Category: Soccer

The Percassi family must hold a special summit to smooth things between Atalanta coach, Gian Piero Gasperini and striker Ademola Lookman after their bitter public row.

According to Sky Sport Italia, President Antonio Percassi and his son, CEO Luca Percassi, will be on the training ground in Bergame on Thursday for a face to face meeting.

They hope to calm the split between the star player and his coach after the release of the Champions League of Club Brugge.

How Lookman-Gasperini Row broke out in Atalanta

Lookman made his return from a half-time injury with his team 3-0, 5-1 on aggregate, and scored a goal before climbing and saw his penalty saved by Simon Mignolet.

The Nigerian international has a notoriously mediocre assessment on the spot and was not one of the designated takers, therefore his insistence to go for the goal has irritated Gasperini.

“Lookman is one of the worst sanctions takers I have ever seen,” said the coach at a press conference.

Lookman responded via social media, warning that he found these comments “disrespectful”.

Now, the owners of Atalanta are trying to gather the pair, although before that, it was always likely that the attacker was sold in summer.

Liverpool is among the clubs that are considering a decision for Hugo Ekitike by Eintracht Frankfurt. The 22 -year -old attacker was electric this season, totaling 17 goals and six assists in 32 Bundesliga appearances. His resurgence in Germany has drawn great attention, with Footmermato confirming that Liverpool, Arsenal and West Ham monitor his situation.

With a price of 80 million euros, Ekitike represents a significant financial commitment, but its performance suggest that it could be worth it. The question remains: is this the right decision for Liverpool?

The rise of Ekitike in the Bundesliga

Ekitike’s journey was anything but simple. His stay at Paris Saint-Germain has never completely taken off, when he fought for minutes in a starred team. A winter transfer to Frankfurt during the 2023-24 season changed everything. Initially, finding his feet with four goals and two assists in 16 games, he has since been prospered in a deadly attack force.

His form in the current campaign justified Frankfurt’s investment, making him one of the most sought -after attackers in Europe.

How it fits into Liverpool’s plans

Liverpool’s interest in Ekitike is intriguing. Reds should enter a period of tactical evolution in summer. While Arne’s niche still assesses his team in its first season, strengthening the attack could be a priority, especially with uncertainty around the long -term future of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez.

At 22, Ekitike corresponds to the profile that Liverpool tends to target: young, dynamic and capable of playing in several roles of attack. His success in Bundesliga suggests that he could well adapt to the Premier League. However, there are risks. Would he face the physicity of English football? Could it maintain its form in a club where expectations are excessive?

Competition and financial considerations

Liverpool is not alone in their pursuit. Arsenal was also linked, while West Ham could offer another Premier League option. Footmermato reports that PSG still has a 20%sales clause, which means that Frankfurt might want to maximize their profit in any sale. With its contract operating until 2029, the price will not be easy.

Fees of 80 million euros are significant, in particular with Liverpool which should also strengthen its midfielder and defensive ranks this summer. Is Ekitike worth this expense, or should the club first focus on other areas?

Our point of view – Analysis of the Anfield index

The increase in Hugo Ekitike in Germany is impressive, but Liverpool fans may wonder if it is the right choice for their club at this stage. Although Reds need to attack reinforcements, they already have several options. If Salah stays, does Ekitike get regular minutes? If he leaves, should Liverpool target a more proven and high-level replacement?

There is also the adaptation curve of the Premier League. The Bundesliga stars do not always go smoothly towards English football – look at Timo Werner and Jadon Sancho. At 80 million euros, it would be a bet.

That said, Ekitike is young, versatile and showing real potential. If Liverpool believes in its long -term future, it is a decision that could bear fruit. But for this price, fans will want an immediate impact, not just a potential.

Barcelona was undoubtedly the best attack team in Europe this season, many thanks to the productivity of their trio before – Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.

While Raphinha and Yamal seem to be long -term attack prospects for Barcelona, ​​there are concerns that are preparing in Lewandowski.

Even if Barcelona is ready to extend the post of the post for another year, there is a lot of anxiety that the team has no appropriate long -term replacement for the player.

At the same time, the Blaugrana Also hope to add a new left winger to the team to further strengthen their attack list.

Barcelona looking at four attackers across Europe

To this end, a recent report of Mundo Deportivo suggests that Barcelona already follows at least four attackers across Europe, while the search for attacker strengthening intensifies.

The first of these four attackers is Liverpool Winger Luiz Diaz – The favorite option of the club to strengthen the left flank.

The attacker is well considered because of his ability to find himself in score situations, when he would have `dreams ” to play for Barcelona, ​​which makes it a viable option.

Apart from Diaz, Barça also follows Alexander Isakwhich is very well rated in the camp because of his skills and elegance.

Isak is a much younger option for Barcelona but just as effective as Swedish has been phenomenal since he joined Newcastle United.

Although the Magpies refused to put Isak on the market, the conservation of the attacker’s services could be difficult next summer given the way he marked in the Premier League.

The third player on the list is Rafael LeaoWho is a personal favorite of the President of Barcelona, ​​Joan Laporta.

Leao has been a coherent interpreter for Milan in recent years, with a history of 67 goals and 57 assists.

Barcelona has been linked to a move for Leao for some time now. And given his longevity in Milan, the coming summer could be a timely moment for the player to try a new adventure elsewhere.

The last player on this list is none other than Nico Williamswhich was closely linked to a move to Catalonia last summer.

It seems that Barça always keeps an eye on the athletics club forward, which has not played at the same level as last season, but remains one of the most talented wingers in La Liga.

The addition of Nico to the attack of Barcelona, ​​in general, could considerably increase the depth and quality of the club – which makes it an unstoppable force in Europe.

The feeling of relief of Aberdeen supporters was palpable from the top of Dundee’s law to Tay when the donations won a championship match for the first time in three months in Dens Park.

Topi Keskinen’s decisive objective was worthy of winning any match, anywhere. The huge support for visiting Bob Shankly also had a perfect view, because the Finn rocket whistled in front of Jon McCracken in the goal of Dundee. At this time of quality, you could see why the board of directors of Aberdeen sanctioned the large transfer costs to Later Keskinen in summer.

Jimmy Thelin hopes that the long -awaited victory will launch his Première season with a visit to Kilmarnock to come on Saturday.

There were a lot of positive points so that the manager withdraws victory with the winter arrivals Alexander Jensen, Mats Knoester and Kristers Tobers all impressive while the donations stopped their league sequence without record victory at 14.

Throughout the storm that had swallowed up the club during these 14 games, Thelin remained calm both on the touchline and in front of the microphones and it will be personally relieved that things seem to move in the right direction after sealing A place in the quarterfinals of the Scottish Cup the previous Sunday.

The team also recorded successive victories for the first time since he beat Dundee United and the Rangers in the days of October Halcyon.

It is quite remarkable that, despite the expectation of 99 days for a first victory, Aberdeen came from the weekend in third place and with everything to play.

There are seven games to make up to the split with nine teams that are realistically fighting it for the four upper half -places that remain available and the donations face four of the last six current at the top of the 33 -game bar.

Fans of donations have led the roller coaster all season and that shows no signs of slowdown.

After an exciting first step at the Etihad stadium last week, Real Madrid and Manchester City lock the horns of Santiago Bernabeu in their decision -makers in the Champions League Sharginations.

The hosts will go to the game as a favorite with an advance of 3-2 on their side, although we consider the record of Pep Guardiola against them as well as the quality of the city, it will be a game that begins with the Visitors having a great chance to progress nevertheless nevertheless.

Los Blancos was reinforced by the returns of Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Lucas Vazquez, who all missed the first step. That said, here is an overview of the potential starting eleven of the team at home.

Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois

Courtois should keep its place between the sticks in front of Andriy Lunin.

Return – Federico Valverde

Although he did the team, Vazquez is not entirely in good shape, so Valverde should play on the right back.

Central rear – Antonio Rudiger

Rudiger is undoubtedly the best defender of Real Madrid and will make a quick return to the starting eleven at the heart of the bottom line.

Rear center – raul asencio

ASENCIO has been brilliant in recent weeks and having become essential in the four rear, it is likely to associate itself with Rudiger in central defense.

Rear left – Ferland Mendy

Mendy rested on weekends against Osasuna after being presented in the first stage last week, so that he can also return to the left back for the return match.

Defensive military – Aurelien Tchouameni

Tchouameni could return to his favorite role at number 6 with Rudiger Fit to play in the central back, replacing Eduardo Camavonga in the process.

Right midfielder – Jude Bellingham

Although he will play an idiot role, Bellingham will move like the right midfielder on paper while he is trying to reproduce the superlative performance last week.

Mid -Terrain left – Dani Ceballos

Ceballos did not appear against Osasuna after a laborious performance in the first leg, in which he also helped the first equalizer of the team. He will be back in the starting eleven for Real Madrid once again.

Right winger – Rodrygo goes

Rodrygo has scored three goals and provided a decisive pass in his last three meetings against Man City in Bernabeu. He will start again on the right flank because he hopes to improve his incredible record against them.

Striker – Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe was on the target in the last three games for Real Madrid in all competitions and will also be nailed to Starter for this evening match.

Left winger – Vinicius Junior

The Madrid Big Game superstar, Vinicius, will play on the left wing when it still seems decisive in the Champions League after a man in the Etihad match in the first stage.

Inter Milan’s superstar, Marcus Thuram, opened his formidable attack alliance with Lautaro Martinez.

Addressing Cronache di spogliatoio via FcThuram discussed the famous “Thu-La” partnership.

Marcus Thuram has become a faithful for Inter since he joined the Borussia Monchengladbach club on a Bosman agreement in 2023.

Indeed, there was an influential part of the club’s remarkable race for a title of 20th Serie in the last quarter.

Thuram and Lautaro Martinez Dominated the high flight of Italy in 2023/24, leading Inter to resounding domestic success.

Despite the disappointing form of El Toro this season, the Frenchman remains a focal point in the last third.

With 13 goals, he is the most prolific player of the club in Serie A.

However, it should be noted that he only marked once in 2025 when injuries continue to hinder his momentum.

There is a chance that he can miss Genoa’s visit to Giuseppe Meazza this weekend due to an ankle problem.

Meanwhile, Martinez will run the line, looking for her first goal in five releases from Serie A.

The AS of Inter Milan Marcus Thuram opens with the partnership with Lautaro Martinez

Inter coach Simone Inzaghi Is strongly based on his out -of -competition duo while he offers to defend the Scudetto.

Although El Toro was not at its best, Italian giants are still the best Serie A attack team with 58 goals.

Lots of credit go to Thuram, which has 13 goals and four assists.

“For me, it is easier to play with two attackers, especially if Lautaro Martínez is there,” said Thuram.

“I don’t know if I would have done so well with another striker, but with him, I do it.

“I don’t do exactly what I want, but he likes to do things that I don’t do, and I do things that he doesn’t do.

Meanwhile, Thuram struggled to translate his exceptional club form into a national team.

“Yes, I fought a little more because it is a different training, a different tactic,” he confessed. “It’s not like Inter.”

Pep Guardiola says that his team will have to play with “courage” at the Bernabeu, while they are looking to reverse a 3-2 deficit from the first stage of their Champions League eliminatory against Real Madrid.

The former winger of the Premier League, Andros Townsend, was surprised by the manager’s comments, adding that the courage is “the only thing Manchester City had in good and bad times”.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily, Townsend added: “They try to play their own path, even when they may not be, so something they have is courage.

“They will probably need a little luck because they go to Bernabeu. We know that Real Madrid is devastating on the counterattack with their four before, which includes Jude Bellingham.

“I think they will need perfect performance to go.”

Statman Dave underlined two players who, according to him, could make the difference for Manchester City, adding: “Omar Marmoush marked his first triple of the season the last time, and I think he will provide a real threat to this left inside canal.

“Another player who could really win the match for Manchester City is Nico Gonzalez. We all saw how he commanded, read the game and won the ball superbly. He was like a” mini rodri “on the ball said.

“If Manchester City has to win it, expect Nico Gonzalez to be the man of the match.”

Listen to the full podcast on the sounds of the BBC

The former central defender of Arsenal endured a difficult period in Selhurst Park, having barely played for palace before leaving this winter.

Holding has now clearly indicated that he would be open to moving his loan to permanent Sheffield United, so it may be that his nightmare fate with Palace is about to end.

“I was in a strange place in my career and I thought I needed a team to take a chance,” said Holding the Star.

“I know my abilities and what I can bring to a team, and to be just at Sheffield United, they took your chance because I haven’t played for so long. If I can reimburse this, then so much the better and that’s what I will try to do.

Rob Holding’s difficulties since left Arsenal

The outfit seemed that it would surely be a decent signature for Palace when they took it from Arsenal in the summer of 2023.

However, this did not work at all this way, and Oliver Glasner will surely be perfectly happy to unload it as soon as possible.

Holding had a decent career as a team player at the Emirates Stadium, but he was unable to make this transition to the game more regularly for a club lower in the Premier League.

Instead, the 29 -year -old had to go back to the championship, although he hoped that it could prove to be a positive step for him.

PSG and Kylian Mbappe separated last summer after the player joined Real Madrid as a free agent at the end of his contract.

Despite the end of their direct link with each other, however, the two parties regularly met at various legal levels on the payment of a financial transaction that MBAPPE can be waiting.

The player claims the non-payment of a contractual bonus of 36.6 million euros, a salary of three months of 5.75 million euros each and half a million ethical bonuses for each of the three months aforementioned- All amounting to a total of 55.4 million euros.

Including in favor of PSG

Mbappe raised the case against PSG, which claims that it has abandoned the premiums when it has left the club, with two sports courts so far and that the decision has taken place on the two accounts.

Indeed, it was the legal committee in September of last year and the joint committee in October which both ruled in favor of Mbappe.

PSG brought the case to the ordinary magistracy before the Paris Labor Court while the representatives of Mbappe intensified the case before the Higher Sports Court – the Higher Calls Commission.

Now, as relayed by sport, the superior call commission of the French football federation has been inhibited by the case in what is a hard blow for the player’s chances of winning the case.

It has now appeared that such a contractual problem should only be presented before the ordinary court and not that of the FFF, playing the ball in favor of the PSG for the first time.

With the normal judicial power known to take more time to resolve disputes, Mbappe can be reassured that a final verdict will not come soon. In addition, there is now a good chance that the decision promotes Nasser al-Khelaifi and Co.

People often like to say that a player or a trainer has had their money once an ejection has become inevitable. Atalanta captain Rafael Tolói had something else.

Things reached a head in the 87th minute of a UEFA Champions League match between Atalanta and Club Brugge on Tuesday. Brugge was finishing a 5-2 global victory against the Italian club, a significant upheaval in the first round of the scene with direct tournament.

While the minutes were on the UCL offer of Atalanta, Tolói received a hard contact from the maximum of Brugge de Cuyper out of the limits. Tolói then completely humiliated.

His first reaction was to take the ball and Cuyper Spike in the head with. However, the ball slipped with Tolói’s hand like a cartoon. The throw also pushed Tolói enough unbalanced so that he then fell directly on his face.

De Cuyper then turned his back and jogging, how Tolói charged him and, after having exceeded a referee, slammed it on the ground. He goes without saying that he received a red card.

The match ended a few minutes later. Brugge, the Belgian Pro League champions last year, will advance to face Lille or Aston Villa in the round of 16, with one from Liverpool or Barcelona in the quarter -finals after that.