Manchester United will not trigger the one-year extension clause in Raphael Varane’s contract, meaning his current deal expires at the end of this season. The Frenchman is now free to negotiate and sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of England. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Saudi clubs are still in contention to acquire Varane’s services, with Al Nassr and Al Ittihad reportedly keen on his signature. While United are reluctant to offer Varane a one-year extension, there remains the possibility of a new contract with reduced wages. Sources close…

According to a report from Santi Aouna, a journalist for French media outlet Foot Mercato, Mohamed Salah is ‘becoming increasingly tempted’ to leave Liverpool this summer. The prolific transfer ‘expert’ confidently delivered an ‘exclusive’: Salah is open to seeking ‘a new challenge’ elsewhere, with Spain said to be his ‘preferred destination’. With Liverpool enduring a torrid time at present – they were beaten 6-2 on aggregate by Real Madrid in the Champions League while sitting sixth in the Premier League – Aouna’s tweet has accrued more than 2.6 million views,…

In an international friendly match that ended last night, Canada suffered a disappointing 1-4 loss to Japan. Following the match, Canada’s interim coach Mauro Biello spoke to reporters. “We’re very disappointed with the result,” Biello said. “We gave up a lot of goals, especially in the first half, because we were not able to keep up with their speed and their transitions in defense. There were a lot of individual mistakes that we need to correct. We can learn a lot from playing against one of the top teams in…

Despite the recent signing of Cody Gakpo, Liverpool still have Jude Bellingham as their number one transfer target, according to the Daily Mail. Liverpool’s quick move in the transfer market has once again seen Manchester United miss out on a top target. Bellingham is expected to leave Borussia Dortmund next summer, with a number of Premier League clubs interested in the England midfielder. It is understood that Bellingham has an unconfirmed release clause in his contract, believed to be in the region of ￡60 million. Such a release clause should…

Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Roberto Mancini is nearing a deal to become the new coach of the Saudi Arabia national team, with a contract worth 20 million per year. Mancini left his role as coach of the Italian national team last month, and has been linked with several jobs, including Saudi Arabia. Di Marzio reports that the Saudi Arabian Football Federation have offered Mancini a contract until 2026, with a salary of 20 million per year. Mancini has a successful track record as a coach, having won…

Antoine Griezmann is considering his future with the France national team after being overlooked for the captaincy in favor of Kylian Mbappé, according to reports in France. L’Equipe reports that Didier Deschamps informed Mbappé of his decision at dinner on Monday. Griezmann was reportedly aware of the decision and had been considered as a potential candidate. His loyalty to Deschamps, popularity in the dressing room, and improved handling of press conferences all played in his favor. However, Deschamps ultimately opted for Mbappé. Le Figaro reports that Griezmann is “dismayed and…

Manchester United have spent a significant amount of money in the transfer market in recent years, particularly in the summers of 2022 and 2023. According to Football Daily, the club spent ￡227.4 million on permanent transfers in the summer of 2022. This included the signings of Tyrell Malacia (￡14.7 million), Lisandro Martinez (￡56.7 million), Casemiro (￡70 million), and Antony (￡86 million), as well as the free transfer of Christian Eriksen. In the summer of 2023, United have so far spent ￡179.2 million on permanent transfers. This includes the signings of…

Form Analysis: Bayern Munich has endured a recent slump, mirroring their struggles earlier in the season. They lack a focal point in attack since Robert Lewandowski’s departure, with Sadio Mane’s experiment as a makeshift number nine failing to bear fruit. This has hindered their ability to exert pressure and create scoring opportunities from both ends. Jamal Musiala’s recent performances as a potential Müller successor have been unconvincing, slowing down the team’s attacking pace. Frankfurt, on the other hand, is in excellent form, sitting third in the Bundesliga with 9 wins,…

Despite a strong start to the season, Borussia Dortmund are in crisis again just 98 days after losing the title race to Bayern Munich. With only five points from their last three games against Cologne (1-0), Bochum (1-1) and Heidenheim (2-2), head coach Marco Rose appears increasingly confused, frustrated and despondent. And while Dortmund are not publicly discussing Rose’s future after a tumultuous start to the season, the names of potential successors are increasingly circulating in the Dortmund rumor mill, something that has certainly not pleased the coach. Julian Nagelsmann,…

Roma manager José Mourinho has been appointed as coordinator for Saudi Arabia’s Mahad Academy, the Saudi Football Federation announced. The appointment was reportedly approved by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is overseeing a project to establish the nation as a global force in sports. Mourinho will join the academy’s board for a three-year term, working alongside Prince and Minister of Sports Abdulaziz bin Faisal, Saudi Ambassador to the United States Princess Reema bint Bandar, and former Romania international Ioan Lupescu, who has played a key role in the…