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  Liverpool has announced Virgil van Dijk as their new captain, with Trent Alexander-Arnold taking up the role of vice-captain. This decision follows the departure of former captain Jordan Henderson from the team. Van Dijk, who also captains his national team, the Netherlands, expressed his pride at being given this responsibility. Speaking in Singapore, the centre-back stated, "It's a really proud day for me, for my wife, for my kids, my family. But also to be the captain of Liverpool Football Club is something that I can't describe at this point." Since his transfer from Southampton to Anfield in January 2018, Van Dijk has made 222 appearances for Liverpool, collecting seven winners’ medals in the process. These include the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and the FA Community Shield. Regarding the upcoming 2023-24 season, Van Dijk acknowledged the disappointment of the previous campaign, stating, "It wa...

  Omari Forson and Karim Adeyemi were both booked for the clash (Image: MUTV) Manchester United prospect Omari Forson lasted just 36 minutes during their pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund - and Erik ten Hag didn't hold back. Erik ten Hag hauled off Manchester United prospect Omari Forson against Borussia Dortmund - and then offered stern advice. The 19-year-old started in their Allegiant Stadium contest against the Bundesliga outfit, clashing with rival players in the first-half of their 3-2 defeat. Forson dived in on a tackle against Karim Adeyemi and then seemed to kick out at Julian Ryerson, which didn't go down well to say the least. The German and Norwegian confronted the young Englishman before he received a booking for pushing out. Ten Hag didn't look pleased on the sidelines and Forson was subbed off for Antony - giving the teenager a stern talking to on the sidelines. Ten Hag later said: "When there is a VAR, he gets sent off. "He played a goo...

  Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have made an offer worth a staggering €140 million [£120m] to Napoli for striker Victor Osimhen, according to reports. It has been a busy summer window for the Riyadh-based club. So far, Jorge Jesus' side have signed former Barcelona winger Malcom from Russian side Zenit Saint Petersburg for a reported €60 million. They've also brought in Ruben Neves from Premier League side Wolves for €55 million and fellow midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, a player that was previously linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs, from Lazio for €40 million. Former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly has also arrived at a relatively-cheap price of €23 million but it appears they aren't done just yet. In fact, Sky Sports suggest Al Hilal have made a club-record offer worth €140 million to Serie A side Napoli for striker Victor Osimhen. The nine-figure sum, however, has been rejected in recent hours, according to French outlet L'Equipe , who suggest t...

FC Barcelona have reactivated their interest in signing João Félix from Atlético Madrid, according to reports. The Catalan club are said to be interested in a loan deal for the Portuguese forward, who has struggled to live up to expectations at Atlético since his €126 million move from Benfica in 2019. Barcelona were initially reluctant to sign Félix due to his high wages and transfer fee, but the departure of Ousmane Dembélé has made them more open to the possibility of a deal. Atlético are also said to be open to a loan deal for Félix, as they are keen to reduce their wage bill.  Félix has made 109 appearances for Atlético in all competitions, scoring 23 goals. He has also won the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup with the club. It remains to be seen whether Barcelona will be able to agree a deal with Atlético for Félix. However, the Catalan club's interest in the Portuguese forward is a sign that they are still looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2022-23 seaso...

Sadio Mane has admitted that he is disappointed with the way his time at Bayern Munich has ended, but he wishes the club and its fans the best for the future. The Senegalese winger is set to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in a £34 million deal, after just one season at the Allianz Arena. Mane told Sky Sports: "Leaving FC Bayern hurts me. I would have wished for a different ending. I know that I could have helped the team this season. I wanted to prove it to everyone this season. Nevertheless, I only wish the club and the fans the best for the future." Mane joined Bayern from Liverpool last summer, and although he won the Bundesliga title, the move didn't go entirely to plan. He suffered an injury that meant he couldn't represent Senegal at the World Cup in Qatar, and he was also suspended and fined by Bayern after reports that he punched team-mate Leroy Sane in the dressing room following a defeat to Manchester City. In total, Mane made 38 appearances for Bayern, sc...

Liverpool have announced Trent Alexander-Arnold as the club's new vice-captain - and he was filmed receiving the news from manager Jurgen Klopp. Alexander-Arnold will replace James Milner, who left for Brighton this summer, in the role, with Virgil van Dijk replacing Jordan Henderson as club captain. It is a momentous achievement for Alexander-Arnold, who came through the club's academy before establishing himself as one of the top right-backs in world football. The England international further revolutionised his own game towards the end of last season, converting into an inverted full-back role that saw him influence attacks from midfield. The moment @TrentAA found out he was going to be our vice-captain ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hZB0kMPhK3 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 31, 2023 And during a training session on the club's pre-season tour of Singapore, Klopp was there to inform Alexander-Arnold of his latest new role.

MLS Most Valuable Squad Rankings The arrival of Lionel Messi has had a seismic impact on the MLS landscape, and nowhere is that more evident than in the squad value rankings. According to Transfermarkt, Inter Miami's squad value has now skyrocketed to €178.6 million, making them the most valuable team in the league. This is a massive increase from their previous value of €74.1 million, and it is all thanks to the signing of Messi. The Argentine superstar is currently valued at €35 million, and his arrival has instantly made Inter Miami a contender for the MLS Cup. They also have a number of other talented players in their squad, including Sergio Busquets, Gonzalo Higuaín, and Rodolfo Pizarro. With Messi leading the way, Inter Miami are now the team to beat in MLS. They have the potential to win the league, and they will also be a major draw for fans around the world. Here is a look at the top 10 most valuable squads in MLS after Messi's arrival: Rank Team Squad Value (€) ...

  Real Madrid could reportedly choose not to register summer arrival Arda Guler in their 2023-24 La Liga squad after he suffered an injury to the meniscus in his right knee. According to a report from Mundo Deportivo (via SportBIBLE), Guler's injury was initially viewed to be a minor issue. However, he could now require surgery if the treatment he's currently receiving at Los Blancos' Valdebebas training centre in Madrid does not resolve the problem. Should he need to undergo surgery, Guler could miss up to five months, including recovery time. That would see him return to the fold only around January next year. This could potentially lead to Real Madrid opting not to register him in their La Liga squad. The Turkish forward sustained the injury during a training session in the USA, where the Spanish giants have been preparing for the 2023-24 season. He was on the bench for their 3-2 win over AC Milan and 2-0 victory against Manchester United, but did not get onto the pitch....

  Andre Onana has been criticised for his treatment of Harry Maguire during Manchester United’s 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund. The new United keeper showed he will bring more than just ball-playing ability to Erik ten Hag’s side during United’s defeat to Dortmund in Las Vegas. Onana, who came on at half-time, has a history of scrutinising his colleagues, and Maguire was the latest recipient of the Cameroonian’s rage. The England international played a slack pass to Christian Eriksen which gifted Dortmund a chance. Onana subsequently denied Sebastian Haller, before racing over to Maguire to berate him for his error. Maguire, who was stripped of the United captaincy earlier this month, kept his cool, however many in the media have since come out in support of the defender. Gabriel Agbonlahor throws support behind Maguire Former Aston Villa and England international Gabriel Agbonlahor was critical of Onana’s outburst towards Maguire, who he deemed an “easy target”. Speaking on TalkS...

  Andre Onana has responded after screaming at teammate Harry Maguire in Manchester United's 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund. Goalkeeper Onana, a £47 million signing from Inter Milan, made his second appearance for the club at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. He came on at half-time for Tom Heaton and mere minutes after entering the fray, he was seen raging at former skipper Maguire. The England international had put Christian Eriksen under pressure with a pass and Dortmund ended up turning over possession and getting into a shooting position with Sebastian Haller. Onana made the save and then the rebound was put wide by Karim Adeyemi. But before taking his goal kick, the Cameroonian rushed out of his goal and screamed at Maguire, who looked a little sheepish. The outburst became a major talking point online, with some comparing it to the antics of United legend Peter Schmeichel. Former Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor was critical of Onana's antics and said he "d...

  No Sam Kerr, no problem. Co-hosts Australia have advanced to the knockout stages of the Women's World Cup, beating Canada to finish top of their group. The 4-0 victory is the Matildas' BIGGEST win at a Women's World Cup! Even without star striker and skipper Sam Kerr, the Matildas managed to find the back of the net on FOUR occasions through Raso, Fowler and Catley as they coasted to a relatively comfortable victory. It was a must-win match for the Aussies, and they certainly didn't buckle under the pressure as a number of players stepped up to the plate and delivered goals in Kerr's absence. A first #FIFAWWC goal? And what a moment to do it! 🎉 #Matildas #TilitsDone @HayleyRaso pic.twitter.com/TRoAprROVC — CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 31, 2023  It was a cagey start for both teams with neither side getting their foot on the ball and stringing a spell of possession together. But it was the home side which drew first blood when captain Steph Catley went...

  Hayley Raso scored twice for Australia in a statement 4-0 win over Canada as the fired-up co-hosts booked their place in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup on Monday at the expense of the Olympic champions. Tony Gustavsson's team came into the clash with their backs to the wall, needing victory to ensure they made the knockout round after a stunning 3-2 defeat at the hands of Nigeria left them on a knife-edge. In front of a heaving Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, they thrived on the pressure to the delight of the raucous 27,706 fans, consigning Canada to an early flight home. Real Madrid's Raso put them ahead in the ninth minute, firing low into the corner after captain Steph Catley fed a teasing low cross. They had a goal controversially disallowed 10 minutes before the break, but the rampaging Matildas put it behind them and Raso made sure on their very next attack with a close-range tap-in. A shellshocked Canada made four changes at half-time, but the comeback never m...

  Japan midfielder Hinata Miyazawa scores against Spain Japan sent a Women's World Cup warning with a clinical 4-0 thrashing of Spain on Monday, as co-hosts Australia faced having to beat Canada or risk an unthinkable exit in the first round. The 2011 champions Japan were 3-0 up by half-time in Wellington as they surged to a victory that allowed them to finish top of Group C and set up a last-16 tie against Norway. Hinata Miyazawa scored twice either side of a Riko Ueki goal, with Mina Tanaka wrapping up a stunning win late on. Their first win in five attempts over Spain was so comprehensive it suggests 11th-ranked Japan may be contenders to win the tournament. They finish the group stage with 11 goals, more than any other team, while they are one of four sides yet to concede. Miyazawa, who was substituted at half-time, is also the tournament's leading scorer with four goals. The opener came in the 12th minute when Miyazawa outpaced the Spain defence to reach Jun Endo's cur...

  Nigeria's defender Osinachi Ohale takes a shot on goal Nigeria booked their place in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup on Monday when they drew 0-0 with Ireland to finish second behind co-hosts Australia in Group B. They will now meet the winners of Group D -- which is most likely to be European champions England. The Nigerians, who upset Australia 3-2 on their last visit to Brisbane, recovered from a sloppy first half to get the draw they needed and reach the knockout stage for only the third time in nine attempts. Australia beat Olympic champions Canada 4-0 in Melbourne to top the group. The Nigerians showed little of the flair that helped them down Australia in the last match, particularly during a scrappy first half during which they were outfought by an Ireland side only playing for pride after two losses. They found it hard to penetrate the Irish defensive line, with lone striker Asisat Oshoala a forlorn figure up front. Oshoala had only one chance in the first 45 mi...

  Atletico Madrid have set out a key requirement before considering a potential move to sell Joao Felix. Felix has been linked with a switch away from Madrid ahead of the 2023/24 campaign after returning from a six month loan spell at Chelsea. The Portuguese international remains on the edge of Diego Simeone’s plans and he could be sold to raise key transfer funds in the Spanish capital. Felix has created waves in recent weeks after revealing his ambition to join Barcelona at some point in his career with a move to Catalonia described as a ‘dream’ by the former Benfica forward. Barcelona cannot afford a summer offer with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain rumoured to be considering a move. However, as per reports from Portuguese outlet Correio da Manhã, via Diario Sport , Atletico will not look at any transfer offer, until Felix publicly apologises for his recent claims over wanting to leave. Los Rojiblancos are annoyed by Felix’s perceived disregard for his contract in Madrid a...

  Ousmane Dembele has reportedly rejected Barcelona's latest contract offer amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain - with the French winger's release clause set to double. With Kylian Mbappe potentially departing the Parc des Princes, the French champions are weighing up replacements and 26-year-old Dembele is on their radar. His Barcelona contract expires next year and talks have been ongoing over an extension. But, according to the Catalan news outlet RAC1, Dembele has rejected the latest offer tabled. Dembele is looking for a salary of between £5million and £6m but Barcelona's offers fall short of that. PSG have until the end of Monday to activate Dembele's £43m release clause before it jumps to nearly £86m at the beginning of August. Given his contract will expire in 2024, meaning he could depart on a free, Barcelona are eager to get something for a player who cost them £135.5m to buy from Borussia Dortmund in 2017. PSG's newly-appointed coach Luis Enrique is ke...

  Bruno Fernandes, the newly confirmed Manchester United captain, has named seven of his teammates who he believes have a point to prove ahead of the new season including Maguire.  The 2023/24 Premier League campaign will kick off in mid-August, with United set to raise the curtain on their campaign with a home fixture against Wolves.  Man United will be looking to build on their third-place finish from last season under Erik ten Hag. When asked if he feels that new Man United midfielder Mason Mount has a ‘point to prove’ this season after joining from Chelsea, Bruno Fernandes said:  “He has a point to prove like everyone else. “I have a point to prove - so does Licha [Martinez], Casemiro, Rapha [Varane], Andre [Onana], Harry, Victor [Lindelof]. It’s not about him (Mount). He doesn’t have to prove anything more than anyone else.” Bruno makes sense in his assessment of the situation, because a number of Man United players actually do have a lot to prove in the 2023/24...

  Henri Lansbury decided to hang up his boots at 32 with the former Arsenal midfielder turning his attention to turfs after a lockdown hobby developed into working with Champions League sides. Former Arsenal wonderkid Henri Lansbury has decided to retire in order to focus on a surprising new career. The midfielder, 32, played for Luton during the 2022/23 campaign but had his season hampered by a serious injury. He played just 54 minutes of league action for the Hatters after October as the side stunningly clinched promotion to the Premier League. Lansbury was released following the end of his contract at Kenilworth Road. But instead of finding a new club, the Arsenal academy product has decided to hang up his boots in favour of a new venture working on football pitches. What started out as a lockdown gardening hobby has evolved into a full blown business, named Grass Gains, which has seen Lansbury work on Fulham’s Craven Cottage turf and Belgian outfit Genk. He revealed his next ve...

  JOHN TERRY showed off his impressive singing voice at Ashley Cole’s lavish Italian wedding. That’s by belting out a John Legend tune to celebrate his former Chelsea teammate’s marriage to stunning model Sharon Canu. Cole and his long-term partner got hitched in front of dozens of guests last night. The couple already share two children together. And they celebrated their wedding with numerous friends and family, including former England and Chelsea captain Terry. The no-nonsense ex-defender dressed for the after-party in a dark blue shirt and trousers. And JT showed there could yet be an X-Factor audition in his future by taking to the stage for a sing-song. Terry clasped the microphone as he worked the crowd to the sound of John Legend’s 2013 hit All Of Me. Audience members could be heard singing along as Terry belted out lyrics including: “And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright. Video below.. pic.twitter.com/kEemXMXOjm — rajendra tikyani (@Rspt150...

  Millions of football fans witnessed in real time an avid fan realise he had suffered a wardrobe malfunction at the Women's World Cup during Brazil's clash against France. A mad football fan was forced to make a hurried clothing fix after suffering a wardrobe malfunction, live on air during the Women's World Cup. Celebrating in the stands, the man, who was proudly supporting Brazil in their clash against France, was waving a scarf in the air, unaware what was happening downstairs. With the camera trained on his smiling face, he soon realized just what had gone wrong - his fly was undone. Of course, he then hurried immediately to zip up his trousers, continuing to wave his flag in the air. There was a look of sheepish embarrassment on his face. But the Brazil fan in question managed to style out the wardrobe error, even blowing a kiss to the camera and laughing about the trouser malfunction. But despite his positive nature on camera, the fan will likely have been heartbroke...

  Colombia's World Cup team are being roared on by thousands of fans in Australia who are playing a major part in spurring their country to new heights in women's football. A Colombian side led by 18-year-old sensation Linda Caicedo caused one of the upsets of the competition so far when they stunned Germany 2-1 on Sunday in Sydney. Manuela Vanegas's header in the 97th minute against one of the favourites put Colombia on the cusp of the last 16 and dreaming of winning the World Cup for the first time. Colombia have appeared at the Women's World Cup only twice before, in 2011 and in 2015, when they reached the last 16 for the first time. But they failed to qualify for the event four years ago. They need just a draw on Thursday against Morocco to top their group and could still reach the last 16 even with a defeat. Dubbed 'The Powerpuff Girls', Caicedo's Colombia were driven on against Germany by a large majority of the 40,000 spectators at a pulsating Sydney ...

  Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala, says she knows her father is not happy with the way she celebrated when she scored in Nigeria’s 3-2 win against Australia, co-host of the tournament. On Thursday, Oshoala, nicknamed ‘Agba Baller’, scored in the 72nd minute of the Falcons’ second game in Group B at the Lang Park Stadium, Australia. She started the game on the bench but was introduced in the second half at 1-1, ultimately changing the direction of the game. It was not long after she was introduced that the Falcons earned a corner kick which resulted in a goal scored by Osinachi Ohale. For her own goal, Oshoala dragged the goalkeeper and a defender expertly to her right before slotting the ball to the far corner. The striker sprinted towards the corner flag and took off her shirt in wild celebration, leading to mixed reactions from football fans. In a post via Facebook, the Barcelona Femeni forward, said she knew that her dad was not happy with her choice of celebration. “My da...

  Barbra Banda of Zambia scored the 1,000th goal in Women’s World Cup history with her penalty kick in the 31st minute against Costa Rica on Monday. The 23-year-old Zambia captain used a clever stutter in her run up to make goalkeeper Daniela Solera jump before sending her penalty to the left with ease. Soon after, FIFA posted its congratulations to Banda on social media. The referee awarded the penalty after Banda appeared to be taken down in the six-yard box by an out-stretched Katherine Alvarado. Costa Rican players argued the call unsuccessfully. This tournament has been the Women’s World Cup debut for Zambia, and the goal was its second ever, giving the Copper Queens a 2-0 lead. The first Zambian goal came in the third minute of the game from Lushomo Mweemba. FIFA has held a Women’s World Cup every four years since 1991.

  Japan's Hinata Miyazawa celebrates Hinata Miyazawa scored twice and set up another as Japan stunned Spain 4-0 at the Women's World Cup on Monday to set up a clash with Norway in the knockout stage. The Japanese delivered a lesson in clinical counter-attacking and led 3-0 at half-time to issue a World Cup warning against one of the title contenders. The 2011 champions Japan topped the group to play another former winner in Norway while Spain will face Switzerland in the last 16. Miyazawa's brace took her to four goals for the tournament while Riko Ueki and Mina Tanaka bagged the others for a hugely impressive Japan. Boasting a host of European club stars, Spain dominated possession in front of a crowd of 20,957 in Wellington. But they didn't create a single clear chance as Japan soaked up pressure and broke with lethal effect. It was a tactical masterclass from Japan coach Futoshi Ikeda, who set up a packed midfield, denying space and time for Barcelona stars Alexia Pu...

  Sadio Mane is in line to become one of the highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League when he completes a staggering move to Al Nassr. Mane only moved clubs last year when he ended a glittering six-year spell with Liverpool and signed for Bayern Munich in a £34 million switch. He won the Bundesliga in his first season but only scored seven times in the league and was suspended by the club after allegedly punching teammate Leroy Sane after a dressing room bust-up following the 3-0 Champions League defeat to Manchester City. Rumours about his future had been swirling amid strong interest from the Saudi Pro League, who have lured his old Liverpool teammates Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson. And now Sky Germany say Al Nassr have agreed a £24 million fee with Bayern, with Mane now due to undergo a medical over in Dubai on Monday. He will link up with five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, and summer signings Alex Telles, Marcelo Brozovic and Seko Fofana. Saudi clubs ha...

  Diogo Dalot scored a screamer in Manchester United’s pre-season tour clash against Borussia Dortmund. The Portuguese full-back opened the scoring for the Reds in their pre-season friendly against the German heavyweights. Dalot scored after picking up the ball outside the area after a free-kick was ricocheted out of the box. He remained calm and hit the top corner from 20-yards out. It was the sign of the quality Dalot possesses at a time – on tour – he’s been often overlooked for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Watch video below.. GOOAAALLLL!!! 😱 @DalotDiogo opens the scoring with a wonderstrike 😍☄️ #MUFC || #MUTOUR23 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 31, 2023 United conceded two quick-fire goals at the end of the first-half, which means the Reds threw away their lead and loss  3-2 after a brace from Donyell Malen and a goal from Moukoko

  Manchester United fans have been left seething after costly defensive errors led to two goals in two minutes for Borussia Dortmund. The German side has completely turned things around in their pre-season friendly against the Red Devils. A Diogo Dalot screamer opened the scoring for Untied, but some defensive mishaps from Brandon Williams and Victor Lindelof has seen a complete collapse. Brandon Williams lost the ball late into the first-half, as the ball eventually made its way to Donyell Malen who finished the goal with a half-volley. Mere seconds later, Victor Lindelof gave away the ball while attempting to play the ball out from the back. The ball made its way to the United’s loanee from last season Marcel Sabitzer, who fed the ball back through to Malen who bagged his brace. It was scenes all too familiar for Red Devils fans who were not happy with their defenders. One fan wrote: “Why do we still employ Brandon Williams in 2023 it’s a genuine question?” Another said: “Another...