Sunday, February 2, 2014

Time's up! Who sealed their deadline-day deals?


It was a frantic close to transfer deadline day, even if some of the big deals did not go through.

There was still plenty of action, with Dimitar Berbatov swapping Fulham for Monaco and Kostas Mitroglou replacing him from Olympiakos.

Dani Osvaldo clinched his move from Southampton to Juventus, and Adel Taarabt also left for Serie A, namely AC Milan.

Arsenal had been hopeful of signing Julian Draxler throughout January but would not match Schalke's valuation. They also wanted Blaise Matuidi and considered Mogran Schneiderlin, but ended up with Kim Kallstrom on loan from Spartak Moscow.

There was bad news for Liverpool, too, as they missed out on a late deal for Yevhen Konoplyanka.

If you want to find out how deadline day panned out in more detail, check out Goal's in-depth guide.
Saturday, February 1, 2014 10:00

Friday, January 31, 2014

Last chance! Deadline day targets exit through transfer window

The clock is ticking and the January transfer deadline is fast approaching - could there be some late moves before the window closes?

Arsene Wenger has ruled out the signing of Julian Draxler, but Arsenal are in talks to sign both Lazio striker Miroslav Klose and Spartak Moscow midfielder Kim Kallstrom.

Southampton look set to say goodbye to Dani Osvaldo, who is in Turin for a medical with Juventus ahead of a loan move.

Dimitar Berbatov is also on the move. Tottenham looked favourites to re-sign the striker after Lewis Holtby moved to Fulham, but Monaco have stolen ahead in a move for the Bulgarian.

Plenty of moves have been confirmed and there are a lot more expected before the deadline - stay with Goal for all the latest updates!
Friday, 31 January 2014 13:30

19th century West Ham keep out Chelsea

Jose Mourinho let his frustrations be known on Wednesday night after West Ham somehow managed to hold Chelsea to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea bombarded Sam Allardyce's side, who stood firm against chance after chance with a well-manned defensive line that simply would not budge.

But Mourinho took exception to West Ham's strategy and voiced his disapproval after the game.

"This is not the best league in the world, this is football from the 19th century," said Mourinho.

"The only thing I could bring was a Black and Decker to destroy the wall."

Allardyce though, was quick to brush off the criticism.

"He can't take it, can he?" he replied. "He can't take it because we've outwitted him - he just can't cope."
Thursday, January 30, 2014 15:30

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Wheels beginning to fall off Arsenal bandwagon

Arsenal’s season took a turn for the worse on Tuesday as the Premier League leaders were held to a 2-2 draw at Southampton.

The result means Arsene Wenger’s men could be knocked off top spot should Manchester City beat Tottenham on Wednesday.

However, there was worse to follow with news that midfielder Aaron Ramsey, so often the star of the show for the Gunners this season, would be out for another four to six weeks through injury.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014 13:14

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Wenger hoping to ride Puma to success

Riding the crest of a... Puma?!

It may be not be a phrase that rolls off the tongue but that is exactly what Arsenal could be doing afteragreeing a commercial partnership with the German sportswear company.

The agreement, announced on Monday, will be the club's "biggest commercial deal ever", with Puma replacing Nike as the club's official kit supplier ready for the 2014-15 Premier League campaign.

Speaking about the deal, chief executive Ivan Gazidis told the club's official website: "We are excited to be partnering with PUMA, a company whose football heritage and record of innovation have a strong affinity with our own.

"This represents another important step forward in Arsenal's progression on and off the pitch."
Tuesday, January 28, 2014 11:00


Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Mourinho snatches Salah from Liverpool as Mata moves on

With just days to go, the January transfer window is beginning to hot up with the big clubs starting to splash the cash.

Manchester United have sealed the biggest transfer of the window so far, signing Juan Mata from Chelsea for a club-record £37.1 million.

However, the Blues have also been active, snapping up Mohamed Salah from FC Basel from under the noses of Liverpool.

Monday, January 27, 2014 12:00

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Rosell's special delivery for Neymar's parents

The controversy surrounding the resignation of Barcelona president Sandro Rosell rumbles on in Spain.

Rosell stepped down on Thursday, following the announcement of an investigation into the transfer of Neymar to Camp Nou.

At a press conference on Friday, Rosell's replacement, Josep Maria Bartomeu, was adamant the deal to sign the Brazil international cost €57.1 million.

Of that €57.1m transfer fee, €40m went to Neymar's parents, with the deal - including a signing-on fee, commission, marketing and other add-ons - totalling €86.2m.

"I guarantee we have not lied," Bartomeu said, denying any wrongdoing. "Football games are won on the field of play and we have always been highly responsible in the way we have dealt with our contracts. My colleagues have a high level of expertise."
Saturday, January 25, 2014 12:00

Crocked Falcao sucked into World Cup abyss

Radamel Falcao is set to be another high-profile star missing from the World Cup after being ruled out for six months through injury.

The Colombia international tore his anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Monaco against Chasselay in the Coupe de France meaning he will play no part in this summer’s tournament in Brazil.

The striker insists he still retains a small hope he will be fit in time, but it is expected that like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who missed out on qualification with Sweden, he will have to make do with simply watching the action.
Friday, January 24, 2014 12:10

Friday, January 24, 2014

Manchester United pay the penalty in Capital One Cup

Manchester United’s season took another turn for the worse on Wednesday night as they crashed out of the Capital One Cup in the semi-final second leg Old Trafford.

Phil Bardsley thought he had sent Sunderland to Wembley after scoring deep into extra-time before Chicharito’s even later strike ensured the game went to penalties.

A far from impressive set of spot-kicks ensued with the Black Cats triumphing 2-1 in the shoot-out with Danny Welbeck, Adnan Januzaj, Phil Jones and Rafael all missing for the Red Devils.
Thursday, January 23, 2014 10:44

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Moyes tries to sneak Mata away from Mourinho

With his team struggling in the Premier League, Manchester United manager David Moyes is understandably keen to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.

One man on the Scot’s radar is Chelsea bench-warmer Juan Mata who Jose Mourinho has previously claimed he does not want to sell.

However, Manchester United are not to be deterred and have stepped up their interest in the Spaniard who they hope they can convince to swap Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014 11:42