Golden Soccer 360

Marcus Rashford is desperate for a resurgence of form under new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. The England forward lost his place in the national team last season, as he endured a difficult campaign along with his United team-mates. As well as their collective struggles, which saw the club suffer their worst-ever Premier League finish, Rashford had a tricky time personally - scoring just four goals in 25 top-flight matches. After the anguish of his Euro 2020 final penalty shootout miss, Rashford had the worst possible start to last season as he was forced to miss the opening games following shoulder surgery. The 24-year-old is aiming to put the disappointment of the last year behind him, as he looks to play a vital part in the rebuilding process at Old Trafford. "It is an opportunity to refresh. I am ready to go again," Rashford said. “For me it is a fresh start, something I am looking forward to." Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial will continue to provi...

Fabregas joined Monaco from Chelsea after winning two Premier League titles in three years in January 2019, also on a free transfer. He made just 68 appearances in the ensuing seasons though, and failed to add to his considerable career trophy haul. Earlier in the summer, Fabregas was linked with a move to Las Palmas. While the Segunda Division side's president initially scoffed at the rumours, laughing off his club's capacity to pay the Spain legend's wages, he has changed his attitude in recent days. He told Spanish radio station Onda Cero earlier in the week, that "'the chances of Cesc joining us are 40 per cent. He has behaved like a gentleman in his talks with us. Convincing a World Cup winner to play in the second division is complicated. But from a sporting perspective we are clearly a good option for him." But on Thursday morning, he announced that the deal would not go ahead, "Cesc Fabregas will not play at Las Palmas. We have been negotiat...

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out any further incoming transfers to the Bernabéu this summer. Speaking after landing with the Madrid squad in the United States ahead of a series of tour matches, Ancelotti outright rejected the notion that Madrid would sign any more players, saying, "I can tell you we won't sign anyone. We're fine as it is." Real Madrid have signed only two first-team players this summer, but are apparently not looking to add any further signings. Madrid's pre-season tour will feature matches against Barcelona in Las Vegas, Club America in San Francisco and Juventus in Los Angeles. These matches will give Ancelotti the chance to try out his new plan for Eden Hazard. Hazard, still Real Madrid's record signing since joining in 2019 for €100m from Chelsea, has never produced anything like his best form in Spain. According to a report from Spanish newspaper AS, Ancelotti will attempt to get the best out of the 31-year-old by...

Rangers are set to sign highly-rated Bayern Munich midfielder Malik Tillman on loan, with an option to buy. A deal for the 20-year-old could be announced on Friday as he undergoes a medical and will become Rangers' fifth summer signing. Tillman was a key target for manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst as Rangers prepare for the new Scottish Premiership season, which begins on July 30, and Champions League qualifiers early next month. Bayern Munich are understood to be keen to have a buy-back option included in the deal. Tillman was born in Germany but opted to play for the USA and made his international debut last month. Rangers have already welcomed Rabbi Matondo, Tom Lawrence, Antonio Colak and John Souttar to the club this summer.

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to pass on an eye-watering proposal from an unnamed club in Saudi Arabia. It recently emerged that the 37-year-old asked to leave Old Trafford if an acceptable offer arrived following a disappointing first season back at the club. Ronaldo is absent from United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia due to a family issue and speculation continues over his future. The club have repeatedly said that the veteran is not for sale and manager Erik ten Hag reiterated that stance earlier in the week. Few could realistically afford Ronaldo, but a Saudi club is understood to have sounded him out about a potential two-year deal worth €275million. That figure would dwarf any other player’s wage and could also see United receive a fee in the region €30m. But Ronaldo is expected to reject the proposal – perhaps no surprise given his desire to play top level football, with United’s lack of Champions League football a key part of his...

The 25-year-old Brazilian forward was unveiled to fans at the Catalan club's training ground on Friday. Raphinha, who joined Leeds from French side Rennes for £17m in 2020, made 65 Premier League appearances for the Yorkshire club, scoring 17 goals and providing 12 assists. "It's a dream come true since I was a kid," Raphinha told Barca TV. "I'm going to give my best." Leeds United paid tribute to Raphinha in a club statement confirming his departure: "We would like to place on record our sincere gratitude to Raphinha for his effort and contribution whilst at the football club. "He showed unquestionable commitment and professionalism until the very end of his time at Elland Road and his celebrations at the Brentford Community Stadium will live long in the memory." Raphinha scored a penalty for Leeds in a 2-1 victory at Brentford on the final day of the 2021/22 season that secured their place in the Premier League.

Chelsea have signed Raheem Sterling in a £45 million deal from Manchester City. The England international, 27, joins Chelsea after winning four Premier League titles in seven years with City. He scored 13 goals in 30 league appearances last season, but was entering into the final year of his contract. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was reportedly keen to keep Sterling, who made 339 appearances for the club, but could not give him assurances over playing time. Although Sterling made 23 Premier League starts last season, he was on the bench for both legs of the Champions League semi-final defeat to Real Madrid and the final game of the season against Aston Villa. He bolsters Chelsea’s attack after striker Romelu Lukaku returned to Inter Milan on a loan deal. Sterling joined Manchester City from Liverpool in 2015. As well as four Premier League titles he also won the Carabao Cup four times and the FA Cup once. After leaving City, Sterling said in an interview on the Chelse...

Ousmane Dembele has agreed to sign a new contract with Barcelona through June 2024. The deal on Thursday comes a day after club president Joan Laporta said Dembele would stay on during the presentation of new signing Raphinha. Dembele joined Barcelona in 2017 on a then club-record transfer from Borussia Dortmund that with variables was set to reach 147 million euros (then $173 million) as the club sought a young talent after the unwanted exit of Neymar. After suffering serious injuries early in his stay at Barcelona, Dembele consolidated himself as one of their most irreplaceable players thanks to his speed and playmaking. The new contract concludes a drawn-out negotiation between player and club that appeared to have broken down in January when Dembele rejected Barcelona's renewal offer, prompting the club to tell his agent to find the France winger a new club. Dembele continued to play well for coach Xavi Hernández and remained one of his most used players. But with ...

The Netherlands have one foot in the quarter-final of Euro 2022 after beating Portugal 3-2 in a roller coaster game in Group C. The reigning champions, without four of their best players, surrendered a two-goal lead before Danielle van de Donk scored a wonder goal to finally see off their resilient opponents. Dutch boss Mark Parsons was forced to make changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Sweden after he lost his goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal and centre-back Aniek Nouwen to injury, while star players Jackie Groenen and Vivianne Miedema had tested positive for Covid-19. Despite the upheaval, Netherlands took an early lead with Damaris Egurrola, on her first start in the competition, taking full advantage of the opportunity with a superb header. It was deja-vu for Portugal as they conceded two early goals, just like they did in their 2-2 draw with Switzerland, as they were undone by another corner, Stefanie van der Gragt heading home after a string of defensive mistakes. Remarkab...

There is excitement at Barcelona, as the Catalan club have announced this Wednesday an agreement in principle with Leeds United for the transfer of Raphinha. The 25-year-old wide forward has been with the English side for two years and has made nine appearances for the Brazilian national team. Although Barcelona haven't revealed the fee, it is believed that they'll pay a fee of around 55 million euros with this potentially growing through add-ons. He arrives after the previous additions of centre-back Andreas Christensen and midfielder Franck Kessie.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says that Cristiano Ronaldo is "in our plans" for the upcoming Premier League season and that he is "not for sale". Speaking to press for the first time on United's pre-season tour in Thailand, the Dutch head coach has reaffirmed his desire to keep the talismanic striker for one more year, despite previous reports suggesting that Ronaldo wanted to leave the club. "He is not with us due to personal issues," said Ten Hag. "We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season. That is it. "I am looking forward to working with him. Cristiano is not for sale. He is in our plans. We want success together." The 37-year-old did not report to Carrington for pre-season training last week, and he will also miss the first part of the Red Devils' tour to Thailand as rumours about the forward's future continue. United play Liverpool on Tuesday in Thailand before continuing on to Australia, and...

Robert Lewandowski is on his way to FC Barcelona, per Mateusz Borek. The report suggests that Lewandowski will be joining Barça for €50 million in fixed fees. The Polish striker will reportedly bid his farewells to his FC Bayern Munich teammates on Tuesday. After extensive negotiations with the Bavarians, Barça has reportedly finally met at a crossroads with Bayern for the transfer of the Polish striker. The reported fee will be an upfront payment of €50 million, despite the previous speculations that Barça will be looking to pay the fees in instalments. It is also suggested that Lewandowski will sign a 3-year contract with an optional 1-year extension with Barcelona. The Pole could reportedly be officially announced by the Catalans on either Wednesday or Thursday depending on the completion of the deal. However, one thing as per the reports is sure, Lewandowski will be an FC Barcelona player before the start of the 2022/23 season.

Gareth Bale has set himself the target of playing for Wales at the 2024 European Championships and even left the door open for the following World Cup after joining LAFC. Bale has signed a 12-month contract with LAFC, with the option of a further 18 months. Bale is confident that his move to Major League Soccer will provide him with the right preparation for the winter World Cup with Wales. But the 32-year-old has made it clear that he does not see the Qatar tournament as being his Wales swansong. Hinting that he could even try to go on until 2026, Bale said: “I want to make my mark in this league, it’s not just for the short term. Maybe I can get to the Euros and one more after that. My goal is to play a big part and try to win trophies. “It’s an amazing honour to be here,” said Bale at his unveiling at the Bank of California Stadium. “I’m looking forward to playing in front of the fans and giving them many moments to cheer about. It’s an incredible club and it became clear ...

Franck Ribery admits he remains aggrieved by the decision to award Cristiano Ronaldo the 2013 Ballon d’Or after a controversial voting process. The deadline for the vote in 2013 was originally November 15, but it was extended for the first time in the competition’s history by two weeks due to a lack of “eligible voters”. Ronaldo, who was playing for Real Madrid at the time won his second Ballon d’Or, whilst Ribery finished third behind Lionel Messi. In the 12 months prior to the Ballon d’Or vote, Ribery played a pivotal role in Bayern Munich’s historic treble, winning the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal. When voting was initially closed, the Frenchman was favourite to win the prestigious award by the bookmakers. “It was unfair," Ribery told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "It was an incredible season for me, and I should have won it. "They extended the time for votes, and something strange happened. I felt that it was a political choice." FRANCK RIBERY ...

Wayne Rooney is set to become the new DC United manager following his departure from Derby County, according to reports. Images published in the early hours of Monday morning show Rooney arriving at Dulles Airport in Washington, DC, as speculation grew in the American media that the former Everton and Manchester United man was making a return to the Major League Soccer. The story, initially broken by Pablo Iglesias Maurer and confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, details that whilst Rooney's proposed move back to the United States is close, no contract has been signed just yet. Rooney is no stranger to DC United, having played for the club between 2018 and 2020. In 48 league appearances for the Black-and-Red, Rooney, often sporting the captain's armband, scored 23 goals. But it will be in a much different leadership role that he makes his return. His managerial career, statistically, has been disappointing, with a relegation on his CV. However, he worked under tough of constra...

Maguire was skipper, but came in for criticism over the last season for his inconsistent performances for both club and country. While some have called on Ten Hag to name a new captain, the Dutchman has insisted that Maguire will retain his status for the new campaign. Speaking to the press during Man United’s pre-season trip to Thailand, Ten Hag said: “Harry Maguire is the captain. “Of course I have to get to know all of the players and that takes time, but he is an established captain. “Over the years he has achieved a lot of success and so I have no doubts about this issue.” While a decision has now been made, ex-Liverpool man Danny Murphy believes that Ten Hag may live to regret his choice. Murphy said: “He thinks that’s the right thing to do, but I think he’s probably made a mistake. I think it was time for a change of captaincy and leadership at United. “I’d give it to whoever he brings in who is big enough and brave enough to take it on. “I remember being at Liver...

Juventus have confirmed the signing of Paul Pogba after the Frenchman left Manchester United at the end of his contract at Old Trafford. The 29-year-old previously spent four years at the Turin club, scoring 34 goals in 178 appearances and helping the club to four Serie A titles. Pogba then moved to Manchester United in 2016 for a then world-record £89 million fee but following the expiration of his existing deal at Old Trafford, has opted to return to Italy. "When we say goodbye after an intense adventure shared together, there is always a glimmer of hope that we will see each other again, sooner or later," the club wrote on their website. "With Paul that is exactly what has happened. In 2016 our paths parted after four incredible years." They added: "Although we parted ways, we never really forgot about each other, and there is something ancestral in the call that after a thousand adventures eventually leads you back home. "Paul is back in Turin....