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LIVE Transfer Talk: Frenkie de Jong eyes Barcelona exit in January

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TOP STORY: De Jong eyes Barcelona exit in January

According to Sport, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is becoming dissatisfied with the club’s lack of possibilities.

De Jong, 25, was linked to moves elsewhere during the summer. Barca and Manchester United had an agreement for him to transfer there for €85 million, but the deal fell through due to a dispute over his deferred salary.

This season, manager Xavi has chosen to start Sergio Busquets, Gavi, and Pedri in midfield rather than the Netherlands international in many of Barca’s crucial games. De Jong’s future will once again be in the spotlight if he doesn’t play a significant role in this weekend’s El Clasico versus Real Madrid.

According to sources who spoke to ESPN, Man United manager Erik ten Hag, who oversaw De Jong while leading Ajax, won’t rule out the possibility of making another offer to sign the midfielder next summer. There is also still a belief at Old Trafford that the midfielder might be persuaded to join Manchester.

LIVE BLOG

13.16 BST: Prior to the summer 2019 transfer window, Manchester City has prioritised a central midfielder, sources have told ESPN.

The team is considering options to bolster their midfield, including Jude Bellingham, a teenager from Borussia Dortmund. To acquire England midfielder Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United last summer, City paid an initial £42 million, and they want to make additional investments at the end of the current campaign.

Both Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan’s futures are still uncertain.

Gundogan is in the final year of his contract and has the option to walk away for nothing at the end of the campaign. Meanwhile, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are still interested in signing Bernardo.

12.55 BST: According to BILD, Chelsea has entered the bidding for RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer.

Laimer, 25, had been anticipated to join Bayern Munich for free at the end of the current campaign. However, his contract with the club expires in 2023.

Bayern and the Austrian international had a pre-season contract in place, but Leipzig demanded a transfer fee and turned down their bids.

When Laimer becomes a free agent, Chelsea is eager to make a move.

12.14 BST: According to Marca, Paris Saint-Germain is interested in Real Madrid defender Rafa Marin.

Marin, 20, has only ever played for the Castilla team and has failed to break into the Madrid main team. The center-back has also competed for Spain’s U18 team.

He apparently has a €30 million release clause in his contract, though, and PSG intends to use it.

Aurelien Tchouameni
How ‘evolving’ Arsenal are going from strength to strength
Janusz Michallik is full of praise for Arsenal after they overcame a potentially tricky encounter with Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.

Manager Eddie Howe of Newcastle United has been talking about midfielder Bruno Guimaraes as of 11:08 BST.

The 24-year-old Brazilian, Guimaraes, has made a strong impression this year and has been linked to Real Madrid, but according to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle will extend the Brazilian’s contract to quell that interest.

At a press conference, Howe said, “We want want him to be happy here and see a long-term vision here, but time will tell on that. “We must develop constructively. Hopefully, we can meet the demands of everyone here as long as a player sees an ambition in the club. We don’t want to interfere with that because it is still in the early phases.

He has performed brilliantly, but the interaction between me and him and the squad has pleasantly pleased me. He has assimilated so well. The fans have responded well to him because he personifies the camaraderie and motivation we need to be successful.

“I’m new here, so I know about the former legends of Newcastle, and I want my players to want to follow in their footsteps. If that is part of his motivation, then I’m all for it. Although he still has a long way to go, he has the potential to be one of those players.

“Would we accept the offer if given the option? I believe the answer would be unhesitatingly “yes.” All transfers will eventually reveal whether they are good or poor deals, but for the time being, it seems like a great financial decision.”

10.25 BST: According to sources speaking with ESPN, Manchester United will activate an extension in Diogo Dalot’s contract to fend off Barcelona’s interest.

Dalot is now in the final year of the contract he signed when he transferred from Porto to United in 2018, but the club has the option to extend it until 2024.

Barcelona is one of many teams keeping an eye on his status, although the 23-year-old won’t be a free agent next summer.

Since Erik ten Hag took over as manager, Dalot has cemented himself as the first-choice right-back, appearing in 11 games in all competitions so far this season. The Portuguese international is close to making 100 appearances for the team and is in his fifth season at Old Trafford. He was Milan’s on-loan player for the 2020–21 season, but since then, he has emerged as a vital member of the United team.

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Luis Rubiales FIFA Ban: Three-Year Prohibition by FIFA

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Luis Rubiales delivering a speech at a press conference

The global governing body of football, FIFA, delivered a strong message on Monday as it issued the Luis Rubiales FIFA ban, prohibiting former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales from all activities related to the sport for a period of three years. This consequential decision comes in the wake of a controversy that emerged during the Women’s World Cup earlier this year. Reports revealed that Rubiales was found guilty of gross misconduct, specifically for an incident that overshadowed Spain’s victory at the World Cup trophy ceremony in Sydney.

The Controversial Incident

A disciplinary committee was promptly assembled to investigate the disturbing incident, yet the specifics of the verdict have not been disclosed to the public. Rubiales faced severe charges related to what FIFA described as a violation of the “basic rules of decent conduct” and “behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute.” The episode in question pertains to an incident where Rubiales forcibly kissed a Spanish player on the lips during the trophy ceremony, tainting what should have been a moment of triumph for the nation’s football team.

Misconduct and Resignation

The aftermath of the incident was marked by Rubiales’s initial defiance and refusal to acknowledge any wrongdoing, leading to a prolonged period of controversy. However, mounting pressure from various quarters, including the Spanish government and the national team players, eventually forced Rubiales to resign from his esteemed position within the Spanish football hierarchy. The incident not only tarnished Rubiales’s reputation but also cast a shadow over the accomplishments of the national team.

Ban and Appeal

While the FIFA ban on Luis Rubiales has been imposed for a duration of three years, Rubiales still has the option to contest the verdict. FIFA has granted him a window of ten days to request a review of the decision, following which he can file an appeal with the governing body. It remains to be seen how Rubiales will proceed in light of this substantial ban.

Luis Rubiales wearing a black blazer at an event

The Response and Controversy

Despite facing widespread backlash, Rubiales has garnered some support, notably from his mother, Angeles Bejar. In a bold demonstration of solidarity, she initiated a hunger strike to protest what she described as “the inhumane and bloody hunt” against her son. While some may sympathize with Rubiales, the gravity of the incident and the subsequent ban imposed by FIFA underscore the importance of maintaining integrity and respect within the world of professional sports.

In conclusion, FIFA’s decisive action against Luis Rubiales serves as a reminder that no individual, regardless of their position, is above the fundamental values of respect and sportsmanship that form the bedrock of football’s global community. As the sport continues to evolve, the need for upholding ethical standards remains paramount, ensuring that the spirit of fair play and camaraderie endures for generations to come.

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Rubiales Scandal: Soccer’s Integrity Unveiled

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Rubiales and Jenni Hermoso

Exploring the Rubiales Scandal and Its Implications
In the world of soccer, where triumphs and controversies intertwine, the recent incident involving the president of the Spanish soccer federation, Luis Rubiales, has ignited a fiery debate. Reports from Spanish media suggest that Rubiales might resign from his position after five years of leading the body. The controversy stems from an episode where he kissed a player during a celebration and his subsequent actions during a significant match. This article delves into the details of the incident, the potential repercussions, and the broader implications for both Rubiales and the soccer community.

The Kiss that Stirred Controversy
The Spanish soccer federation president found himself in hot water due to an unexpected gesture. Following Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup final, Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy and medal ceremony. This gesture, intended to be celebratory, quickly became the center of attention and sparked a wave of discussions.
The incident prompted FIFA, the global governing body of soccer, to intervene. FIFA’s disciplinary committee initiated an inquiry to determine whether Rubiales’ actions violated the organization’s code of conduct and brought the sport and FIFA into disrepute. The core issue here is whether Rubiales’ behavior aligns with the principles of decency expected from a soccer official.


Amidst the uproar, reports surfaced indicating that Rubiales might step down from his role as the president of the Spanish soccer federation. The speculation has fueled further debates about whether resignation is an appropriate response to the controversy. If Rubiales indeed resigns, it would mark the end of his five-year tenure at the helm of the organization.The incident has drawn mixed reactions from both the public and the players. While some view the kiss as a harmless expression of celebration, others see it as an inappropriate breach of professional boundaries. Player Jenni Hermoso expressed discomfort with the kiss, and the national players’ union, once led by Rubiales, called for accountability regarding his actions.
FIFA issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to upholding the integrity of all individuals associated with the sport. The organization condemned any behavior that contradicts this commitment. While FIFA did not specify the exact acts under investigation, their emphasis on maintaining the sport’s reputation is clear.
Beyond the kiss, Rubiales’ conduct during the match drew attention. He was seen making a gesture by grabbing his crotch as a victory celebration. This action further added to the controversy, raising questions about appropriate behavior for a soccer official, especially in the presence of dignitaries.
The FIFA disciplinary panel has the authority to impose various sanctions on individuals found in violation of its code of conduct. These sanctions can range from warnings and fines to suspensions from soccer-related activities. The severity of the punishment will depend on the outcome of the investigation and the panel’s assessment of the situation.
Luis Rubiales holds the position of vice president at UEFA, the governing body for soccer in Europe. This role carries both prestige and responsibilities. The controversy has yet to garner a response from UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, leaving the soccer community curious about the organization’s stance on the issue.
Rubiales is currently spearheading a bid to host the men’s World Cup in 2030, a joint effort involving Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and possibly Ukraine. However, his involvement in the Rubiales Scandal has raised concerns about the bid’s viability and the image projected to potential supporters.
The incident has wider implications for both the Spanish soccer federation and the broader soccer landscape. It highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism and ethical conduct within the sport’s leadership. The outcome of this controversy could set a precedent for addressing similar situations in the future.
As the Spanish soccer federation holds an emergency meeting to address the situation, the soccer community awaits a decision. The meeting’s outcome will not only impact Rubiales’ future but also shape the federation’s trajectory. The controversies surrounding this incident underscore the need for open discussions about behavior expectations and consequences.
The Rubiales Scandal serves as a reminder that even in the world of sports, actions can have far-reaching consequences. The incident involving the kiss and subsequent gestures has ignited discussions about leadership, professionalism, and the image projected by soccer officials. As FIFA investigates the matter, the soccer community anticipates the outcome and the potential shifts it may bring.

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Vlahovic Double Helps Juventus beat Salernitana 3-0.

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Dusan Vlahovic

Juventus beat Salernitana 3-0 in Serie A on Tuesday, with striker Dusan Vlahovic scoring two goals and setting up another to lift the visitors to 10th in the table.

Vlahovic, a Serb who has been injured a lot this season but played in the league for the first time since October, found his old form again in this match.

Hans Nicolussi gave Juventus a penalty kick when he sent Manuel Locatelli off in the 26th minute. Vlahovic converted the penalty.

Vlahovic almost scored a second goal in the 37th minute, but his shot from the edge of the box from an acute angle went just past the post.

At the end of the first half, Filip Kostic made it 2-0 when he tapped the ball in from close range after Vlahovic’s initial shot had bounced into his path.

In the last seconds before the halftime break, Locatelli ran into the penalty area unchallenged and gave Juventus a chance to score a third goal. However, Salernitana goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa reacted quickly to prevent Locatelli from lobbing the ball over him.

80 seconds into the second half, Vlahovic scored his second goal when he ran through the penalty area and shot the ball flat into the right corner.

In the 51st minute, Junior Zambia hit a cross that reached almost everyone in the box, but Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia could not stretch far enough to put the ball in the open net.

“The team responded well and we played a good first half. But after taking a 3-0 lead, we got a little too comfortable and allowed too many shots on goal. We did not move enough and stayed in the same places, and the players know we have to do better,” Allegri said.

“In the first 10 minutes we played the ball too often down the right side. We need to improve the passing game, become more supple and keep things simple.”

Angel Di Maria hit the crossbar after 53 minutes and Moise Kean hit the post just before the end of the game, preventing Juve from adding to their tally.

The win moved Juventus to 26 points after 21 games, while Salernitana dropped to 21 points and 16th place.

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