Higuaín signs for Napoli

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Napoli had confirmed through their website and a tweet from club president Aurelio de Laurentiis that Gonzalo Higuaín has signed a a five-year deal for the amount of 40 million euros.

The 25-year-old Argentine who scored 122 goals from 264 appearances for Los Blancos in six seasons will be making 4.5 million euros a year.

Bale wants Real Madrid move

image source: www.thesun.co.uk

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Gareth Bale had handed Spurs chairman Daniel Levy a transfer request which says: "You made me a promise. You promised me if we didn't qualify for the Champions League and a good offer turned up you'd listen to it. Well that offer has arrived and I want to play for Real Madrid. So keep your word and negotiate".

Marca also claimed that Bale told Levy that he is not interested in offers from Manchester United or any other club and that the Welsh player only sees his future at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Tottenham Hotspur's strategy is to make Bale's transfer the highest fee in football history even if it costs one more pound than Ronlado's £80 million fee for his transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid back in 2009, in this way Spurs will show the fans that they sold their star for something worthy.

The Sun had claimed that the Spanish giants have offered £80 million for the deal, while other reports mentioned a higher number, £86.3 million (100 million euros), but the one common thing between reports is that Tottenham have turned it down without hesitating.

Guardiola's Bayern down Barca in friendly

Bayern Munich won 2-0 over Barcelona in a friendly match at the Allianz Arena in this year's Uli Hoeness Cup

Goals from Philipp Lahm and Mario Mandzukic were enough for Bayern to secure a comfortable win over La Liga champions.

Official: Barcelona sign Gerardo Martino for two seasons

FC Barcelona had announced on their official website that they had reached an agreement with Gerardo Martino to be the manager of the club for the next two seasons.

The 50-year-old who is born in Rosario revealed that he is an admirer for Barcelona's tiki-taka. He was the Manager for Paraguay in 2010 Fifa world cup when they reached the quarters for the first time and Newell's Old Boys' Boss last season when they won their sixth Argentine Primera División.

Gerardo Martino is the fourth Argentinian manager in Barcelona history after Roque Olsen, Helenio Herrera and César Luis Menotti.

Who will get the Barcelona job?

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Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, former Paraguay and Newell's Old Boys coach, who is not currently managing a team is one of the favorites to replace Vilanova.

The 50-year-old who is born in Rosario, same city as Leo Messi is an admirer for Barcelona's tiki-taka, he was the head-coach for Paraguay in 2010 Fifa world cup where they reached the quarter-finals for the first time and the Boss for Newell's Old Boys last season (2012-2013) as they won their sixth Argentine Primera División.

According to Marca.com, Barcelona are already in contact with Messi's favorite Martino regarding their available vacancy.


Guus Hiddink has just resigned as manager of Russian club Anzhi, and is already rumored for Barcelona's job, he is one of the best managers in the recent era who led South Korea to the semi-finals at  2002 Fifa world cup.

The 66-year-old experience is unquestionable, he already managed  PSV, Fenerbahce, Netherlands, Real Madrid, Real Betis, South Korea, Australia, Russia, Chelsea and Turkey.


Luis Enrique, the former Barcelona and Real Madrid Player, started his managing career in 2008 at Barcelona B where he spent three years at the club before going to Roma for one season in 2011-2012.

On June 8th 2013 Luis Enrique became Celta de Vigo's Boss, but since Vilanova announced his resignation, he is now one of the favourites for the job.

PSG confirms Roma's Marquinhos signing

image source: forzaitalianfootball.com

French champions Paris Saint-German have confirmed the signing of  Roma defender Marquinhos  for 35 million euros for five-year deal to become the fifth most expensive defender of all time.

The 19 year-old Brazillian defender joined Roma last summer from Corinthians for only 3.7 million euros, he will wear the number five shirt at PSG.

Alvaro Negredo signs for Manchester City

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Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Sevilla's forward Alvaro Negredo for 28 million euros.

"City are delighted to announce the signing of Alvaro Negredo, who becomes the Club’s third new recruit of the summer." a statement on the club's official website said.

"The Spanish international follows Jesus Navas in making the switch from Sevilla.  He will join up with the squad on the pre-season tour, and wear the number 9 shirt."

source: http://www.mcfc.com/News/Team-news/2013/July/Negredo-signs-for-City

Tito Vilanova Steps down as Barcelona coach

image source: thesun.co.uk

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell announced this afternoon in an emergency press conference that the Catalan manager will not continue at Barcelona due to recurrence of his cancer.

The club said they will name the replacement next week hopefully, and that the team will not travel to Poland on Saturday.

Joan Francesc Ferrer, ‘Rubi’, former Girona coach who joined Barcelona coaching staff this year will be temporarily the head coach of the club.

PSG secure Edinson Cavani signing for 64 million euros

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Paris Saint-Germain have secured the signing of Napoli and Uruguay talisman Edinson Cavani for 64 million euros for five-year deal.

Cavani scored 104 goals from a total of 138 matches with Napoli, and was the Serie A top scorer last season with 29 goals.

The Uruguay international was linked with many big names this summer like Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City but PSG sealed the deal with the new Ligue 1 transfer record of 64 million euros, the previous record belonged to Monaco, which recently paid an estimated 60 million euros for Colombia striker Radamel Falcao.

"I am familiar with Ligue 1 and I know many players in the team, My message to the fans and the city is that I want to win and complete all of our objectives." said Cavani.

Manchester United offer 30 million euro for Cesc Fabregas

image source: www.independent.co.uk

Manchester United offered 30 million euros to Barcelona for Cesc Fabregas services.

After failing to sign former Barca midfielder Thiago Alcantara, Man United had turn their attention to another Catalan midfielder, the ex-Arsenal star Cesc Febregas.

Manchester United will have to wait now for Barcelona to respond now regarding the offer that they just made this Monday on July 15th.

Since he joined the Blaugranas back in 2011, Fabregas wasn't in top form although he scored 29 goals and helped his team with 32 assists from a total of 96 games. 

Thiago Alcantara to Bayern Munich for 25 million euros

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Barcelona and Bayern Munich have reached an agreement that Thiago Alcantara will join the Bundesliga  and European champions for a fee of 25 million euros. The agreement also includes that a friendly match between the two teams will be played  in the next four years.

The Spanish midfielder, 22 year-old, leaves Barcelona after playing for the first team for two seasons scoring seven goals, he will join up again with his former Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Bayern Munich Chairman, said in a statement: "Thiago Alcântara was the biggest wish of our new coach, Pep Guardiola. We are pleased that we have been able to seal this great transfer. Thiago is a fantastic player with great perspective, which will strengthen Bayern"

Thiago was named the best player at the European Under-21 Championship after his brilliant performance in the final when he scored a treble in Spain's 4-2 win over Italy.

France Under-20 win World Cup Turkey 2013

France beat Uruguay on penalties  to win Under-20 World Cup for the first time in their history.

Both teams couldn't find the net after 120 minutes of play resulting in a penalty shootout which France won 4-1.

Earlier in the same night, Ghana beat Iraq 3-0 in the third-place match.

Real Madrid sign Illarramendi for 38.9 million euros

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Real Madrid signed Real Sociedad midfielder and Spain U21 star Asier Illarramendi for a six-year contract for 38.9 million euros and will be presented to the press and fans on Saturday, Madrid paid the player’s buyout clause which is of 32 million euros plus 6.76 million euros of VAT.

Carlo Ancelotti, Real's new coach, was very excited about the signing of 23 year-old Illarramendi and had gave approval for the deal since his arrival.

Jokin Aperribay, Real Sociedad president, said in a statement: “Real Madrid have paid the buy-out clause plus VAT for Asier and he is leaving Real Sociedad this summer. We’re sad about it since he is going too early”.

Everton sign Barcelona youngster Gerard Deulofeu on loan for season

image source: outsideoftheboot.com

Liga champions Barcelona and Everton have reached an agreement over Gerard Deulofeu to go on one season loan to the Premiere League.

The 19 year-old Barca B star will join Roberto Martínez's Everton next season to gain experience in one of the top leagues in Europe.

He is considered one of the top rising stars for Barcelona where last season he scored 18 goals from 34 games and he played four matches with the first team.

"Gerard is a real diamond of Spanish football and a boy with incredible footballing talent and I am delighted that he has chosen to take the next step of his career with Everton.", said Roberto Martínez.

Barcelona reach deal with Atletico Madrid to sell David Villa

image source: cnn.com

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Spanish forward David Villa with a deal worth 5.1 million euros, the transfer will bring 2.1 millions this summer for the Catalan club, another 2 next year if Villa stays and one more million the year after.

Villa, 31 years old,  who joined Barcelona in 2010 played with the club 119 matches scoring 48 goals, ironically he could play against Barca as early as August, 28th in the Spanish super cup.

Tottenham confirm Paulinho signing

image source: www.topnews.in

Brazil's Confederations Cup midfield star Paulinho had signed a deal for Tottenham Hotspur for around 20 million euros after successfully completing his medicals at the English club.

The 24-year-old, capped by Brazil 17 times, enjoyed a successful career at Corinthians scoring 20 goals from 86 appearances, also he was named twice in the Brazilian league Team of the Year in 2011 and 2012.

"We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement for the transfer of Paulinho from Corinthians after the Brazil international successfully completed his medical.", Spurs said in a statement at their official website

Murray downs Djokovic to win Wimbledon

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Andy Murray thrashed world number one Novak Djokovic in straight sets 6-4 7-5 6-4 to become the first British male player to win the all grass court competition since Fred Perry in 1936.

The top two seeds, as expected put on some brilliant tennis but Andy was the better player from the start till the end of the match.

With nine aces, 72% of points won on 1st serve, 36 winners and only 21 unforced errors compared to 40 for Djokovic, the win was inevitable for the Scot number one.

Novak saved three championship points as Murray was serving for the match at 5-4, he even had three break-back points in that game, but the Briton saved them all, bringing up later a fourth championship point which he finally took after forcing Nole to net a volley.

“Before the final game I was thinking where I was going to put my first serve, because often when you’re serving for such a match the first point will be crucial.", Andy said after the match.

"Then after winning the first three points it was the hardest game ever, the hardest few points I ever played. At the end of the match I didn't quite know what was going on. It’s been a blur from then to now. Winning Wimbledon is the top of tennis.”, he added.

Bartoli destroys Lisicki to claim Wimbledon title

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Marion Bartoli had won her maiden grand slam title at the age of 29 after crushing German Sabine Lisicki 6-1 6-4 at Wimbledon final.

Lisicki broke her opponent in the first game of the match but then she lost her composure to lose the first set 6-1 in half an hour.

At 5-1 up in the second set for the French 15th seeded, Lisicki had to save three championship points at her own serve  as she suddenly clicked into gear to break Bartoli and hold again, but an ace on her fourth match point at 5-4 gave Bartoli her first grand slam at her 47th attempt.

Murray to meet Djokovic in Sunday's final

Andy Murray will face Novak Djokovic in Sunday's final at Wimbledon after he beat Polish 24th seed Jerzy Janowicz 6-7 6-4 6-4 6-3 in an exciting match.

Djokovic survives Del Potro's test to reach Wimbledon final

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World number one Novak Djokovic won the longest semi-final match in Wimbledon history over Juan Martin Del Potro 7-5 4-6 7-6(2) 6-7(6) 6-3 after 4 hours and 43 minutes.

Nole had seen two match points come and go against the Argentinian in the fourth set tie break but he somehow collected himself in the fifth set and won the decider 6-3 at the first time of asking.

"It was one of the best matches that I've been part of, definitely one of the most exciting. It was so close, really, nothing could separate us. That's why he's a Grand Slam champion.", Djokovic said after the marathon match.

Djokovic will now face the winner of the match between No. 2 Andy Murray and No. 23 Jerzy Janowicz in the final on Sunday.

Lisicki to meet Bartoli in Wimbledon Final

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Germany's Sabine Lisicki beat fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska 6-4 2-6 9-7 to reach her maiden grand slam final after a long match lasting two hours and 18 minutes.

Lisicki had to come back from 3-0 down in the final set to win it eventually 9-7, she will meet 15th seed Marion Bartoli in Saturday's final after the French player dismantled Flipkens 6-1 6-2  to reach her second Wimbledon final.

Murray came back from two sets down to beat Verdasco

Second seed Andy Murray came from two sets down to beat Fernando Verdasco 4-6 3-6 6-1 6-4 7-5 in an exciting quarter-final on Wimbledon's Centre Court, he will now face Polish Jerzy Janowicz in the semi-final who thrashed his countryman Lukasz Kubot 7-5 6-4 6-4 to put a Polish player in a Grand slam semis for the first time ever.

World number one will face Juan Martin Del Potro in the other half of the draw.

Wimbledon Men's Singles Quarterfinals Results:

• 2-Andy Murray (Britain) beat Fernando Verdasco (Spain) 4-6 3-6 6-1 6-4 7-5     
• 24-Jerzy Janowicz (Poland) beat Lukasz Kubot (Poland) 7-5 6-4 6-4              
• 1-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) beat 7-Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) 7-6(5) 6-4 6-3 
• 8-Juan Martin Del Potro (Argentina) beat 4-David Ferrer (Spain) 6-2 6-4 7-6(5)

FIFA Confederations Cup in numbers

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Brazil deservedly won their fourth Confederations Cup and their third in succession after beating world champions Spain 3-0 in the final with a remarkable performance.

Here are see some key numbers and statistics from the tournament:

• Brazil had now played seven consecutive Confederations Cup tournaments
• 16  matches were played in the tournament
• 68 goals were scored
• Fernando Torres was the competition top scorer with five goals (due to having played fewer minutes over the tournament)
• Neymar was named the player of the Confed 2013
• Júlio César was awarded the best keeper trophy
• Four goals were scored by Neymar and the four of them are considered stunning goals.
• Jo came in as a substitute for Brazil against Japan and Mexico to score in the third minute of added time in both matches
• Brazil ended 26-game unbeaten streak for Spain
• Five finals in the Confederations Cup had seen Brazil part of it, they only lost once to Mexico 4–3 back in 1999.

New women’s champion will be crowned at Wimbledon

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This year a new women’s champion will be added to the elite group who won Wimbledon after Kirsten Flipkens upset 2011 winner Petra Kvitova who was the last champion left in the draw.

Flipkens came from a set down to defeat Kvitova 4-6 6-3 6-4 to meet Bartoli in semi-final, as Sabine Lisicki who knocked out Serena William will meet the highest seeded player left Agnieszka Radwanska (4th seed).

Brazil hammer Spain to win Confederations Cup

Brazil were unstoppable against world champions Spain as they thrash them 3-0 to lift the Confederations Cup for the third time in succession and four times overall.

A brace from Fred and a stunning goal from Neymar help 'A Seleção' defend their title with a convincing performance on all aspects.

Result:
Brazil 3 (Fred 2, 48, Neymar 44)   Spain 0.