Man United agrees to $69 million deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Mount

FILE - Chelsea s Mason Mount reacts after his team lost the English Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. Photo: AP

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Manchester United has agreed to sign midfielder Mason Mount from Chelsea for 55 million pounds ($69 million). 

The agreement was confirmed Thursday by two people with knowledge of the negotiations, which have been on-going since the end of the Premier League season.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been publicly announced.

Mount will sign a five-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months.

United will also have to pay a further 5 million pounds ($6.3 million) based on meeting certain targets.

Mount was one of United manager Erik ten Hag’s top targets this offseason as part of what is expected to be a busy transfer window for the club.

The Dutch coach also wants a forward to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the club last November, as he looks to close the gap on league champions Manchester City.

A defender and a goalkeeper could also be targeted this summer.

Mount has emerged as one of the league’s leading midfielders after coming through Chelsea’s academy. He won the Champions League, European Super Cup and Club World Cup with the London club.

Mount made 195 appearances for Chelsea and scored 33 goals. In his time at the club he also established himself as a regular for England.

Ten Hag is looking to build on an impressive first season with United, which saw him lead the team to success in the League Cup. United also qualified for the Champions League after finishing third in England's top division.

Goalkeeper David De Gea is a free agent this summer and still to sign a new contract. United has been linked with Inter Milan 'keeper Andre Onana and Brentford’s David Raya.

World Cup winner N’Golo Kante buys small club in Belgium

French star N'Golo Kante moved from Chelsea to Saudi side Al-Ittihad. Photo: Al-Ittihad official Twitter account

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N’Golo Kante is making a surprising investment.

The World Cup winner has bought Royal Excelsior Virton, a third-division team in Belgium.

The move was announced by the club Thursday, in a statement headlined “Small town, big dreams!”

Kante, who this month completed a move to Saudi champion Al-Ittihad on a three-year deal after six years at Chelsea, is replacing entrepreneur Flavio Becca at the helm of the club bordering France.

“Driven by his passion for soccer, N’Golo Kante’s aim is to continue structuring the club with a view to consolidating its foundations, stabilizing the staff and ultimately reviving RE Virton’s tradition of training through its youth academy,” the club said.

At Al-Ittihad, Kante will reportedly earn more than $100 million across the length of his deal.

Kante won the World Cup with France in 2018, the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 and has been one of the best players in the Premier League in recent years as a back-to-back champion with Leicester (2016) and Chelsea (2017).

Top players who could be on the move during transfer window

Paris Saint-Germain s France forward Kylian Mbappe with Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola. Photo: AFP

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The transfer window in England opened on 14 June and for the major leagues in Europe it will open on 1 July. 

Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema have already kicked off the window in spectacular fashion, and more of football's biggest stars could also be on the move this off-season.

Kylian Mbappe has told Paris Saint-Germain he will not sign a 12-month extension on his current contract, which is expected to spark an auction for the France striker, with Real Madrid likely to be at the head of the queue.

The Spanish club is in need of a center forward following Benzema's move to Saudi Arabian champion Al-Ittihad.

Madrid, along with Manchester United, has also been linked with Harry Kane, who has a year to run on his deal at Tottenham.

United is also trying to sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.

Manchester City needs to add to its midfield, with Ilkay Gundogan leaving for Barcelona.

City is among a host of teams linked with West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, along with Arsenal, United and Bayern Munich.

Here are some of the biggest potential transfers to watch out for.

Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)

Mbappe is widely expected to take over from Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as football's biggest superstar and has put Europe's biggest teams on alert after announcing he will not sign a new deal with PSG.

Out of contract next year, he will be a free agent. PSG does not want to risk losing him for nothing, which could see him put up for sale soon if a new deal cannot be agreed.

Madrid had a bid of $190 million rejected in 2021 and the timing would appear to be perfect to launch a fresh move after Benzema's exit.

Mbappe, however, says he will see out the final year of his deal.

Harry Kane (Tottenham)

After years of speculation about his future, Kane could finally leave Tottenham. With a year on his contract, the pressure is on Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to either sign him to a new deal or cash in.

Madrid and United continue to be linked with him, with Tottenham reportedly valuing its all-time leading scorer at about $127 million.

Both of those clubs are in the market for a new striker. Madrid needs to replace Benzema, while United still hasn't filled the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo's departure last year.

Perhaps PSG could be added to the list of potential suitors if Mbappe does leave this year.

Kane has never won a major trophy and turns 30 before the start of next season, which is another reason why the time might be right to make the move.

Declan Rice (West Ham)

Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid has left Rice as probably the most wanted midfielder in Europe.

Arsenal and City are reportedly leading the race for the England international, who has also been linked with United and Bayern Munich.

He led West Ham to triumph in the Europa Conference League, which was widely considered to be his final act for the London club.

City is in the market for a top midfielder following the departure of Gundogan to Barcelona, while Arsenal has also made that area a priority after finishing runner-up in the Premier League last season.

Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)

Messi and Mbappe have dominated the headlines as far as PSG is concerned ahead of the transfer window, but Neymar's future also remains uncertain.

The French champions are planning a change of strategy, which focuses on young and home-grown talent. Neymar would not appear to fit that shift in direction, so could potentially follow Messi by becoming the next star name to depart.

Much could depend on who wants the Brazilian, with Saudi Arabia already linked with a move for him as part of the country's ambitious recruitment drive.

Josko Gvardiol (Leipzig)

Having won a treble of trophies last season, it is hard to know how Pep Guardiola can improve his all-conquering Manchester City team.

Gvardiol, who was one of the stars of last year's World Cup, could be one way.

The Croatia defender has continually been linked with a move to City in what could be a world record fee for a defender, with Leipzig reportedly wanting more than the 80 million pounds (then $97 million) United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019.

Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea)

Lukaku finds his career at a crossroads after completing his loan spell at Inter Milan. It is not clear what Chelsea's plans are for the Belgium striker, while his fee and personal terms could block a permanent move to Inter.

Lukaku has been linked with AC Milan and Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Another loan move — possibly back to Inter — appears the best option if Chelsea is prepared sign off on another temporary deal.

Mason Mount (Chelsea)

Chelsea has already rejected a bid of about $51 million from United for Mount and two more have reportedly been submitted without success.

United's priority is to sign a top striker, while the Erik ten Hag could also be in the market for a goalkeeper, with David de Gea out of contract.

Mount is a versatile midfielder who can also play in a front three. The England international would add depth to United's squad ahead of the team's return to the Champions League next season.

Moises Caicedo (Brighton)

Arsenal tried to sign Caicedo in January, but could not convince Brighton to sell.

Despite signing a new contract in March, Caicedo is expected to move this year, with Arsenal and Chelsea among the teams linked with him.

Rice appears to be Arsenal's midfield priority and it is not clear if manager Mikel Arteta will attempt to sign Caicedo in addition to the England international.

Randal Kolo Muani (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Some of Europe's biggest teams are being linked with Kolo Muani, a France forward who seems certain to be on the move.

Bayern is seen as one of the favorites to sign Kolo Muani as the German champions look for a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who left last year.

PSG is another possibility, especially if Mbappe leaves.

Kolo Muani scored 23 goals and set up 17 more for Frankfurt last season.

Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

Napoli could see a number of its star players targeted following the departure of inspirational coach Luciano Spalletti.

Osimhen established himself as one of the most exciting strikers in the world as Napoli won the Serie A title and United, again, is said to be among his admirers.

Napoli may also have to fight off interest in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Kim Min-jae.

Arsenal sign Havertz from Chelsea on 'long-term contract'

Kai Havertz has left Chelsea for Arsenal. Photo: Arsenal official Facebook account

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Arsenal on Wednesday signed German attacking midfielder Kai Havertz from Chelsea on a "long-term contract".

Neither club disclosed a fee but British media said Arsenal were paying Chelsea 65 million pounds or 75 million euros.

He is Arsenal's first signing of the summer but the British press reported the club had agreed a 105 million-pound fee for West Ham's England midfielder Declan Rice.

Havertz joined Chelsea in 2020 from Bayer Leverkusen. He made 139 appearances in three seasons, scoring 32 times, including the only goal in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final victory over Manchester City.

Arsenal were runners up in the Premier League last season while Chelsea, rebuilding their squad, were 12th.

"The mentality in the Arsenal squad is very high and you can feel that. That was one of the reasons why it has been so hard to play against Arsenal recently," Havertz told the Arsenal web site.

"The aim is to win trophies and I'm going to give everything to do that."

He posted a farewell message to Chelsea on social media.

He said he was writing "with a heavy heart...saying goodbye to the club that has become my second home, and to the incredible fans who have supported me throughout this amazing journey."

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: "Kai is a player of top quality. He has great versatility and is an intelligent player. He will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield and variety to our play."

Tottenham buy Maddison from relegated Leicester

England's midfielder James Maddison warms up ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 group C qualification football match between England and North Macedonia at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on June 19, 2023. Photo: AFP

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Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday completed the signing of creative midfielder James Maddison from relegated Leicester in a deal worth 40 million pounds (46.3m euros) plus add-ons.

The 26-year-old England international signed a five-year deal.

Maddison began his career with Coventry City before joining Norwich City in January, 2016. He moved to Leicester in 2018 and in five seasons made 203 appearances, scored 55 goals and helped win the FA Cup. He scored 10 goals last season as Leicester were relegated from the Premier League

He has three England caps.

Maddison's creativity will boost a Spurs squad that has lacked a player in his mould since Christian Eriksen left in 2020.

He is the club's third signing of the summer. Winger Dejan Kulusevski's loan switch from Juventus was made permanent and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario joined from another Italian club, Empoli.

Speculation continues to swirl around Tottenham's star striker Harry Kane who is entering the last year of his contract.

Bayern Munich have agreed personal terms with the England captain, German daily Bild reported Wednesday, but an initial 70-million-euro bid was rejected by Tottenham.

Kane's camp is believed to have approved the move, but Bayern need an agreement on a fee with Tottenham to seal the transfer.

Bayern submitted an offer of 70 million euros plus add-ons for Kane, according to Bild, while Spurs are demanding at least 100 million euros to part with their talismanic striker.

Martino named new coach of Inter Miami ahead of Messi arrival

FILE -Mexico head coach Gerardo Martino is seen prior to a soccer match against Peru Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Pasadena, Calif. Photo: AP

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Inter Miami have appointed former Barcelona and Argentina coach Gerardo Martino to take charge of the Major League Soccer team, setting up a reunion with compatriot Lionel Messi.

Martino, widely known as "Tata," coached Messi with both the Spanish club and his country's national team. He was most recently in charge of Mexico and previously worked in MLS with Atlanta United, winning the title in 2018.

Martino's arrival was widely expected after Miami, rock bottom of the Eastern Conference, fired their English coach Phil Neville.

The 60-year-old will take over the team, from interim Javier Morales, once his work documentation has been completed.

"We are very happy to be able to welcome Tata to Inter Miami. We feel he is a coach who matches our ambitions as a club and we’re optimistic about what we can accomplish together," said Inter Miami Managing Owner Jorge Mas.

"Tata has coached at the highest levels and we believe that experience will be hugely beneficial to us as we aim to compete for titles here," he added.

Messi said earlier this month that he was joining Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, having opted to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his contract.

The 60-year-old Martino played for and coached Argentine club Newell's Old Boys, where Messi played as a schoolboy.

"Tata is a highly respected figure in our sport whose track record speaks for itself," said Beckham.

"We are confident that his achievements in the game and experience as a head coach will inspire our team and excite our fans and look forward to seeing the impact he will have on and off the field".

The South Florida club also expect to complete the signing of another of Martino's former charges at Barcelona, Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets and Mas has indicated Miami could bring in as many as five players during the summer transfer window.

Martino has been out of work since his contract with Mexico ended after a disappointing World Cup campaign where El Tri failed to get out of the group stage.

"I’m very excited to join a big club like Inter Miami and I know together we can accomplish many great things," said Martino.

"The club has the necessary infrastructure to be a major competitor in the region and I believe that with everyone's hard work and commitment we can get there," he said.

Martino made his mark as a coach in Paraguay, leading the national side to the runners-up spot in the 2011 Copa America.

After impressing at Newell's he had a season in charge of Barca in 2013-14 before taking over the Argentine national side for two years and then joined Atlanta in 2016.

Martino will also be re-united with Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez whose 31 goals in 2018 were crucial to Atlanta's MLS Cup triumph.

Bayern Munich have deal with Kane but Spurs reject bid: Report

England s striker Harry Kane applauds fans on the pitch after the UEFA Euro 2024 group C qualification football match between England and North Macedonia at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on June 19, 2023. AFP 

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Bayern Munich have agreed personal terms with England captain Harry Kane, German daily Bild reported Wednesday, but an initial 70-million-euro (£60-million, $76-million) bid was rejected by Tottenham Hotspur.

The German champions are said to be intent on securing the signing of England's record scorer, whose contract with Spurs runs out in 2024.

Kane's camp is believed to have approved the move, but Bayern need an agreement on a transfer fee with Tottenham to seal the transfer.

Bayern submitted an offer of 70 million euros plus add-ons for Kane, according to Bild, while Spurs are demanding at least 100 million euros to part with their talismanic striker.

Other top European clubs including Real Madrid and Manchester United are also said to covet Kane, who could look to move away from Tottenham in pursuit of silverware.

Kane thought he had sealed a £127 million move to Manchester City prior to the 2021/22 campaign only for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to turn it down -- despite the striker claiming they had a gentleman's agreement permitting him to move on.

However, with Kane turning 30 in July he sees time running out on his career to finally lift a trophy.

Bayern are after a top-class striker to fill the hole left by Robert Lewandowski, who joined Spanish champions Barcelona in 2022.

The German club claimed their eleventh Bundesliga title in a row last season but limped over the line at the end of a disappointing campaign.

Early exits from the Champions League and the domestic cup fell short of the goals the team set themselves, with senior club execs Hasan Salihamidzic and Oliver Kahn being told to move on at the end of the season.

Kane, who scored 30 goals for Spurs in the Premier League last season, is out of contract in 2024 and could be available on a free transfer thereafter.

Resolving Kane's future is at the top of the agenda for Levy and new manager Ange Postecoglou, according to Bild.

Man City completes the signing of midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea

Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic has signed for treble winners Manchester City. Photo: Manchester City official Twitter account.

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Manchester City completed the signing of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea on Tuesday on a four-year contract for 25 million pounds ($31.9 million) plus add-ons.

The 29-year-old Croatia midfielder, who was part of Chelsea’s Champions League-winning team of 2021, becomes City’s first signing since it won a treble of trophies last season.

Pep Guardiola’s team captured the Premier League title, Champions League and FA Cup, becoming only the second English team to achieve that feat.

“This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City,” Kovacic said. “Anyone who has watched this team under Pep knows how good they are — for me, they are the best in the world.

“The trophies they have won are clear for all to see, but they are also the best footballing side out there. To be joining this squad really is a dream for any footballer.”

Kovacic will add depth in midfield with the signing coming one day after Ilkay Gundogan ended his trophy-laden seven-year stay with City by agreeing to join Barcelona on a free transfer.

Kovacic previously played for Inter Milan and Real Madrid. He was part of the Madrid squad that won three successive Champions League titles from 2016-18.

He is part of what is expected to be a slew of departures from Chelsea this summer.

N’Golo Kante (Al-Ittihad) and Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal) have left to play in Saudi Arabia, while Kai Havertz and Mason Mount remain targets for Arsenal and Manchester United, respectively.

Kovacic made 227 appearances for Chelsea and scored six goals. As well as the Champions League, he won the Europa League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.

“He can play as a 6 or an 8, has plenty of experience at top level clubs and he understands the Premier League. It was a very simple decision to bring him to City because he has the tactical and technical qualities we are looking for in a midfielder,” said Txiki Begiristain, City’s director of football.

“He is someone we have monitored for a very long time and always we were impressed whenever we watched him.

Rabiot extends Juventus deal until 2024

(FILES) Juventus' French midfielder Adrien Rabiot runs with the ball during the Italian Cup semi-final second leg football match between Inter Milan and Juventus at the Giuseppe-Meazza (San Siro) stadium in Milan, on April 26, 2023. Photo: AFP

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Adrien Rabiot has signed a one-year extension to his Juventus contract until 2024, the Serie A club said on Tuesday.

France midfielder Rabiot will reportedly earn a net salary of seven million euros next season after deciding to stay in Turin following his best campaign since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.

The 28-year-old was one of the few bright spots of a troubled season for Juve which ended with no trophies and a seventh placed-finish in Italy's top flight.

He scored a personal best of 11 goals for Juve in all competitions, setting up six more, and was a fixture in France's run to the World Cup final.

Juve's low league placing was due to a 10-point deduction for illicit transfer activity, and Rabiot has decided to stay at a club which might not have European football next term despite earning a spot in the the Europa Conference League.

The Turin giants could be banned from Europe for a season by UEFA for allegedly misleading European football's governing body when negotiating a "settlement agreement" following breaches of Financial Fair Play rules.

FIFA confirm Saudi Arabia's Jeddah as host for Club World Cup 2023

Club World Cup 2023 FIFA

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FIFA has announced that the Saudi city of Jeddah will host the FIFA Club World Cup 2023, set to take place from 12 to 22 December.

The decision was made after a FIFA delegation visited Jeddah to assess key athletic infrastructure, including the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium and the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, as well as the proposed training and accommodation facilities.

This is the first time that Saudi Arabia will host the prestigious tournament, and the President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Yasser Al Misehal, expressed his satisfaction at the news.

"We are delighted that Jeddah, with its state-of-the-art facilities and reputation for hosting major international sports events, has been selected as host city for the FIFA Club World Cup," he said.

Al Misehal also highlighted the role of sports in Saudi Arabia's development as part of Vision 2030.

"Sport is a key driver of Saudi Arabia's ongoing transformation under Vision 2030, which has established the Kingdom as one of the fastest growing and most exciting countries in world sport," he said.

"We believe hosting international events like the FIFA Club World Cup provides an opportunity to grow the game further and inspire new and existing fans, while showcasing to the world Saudi's hospitable culture and huge passion for football." The SAFF said.

The FIFA Club World Cup is an international men's association football competition organized by FIFA. The first edition took place in Brazil in 2000, followed by a four-year hiatus.

Since 2005, it has been held annually and has been hosted by Brazil, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Qatar.

Real Madrid holds the record for the most titles, having won the competition in five editions.

The club Auckland City from New Zealand has participated in the most different tournaments (ten times), while Egypt's Ahly has played the most matches in the competition, with 22 games under their belt.

"We are ready to deliver an exceptional tournament and an unforgettable experience for players and fans," Al Misehal said.

Modric extends Real Madrid contract until 2024

File Photo: Real Madrid s Croatian midfielder Luka Modric. AFP

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Veteran Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric will stay at the club for another season after renewing his deal until June 2024, the Spanish side said Monday. 

Modric, 37, remains a key player for Madrid and decided to stay despite strong interest from Saudi Arabia, looking to recruit him at the end of his previous contract, which expires this month.

The Croatian follows Toni Kroos, Dani Ceballos and Nacho Fernandez in extending his time at Madrid this summer.

"In his 11 seasons defending our shirt, he has played 488 games and won 23 trophies," said Real Madrid in a statement.

Modric has lifted the Champions League five times with Madrid since joining in 2012 from Tottenham, as well as La Liga on three occasions and two Copas del Rey.

Turning 38 in September, 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Modric faces stiff competition next season at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid signed England international Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund for over 100 million euros ($109 million) earlier in June, while Kroos, Ceballos, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde are jostling for places.

Youngster Bellingham said at his presentation he was looking forward to learning from Modric and Kroos in particular.

Modric finished second with Croatia in the Nations League and has not yet announced whether he will retire from international football, as was rumoured, or if he will continue until the 2024 European Championship next summer.

Gundogan agrees to join Barcelona on a free transfer

File Photo: Manchester City s Ilkay Gundogan applauds during the Champions League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, May 17, 2023. AP

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Ilkay Gundogan ended his trophy-laden seven-year stay with Manchester City by agreeing to join Barcelona on a free transfer on Monday.

The Germany midfielder's last act as a City player — and as the team's captain — was to lift the Champions League trophy, which completed a treble of major titles for the English club.

Now, he is heading to Spain on a two-year contract for a new experience, even though Pep Guardiola wanted to keep the 32-year-old Gundogan — the first signing of the City manager's era from 2016.

“This club made me realize all my dreams and I will forever be thankful for this opportunity,” Gundogan said. “I will carry City always in my heart. Once a blue, always a blue.”

Having missed out on securing the return of Lionel Messi, Barcelona made the signing of Gundogan a priority to add some experience to a midfield already containing youngsters Pedri González and Gavi Páez, two of its pillars going forward, but no longer including veteran leader Sergi Busquets, who is leaving the club.

Frenkie de Jong also played an important role last season for Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández, despite efforts by the club to sell him in the offseason of 2022.

Barceloa has set Gundogan's buyout clause at 400 million euros (about $435 million).

In a statement, the Spanish champions described their latest signing as a player “who reads the game to perfection” and “one of the world’s best midfielders of the last decade or so.”

Gundogan's arrival comes while debt-ridden Barcelona is still struggling to meet the Spanish league's financial rules. Only recently was it able to find a way to officially register Gavi as a first-team player. It is widely expected that the club will need to sell players to reduce its expenses, and the addition of Gundogan will only add to that burden unless compensated by exits.

While Barcelona sold off part of its future television revenues and other assets to have the cash necessary to sign Robert Lewandowski and other players last year, its financial problems have increasingly forced the club to find free agents who want to come to Spain. Last year, the team picked up current players Andreas Christensen, Marcos Alonso and Franck Kessie on free transfers, while other free agents like Memphis Depay have come and gone in recent years.

City was reportedly only offering Gundogan a one-year deal, whereas he wanted a longer contract for some security for his family.

He will go down as a City great, not just for being the team's captain in its greatest ever season but because of some of the crucial goals he scored and performances he delivered in the midfield, where he could play box-to-box, as an anchorman or — in his favored role — as a player supporting the striker.

No goals were more important than the two he scored to complete City's late comeback from 2-0 down to Aston Villa on the final day of the 2021-22 season, winning the team another league title.

After joining from Borussia Dortmund, where he was a Bundesliga champion in 2012, Gundogan won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four English League Cups and the Champions League with City.

“He has played a huge part in the successes we have enjoyed in recent seasons and Ilkay’s intelligence, leadership and commitment to the club — both on and off the field — has been an inspiration to everyone," City director of football Txiki Begiristain said.

Gundogan now arrives at a club that won the Spanish league title last season but failed for a second straight campaign to move past the group phase of the Champions League.

Arteta wants stronger Arsenal squad to challenge Man City

File Photo: Arsenal s manager Mikel Arteta. AP

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes the Gunners have to strengthen in the transfer market if they are to topple Manchester City as Premier League champions next season.

Arteta's men topped the table for much of last season, but faltered down the stretch after suffering injuries to key players.

City went on to seal their fourth Premier League title in five years and complete the treble by winning the FA Cup and Champions League.

Both clubs are reportedly in a bidding war for West Ham captain Declan Rice, while Arsenal are also set to land Kai Havertz from Chelsea.

"That is our ambition," Arteta told Marca on his hopes of winning the title.

"We know the difficulty: it’s the best league in the world and next season is going to be the toughest league in Premier League history.

"Why? It already was last year. I’ve been here for 22 years and I’ve never seen a competitive level like that. So much quality, so much organisation, so many resources, so many good coaches

"That’s the level and to win the Premier League you have to be the best. That’s why you have to strengthen."

Few expected Arsenal to even pose a title challenge having finished outwith the top four for the previous six seasons.

But Arteta admitted he is still hurting after leading the Premier League most of the way from August through the April.

"To this day, it still hurts me deep inside not to have won the Premier League after 10 months of fighting with City," he added.

"There were three or four injuries to important players and from then on, everything got complicated. When we had the full team, we were consistent. As soon as problems came, it wasn’t enough for us.

"Our opponent was the best team in the world, the best squad in the world, the best coach in the world.

"We had no choice but to accept it and shake hands with the champion."

Marcelino named as new coach at Marseille

(FILES) Spanish coach Marcelino Garcia Toral looks on during the Spanish League football match between Celta Vigo and Valencia at the Balaidos stadium in Madrid on August 24, 2019. Photo: AFP

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French giants Marseille on Friday unveiled Marcelino as their new coach to replace Igor Tudor who quit after just one season in charge.

Former Athletic Bilbao coach Marcelino will take charge of training for the first time next month with a Champions League preliminary round tie to play on August 8/9.

"The arrival of Marcelino is part of the desire to give continuity to the club's project," said Javier Ribalta, Marseille's director of football.

"His experience will also be a considerable asset to strengthen the work undertaken last season."

Marcelino had been out of work since leaving Bilbao in June 2022.

He has also worked with Sevilla, Villarreal and Valencia where he won the Spanish Cup in 2019.

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United States to host first 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in 2025

FILE - FIFA Club World Cup trophy. Photo: FIFA official website.

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The United States will host the Club World Cup in 2025, the first time the FIFA tournament will have 32 teams.

Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea already earned places as recent Champions League winners for the expanded tournament lineup that is set to test stadiums and operations one year before the 2026 World Cup.

The United States will host the men’s World Cup with Canada and Mexico, and FIFA could yet give some Club World Cup games to those countries.

The Club World Cup will take place in June-July 2025. The United States was chosen as host Friday during an online meeting of the FIFA Council.

FIFA praised “the United States’ position as a proven leader in staging global events and because it would allow FIFA to maximize synergies with the delivery” of the 2026 tournament.

The Seattle Sounders also are in the lineup for the Club World Cup as the 2022 champion of North American soccer region CONCACAF. The Americans should get another entry as the host nation.

Storied European teams have visited the United States for preseason friendly games for years but the expanded club tournament will give fans a rare chance to see 12 of them play competitive games.

FIFA said in March the basic qualification path for clubs was to win a continental championship in any of the four years from 2021 to 2024 in the five main confederations: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America.

Europe with 12 teams and South America with six are the only continents with more than four entries. Extra places should be awarded according to team rankings by results a four-year span in continental competitions.

The current seven-team Club World Cup for continental champions played every season creates little broad appeal and FIFA has long wanted to stage a full-sized tournament every four years.

This expanded version in 2025 is a huge commercial opportunity for FIFA to try new broadcasting models and sign new sponsors, funding hundreds of millions of dollars in prize money for the clubs.

The influential European Club Association said in March it hoped for talks with FIFA on how to manage the commercial rights.

The format for a Club World Cup lasting about three weeks has yet to be decided. One option is guaranteeing the 32 teams at least three games each playing in eight groups of four. The eight group winners could then advance to the quarterfinals. That would create a tournament of 56 games if a third-place game was included.

The current annual Club World Cup format will continue with a final edition scheduled for December in Saudi Arabia.

Reviving the Club World Cup was a priority for FIFA president Gianni Infantino on being elected in 2016, but his first project plan was blocked. A Saudi-linked $25 billion deal with Japanese technology investor SoftBank provoked anger from European soccer officials who saw it as secretive and an overreach by FIFA.

FIFA got agreement in 2019 for a 24-team event to launch in June 2021 in China, but that was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic before commercial details had been confirmed.

FIFA came back with a fresh Club World Cup plan after the Super League project led by an elite group of clubs quickly failed in April 2021 while causing intense turmoil for European soccer body UEFA.

Other teams already qualified for the 2025 Club World Cup are: Palmeiras (Brazil), Flamengo (Brazil), Monterrey (Mexico), Leon (Mexico), Ahly (Egypt), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) and Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia).

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Celta Vigo appoint 'formidable' coach Rafa Benitez

FILE Spanish coach Rafael Benitez. Photo: AFP

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Rafa Benitez will coach Celta Vigo on a three-year deal, the Spanish side said Friday.

The former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid coach replaces Carlos Carvalhal, who left Celta earlier in June by mutual consent after helping the team survive relegation from La Liga.

Celta, celebrating their centenary in the upcoming season, said they have reached an agreement with the 63-year-old coach, which will be signed in July.

"The centenary season, an unforgettable and unique event for Celta fans, looks set to have a formidable leader in the dugout," said the Galician team in a statement.

"Celta have reached an agreement in principle with Rafa Benitez for the Madrid-born coach to lead the team in this special year and two more seasons."

Benitez, who won the Champions League with Liverpool and La Liga twice with Valencia, last coached Everton before he was sacked in January 2022.

The Spanish coach has also worked in Italy, with Inter Milan and Napoli and in the Chinese Super League.

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Bayern sign Portugal left back Raphaël Guerreiro on a free transfer from rival Dortmund

Dortmund s Raphael Guerreiro, left, challenges Augsburg s Elvis Rexhbecaj for the ball during the German Bundesliga soccer match between FC Augsburg and Borussia Dortmund at the WWK Arena in Augsburg, Germany, May 21, 2023. AP

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Bayern Munich signed Portugal left back Raphaël Guerreiro on a free transfer Friday from Bundesliga rival Borussia Dortmund.

Guerreiro joins on a three-year deal after his Dortmund contract expires at the end of the month. He will likely compete for the starting left back spot with Alphonso Davies but he can also play on the left of midfield and was also used as a central midfielder by Dortmund this season with some success.

“When the call came from FC Bayern, I made my decision fast," Guerreiro said in a Bayern statement.

"It’s an honor for me to be able to play for this great club, and I also regard (Bayern coach) Thomas Tuchel highly from our time together at Dortmund (in 2016-17). I’m a player who always wants the ball — it’s about controlling the game and I want to create chances."

Bayern edged Dortmund for the German title on goal difference in the closest title race in years. Guerreiro, who spent seven years at Dortmund, becomes the first player to join Bayern from Dortmund since defender Mats Hummels in 2016. He moved back to Dortmund three years later.

Guerreiro is Bayern's second signing of the off-season after Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer, also on a free transfer.

Guerreiro has made 64 appearances for Portugal, winning the European Championship in 2016, and played in four of his country's five games at last year's World Cup.

Also Thursday, Wolfsburg signed Czech winger Vaclav Cerny from FC Twente after he scored 13 goals and had 11 assists in the Dutch league this season. The 25-year-old Cerny joins on a four-year contract. 

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Man City's Gundogan set to join Barcelona: reports

Germany's Ilkay Gundogan attends a press conference following a team training session, in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, June 19, 2023. Photo: AP

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Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is set to leave the treble winners to join Barcelona on a free transfer, according to reports on Wednesday.

Gundogan is believed to have been offered a three-year deal by Barcelona and is expected to complete his move to the Spanish champions when his City contract expires at the end of June.

City were reported to have been willing to give their 32-year-old captain a new one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months.

But Gundogan's impending move to the Camp Nou was revealed on the same day City agreed a £30 million ($38 million) deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

Kovacic's versatility and experience would help compensate for the loss of the influential Gundogan, whose leadership and knack for scoring crucial goals played a key role in City's success in Pep Guardiola's reign.

Gundogan netted twice in City's FA Cup final victory over Manchester United this season before Guardiola's Premier League champions went on to beat Inter Milan in the Champions League final.

The Germany international played 51 games this term, scoring 11 goals including six in his last seven appearances during the tense treble run-in.

City are only the second English side to win all three major trophies in a single season.

Gundogan will be fondly remembered by City fans as one of the understated touchstones of their club's golden era.

The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder has won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League in his seven years at City.

Guardiola was keen to keep Gundogan, who has a close relationship with the City boss after living in the same luxury Manchester apartment block for many years.

But, given Gundogan's age, City reportedly did not want to match Barcelona's offer and appear to have taken a pragmatic decision to let him leave.

Kroos extends Real Madrid contract for extra season

Kroos extends Real Madrid contract for extra season . AFP 

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Toni Kroos has agreed an extension to his contract and will stay at Real Madrid next season, the Spanish giants announced on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old midfielder's previous deal was due to run out at the end of June but he will now stay for a 10th campaign at Madrid.

Kroos has won four Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles since joining Real from Bayern Munich in 2014, when he also won the World Cup with Germany

Coach Carlo Ancelotti had previously said he expected Kroos and fellow veteran midfielder Luka Modric, 37, to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu for another season.

    🤍🎱 @ToniKroos 🤍🎱#Kroos2024 pic.twitter.com/JcJcFWcf06

    — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 21, 2023

Madrid signed English teenager Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund last week for more than 100 million euros ($108 million), adding to their midfield options which already include Fede Valverde and French youngsters Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.

Mourinho given four-match ban for insulting referee

AS Roma s Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho. AFP

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Jose Mourinho has been suspended for four European matches for insulting referee Anthony Taylor after Roma's Europa League final defeat by Sevilla, UEFA announced on Wednesday.

The Portuguese confronted Taylor in a car park following Roma's penalty shoot-out loss after a 1-1 draw in Budapest.

Mourinho has been banned from "the next four UEFA club competition matches in which he would otherwise participate, for directing abusive language at a match official", European football's governing body said.

Roma have also been fined 50,000 euros ($54,744) and banned from taking away fans to their next European match "for the lighting of fireworks, throwing of objects, acts of damage and crowd disturbances".

The Italian club were also fined 5,000 euros over the "improper conduct of their team" and ordered to "contact the Hungarian Football Federation within 30 days" due to damages caused by their supporters in the stadium.

Taylor was harassed by Roma fans at Budapest airport with his family the day after the controversial final.

An Italian man was charged with affray after the ugly clash.

Referees' body PGMOL said: "We are appalled at the unjustified and abhorrent abuse directed at Anthony and his family as he tries to make his way home from refereeing the UEFA Europa League final."

Taylor booked 13 players, seven of them from Roma, while the bad-tempered game was littered with delays due to the unusually high number of fouls.

It was Sevilla's seventh Europa League triumph and the first European final defeat of Mourinho's managerial career.

Man City agree deal to sign Chelsea's Kovacic: reports

Chelsea's Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic is reportedly on his way to Manchester City. Photo: AFP

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Manchester City have agreed a £30 million ($38 million) deal with Chelsea to sign midfielder Mateo Kovacic, according to reports on Wednesday.

The treble winners are set to pay an initial £25 million for the 29-year-old Croatia international, with a further £5 million to follow in potential add-ons.

Kovacic, who joined Chelsea from Real Madrid in 2018, initially on loan, is entering the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

The midfielder is set to become City's first signing of the summer transfer window and will give manager Pep Guardiola more midfield options at a time when captain Ilkay Gundogan's future is uncertain.

Gundogan's contract expires at the end of this month and the Germany international has not yet agreed new terms.

Kovacic, who won the Champions League three times with Real and once with Chelsea, is likely to be one of several departures from the London club as new manager Mauricio Pochettino trims his squad.

Chelsea earlier Wednesday bid farewell to France midfielder N'Golo Kante, who is joining Saudi club Al Ittihad.

Asamoah Gyan "gives up": The difficult moment has arrived

Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan - AFP

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Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan has announced his retirement from football at the age of 37, after a 20-year playing career.

Gyan is the top scorer in the history of the "Black Stars" team, with 51 goals.

"I want to seize this great opportunity," he said during a press conference in Accra, Tuesday. The sound is clear in my ears and I surrender to it. It's time."

He added, "It is time to hand over the shirt and shoes, because I am officially retiring from football."

Memorable stations

The former striker and captain of the national team participated in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, and in 7 editions of the African Cup of Nations, where he finished runner-up in 2010 and 2015.

The fans remember him in his international career for the penalty kick he missed against Uruguay in the last seconds of the second extra half in the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup, which was enough to make Ghana the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, before Morocco achieved this achievement in the Qatar World Cup 2022.

Gyan hit the crossbar before Ghana lost on penalties.

He announced his international retirement in 2019, and finally played with Ghanaian Legon City until 2021.

Gian played with many clubs, most notably Udinese in the Italian League (2003-2008), Rennes in France (2008-2010), Sunderland in the English Premier League (2010-2012), and Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates (2011-2015).

French football star Kante joins Saudi champions

French midfielder N'Golo Kante signed a three-year-deal with Al-Ittihad Jeddah. Photo: Al-Ittihad Jeddah's official Twitter account 

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France's World Cup-winning midfielder N'Golo Kante has joined Saudi Arabian champions Al Ittihad, the club said in a statement on Wednesday, joining up with compatriot Karim Benzema.

"Kante is an Ittihad player now!" the club said on Twitter, while chairman Anmar al-Hailee tweeted: "Welcome to our new tiger Kante," a reference to the team's nickname.

The 32-year-old becomes the latest in a line of European stars choosing to ply their trade in the desert kingdom, which is making big-money moves across elite sport.

A dynamic and industrious midfielder, Kante won the World Cup with France in 2018.

    "لا تصدق الشائعات" ⛔️

    كانتي اتحادي ✍️🤩

    📦 to 📦#WelcomeBox2Box pic.twitter.com/yQ225WrQLt

    — نادي الاتحاد السعودي (@ittihad) June 20, 2023

His club career also glitters. He won the Champions League and World Club Cup with Chelsea, as well as back-to-back Premier League titles with Leicester City and Chelsea.

Kante's contract with the London club was set to expire this month. He has signed a three-year deal with Al Ittihad, the Jeddah-based team said in a statement, though it gave no details of how much Kante will earn.

"Kante's addition to Al-Ittihad is considered one of the most high-profile and impactful signings in the club's history," the statement added.

"It is part of the club's efforts to establish itself as a top choice for world-class players in the Saudi Professional League."

He will wear the number seven shirt, which he also donned at Chelsea.

Current Ballon d'Or holder Benzema joined Al-Ittihad earlier this month, after 14 seasons with Real Madrid in which he won five Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles and three Copas del Rey.

'Very excited'

In a video posted online by the club, the 35-year-old said in a message to his fellow Frenchman: "One time I told you, you're the best player, box to box, in the world. Now I'm happy to play with you again, and of course in the best team in Saudi."

Kante said he was "very excited to play for the Tigers".

The kingdom's league had already signed up five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in January.

His fellow Portuguese international Ruben Neves, currently of Wolves, is reportedly set to join Al Hilal.

Argentina legend Lionel Messi, widely considered the greatest player of all time, declined to make a similar move despite a lengthy Saudi courtship, and will instead join Inter Miami in the United States.

With its oil riches, Saudi Arabia -- a conservative monarchy frequently criticised over its human rights record -- has swiftly achieved a prominent role in world sports.

In football, the presumed goal is hosting the World Cup, which is intended to lift Saudi Arabia's profile and prestige as it tries to diversify its oil-reliant economy by attracting tourists and investors.

In the coming years, Saudi Arabia will organise the men's Asian Cup football, the Olympic-style Asian Games and even the Asian Winter Games in 2029.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), the state's sovereign wealth vehicle, holds an 80 percent stake in Newcastle United, who finished fourth in the Premier League last season.

In golf, the PIF has also ruffled feathers. It bankrolls LIV Golf, whose clash with the PGA Tour nearly caused a rupture in the sport.

A surprise merger between the rival tours earlier this month settled a legal battle, only a year after LIV Golf launched with several stars who had jumped from the PGA for big-money offers from the upstart series.

Messi set for July 21 debut, Miami planning '3-5' signings

Argentina s Lionel Messi looks on during a friendly football match against Australia at the Workers Stadium in Beijing on June 15, 2023. AFP

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Inter Miami are targeting a July 21 debut for superstar signing Lionel Messi as the club plans to bolster the squad with as many as five new players, owner Jorge Mas said.

 In an interview with the Miami Herald published Tuesday, Mas said Messi was likely to play his first game for Inter against Mexican side Cruz Azul in the regional Leagues Cup competition.

Argentina captain Messi confirmed on June 7 that he plans to head to Major League Soccer after ending a two-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain.

The deal has yet to be finalized, but the Herald, citing a source with knowledge of the negotiations, said Messi was joining on a two-and-a-half-year deal worth up to $60 million a year.

The deal also included an equity stake in Miami "upon the end of his playing days," the Herald report said.

Mas, meanwhile, told the paper that Messi's contract would conform to MLS roster rules.

"There are no categories or anything that is being changed to incorporate Lionel Messi onto Inter Miami's roster," he said.

Mas said Messi's arrival in MLS would prove to be a "seminal moment" for the history of football in the United States.

"I think there will always be a before and after Messi when we talk about the sport in the United States," Mas said.

"I have a very, very strong held belief that we can create in North America and the United States if not the greatest league, one of the top two leagues in the world. I cannot over-emphasize the magnitude of this announcement.

"Having the world's greatest player here is something that is significant for our league, and for the football ecosystem in the United States. Lionel Messi is coming to this country to win cups and make a difference.

"I think it's incumbent upon myself and my partners in the league, the other owners, to seize the moment."

Miami, meanwhile, are widely reported to be in talks to bring Messi's former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets to Florida. Mas would not comment on the state of negotiations with Busquets, and would not name other players -- such as Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez and Angel di Maria -- who have all been linked to Miami.

However, Mas said the club expected to make between three to five additional signings.

"We've been preparing our roster for Messi's arrival in '23, so we left an enormous amount of flexibility," Mas told the Herald.

"We will be making additional signings during the summer window, more than what people anticipate... I can say we will potentially be making between three and five signings."