FC Barcelona have an obvious weakness in their squad, as they do not have a natural right-back capable of performing at the level that Xavi wants. Sergino Dest and Julian Araujo will be available to Xavi for the next season, but the club is looking for a more impactful player in this position.

In fact, according to SPORT, the Catalan club hierarchy is clear that the next signing for Barcelona should be a right-back, and an attacker or attacking midfielder can be obtained later if time and money allow it.

More precisely, the Catalans are looking for an option that would not cost too much, specializes in playing at the right-back position, and, if possible, also has room for further growth. One such option that meets this criteria and has been identified by the club is Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda.

Xavi and his coaching staff are planning to go into the next season by moving Kounde into the center of the backline. The club is already taking steps in this regard, but the key here is the transfer of Clement Lenglet to Tottenham. The negotiations for his sale are getting increasingly complicated because the two clubs are unable to come to an economic agreement.

Meanwhile, Deco has a list of fullbacks and is of the opinion that the club should go for a player keeping both the present and the future in mind. Joao Cancelo is still an option, but the finances involved in his transfer make an approach for him difficult for the club.

Thus, Ivan Fresneda remains the favorite target of the club in this regard. However, there are a number of Premier League clubs already interested in the youngster, and Valladolid may have to make a decision about him soon.

[barcanewsnetwork]

With the start of the Premier League season now just three weeks away, Liverpool may have to appoint a new club captain.

The current skipper, Jordan Henderson, appears set to leave the club after the Reds agreed a $15m (£12m/€14m) deal with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq (as per the ECHO).

Virgil van Dijk, who was previously third in line behind Henderson and the now-departed James Milner, looks like the natural successor.

It just so happens that Manchester United, the Reds' arch-rival, has made a change too, but this one wasn't enforced.

Erik ten Hag has opted to take the armband off center-back Harry Maguire, who slipped well down the pecking order last season, and award it instead to Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes is used to leading the team out — he did so on 42 occasions last season — but this is a momentous step nonetheless, one that left Maguire 'extremely disappointed' (via Eurosport). 

The Portuguese is doubtless a magnificent player, scoring 64 goals and providing 54 assists in 185 games for the club since his $89m (£68m/€80m) move from Sporting in January 2020. He featured in the PFA Team of the Year in 2020/21 and has twice been voted player of the year by United's fanbase.

But still, his attitude, and consequently the decision to award him the captaincy, have to be called into question.

There was no better reflection of this than his conduct on United's trip to Anfield in March for what was arguably the biggest game of their season.

As United came apart in the second half, conceding six times to fall to a historic 7-0 drubbing, Fernandes unraveled.

He went down holding his face in an attempt to get Ibrahima Konaté punished even though the Frenchman didn't make contact, he appeared to push the linesman as he grew frustrated at a delay and he stopped in his tracks after Stefan Bajčetić went past him, which pundit Ian Wright called the 'last straw' (via Mirror).

 

Sky Sports' Gary Neville even claimed while on commentary duty that Fernandes asked the coaching staff to bring him off, though the player himself insisted this wasn't the case.

"I think some of his behavior in the second half has been a disgrace," Neville, one of Fernandes' predecessors as captain, said.

In a scathing attack on the attacking midfielder, Neville also dubbed him 'embarrassing' and 'a shambles'.

Another United legend in Roy Keane offered a similarly damning verdict, suggesting he'd let his teammates down.

"Fernandes' body language was nothing short of disgraceful," the Irishman said. "He's a really talented boy but he's your captain. So much talent but his body language of waving his arms about and not running back? You wouldn't be happy with him in your dressing room."

The United players needed leadership more than ever in this scenario, but instead, Fernandes' behavior was nothing short of petulant.

It seemed that he almost gave up, regardless of whether or not he requested a substitution, and you wonder how the squad can be expected to rally behind someone who may desert them when the going gets tough.

Ultimately, Erik ten Hag has made a mistake in his appointment, and Liverpool has seen the evidence first-hand.

[Liverpool]

Man United are on track to earn £17million from their pre-season tour this summer, Football Insider has learned.

The Red Devils began their pre-season schedule in Norway last Wednesday (12 July), where they beat rivals Leeds United 2-0.

Erik ten Hag’s side then travelled to Scotland and secured a 1-0 win over Lyon at Murrayfield Stadium a week later.

The Manchester club are now in the United States ahead of games against Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

Their tour is then rounded up with two matches in two days in August against Lens and Athletic Club at Old Trafford and Aviva Stadium.

United’s summer plans will see them travel over 16,000 miles, playing eight games in five countries.

While the air miles may negatively impact the squad, playing in multiple countries and stadiums means the Red Devils are set to reap commercial benefits from their tour having signed multiple sponsorship agreements.

The tour is sponsored by Snapdragon – a technology company that signed a global partnership deal with United last summer.

They have agreed to sponsor United’s 2023 tour and are also the match sponsors for the clash with Wrexham in San Diego on Tuesday (25 July).

On top of fees from Snapdragon’s sponsorship, United are set to earn a participation fee for competing in the Soccer Champions Tour exhibition series in the United States.

Combined with a cut of matchday revenues and ticket sales, Football Insider has learned that United are set to earn between £17-18million for their tour this summer.

Eight days after finishing their pre-season schedule in the Republic of Ireland, United are set to open their Premier League campaign with a home match against Wolves.

[footballinsider247]

Paris Saint-Germain are ready to hijack Manchester United's move for Rasmus Hojlund after indicating their willingness to pay £55million for the 20-year-old Atalanta frontman during private discussions with his agents. The Red Devils have already agreed personal terms with the Denmark international forward but the club are yet to submit a formal bid despite initial discussions with the Italian club.

United are thought to have floated the idea of including players within a swap deal proposal but Atalanta had no interest in signing Fred, Donny van de Beek or Mason Greenwood on loan.

Instead, the Serie A outfit will command a huge fee for one of the hottest commodities in European football meaning United's financial muscle will be seriously put to the test following the signings of Mason Mount and Andre Onana.

PSG are in continuous dialogue with Hojlund's representatives and sporting director Luis Campos is ready to sanction a big-money transfer this summer.

[express.co.uk]

George Kambosos Jr. vs Maxi Hughes fight breakdown

‘Ferocious’ Kambosos vs ‘Maximus’ Hughes

Exceptionally strong relations have existed between the Commonwealth realms of Australia and the United Kingdom for 250 years, but none of that will matter this weekend as Aussie George Kambosos Jr. and Briton Maxi Hughes clash in an IBF Eliminator in Oklahoma on Saturday, July 21.

The 12-round lightweight contest will be shown live on Sky Sports at 2:30am on Sunday morning for UK fight fans and the rest of the world can watch on ESPN.

Despite their enduring alliance, Australia and England have a fierce sporting rivalry existing in cricket, and now it turns to boxing this weekend in the States, but who will win this intriguing matchup between an aggressive Aussie and a skilled Englishman? Read on the find out…

‘Ferocious’

George Kambosos’ career-best split decision win over Teofimo Lopez in 2021 was voted as ESPN Upset of the Year. With that shock win, he scooped up three world titles including the Ring Magazine belt. He began 2022 as king of the lightweights, a division that includes the likes of Devin Haney, the aforementioned Lopez, Vasily Lomachencko, Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia and Isaac Cruz.

‘Ferocious’ is aggressive and vicious. He holds his hands down low and his punches are explosive as he leaps into them when throwing. The overhand right he put Lopez down with is his favourite shot and landed it multiple times in their fight.

He utilises his quick jab a lot and doubles and triples it up. It’s an effective tool for him to set up bigger shots, he follows his jabs up with straight and overhand rights, uppercuts and even left hooks. Everything comes off that jab at high speed. He distracts you with that lead hand to land the bigger backhand, all in the same move.

He is light on his feet, because he has to be, as he doesn’t have a high guard to protect himself. He has a glimpse of that Mayweather style of holding the left arm in a sling and the right tucked in the chest in that kind of Philly Shell stance. He moves his head quickly and often employs the pull back-counter.

Against Devin Haney, who he was decisioned twice by last year, he was bettered by the skill, speed and accuracy of the undisputed lightweight champion. The first fight was competitive, GK managed to win at least four rounds, but the rematch saw Haney almost play with the Aussie, having already downloaded all the data he needed during the first fight to only give away one or two rounds.

He fought three unified world championship contests within 11 months, but now he’s back in the ring after a bit of a break, nine months on.

‘Maximus’

Hughes has fought at least twice per year for the last four years. He routinely fought every six months, with fights in March and September in 2021 and 2022. This time though, he has been out the ring for 10 months, but he has had 15 months away before and managed to come straight back with a win.

The southpaw is a tricky, schooled boxer, with a tight guard, good movement, and all-round neat and tidy boxing skills.

He doesn’t possess a great deal of power, with only one knockout from his last seven wins. Those seven victories were all very respectable, including Jono Carroll, Viktor Kotochigov, Ryan Walsh and Kid Galahad. He collected WBC International, British and IBO World titles over the course of his previous five fights.

He is ranked in the top 15 with the WBC and IBF, and holds the IBO World lightweight title, but he hasn’t been a lineal and unified WBA ‘Super’, IBF, WBO World champion like Kambosos has.

However, the 33-year-old is enjoying an Indian summer in his career after all seemed lost after his British title knockout defeat to Sam Bowen in 2018. But the determined contender didn’t give up, instead he teamed up with trainer Sean O’Hagan and got back to winning ways, which has led him right here to the biggest fight of his career.

Betting Odds

Hughes is the underdog at 11/4 and Kambosos is favourite to win with odds of 3/10. A draw at 16/1 odds is fairly low, so it appears some are left unsure as to who comes out on top in this intriguing contest.

For more odds and betting tips visit these top bettings sites in Australia.

Predictions

Kambosos has had that experience at the very top of the world stage. He has gone up against elite fighters in Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney.

Hughes cannot claim to have experienced that highest echelon and will be up against the hardest opponent of his career so far.

Well-rounded Hughes will make life difficult for Kambosos, I have no doubt, but I envisage the Australian being better in nearly every department, maybe not in defence though.

Kambosos will be on the front foot while Hughes will be moving his upper trunk, holding his guard high and pot shotting back, pivoting to his right constantly.

I just feel that the speed and aggression of Kambosos will be the key factor in getting the win. He should be able to land those shots, not all the time, but enough to be able to wear Hughes down and catch him cleanly at times.

Hughes has been stopped twice before, a long time ago now, but I think the speed of the Aussie will create the same result.

Verdict

Kambosos to win via stoppage in rounds 5-8

[britishboxingnews]

World champion and record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, has been charged with dope violation by Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).

Amusan announced on her social media handle in the early hours of Wednesday in Nigeria that AIU has charged her for missing three mandatory testing within 12 months, an offence she vehemently protested against.

While pleading for privacy from the media, she promised to defend herself as a clean athlete and be cleared to participate in this year’s World Championships to defend her 100m hurdles title and world record she won at the last Worlds in Oregon, USA.

If found guilty, Amusan may be forced off the track for a minimum of two years depending on the degree of her violation.

[Thisday]

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe has lost his spot as the most valuable football player in the world, according to the latest report by Football Benchmark.

The 24-year-old has already topped the list of previous editions released by the renowned football business portal.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is now occupying the position.

Mbappe and Haaland are widely regarded as the two main dominant forces in European football at the moment, following the departure of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from the continent.

Haaland is now valued at an estimated €194.2 million, and this figure puts him on top as the world’s most valuable player.

Haaland scored an astonishing 53 goals in a single season to help Manchester City win the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup last season.

Mbappe, the Frenchman, who is now placed second on the list, reached the 2022 FIFA World Cup final with France and helped PSG win last season’s Ligue 1 title.

He currently has an estimated value of €181.6 million.

Victor Osimhen has been offered a new two-year contract extension with a salary worth N6.5bn — €6.5m plus €1m in bonuses.

Serie A champions, Napoli offered Osimhen the new package to keep him at the club.

Osimhen has been attracting top European clubs following his outstanding performance which helped Napoli secure the title, their first in 33 years. The club has now offered Osimhen a new two-year contract extension with a salary worth N6.5bn — €6.5m plus €1m in bonuses, according to reports.

Skysports reported on Monday that Napoli was in advanced talks to extend his (Osimhen) contract until 2027 with an increase in salary.

Osimhen who has two years left in his contract had earlier requested an improved deal with €7 million. Napoli has now, however, tabled their offer that comes with a release clause of £170m.

Napoli’s new manager, Rudi Garcia had confirmed that Osimhen would remain at the club ahead of the new season, saying “Of course, I have spoken to Osimhen who wants to stay here to make another great season with Napoli.”

“I can assure you that he (OsImhen) wants to stay, he is happy to be with us and still wants to do great things.”

Osimhen scored 26 goals plus five assists in 32 league appearances for Napoli last season.

The Nigeria international left England for Spain a few years ago, but he is on the move again, with Portugal the most likely destination 

Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali is on the brink of securing a two-year contract with GD Chaves, a top-division Portuguese club, following his spell with Spanish side Ponferradina, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ponferradina endured a disappointing season that resulted in their relegation, despite Nwakali’s commendable contributions.

The 25-year-old Nigerian international made 36 appearances, scoring one goal and providing four assists. Regrettably, his exceptional performances couldn’t save Ponferradina from the drop.

Subsequently, the club announced that he would be allowed to leave for a nominal fee, which has now apparently been paid by Chaves.

Various Spanish teams, including Racing Santander, expressed interest in securing Nwakali’s services. Nevertheless, the former Arsenal star opted to move to Portugal instead.

This transfer ends Nwakali’s three-year stint in Spain, which has been marred with difficulties. His time at top-division side Huesca came to an abrupt halt after he returned late from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, where he represented Nigeria.

GD Chaves, founded 73 years ago, concluded last season’s campaign in the Portuguese Primeira Liga with a respectable 7th-place finish.

The acquisition of Nwakali, a former U17 World Cup golden ball winner, is a significant step towards strengthening the team for improved performance in the upcoming season.

Exclusivo. Kelechi @nwakali25 deixa o @SDP_1922 para ser reforço do Desportivo de Chaves. Contrato para as próximas duas temporadas- até junho de 2025. Exames médicos agendados. 

 Kelechi representou o @FCPorto na época 2018/19 por empréstimo do @Arsenal .  pic.twitter.com/yn9CI4wcsy

— Pedro Sepúlveda (@pedromsepulveda) July 17, 2023

According to Portuguese transfer market expert Pedro Sepulveda, an official announcement regarding Nwakali’s signing is expected within the next few days following the completion of a routine medical examination.

All parties involved have already agreed to the terms of the transfer. This will mark his second spell in Portugal, having previously spent time on loan at Porto B from Arsenal.

Nwakali will be hopeful for a more prosperous period this time, as he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter during his 16 appearances for Porto B, mostly featuring as a substitute.

[Soccernet]