Enko-football

Drinkwater to West Ham? January transfer for unwanted Chelsea star?

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 08:46:00 +0000

According to reports, Danny Drinkwater could be set for an exit from Stamford Bridge, with West Ham United set to be interested in the star's services.

Drinkwater has fallen out of favour with new Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri and has made only one appearance this season- in the Community Shield against Man City. He hasn't made a single appearance in the Premier League, Carabao Cup or the Europa League and has not even managed to make the bench.

With Drinkwater earning 100,000 a week, Chelsea not only need to find some one quick, but also need that club to be able to match his wages.

The midfielder's ex club Leicester City are said to be one, but West Ham also look likely candidates. The Hammers were very strongly linked with Drinkwater in the recently concluded summer window, but that move didn't materialise. They currently seem to play 3 in midfield, with Declan Rice behind Obiang and Noble. With Jack Wilshere injured, Drinkwater may be a good signing to aid the Hammers' depth in the centre of the park.

Bayern board rejected Kovac request to sign Rebic and Vogt

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 05:46:00 +0000

It's been a tough start to the season for Bayern Munich, who have pretty much had things all their way in Germany in the last decade. If reports in Bild are to be believed, new Bayern coach Niko Kovac (who replaced Jupp Heyneckes), wanted to sign Ante Rebic and Kevin Vogt, but his request was rejected by the Bayern board.

The Bavarians, somewhat surprisingly for a club for their stature, literally did no business in the summer transfer window. Their only major signing was that of Leon Goretka, who arrived on a free, and whose decision to move from Schalke to the Allianz Arena was made public several months ago.

After seven games in the league, Bayern are a lowly 7th with 13 points, four behind leaders Borussia Dortmund. They've failed to win in their last four games across all competitions, and were beaten 3-0 by Borussia Monchengladbach at home in their last game before the international break.

While centre back Vogt may not have been needed given that Bayern already have likes of Hummels, Sule and Boateng on their books (with Javi Martinez capable of filling in at CB if required), Rebic was certainly a signing that could've thrived at the Allianz- a better version of Ivica Olic (who was quite successful at Bayern), if we could put it that way.

Will Marko Arnautovic play against Chelsea? Pellegrini says player doubtful

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 11:32:00 +0000

West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has said that striker Marko Arnautovic is a doubt for their upcoming London derby clash against Chelsea on Sunday.

Arnautovic has been West Ham's best player in the last year, and was substituted midway through the second half after scoring in the Hammers' 3-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park. He was replaced by Michail Antonio, and Pellegrini has said that the Austrian has picked up a "problem behind his knee"

With Javier Hernandez ill and Lucas Perez having little playing time, the Hammers will be hoping that Arnautovic is passed fit for this game. The 29 year old scored the only goal in this fixture when West Ham upset Chelsea at the London Stadium in December 2017.
Chelsea have won their first five games of the season under Maurizio Sarri. West Ham, on the other hand, lost their opening four before claiming their first points of the season against the Toffees last weekend.

Gareth Bale does a Berbatov, makes a tough goal look easy

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 06:50:00 +0000

There is no doubting the fact that Gareth Bale is immensely talented, and if you still had any doubts over it, check out the Welsh star's superb goal in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund earlier this evening.

Great volley but you'd not be alone if you thought it wasn't great at first glance- Bale simply makes it look so easy.
<iframe src="https://streamable.com/s/vi8h3/prfkyx" width="490" height="276" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

(Via Gareth Bale Fansite)

Davide Zappacosta scores freak goal against Qarabag

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 10:37:00 +0000

Young Davide Zappacosta was among the scorers as Antonio Conte's side make short work of Azerbaijani opponents Qarabag at Stamford Bridge. The Blues won 6-0 in their Champions League opener

He scored this freak goal, which is still attracting debate in various circles- was it a shot, or was it a goal? Zappacrossa? Zappashoota? Zappascora? Check it out and decide
<iframe src="https://streamable.com/s/l8l6r/bysver" width="480" height="270" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

(thanks to FD for the vid)

Panenka Penalty Fail in Top flight football game

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 10:20:00 +0000

You're the penalty taker for a club that has just earned promotion to the top flight football league in your country.

You're taking on one of the country's biggest teams early on in the season, and are trailing 2-1.

You get a chance to take home a point when the referee awards a penalty in second half stoppage time.

What do you do? Attempt a cheeky Panenka? Certainly not, you say
But that's exactly what Juventus Bucuresti's George Calintaru did over the weekend against Steaua.

And his Panenka, most unfortunately, did NOT come off. His teammates, as you can imagine, weren't too pleased either.

He later punched his hand in the locker room and broke it, and his coach tendered his resignation after the game!

Wolfsburg edge first leg of playoff against local rivals

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Fri, 26 May 2017 11:27:00 +0000

Mario Gomez's thirty fifth minute penalty helped Wolfsburg edge local rivals Braunschweig in the first leg of their relegation playoff tie.

Braunschweig, who are bidding to become only the third 2.Bundesliga team to win their playoff since the introduction of the system in 2008-09, will still retain hopes after conceding only one goal at the Volkswagen Arena, and had goalkeeper Jasmin Fejzic to thank for some fine saves, despite the Bosnian failing to keep out Gomez's penalty.

This is the first time both Wolfsburg and Braunschweig are competing in the playoffs. It would ordinarily have been HSV in the Wolves' place, but they avoided a third appearance in four years in the playoffs thanks to a come from behind 2-1 win at the Volksparkstadion on the final day of the season.

Alexis Sanchez first Arsenal player to score 20 league goals in a season since Van Persie

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Thu, 11 May 2017 11:37:00 +0000

Arsenal's Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez has become the first Gunners player to score 20 league goals in a season since Robin van Persie in the 2011/12 season.

Sanchez achieved this feat in Arsenal's 2-0 midweek win away at Southampton, a game that was perhaps overshadowed by the Champions League semifinal taking place at the same time.

RVP left the Emirates that summer, and Alexis has been long linked with a summer switch. He, along with Ozil, are perhaps the two "world class" players in Wenger's side, and the Gunners have had again had a unfruitful season, with calls for Wenger's departure increasing

Premier League target moves to BVB

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 15:15:00 +0000

Borussia Dortmund have announced the signing of highly rated youngster Mo Dahoud from domestic rivals Borussia Monchengladbach.

The likes of Liverpool, Man City and Juventus were all interested in the services of the 20 year, but he has decided to continue his career in the Bundesliga by opting to join BVB in the summer on a five year. Dortmund will pay Gladbach approximately 10.3 million pounds for Dahoud.

Dahoud is the second big name confirmed to leave Gladbach this summer, with sporting director Max Eberl also confirming that on loan defender Andreas Christensen will return to Chelsea at the end of the current season.

Eric Dier New Contract 2016- Medio signs extension at Spurs

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 12:28:00 +0000

Spurs midfielder Eric Dier has signed a new contract that will keep him at White Hart Lane till 2021. Dier, recruited from Sporting Lisbon for 4 million pounds in 2014, has become a vital cog at the Lane and has also managed to break into the England squad during his stint at Spurs.

The news of Dier's new contract follows that of Christian Eriksen and Spurs are also likely to get Harry Kane and Kyle Walker to put pen to paper new deals.

Joleon Lescott signs for AEK Athens

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 10:43:00 +0000

Joleon Lescott has signed for Greek side AEK Athens, inking a two year contract that sees him leave Villa Park with immediate effect.

Lescott was close to signing for Rangers, but the deal didn't allegedly go through because of "family reasons", with the reason being quoted that he didn't want to uproot his family. That makes the move to AEK a bit perplexing, but it is what it is.

Manuel Neuer new contract Bayern Munich- Neuer inks five year deal to be at Allianz till 2021

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 10:03:00 +0000

Manuel Neuer has pledged his future to Bayern Munich after inking a new five year contract with the Bavarian giants that will keep him at the Allianz Arena till 2021. Reports earlier this season had Neuer as a potential target for new Man City manager Pep Guardiola, but this new contract puts to rest those rumours.

Neuer, considered by many as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, if not the best, has been at Bayern since 2011 when he joined from Schalke,

Neuer's previous deal with Bayern was due to expire in 2019.

Marcelo Horrible Play acting vs Wolfsburg in the Champions League

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 07:57:00 +0000

Terrible from Real Madrid's Marcelo, who earned himself a name in football's hall of shame with this piece of play acting
Direct Link

Ricardo Rodriguez minimum fee release clause 2016- Bayern interested in signing Wolfsburg star

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 09:17:00 +0000

Ricardo Rodriguez could be on his way to Bayern Munich this summer if Wolfsburg fail to qualify for the Champions League.

A year ago, the Swiss left back inked a fresh contract with the Wolves that would keep him at the Volkswagen Arena till 2019, but also incorporated a release clause in the contract- for 30 million euros. Should Wolfsburg fail to qualify for the Champions League, that figure will reduce to 24 million euros, and it is being said in the German media that Bayern are very likely to swoop for him, with new coach Carlo Ancelotti a big fan of the 23 year old.

Ancelotti originally wanted Rodriguez when he was managing Paris Saint-Germain but the move broke down due to the former's switch to Real Madrid

Video Cambuur-PSV 0-6 Highlights | Cambuur vs PSV Eindhoven 2015 Luuk de Jong Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 08:38:00 +0000

Luuk de Jong stars for PSV Eindhoven with a hat trick as they beat Cambuur 6-0 in their Eredivisie clash. Jurgen Locadia with two goals for PSV, with Davy Propper also scoring. Sander van de Streek red carded early in the game for Cambuur.

7:39 duration, Dailymotion

AVB to leave Zenit at end of 2015/16 season

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 07:39:00 +0000

Portuguese manager Andre-Villas Boas has confirmed that he will not be signing a new contract at Zenit St.Petersburg and will leave the Russian Premier League outfit at the end of the current 2015/16 season.

The news was announced by Zenit's official twitter account.

Some rumours have linked Villas-Boas with a switch to Bayern next year, especially if Pep Guardiola goes to Man City as expected.

Breaking news! AVB says he will see out the rest of the season with Zenit but will not sign a new contract. More to follow!
— FC Zenit in English (@fczenit_en) September 10, 2015

Nelson Oliveira & Ryan Mendes to Nottingham Forest- NFFC sign European duo on loan

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 15:16:00 +0000

Nottingham Forest have completed the double transfer of Nelson Oliveira & Ryan Mendes from Benfica and Lille respectively.

Portuguese forward Oliveira, 24, who has been capped 14 times at international level, has joined on loan till the end of the season.

A similar loan deal has been worked out by Forest with Ligue 1 outfit Lille for winger Mendes, 25.

Forest are also said to be closing in on the signing of Jonathan Williams from Crystal Palace.

Wolfsburg's most expensive transfer- Wolves shatter record to sign Draxler from Schalke

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 04:28:00 +0000

Wolfsburg have made their most expensive ever signing after securing the transfer of Julian Draxler from Schalke. Draxler has moved for a fee of 35 million euros, making him the second most transfer within the Bundesliga after Mario Gotze's 37 million euro switch from Dortmund to Bayern Munich.

The deal was also Schalke's biggest sale, a fact confirmed by the club's director Horst Heldt.

Draxler is expected to be a replacement for Kevin de Bruyne, who moved to Manchester City for a staggering 74 million euros (54m GBP). Wolfsburg allegedly picked up a total of 100 million euros from the combined transfers of de Bruyne and Ivan Perisic, who joined Inter Milan.

Llorente joins Sevilla

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 09:06:00 +0000

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has joined Sevilla on a free transfer, the Spanish club have announced.

The 30 year old has had his contract terminated early by the Serie A giants and has joined his new club on a 3 year old with a 20 million euro buyout clause.

Juve bought Llorente from Athletic Bilbao in 2013 but the striker never produced the same impact in Italy that he did in his native Spain

Sevilla were looking for an attacking reinforcement following the loss to Cristian Bacca to AC Milan.

Europa League winners Sevilla are in the same Champions League group as Juve, with Man City and Gladbach being the other two teams.

Chelsea sign Pedro Rodriguez

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 03:40:00 +0000

After being linked all summer with a move to Manchester United, Pedro Rodriguez has signed for the Red Devils' Premier League rivals Chelsea. The Blues have snapped him for a fee of 30 million euros, and he has put pen to paper a four year deal at Stamford Bridge.

The move re-unites the 28 year old with his former Barcelona teammate Cesc Fabregas.

It is understood that Barcelona were happy to keep Pedro, but the latter had got frustrated after being kept on the bench at the Nou Camp in order to accomodate Messi, Suarez, Neymar and co. It was a thirst for regular first team action that forced him to seek a transfer.

3 million euros of the transfer fee are linked to performance.

Pedro is expected to make his Chelsea debut this weekend against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.

Real Madrid sign Mateo Kovacic

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 16:00:00 +0000

Real Madrid have completed the signing of youngster Mateo Kovacic from Inter. The 21 year old Croat moves to the Bernabeu for a fee of 32 million euros. The move will see him join fellow countryman Luka Modric, with both players having represented Dinamo Zagreb early in their careers.

Inter boss Roberto Mancini said that they didn't want to sell Kovacic, but were forced to in order to adhere to the new Financial Fairplay Rules.

The Nerazzurri are reportedly lining up Wolfsburg's Ivan Perisic as a replacement for Kovacic.

Everton vs Watford 2-2 Highlights | Video EFC Watford Goals 08-08-2015

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 17:27:00 +0000

Watford take the lead twice against Everton, but go down 2-2 at Goodison Park in their opening game of the new PL campaign.

Everton 2 (Barkley 76, Kone 86) Watford 2 (Layun 14, Ighalo 82)

Mourinho contract extension- The Special One pens four year deal

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 06:11:00 +0000

Jose Mourinho has penned a contract extension at Chelsea that will keep him at Stamford Bridge till atleast 2019.

The Portuguese manager is in his second spell as manager at Chelsea after rejoining them in 2013 on a four year contract. He lead them to the league and Cup double in 2014/15.

Chelsea open their league campaign against Swansea this weekend.

Di Maria completes PSG switch, leaves Man Utd

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:00:00 +0000

Another Argentine signing that hasn't quite worked out for Man Utd, as Angel di Maria officially confirmed his switch to Paris Saint-Germain, just a year after he joined the Red Devils.

PSG have paid Man Utd £44.3m (63 million euros), £15m down on the £59.7m British record fee that United paid for the Argentine playmaker last season.

Di Maria started his career at United well, but was shunted across various positions and then suffered a pelvic injury late last year. Reports started to emerge that he was unsettled in Manchester and an attempted break in at his Cheshire house didn't help matters.

Di Maria did not tour with United in their pre-season games in the United States

Sami Khedira Injured 2015- Medio will not play for Juve for next two months

noreply@blogger.com (Football) — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 11:02:00 +0000

New Juventus signing Sami Khedira will not feature for the Bianconeri till October. The German midfielder picked up a thigh injury on his Juve debut in their pre-season friendly against Marseille and is expected to be on the sidelines for the next two months.

Khedira has struggled with injuries in recent times, and made a handful of appearances for Real in the second half of last season owing to injury issues. It was widely rumoured that his injury problems were the main reason that Real agreed to sell him, although Khedira has insisted that he wasn't wanted by the club.