Hilal chairman Fahad bin Saad bin Nafel said in a statement. “The spotlight is always on him and he always responds to it. We are delighted to have him join Al-Hilal, the most successful club in all of Asia.”

Neymar joined PSG in 2017 when the club — owned by Qatar Sports Investments — paid a still-world-record transfer fee of €222m to pry him away from Barcelona.

He scored 118 goals in 173 appearances for the Paris club and won numerous trophies, including five Ligue 1 titles, but was increasingly a target of fans’ frustrations as the club failed to win the UEFA Champions League.

“It is always difficult to say goodbye to an amazing player like Neymar, one of the best players in the world, said PSG president and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaïfi.

“I will never forget the day he arrived at Paris Saint-Germain, and what he has contributed to our Club and our project over the last 6 years. We had a great moment and Neymar will always be a big part of our history. I would like to thank Neymar and his family. We wish Neymar all the very best for the future and his next adventure.”

Al Hilal Agrees to $98.6 Million Deal with Paris Saint-Germain for Neymar

Posted on August 14, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Neymar is one step closed to making a move to the Middle (East)…

Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal has agreed to a €90 million ($98.6m) deal with Paris Saint-Germain for the 31-year-old Brazilian professional footballer and PSG forward, according to ESPN sources.

On Sunday, reports surfaced that Brazil’s joint all-time top scorer was close to agreeing to personal terms with Al Hilal as the two clubs negotiated a deal. He will now join Al Hilal on a two-year contract with the option of a third.

Neymar will link up with new teammates Kalidou Koulibaly, Rúben Neves and Sergej Milinković-Savić, who all made the move to Al Hilal earlier this summer.

Al Hilal are one of four clubs — along with Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittithad who were taken under the ownership of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in June as part of the country’s so-called “Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project.”

Saudi Pro League clubs have pursued an aggressive recruitment strategy in this transfer window, offering lucrative contracts to some of the sport’s biggest stars.

PSG made Neymar the most expensive footballer of all time in 2017 — a record he still holds — when they dramatically signed him from Barcelona in a €222m deal.

Neymar’s move away from PSG brings an end to a tumultuous six years in the French capital, where he often struggled with injuries and off-field issues.

Neymar has won five Ligue 1 titles and 13 domestic honors in total with PSG, as well as finishing as runner-up in the 2020 Champions League final.

Neymar Close to Finalizing Deal with Saudi Pro League’s Al Hilal

Posted on August 13, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Neymar is thisclose to finalizing terms for a move to the Middle East.

The 31-year-old Brazilian professional footballer and Paris Saint-Germain forward is close to agreeing to personal terms with Al Hilal and completing a move to the Saudi Pro League, according to ESPN.

PSG want €80 million ($88 million) for Neymar, but negotiations between the clubs are progressing well, sources said.

Sources added that Neymar is set to sign a two-year deal for €100m a year at Al Hilal, where he would potentially link up with Kalidou Koulibaly, Rúben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

The Brazil international was left out of PSG‘s squad for their opening Ligue 1 fixture of the season Saturday, a goalless draw against Lorient, amid reports of a move away from the club.

A return to Barcelona has been mooted, with Barca captain Sergi Roberto even saying he had discussed the topic with Neymar.

ESPN reported earlier this week that Neymar is keen to rejoin Barcelona this summer, but there is an internal debate at the club around the forward’s signing, with some arguing in favor of the move and others — including coach Xavi Hernandez — believing he would not fit into this Barca team.

The chances of a move happening are remote because of the club’s financial problems and Xavi’s opposition to his return.

Sources told ESPN that PSG, who signed forward Ousmane Dembélé from Barca on Saturday, would be happy for Neymar to leave.

Since moving to France in 2017, Neymar has won five Ligue 1 titles and 13 domestic honors in total, as well as finishing runner-up in the 2020 Champions League final.

Paris Saint-Germain Sign Lucas Hernandez from Bayern Munich

Posted on July 9, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Lucas Hernandez is headed to the City of Lights…

Paris Saint-Germain have signed the half-Spanish French footballer from Bayern Munich on a five-year deal, the Ligue 1 champions have announced.

The transfer fee hasn’t been disclosed but French media reported that PSG had paid Bayern a fee of €40 million ($43.87m) plus add-ons for Hernandez.

“I’m really excited! I’ve been waiting to join PSG for a long time, and it’s finally happened. It’s a very special day for me and I’m very happy to be here,” Hernandez said in a statement.

Atletico Madrid, Hernandez’s boyhood club, will also receive a significant fee, according to Spanish media reports.

The France international made 107 appearances for the German league champions since his arrival in 2019 but played only seven league games last season after suffering a cruciate ligament rupture injury at the World Cup that kept him sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Hernandez, PSG’s fifth new signing, joins midfielders Manuel Ugarte and Lee Kang-in, central defender Milan Skriniar and forward Marco Asensio.

The club also fired manager Christophe Galtier on Wednesday and replaced him with former Barcelona and Spain coach Luis Enrique.

Chelsea Closing in on Deal to Sign Manuel Ugarte

Posted on June 3, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Manuel Ugarte may be switching sides soon…

Chelsea are thisclose to signing the 22-year-old Uruguayan professional footballer, a highly rated defensive midfielder for Sporting CP, according to ESPN.

Both the London side and French champions Paris Saint-Germain have offered to trigger the Uruguay international’s release clause of €60 million. However, unlike the Parisians, Chelsea are adding solidarity payments and various bonuses which makes their proposition more attractive, sources said.

Sporting are even encouraging and pushing Ugarte to choose Chelsea ahead of PSG, who are still hoping to convince him, sources added. Ugarte has not yet agreed to anything but, according to sources, a full agreement with Chelsea is now close.

New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is said to be a big fan of Ugarte, who will line up alongside British-record signing Enzo Fernandez in the Chelsea midfield next season if he decides to join the club.

Despite spending more than £600 million to sign 17 players over the past 12 months since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over the club, it is set to be another bust summer at Chelsea.

Much of that transformation looks set to focus on the team’s midfield with both Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic close to departing.

Mount’s existing deal expires next summer and Chelsea would rather cash in now than lose him for nothing in 2024 if no agreement over an extension can be reached, sources have told ESPN, with Manchester United in pole position for his signature.

Sources have also told ESPN that Manchester City are in talks to sign Croatia international Kovacic.

Paris Saint-Germain Head Coach Confirms Lionel Messi’s Upcoming Exit After Two Seasons

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Lionel Messi is bidding adieu to Paris…

The 35-year-old Argentine soccer superstar will leave Paris Saint-Germain after two years at the club, head coach Christophe Galtier has announced.

ESPN had previously reported that Messi would leave PSG when his contract expires this summer, with the forward considering a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, the city rivals of Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al Nassr.

Galter told a news conference ahead of PSG’s final Ligue 1 match of the season against Clermont Foot: “I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes.

“This year, he has been an important part of the team, always available. I don’t think any of the comments or criticisms are justified. He’s always been there for the team. It’s been a great privilege to accompany him throughout the season.”

Messi has contributed with 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season.

Messi joined the French champions in 2021 after his 21-year association with Barca ended because of the club’s financial issues.

Alongside Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, he helped PSG to win Ligue 1 titles in both seasons he spent in the French capital. However, back-to-back round-of-16 exits from the Champions League meant the club’s search for a first European title continues.

He scored 32 goals in 74 games in all competitions for PSG, as well as recording 35 assists.

Messi’s time in Paris came alongside other accomplishments, too. In December, he led Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup, ending his wait for the only major honor to have eluded him in his career.

He was then named men’s footballer of the year at The Best FIFA Football Awards in February — his second time winning the award, adding to his record seven Ballon d’Or trophies.

Marco Asensio In Advanced Talks to Join Paris Saint-Germain as Free Agent

Posted on May 26, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Marco Asensio is looking to switch sides…

The 27-year-old Spanish professional footballer and Real Madrid attacker is in advanced talks to join Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, according to ESPN sources.

The Spain international, whose contract expires this summer, received a proposal to renew with Real Madrid that convinced him financially but he has decided to move on after a season in which he has started less than half of the club’s LaLiga games.

Aston Villa, Juventus and AC Milan have also reportedly shown interest in Asensio in recent months, but the PSG proposal is currently the one that’s proving most tempting to Asensio.

The good relationship between Jorge Mendes, Asensio’s agent, and Luis Campos, PSG’s sporting director, has been key in the negotiations, sources added.

PSG are planning an overhaul in the summer that will include the departure of Lionel Messi and the hiring of a coach to replace Christophe Galtier.

The Parisian team also want to part ways with Neymar and are looking for forwards to accompany Kylian Mbappe in attack, sources said. As a result, Asensio has emerged as an intriguing option because at 27 years old he would arrive with the best years of his career ahead of him and as a free agent.

More than the economic aspect, Asensio understood that his role at Real Madrid, in terms of minutes, was not going to change next season, hence his decision to leave the Santiago Bernabeu on June 30.

Lionel Messi Reportedly Leaving Paris Saint-Germain at End of Current Season

Posted on May 3, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Lionel Messi is looking to switch sides…

The 35-year-old Argentine soccer star will reportedly leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season when his contract expires, according to ESPN.

Last month, ESPN reported that Messi was unlikely to sign a new contract with PSG, and sources have now said that both parties have agreed not to extend his stay with the French champions.

The Argentina international has been suspended by PSG for two weeks for missing training on Monday to travel to Saudi Arabia, per ESPN sources.

After PSG’s 3-1 defeat to Lorient — their third loss in their past four league games — Messi flew to Saudi Arabia without asking again for permission, sources told ESPN, meaning he couldn’t attend training Monday.

The incident further complicated the relationship between the player and the club. Sources told ESPN the situation created tension within the dressing room, with some players unhappy about the incident.

Sources said that an agreement in principle was found between PSG and Messi before the World Cup for him to sign a new deal in Paris, but the situation has since changed.

On Wednesday, several hundred PSG supporters gathered outside the club’s Paris headquarters to express their anger at Messi, as well as teammate Neymar and president Nasser al-Khelaifi. A small group of supporters later protested outside Neymar’s home, calling on him to leave the club.

“Paris Saint-Germain most strongly condemns the intolerable and insulting actions of a small group of individuals that took place on Wednesday”, the Ligue 1 club said in a statement.

“Whatever the differences of opinion, nothing justifies such actions. The Club gives its full support to its players, its staff and all those targetted by such shameful behaviour.”

Messi has failed to replicate his excellent World Cup form with PSG and the club doubt whether Messi can still deliver in big Champions League matches.

Sources told ESPN that there is an offer from Saudi Arabia for Messi and he is aware of interest from former club Barcelona and Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.

Barcelona are looking into the possibility of re-signing Messi, although LaLiga president Javier Tebas warned that the league won’t change its financial fair play rules to allow him to return.

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