Category: Football

Manchester City winger Jack Grealish has agreed to join Everton on loan for the 2025-26 season, according to reports on Monday.

Grealish fell out of favour with City boss Pep Guardiola last season and made just seven starts in the Premier League.

The 29-year-old was left out of City’s squad for the Club World Cup in the United States amid speculation that he was set to leave the Etihad Stadium.

Everton have now agreed a deal for Grealish, who earns a reported £300,000 ($402,000) per week, ahead of the new Premier League campaign, which starts for the Toffees at Leeds on August 18.

The England international joined City from Aston Villa in 2021 for a then British record fee of £100 million.

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Grealish has won three Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FA Cup with City, but his form had dipped significantly since he played a key role in the 2022-23 treble-winning campaign.

He was left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad, an omission that left him “heartbroken”.

Guardiola rarely picked Grealish last season despite City’s struggles and he was left on the bench for the shock FA Cup final defeat against Crystal Palace.

If Grealish passes a medical and completes his move to Everton, the winger will have a chance to revive his spluttering career and potentially earn a recall to the England squad ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Everton recently left Goodison Park to move into their new Hill Dickenson stadium ahead of the season, with Grealish set to take centre stage in the plush arena.

He will rank as Everton’s biggest signing since the end of last season after a quiet summer in the transfer market for boss David Moyes.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed backs Pakistan for success in Asia Cup 2025

Reigning Spanish champions Barcelona completed their pre-season preparations by thrashing Italian side Como 5-0 on Sunday in a game which signalled a thawing of relations with goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

Barcelona also gave Marcus Rashford a substitute appearance two weeks after the England forward joined on loan from Manchester United.

Double strikes from Fermín Lopez and Lamine Yamal and a first-half goal from Brazilian Raphinha completed the rout in the Joan Gamper Trophy.

Played at the Johan Cruyff Stadium within the team’s training complex, while Barcelona wait for the heavily delayed modernisation of the Camp Nou to be completed, Hansi Flick’s team showed fluency as they prepare to begin their Liga title defence away to Mallorca on Saturday.

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Before kickoff on Sunday, Ter Stegen gave the traditional captain’s speech from the pitch, just days after his dispute with the club over the handling of his back injury broke to the surface.

“I think it was important to resolve the issue between the club and me, and now it’s time to look forward,” said the 33-year-old German goalkeeper, two days after having the captaincy restored.

“We’re going to fight again for all the trophies and we hope that with your help we can win all the titles possible,” Marc-Andre Ter Stegen told the fans.

Rashford suffered mixed fortunes, providing the cross for Raphinha to score but also blowing the chance to tap into an empty net.

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LAHORE:  In a historic move, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on Sunday named Arooj Sohail Butt as the Manager of the Pakistan Men’s U-17 National Team.

This move marked history as Arooj Sohail Butt became the first female manager in the country to hold such a key position.

The newly appointed manager has been actively working with PFF since 2022 in the role of safeguarding officer.

Besides her role, she holds multiple certifications in child safeguarding from FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF).

She has been assigned to oversee the under-17 squad ahead of the forthcoming SAFF Championship and Asian qualifiers later this year.

Following Arooj Sohail Butt’s appointment, PFF shed light on the initiative and inclusion of women in football regulations.

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“The initiative closely aligns with FIFA’s global objectives, especially its commitment to human rights, anti-discrimination, and the inclusion of women in football governance, as outlined in Article 3 of the FIFA Statutes,” it said.

“FIFA’s 2016 reforms also emphasized the importance of women’s full participation in shaping the future of the sport,” it added.

On the occasion, PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani also expressed his views and lauded Arooj Sohail Butt’s presence for a better future.

‘I am proud to see women taking managerial roles in the history of Pakistan football. We believe her presence will inspire more women to take up key roles in football,” he said.

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Manchester United signed Slovenian international Benjamin Sesko on Saturday, the third forward the 20-time English champions have acquired in the close season.

The 22-year-old’s arrival from RB Leipzig, in a deal reported to be worth up to £74 million (85 million euros, $99 million), completes an overhaul of the Red Devils’ attack that failed to fire last season.

“Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Benjamin Sesko has joined the club, subject to registration,” read a club statement.

The five-year contract includes a guaranteed payment of £66.3million, with the remainder in add-ons, according to reports.

Sesko, who has scored 16 goals in 41 international appearances, is United’s third major signing in attack following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha for £62.5m and Bryan Mbeumo for £65m with £6m in add-ons.

“The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future,” said Sesko.

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“When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.”

Benjamin Sesko had also been linked with Newcastle, but once again Eddie Howe’s League Cup winners failed to land their target despite being able to offer European football this season, unlike Manchester United.

Sesko, though, said he felt a vibrancy round the club as they seek to rebound from a desperately disappointing 2024-2025 campaign.

“From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created,” he said.

“It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions.

“I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben (Amorim) and connecting with my team-mates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together.”

READ: Barcelona reinstate Marc-Andre ter Stegen as captain

Barcelona on Friday reinstated goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as captain after resolving a dispute over the German’s fitness.

The club had started disciplinary action on Tuesday and stripped Ter Stegen of the club captaincy on Thursday over a row concerning his fitness after he underwent back surgery at the end of July.

Local media reported that the 33-year-old had refused to cooperate and release his medical details, so the club tried to have him classified by La Liga as a long-term injury, which would allow Barcelona to deduct part of his pay from their official wage bill.

But in a late-night statement, Barcelona reported the player had signed the necessary paperwork.

“The disciplinary file is considered closed and the player regains the first team captaincy with immediate effect,” Barca added.

Earlier Friday, Ter Stegen had taken to social media to defend himself.

“In recent weeks, many things have been said about me – some of them entirely unfounded,” he wrote on Instagram. “Therefore, I feel it is necessary to express my version of events respectfully, yet clearly.”

“I am fully willing to collaborate with the club’s management to resolve this matter and to provide the requested authorisation,” Ter Stegen wrote.

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With the new Liga season approaching, Barcelona are again struggling to satisfy Spanish financial fair play rules. If they cannot, they may not be able to register new players.

Ter Stegen said if the club was in a financial bind, it should not blame his back problems.

“I would also like to clarify that all of the club’s signings and contract renewals were completed prior to my surgery,” he wrote.

“The decision to undergo surgery was fully approved by the club, and always with the intention of prioritising my health and long-term sporting career, which of course are fully aligned with those of FCB, to have myself available on the pitch as soon as possible to keep winning trophies.”

He added that his new surgery should not interfere with the “registration of other colleagues whom I greatly respect and look forward to share locker room with for many seasons”.

“My commitment to these colors remains absolute.”

Ter Stegen’s place is under threat from one of the summer signings, 24-year-old Joan Garcia, and 35-year-old Wojciech Szczesny, the Polish veteran who has been rewarded with a contract extension for taking over during last season’s Liga title-winning campaign.

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Barcelona on Thursday said they had stripped Marc-Andre ter Stegen of the captain’s armband in a continuing dispute over the German goalkeeper’s fitness status.

“As a consequence of the disciplinary proceedings initiated against player Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and until such proceedings are definitively resolved, the club… has decided to temporarily remove him as captain of the first football team,” Barca said in a statement.

They said vice-captain Ronald Araujo, a Uruguayan defender, would take over.

According to local media, the dispute centres on 33-year-old Ter Stegen’s refusal to cooperate with an attempt to have him classified by La Liga as a long-term injury case, which would allow the club to deduct part of his pay from their official wage bill.

With the new Liga season approaching, Barcelona are again struggling to satisfy Spanish financial fair play rules. If they cannot, they may not be able to register new players.

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The club plans to partly reopen its expensively renovated Camp Nou stadium this month.

After two seasons marred by injury, Ter Stegen decided to undergo back surgery at the end of July.

He has refused to sign a form releasing his medical data to La Liga, preventing Barcelona’s attempt to have him officially declared a long-term absentee.

His place is under threat from one of the summer signings, 24-year-old Joan Garcia, and 35-year-old Wojciech Szczesny, the Polish veteran who has been rewarded with a contract extension for taking over during last season’s Liga title-winning campaign.

The German goalkeeper, the last remaining member of Luis Enrique’s 2015 European champion team, faces heavy penalties under La Liga regulations, including the termination of his contract.

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Manchester United have agreed a deal worth up to 85 million euros ($99 million, £74 million) to sign striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig on Thursday, according to multiple reports in England.

The BBC, Athletic, and Sky Sports reported Manchester United will pay an initial 76.5 million euros for the 22-year-old, with a further 8.5 million euros due in add-ons.

Newcastle were also interested in signing the Slovenian, possibly to replace wantaway star Alexander Isak, a target for Liverpool.

However, Sesko has been wooed by the enduring stature of the 20-time English champions despite a lack of European football in the coming season.

His arrival will complete an overhaul of the Red Devils’ blunt attack.

Only four other teams scored fewer than United’s 44 goals in 38 Premier League games last season as the English giants endured their worst campaign for 51 years, finishing 15th in the table.

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Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were signed earlier in the window, taking United’s total spend on forwards in recent months to over £200 million.

Sesko had also previously been linked with Arsenal after impressing during his two-year spell in Germany, where he scored 39 times in 87 appearances for Leipzig, including 21 last season.

Standing 1.95 metres (6ft 4ins) tall, Sesko’s towering physique, electric pace and eye for goal have earned comparisons with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

Like Haaland, he also made his name at RB Salzburg before moving to Germany in 2023.

United are banking on Sesko realising his abundant potential to fire them back into contention at the top of the Premier League table.

Between them, Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo combined for 58 goals last season.

The massive outlay on their arrivals needs to bear fruit quickly with United under pressure to meet financial sustainability rules, especially without the revenue of European football this season.

READ: Matt Henry stars again as New Zealand dominate Zimbabwe on opening day

Bayern Munich and Germany forward Thomas Mueller has signed with Major League Soccer (MLS) side Vancouver Whitecaps, the Canadian club announced on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old has signed through the end of the 2025 MLS season with an option for 2026, Vancouver said.

Mueller announced earlier this year that he would be departing from Bayern Munich, his home for 25 years. His tenure included 13 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League triumphs.

“I’m looking forward to coming to Vancouver to help this team win a championship,” Mueller said in a statement. “I’ve heard great things about the city, but first and foremost, I’m coming to win.

“I’ve had great conversations with Axel Schuster and Jesper Sorensen, and now I can’t wait to play in front of the supporters and to see all of the fans come out to BC Place as we head towards the playoffs.”

Thomas Mueller joined the Vancouver Whitecaps, currently second in the Western Conference, one point behind leaders San Diego, but with one match in hand.

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“He not only brings a winning pedigree and exceptional football intelligence, but also a tireless work ethic that will elevate the entire team,” Whitecaps chief executive Schuster said in a statement.

“Thomas is a natural leader whose passion for the game is infectious. This is a statement signing by our club and our ownership — a transformative moment for our club and our city. We are proud to welcome Thomas to Vancouver.”

Restricted mainly to a substitute’s role in the 2024-25 campaign, Mueller made 49 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals.

He retired from international duty in 2024, having won the World Cup with Germany in 2014.

He finished his international career with 131 caps, scoring 45 goals.

There had been brief speculation that he would land with Los Angeles FC, but the Whitecaps announcement came on the same day that LAFC were expected to confirm the signing of South Korean star Son Heung-min.

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Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is set to end his three-year stay at the club as he is reportedly closing in on a move to Saudi club Al Hilal, which could allow the Premier League champions to make a fresh bid for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.

Nunez joined the Reds for an initial 75 million euros ($87 million, £65 million) from Benfica three years ago but has failed to live up to that price tag.

The Uruguayan has scored 40 goals in 143 appearances but slipped down the pecking order at Anfield under both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Al Hilal will pay an initial 53 million euros for the 26-year-old.

Nunez was likely to play even less this season after Liverpool signed Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz as part of a 300 million euro spending spree that also includes full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.

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However, the club could still break the British transfer record by signing Isak, with Newcastle reportedly demanding a fee of up to £150 million for the Swedish striker.

The sale of Nunez would take Liverpool’s income for transfer sales this window to nearly 200 million euros after the departures of Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Tyler Morton.

Harvey Elliott is also attracting interest from RB Leipzig, with Liverpool wanting at least 45 million euros for the England midfielder.

Nunez would become the latest big name to join Al Hilal, who shocked Manchester City to reach the quarter-finals of the recent Club World Cup.

Coached by former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, the Saudi club’s squad includes Portuguese internationals Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo, Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, and former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

READ: West Indies name squad for ODI series against Pakistan

A Pakistani Footballer from the Muslim Hands team named Amanullah Rauf Baloch went missing during the Norway Cup held in Oslo.

According to reports, Amanullah, a footballer from Liyari, Karachi, did not participate in the tournament and was reported missing on the opening day.

Following Pakistan’s triumph, he did not return alongside the Muslim Hands team.

This marks the second incident in the past two months involving Pakistani athletes missing abroad. Earlier, two athletes also went missing in Germany during the World University Games.

It is noteworthy to mention that Better Future Pakistan won the Norway Under-15 title after defeating Norwegian Club Gjovik Lyn with 2-0 in a thrilling final.

The Norway Cup is one of the world’s largest international youth football tournaments, held annually in Oslo.

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The Green Shirts displayed exceptional skill and teamwork during the final, showcasing great control throughout the game.

For Pakistan, Ahmed Ali and Owais each scored one goal, helping the team to triumph.

The Pakistan football team returned unbeaten throughout the tournament, winning all nine games.  Not only that, Green Shirts were also honored with the Best Fair Play Team award, having secured 16 Fair Play Green Cards.

On August 1, after defeating Greaker IF in an exciting clash by 4-2 on August 1, Pakistan dominated Gjellerasen with a commanding 4-1 victory in the second playoff match, and they overpowered

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