List of All Articles with Tag 'foot'

Joao Felix is heading back to Atletico Madrid with Chelsea choosing not to retain the Portugal winger following his loan deal, according to the Spanish club’s president Enrique Cerezo. Felix, 23, joined Chelsea on loan in January for the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign and went on to score four goals in 20 appearances for the Blues. On Monday, after a difficult campaign in which they finished a lowly 12th in the Premier League, Chelsea announced the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach. And, as reported by Marca, Cerezo said of Felix: “The truth is that I can’t tell you the plan with Joao. “It’s the news we had yesterday, that the new coach doesn’t have him for Chelsea. We don’t have anything planned yet, Joao is an Atletico player now.” Atletico paid £113million to sign Felix, who is under contract with them until 2027, from Benfica in 2019. He has made 131 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side, scoring 34 goals, and helped them win the 2020-21 LaLiga title. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Rob Page expects to welcome Tom Lockyer back into the Wales squad in September after the Luton defender collapsed during Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship play-off final. Lockyer was stretchered off after just eight minutes of the Hatters’ Wembley win against Coventry and remains in hospital. But Luton boss Rob Edwards has reported the 28-year-old is “fine” and Wales manager Page said Lockyer was in good spirits during a 20-minute telephone conversation he had with the central defender on Monday. “You are always going to phone your players and show them support,” said Page after confirming Lockyer would be absent from next month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Armenia and Turkey. “It was just to say that we are here for him, in any capacity. “I am not going into detail of what’s happening or what’s going to happen. That’s conversations we are going to have with Luton Town Football Club. “It would be silly of me to even suggest what those reasons (for his collapse) were and the most important thing in this is health. “For us it’s just about getting him fit and ready for our camp in September.” Wales, who picked up four points from their opening two qualifiers in March, travel to Latvia in September. David Brooks has been recalled to the Wales squad for the first time since his cancer diagnosis. Brooks, who was diagnosed with stage-two Hodgkin lymphoma while on international duty in October 2021, announced he was cancer-free in May last year. The 25-year-old midfielder returned to club action for Bournemouth in March and started the Cherries’ last two Premier League games. Page said: “I wanted to pick him in March. He played some minutes before that camp and I wanted to get him involved as soon as possible. “But I get that it was too soon and it was more beneficial for him to stay behind and play for Bournemouth Under-23s in a game that was organised for him. He's back fit, starting games in the Premier League and has the quality to be in our plans moving forward Rob Page on David Brooks “Brooksy is definitely part of the changes I wanted to make post-World Cup and the way we want to play. He’s back fit, starting games in the Premier League and has the quality to be in our plans moving forward.” Neco Williams is also included after fracturing his jaw playing for Nottingham Forest last month. The 22-year-old has not played since. “He’s not played minutes because of the significance of the injury but he will be fit for camp,” said Page. “You can’t take away every risk and I think he’s got a protection to wear for that reason. “He’s so many weeks down the line so I’d think the opportunity of a refracture is very unlikely. We’ll get the medical team to assess him on camp and take away the risk as much as possible.” Midfielder Aaron Ramsey (calf) and goalkeeper Danny Ward (dislocated finger) have also been named in Page’s 25-man squad despite fitness issues over the pair. Skipper Ramsey has missed Nice’s last three games in Ligue 1. Page said: “The little niggle, and that’s all it is, has probably come at a good time for him. “He’s at an age now where he knows his body and how to manage it. “He’s got one eye on these two games and it is not an issue. Aaron has played more football this season than he has done for the last few years.” Bristol City youngster Joe Low has been called up into the senior squad for the first time to replace Lockyer.

England boss Gareth Southgate will be an interested spectator as the summer transfer window opens on June 14, with several members of his squad potentially on the move. Skipper Harry Kane’s future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months amid Tottenham’s difficulties, and he is not alone. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of those whose club futures may lie elsewhere. Harry Maguire Manchester United defender Maguire has been one of Southgate’s most dependable performers in recent campaigns, but has slipped painfully down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag and has been warned his international place could be under threat. The 30-year-old, who cost United £80million when he joined them from Leicester in August 2019, has been linked with West Ham, but also with a loan move to Italy with Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Roma said to be eyeing his situation. Harry Kane Kane and Tottenham both have big decisions to make this summer after the club missed out on European football. The 29-year-old will enter the final year of his current contract and if he does not sign an extension, could leave for free in 12 months’ time. Manchester United are long-term admirers of the free-scoring striker – although it has been suggested Spurs would be unwilling to sell to a Premier League rival – while both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have been credited with an interest. Mason Mount Midfielder Mount was caught up in the malaise which engulfed Chelsea during a chaotic season and six of his last seven appearances before injury ended his campaign prematurely came from the bench. The 24-year-old is out of contract next summer and new boss Mauricio Pochettino has a decision to make with Manchester United leading a posse of interested parties waiting in the wings. Declan Rice Rice’s reputation has continued to blossom despite what at times has been a difficult season for West Ham, and manager David Moyes is bracing himself. Arsenal and Bayern Munich have been linked with a summer move for the 24-year-old midfielder, with Manchester United and Chelsea also touted as possible destinations, while resurgent Newcastle could offer him Champions League football, but know they may not be able to compete financially as they attempt to comply with spending rules. James Maddison Maddison, another player with 12 months remaining on his contract, seemed destined to leave Leicester during the close season regardless of whether or not the Foxes retained their Premier League status. Newcastle pursued the 26-year-old playmaker doggedly last summed and remain keen on him as they strengthen for a European campaign, but they are likely to face competition with Manchester United and Tottenham rumoured to be among his suitors. Jude Bellingham Liverpool’s interest in Borussia Dortmund teenager Bellingham is long-standing, but reports from Spain have suggested his future could lie instead with Real Madrid. Manchester City and neighbours United have also been touted as potential buyers with the 19-year-old former Birmingham midfielder one of the hottest properties in European football. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live I am done – Edwin van der Sar ends long association with Ajax Chelsea appoint Chris Jurasek as chief exec with Tom Glick also leaving his role A look at the numbers behind England’s opening partnerships

Crystal Palace are hoping to persuade Graham Potter to return to management this summer. While the 48-year-old had been considering a break after his mid-season departure from Chelsea, his record from before going to Stamford Bridge still puts him in high demand for a number of progressive clubs. Palace see Potter as an ideal candidate for their next step as a club and feel they can make the Englishman a convincing offer, including the chance to work with one of the best young squads in the Premier League. The south London club have made a virtue of bringing through exciting local talent and, having being an attractive option for so many young players, now want to move onto the next stage and nurture them in a more expansive style of play. While that has long been a goal for the club’s owners, the competitive nature of the bottom half has ensured evolution has constantly been stunted by the need to stay in the Premier League. Patrick Vieira had initially impressed in a spell where his pragmatic football was considered a more steady step from the approach of previous coaches like Roy Hodgson, only for the team to run into trouble and Hodgson returning. Potter is seen as ideal for that longer-term process, given he went through exactly that at Brighton, bringing the club through a move to a new football philosophy after Chris Hughton. There is a belief within Palace they can prove persuasive, although they are likely to face significant competition given the number of clubs that are interested in the 48-year-old. Potter himself is intent on a club that has the right structure to work in.

German Jorg Schmadtke has been appointed as Liverpool’s new sporting director. The 59-year-old, who left a similar role at Bundesliga side Wolfsburg at the beginning of 2023 after more than four years, will take up his post on June 1 once work permit formalities have been completed. He will replace Julian Ward, who is due to leave the club this summer after more than a decade. Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon told the club’s website: “Firstly, I would like to welcome Jorg to Liverpool Football Club in the knowledge that he will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience into a role in which such qualities can only be beneficial both to him and us. “Jorg will work with our football operations department as it continues to provide support for Jurgen Klopp, in keeping with our ongoing endeavour to keep growing and developing the club in all areas. “At the same time as we welcome Jorg, we must also bid a fond farewell to Julian Ward, who has served us with unstinting diligence, fortitude and energy in a number of roles, the most recent one being sporting director. “We wish Julian and his young family the very best for the future and thank him for everything he has done for Liverpool FC during the past 11 years.” Former goalkeeper Schmadtke made more than 300 Bundesliga appearances for Fortuna Dusseldorf, Freiburg, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach during his playing career before moving into administration. He had spells at Cologne, Hannover and Alemannia Aachen before joining Wolfsburg. Schmadtke joins a club which, by compatriot Klopp’s admission, endured “a bad season”, finishing fifth in the Premier League and missing out on Champions League football next term as a result. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

This time last year, Sarina Wiegman’s plans were in place ahead of the Euros. The Lionesses manager had settled upon a core of players during her first season in charge and her squad announcement for the tournament featured few surprises. Once the Euros began, Wiegman was able to name the same starting line-up for all six matches, as England won their first major international tournament in 56 years at Wembley. How the Lionesses could do with the same stability ahead of the World Cup. A year later, Wiegman will take England into a second major international tournament as one of the favourites, but with injuries and fitness concerns disrupting their preparations and forcing a rethink in some key areas of the team. Now the domestic club season is over, Wiegman will name her 23-player squad for the World Cup on Wednesday 31 May, with England’s opening game of the tournament against Haiti in Brisbane less than eight weeks away. Here are some of the biggest questions Wiegman has to answer as the England manager names her squad for Australia and New Zealand. Fitness concerns Injuries, injuries, injuries. England’s build-up to the World Cup has been dominated by one topic. Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby are out, that’s for sure, but there is less certainty elsewhere. It looks like the World Cup will be too soon for Beth Mead, the winner of the Golden Boot at last summer’s Euros. The Arsenal forward suffered an ACL injury in November and although Mead says her recovery is “ahead of schedule”, there are no guarantees that she will be ready for England’s opening game against Haiti on July 22. The date of England’s squad announcement, May 31, is early, which has given players like Mead less time to recover and Wiegman less time to assess her options. There is a chance that Wiegman takes a risk and selects Mead hoping she is available for the knock-out stages in August, but it would be a big ask for the 28-year-old to return at that stage of the tournament after such a long time out. Wiegman faces further questions over the fitness of Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze, two of her most experienced and trusted players. Bright has been out since March due to a knee injury while Bronze underwent keyhole surgery on her knee in late April. Both are expected to be fit, however. Replacing experience It’s not just Williamson and Kirby who England will miss at the World Cup. Injuries to the pair have highlighted the collective loss of experience in the squad from the Euros, with Ellen White and Jill Scott having retired following England’s victory that summer. Add in Williamson, Kirby and Mead, and that’s a total of 431 international caps that have been lost in 12 months - as well as four starters from England’s Euros-winning side. How Wiegman replaces that experience will be crucial to England’s chances in Australia. The 71-cap Jordan Nobbs has made a return to the international fold after her decision to join Aston Villa in January, but her lack of game time in recent England matches raises questions over whether Wiegman is truly convinced. There has even been talk of former England captain Steph Houghton making a return. The centre-back returned from injury to feature for Manchester City over the final weeks of the season and has not given up hope of a call-up. Has in-form England done enough? Rachel Daly was England’s left back as they won the Euros but is now leading the race to be their starting No 9 for the Euros. Daly won both the WSL player of the year and Golden Boot awards after hitting a stunning 22 goals for Aston Villa this season. She faces a battle with Alessia Russo, who has been Wiegman’s first choice since the Euros, to be England’s starting striker, but there are others who are pushing for the place as well. Among them, Bethany England could not have done more to get a World Cup place after scoring 12 goals in 12 games for Tottenham since leaving Chelsea in January. England was in the Euros squad but did not play a minute in the tournament and the striker has missed out on the last two England squads, with Brighton’s Katie Robinson instead receiving a call-up. England’s strongest position is in the wide attacking areas, with Lauren James, Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly competing for two spots in the starting line-up, so whoever is included will be expected to challenge Daly and Russo. Nikita Parris found form over the final few weeks of the season while Ebony Salmon made the first three squads post-Euros. Who starts instead of Williamson? The England captain’s injury means Wiegman will need to decide upon a new centre-back pair for the World Cup. Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood appear to be Wiegman’s first choice, but that requires moving Greenwood from left back and relies upon Bright’s fitness, so there could be a few places up for grabs. For a 23-player squad, Wiegman is likely to select eighth defenders. The Dutch coach tends to favour defenders who are capable of playing multiple positions, with Chelsea’s Jess Carter, Manchester United’s Maya La Tissier and Manchester City’s Esme Morgan adept in both centre-back and full-back areas. Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy, who was initially left out of April’s squad before replacing the injured Bright, is less versatile, but impressed for the Gunners over the final weeks of the season when Williamson was sidelined. Wubben-Moy was a key member of the Euros squad and was the driving force behind England’s legacy pledge, but her place in the World Cup group looks unclear. Much could depend on Bright’s fitness. Finding the balance and depth in midfield Keira Walsh is the cornerstone of England’s team but Wiegman is still searching for an ideal balance around her in midfield. Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone have been used as twin-eights but Australia found success when beating the Lionesses in April when they shut Walsh down, with England missing the creativity of a player like Fran Kirby to unlock the door. There may be matches in Australia when Wiegman may favour another midfielder to sit alongside Walsh - with one of Stanway or Toone asked to push forward into the No 10 areas that Kirby so often thrives in. Manchester United captain Katie Zelem and Manchester City’s Laura Coombs are contenders alongside Jordan Nobbs for the position, while Jess Park is seen as a wildcard option having made the last two squads. The 21-year-old is another fitness doubt, however, after she was ruled out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. Read More England’s World Cup squad: Who’s on the plane, and who’s got work to do? When is the Women’s World Cup and what are the fixtures? Making World Cup squad would be ‘stuff of dreams’, says Man City’s Laura Coombs Ella Toone upbeat on England’s chances at World Cup despite injury setbacks Predicting England’s World Cup squad: Who’s on the plane?

Chelsea have announced the appointment of Chris Jurasek as their new chief executive while president of business Tom Glick is set to leave after less than a year in his role. The Blues’ 12th-place Premier League finish in owners’ the Clearlake group’s first season has led to Mauricio Pochettino being named head coach and tasked with improving their on-field fortunes. Further upheaval off the pitch came with the announcement that Jurasek will oversee all business areas at Chelsea and report to the board alongside co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley. “I’m delighted to be joining Chelsea, a club which is loved and followed all over the world,” Jurasek said. “I’m enormously proud to be leading it into the next chapter in its rich history. “We have huge opportunities to grow on and off the pitch and to engage our exceptional fans both in London and wherever they are supporting us from.” Behdad Eghbali and Jose E Feliciano, co-controlling owners, said: “Chris’ skill and expertise will help us to drive the club forward in all areas, particularly in supporting our long-term plans for Chelsea. “Our focus will continue to be on ensuring the club is competitive and sustainable both from a sporting and business perspective, with a talented and ambitious leadership team.” Former Manchester City executive Glick will be exiting the club, having only been appointed last July – although no departure date was announced by the club, who said the former president of NFL franchise the Carolina Panthers wanted “to pursue other opportunities”. Glick will work closely with Jurasek in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition before leaving. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Edwin van der Sar has resigned from his position as chief executive at Ajax. The 52-year-old former Manchester United, Fulham and Netherlands goalkeeper, who started his playing career at Ajax, has been on the Eredivisie club’s board of directors since 2012. He was initially director of marketing, then became chief executive in 2016, and had been on a contract running to 2025. Van der Sar told the club’s official website: “After almost 11 years on the board, I am done. “We have experienced wonderful things together, but it has also been an incredibly tough period. I am very grateful for the people I have met and worked with during my second career at Ajax, and what we have achieved and been through together. “I feel the need to take some distance, to get some rest, and to do other things. It doesn’t feel good to take decisions about the future of this wonderful club in the coming period. That is why I have decided to resign.” Van der Sar will transfer his duties to the board from June 1, and it has been requested that he formally remains in his position until August 1. After almost 11 years on the board, I am done. I feel the need to take some distance, to get some rest, and to do other things Edwin van der Sar The announcement comes after a trophyless 2022-23 campaign for Ajax that saw them finish third in the Eredivisie. Prior to that, Van der Sar’s time as chief executive had included the club winning three league titles and two Dutch cups under now Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, as well as reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2018-19. Supervisory board chair Pier Eringa said: “We wanted Edwin to stay, but he had made his decision. We have to respect that. “The last season does not reflect the entire period that he has been in charge of Ajax. The club has seen a lot of success, has seen a lot of growth, and gained international exposure. “His tasks will be transferred to the remaining members of the board. Edwin will be available for the transfer and advise until August. We expect to announce a new board of directors after August 1. It’s our ambition to add someone to the board with an Ajax background.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Chelsea appoint Chris Jurasek as chief exec with Tom Glick also leaving his role A look at the numbers behind England’s opening partnerships Football rumours: Spurs aim to keep reported Manchester United target Harry Kane

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has provided an update on Mason Greenwood’s future with the player still suspended by the club. The Dutch manager insists a decision over Greenwood’s return to the first team is not up to him, although the 53-year-old added that the player has proven quality in front of goal. United are currently carrying out an investigation over Greenwood’s future at Old Trafford after charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault were dropped in February this year following his initial arrest in January 2022. Asked about Greenwood’s future in an interview with the Times, Ten Hag commented on the 21-year-old’s ability on the pitch. “[Greenwood] showed in the past that he is capable of doing that [centre-forward role],” Ten Hag said. Ten Hag then emphasised it is not his decision whether Greenwood, who has scored 36 times in 130 appearances for the Red Devils, makes a return to the first team. It is the first mention of the player from the Dutch coach since February this year, when the 53-year-old simply replied: “I refer to the statement of the club.” Greenwood’s last appearance for the club came in a 1-0 victory over West Ham in January 2022. After signing a four-year extension in February 2021, the player remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2025. In a statement released after the charges against him were dropped, Greenwood said: “I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support. There will be no further comment at this time.” Read More ‘He has a decision to make’: Erik ten Hag delivers stark message to Harry Maguire David De Gea says Manchester United are ready for one more ‘special’ battle Premier League 2022/23 season awards: Best player, manager, transfer flop and breakthrough act

Erik ten Hag said it is up to Harry Maguire if he leaves Manchester United this summer after admitting that the dropped captain is unhappy with his situation. Maguire started only eight league games after losing his place following August’s 4-0 thrashing at Brentford and is Ten Hag’s third-choice right-sided centre-back, after Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof. England manager Gareth Southgate has described Maguire’s situation as “concerning” and suggested it will be hard to continue to pick him if he does not get regular first-team football. Ten Hag said he is keen to keep the £80m defender, who has two years left on his contract, and it will be Maguire’s choice if he moves now. “No one would be happy with this situation,” Ten Hag told the Times. “He is not as well. He trains always on best levels, so with 100 per cent effort. So he handles that situation well and he’s in that manner and in his captaincy he’s important for the squad. Let’s say I’m happy he’s here and when we needed him he did his job. But it’s also a decision he has to make.” Ten Hag also said that David de Gea may be on the bench at times if he stays at Old Trafford. The goalkeeper’s contract expires in the summer and the Dutchman reiterated that both club and player are keen for him to re-sign – but warned he may omit the Spaniard at times. The manager said: “I will not say he’ll always be my No. 1 because in a club like Man United there must be competition in all positions.” Ten Hag insisted he is not satisfied with United’s season, despite finishing third in the Premier League, winning the Carabao Cup and reaching the FA Cup final. He explained at United’s annual awards ceremony: “After the start of the season, and then where we came from – we are happy, we are [going] in the right direction, but satisfied? No, we are not. We have to do better, that’s always the case. We have a foundation, we have a good base but we have to do better. “We want to go higher up, we want to increase our levels and we want to compete for the top two. So we have to demand more and increase our levels.” Marcus Rashford won the Sir Matt Busby award as United’s player of the year after scoring a career-best 30 goals this season. The forward was also named players’ player of the year while Antony won the prize for best goal for his spectacular winner against Barcelona in the Europa League. Read More Gareth Southgate sends Harry Maguire warning over Manchester United ‘situation’ How Erik ten Hag survived stunning lows to lead Manchester United’s unconventional revival Erik ten Hag finally within sight of matching a past Manchester United great... no, not that one Gareth Southgate knows Euro 2024 must go ‘very, very well’ to keep England job Gareth Southgate sends Harry Maguire warning over Manchester United ‘situation’ Football rumours: Spurs aim to keep reported Manchester United target Harry Kane

What the papers say Tottenham will try to resist offers from Manchester United for striker Harry Kane. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy reportedly declared he is against letting Kane go to a Premier League rival, according to the Mirror. Bayern Munich are looking to challenge Arsenal for the signature of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, with the German club reportedly prepared to pay £95million for the England international’s services, the Mirror said. To accommodate the gap left by Rice, the Sun reports West Ham are favourites to sign Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse for around £40million. The Telegraph said Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is confident he can sway Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount to join the club. Social media round-up Players to watch James Maddison: The Leicester midfielder has attracted interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle after his club were relegated, the Mirror says his signing fee will be around £40million. Martin Odegaard: The Arsenal midfielder is being scoped by Paris St Germain. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Jim Nagy expects big things out of Dillon Gabriel in what will be his final season at Oklahoma.After a few good years at UCF, Dillon Gabriel had a rough first season with the Oklahoma Sooners.To be quite frank, everyone on Oklahoma had a rough year. It was the worst season OU has had since t...