Newcastle now offered chance to sign "incredible" UCL star in shock Livramento swap deal

by rastrear-estafeta.com Uncategorized

Newcastle United have now reportedly been offered the opportunity to finally sign James Trafford in a deal that would see Tino Livramento head in the opposite direction to Manchester City.

The Magpies certainly have a lot to think about ahead of 2026. With new sporting director Ross Wilson in place, they’ll be hoping to avoid the chaos of missing out on top targets to hand Eddie Howe some much-needed reinforcements.

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ByAngus Sinclair Nov 20, 2025

Howe’s side enter this weekend’s clash against Man City in desperate need of three points, having entered the international break off the back of a shock 3-1 defeat at the hands of Brentford. Currently sat as low as 14th in the Premier League, the Newcastle boss reiterated that he’s looking for a response from his players on Saturday night.

There would be no better way to get back on track than a victory against a side with Man City’s quality, but then it’s about consistency for the Magpies. On the pitch, they must turn things around in preparation for what could be a busy January transfer window.

Already, reports are claiming that they’re still interested in signing Trafford and could be handed an interesting opportunity to do so in 2026.

Newcastle offered chance to sign James Trafford

As reported by TeamTalk, Newcastle have now been offered the chance to sign Trafford by Man City, who are looking to strike a swap deal involving Livramento. The Citizens were interested in the versatile right-back in the summer, but were priced out of a move thanks to the Magpies’ eye-watering £80m price-tag.

Now, just months later, it looks as though City are once again interested in a move for the England international and are already willing to cut ties with Trafford to make a move happen.

James Trafford

The shot-stopper returned to the club with the hope of finally becoming their number one, only for Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival to bring an end to those plans. Left to watch on from the bench ever since, he could certainly do with another call from those in Tyneside.

That said, whilst Newcastle’s admiration for Trafford is clear, it remains to be seen whether he’s valued higher than Livramento in Tyneside. The goalkeeper has been described as “incredible” by Pep Guardiola, but even that may not be enough to convince Newcastle to sacrifice their star defender.

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Worse than Bruno & Casemiro: Amorim can't start Man Utd duo together again

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Ruben Amorim has now been Manchester United manager for just over one year, but there hasn’t exactly been much for Red Devils fans to shout about.

The Portuguese manager failed to bring them European football, and has a frankly poor record during his 12-month stint at Old Trafford.

The former Sporting CP manager has taken charge of 55 games for the Red Devils so far, winning 22, losing 22 and drawing 11.

His record in the Premier League is even worse, with United winning just 12 times under his tutelage in the top flight, suffering defeat 18 times.

One of the issues Amoirm has struggled with is profiling players in his infamous 3-4-2-1 system. There are still question marks over the suitability of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in a pivot.

The continued struggles of Fernandes and Casemiro

In modern football, having athletic midfielders is essential for success. A pivot of Casemiro, now aged 34 and still a brilliant ball-winner, next to Fernandes, who has been shoehorned into a deeper role by Amorim despite being one of the best number tens in the Premier League, has struggled.

That particular pairing has been Amorim’s go-to this term, but there is nothing to suggest it is optimising them. In fact, with Fernandes so deep, there is a case to be made that it is hurting the team.

United great Paul Scholes said earlier in the season that “there is no doubt” United’s captain should be playing as a ten.

He excels close to goal, with this goal in his recent hat-trick for Portugal a prime example of how effective he is in the final third.

As for Casemiro, the Brazilian is certainly lacking physically, despite being such a good ball-winner, averaging 3.62 tackles and interceptions per game this term.

As far back as 2023, Jamie Carragher said his “legs have gone.” He certainly needs someone more physically dominant playing next to him.

It is not just Fernandes and Casemiro who are being misprofiled by Amorim, though.

The two players struggling under Amorim

You certainly need to sign very specific players for Amoirm’s system to be a success. Indeed, the misprofiling of Fernandes as a deep-lying playmaker is just one example of making square pegs fit into round holes.

An area similar to that is at wing-back. They are, essentially, wingers, often the highest players for United, in one-vs-one situations with opposition full-backs. Amad is a player who fits the mould, but Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui do not.

Premier League Panel, an account on X, said their efforts in Monday’s 1-0 home defeat to Everton were “plain garbage.” Indeed, it wasn’t their best night at the office, but the roles they are being asked to perform, acting as wingers, are not playing to their strengths.

The fact that they are full-backs by trade certainly shows. Dorgu has just one assist playing high and wide on the left under Amorim. Mazraoui has also managed just the one, although he has played at centre-back, too.

Looking at their creative stats, you get a clear picture of the fact that they are misprofiled.

For example, focusing on the Premier League from last season and the start of 2025/26, Dorgu averages 0.3 crosses per game compared to 0.2 for Mazraoui.

Dorgu & Mazraoui – Attacking stats

Stat (per 90)

Dorgu

Mazraoui

Key passes

1.24

0.58

Expected assists

0.12xA

0.06xA

Crosses

0.3

0.2

Take-ons completed

0.36

0.87

Goal-creating actions

0.18

0.06

Stats from FBref

United lack an attacking threat out wide at the moment. Playing two full-backs at wing-back, who, it is worth noting, are good players when used correctly, is not helping.

It is certainly something Amorim should look to address in the coming weeks.

His time at United has been one to forget so far, but there is still time to salvage the season. It will be interesting to see if he keeps Dorgu and Mazraoui out wide, or switches them up for more attacking players.

Cunha upgrade: Man Utd could see £80m bid accepted for world's "best player"

This attacking star could improve Man Utd going forward

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 26, 2025

رئيس أتلتيكو مدريد يحسم موقفه من بيع جوليان ألفاريز لـ برشلونة

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

يستعد برشلونة لدخول سوق الانتقالات الصيفية للتعاقد مع مهاجم جديد في 2026، ويرتبط جوليان ألفاريز مهاجم أتلتيكو مدريد بالانضمام لصفوف النادي بقوة.

ويحظى ألفاريز بطل كأس العالم 2022 مع منتخب الأرجنتين بإعجاب كبير من جانب إدارة برشلونة، ويرى فيه النادي هدفاً رئيسياً لخلافة روبرت ليفاندوفسكي والذي ينتهي عقده بنهاية الموسم.

ويعد ألفاريز هو المرشح المفضل لرئيس برشلونة خوان لابورتا ليصبح مهاجم المستقبل في البلوجرانا بدلاً من المهاجم البولندي.

اقرأ أيضاً.. الاتحاد الاسباني يوجه تحذيرًا لـ برشلونة وفليك.. ويهدد بمعاقبتهما

وأغلق إنريكي سيريزو رئيس أتلتيكو مدريد الباب أمام أي احتمال لرحيل جوليان ألفاريز العام المقبل في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو”: “كنا نتوقع ذلك قبل وصولك أبولو سبورتس (المستثمرين الجدد في النادي)”.

وأضاف: “فكرة تحصين ألفاريز من خيالكم، جوليان لديه عقد وعليه الوفاء به، مثل أي شخص آخر، جوليان لاعب نرغب به ويريد البقاء هنا، فما الذي يحتاجه أكثر من ذلك”.

واختتم عن تجديد عقد ألفاريز وعدم عرضه للبيع: “لقد قضى معنا عاماً ولديه خمسة أو ستة عقود أخرى، لسنا منفتحين على التفاوض بشأن جوليان أو أي لاعب آخر، إذا تقدم فريق لضم لاعب وأراد الرحيل، سيرحل، لكن في الوقت الحالي لا يوجد لاعب واحد يرغب في الرحيل”.

Flintoff leaves Northern Superchargers after two seasons as head coach

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Former England allrounder fails to agree terms with Sun Group, the new owners of franchise

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Oct-2025Andrew Flintoff has revealed he will be parting ways with Northern Superchargers after two seasons as men’s head coach, after failing to agree terms with the franchise’s new Indian owners ahead of the transformative 2026 season.Flintoff, 47, had been a surprise pick when announced as Superchargers’ head coach in November 2023. It was his first senior coaching position, and came on the back of his brief involvement with the England Men’s backroom staff as part of his return to public life, following a life-threatening accident on the set of the BBC’s Top Gear in December 2022.He enjoyed some success in the role, with a team captained by Harry Brook and featuring other England players including Adil Rashid, Zak Crawley and Matthew Potts. Superchargers finished fourth in Flintoff’s first season in 2024, then went one better in this season’s competition, only to be denied a shot at the title when rain washed out their Eliminator against Trent Rockets, who progressed to the final by dint of their higher finish in the group stage.Related

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He has since extended his coaching credentials, following his appointment as head coach of England Lions, whose fortunes he will continue to oversee on this winter’s tour of Australia, which runs parallel with the senior team’s Ashes campaign.However, speaking to the Beard Before Wicket podcast, Flintoff confirmed that his involvement with the Superchargers was over. The franchise is now owned by the Sun Group, the Indian media conglomerate who also own Sunrisers Hyderabad, and who bid just over £100 million for a 100% stake in the tournament’s equity sale earlier this year.”I’ll be honest with you, franchise coaching was never in my plans,” Flintoff told the podcast. “Marcus North [director of cricket] phoned me up, and I thought: ‘Yeah, go on then.’ And I loved it, actually.”It was at Yorkshire [Headingley], which was different for me [as a former Lancashire player], but then to actually be involved in it, I think they took to us. As a side we did some pretty good stuff, but we were so unlucky.”

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Flintoff confirmed that he had had discussions with representatives from the Sun Group, which also owns Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20, but came to the conclusion that they had other plans for their first season in the competition. Daniel Vettori, their head coach at Hyderabad who has been in charge at Birmingham Phoenix, is one name who could potentially come into the frame.”We’ve seen the Hundred change now,” Flintoff said. “We’ve got new owners, and I spoke to them when they phoned up. They said they wanted us to do it, so I said: ‘Yeah, fine. Make us an offer.'”I genuinely don’t do it for the money, right, although it’s nice … but I think I’m worth more than just over a quarter of the [salary of] other head coaches. I wasn’t encouraged they wanted me anyway, but then also you want to feel valued. So I said that it’s not going to work for me, and they weren’t going to move on it.”So, unfortunately, I’m not going to do it, which is sad. The past two years, I felt we were building somewhere really nice, and I’d have loved to have seen it through.”Flintoff’s Superchargers finished third in the Hundred this year•ECB via Getty ImagesSunrisers insisted that Flintoff had been made a contract offer for 2026 which featured an improved salary. “We had discussions with Freddie and extended an offer which was an increase over his current salary at Northern Superchargers,” a spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo. “While we would have loved to have him on board, we respect his decision.”Flintoff’s availability could pique the interest of other franchises, notably Manchester Originals – based at his Lancashire home of Old Trafford – who finished sixth in this year’s competition and whose incumbent, Simon Katich, is currently out of contract. Trent Rockets are also seeking a new name in charge, following the departure of Andy Flower to London Spirit.”I’ve had a couple more offers over the past few days, but I don’t know,” Flintoff said. “I’m quite relaxed about it.”1730 GMT – This story was updated to include a comment from a Sunrisers spokesperson.

'I was halfway through my medical!' – Ex-Arsenal star reveals he snubbed Manchester City at eleventh hour to move to Emirates

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Former Arsenal and Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has revealed that he abandoned a near-completed move to Manchester City to sign for Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal back in 2008. The Frenchman, who spent nearly a decade at Old Trafford and won five Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson, says he was "halfway through his medical" at City when the opportunity to join Wenger emerged, prompting him to walk away from negotiations altogether.

  • Silvestre lifts the lid on his Arsenal transfer

    Silvestre’s reputation in English football was built at Manchester United, where he arrived in September 1999 from Internazionale and went on to clock up 249 Premier League appearances. Over nine years in Manchester, he collected a haul of major honours, including the Champions League, the FA Cup and five league titles. His final season at United, however, was derailed by a significant knee ligament injury, which kept him out for much of the campaign. He returned to action in April but found himself facing uncertainty, with one year remaining on his contract and limited clarity about how he would fit into the United squad. At 31, Silvestre was drawing attention from several clubs. Paris Saint-Germain were keen. Bordeaux made enquiries. City were deep in negotiations and, according to Silvestre, had already reached a provisional agreement with him. Sunderland were also in talks. But everything changed when Arsene Wenger made his interest known.

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    Wenger's phone call changed everything

    Silvestre, speaking to , recounted the extraordinary moment his transfer took a sharp detour. 

    "I almost signed for Manchester City in 2008, believe it or not," he said. "I was halfway through my medical in Manchester and was very close to finalising a move to the club. However, Arsene Wenger reached out to me through a friend to try and get me to sign for Arsenal during the medical."

    Within 24 hours, he had apologised to City officials and travelled to London to complete a two-year contract at the Emirates. He added: "I couldn’t turn that offer down, and I signed for the club the very next day!"

    Wenger said at that time: "We have a strong squad, but a young squad and Mikael's versatility, experience and calibre will provide the extra depth we need to reinforce our challenge for honours. His defensive adaptability will serve us well, and it's a big plus that Mikael has top-level experience and a great understanding of football in the Premier League."

  • Silvestre's split allegiance between United & Arsenal

    Earlier in 2025, Silvestre looked back fondly on his time in north London, acknowledging the warmth he received from Arsenal supporters and the respect he gained within the club. But he does not disguise where his heart lies.

    During an interview on last year, he said: "When you have been travelling as much as I did, you still look back and support the clubs you played for. But, as you know, nine years at United is a long time in one career. If you asked me to pick, it would be more United, but I had a great time at Arsenal."

    However, given the current circumstances at United, he revealed that he would now prefer a transfer to north London. "I would go to Arsenal right now. I am not a patient guy!" he laughed. 

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    Silvestre has elite company in a small club

    Arsenal’s acquisition of Silvestre for a reported fee of around £750,000 was one of the most surprising moves of the 2008 summer window. United’s long history of avoiding direct transfers to rival clubs made the signing almost unthinkable at the time. The last player to make the same journey had been Brian Kidd in 1974. He belongs to a surprisingly small and illustrious group of footballers who have worn both Arsenal and United colours. Alexis Sanchez is perhaps the most famous modern example, with his blockbuster move to Old Trafford. Robin van Persie made the opposite journey, leaving Arsenal for United in 2012 and famously firing Ferguson’s side to the league title. Danny Welbeck, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Andy Cole also crossed the divide at various points, each with differing levels of success.

Ramón Diaz, após derrota do Vasco: 'Complicado que quem decida no VAR seja uma mulher'

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

MatériaMais Notícias

O técnico do Vasco, Ramón Diaz, fez comentário machista ao reclamar da arbitragem após a derrota do Vasco para o Bragantino, por 2 a 1, nesta quarta-feira, fora de casa, pela segunda rodada do Brasileirão. O técnico argentino disse que é “complicado que quem decida no VAR seja uma mulher”, em referência à partida do último domingo, contra o Grêmio.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoRizek dispara contra declaração machista de Ramón Díaz: ‘Foi a única que teve algum bom senso’Fora de Campo17/04/2024VascoRamón Diaz, após derrota do Vasco: ‘Complicado que quem decida no VAR seja uma mulher’Vasco17/04/2024Fora de CampoEx-jogador analisa derrota do Vasco e crava: ‘Resultado mais justo seria o empate’Fora de Campo17/04/2024

➡️ Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Vasco

Com respeito aos árbitros, não podemos falar muito. Na última partida, o VAR foi uma senhorita, uma mulher, e foi pênalti. Me parece complicado que no VAR quem tenha que decidir seja uma mulher. Porque o futebol é tão dinâmico, com ações tão rápidas. Hoje não sei se o árbitro também não viu o lance, que me pareceu pênalti. O Vasco está crescendo, competimos

disse Ramón Díaz.

No lance reclamado por Ramón, Galdames teria sofrido pênalti do zagueiro Rodrigo Ely, do Grêmio. A responsável pelo VAR na partida, Daiane Muniz, inicialmente recomendou a marcação da falta, mas voltou atrás.

TÉCNICO E VASCO SE DESCULPAM
Antes de deixar o estádio, o treinador reuniu os jornalistas para se retratar. O argentino afirmou que foi mal interpretado.

continua após a publicidade

– Quero pedir desculpas, mas me pareceu que o que quis dizer é que uma só pessoa não pode decidir e ter uma decisão tão importante para o futebol como é o VAR. Se interpretaram mal, peço desculpas, mas não foi minha intenção – corrigiu.

Horas depois, foi a vez do Vasco se manifestar. O clube lamentou a declaração e garantiu que reforçará “medidas e diretrizes educativas”.

🎙️ MAIS RESPOSTAS DE RAMÓN DÍAZ:

ANÁLISE DO JOGO
– O primeiro gol foi um gol meio de sorte deles, não com muita criação, mas um gol meio raro, meio difícil. Mas depois o Vasco reagiu, tivemos uma atitude incrível. Nós fomos buscar, pressionamos, atacamos bem, criamos situações. Inclusive chegamos ao gol com jogada muito boa, boa criação. Eu acho que estamos analisando bem que o Vasco vai crescer. Está crescendo, está crescendo em sua forma, em seu estilo. Nós estamos felizes porque nós competimos muito bem.

continua após a publicidade

– No segundo gol deles, recuamos e não pressionamos. Ele teve muita facilidade para finalizar. Se tivéssemos feito Temos coisas que temos que melhorar. E em relação à arbitragem, já falei, é difícil. Porque o VAR toma decisões. Na última rodada, foram muitos erros de arbitragem. Isso tem que melhorar.

TRANQUILIDADE DA EQUIPE
– Falta a equipe jogar mais tranquila, a nossa equipe deve jogar mais tranquila, mais relaxada, jogar competindo mais. Temos muito caminho pela frente, mas temos que conseguir pontos. Não gosto de perder, gosto de conseguir os resultados. Principalmente na largada do campeonato. Temos que conseguir os resultados do início.

JOVENS DA BASE
– Agora incorporamos alguns jovens e com certeza vai ajudar muito. Estamos trabalhando com muitos jovens e o time tem a possibilidade também de provar alguns jogadores. Rayan, Adson, todos os garotos jovens que estão fazendo sua experiência e vêm bem também para o futuro. Com certeza estou muito feliz porque, por mais que seja numa derrota, se analisarmos bem os dois gols, fomos bastante azarados. Principalmente no segundo gol, Maicon pega na cabeça, se desvia e vai para o gol. Não é que eles tenham criado situações para ganhar e acho que era o momento melhor do Vasco no jogo.

RAYAN
– Nós vimos que íamos ter vantagem e tínhamos que ser mais profundos tanto na direita quanto na esquerda. O Lucas Piton estava muito bem, o Paulo Henrique também, cruzamos muito hoje, tínhamos muitas situações. E pedi que ele (Rayan) ficasse de ponta porque precisávamos, na recuperação que tínhamos, ser profundo e chegar ao gol. Por isso os jogadores ficaram felizes, nós também. A lástima foi no final. No final, depois do gol, o Vasco tinha que seguir insistindo, buscar o gol, não retroceder tanto, ter um pouco mais de força no meio. Todas essas coisas nós vamos corrigir.

JOÃO VICTOR
– Tomou golpe forte no joelho e era momento em que não poderíamos arriscar. Temos que ter o jogador com 100%, com tudo, para que possamos seguir no jogo. Mas está bem.

HUGO MOURA
– É um jogador de meio de campo. Tivemos a lesão de Paulinho e de Jair. Necessitamos reforçar ali no meio. Estamos felizes porque ele veio e seguramente nos vai ajudar. Ele vai ter que se adaptar ao nosso estilo, à nossa forma de trabalho. Ele é um jogador de características que nós gostamos. Então, nos vamos ajudar para que ele renda e faça um bom campeonato.

Tudo sobre

Ramón DíazVasco

Weatherald's aggression opens route to Ashes selection

by csb10.top Uncategorized

Tasmania 171 and 244 for 5 (Weatherald 94, Silk 51*) lead Western Australia 172 (Hope 4-51, Meredith 3-36, Bird 3-38)Jake Weatherald missed his century but landed a fresh blow in his battle for a Test debut in the Ashes series.The Tasmania opener raced to 94 off just 99 balls on day two of the the Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia in Hobart before he was caught in the deep hooking.Related

  • Haskett makes an impression as Weatherald misses out

  • O'Neill bags five but late Victoria collapse in the gloom keeps NSW in touch

He had made 18 in the hosts’ first-innings total of 171, as no other player passed 41 on the tricky Bellerive Oval track until Jordan Silk (51 not out) late on day two.Tasmania were 244 for 5 when rain stopped play slightly before stumps were due to be called.Left-handed Weatherald, 30, topped last year’s Shield run-scorers’ list with 906 at an average of 50.33, and remains in the frame for a call-up for the first Ashes Test.His commanding strokeplay, particularly square of the wicket, was impressive and potentially the perfect complement to the more sedate Usman Khawaja, who is all but assured of one opening spot at Optus Stadium against England next month.Weatherald, a promising emerging talent at South Australia who has reignited his career with a move south, struck 13 fours and a six in his brisk knock on Thursday.It came after the visitors had taken a lead of just one run on the first innings, at one stage losing 3 for 3 to be all out for 172 after beginning the day 107 for 4.Brad Hope ran through the tail, while Riley Meredith and Jackson Bird both finished with three wickets.Matthew Kelly (3-47) was the pick of the WA bowlers in Tasmania’s second innings.

Barcelona debt is 'absurd and incomprehensible' as Bayern Munich chief says it's 'a miracle' they're allowed to play in La Liga

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Honorary Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness slammed Barcelona for their financial mismanagement amid a debt that has ballooned to €1.45 billion (£1.27bn/$1.68bn). Hoeness, who expressed pride over how the Bavarians operate, claimed that Barcelona's way of functioning is highly unsustainable and would've resulted in demotion from the top-flight in any other country.

Inside the financial collapse at Barcelona

Barcelona's financial struggles are well-documented. During the final years under the presidency of Josep Maria Bartomeu, the Catalans spent recklessly and turned a blind eye to financial management. It has resulted in major repercussions for Barca in the recent past, with the club having to sell some of its assets in a desperate attempt to stabilise their sinking ship. 

Barcelona are currently trapped under the staggering €1.45bn debt rubble. This all traces back to the €222m windfall from Neymar's transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2017, followed by a devastating drop in revenue due to Covid-19, and the skyrocketing costs associated with the €1.5bn Espai Barca redevelopment project. Instead of stabilising after Neymar's exit, the club opted to go on a lavish spending spree, racking up €960.3m in transfer fees over three years, with a net spend of €399m. Football costs soared as well, with wages and amortisation costs jumping from €367.4m to €593.9m, which consumed a whopping 81% of the club's revenue in the 2017-18 season, according to figures from .

Lionel Messi's contract in 2017, which was valued at up to a mind-boggling €555.2m over a four-year period and ultimately cost around €515m, added even more strain to the finances. Matchday income plummeted from €174.9m to just €23.7m during the pandemic, leading to €389m in deferred salaries. By the end of the 2020-21 season, the Blaugrana reported a record loss of €555.4m, prompting president Joan Laporta to take drastic measures. He activated a series of 'financial levers,' such as selling 25 per cent of La Liga TV rights for €667.5m and offloading 49 per cent of Barca Studios – the club's main entity responsible for creating, producing, and marketing all of the club's audiovisual content – for €200m, although that deal has since lost value, with only €20m realised.

To cover short-term losses, the club also recognised €71.6m from a €100m sale of VIP seats at the Camp Nou, all while the budget for Espai Barca inflated from an initial €600m to €1.5b, with actual spending already hitting €975m and revenue taking a hit due to the temporary move to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. Heavy borrowing ensued, including €595m from Goldman Sachs with €30m in annual repayments, a €265.7m bullet payment due in 2031-32, and €907.7m linked to the stadium project, making Barcelona the most indebted club in football. 

AdvertisementAFPBayern chief lambasts Barcelona’s reckless descent into debt

Speaking on the this week, Bayern honorary president Hoeness didn't mince his words while addressing Barcelona's spiralling debt crisis. Hoeness insisted that Barcelona’s approach is incompatible with sustainable club management and admitted he is astonished they’ve managed to stay in the top flight given their financial turmoil.

“Barcelona isn't the model I envision. In any other country, they wouldn't even be in the first division," he said. "When you have 1.3 billion euros in debt, how are you supposed to function? I find it absurd and incomprehensible that they're still playing in the top division. It's a club model I would never respect. In any normal country, a club run like that wouldn't even be in the first division. Honestly, it's a miracle they're still allowed to play in the first division.

"It contrasts completely with the control we have at Bayern and our sound finances, which should be an example for all clubs in Europe. We can boast of solid management, with sound economic judgment, and a level of sporting quality that doesn't depend on financial manoeuvres.

“The strict German licensing regulations and the pressure of audits would immediately paralyse a club with a debt of 1.3 billion euros."

Barca still owe money to several clubs

Barcelona's financial report of the 2024-25 season revealed some major details about the clubs still owed money by the reigning La Liga champions. Per the report, Barca still owe an outstanding amount of €159.1m (£140m/$184m) to several clubs. Premier League side Leeds United top the list, who are yet to receive the remaining €41.9m (£36m/$48m) for the transfer of Raphinha, signed in 2022. 

Bayern Munich are owed a further €20m (£17m/$23m) for Robert Lewandowski, while Barca will need to pay €24.5m (£21m/$28m) for the services of Jules Kounde. All three aforementioned names arrived in Catalonia over three summers ago. 

The debts extend further: Manchester City are due €13.3m (£11.5m/$15m) for Ferran Torres, and Real Betis are owed €8m from the sale of Emerson Royal. Smaller outstanding payments also remain with clubs such as Girona, Valencia, Sporting CP and Rennes.

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Getty Images SportBarcelona nearing their best on the pitch

While the Catalans remain deeply mired in financial troubles, things are starting to look very bright as far as on-field matters are concerned. Despite losses to PSG, Sevilla, and Real Madrid in recent weeks, not to forget the shock 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in the Champions League, Hansi Flick and his team look like a rejuvenated outfit. Despite missing regulars such as Pedri and Gavi amid an injury crisis, the defending league champions have done a commendable job of cutting down Real Madrid's five-point lead down to just one. They will next face Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Tony Kornheiser Explains Why He Still Doesn’t Think Pete Rose Reaches Hall of Fame

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

MLB announced on Tuesday that Pete Rose was officially reinstated from the league’s ineligible list. The move is the first step of many on Rose’s road to possibly posthumously being elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The news comes after Roses’s death in September 2024. Rose had initially been placed on the ineligible list after accepting an agreement with then-commissioner Bart Giamatti while the league was investigating Rose for allegedly gambling on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds. Rose would later admit that the accusations were true.

While Rose is once again eligible to reach the Hall of Fame, whether or not he makes it into the halls of Cooperstown remains to be seen. ESPN’s Tony Kornheiser thinks it’s a long shot.

"Rob Manfred does not put you in the Hall of Fame. The baseball writers who are members put you in the Hall of Fame,” Kornheiser said on Tuesday’s episode of . “Those baseball writers, as we know well, are guardians of the game. They take violations very seriously.“

Kornheiser went on to note that several other superstars who were eligible for the Hall of Fame, such as Barry Bonds, had not made the cut despite their cases by the numbers being undeniable.

Rose’s numbers and sporting legacy are among the best in the history of baseball. When he retired in 1986, he was the MLB's all-time leader in hits (4,256), singles (3,215), games played (3,562), at-bats (14,053) and plate appearances (15,890).

Rose’s previous ineligibility for the Hall of Fame made the question of whether or not voters would look past his transgressions moot. Now, Rose is allowed into the Hall, but whether he makes it is another conversation entirely. Kornheiser doesn’t think so.

Juan Soto Received a Rare Booing Standing Ovation From Fans in Return to Yankee Stadium

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Juan Soto made his first appearance at Yankee Stadium on Friday night since he signed with the New York Mets in December.

He expected a rough reception from New York Yankees fans during the rivalry series this weekend, and the fans definitely delivered on that. As Soto walked up to the plate in the first inning, the stadium echoed loudly with boos. It's some of the loudest boos an MLB stadium has produced in quite some time.

The weird part about the booing, though, is that Yankees fans gave Soto a standing ovation along with the booing. It was a sight not seen often in MLB.

The Mets star took the booing standing ovation with class as he tipped his batting cap to the crowd while walking to the plate.

The pettiness didn't stop there for Yankees fans. When Soto ran out to right field in the bottom of the first inning, the fans in the outfield collectively turned their backs to their former player. The booing continued on then, too.

It should be an interesting weekend at Yankee Stadium, that's for sure.

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