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Newly-appointed Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus stated that the opportunity to coach Cristiano Ronaldo was the decisive factor in his decision to accept the position. He explicitly said he would not have taken the job as manager of the Saudi Arabian club if it had not included the chance to work with the Portuguese superstar.
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According to Sport Bild, Hertha BSC is considering acquiring Polish striker Dawid Kownacki from Werder Bremen. The 28-year-old appears destined for another stint in the 2. Bundesliga, having spent the previous season on loan at his former club Fortuna Düsseldorf. Kownacki recorded 13 goals and seven assists for Fortuna in the second division last season. Despite these strong performances and an injury to Werder's lead striker Marvin Ducksch, Werder Bremen still does not view him as a viable attacking option for the current campaign. The striker, who possesses clear potential, has struggled to maintain form in the Bundesliga. His last top-flight goals came during the 2018/19 season with Düsseldorf, where he scored four times. He failed to score during Düsseldorf's relegation season in 2019/20 and went scoreless in 22 Bundesliga appearances for Werder in the 2023/24 season. Kownacki's market value has fluctuated significantly, dropping from a career-high €9 million in 2019 to a low of €1.5 million in 2022, before partially recovering to €2.5 million. Werder Bremen is reportedly seeking a €3.5 million transfer fee from Hertha, though the Berlin club would prefer a loan arrangement with modest associated fees.
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Manchester City face renewed competition in their pursuit of Norwegian midfield talent Sverre Nypan, with Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund reportedly challenging their efforts. Despite reports suggesting City already have an agreement in place, Dortmund is actively testing their resolve for this priority youth target. City's established strategy involves acquiring elite youth prospects early in their development cycle to avoid inflated prices that follow breakout seasons in top European leagues. They aim to develop these players internally or via loans. This model is currently applied to Nypan, an 18-year-old sensation from Rosenborg in Norway's top flight, who has been on City's radar since the winter transfer window. He is highly regarded for his technical skills, composure, and vision. German newspaper Bild, relayed by Get German Football News, reports that Borussia Dortmund has been pursuing Nypan's signature for "a number of months." While a summer move for the player is expected, the ultimate destination remains uncertain due to this competition. Earlier reports by David Ornstein of The Athletic indicated Manchester City had reached a £12.5 million agreement with Rosenborg for Nypan's transfer, without a sell-on clause or contingencies, demonstrating their swift action. Contract terms until 2030 have also reportedly been offered to the player. However, Dortmund's continued interest and strong reputation for developing young players mean the situation is not entirely settled.
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams enters his second NFL season under new head coach Ben Johnson, an offensive-minded coach expected to provide much-needed continuity. NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning emphasized at Fanatics Fest that Johnson serving as both head coach and playcaller will significantly benefit Williams by maintaining a consistent offensive system year after year, fostering growth. Williams endured a turbulent rookie season marked by frequent coaching changes. After former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was fired following three consecutive losses in November 2024, pass game coordinator Thomas Brown briefly took over. The dismissal of head coach Matt Eberflus later that month compounded the instability, forcing Williams to adapt to three playcallers in his debut year. Statistically, Williams showed promise as a rookie, throwing for 3,541 yards with only six interceptions. However, he struggled with prolonged ball retention, suffering a league-high 68 sacks—making him one of the most sacked rookie quarterbacks in NFL history. Improving his decision-making speed remains a critical focus. The Bears bolstered their offensive line to support Williams, while Johnson’s hiring signals strong confidence in the quarterback. Manning noted Johnson chose Chicago despite multiple head coaching offers elsewhere, viewing the Bears’ potential and Williams’ talent as compelling. Johnson previously orchestrated one of the NFL’s top offenses as Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator in 2024. Entering 2025 under high expectations as the 2024 draft’s top pick, Williams aims to elevate the Bears from their 5-12 record. With Johnson’s offensive expertise and a strengthened roster, Chicago seeks progress in the competitive NFC North, opening their season against the Minnesota Vikings.
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Flamengo secured a 2-0 victory over São Paulo in the 13th round of the 2025 Brasileirão at Maracanã Stadium. The hosts dominated the match—a rematch of the recent Copa do Brasil final—and confined São Paulo largely to their defensive half during the first period. Despite Flamengo's control, the opening half ended goalless due to wayward finishing and exceptional saves by São Paulo goalkeeper Rafael, including a remarkable "Neuer-like" stop against Wesley’s powerful strike. Flamengo’s Léo Ortiz struck the post, forced Rafael into action on a corner rebound, while Gonzalo Plata missed a clear opportunity in the box. The second half took a dramatic turn when Flamengo's Ayrton Lucas suffered a severe leg injury after a collision with São Paulo’s Enzo Díaz. The deadlock was broken when former São Paulo academy product Luiz Araújo, embodying the "law of the ex," scored a spectacular unstoppable goal for Flamengo. Araújo, Flamengo’s second-highest contributor this season with nine goals and six assists in 33 appearances, proved decisive. In stoppage time, Araújo’s low shot was parried by Rafael, but substitute Wallace Yan capitalized on the rebound from close range to seal the 2-0 win, confirming Flamengo's commanding performance.
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The Denver Broncos significantly exceeded expectations in the 2024 NFL season by winning 10 games and reaching the postseason, despite widespread predictions of only 3-4 wins. This success was largely attributed to quarterback Bo Nix’s performance and head coach Sean Payton’s leadership. Following notable offseason roster additions, optimism surrounds the team’s prospects for 2025, with some analysts projecting them to win the AFC West and contend for the championship. However, NFL Network’s Adam Rank forecasts a more modest 11-6 record for the Broncos in 2025—just a one-win improvement from 2024. Critics argue that an 11-win season would actually be disappointing given the team’s strong finish in 2024 (winning 10 of their final 15 games) and Nix’s exceptional late-season form, which included a 45-touchdown pace over the last eight games. Combined with their offseason upgrades, many believe the Broncos are capable of achieving 12–14 wins, making an 11-6 prediction seem conservative relative to their upward trajectory.
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Real Madrid's season concluded following their elimination from the Club World Cup, with players now on vacation. Despite this, several players shared social media messages, notably for Vinícius Jr.'s 25th birthday. New teammate Kylian Mbappé sent a significant greeting via an Instagram story, featuring a photo of the two celebrating a past goal together, accompanied by a heart emoji and birthday symbol. This gesture held particular meaning for Vinícius, who faced criticism after a disappointing performance in the semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain. Teammate Jude Bellingham also publicly congratulated Vinícius, posting "Happy birthday, my brother" on Instagram, demonstrating camaraderie among the squad's stars. However, the mood surrounding Vinícius remained somber after the team's exit; he appeared visibly disappointed and attempted to avoid media as he left MetLife Stadium, only to be redirected by a FIFA security staff member. This contrasted with teammates like Luka Modrić, who paused to acknowledge fans and press in his final match for the club. Despite recent setbacks and criticism, Vinícius continues to receive public support from key figures within Real Madrid. Mbappé's birthday message not only underscores the developing bond between the two forwards but also signals a unified dressing room as the club shifts its focus towards rebuilding and pursuing success next season.
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Monday, July 14, 2025, is reported as a key date for Juventus in their negotiations to sign striker Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Juventus director Damien Comolli is expected to send a new offer to PSG for the French forward on that day. Kolo Muani's loan spell at Juventus ended following the club's elimination from the Club World Cup the previous month. While Juventus wants to keep him, PSG is aiming for a permanent transfer, valuing the player between €40 million and €45 million. In contrast, Juventus is likely to propose a loan deal that includes an option to buy him permanently at a later date. A previous report from the same source indicated that Juventus was preparing an offer of €10 million for a one-season loan deal plus an option to buy. This pursuit comes despite Juventus already securing striker Jonathan David on a free transfer from Lille. The club is also reportedly eager to sell Dusan Vlahovic, who is unwilling to extend his contract beyond 2026.
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Arsenal's pre-season training camp in La Manga, Spain, has commenced without key midfielder Declan Rice, sparking concern among fans as the squad prepares for an upcoming tour of Hong Kong and Singapore. The Gunners will face Newcastle United, AC Milan, and Tottenham Hotspur during their Far East tour, with all main players expected to travel. Rice's absence stems from an individualized training plan, requiring him to work separately in London rather than joining the Spanish camp. Football London reports no fitness concerns, and the £105 million signing—crucial since his 2023 transfer—is anticipated to join the Asia-bound squad departing July 19 for the 2025/26 season preparations. Other absentees include goalkeeper David Raya, who is on post-wedding leave; Ethan Nwaneri, granted extended time off after the U21 Euros; Fabio Vieira, still resting post-Club World Cup; and Gabriel Jesus, continuing rehabilitation in London.
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Barcelona appears to have abandoned efforts to sign an unnamed Premier League winger due to his €82 million valuation, shifting focus to a Manchester United outcast now deemed a priority target. The club received a boost when Turkish giants withdrew from the race for this same target. Meanwhile, PSG has identified a 22-year-old Barcelona star as manager Luis Enrique's top transfer objective. In squad analysis, Barcelona is evaluating Marcus Rashford versus Luis Díaz as potential options, while details emerged about Athletic Club's Nico Williams rejecting Barcelona's approach. The club also secured a new €10 million per-year sponsorship agreement, strengthening financial operations. Youth development features prominently, with three La Masia prospects likely to receive first-team opportunities following a midfielder's impending departure. Eight academy talents will join Hansi Flick's pre-season tour, including three highlighted as players to watch during preparations. Match coverage includes a 3-0 victory over Athletic Club, with standout performances from Pedri (rated 8.5) and Lewandowski (9). Tactical previews suggested a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring Christensen and Casado for that fixture. Post-match analysis provided three takeaways from the Athletic win and three talking points from Barcelona's earlier 2-3 loss to Villarreal. Finally, Barcelona's prospective signing of goalkeeper Joan García is analyzed through five key attributes that make him an ideal fit for the club's requirements.
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Sports Illustrated insider Hondo Carpenter believes there is a good chance the Las Vegas Raiders and left tackle Kolton Miller agree on a contract extension before the start of the 2025 regular season. Carpenter, speaking on the Las Vegas Raiders Insider podcast, stated he gets the feeling a deal will get done "either right before camp or somewhere close to the season," though he clarified this is based on his feeling rather than specific inside information. Carpenter strongly doubts the Raiders would let Miller go, emphasizing that failing to extend Miller would send a "really bad message" to the locker room, especially after losing linebacker Robert Spillane in free agency. He views losing Spillane as a mistake the Raiders could recover from ("a mulligan"), but asserts that losing Miller would be an unforgivable error ("There won’t be a mulligan on losing Kolton Miller"). Carpenter points to the Spillane situation as a cautionary tale. He blames previous Raiders front office regimes for repeatedly delaying Spillane's contract talks. By the time new General Manager Tom Telesco was hired, free agency was imminent and Spillane's market value had surged significantly. Carpenter reported that at least seven teams, five of which were playoff-caliber, pursued Spillane aggressively. He contends the Raiders could have retained Spillane for less than his New England Patriots contract if they had been proactive, calling the failure to do so a "major blunder."
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The author argues that Arsenal urgently needs to recruit cover for Bukayo Saka on the right wing. They point out that Saka has been consistently overplayed for years, and previous backup options like Nicolas Pepe (who only lasted one season as cover), Reiss Nelson, Raheem Sterling, and Marquinhos have been inadequate or failed, as evidenced by the significant disparity in their playing minutes compared to Saka across multiple seasons. While acknowledging the potential of young player Ethan Nwaneri, the author strongly doubts manager Mikel Arteta views him as Saka's primary backup. They believe Nwaneri will likely be developed centrally to cover Martin Odegaard instead. The author contends that asking the 18-year-old Nwaneri to cover both positions would be too demanding and potentially detrimental to his development into a world-class player in a single position. The author concludes that recruiting a new right winger is essential. They acknowledge an alternative viewpoint suggesting that signing players like Rodrygo and Eze, combined with Gabriel Martinelli and Nwaneri, could provide sufficient cover, but note this depends on Martinelli staying at the club. The piece ends by questioning what other options Arsenal has if they decide against signing Noni Madueke.
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Christian Gonzalez, a cornerback for the New England Patriots, has been ranked No. 84 in the NFL's annual top 100 players list for 2025. This placement potentially makes him the only Patriots player to appear on the list, highlighting his rising status as one of the league's top defensive backs. The rankings are compiled through polling of NFL players, with several established talents, including Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, praising Gonzalez in the NFL's video package. Humphrey specifically commended Gonzalez's smoothness, ability to get downhill on breaks, and elite closing speed, which allows him to recover effectively even when initially beaten. Despite this recognition, the article suggests Gonzalez could have been ranked higher after establishing himself as a premier cover corner in 2024. This followed a promising rookie season in 2023 that was cut short by a shoulder injury, making him one of the few bright spots on the Patriots' roster last year. In the 2024 season, Gonzalez played all 16 games and recorded 59 total tackles, two interceptions, 11 pass deflections, and one fumble recovery. His performance earned him a spot on the All-Pro Second Team, underscoring his impact on the field. For the 2025 season, Gonzalez is expected to be a leader on the Patriots' revamped defense under coach Mike Vrabel. He will partner with free-agent addition Carlton Davis as the team's starting cornerbacks, with Vrabel expressing confidence in their tandem approach, referring to it as "cat coverage" and praising Davis's competitiveness and resilience.
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The Bundesliga will receive €1.346 billion per season for its domestic TV rights covering the 2025/26 to 2028/29 seasons. This amount is significantly lower than the Premier League's equivalent €7.76 billion for the same period. This domestic revenue will be distributed among Bundesliga clubs based on specific criteria: 50% is split equally, giving each club €25.5 million; 43% is allocated based on sporting performance over the past five to ten years; 4% is awarded for using young players; and the final 3% depends on the level of interest in the clubs. Additionally, income from the league's international TV rights deal, though substantially smaller than the domestic amount, will also be added to each club's total. The top three earners from the domestic TV deal are Bayern Munich (€83.4 million), Borussia Dortmund (€78 million), and Bayer Leverkusen (€75 million). Newly promoted Hamburg will receive the least, totaling €31.4 million.
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The 2024 DII men's soccer season concluded with Lynn capturing its first national championship since 2014, marking the program's fourth title overall. Franklin Pierce secured back-to-back championships in the 2023 tournament. Historically, the first seven seasons each featured first-time winners. Alabama A&M broke this pattern by claiming titles in 1977 and 1979, while Seattle Pacific became the first back-to-back champion in 1985-1986. Southern Connecticut State remains the only other repeat champion since. Southern Connecticut State won its inaugural title in 1987 under Bob Dikranian. Over the next 13 seasons, the Owls reached seven championship matches, winning six—their sole defeat during this period came against Seattle Pacific in 1993. Three coaches (Dikranian, Ray Reid, Tom Lang) guided these triumphs. Seattle Pacific endured three final losses (1974, 1975, 1977) before its breakthrough 1978 title. Under Cliff McCrath, the Falcons then claimed four consecutive championship appearances—winning in 1983 and achieving the first back-to-back titles in 1985-1986, though falling in overtime during the 1984 final. Their 10 championship appearances remain a division record. Lynn has emerged as a modern powerhouse under John Rootes, contesting five finals since 2003. The Fighting Knights narrowly missed additional titles, losing the 2017 championship on penalties and another in overtime, positioning them close to a five-title legacy. Tampa secured championships across three decades (1980s, 1990s, 2000s). Its 2001 title featured a dominant 19-0-2 campaign, with Keith Fulk earning NCAA DII Coach of the Year and Roy Fink claiming National Player of the Year honors. Fort Lewis frequently contended in the early 2000s, appearing in four finals over seven years. The Skyhawks won three championships during this span, compiling a combined 70-2-1 record in those title-winning seasons, with their only final loss occurring in 2006.
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The Green Bay Packers enter the 2025 season with optimism about contending in the NFC North, fueled by quarterback Jordan Love gaining another year of experience in Matt LaFleur's system, the addition of potentially game-changing rookie receiver Matthew Golden, and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley having a second year to build on a strong 2024 defensive foundation. However, the article identifies potential risks that could derail this optimism. Significant challenges exist, including the continued strength of the Detroit Lions roster and the expected improvement of the Chicago Bears with quarterback Caleb Williams in his second year under new coach Ben Johnson. Furthermore, the Packers face their own internal questions. NFL Media's Kevin Patra suggests the offense failing to meet expectations or progress could be the Packers' undoing. He specifically questions whether Jordan Love can elevate his game beyond being a "mid-level starter," noting the immense pressure of following legends Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre and the risk of injury or regression turning him into an interception-prone quarterback. Patra also highlights the importance of rookie Matthew Golden performing like a true WR1; if he doesn't, the Packers' receiving corps risks being merely "good-but-not-great" again, lacking a field-tilting weapon that opponents must scheme against. Additionally, Patra raises concerns about the effectiveness of the offensive line changes, particularly Elgton Jenkins moving to center after the significant free-agent signing of guard Aaron Banks. Much of the Packers' success hinges on Jordan Love. Despite dealing with foot injuries and a slight step back statistically in 2024 (3,389 yards, 25 TDs, 11 INTs), he remains central to their hopes. To avoid a second consecutive season of regression after their Wild Card Round exit, Love needs to prove he can maximize the offensive weapons around him and solidify his status as a premier NFL quarterback, upon which Green Bay's championship aspirations likely depend.
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Brescia Calcio, a historic Italian club and founder member of Serie A, has ceased to exist due to a severe financial crisis, prompting fan protests. This demise raises questions about how such a historic club fell so quickly and what its future holds. Founded in 1911, Brescia earned promotion to Italy's top flight in 1913 and was one of the 18 founding members of Serie A in 1929. Despite this, the club spent most of the next nine decades in relative obscurity, overshadowed by nearby Milan. They became known as a mid-size provincial club bouncing between Serie A and Serie B, holding the record for the longest unbroken spell in Serie B (1947-1965) but never winning major trophies. A significant period of prominence occurred at the turn of the century when Italian football legend Roberto Baggio chose Brescia for the final four seasons of his injury-plagued career. During this time, he was joined by iconic Spanish veteran Pep Guardiola and locally-born rising star Andrea Pirlo. Inspired by Baggio, the team achieved its best-ever Serie A finish (8th in 2001), qualifying for the UEFA Intertoto Cup. In their first continental competition, Brescia reached one of the three Intertoto Cup finals in 2001, losing to Paris St-Germain on away goals despite a Baggio penalty. Following Baggio's retirement in 2004, Brescia were relegated from Serie A in 2005, ending their brief period among the elite and returning to their previous cycle of promotions and relegations. The article notes that Massimo Cellino purchased the club in 2017, preceding the recent financial collapse that has led to the club's dissolution.
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Julia Roberts' husband, Danny Moder, broke his social media hiatus to celebrate their 23rd wedding anniversary on July 4th. The cinematographer, who hadn't posted on Instagram since mid-May, shared a playful photo of the couple. The image captured their reflections in a silver spoon, with Julia affectionately leaning her head against Danny, who flashed a peace sign. Danny captioned the photo: "23 years is SILVER.. here we are in my engraved SPOON! the fun continues… and a happy 4th to all." The post received numerous congratulatory messages from followers. Julia Roberts also acknowledged the anniversary on Instagram. She posted a photo showing her and Danny's feet inside a tent, suggesting they went camping for the occasion. Her caption read simply: "You + Me = 23." The couple first met in 2002 while working on the film "The Mexican." At that time, both were in other relationships – Julia was dating Benjamin Bratt and Danny was married to Vera Steimberg. Both relationships ended before Julia and Danny got together. Julia has stated that they each resolved their previous situations independently, which she believes allowed them to ultimately fall in love. Danny proposed to Julia with an emerald engagement ring reportedly worth $4,000. They married in 2002 at Julia's ranch in Taos, New Mexico, in a surprise ceremony. The approximately 60 guests were invited to what they believed was an Independence Day party, only discovering it was a wedding upon arrival. Julia wore a simple "pale pink cotton halter dress embroidered with pearls and antique beads and hand-painted with flowers," while Danny wore "a red ruffled shirt and tan pants." They exchanged handwritten vows.
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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Brentford attacker Yoane Wissa, with manager Thomas Frank potentially turning to his former club. Frank has already brought in coaches from Brentford and may now target one of their players. Injury expert Dr. Rajpal Brar assessed Wissa's fitness ahead of a potential summer move. He stated that while Wissa suffered an ankle injury last season, it was minor, causing him to miss only three games. Wissa played in the remaining 35 league games and recovered well. Dr. Brar concluded that Wissa should have no issues passing a medical or adapting to Tottenham, given his decent Premier League experience (45 goals in 137 appearances for Brentford). Tottenham's interest in the 28-year-old Congo international is long-standing, dating back to January. Thomas Frank, having previously managed Wissa at Brentford, is seen as key to maximizing the player's potential at Spurs. At Brentford, Frank utilized Wissa's pace and power in fluid systems (4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3), transforming him into a dynamic, hybrid attacker. Frank could deploy him centrally or on the left, exploiting his ability to drift into half-spaces, press aggressively, and make runs behind defences, complementing Spurs' existing attacking talents. The article argues that Tottenham must sign Wissa due to their need for a proven, adaptable forward to strengthen their attack following a 17th-place finish. His prior success under Frank, familiarity with Frank's high-pressing system, and a reported £40million valuation make him a cost-effective, high-impact signing capable of helping Spurs challenge for a top-four finish.
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PSV Eindhoven secured the Dutch Eredivisie title on a tense final day, capitalizing on a dramatic collapse by previous leaders Ajax. Entering the final round, PSV held a one-point advantage over Ajax. PSV played away at 11th-place Sparta Rotterdam, while Ajax hosted sixth-place FC Twente. Both teams took leads just after the midway point of the first half: Ivan Perisic scored for PSV in Rotterdam, and Jordan Henderson gave Ajax the lead against Twente. However, Sparta Rotterdam equalized against PSV seven minutes after half-time through Gijvai Zechiel, momentarily putting Ajax top of the live standings. PSV responded six minutes later as Luuk de Jong restored their lead, and Malik Tillman sealed the 3-1 victory six minutes after that. A late Wout Weghorst goal for Ajax made it 2-1 in their match, but PSV's celebrations had already begun. This concluded a remarkable few weeks where Ajax squandered a commanding position. Despite beating PSV twice in the league this season, including a decisive-looking 2-0 win in Eindhoven on March 30th that gave them a nine-point lead with seven games remaining, Ajax collapsed. They collected only two points from their final four matches. This included heavy defeats to FC Utrecht (4-0) and NEC Nijmegen (3-0), and draws against Sparta Rotterdam (1-1) and Groningen (2-2), where they conceded a 90th-minute equalizer. In contrast, PSV won all seven of their remaining games, including a dramatic 3-2 comeback win at rivals Feyenoord.
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Aston Villa have officially confirmed Philippe Coutinho's permanent transfer to Vasco da Gama, ending his tenure with the Premier League club. The 33-year-old Brazilian midfielder spent the previous season on loan at his childhood club Vasco da Gama, where he registered five goals and three assists across 26 appearances in all competitions, helping the team secure a 13th-place finish in the Brasileirao Serie A. Villa announced the permanent move via social media platform X, stating: "Everyone at Aston Villa would like to thank Philippe for his service to the club and wish him all the best in his future career." The transfer concludes Coutinho's underwhelming three-year spell at Aston Villa, where he failed to meet expectations following his high-profile signing.
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A strong first half performance propelled Bayern Munich to a 4-2 victory over Brazilian club Flamengo. This win secures Bayern Munich's place in the Club World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain.
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Real Madrid will face Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey final at the Estadio de La Cartuja. Entering the final, Real Madrid have struggled this season, sitting four points behind Barcelona in La Liga and having been eliminated from the UEFA Champions League, making the Copa Del Rey their last chance for a major trophy this season. Real Madrid qualified for the final by defeating Real Sociedad in the semi-finals. Historically, in the last 89 meetings between the two clubs, Barcelona have won 41 times, Real Madrid have won 27 times, and there have been 21 draws, with Barcelona holding a goal difference advantage of 162-125. Real Madrid will be without injured players Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, and Ferland Mendy for the final. Thibaut Courtois is predicted to start in goal for Real Madrid. Due to injuries, Federico Valverde is expected to play at right-back, offering energy and versatility but representing a defensive gamble. The centre-back pairing is likely to be Antonio Rüdiger, providing grit and experience, alongside the young Raúl Asencio, who has stepped up amid injuries. Fran García is predicted to start at left-back, bringing pace and attacking flair but needing to be sharp defensively against Barcelona's forwards. The probable midfield trio consists of Aurélien Tchouameni, Luka Modrić, and Eduardo Camavinga. Tchouameni is expected to play a deep-lying role, breaking up play and shielding the defence, with his discipline crucial against Barcelona's transitions. Modrić, despite being 39, is anticipated to dictate the tempo with his vision and passing. Camavinga's dynamism will provide box-to-box energy, pressing high and driving forward. This midfield aims to balance steel and silk, needing to control possession and avoid being overrun. Real Madrid's predicted attack features Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé. Bellingham is expected to play just behind the strikers, contributing goals, grit, and flair. Vinícius Júnior, on the left wing, is seen as a major threat with his pace and trickery. Mbappé, as the central striker, is described as a lethal finisher eager to prove himself. This attack possesses significant speed and skill to exploit defensive lapses but needs clinical finishing against Barcelona's high defensive line.
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This marks the fourth court sentencing within a year concerning racial abuse and threats against Real Madrid footballer Vinicius Junior. A Madrid court issued suspended jail sentences ranging from 14 to 22 months to four individuals found guilty of a hate crime involving an effigy of the player. La Liga confirmed the sentences, noting that the defendant who shared a video of the incident online received a four-year, three-month ban from working in education, sports, or youth recreational settings, while the others received three-year, seven-month bans. The convictions stem from an incident in January 2023, where the group hung a banner reading "Madrid hates Real" and an inflatable black effigy wearing Vinicius' number 20 shirt on a bridge before a Copa del Rey match against Atlético Madrid. One defendant received a 15-month sentence for hate crimes plus seven months for threats due to distributing images online. The other three were each sentenced to seven months for hate crimes and seven months for threats. All avoided prison by submitting apology letters to Vinicius, Real Madrid, La Liga, and the Spanish football federation (RFEF). Additional penalties include fines of €1,084 for the main defendant and €720 for the others, a 1km restraining order from Vinicius and his home/workplace, stadium bans during matches, and mandatory participation in an anti-discrimination educational program. The court has not immediately confirmed the ruling, and Vinicius—currently competing in the Club World Cup—has not publicly reacted. La Liga has pursued multiple complaints regarding racial abuse against Vinicius in recent years. Prior cases include: three Valencia fans sentenced to eight months in June 2024 for May 2023 stadium insults (Spain's first such conviction); a Mallorca fan receiving a one-year sentence and stadium ban in September 2023 for abusing Vinicius; and five individuals given 12-month suspended sentences last month for December 2022 abuse—a landmark ruling classifying stadium racism as a hate crime.
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Arsenal are developing a payment structure for a bid to sign Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze. The proposed deal would involve three instalments of £20m, totalling £60m, aiming to match Palace's payment terms and potentially allow the signing without requiring a substantial player sale this summer to comply with PSR rules. Eze, whose contract runs until 2027 with a release clause around £60m plus bonuses, is understood to favour a move to Arsenal should he leave Selhurst Park. However, sources suggest Liverpool may also activate long-standing interest. No club has made a concrete approach to Palace yet. Arsenal's summer budget was initially allocated for Martin Zubimendi, a forward (currently expected to be Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres), and potentially less expensive signings like Christian Norgaard. Further signings were expected to depend on outgoings, but the club is serious about signing Eze this summer. Expenditure is partly dictated by the striker situation. Arsenal are negotiating with Sporting for Gyokeres, but the Portuguese club insists on a £70m total package. Arsenal have advanced on this deal due to frustrations with RB Leipzig over Benjamin Sesko. Leipzig is holding firm on an €80m fee for Sesko, despite Arsenal working on the deal for 18 months and previous expectations of a lower price. Sesko stayed last summer for £50m believing it aided his development.
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Premier League champions Liverpool are reportedly preparing a late attempt to sign Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, a player heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, according to The Independent. The 27-year-old England international has been a target for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta this summer, who sees him as adding depth and quality to the team's attacking and creative options. However, Liverpool have now escalated their interest in acquiring the Palace player.
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