Latest news with #PSG
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Real Madrid Pushing to Sign Liverpool Star in ‘Ruthless' Move
Konaté's Future and Liverpool's New Contract Reality With Real Madrid circling and just a year remaining on his contract, Ibrahima Konaté finds himself at the centre of a growing dilemma — one that perfectly illustrates Liverpool's new, unforgiving approach under Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes. The club's new hierarchy is not interested in sentiment, nor in repeating the Trent Alexander-Arnold situation, where a full season of awkward silence ended with Liverpool's vice-captain walking for free to the Bernabéu. The fluent Spanish that was presented to a new fanbase showed that the former homegrown academy graduate was a long-term Galactico in waiting, therefore, steps are now being taken by the Anfield executives to halt any attempt by the European heavyweights to entice another star from Merseyside. Now, with Luis Díaz and Andy Robertson also potentially departing under similar circumstances where deals are reducing, a hardline policy is emerging: sign or go. Advertisement Madrid's strategy of leveraging their stature to tempt players into running down contracts — as they've done repeatedly with elite names across Europe — is well known. But Liverpool is actively trying to cut that pipeline off. Konaté, a player of elite pedigree when fit, is now the subject of a high-stakes standoff. Extend by the end of July, or be sold. And with clubs like PSG lurking in the background after their humbling 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final, there's a growing sense that the French international could still command a premium fee. Though Ibou is a superb player, you get the feeling that if any recruit of good standing were to replace him, they would immediately see their levels increase when paired with the greatest central defender of all time, Virgil van Dijk. The urgency of reaching a decision is real. And if Konaté is not on board with the club's trajectory—or unwilling to commit — then Liverpool will simply move on. The rebuild under Arne Slot will not be shaped around players who hesitate, and though I believe he will extend his deal, that opinion has no guarantees. A Market Open for Replacements If Liverpool do sanction Konaté's exit this summer, they'll already have mapped out contingencies. PSG would likely be willing to spend £50 million or more, allowing the Reds to reinvest without hesitation. Two primary options are already believed to be under consideration: Crystal Palace's Marc Guéhi and Sporting Lisbon's Ousmane Diomande. Both are high-level defenders with experience in progressive systems and would offer immediate continuity alongside Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk. Advertisement Guéhi, in particular, offers Premier League familiarity and has shown leadership qualities with both Palace and England. Diomande, meanwhile, is more raw but offers explosive upside and long-term resale value — something Edwards and Hughes never overlook. Either option could be signed for a fee close to what PSG might offer for Konaté, making this a relatively clean transition if a deal is executed swiftly. The potential exit of Andy Robertson, now 31 with a year left on his deal, only adds to the sense of a full defensive evolution. While Robbo's status as a club legend is unquestionable, the club's new structure isn't waiting for players to decline or stall on expensive contracts. If that contract's running out, decisions will be made. That's the directive now. Loyalty lives in the stands, not on the wage bill of a new regime. A Younger Solution and Structural Thinking Beyond a senior replacement, Liverpool's leadership may also seek to add a younger centre-back who can be developed under Slot's model — someone who can mirror what Quansah has done over the past year. One name gathering quiet momentum is Giovanni Leoni, the towering teenager from Parma. A left-footed, composed presence with physical dominance and a high ceiling, Leoni fits the bill of the 'next in line' central defender Liverpool can shape and would make the first team group a party of four once again. Advertisement It's this layered approach that has defined the post-Klopp era so far — a combination of short-term coverage with long-term sustainability. If Konaté goes, Liverpool will not panic and will have contingency plans in place. They'll replace him with efficiency and purpose, with a list long since prepared of players that can be attained. And if the Frenchman does choose to stay, it will be because he sees a team capable of competing for every major trophy — not because he was allowed to drift toward a free agency move to Madrid. The message is now abundantly clear: no player is irreplaceable, and no contract will be allowed to dwindle in the shadows. The exits of Díaz and potentially Robertson signal that the days of 'we'll wait and see' are over. Ibrahima Konaté may still have a place in this Liverpool project, but only if he signs up for it — literally and figuratively — before the clock runs out.
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Club World Cup 2025: Blues win on Palmer power
Under the searing New Jersey sun, Chelsea stunned Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) 2025 on July 14 (IST), beating the UEFA Champions League winner 3-0 at MetLife Stadium to win the first edition of FIFA's revamped competition. The United States hosted its first major FIFA tournament since the 1994 World Cup. For the final, there was a real sense of occasion at MetLife Stadium, with the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline and President Donald Trump in attendance among a crowd of 81,118. There was even the first-ever half-time show at a FIFA tournament, adding a Super Bowl vibe. PSG's dominance undone Going into the match, PSG was the overwhelming favourite to lift the title. The French side was eyeing a fourth major title of the season and had been ruthlessly majestic on its way to the final. It defeated Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in the round of 16, dispatched Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, and demolished Real Madrid in the semifinal. But having been three goals ahead midway through the first half in the semifinal, this time the roles were reversed as PSG found itself 3-0 down by the break. Chelsea employed a simple high-press strategy, sticking some classic long balls over the top of the European champion's defence. It was a masterclass in counter-attack from Enzo Maresca's side to take home a jackpot of almost USD 125 million. When Maresca arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2024, he was welcomed by a divided Chelsea fanbase. Still, the Italian ended his first season having secured Champions League football, a UEFA Conference League trophy, and now the title of Club World Cup champion. Chelsea's journey to the club football summit was marked by strong performances, a favourable draw, and the mid-tournament acquisition of an 80 million USD striker (Joao Pedro). It overcame LAFC, ES Tunis, Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense to reach the final, bouncing back despite a 3-1 group stage loss to Flamengo. Maresca outwits Enrique To defeat PSG's previously irrepressible team represents a spectacular achievement for a Chelsea side that had been largely unfancied before the start of the tournament. Cole Palmer was the hero of the night for the Premier League club and went on to win the Player of the Tournament award. The 23-year-old bagged a brace and set up another for Joao Pedro as the Blues became the first English side to lift the trophy twice after winning the 2021 edition. Cole Palmer (centre) scored a brace in the final. | Photo Credit: AFP Having played on the left of Chelsea's attack and as a drifting No. 10 this season, Palmer started on the right flank as Maresca looked to expose a chink in the armour of Luis Enrique's side. The selfless running of striker Pedro and wing-back Malo Gusto was integral to Palmer's punishing performance — either running in behind to create space or pushing to that flank to ensure there were bodies around him. The Parisian side was uncharacteristically disjointed throughout the match, with its stars failing to make an impact. Maresca's tactical prowess was evident as he expertly outmanoeuvred Enrique. Chelsea's defence, anchored by a five-man backline, employed a low block to effectively stifle PSG's normally free-flowing attack. Adding to Chelsea's heroics, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez delivered a world-class performance, making a series of crucial saves that repeatedly thwarted PSG's attempts to get back into the game and dashed any hopes of a comeback for the French giant. A glimpse into football's future Since a Clearlake Capital-led consortium acquired Chelsea from Roman Abramovich for USD 3.2 billion in May 2022, the club has invested nearly USD 1.89 billion on over 45 players across six transfer windows. This period has been tumultuous for the London club, but the CWC win suggests Chelsea may finally be heading towards a more consistent future. In the end, the final of a season-ending tournament boasting a USD 1 billion prize pool encapsulated the state of the game in 2025. This was a clash between a club backed by a Qatari sovereign wealth fund, and another owned primarily by an American private equity firm — two of the three highest-spending clubs in global football over the past decade.
Morocco World
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Official: Young Midfielder Mohamed Amine El Idrissi Joins PSG
Moroccan midfielder Mohamed Amine El Idrissi had officially completed a move to PSG on a free transfer. The 20-year-old, who captained Amiens' reserve team in the third division, has signed a one-year professional contract with the French champions. OFFICIEL !! Mohamed-Amine El Idrissi (2005) rejoint le Paris Saint-Germain et signe un contrat professionnel d'un an !! 🇲🇦✍️ L'ex capitaine de la réserve d'Amiens jouera avec l'équipe espoirs ! ❤️💙 — ICParisSG ❤️💙 (@icparissg_) July 15, 2025 El Idrissi will join PSG's U21 squad this summer and will be evaluated for potential inclusion in the first team. He is known for his tactical versatility, occupying three attacking roles. Early in his career, he played as a left-back, before evolving into playmaking and attacking midfield. The signing comes within the new French and European champions' policy in attracting new figures and young talents, to empower future players. The Franco-Moroccan Player was given a new step for his career, and he will reach a new level in one of the most competitive clubs in Europe.
ITV News
5 hours ago
- Sport
- ITV News
England and Chelsea star Cole Palmer receives hero's welcome in grandfather's birthplace St Kitts
England and Chelsea footballer Cole Palmer arrived to a hero's welcome on the tiny Caribbean island of St Kitts, where his grandfather was born. Fresh from lifting the Fifa Club World Cup with victory over PSG in New York, Palmer, 23, made his first visit with his family to the birthplace of his grandfather, Sterry Palmer, a place close to his heart. The midfielder, born and raised in Wythenshawe, Manchester, is also proud of his Caribbean heritage, wearing the flag of St Kitts and Nevis – alongside the England flag – on his football boots to honour his family's roots. The gesture has delighted Kittitians, who have taken Palmer into their hearts, with his 'cold' goal celebration copied by schoolchildren across the island, which has a population of just 47,600. He was met at the airport by the country's deputy prime minister Geoffrey Hanley, tourism minister Marsha T Henderson, and a troupe of traditional Masquerade performers, before being given an authentic Kittitian welcome. Palmer said: 'Landing in St Kitts off the back of winning the Club World Cup felt really special. 'It's where my grandad's love for football started. The island's beautiful and really chilled. I can't wait to explore the mountains, rainforest and sea – and to try out the food.' St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew said: 'Cole Palmer's visit to St Kitts and Nevis is a powerful reminder of the strength and pride of our diaspora. 'His presence and mentorship will inspire the next generation to believe that global success is possible, no matter where you come from. 'We are proud to welcome him home and deeply grateful for his commitment to our young people and to the development of sports in our federation.' 'It's an honour to welcome Cole Palmer and his family to St Kitts", tourism minister Marsha T Henderson said. "The Palmers already have a special connection to the island and that will only grow as they spend time exploring our lush rainforests, picturesque mountains and stunning waters, and savouring our rich culture and cuisine.'
NDTV
5 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
FIFA Club World Cup Prize Money: PSG Got Rs 918 Crore, Chelsea Took Home...
Cole Palmer fired a brace and provided an assist as Chelsea stunned Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final of FIFA Club World Cup 2025 last week at the Metlife Stadium, New Jersey, United States. Palmer opened the scoring midway through the first half and struck again to make it two on the half-hour mark, before taking advantage of passive defending to set up Joao Pedro for the third on 43 minutes. PSG's Portuguese midfielder Joao Neves was shown red following a VAR review four minutes from the end for pulling Marc Cucurella by the hair off the ball. FIFA had allocated a $1 billion prize pool for the inaugural edition of the 32-team tournament. European teams, including finalists Chelsea and PSG, received higher shares due to their higher sporting and commercial rankings. According to FIFA, the prize money breakdown was $475 million for participation fees and $525 million based on sporting performance. Here are the top 5 earners from FIFA Club World Cup 2025: 1. Chelsea: $114.6 million (approx. Rs 984 crore) 2. Paris Saint-Germain: $106.9 million (approx. Rs 918 crore) 3. Real Madrid: $82.5 million (approx. Rs 708 crore) 4. Fluminense: $60.8 million (approx. Rs 552 crore) 5. Bayern Munich: $58.2 million (approx. Rs 500 crore)
