Manchester United have received no interest in Cristiano Ronaldo despite making him available on a free transfer since the summer, sources have told ESPN.
Ronaldo will miss Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after being dropped by manager Erik ten Hag as punishment for refusing to play as a substitute in Wednesday’s 2-0 win against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.) – Ogden: Ronaldo ruining his legacy at Man Utd
The former Real Madrid and Juventus forward also angered Ten Hag by leaving the substitutes’ bench before the end of the game to walk to the dressing room and leave the stadium without the manager’s permission.
Having been criticised by Ten Hag in July for going home during the preseason friendly against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford, Ronaldo’s latest display of indiscipline has increased the prospect of the Portugal international leaving United in January.
But sources have told ESPN that the United hierarchy, led by American owners the Glazer family, have been willing to offload Ronaldo since he made it clear in the summer that he wanted to leave the club.
Sources have said that United, who signed Ronaldo in a €15 million deal from Juventus in August 2021, have not sought a fee for the player in the hope that another club would be prepared to take on his £500,000-a-week contract.
But aside from interest from Saudi Arabian team Al Hilal, United have had no enquiries about Ronaldo, with even ambitious and well-funded teams in Turkey proving to be unmoved by the prospect of signing a player who took his club goal tally to 700 with his strike against Everton earlier this month.
Sources have said that there is a hope within Old Trafford that clubs could emerge as potential options for Ronaldo if he enjoys a productive World Cup with Portugal in Qatar next month. And with six months remaining on his United contract, there is also the possibility of Ronaldo being loaned out in January should another club be willing to agree a deal to pay a proportion of his wages.
But with his 38th birthday approaching in February and just two goals in all competitions for United this season, Ronaldo is struggling to attract interest from clubs who could offer him an escape route from Old Trafford in January.
Casemiro wants to join Manchester United, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed, saying the midfielder wants “a new challenge” away from the Bernabeu.
ESPN reported on Thursday that the Brazil international midfielder — who has won five Champions Leagues and three LaLiga titles in nine years at Madrid — was considering an offer from United, with a decision imminent.
– La Liga on ESPN+: Stream LIVE games and replays (U.S. only) – Notebook: Ten Hag’s concerns over De Gea – Real Madrid’s third kit inspired by the Bernabeu
Casemiro, 30, is expected to receive a substantial pay increase at United, who have been looking to strengthen their squad after losing the first two games of the Premier League season.
“I talked about it with [Casemiro] this morning,” Ancelotti said in a news conference on Friday ahead of Madrid’s LaLiga game at Celta Vigo. “He wants to try a new challenge, a new opportunity. The club and I understand it. Casemiro — with what he’s done at this club, and with the person he is — we have to respect this desire he has.
“There are negotiations right now. Nothing is official, he’s still a Real Madrid player, but he wants to leave. If he goes and reaches an agreement, we have the resources to replace him.”
Ancelotti said he had not tried to convince the player to change his mind.
“I just listened to him,” the Italian coach said. “Hearing his desire to leave, there’s no way back … If the negotiations go well and an agreement is reached, we have to wish him all the best and look at what we have.
“It’s hard to speak now, because we don’t know what will happen in the next few hours, whether he stays or goes. But if he goes, we’re hugely grateful to him.”
Real Madrid have already added a potential replacement to their squad this summer, signing France international Aurelien Tchouameni for a fee of €80 million in June.
Ancelotti said the club would not look to bring in an additional midfielder if Casemiro completes his move to United.
“We have replacements within the squad,” he said. “We have a lot of good players who can play in that position. Tchouameni is one of the best midfielders in the market right now. Then there’s the option of Toni Kroos, who can play in that position, as he did in my second year here [the 2014-15 season], when we won 22 games in a row.
“We have [Eduardo] Camavinga, who played last year. We can’t replace Casemiro with a player with the same characteristics, but we have others with different characteristics … In my [AC Milan] team [Andrea] Pirlo played in that position and did well.”
“If Casemiro goes, we have six midfielders,” Ancelotti added. “[Luka] Modric, Kroos, Tchouameni, [Fede] Valverde, Camavinga and [Dani] Ceballos. I think six are enough to manage all season.”
Manchester United have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong with the midfielder telling ESPN he would prefer to stay at Camp Nou.
New United manager Erik ten Hag is keen on landing the Netherlands international as part of his Old Trafford rebuild, with the pair enjoying success during their time at Ajax together. However, De Jong has said he is eager to fight for his place at the Spanish giants.
– Insider Notebook: Ten Hag steps up De Jong pursuit – Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only) – Don’t have ESPN? Get instant access
“I prefer to stay with Barcelona,” De Jong told ESPN on Tuesday.
“Barcelona is just my dream club. Also from a young age. I just said it too. I’ve never regretted my choice despite the fact that I had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I’ve achieved so far. But I have never regretted my choice.”
De Jong won the Dutch title and reached the Champions League semifinals under Ten Hag at Ajax before moving to Barca in 2019, but he has endured a difficult early spell at the club. Barca finished a distant second in this season’s LaLiga behind bitter rivals Real Madrid, who also won the Champions League, while Xavi’s side lost to Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarterfinals of the Europa League.
Sources have told ESPN that Ten Hag wants to test Barca’s resolve this summer with a bid for De Jong, despite his desire to remain at Camp Nou.
Barca may yet offload De Jong as the club continue to suffer from financial difficulties. Their spending limit has been reduced to minus €144 million by LaLiga — it is the only negative cap in the league — and they can only spend 25% of any savings on wages or transfer fees until they are operating within their limit.
De Jong, who is valued at around €75m, is one of Barca’s most expensive assets, but the 26-year-old has said there has been no contact with Ten Hag or United.
He added: “What I’m saying, there is absolutely nothing of an agreement or anything official. At the moment there is no question of it at all.
“Not that I know of in any case. Or they must not have told me, but I don’t think so.”
Meanwhile, United have appointed Andy O’Boyle as their new deputy football director, having previously served as head of elite performance.
“I am thrilled to be rejoining Manchester United at such an exciting time for the club, as the first team prepares for a fresh start under Erik ten Hag, and the Academy and women’s teams go from strength to strength,” O’Boyle said in a statement.
Erik ten Hag is set to step up his pursuit of Frenkie de Jong at Manchester United — ESPN’s Insider Notebook has the latest. PLUS: Neymar could be on the move.
Jump to: PSG soap opera continues amid Neymar talk | Barcelona pushing for mass exodus | Bale, Di Maria snubbed | Prem clubs keen on Carmo
Ten Hag to step up De Jong pursuit
Manchester United are set to test Barcelona’s resolve over Frenkie de Jong despite doubts over whether they are the midfielder’s first choice if he leaves Camp Nou, sources told ESPN.
United want a midfielder this summer and De Jong, who worked under Erik ten Hag at Ajax during the pair’s time at Ajax, is one of the names under consideration.
– Ogden: Inside the broken world of Man Utd – Dawson: Ten Hag’s mammoth task
Despite playing a key role at Barcelona last season, there’s a feeling at Old Trafford that the LaLiga giants may have to offload the Netherlands international to fund their summer transfer business. Sources told ESPN that De Jong would have to be convinced to join United, particularly after they dropped out of the Champions League, but a move has not been completely ruled out.
Intermediaries working on behalf of Barcelona have tried to find potential suitors for the 25-year-old and although Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have asked to be kept informed, United’s interest is the strongest. Sources told ESPN that Manchester City are distancing themselves from De Jong, instead choosing to focus on Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips as a replacement for Fernandinho, who will leave the club this summer.
United have also registered interest in Phillips, but sources said he would be reluctant to move to Old Trafford given Leeds’ intense rivalry with United.
Barcelona are already looking for replacements for De Jong, whose transfer fee is said to be around £75 million. United are unlikely to meet those terms and would have to seek to agree a lower fee, but there is a belief Barcelona’s financial situation could leave room for compromise. — Rob Dawson
PSG soap opera continues as Neymar made available
Paris Saint-Germain have made Neymar available for transfer this summer, sources tell ESPN, with the club seeking a new direction following Kylian Mbappe’s surprise contract extension.
PSG’s stance marks another U-turn at the club, following on from Mbappe’s decision to stay when he looked certain to leave on a free transfer. Neymar signed a new contract at the club last year and it has three years to run, but PSG are hoping to offload him this summer.
Mbappe’s new deal, which runs until 2025, marks a new era for the club, with sporting director Leonardo expected to leave his position soon, to be replaced by Luis Campos — an Mbappe ally, following their successful spell at Monaco together.
Campos was at Monaco when Mbappe burst onto the scene and won the Ligue 1 title in 2017, as well as reaching the Champions League semifinals. The 57-year-old has a reputation for unearthing top talent and securing large transfer fees for hidden gems, with Mbappe one of many notable successes. Campos joined Monaco in 2013, and four years later, the club had won their first title in 17 years. He will be officially announced as PSG’s new director in the coming days but is already at work shaping the squad, according to sources, with a focus on younger players.
– Inside story: Mbappe’s big change of heart
Neymar, 30, is in Qatar with some of PSG’s sponsors and said this week that he wants to stay at PSG but the Ligue 1 champions want to generate transfer funds to shape their squad. The Brazil international joined PSG for a world record €222m from Barcelona in 2017 but has featured in only 50% of the club’s matches since joining, amid a recurring run of injuries.
Neymar’s sizeable salary, which costs PSG around €35m a year, may prove a stumbling block in the event of any interested clubs coming forward to make an offer, but Chelsea have a long-standing interest in the forward. — Julien Laurens
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Julien Laurens and Gab Marcotti discuss Neymar’s future amid reports that PSG want him to leave.
Barcelona pushing for mass exodus
Barcelona will tell more than 10 players that they are free to leave the club this summer as Xavi Hernandez plans to overhaul the squad following a trophyless season at Camp Nou, sources told ESPN.
However, sources add it will not be easy to relocate many of the unwanted players due to their reluctance to leave and their high salaries.
Xavi has already confirmed conversations with Riqui Puig, Oscar Mingueza, Martin Braithwaite and Samuel Umtiti in which he informed them they are not part of his long-term plans. Clement Lenglet, Ferran Jutgla, loanees Luuk de Jong and Adama Traore and those returning from loans elsewhere, such as Francisco Trincao and Miralem Pjanic, are also likely to be invited to leave.
There is also uncertainty surrounding the futures of Ousmane Dembele and Dani Alves, who are both out of contract next month, while sources add Barca’s financial situation could force them to listen to big offers for Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong.
Despite Barca’s desire to ring the changes, though, they are already encountering hurdles. Both Braithwaite and Pjanic have spoken of their desire to fulfill the final two years of their contracts, while the high salaries earned by players like Lenglet are making finding a suitor difficult. — Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens
Bale, Di Maria snubbed by Atletico
Gareth Bale and Angel Di Maria have both been offered to Atletico Madrid as potential free transfers this summer, sources have confirmed to ESPN, but the LaLiga club have turned down the chance to sign either player.
Bale, 32, will leave Real Madrid after nine years at the club when his contract expires in June, while Di Maria, 34, is leaving Paris Saint-Germain when his deal runs out.
The Spanish radio station COPE first reported on Monday that Bale’s representatives had offered him to Atletico, saying the discussion had taken place in a meeting with the club’s sporting director Andrea Berta. Sources told ESPN that Atletico appreciated the offer but felt the finances involved in such a deal would make it difficult to justify, given Bale’s age. If they were to strengthen their attack ,they would prefer to focus their efforts on a player who could contribute to the team over a longer period of time.
Bale is preparing for Real Madrid’s Champions League final against Liverpool in Paris on Saturday after an injury disrupted season. Sources close to the player told ESPN that no decisions would be taken on his future until after he had featured for Wales in their June matches, which include a World Cup qualifying play-off final against Scotland or Ukraine. Bale and his family have been happy living in Madrid despite his reduced role in the team in recent years, and his family remained in the Spanish capital during his 2020-21 loan at Tottenham.
Atletico have also been offered Di Maria, who played his final game for PSG last weekend, starting and scoring in a 5-0 win over Metz at the Parc des Princes. He has played 295 games for the Ligue 1 club since signing from Manchester United in 2015, scoring 92 goals.
“I’m calm. There’s time, I have to think,” he told ESPN on Saturday. “It isn’t just my decision, I’ll always think about my family and then about me. I’ll decide what’s best for everyone.” — Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez
Carmo in demand
A number of Premier League clubs are eyeing up a summer move for Braga centre-back David Carmo, sources have told ESPN.
The 22-year-old is highly rated in Portugal and has been called up to Fernando Santos’ squad for their Nations League games against Spain, Switzerland and Czech Republic in June.
Sources told ESPN that a bid of around €25 million would secure a move away from Braga with a number of English clubs having already registered their interest.
Manchester United are among the clubs looking for a left-footed centre-back this summer to bring more balance to their defence and have placed Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres on their shortlist of options. — Rob Dawson
Erik ten Hag is eager to overhaul Manchester United’s midfield — ESPN’s Insider Notebook has the latest. PLUS: Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe confidence.
Jump to: Madrid’s Mbappe hope amid PSG pressure | Conte eyes spending spree | Leipzig’s Ten Hag surprise |
Ten Hag targets Tchouameni
Erik ten Hag, who is set to take over the managerial role at Manchester United, is keen on signing Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, sources told ESPN.
Ten Hag discussed his thoughts over the United squad as part of his interview for the job at Old Trafford last month and official confirmation of his appointment could come as early as the end of April.
The recruitment department at United have also been finalising shortlists on players in each position for the summer transfer window, and Ten Hag will be allowed to present his own targets. Among them is Tchouameni, the 22-year-old midfielder who is enjoying a fine season in Ligue 1. Tchouameni initially impressed under former Monaco manager Niko Kovac and has raised his game further under Philippe Clement, following his arrival in January.
– What every PL boss would be like if they managed an actual office – Stream LIVE games and replays on ESPN+ (U.S. only) – Don’t have ESPN? Get instant access
Monaco are open to negotiations regarding a move for their rising star this summer and will ask for a transfer fee of €60-€70 million. Sources told ESPN that Paris Saint-Germain are interested in the Frenchman but added that as it stands, he favours a move away from France. Chelsea have also made contact with Tchouameni’s agent and Monaco but United may have the upper hand on their Premier League rivals considering the uncertainty over the club’s ownership at present.
Tchouameni can play in every position in midfield — from a holding position to a more box-to-box one — and it is this versatility that appeals to Ten Hag.
The incoming manager will likely lose Paul Pogba, who is set to leave the club at the end of his contract this summer, while there are question marks over the futures of several players at Old Trafford. Among them is Eric Bailly, who is looking to leave, according to sources. The defender has not started a game since December and has been omitted from the matchday squad by interim boss Ralf Rangnick for the last two fixtures against Leicester and Everton despite being fully fit.
Bailly, who only signed a new contract in April 2021, has grown frustrated at a lack of opportunities and wants to play regular football elsewhere. — Julien Laurens and Rob Dawson
Madrid’s Mbappe confidence amid PSG pressure
Real Madrid are optimistic about signing Kylian Mbappe this summer, sources told ESPN, although the club are aware that Paris Saint-Germain are trying to convince their star forward to extend his contract.
Mbappe has long been Madrid’s primary transfer target and after they failed with a late bid to sign him from PSG last August, the LaLiga giants have been favourites to land him on a free transfer this year when his deal expires in June. The France international has been coming under ever-increasing pressure from PSG to renew, though, and admitted earlier this month that he had “new elements” to consider, insisting that he was yet to take a decision on his future.
– La Liga on ESPN+: Stream LIVE games and replays (U.S. only)
Sources told ESPN that despite those comments, Real Madrid remain cautiously optimistic that their long-term pursuit of Mbappe — which began when he went on trial at the club in 2012, meeting boyhood idols Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo, and again when he left Monaco for PSG in 2017 — will finally end with his signing this summer.
Mbappe has been in outstanding form for PSG in recent weeks, scoring 10 goals in his last eight Ligue 1 games including a hat trick in a 6-1 win at Clermont on Saturday.
He shone in both legs of PSG’s Champions League round-of-16 elimination at the hands of Real Madrid, scoring in a 1-0 win at the Parc des Princes on Feb. 15 and putting PSG 2-0 up on aggregate at the Bernabeu on March 9 before Karim Benzema’s second-half hat trick turned the tie in Madrid’s favour.
There’s also optimism around a contract renewal for another player who shone that night — and against Chelsea this week — midfielder Luka Modric.
The Croatian has shown some of the best form of his Real Madrid career this season at 36 and sources told ESPN that while no agreement has been reached yet, a deal is expected to extend his stay at the Bernabeu by another season. — Alex Kirkland and Rodri Faez
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Gab Marcotti debates what could be influencing Kylian Mbappe’s decision regarding his future at PSG.
Conte prepares title tilt with Tottenham spending spree
Tottenham are already set to commit €80m on making loan signings Cristian Romero and Dejan Kulusevski permanent, but the club plan to back Antonio Conte further this summer as he tries to turn Spurs into Premier League title contenders, sources told ESPN.
Conte has publicly indicated the north Londoners will pay the €55m fixed fee to Atalanta for Romero while sources told ESPN that he is pushing for Kulusevski’s temporary switch from Juventus to be formalised by taking up an option to buy the winger for €30m.
Conte has ambitious plans to overhaul his squad with sources suggesting a right-back, centre-back, a midfielder, a back-up striker and a back-up goalkeeper are his main priorities; a list which senior figures at Tottenham are willing to support in principle despite the club posted a pre-tax loss of £80.2m in their most recent financial figures last November.
Spurs’ budget will be impacted by whether they qualify for next season’s Champions League and if they can maximise value from several players deemed surplus to requirements — who include Tanguy Ndombele and Bryan Gil, both on loan at Lyon and Valencia respectively — but there is a recognition a big transfer window lies ahead both to satisfy Conte and also keep leading striker Harry Kane happy at the club.
Kane pushed to leave Spurs last summer after growing frustrated at a lack of silverware but chairman Daniel Levy dismissed interest from Manchester City. Spurs’ chances of avoiding another protracted wrangle this summer appear to have improved with City now reportedly turning their attentions to Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland.
It was also expected that Manchester United would pursue Kane if they appointed former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino as their next manager but Erik ten Hag’s imminent arrival in the Old Trafford hot seat means it is less clear if they will attempt to prise him away.
Regardless, a statement of intent in the market from Spurs would help convince Kane he can win silverware at the club. — James Olley
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Mark Ogden feels Manchester United will need to fully back Erik ten Hag if he is to prove the right choice for the club.
Leipzig bemused by Ten Hag rumours
The Manchester United hierarchy were not rushed into agreeing a deal with Erik ten Hag to become the club’s next manager by reported interest from RB Leipzig, sources told ESPN, despite some within Old Trafford believing links with the German side were designed as a negotiating tactic.
Ten Hag is set to be appointed as the new permanent boss with an announcement due before the end of the season and possibly even later this month. United’s pursuit of the new manager has been led by football director John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher, who have reported to chief executive Richard Arnold, with joint-chairman Joel Glazer having the final decision on the appointment.
The framework of an agreement with the Dutchman was agreed amid reports RB Leipzig could look to scupper the deal. But sources close to Leipzig insist they were baffled by the links while stressing their support for boss Domenico Tedesco.
Sources added that Leipzig considered Ten Hag as a candidate following the dismissal of Jesse Marsch in December but have been impressed with results under Tedesco since his appointment. Leipzig have lost just once in 2022 — to Bayern Munich in February — and remain in both the Europa League and German Cup.
It was always United’s plan to come to a decision on their next manager before the end of April to allow the new man to have an influence over summer recruitment. — Rob Dawson
Manchester United had planned to give Michael Carrick until mid-December before making a breakthrough with Ralf Rangnick — ESPN’s Insider Notebook has the latest. PLUS: The Old Trafford outcasts who could yet get a second chance under the interim boss.
Jump to: Man Utd fringe stars put exit plans on hold | Gerrard, AI and a Villa masterplan | Barcelona fear Premier League interest in Araujo | Klopp keen on Juventus’ Ramsey | Chelsea relaxed over Mount exit rumours
United move quickly to secure Rangnick
Manchester United ditched plans to give caretaker Michael Carrick as many as six more games in charge after Ralf Rangnick emerged as the outstanding candidate during interviews to find the club’s interim manager, sources told ESPN.
Carrick was told to prepare for a longer period in charge than expected, with the club setting an original date of Brighton at home on Dec. 18 as the target for an interim to be appointed — only vowing to accelerate plans for an interim if a stellar option emerged. Rangnick has agreed to take over until the end of the season following a breakthrough in discussions with the 63-year-old, who is set to leave his position as sporting director at Lokomotiv Moscow.
– Exclusive interview: Rangnick speaks to ESPN – Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only) – Don’t have ESPN? Get instant access
Caretaker Carrick, who will oversee United’s trip to Premier League leaders Chelsea on Sunday, had the confidence of the United hierarchy to steer the team during a busy fixture period. The trip to Stamford Bridge marks the first of six games in 16 days following the 2-0 win over Villarreal to seal Champions League knockout qualification on Tuesday. The club wanted to wait longer before they made their appointment of an interim, despite facing criticism — even ridiculue — for the way they had approached matters following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal.
Sources said that “market forces” had left United with no option but to pursue the strategy, saying that the club were not in the fortunate position enjoyed by Liverpool and Chelsea when they appointed Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel respectively, with both coaches out of work and available when changes were made in the managerial department at Anfield and Stamford Bridge.
Football director John Murtough held talks with former Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde and Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui was also contacted as the club conducted a thorough search for a temporary boss. Sources close to Rangnick said he initially distanced himself from the idea he could be interested in a job at United, but a breakthrough came when a consultancy role was offered as part of the deal. Part of Murtough’s role at United in recent years has been to build a rapport with key figures in football around Europe and he enjoys a good relationship with Rangnick, with the pair also holding talks in 2019 about football development plans.
The club’s initial choice for the permanent position is Mauricio Pochettino, but that decision was made before Rangnick’s arrival. The terms of Rangnick’s advisory role after the interim management job ends have not been made clear but sources added he is expected to play a leading role in choosing a permanent successor to Solskjaer. — Mark Ogden
Martial, Van de Beek’s second chance
Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial have put their January transfer plans on hold ahead of Rangnick’s imminent arrival, sources told ESPN.
Caretaker manager Carrick had been keen to stress to the squad that every member has a clean slate following Solskjaer’s departure and Van de Beek and Martial were encouraged by their selection for the 2-0 win over Villarreal, and will now re-asses their options ahead of Rangnick taking over. Despite interest from a host of other clubs, their preference is to find regular games at Old Trafford and the pair will see how they fit in over the next six weeks before deciding whether or not to push for a move.
Jesse Lingard’s future remains unclear, with the midfielder free to speak to oversees clubs in January as his contract expires at the end of the season. Rangnick, though, bases his coaching philosophy on high energy and high pressing — he is known as the “Godfather of Gegenpressing” in Germany and Klopp cites him as an influence on his career — a stance that fits in with Lingard’s style of play and could yet hand him a final chance to stake a claim for playing time.
United remain keen to keep the bulk of the squad together, especially after qualifying for the knockout rounds of the Champions League, which is due to begin in the new year. The draw for the round of 16 takes place on Dec. 13.
United’s FA Cup campaign will also start in January, though a poor start to the season under Solskjaer has increased the pressure on the second half of the campaign as the club look to at least finish in the top four and retain their place in the Champions League next season. — Rob Dawson
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Julien Laurens explains why Steven Gerrard swapping Rangers for Aston Villa makes a lot of sense.
Gerrard’s new signing at Villa: Artificial intelligence
Steven Gerrard is attempting to make an Artificial Intelligence tool his first signing as Aston Villa manager, sources told ESPN.
Gerrard made an instant impact at Villa Park by guiding the team to a 2-0 win against Brighton in his first game in charge last Saturday after leaving Scottish champions Rangers to launch his Premier League management career with Villa.
The former Liverpool and England captain has made his mark on his new club by taking ketchup, fizzy drinks and hot chocolate off the menu in the players’ canteen at Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground.
Sources told ESPN he is keen for Villa to adopt the Zone7 AI injury prevention that proved a key factor in last season’s title win with Rangers. In simple terms, clubs send their training and match data to Zone7, who analyse it using an algorithm and send back daily emails with information about players who may be straying close to the so-called “danger zone” in terms of susceptibility to injuries.
ESPN reported in February that clubs in Europe and Major League Soccer had adopted the system and after signing up to the algorithm-based technology on the recommendation of Ibrox head of performance Jordan Milsom at the start of the 2020-21 season, Rangers reported a 52% reduction injuries last season in comparison to the previous campaign. Rangers also reported a 36% reduction in injuries per match on the previous season and a 21% drop in days lost to injury.
– Artificial Intelligence: How clubs are looking to predict injuries
More than 50 clubs across the world now use Zone7’s AI programme. Many wish to remain anonymous, in an effort to protect any competitive advantage that the tool may provide — football clubs are notoriously protective of such proprietary data — while others simply do not wish to discuss any pros or cons they have discovered while using it. Despite repeated attempts by ESPN to speak to Real Salt Lake and Toronto, neither MLS team responded to enquiries.
Sources said that Gerrard is attempting to have the system in place at Villa as soon as possible in an effort to make his team fitter. — Mark Ogden
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Following Barcelona’s scoreless draw against Benfica, ESPN FC’s Ale Moreno explains why fans shouldn’t expect drastic improvement just yet.
Barcelona’s Araujo fear as Premier League clubs watch on
Barcelona fear interest from the Premier League’s top clubs in Ronald Araujo as well as the centre-back’s salary demands could complicate their contract renewal negotiations with him, sources told ESPN.
Liverpool and Manchester United have been monitoring Araujo’s development closely and Barcelona want to secure his future as a priority, with the plan to offer him a five-year deal, with his existing contract up in 2023.
However, sources said that during preliminary discussions with the player, there is a concern at Barcelona that they may not be able to meet the terms that he is requesting. Barcelona’s financial crisis has deepened after LaLiga cut another €300 million from their spending limit this season and they recently confirmed losses for the 2020-21 season of €481m, while debt is around £1.3 billion.
Liverpool and Manchester United possess the financial might to beat what Barcelona can afford if they decide to push forward on their interest. Sources added that Liverpool are particularly keen on Araujo and scouts have watched him throughout 2021.
Barca starlets Pedri and Ansu Fati recently renewed their contracts, which included £1bn release clauses, and they want to secure midfielder Gavi as well as Araujo: two players considered key under new coach Xavi Hernandez.
The club want to avoid a similar situation they experienced with Ilaix Moriba in the summer. The Spanish midfielder had one year left on his contract and refused to sign a new deal, leading to his transfer to RB Leipzig for €16m plus add-ons.
Araujo, 22, arrived at the Camp Nou in 2018 from Uruguayan side River Boston in a transfer worth €1.5m plus €3m in add-ons. — Adriana Garcia and Moises Llorens
Juventus hope Klopp builds on Ramsey interest
Juventus are hoping Jurgen Klopp’s admiration for Aaron Ramsey will lead to a bid from Liverpool for the midfielder in January, sources told ESPN.
The 30-year-old is under contract until 2023 but Ramsey could be made available for transfer after struggling to break into the first-team since his arrival.
Sources told ESPN that Klopp has long held Ramsey in high regard and considered formalising that interest when the Wales interational left Arsenal for Juventus in 2019. Liverpool have been short of numbers in midfield after injuries compounded the departure of Georginio Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
Several Premier League clubs have been linked with Ramsey including West Ham, Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Leicester City and Juventus hope Liverpool will add themselves to that list in the coming weeks, as the Serie A club look for competing clubs to drive the fee up to secure the player.
Ramsey has always been determined to make a success of his time in Serie A but he has made five appearances totalling 112 minutes since Massimiliano Allegri took charge in the summer. — James Olley
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Craig Burley and Kay Murray discuss the futures of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner after both were linked with Barcelona.
Chelsea calm over Mount rumours
Chelsea are yet to open fresh contract talks with Mason Mount but all parties are relaxed about the situation contrary to reports in Spain that Real Madrid were interested in him, sources told ESPN.
It had been suggested that the midfielder was unhappy at Stamford Bridge, specifically over his role within the squad, but sources claim Mount enjoys a healthy relationship with head coach Thomas Tuchel and is focused on further success with the Blues.
Negotiations are yet to begin over a new deal but the 22-year-old has two-and-a-half years left to run on his existing agreement and the club believe there is no rush for the time being.
It is anticipated that conversations will begin later in the season as Chelsea first prioritise talks with several players whose deals expire next summer, chiefly Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva. — James Olley
Tuesday, Aug. 31 is transfer deadline day (11 p.m. BST / 6 p.m. ET) when the summer window closes for 2021, meaning all the big clubs are racing to fill gaps in the squad, find new teams for fringe players (either permanently or on loan) or figure out the financials to make a late big move.
Europe’s top teams have done some mega business already, with Manchester United landing Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and now Cristiano Ronaldo, while there has been at least one big signing for most other clubs like Manchester City (Jack Grealish), Chelsea (Romelu Lukaku), Arsenal (Ben White), Barcelona (Sergio Aguero), Real Madrid (David Alaba), Bayern Munich (Dayot Upamecano), and of course Paris Saint-Germain have made lots of world-class additions (Lionel Messi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos, Achraf Hakimi.)
Tottenham striker Harry Kane is staying for now, meaning that’s one saga put to bed, but will PSG forward Kylian Mbappe get a €180m move to Real Madrid before the window closes? And what other business do the top clubs need to do before they are stuck with their squad until January?
ESPN’s correspondents and writers take you through what might happen over the remaining hours.
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Premier League teams
ARSENAL
Notable Ins: DF Ben White, MF Martin Odegaard, GK Aaron Ramsdale, MF Albert Sambi Lokonga, DF Nuno Tavares Notable Outs: DF David Luiz, MF Joe Willock, MF Matteo Guendouzi, MF Lucas Torreira
Arsenal have plenty of players available for the right offer — including Hector Bellerin, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Sead Kolasinac — but have left themselves too much to do in terms of moving players out and bringing in adequate replacements. Their awful start to the season and desperate need for reinforcements point to a frantic final few days and the risk of mistakes being made.
The big dilemma for Mikel Arteta and the club’s financial team is what to do with strikers Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Lacazette is out of contract in June 2022 and has so far attracted no interest, but to unlock further funds for late reinforcements, sources said that the Gunners could be prepared to offload their most experienced goal-scorer Aubameyang, despite manager Mikel Arteta saying he will stay.
If that does happen, another striker would be needed as Eddie Nketiah could depart on loan — Crystal Palace are interested, though a deal appears unlikely — along with winger Reiss Nelson, while a right-back will be needed if Bellerin gets his wish to leave. Norwich’s Max Aarons has been linked there. — Mark Ogden
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1:04
Craig Burley says Chelsea adding Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan is a great move for Thomas Tuchel.
The European champions have already addressed their most obvious weakness by signing striker Romelu Lukaku for €115m from Inter Milan, but they remain keen on strengthening their centre-back options. Sevilla’s Jules Kounde remains their preferred option, though the Spanish side are asking for closer to €65m to complete a deal, having previously indicated they’d be willing to accept €50m plus add-ons. This might make a deal less likely, but Chelsea still have time after Kurt Zouma moved to West Ham for around £25m.
Midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko is leaving again on loan to AC Milan, with a loan move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez a possibility as he seeks an exit from LaLiga’s reigning champions. Chelsea still have the likes of Danny Drinkwater, Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek on the books and may consider moving them on if they can, while winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is reportedly in talks with Dortmund over a loan move. — James Olley
– Transfer Grades: Rating every summer signing – When does the transfer window close? – Check out all the big Premier League transfers
Manager Jurgen Klopp has no major holes to fill in his squad, and the priority in recent weeks has been finalising new contracts for Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
The summer exit of Georginio Wijnaldum to PSG has left Liverpool without one of their most consistent performers of recent seasons and a decision could be made to find a replacement — with Brighton’s Yves Bissouma linked — but right now, Klopp is happy to rely on Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and Curtis Jones to fill the gap.
The likes of Divock Origi, Takumi Minamino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are all potentially available for the right offer. Aston Villa also want to sign Curtis Jones on a permanent deal (valued at around £15m), which gives Klopp another decision to make. But in terms of big arrivals, Liverpool are unlikely to make significant moves. Liverpool believe their squad is strong enough to compete on all fronts, meaning a quiet final day of the window is the most likely outcome at Anfield. — Ogden
MANCHESTER CITY
Notable Ins: MF Jack Grealish Notable Outs: FW Sergio Aguero, DF Eric Garcia
Pep Guardiola says he’s happy with his squad, but after the departure of Sergio Aguero to Barcelona, there’s clearly room for a striker. City never hid the fact they want to sign Harry Kane, but that’s not going to happen now the England captain has committed his immediate future to Tottenham.
Sources have told ESPN that Spurs flatly refused to negotiate over Kane and it’s worth noting that, in the past, City have walked away from the negotiating table and waited a year to strengthen like they did with Ruben Dias in 2020.
With no Kane arrival, the odds are on City not signing a striker before the deadline. Options will, of course, be looked at but time is running out and City don’t usually panic. They won the league and reached the Champions League final with a broadly similar squad — Aguero has left; Grealish has come in — and they will back themselves to do the same again. — Rob Dawson
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2:15
Mark Ogden and Alexis Nunes react to the news that Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Manchester United from Juventus.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Notable Ins: FW Jadon Sancho, DF Raphael Varane, FW Cristiano Ronaldo Notable Outs: DF Axel Tuanzebe, MF Andreas Pereira, FW Facundo Pellistri
Manchester United spent their summer budget on Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward had to find funds from elsewhere to make sure they were ready to wrap up a deal for Cristiano Ronaldo when the chance presented itself. Because of that, it is highly unlikely they will make any more signings on deadline day, but a club like United would always explore an opportunity. Just look at Ronaldo.
– How Man United convinced Ronaldo to come back
Dan James could possibly move to Leeds United — either permanently or on loan, with Brighton also keen — and there is always a chance someone could come in for a bid for either Diogo Dalot or Jesse Lingard, although it looks likely both will stay at Old Trafford. Amad Diallo was set to move on loan to Feyenoord, but a thigh injury suffered in training means he will now stay to complete his recovery. — Dawson
The longest-running transfer saga of the summer looks like it’s over as Kane revealed he was staying at Tottenham amid interest from Manchester City. Spurs wanted £150m for the England national team captain, but City did not even make an offer as there was clearly no room for negotiation.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy’s name is synonymous with last-minute activity and the club retain an interest in Wolves winger Adama Traore. Meanwhile, they are still looking at options in the centre-back and right-back positions as well, with links to Barcelona’s Emerson — the Spanish side rejected one offer from Spurs this weekend — as well as Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic and Bologna’s Takehiro Tomiyasu.
In midfield, Barcelona’s Ilaix Moriba — though RB Leipzig are favourites to sign the 18-year-old — Lyon’s Houssem Aouar and Cagliari’s Nahitan Nandez could be options as the club are open to letting Tanguy Ndombele and Serge Aurier depart.
Spurs have already completed a deal for Pape Matar Sarr, but have loaned the midfielder back to Metz for the season. — Olley
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Craig Burley and Shaka Hislop share their thoughts on Harry Kane’s announcement that he will be staying at Spurs this summer.
European teams
ATLETICO MADRID
Notable Ins: MF Rodrigo de Paul, MF Benjamin Lecomte, FW Matheus Cunha Notable Outs: FW Vitolo Machin, GK Ivo Grbic
This was never going to be a busy transfer window for Atletico, given their precarious finances and a strong squad that just won LaLiga ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Rodrigo de Paul already looks like a shrewd addition who adds much-needed creativity.
The one piece of business needed was to land a forward to add depth up front and Hertha Berlin’s Matheus Cunha is that €30m arrival. That said, it will be interesting to see how Cunha adapts to Atletico: Simeone’s record in moulding talented creative players to suit his rigorous system and demanding style is mixed, to say the least.
One big departure could be midfielder Saul Niguez, who has seen interest from Man United and Chelsea in the Premier League, but so far there has been no offer. Nehuen Perez has moved to Udinese on loan, Santiago Arias will join Granada and Lille’s Zeki Celik has been linked as his replacement. — Alex Kirkland
BARCELONA
Notable Ins: FW Memphis Depay, FW Sergio Aguero, DF Eric Garcia, DF Emerson Royal Notable Outs: FW Lionel Messi, DF Junior Firpo, FW Konrad de la Fuente
Barca would still love to bring in a new midfielder, another attacker, a backup for left-back Jordi Alba and even another centre-back eventually. The financial reality, though, is that more signings are unlikely, if not impossible, this summer.
If some money does magically appear, sources have told ESPN that coach Ronald Koeman would prioritise the arrival of another forward. Despite already adding Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero (who’s out injured for two months) to the squad, Koeman still feels work needs to be done to replace the output of Lionel Messi, who was the top scorer in LaLiga last season with 30 goals.
Yet the biggest thing Barca need to accomplish on the final day is reducing the wage bill, as Messi’s exit hasn’t fixed all their financial problems. One big earner who they expect to leave is Miralem Pjanic, who has offers to return to Italy, but Samuel Umtiti has opted against accepting any of the offers he’s had this summer, much to Barca’s chagrin. He will stay as the club’s sixth choice centre-back.
Youngster Alex Collado will also be allowed to leave, while president Joan Laporta has admitted they will pretty much entertain offers for most of their players. However, at this stage of the window, a lack of solid interest in the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele means there are unlikely to be any big transfer fees coming in to improve the club’s financial health. Ilaix Moriba is expected to join RB Leipzig for around €20m, though, and Tottenham may return with an improved bid for right-back Emerson Royal after their first offer was rejected. — Sam Marsden
The biggest need for Bayern is to strengthen at centre-back and in midfield. They need Lucas Hernandez to be fit again so he can partner new arrival Upamecano, but they’re running out of time to add another player to replace the departed David Alaba before the window closes — Borussia Monchengladbach’s Matthias Ginter is a possible option.
At least they’ve addressed a similar need in midfield with the arrival of Marcel Sabitzer from RB Leipzig. They expect Corentin Tolisso to leave before the deadline and Sabitzer, the Austrian international who worked and developed so well under Bayern’s new manager Julian Nagelsmann at Leipzig, will offer a strong third option alongside Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka. A rumoured move for Gladbach’s Jonas Hofmann has reportedly collapsed and won’t happen now.
Though it won’t be decided on deadline day, the biggest decision that Bayern face is what to do with Robert Lewandowski’s contract. It expires in two years, but the recent stories about the Poland international wanting “a new challenge” could push Bayern to sell or extend the 33-year-old’s current deal. PSG have tested the water in recent days for the striker but Bayern are not selling. However, talks with Lewandowski and his agent, Pini Zahavi, could start during the season to keep him at the club for a bit longer. — Julien Laurens
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2:28
Craig Burley and Steve Nicol discuss Erling Haaland’s possible decision to transfer from Borussia Dortmund to another club after displaying frustration with the team.
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Notable Ins: GK Gregor Kobel, FW Donyell Malen Notable Outs: FW Jadon Sancho, MF Thomas Delaney
Seeing Dortmund play under Marco Rose so far this season, it is quite clear to see what they need the most: a defence! Axel Witsel, the Belgium international midfielder who is deputising at the back, is not doing a great job there so far and the club is working hard to strengthen the squad in these positions. Marin Pongracic, the Wolfsburg centre-back, will likely join in a loan deal with an option to buy, while right-back Diogo Dalot could also sign on loan from Manchester United.
Dortmund also need a wide player to replace Sancho despite having plenty of wingers in the squad. Dortmund really like Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi and a loan move could well happen before Tuesday night, while Thomas Delaney’s transfer to Sevilla means the club also need a central midfielder, with Eduardo Camavinga one of the targets, but time is playing against Dortmund to finalise a deal for the French prodigy.
Barring something crazy from PSG (and don’t rule it out in this transfer window of all transfer windows) Erling Haaland will stay for one final season before leaving for €75m next summer. Otherwise, the club will wait until January to see if they need to readjust their squad and plan for more moves. — Laurens
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0:59
Frank Leboeuf says he hopes Kylian Mbappe stays with Paris Saint-Germain to play alongside Lionel Messi.
It has been an incredible window for PSG, but would that change if Kylian Mbappe leaves? PSG held firm when €180m was offered, despite the fact the 22-year-old star can leave for free in 12 months’ time at the end of his contract. Real Madrid are still negotiating and pushing hard to complete a deal before the window ends and PSG would likely target Bayern’s Lewandowski, Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, or Everton’s Richarlison should Mbappe move, sources have told ESPN.
Highly rated Rennes midfielder Camavinga — who has just one year left on his contract and would be an absolute bargain at €30m — is also really keen to join the club. Manager Mauricio Pochettino and sporting director Leonardo like him a lot, though he would only arrive if PSG make space in the squad first.
Indeed, the biggest need for PSG right now is to thin their squad. They had planned before the summer to raise roughly €180m from player exits and are still far from that number, unable as yet to find clubs for fringe players like Pablo Sarabia, Thilo Kehrer and Layvin Kurzawa. — Laurens
REAL MADRID
Notable Ins: DF David Alaba Notable Outs: DF Sergio Ramos, DF Raphael Varane, MF Martin Odegaard
Real Madrid haven’t paid a transfer fee to add to their first-team squad since the summer of 2019. Part of that has been about adjusting to the new financial reality brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic; part of it has been a recognition that they can no longer go toe-to-toe as equals with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City; and part of it has been about saving up for president Florentino Perez’s first-choice, dream signing: Mbappe.
That financial prudence — including the money brought in from the exits of Varane and Odegaard this summer — has put Madrid in a position to make a €180m offer for Mbappe, though why they aren’t waiting until next summer when he’s available for nothing is another question, especially as negotiations appear to be at a standstill following discussions before the weekend.
Casemiro, Karim Benzema, Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez and Nacho Fernandez have all been signed up to new contracts but there will only be one new addition this summer if at all. In short, it’s Mbappe or nothing. — Kirkland
Cristiano Ronaldo has missed Juventus training, according to ESPN sources, as his proposed move to Manchester City edges closer.
Sources told ESPN on Thursday that Ronaldo was close to finalising an agreement with City after speaking to manager Pep Guardiola.
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Sources at Juve confirmed to ESPN that Ronaldo did not take part in training on Friday, though he was present at Continassa to say goodbye to his teammates.
However, sources told ESPN that Juve have yet to receive an official offer from any club for their No.7.
City had made Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane their No. 1 target this summer as they look to bring in a striker but after the England captain announced he was staying at Spurs, the Premier League champions turned their attentions to Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s future has been the subject of speculation throughout the summer and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner hit out at the “disrespectful” transfer talk on Instagram.
Ronaldo joined Juve in 2018 after nine seasons with Real Madrid where he won the Champions League four times and LaLiga twice.
In Italy, he won back-to-back Serie A titles in his first two seasons.
Should the 36-year-old complete a move to City, he would return to the Premier League for the first time since 2009 when he left rivals Manchester United, having won three titles and the Champions League.
Meanwhile, United legend Wayne Rooney has questioned his former teammate’s proposed move to City.
“I don’t know what to make of it, to be honest,” the Derby County manager told a news conference. “If you’re asking me if I think it’s possible then I have major doubts that it is a possibility.
“Cristiano has got a great legacy at United. I don’t think he’s going to move somewhere for financial reasons.
“I’d be unsure if that’s going to happen. I think there’s more chance of it being Paris Saint-Germain if he is to leave Juventus.”
Ronaldo will also come up against his old rival Lionel Messi if he completes his move to City as they were drawn alongside PSG in the Champions League group stage.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said he is puzzled by Manchester United’s transfer business this summer but not surprised by the spending power of Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
United signed Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund for £73 million and have agreed a fee around £34m with Real Madrid to sign Raphael Varane.
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When asked about the spending of the club’s rivals in a news conference ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Norwich City on Saturday, Klopp replied: “We all know the situation of Chelsea and City and PSG.
“What United are doing, I don’t know how they did it. We have our own way to do it. We are allowed to spend the money we earn, that we always did. This year we spent before we earned money with [Ibrahima] Konate because after last season, just to be clear, we cannot take any risk in this position at all.
“I’m never surprised about the financial power of Chelsea, City or United, I’ve been here long enough to know they always find a solution to these things.”
City broke the British transfer record to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for £100m and could spend more in their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane.
Chelsea broke their club record fee to sign Romelu Lukaku while PSG sealed a sensational move for Lionel Messi on a free transfer.
Klopp also praised Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk after he signed a new four-year contract at the club.
“It’s great news. We are really happy that he is happy here,” he added. “Imagine if we had to buy this boy now. Thankfully we only have to give him a new contract.”
Konate has been the club’s only summer signing and when asked if they needed to bring in another midfielder after Georginio Wijnaldum’s departure, Klopp replied: “You tell me which player we need, I’m really interested.
“What type of player would you like to sign? Should he score more goals than Gini? Should he defend better than Fabinho? Be more creative than Naby [Keita], Curtis [Jones], Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and [Harvey] Elliott?”
Lionel Messi spoke at his first news conference as a Paris Saint-Germain player on Wednesday and said after a “very tough” end to his Barcelona career, his target is to win the Champions League again.
PSG announced Messi’s arrival on Tuesday with the former Barcelona player signing a two-year contract, with the option of a further year. Sources told ESPN’s Julien Laurens that Messi is expected to earn between €30-35 million ($35-41m) net a year.
– Messi’s tearful farewell on Barcelona’s day like no other – The definitive timeline of Messi’s Barcelona career – Merci, Messi! ‘A new diamond in Paris’
Messi was presented at the news conference at PSG’s Parc des Princes and his name was chanted amid a round of applause as he took his seat alongside club president Nasser al-Khelaifi.
He spoke about his desire to win the Champions League for a fifth time, the end to his career at Camp Nou, and his excitement at playing alongside teammates Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
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1:14
Julien Laurens talks about Lionel Messi’s unveiling as a PSG player and explains how Messi could finally bring a Champions League title to Paris.
“My exit from Barca was very tough, after so many years, but as soon as I arrived here I was so happy, so motivated, so excited. It has happened so fast, but I am enjoying it so much,” Messi said.
“My goal and my dream is to win the Champions League once more. I think that we have the team to do it here.
“The squad and coaches here are capable of winning everything, which is my objective. The team here is incredible. There have been some amazing signings. This will be an unbelievable experience for me. I do not know when I will first be able to play and I might need some preseason conditioning first. I really want to begin the training sessions, I really want it to be quick.”
On his teammates Neymar and Mbappe — the top two most expensive players in history at €222m and €180m respectively — Messi said: “I am very happy. It’s crazy. I’m going to play with the best players in the world, and that’s always good.”
Wednesday’s news conference was moved from its original slot of Tuesday as the club needed more time to cope with logistics, given the worldwide media interest in the transfer of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Messi spoke at his Barcelona farewell news conference on Sunday and said PSG were an option and, speaking Wednesday, thanked the new club for how quickly negotiations were concluded. The Argentina international, who won the Copa America with his country this summer, also spoke about the possibility of facing his former club in the Champions League this season.
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0:38
Ale Moreno joins SportsCenter to explain that only a Champions League trophy counts as success for PSG now.
“I am very grateful that such complicated negotiations were made so easy,” he said. “I left Barcelona without knowing where I was going. This week has been hard, quick and emotional. But I am excited about this new stage for my career and my family.
“[PSG] had positioned themselves from the first day, even though it wasn’t easy in these conditions. I want to thank the club for the work it’s done and the welcome I’ve had.
“The Barca fans knew I’d join a good club, fighting for the Champions League, because they know me, I like to win, I’m a winner and I want to carry on doing that.
“I don’t doubt that PSG’s objectives are to win and grow. It would be nice on the one hand to face them in the Champions League, especially with fans, but on the other strange to go back to my home in another team’s shirt — but that’s football.”
Messi moved to Paris after Barcelona failed to register his five-year contract at Camp Nou due to financial complications surrounding LaLiga’s rules on salaries. Messi’s proposed deal meant Barcelona’s wage bill stood at 110% of their revenue, way above the 70% limit. Their spending cap with LaLiga has dropped from over €600 million in 2019-20 to an expected €200m for the coming season, which made it impossible to register Messi’s new deal, even with a pay cut. His previous terms included a base salary of around €70m gross without bonuses.
“I am speaking from the bottom of my heart. Thank you to everybody for making this happen. Bringing the best player in the world here. The hard work starts now,” Al-Khelaifi said.
“This is an amazing and historic day for the club and football world. Leo makes football magic, beautiful … he’s a winner. It’s no secret there was a great desire [between PSG and Messi] to make this happen.
“We have someone here next to me, he won lots of trophies and I am sure he will bring lots of trophies to the club, with his squad, with his teammates, the best players in the world, and amazing coach, for me he is the best in the world.”
Al-Khelaifi was also asked about Mbappe’s future and the financial fair play ramifications of Messi’s move to PSG. Mbappe’s contract at PSG is due to expire in 2022.
“I was waiting for that question,” Al-Khelaifi said. “We have always respected financial fair play. We checked with our financial people and knew that we could sign him. What the media need to focus on is not just the negative but also the positives that he will bring.
“I think we have the most competitive team. Now there is no choice for Kylian but to stay here in Paris.”
Al-Khelaifi said people would be “shocked” by the financial revenues Messi would bring the club, though he quipped: “I hope Leo will not ask for more salary.”
Messi scored a record 672 goals in 778 appearances for Barca, winning 10 LaLiga titles, the Copa del Rey seven times, the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup three times apiece and the Champions League on four occasions.
In July, he also won his first major international honour when he helped Argentina win the Copa America.
