Graham Hunter, Spain writerJun 6, 2023, 05:30 AM ET Close Graham Hunter is a Barcelona-based freelance writer for ESPN.com who specializes in La Liga and the Spanish national team. The last time Real Madrid were this shocked by a departure they made a right mess of coping with it. And don’t be under any illusion, … Read more
Tim Vickery, South America correspondentJun 6, 2023, 06:11 AM ET Lucas Paqueta’s challenging debut season at West Ham will be forgotten if he shines in the UECL final and becomes their new midfield talisman. Visionhaus/Getty Images There was a feeling of exuberance around West Ham United at the end of August 2022, when Lucas Paqueta joined … Read more
Chris Wright, Toe Poke writerJun 5, 2023, 07:00 AM ET The Belgian Pro League season came to a rip-roaring conclusion this weekend as a trio of teams at the top of the table all managed to get one hand on the trophy during the dying minutes of the 2022-23 campaign. The 34-game Pro League regular … Read more
Chris Wright, Toe Poke writerJun 6, 2023, 05:00 AM ET Champions League finalists Inter Milan are known by several different variations of their name, depending on where you are in the world and who is referring to them. Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images With Inter Milan preparing to face Manchester City in their first Champions League final since … Read more
Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign exciting Ecuador Under-20 international Kendry Paez from Independiente del Valle, the Premier League club said on Monday. The 16-year-old midfielder, who is considered among the brightest talents in South America and has made five appearances for leaders Independiente del Valle in Ecuador’s top-flight this season, will join Chelsea … Read more
Jeff Carlisle, U.S. soccer correspondentJun 5, 2023, 05:45 PM ET Close Jeff Carlisle covers MLS and the U.S. national team for ESPN FC. United States midfielder Christian Pulisic admitted that his 2022-23 club season with Chelsea was “really tough.” Pulisic spoke with reporters on Monday from Carson, California, where the USMNT is training ahead of … Read more
Rob Dawson, CorrespondentJun 5, 2023, 06:39 AM ET Manchester United are pushing ahead with a bid to sign Mason Mount despite ongoing uncertainty over the club’s ownership, sources told ESPN. The board, including co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer, have given the green light to pursue Mount, who is set to leave Chelsea this summer. – … Read more
Mark Ogden Gabriele Marcotti Jun 5, 2023, 08:59 AM ET Van Dijk has been exceptional in the heart of Liverpool’s defense for several excellent seasons, but does he have a lot left to offer this team moving forward? James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images Liverpool will miss out on Champions League football next year. There were some … Read more
The summer transfer window might not be open yet in Europe, but teams are getting ready for it, and there’s plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals! TOP STORY: Man Utd remain keen on Kim Min-jae Manchester United are closing … Read more
Alex Kirkland, ESPN FCJun 4, 2023, 02:48 PM ET MADRID — Karim Benzema scored a penalty in his last game for Real Madrid as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Athletic Club in LaLiga on Sunday. With the focus on Benzema, it was Thibaut Courtois who starred in the first half, saving Mikel … Read more