Latest news with #SerieA
Malay Mail
27 minutes ago
- Sport
- Malay Mail
Portugal's Joao Felix joins Ronaldo at Al Nassr in Saudi, to earn US$10m a year
RIYADH, July 30 — Portuguese forward Joao Felix has signed a two-year deal with Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr, where he will join Cristiano Ronaldo, the club announced Tuesday. Felix, now 25, made a blockbuster move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid in 2019, but has since seen his fortunes decline. 'I'm here to spread joy. Let's win together,' said Felix in a video posted on the Riyadh club's X account. A separate post said he had signed until 2027. Felix remains one of the most expensive transfers in history, following his move to Atletico for €127.7 million (RM624 million) six years ago. He has since failed to score more than 10 goals a season, despite stints at Barcelona, AC Milan and Chelsea. According to Arryadia, a Riyadh sports newspaper, Felix will earn US$10 million a year. Saudi Arabia has shaken up football by spending heavily on stars from Europe, starting with Ronaldo's arrival in 2023, and the conservative desert nation will host the World Cup in 2034. Many of the signings have been ageing stars, but Felix bucks the trend along with Mateo Retegui, 26, the Serie A top-scorer who joined Al Qadsiah last week. French international Theo Hernandez, 27, left AC Milan for Al Hilal in a reported US$29 million deal earlier this month. Top coaches have also been lured to Saudi Arabia, including Italy's Simone Inzaghi who led Al Hilal to an upset win over Manchester City at the Club World Cup. At Al Nassr, Felix will be working under Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who was sacked by Al Hilal in May following their defeat in the Asian Champions League semi-finals. — AFP
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool Winger Rejects Jose Mourinho Interest in Favour of Serie A Move
Chiesa Makes Serie A Preference Clear as Liverpool Exit Looms Federico Chiesa's brief and unfulfilled spell at Liverpool appears to be nearing its conclusion. After just one season on Merseyside, the Italian winger seems poised for an exit, with strong suggestions he is seeking a permanent return to Italy. According to Calciomercato, 'Chiesa has now made his transfer preference clear if he is to leave Liverpool, which he's intending to do permanently rather than on loan.' Signed for £10 million from Juventus in August 2024, the 27-year-old was a calculated gamble for a Liverpool side navigating both transition and expectation under Arne Slot. Injuries, however, plagued his first year. He made just 14 appearances across all competitions, with only one Premier League start, according to Transfermarkt. With no place in the squad for Liverpool's pre-season tour of the Far East, his exclusion spoke volumes about his future. Serie A Return Beckons for Chiesa Chiesa's preference is understood to be a return to Serie A, where his stock remains high despite his misfortunes in England. Calciomercato reports that 'despite interest from the Saudi Pro League and Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce, the 27-year-old is set to snub the ex-Manchester United manager in favour of a return to Serie A.' Photo IMAGO Clubs such as Atalanta, AS Roma, Napoli and AC Milan have been linked, with the latter two emerging as frontrunners due to Chiesa's previous relationships with Max Allegri and Antonio Conte. For a player seeking 'a club where he can return to prominence and benefit from a top-level salary,' the fit seems natural. Liverpool, according to the same report, are hopeful of recouping €15 million (£13 million), though a slightly lower fee may be accepted to facilitate a move before the window closes. Frustrated Opportunity at Anfield Chiesa's potential was never in doubt, but the timing of his Liverpool move and subsequent injury setbacks worked against him. Luis Diaz's imminent sale to Bayern Munich has thinned Liverpool's attacking depth, yet Chiesa still finds himself on the periphery. It is telling that he was not given the opportunity to travel with Slot's squad for pre-season. With Mohamed Salah expected to miss part of the campaign due to international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, many fans had hoped this might be Chiesa's chance to stake a claim. But as things stand, it appears that chapter is already closing. Even with emerging talent such as Florian Wirtz, Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai capable of stepping into advanced roles, the departure of another senior forward raises questions over squad depth. Should Liverpool also land a marquee forward like Alexander Isak, it may signal a broader reshuffle rather than a straight replacement. Photo: IMAGO Transfer That Never Took Off Chiesa's signing was seen as shrewd and low-risk. Yet, even in a system built on movement and intelligent pressing, he rarely had the opportunity to settle or contribute consistently. There were flashes, but no rhythm. One goal and minimal involvement simply did not reflect the player who lit up Euro 2020 and impressed so often in Serie A. The decision now rests with Liverpool. Hold on to a player who may still yet offer something in a long, demanding season? Or accept the realities of his situation and let him return to a league and style where he can thrive? For a club that has often benefitted from patience and second chances, letting Chiesa go now may feel premature. But equally, it is difficult to begrudge the player his wish for a fresh start elsewhere. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis For Liverpool supporters, the situation around Federico Chiesa is tinged with disappointment. There was genuine excitement when he arrived from Juventus, not only because of his technical quality but also for the energy and directness he brings. Injuries limited his impact, but the sense was always that with a full pre-season and clear run, he could be a useful option. Now, with Luis Diaz likely to leave, this would seem the perfect opportunity for Chiesa to push on and contribute. Especially with Salah heading to AFCON, the schedule over December and January will be intense. The idea that we might go into that stretch short on senior attackers is concerning. Still, if his heart is no longer in it, and if Arne Slot has already made a judgement on his suitability, then perhaps it is best to part ways now. Ideally, we would see him return to form in Italy, stay healthy, and remind everyone of the player he was not too long ago. A sale to Napoli or Milan feels logical, but hopefully, the club ensures it extracts fair value before shaking hands.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Italian Journalist Delivers Huge Update On Ongoing Transfer Saga Involving Inter Milan & Atalanta Star: 'He Wants Inter'
Italian journalist Ivan Zazzaroni has offered a fresh update on the ongoing transfer saga between Inter Milan and Ademola Lookman. According to the Corriere dello Sport editor-in-chief via FCInter1908, the Nigerian is desperate to join the Nerazzurri. Talks between Inter Milan and Atalanta for Ademola Lookman are ongoing. However, the clubs have yet to find common ground. After seeing their opening bid rejected by La Dea earlier this month, Inter tabled a new offer earlier today. Indeed, Beppe Marotta met with Luca Percassi to discuss the 27-year-old's future. The two met face-to-face at the League Council, shortly before the Nerazzurri lodged an improved bid for Lookman. Atalanta's stance, however, remains unchanged. La Dea have slapped a €50 million price tag on their prized asset and are sticking to their valuation. On the other hand, Inter have increased their offer from €40 million to €45 million, including bonuses. Yet, it may not be enough to get Atalanta's green light. Ivan Zazzaroni Offers Update on Inter Milan Pursuit of Ademola Lookman BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 21: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Atalanta BC and SK Sturm Graz at Stadio di Bergamo on January 21, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by) Despite Lookman's desire to continue his career at San Siro, Atalanta could spoil Inter's plans. Furthermore, they've become notorious for dragging clubs into protracted talks. Only last summer, Percassi made Juventus wait until late August to sign Teun Koopmeiners. However, the Serie A runners-up are keen to avoid the same scenario. Therefore, they've included an expiration date in their latest proposal. Meanwhile, Zazzaroni confirms Lookman's intention to force the transfer. 'Lookman, the series,' he started. 'Atalanta, having sold Retegui, must stand firm because they have a responsibility to their people. 'And the price is €50 million. Lookman wants to join Inter, in keeping with a promise made to him a year ago. 'That's the key to everything. It's a repeat of the Koopmeiners case. 'Same ending? Three episodes in one day – forget Temptation Island.'
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Report – Atalanta Deem Inter Milan Improved €45M Offer For Star Forward Insufficient
Atalanta look seemingly determined to squeeze every last penny out of Inter Milan amid exhausting talks over Ademola Lookman. According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, La Dea have deemed Inter's second bid for the Nigerian insufficient. Ivan Juric's side turned down Inter's opening offer for Ademola Lookman earlier this month. Indeed, they immediately rejected the €40 million bid for their best player, insisting on their €50 million valuation. Atalanta Deem Inter Milan Improved Offer for Ademola Lookman Not Good Enough BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 25: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Gewiss Stadium on May 25, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by) Inter have submitted a new bid for Lookman worth €45 million, including bonuses. However, that's still €5 million short of Atalanta's asking price. While the Nerazzurri will not make further adjustments to their 'final offer,' Atalanta seem unfazed. Indeed, they've identified Inter's written proposal as insufficient and are holding firm in their stance. Furthermore, they're still hoping to force Inter to increase their offer to €48 million. However, that's probably wishful thinking, with Beppe Marotta reluctant to let anyone bully him.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report – Inter Milan Exceed Atalanta Expectations With Improved Second Offer For Nigeria Forward
Inter Milan have reportedly stunned Atalanta with an improved second offer for elite forward Ademola Lookman. According to Sky Sport via FCInterNews, La Dea didn't expect the Nerazzurri to raise their opening bid. Indeed, Atalanta comfortably turned down Inter's initial €40 million proposal earlier in July. Instead, Ivan Juric's men have made it clear that they wouldn't let their talismanic ace go for less than €50 million. However, the San Siro giants have refused to meet their valuation. Inter Milan Surprise Atalanta with Second Bid for Ademola Lookman BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 25: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Gewiss Stadium on May 25, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by) Reluctant to settle with the rejection, Inter returned with an increased offer earlier today. Beppe Marotta offered Luca Precassi fresh terms during the League Council. Furthermore, Inter have concretized their interest by submitting a written bid for Ademola Lookman worth €45 million. Meanwhile, Atalanta didn't expect the Nerazzurri would move from their first offer. However, they have yet to respond as they're taking their time to evaluate their options. Yet, Inter's offer has an expiration date, meaning La Dea cannot take too much time to decide.
