The European Athletics Championships 2026 continues today, Wednesday, August 12, with a full schedule of events at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. This marks the first occasion that Britain has hosted the competition, which runs from August 10-16. Athletes from 49 nations are competing for 50 gold medals, with 94 British sporting stars participating.

After two days of competition, Team GB currently leads the medal table. The team has secured two gold medals, won by Amy Hunt in the women’s 100m and Romell Glave in the men’s 100m. Additionally, Team GB has earned two silver medals, with Jeremiah Azu in the men’s 100m and the British 4x400m mixed relay team contributing to the tally.

Morning Session Highlights

The morning session commenced with the men’s decathlon 100m at 10:35 am, followed by the women’s discus qualification at 10:40 am. The women’s 400m first round began at 11:05 am, leading into the men’s decathlon long jump at 11:20 am. Women’s 200m qualifying rounds were scheduled for 11:40 am, with Zara Obamakinwa participating in the women’s discus qualification at 12:00 pm.

Further events in the morning included the men’s 800m semi-finals at 12:20 pm, featuring Max Burgin and Ben Pattison. The men’s decathlon shot put took place at 12:40 pm. The morning session concluded with the men’s 400m hurdles semi-final at 12:55 pm, where Josh Faulds, Jake Minshull, and Alastair Chalmers were among the competitors.

Evening Session Events

The evening session is set to begin with the men’s decathlon high jump at 6:40 pm. A significant event, the women’s hammer final, is scheduled for 7:45 pm, with Charlotte Payne competing. The men’s 110m hurdles semi-finals, featuring Tade Ojora and Sam Bennett, will start at 7:55 pm.

The women’s 200m semi-finals are slated for 8:20 pm, with notable athletes such as Amy Hunt, Dina Asher-Smith, and Success Eduan participating. Following this, the men’s triple jump qualification will commence at 8:40 pm. The men’s 400m final, featuring Matthew Hudson-Smith, is scheduled for 8:50 pm.

The evening will also see the women’s 400m hurdles final at 9:08 pm, with Emily Newnham and Lina Nielsen competing for medals. The men’s decathlon 400m is set for 9:22 pm, and the day’s events will culminate with the men’s 110m hurdles final at 9:45 pm.

Marcell Jacobs’ Withdrawal

In related news, Lamont Marcell Jacobs, the Italian athlete who was a favourite for the men’s 100m, faced an unfortunate setback. He had been aiming for a third consecutive European title in the 100m event. However, he stopped during the race and finished seventh, suffering an injury before the start.

Jacobs had previously secured an Olympic gold medal in the 100m at Tokyo 2020, as well as gold medals in the 100m at the European Championships in 2022 and 2024. He also won a gold medal in the 60m at the World Indoor Championships 2022. In his semi-final earlier on Tuesday, Jacobs recorded a time of 10.08 seconds, which was faster than Romell Glave‘s gold medal-winning time of 10.09 seconds in the final.

Jacobs expressed his disappointment on Instagram, stating that despite a dominant semi-final performance and being in good shape, an injury prevented him from competing in the final. He noted that the 100m was his only event in Birmingham and indicated that he would undergo necessary checks to understand the injury and determine the next steps.

Coverage Details

Extensive coverage of the European Athletics Championships from Birmingham is available. Live coverage of the morning session was broadcast from 10:30 am to 1:15 pm. The evening session coverage will be available from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, before switching back from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Source: scotsman.com

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Chelsea has announced the signing of Pep Chavarria from La Liga side Rayo Vallecano. The left-back has agreed to a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge, with the transfer reportedly valued at an initial £16.3m, potentially rising by a further £1.7m in add-ons. Chavarria, who is 28 years old, expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m so excited to get started. This is a dream for me as Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world. It is a big opportunity but I am prepared and will work hard to help the team achieve success.”

The Spaniard’s journey to an elite club has been described as unconventional, as he did not make his La Liga debut until the age of 24. He began his career with his hometown club, UE Figueres, then in the Spanish fourth tier, making his senior debut at 18 years old against CF Peralada. Over two seasons, he developed into an attack-minded left-back before signing with third-tier club UE Olot in the summer of 2018. At Olot, he quickly became a starter and a prominent player in the division, making 52 appearances.

Chavarria’s rise through Spanish football

In August 2020, Chavarria moved to Real Zaragoza, then in the Spanish second tier, where he made his professional debut the following month in a 2-2 draw with Las Palmas. He spent two full seasons with Zaragoza before making the step up to La Liga by joining Rayo Vallecano in August 2022. His time at Rayo was significant, as the club, despite not being among Spain’s traditional giants, became a formidable opponent under a strong collective structure.

Rayo Vallecano’s strategy of identifying undervalued players and maximising their strengths proved successful with Chavarria, who joined the club for less than £2m. During his four years at Vallecas, Chavarria evolved into a reliable top-flight full-back, known for his defensive aggression and physicality. He made 125 appearances for Rayo, establishing himself as a regular on the left side of their defence. In the past two seasons, he helped the club achieve back-to-back eighth-place finishes in La Liga and reach a European final.

Last season, Chavarria featured 44 times for Rayo, contributing to their qualification for the UEFA Conference League final, where they were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Crystal Palace. He also played against Real Madrid last season when Xabi Alonso was in charge, delivering an impressive defensive performance in a goalless draw at Vallecas in November. This performance reportedly left a strong impression on Alonso, who later targeted Chavarria after becoming Chelsea manager.

Impact at Chelsea and transfer complexities

Chavarria’s arrival at Chelsea adds depth to the left-back position, especially following Marc Cucurella‘s departure to Real Madrid in June for £51.8m. Alongside new right-back Marco Palestra, who joined Chelsea for £47m from Atalanta in July, Chavarria’s signing provides Alonso with the opportunity to implement his wing-back system, a tactic that contributed to Bayer Leverkusen‘s Bundesliga title win in 2024.

Securing the deal for Chavarria was not straightforward for Chelsea. Rayo Vallecano initially insisted that they would not sell the player unless his release clause, valued at £42.4m, was met. Discussions were described as “complicated” as Rayo maintained their stance, believing the price was justified given Chavarria’s performance statistics, which reportedly showed him playing at a similar level to Cucurella.

Chavarria had four years remaining on his contract, and Rayo’s successful player-trading model had placed the club in a strong financial position, enabling them to resist offers. This financial stability meant Rayo could hold out for their valuation, similar to Spain’s traditional big three clubs: Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid. Furthermore, Rayo would have been subject to a 25% tax charge on any additional profit from a sale, which would have reduced the net value of any fee received. However, a breakthrough in negotiations was achieved last week, leading to the completion of the transfer and a medical being booked for the player.

Chavarria will now compete with Jorrel Hato for a starting spot in the Chelsea squad and will begin working with his new teammates at Cobham as preparations for the 2026/27 campaign get underway.

Source: bbc.com

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Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is set to pursue his first Super Cup title when his team faces Paris Saint-Germain in Salzburg on Wednesday. Emery has previously won the Europa League five times, including with Aston Villa in May, ending the club’s 30-year trophy drought with a victory over Freiburg in Istanbul. However, the Super Cup has eluded him.

Emery’s previous Super Cup defeats include a 5-4 extra-time loss to Barcelona in 2015 and a penalty shootout defeat to Chelsea in Dublin in 2021 while managing Villarreal. He also experienced a loss to Real Madrid in 2014. Despite these past results, Emery views the upcoming match as an opportunity. He stated that a trophy offers a special moment and that playing for trophies is a professional objective. Emery acknowledged PSG as favourites but expressed eagerness to test his team’s capabilities against them.

Villa’s Squad Changes and PSG Challenge

The upcoming match in Salzburg is a repeat of a Champions League quarter-final from the 2024-25 season. In that encounter, Aston Villa nearly overcame a 3-1 deficit from the first leg at Parc des Princes, ultimately losing 5-4 on aggregate despite a 3-2 second-leg victory at Villa Park. PSG midfielder Vitinha noted that the previous fixture was a difficult test, particularly in the second half, and expressed awareness of Villa’s threat.

Since that Champions League tie, Aston Villa’s squad has undergone significant changes. Players such as Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, and Youri Tielemans have departed the club. Amadou Onana is currently injured. Additionally, key players Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins have not travelled for the match after their participation in the World Cup, having been granted a month off by Emery. This means that potentially only four of the starters from the previous encounter with PSG may feature for Villa.

John McGinn, Aston Villa’s captain, acknowledged the changes but emphasised the club’s core strength. He highlighted the consistent manager, methods, and desire to achieve more, stating, “I’m really excited about the new Aston Villa.” McGinn also mentioned that the club has a structure and standards that have contributed to its success. PSG defender Marquinhos also underlined the importance of the competition for his team, stating that they remain hungry for victories and trophies.

Emery’s Outlook and Club Ambitions

Emery, who previously managed PSG for two years, appears confident despite the summer departures. He joked about his English language skills and his captain, John McGinn, indicating a relaxed demeanour. Emery spoke with enthusiasm about the club’s progress, noting that Aston Villa is now competing with top clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool.

The manager also discussed the importance of the leverage Aston Villa has gained from its recent successes. He mentioned that the club is committed to improving and maintaining consistency in the Premier League. Plans are underway to expand Villa Park to accommodate 50,000 supporters next season, and the club is increasing its budget through good results and strategic player sales. Emery expressed his continued ambition, stating, “We want more. We are not stopping here.”

PSG, meanwhile, enters the fixture as Champions League winners, having secured their first title in the competition after overcoming Aston Villa in the quarter-finals. They subsequently defeated Arsenal in the semi-finals and Inter Milan in the final. The team has since won multiple titles, including two league titles and the French Cup. The Super Cup in Salzburg provides another opportunity for both clubs to add to their silverware.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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In a recent tour match in Durban, Ma’a Nonu, a former All Blacks player, performed a solo haka in front of his Sharks teammates. This event occurred before the match against the All Blacks, which the New Zealand team won 54-0.

Nonu, who played 104 matches for New Zealand between 2003 and 2015, joined the Sharks a week prior to the match. He was initially signed to assist in developing younger players but was later drafted onto the bench due to an expanding injury list within the team.

Nonu’s decision to perform the haka

Nonu expressed initial reluctance to perform the haka, not wanting to overshadow the Sharks’ first encounter with the All Blacks in 30 years. However, he ultimately agreed to participate to help the team. He communicated with New Zealand assistant coaches Tana Umaga and Tamati Ellison about his intention to respond to the All Blacks’ haka.

Nonu stated that performing the haka was a gesture of respect for his team and on behalf of his family, allowing him to respond to the All Blacks. After the anthems and watching the All Blacks’ haka, he stood alone, with the Sharks behind him and the All Blacks on the opposing side of the halfway line. He performed the All Blacks’ own haka, Kapa o Pango, to an initially quiet crowd that grew into cheers.

Following his performance, Nonu exchanged nods with many of the All Blacks players. Of his last squad, only Codie Taylor and Beauden Barrett remain with the New Zealand team. Nonu described the experience as a privilege and an honour, allowing him to show respect to the team he holds affection for.

Match details and player updates

Nonu entered the game with a quarter remaining. His first involvement saw him collide with flyhalf Ruben Love. Nonu commented on his playing time, stating he got 20 minutes and tried his best, noting it was good to see the New Zealand players. He observed that the All Blacks opened up in the final 30 minutes, and he found himself chasing.

The All Blacks head coach, Dave Rennie, named his team to play the Sharks at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium in Durban. The match was the second in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. Luke Jacobson captained the All Blacks for the first time in this match.

Bradley Slater and Semisi Ta’eiloa were set to make their All Blacks debuts from the bench. Slater joined the squad as a replacement for George Bell, who sustained a training-ground injury before the first game of the tour. Billy Proctor also left the tour after suffering a broken shoulder in the win against the Stormers.

There was also a question regarding the health of fullback Damian McKenzie after the Durban win. McKenzie appeared to twist his ankle during a high-ball contest early in the game. Despite this, he continued to play for another 30 minutes, scoring two tries, though one was disallowed, before being substituted seven minutes before halftime. Emoni Narawa, McKenzie’s Chiefs teammate, completed the game at fullback.

Rennie stated that McKenzie’s ankle was “a little bit ginger” and the decision was made to play it safe. He anticipated that McKenzie would be fit for the first Test. The coach also indicated that a decision on Proctor’s replacement would be made after the game, depending on any further injuries. The All Blacks have played six matches against the Sharks’ predecessor, Natal, winning five and drawing one.

Source: theguardian.com

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Mudryk’s Potential Loan Move

Chelsea are reportedly open to considering loan offers for winger Mykhailo Mudryk. This development comes after his return to competitive football. Several clubs have shown interest in the 25-year-old Ukraine international ahead of the upcoming season.

Among the clubs reportedly keen on Mudryk is Coventry City. They are one of at least three Premier League clubs that have made enquiries regarding the player. Coventry City’s manager, Frank Lampard, has a history with Mudryk from their time together at Stamford Bridge.

Another potential destination for Mudryk is Strasbourg. Chelsea has the option to send one more player on loan to their sister club, following the moves of Genesis Antwi and Filip Jorgensen. FIFA regulations permit a maximum of three players to be loaned to a specific club from another side at any given time. There is also a possibility that new signing Dastan Satpayev could move to the French club.

Mudryk’s return to play follows the resolution of disciplinary proceedings against him. The FA confirmed late last month that he was cleared to return to Chelsea. He had not participated in a competitive game since November 2024 after testing positive for meldonium. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) implemented a change in the scientific reporting standards for analysing meldonium samples, which has implications for his case.

According to reports, if Mudryk’s situation from 2024 were to occur under the current WADA standards, he would not face a suspension. Despite not playing competitively since November 2024, the Chelsea winger did make brief appearances in the final three matches of the club’s recent pre-season tour. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso stated last week that a definitive decision regarding Mudryk’s future had not yet been made, noting that he is a “special player” in a “special case” requiring sensitivity.

Player Movements and Club Interests

Beyond Mudryk, several other players are attracting attention in the transfer market. Barcelona is reportedly pursuing Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, 30, and is expected to submit a second bid valued at £51.3m.

Inter Milan is engaged in discussions with Tottenham for a deal to acquire England right-back Djed Spence. The proposed transfer is for 30m euros (£25.6m), and the 26-year-old player is reportedly keen on joining the Serie A champions.

Manchester United is reportedly prioritising the signing of Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall, 21. The England international is also understood to be in favour of a move to Old Trafford. Manchester United is also considering an initial bid for Club Brugge left-back Joaquin Seys, who is valued at £30m.

In another development, Manchester United made an attempt to sign Real Madrid and Brazil forward Endrick, 20, on loan. However, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho reportedly wishes to keep Endrick at the Spanish club beyond the summer period.

Chelsea and Manchester United have also been presented with an opportunity to sign England midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly, 19. This comes as Arsenal might be open to selling the player following the arrival of Brazil international Bruno Guimaraes, 28, from Newcastle.

Napoli is exploring a deal for Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus. Arsenal, however, would only consider selling the 29-year-old if offers start at 20m euros. Meanwhile, Iliman Ndiaye, the 26-year-old Everton and Senegal winger, has declined an offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, indicating a desire to continue playing in the Premier League.

Everton is actively seeking to sign a right-back within the next seven to 10 days. Among their targets are Celtic and Canada’s Alistair Johnston, 27, West Ham and DR Congo’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 28, and Genoa‘s 22-year-old Englishman Brooke Norton-Cuffy. Additionally, Crystal Palace‘s English centre-back Mofe Jemide, 19, is reportedly nearing a move to Alverca in Portugal’s top division.

Mudryk’s recent behaviour at Chelsea’s training camp in Hong Kong has been noted by club staff. He reportedly appeared more open and engaged, interacting extensively and greeting staff with hugs, a change from his previously reserved demeanour. This shift was observed during pre-season preparations, where he played in a friendly match against Juventus, his first appearance for Chelsea in 21 months.

Source: bbc.com

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Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for winger Bradley Barcola, potentially hijacking a deal that Liverpool has been pursuing. Meanwhile, Manchester City is said to be interested in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, though this hinges on Rodri‘s potential departure.

Premier League clubs in transfer discussions

Liverpool‘s reluctance to meet Paris Saint-Germain‘s financial demands for Barcola has opened an opportunity for Arsenal. The Gunners are understood to have significant funds available after their unsuccessful pursuit of another player, which could enable them to make a bid for Barcola.

Reports indicate that Barcola has already agreed to a five-year contract with Liverpool. However, an agreement on a transfer fee with Paris Saint-Germain is still pending. Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly seeking a substantial fee for the player, with some estimates suggesting it could exceed €100m. The French club’s pursuit of other players, such as Ajax starlet Mika Godts and Ferran Torres, could influence Barcola’s potential exit.

In other transfer news, Manchester City is reportedly keen on bringing Enzo Fernández to the club, reuniting him with manager Enzo Maresca. This potential move, however, is linked to the possible departure of Rodri from Manchester City. Chelsea, on the other hand, expects Fernández to remain at the club and may increase his asking price above $162 million (£120 million) once the Premier League season begins.

Chelsea has also stated no interest in a permanent sale of winger Mykhailo Mudryk this summer, but is exploring loan options for the player. While a loan to Strasbourg has been suggested, Mudryk is reportedly interested in joining another Premier League team, with interest from various clubs across Europe.

Other notable transfer movements

Galatasaray is reportedly looking into a deal to sign Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. Additionally, Lewis Hall has reiterated his desire to join Manchester United to Newcastle United.

Aston Villa has initiated a move for Juventus striker Jonathan David. His potential departure from Juventus could facilitate the Italian club’s plans to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United. Aston Villa is also reportedly interested in Chelsea‘s Nicolas Jackson, who is valued at $69 million (£51 million) by his current club and is also admired by Tottenham Hotspur.

In La Liga, Rodri‘s decision to join Barcelona over Real Madrid was reportedly based on his preferred locker room environment, despite both clubs offering a four-year deal worth $17 million (€15 million) annually. Barcelona is also considering options to replace center-back Ronald Araujo following his loan move to Liverpool. Potential replacements include Tottenham‘s Cristian Romero, Athletic Club‘s Aymeric Laporte, and Inter‘s Alessandro Bastoni, with Álvaro Cortés also a possibility for promotion from within the club.

However, discussions about a new center-back have reportedly led to disagreements between Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and Jules Koundé. Koundé, who prefers playing centrally but has been used at right-back, is reportedly considering leaving the club, with Arsenal among the teams showing interest. Real Madrid had the opportunity to pursue Arsenal midfielder Martín Zubimendi earlier this summer but declined, believing he was not suitable for their long-term project. Furthermore, despite some reports, Barcelona is not interested in signing Inter striker Lautaro Martínez as an alternative to Atlético Madrid‘s Julián Alvarez.

Finally, Inter is reportedly nearing an agreement to sign Tottenham right-back Djed Spence for over $35 million (£26 million).

Source: si.com

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Arsenal have offered Myles Lewis-Skelly to Manchester United as a potential left-back solution. This comes as Arsenal aims to recover some of the £75m paid for Bruno Guimarães. Chelsea has also been informed of the 19-year-old’s availability, though it is not clear if the west London club will pursue a move.

Lewis-Skelly, who signed a five-year contract last summer, made five league starts and 36 appearances across all competitions in the 2025-26 season. His potential transfer fee is estimated to be around £45m. This figure falls within the financial range Manchester United has spent this summer, following the £35m acquisition of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos’s arrival for £48m plus £2m in add-ons from Chelsea. United are currently considering a move for the teenager.

Interest from Premier League Clubs

Newcastle’s Lewis Hall remains a primary target for Manchester United. However, after the departures of Guimarães, Sandro Tonali to Tottenham, and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, Newcastle’s new manager, Matthias Jaissle, is reportedly keen to retain the 21-year-old England international. RB Leipzig’s 28-year-old left-back David Raum is another player United might evaluate for the position.

Chelsea has been active in the transfer market this summer, spending over £300m on new signings. These include Maxence Lacroix and Marco Palestra, brought in to strengthen the centre and right of the defence, respectively. Morgan Rogers also became the club’s record signing at a cost of £117m. Chelsea were linked with Lewis-Skelly in January and have a long-term interest in the midfielder.

Despite their spending, Xabi Alonso’s side has a gap on the left side of their defence after Marc Cucurella’s £52m transfer to Real Madrid. Jorrel Hato, a 20-year-old who played for the Netherlands at the World Cup, served as Cucurella’s deputy at left-back.

Arsenal, however, is reportedly reluctant to sell Lewis-Skelly to a local rival or a team they might compete with for top league positions this season. Manchester United also has a long-standing interest in Lewis-Skelly but is still deciding whether to commit to signing another midfielder or a left-back before the transfer deadline. It is uncertain if United would be able to make other significant deals if they pursue Lewis-Skelly, especially given the high prices for central-midfield players this summer.

Lewis-Skelly’s Role and Future at Arsenal

Lewis-Skelly’s ability to play both in midfield and at left-back makes him a versatile option. He played 180 minutes in defence when Arsenal defeated Real Madrid in the Champions League in 2025. Despite posing with the Premier League title in May, Lewis-Skelly had a challenging campaign, making only one Premier League start before Christmas and three by early May.

His future at Arsenal has been questioned, particularly after the £75m signing of Bruno Guimarães. Arsenal’s two most expensive players are now Guimarães and Declan Rice. With Rice, Guimarães, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino all vying for two midfield positions, decisions may need to be made.

Lewis-Skelly’s sale, as an academy graduate, would represent ‘pure profit’ for the club. However, there are reasons for Arsenal to keep him, especially considering the amount of minutes key midfielder Declan Rice has played. Rice, a 27-year-old, featured in all but two Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup games between January 1 and the end of the season. England manager Thomas Tuchel noted that Rice was in “a lot of pain” by the time of the World Cup, where he was substituted regularly, a rare occurrence in an Arsenal shirt.

The heavy workload on Rice suggests Arsenal may need to rotate him more often, which could open up opportunities for Lewis-Skelly. However, Arsenal also has Zubimendi and Merino as rotation options for Rice. With Arsenal needing to address other areas and improve their player sales record, Lewis-Skelly’s future presents a complex situation. Arsenal’s record transfer sale remains Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s £35m move to Liverpool in 2017. Manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that important decisions will be necessary this summer to elevate the team’s performance.

Team News and Upcoming Fixtures

In other news, Mason Mount missed training on Monday and Tuesday at United’s County Kildare summer training camp due to a foot knock received during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg. The 27-year-old midfielder’s absence is understood to be a precautionary measure, and he is expected to miss Wednesday’s penultimate pre-season friendly against Leeds at Croke Park, a sold-out event.

United’s final friendly before Michael Carrick’s team begins the season on Saturday week at Hull is against Milan in Wroclaw on Saturday.

Source: theguardian.com

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Liverpool are reportedly intensifying their efforts to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. The Reds are now focusing their attention on concluding discussions with the French club for the player.

This development follows Liverpool‘s announcement of the loan signing of Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo. Liverpool had previously paid significant fees for players, including midfielder Florian Wirtz and striker Alexander Isak, and could be prepared to do so again for Barcola.

Transfer Negotiations Underway

Liverpool are reportedly willing to pay around £100m for Barcola, while PSG is seeking a fee closer to £145m. Barcola, who moved to PSG from Lyon in 2023 for a reported £38.5m, has been part of France‘s World Cup squad and has won multiple titles with PSG, including three Ligue 1 titles and two French Cups.

The potential transfer comes as Liverpool looks to strengthen their attack after Mohamed Salah‘s departure on a free transfer at the end of last season. Salah scored 257 goals during his nine-year tenure with the club.

Other attacking options for Liverpool include Rio Ngumoha, Italy forward Federico Chiesa, and new signing Victor Munoz. Hugo Ekitike, another France forward, is not expected to play in 2026 due to an Achilles tendon injury sustained in April. Cody Gakpo has been linked with a move to Tottenham, though Liverpool has stated they do not intend to sell him.

Barcola’s Playing Style and Potential Impact

Barcola, who is right-footed but prefers to play on the left wing, can also operate on the right or through the middle. His playing time at PSG has been limited due to other wide options like Georgia‘s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and France‘s Desire Doue, suggesting a move to Anfield could offer him more minutes.

Data analysis indicates that Barcola‘s output closely resembled that of former Liverpool player Luis Diaz across Europe‘s top five leagues in the 2025-26 season. He played as a striker until the age of 17, which is reflected in his movement and shot selection.

Last season, Barcola averaged 3.5 shots per 90 minutes in Ligue 1 and his 9.83 expected goals (xG) ranked highly among wingers. He converted these chances into 11 league goals, outperforming his xG, and no PSG player or Ligue 1 winger recorded a higher xG total during the 2025-26 campaign.

His statistics also show he averaged more than two shot-ending carries per 90 minutes and 8.69 touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 minutes. His shot map indicates a player who attacks central areas rather than taking speculative long-range shots. While he attempted more take-ons than Mohamed Salah last season, he created fewer chances and attempted fewer crosses and through balls.

Barcola‘s game has reportedly evolved under Luis Enrique, with his passing profile in the Champions League becoming more focused on progressing play in the final third. His work without the ball is also noted, as he ranked ninth across Europe‘s top five leagues for possessions won in the final third last season, a metric that aligns with the aggressive pressing style expected under Andoni Iraola.

At 23 years old, Barcola‘s blend of pace, intelligent movement, shot volume, pressing, and creative output suggests he is still developing. He has played 28 times for France, scoring three goals in this summer’s World Cup, including in the 6-4 loss to England in the third-place play-off.

Despite his contributions, his game time at the World Cup was limited due to the skills of his 21-year-old PSG team-mate Doue. France manager Didier Deschamps rotated Barcola and Doue, with both starting four of France‘s eight World Cup matches, but never in the same game.

The summer transfer window is set to close in three weeks.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Divisions Emerge Over Leadership

Divisions have emerged among global football bodies regarding the future of Fifa president Gianni Infantino. While he was previously considered likely to be re-elected for a fourth term next March, an abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors has led to significant backlash.

A joint letter accusing Infantino and Fifa of breaking trust “through deception” was signed by the European governing body Uefa, North America’s Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). These regional bodies collectively represent 136 member associations.

Despite this, Infantino still has strong allies, particularly within Africa’s Caf and South America’s Conmebol, which have reportedly benefited from investment since he took office. Some member associations within the AFC and Concacaf have also expressed support for Infantino, including Bhutan, the Philippines, the UAE, and Mexico.

Reactions and Potential Challenges

The open letter from Uefa, Concacaf, and AFC stated that leadership in football is a “duty of service to the football family” and not a “possession.” It also suggested that when trust is broken through deception, and an individual prioritises themselves over the collective, that duty is abandoned. Some sources indicate this letter could be seen as an opportunity for Infantino to resign with dignity before seeking re-election.

Former US president Donald Trump has publicly supported Infantino, stating that removing him would be a “terrible mistake” and that he presided over the “most successful World Cup.”

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has not yet made a public statement on the situation. The AFC is considered a potential swing region, with many associations yet to declare their position. Saudi Arabia, which was awarded hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup under Infantino’s presidency, will hold its own football leadership elections in August, which could influence its stance and that of others in the region.

Possible Scenarios for the Future

Infantino has not indicated a desire to step down. One possibility for his departure before next March’s election could involve 19 of the 37 Fifa Council members calling for an emergency meeting to force his resignation. However, the composition of the council, with nine members from Uefa, seven from AFC, six from Caf, five from Concacaf, five from Conmebol, and three from Oceania, along with Infantino and Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom, makes this approach seem unlikely.

Another scenario involves a candidate standing against Infantino in the March election. While no one has yet declared their intention to run, Concacaf president Victor Montagliani has been mentioned as a potential challenger. The deadline for candidates to announce their intention to stand is November.

If a unity candidate were to emerge, the election would become a direct contest, requiring a simple majority of 106 votes to win. If there are three or more candidates, a two-thirds vote is needed in the first round, followed by a simple majority in a second round if no winner is determined. The global picture remains fluid due to emerging splits within confederations and the absence of a clear challenger.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Rockets’ direct final path blocked

The Trent Rockets men’s team’s six-match winning streak in The Hundred concluded with a loss to Southern Brave at Trent Bridge. This result means the Rockets will not directly advance to Sunday’s final and must now await the outcome of another match to determine their path.

The Rockets, who were leading the league, are now dependent on the result of the match between SunRisers Leeds and Manchester Super Giants. This upcoming game will decide if the Rockets need to compete in an eliminator match.

SunRisers Leeds could potentially claim the top spot and a direct entry to Lord’s if they secure a victory, as their net run rate is currently superior to that of the Rockets. However, a win for Manchester Super Giants would bring them level on points with SunRisers, and a significant margin of victory could even move them into second place.

Match details and player performances

The Southern Brave secured their win with Tristan Stubbs hitting 52 not out from 28 balls, guiding his team home with three balls remaining. The chase for 159 runs saw a shift in momentum with the arrival of Marcus Stoinis at the crease, with the score at 78-3 at the halfway point.

Stoinis made an immediate impact, dispatching his first three balls for a six, a four, and another six. His contribution of 46 runs from 25 balls was significant in changing the course of the game. The Rockets had posted a total of 158-5, bolstered by an unbroken partnership of 66 runs from 39 balls between Mitchell Santner, who scored 35 not out, and Lewis Gregory, with 28 not out.

Earlier in the innings, opener Finn Allen contributed 23 runs from 12 balls, and Aneurin Donald added 19 runs from nine balls, helping to build early momentum for the Rockets. Aneurin Donald has been integrated into the Trent Rockets squad for their last three wins, contributing runs in those matches. These scores came from a total of 35 deliveries, during which he hit boundaries.

Reflecting on Brave’s campaign, Stubbs mentioned that while the overall performance had been disappointing, finishing with a win was a positive. He noted that losing some close games early in the tournament made it difficult to build momentum, but the team demonstrated their capabilities towards the end of the competition.

Women’s team performance and outlook

The Trent Rockets women’s team is also aiming for a spot in the final, entering their top-of-the-table clash against Southern Brave with a streak of five consecutive victories. The Southern Brave women’s team had initially won their first five matches but have since experienced back-to-back defeats.

The Rockets’ openers, Beth Mooney and Sophia Dunkley, have shown strong form. The team has also been reinforced by the return of England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who scored 67 runs from 36 deliveries, leading them to a nine-wicket victory over MI London. Sciver-Brunt has participated in the Rockets’ last four games, with other contributions including 37 not out, 33, and 24 runs.

The men’s match between Trent Rockets and Southern Brave took place on Monday, August 10.

Source: skysports.com

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