Latest news with #Benfica
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Report: Chelsea Misfit Edging Closer to Shock Return
Chelsea's Joao Felix Nearing Benfica Reunion? Chelsea's turbulent relationship with Joao Felix could finally be drawing to a close, as talks with Benfica for his return gather momentum, according to an exclusive report from CaughtOffside. Benfica Leading the Race Felix's return to Benfica is progressing, with the Portuguese side keen to secure a loan deal, despite Chelsea's preference for a permanent transfer. Sources told CaughtOffside that while this issue remains the key sticking point, both parties are eager for a resolution. Advertisement Chelsea's decision to loan Felix to AC Milan in January highlighted their dwindling faith in the Portuguese star, who struggled significantly during his second spell in West London. His inability to impact the Serie A further emphasised his career's stalled momentum. Joao Felix's Difficult Journey Once hailed as European football's next big star, Felix's career trajectory has taken several unexpected detours. Following his initial loan at Chelsea and a subsequent stint at Barcelona, Felix has struggled to replicate the scintillating form that earned him a record transfer from Benfica to Atletico Madrid. Felix's failure to make an impact this season has inevitably led to Chelsea seeking to cut their losses. With CaughtOffside revealing the player's preference to remain in Europe, Benfica emerges as his favoured destination. Competing Interest Chelsea aren't short of options for Felix, with interest reportedly coming from the Saudi Pro League and Brazilian giants Flamengo. Yet Felix's desire to remain in Europe has clearly put Benfica in the driving seat. Photo IMAGO Felix's attachment to Benfica, where he initially dazzled the footballing world, appears to offer him the best chance of reigniting his once-promising career. Returning to the familiar environment of Estádio da Luz could indeed prove transformative for the 25-year-old. Chelsea's Transfer Strategy For Chelsea, moving Felix on permanently would not only resolve a lingering squad issue but also bolster their finances to fund reinforcements. However, Benfica's reluctance to commit beyond a loan suggests Chelsea might have to compromise or seek alternative solutions. Advertisement Given Felix's current form, a permanent deal elsewhere seems increasingly difficult. A loan back to Benfica could, therefore, offer Chelsea a short-term solution and Felix the opportunity to rediscover his confidence and form. Our View – EPL Index Analysis Chelsea supporters, it's difficult to see Joao Felix's tenure at Stamford Bridge end this way. Initially, many fans, saw Felix as the creative spark they desperately needed. His arrival was greeted with excitement, anticipating he could inject flair and imagination into an often-stagnant attack. However, it simply hasn't clicked. Watching Felix struggle, both at Chelsea and during his time at AC Milan, has been frustrating. He clearly possesses talent but seems to lack the adaptability required in the Premier League. His second spell was an optimistic gamble by the club, one that hasn't paid off. While returning to Benfica feels somewhat anticlimactic for a player once touted as a future Ballon d'Or contender, it might just be what Felix needs. Perhaps the familiar surroundings and supportive environment of Benfica will reignite his career.
See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
Di Maria to Return to Boyhood Club Rosario Central
Rana Atef Argentina's FIFA World Cup winner Angel Di Maria reached an agreement to return to his teenage team Rosario Central, the club announced on Thursday. The 37-year-old will rejoin the Argentine Primera Division side on a free transfer after his contract with Portuguese Benfica expires in July. The club said in a statement: "Our history together has more pages to write. Welcome home." Di Maria began his professional career with Rosario Central in 2005 before signing with Benfica two years later. He had several spells at Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus before returning to Benfica in 2023. The winger ended his Argentina career last year with 145 caps, having won the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles. He will start his new run with Rosario Central following the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool bank eight-figure transfer fee as Real Madrid confirm Alexander-Arnold
Real Madrid have announced the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool WILL receive a transfer fee. Alexander-Arnold, 26, was under contract with boyhood club Liverpool until June 30 but Real have paid a cool £10million in order to sign him early. This will allow the England international, who's signed a five-year deal worth more than £220,000 per week, to feature at this summer's Club World Cup which Real will compete in unlike Liverpool. Alexander-Arnold confirmed on May 3 that he'd be leaving Liverpool after 20 years at the club. Having broken into the Reds' first-team back in 2016, the right-back went on to win two Premier League titles, one Champions League, one FA Cup and one League Cup. Earlier this season, Alexander-Arnold indicated to Anfield chiefs that he wanted a new challenge and opted against signing a new contract. That challenge has come in the form of the 15-time European champions. Alexander-Arnold could make his debut when Real face Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in Miami on Tuesday, June 18. The Spanish giants, now managed by ex-Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, will then play Mexican club Pachuca and Austrian outfit Red Bull Salzburg in a bid to reach the knockout phase. Alexander-Arnold won't be the only new arrival either. Mundo Deportivo report that Real will pay £42m to re-sign left-back Alvaro Carreras from Benfica. Carreras, 22, spent time at the Bernabeu during his youth and they're said to have agreed to bring him back for a second spell. The former Manchester United academy star only spent 18 months at Benfica, a contrast to the two decades which Alexander-Arnold had at Liverpool. The defender was booed on his first outing at Anfield after confirming the news of his exit, but his second and final appearance post-announcement was good-natured. "I didn't know what to expect stepping out at Anfield after what had happened a few weeks ago," Alexander-Arnold said amid Liverpool's Premier League title celebrations. "I wanted to play for the club one more time and he [Arne Slot] trusted me to play. "To get the reception I got means more than anything. I've played hundreds of games for the club but I've never felt so loved and cared for than today. "Hand on my heart I hope one day the fans will be able to recognise the hard work and everything I have done for the team. There wasn't a day, minute, second that I didn't think about the team. "From six years old to 26 now, 20 years is a very long time but I've loved every single minute of it, the ups and the downs, coming through the academy, making it into the first team, then being part of the first team properly. It's been an honour and a privilege for me to be part of this club." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Hans India
a day ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Angel Di Maria returns to Boyhood club Rosario Central
Rosario: Argentina's FIFA World Cup winner Angel Di Maria has reached an agreement to return to his boyhood team Rosario Central, the club announced. The 37-year-old will rejoin the Argentine Primera Division side on a free transfer after his contract with Portuguese outfit Benfica expires in July. "Our history together has more pages to write. Welcome home," read a statement issued by the club on social media. The right winger previously expressed a desire to return to his original club Rosario Central but increasing drug-related violence in the region and a number of threats against him and his family have halted his plans. Di Maria began his professional career with Rosario Central in 2005 before signing with Benfica two years later. He had subsequent spells at Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus before returning to Benfica in 2023. He went on to play more than 700 games in Europe for Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris St-Germain and Juventus. The former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus star retired after Copa America final last year, ending his Argentina career with 145 caps, having won the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles. He is also third in the all-time list of appearances for the national team, only behind Lionel Messi (186) and Javier Mascherano (147). Di Maria has won 30 trophies in Europe - including league titles in three countries and the 2013-14 Champions League with Real - as well as the World Cup and two Copa America trophies with Argentina. He will start his new spell with Rosario Central following the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
New York Times
a day ago
- Business
- New York Times
Angel Di Maria to return to boyhood club Rosario Central after Club World Cup
Angel Di Maria will return to his boyhood club Rosario Central 18 years after he departed to move to Europe. The Argentine top-flight side confirmed the news on social media with a video accompanied by the caption: 'Our history together has more pages to write… Welcome home.' Di Maria, 37, will join Rosario as a free agent after announcing he would be departing Benfica following the conclusion of his contract earlier this month. Advertisement Benfica confirmed he would move to Rosario after the Portuguese side's 2025 Club World Cup campaign. Benfica described Di Maria's participation in the tournament as a 'special and symbolic moment' for him and the club. The former Argentina international progressed through the Rosario academy and made 39 first team appearances between 2005 and 2007 before moving to Benfica. Un papel, una firma… ✍🏻Donde todo arrancó, vuelve a empezar. #BienvenidoÁngel 💙💛 — Rosario Central (@RosarioCentral) May 29, 2025 Di Maria said last summer that a return to Rosario had been in the works but he was forced to abandon plans due to alleged threats of violence against him and his family. The 2022 World Cup-winner's move back to Argentina ends his 18-year stay in Europe, in which time he has represented Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Benfica, winning the Champions League, La Liga, the Primeira Liga and five Ligue 1 titles. He returned to Benfica in 2023, and his side missed out on the league title on the final day of the 2024-25 season. 'It's very painful to end this way after such a long year,' Di Maria posted on Instagram after Benfica's draw with Braga on the last day of the campaign. 'This was my last league game in this shirt, and I'm proud to have been able to wear it once again.' Benfica play Boca Juniors in their Club World Cup opener on June 16 before facing Auckland City and Bayern Munich in the group stages. Rosario finished top of Group B in the first phase of the 2025 Argentine Primera Division and begin the second phase on July 13. The club have won the Argentine top-flight title on four occasions, last doing so in 1987, and share a hostile rivalry with city rivals Newell's Old Boys.
