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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Viktor Gyokeres' Man Utd snub reason, Ruben Amorim 'upset' and true feelings
Viktor Gyokeres will line up against his former mentor Ruben Amorim (Image: 2025 Getty Images) Manchester United host Arsenal at Old Trafford in a match with multiple narratives unfolding. One of the most significant stories will be the reunion of Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim and the Gunners' star striker signing Viktor Gyokeres. The pair wreaked havoc together at Sporting Lisbon. Following Gyokeres' stunning hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League - Amorim's farewell home match as Sporting boss - it seemed inevitable he would follow him to Old Trafford. Though United were reportedly keen on securing his services, the Swedish sensation had his heart set solely on a move to Mikel Arteta's side, regardless of Amorim taking charge at the Theatre of Dreams. With their first encounter on opposing sides looming, Mirror Football examines their respective journeys following their separation. READ MORE: Newcastle to make desperate last-ditch attempt to solve Alexander Isak and Liverpool saga READ MORE: Arsenal's final decision on Alejandro Garnacho transfer after private work on Man Utd star United were ready to go toe-to-toe with Arsenal in the battle for Gyokeres' signature, but the former Coventry City ace had his heart set on a move to the Emirates Stadium. He made his intentions crystal clear when questioned about his choice shortly after the official announcement. He said: "There were other clubs, of course, but this wasn't a hard choice. I chose Arsenal. When I was playing against Arsenal last season [in the Champions League], I could really feel it was a very strong team and very difficult to play against. "That made me choose Arsenal, and of course all the history the club has and the massive fanbase. It's been amazing to see all the support that they have already given me before I even arrived. That's what it's all about. It's going to be very nice to see them in the stadiums as well." Gyokeres' agent was unhappy with Amorim (Image: 2025 Ben Roberts - Danehouse) Reports from Portuguese outlet Record claimed Gyokeres' agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, was left "hurt" by the United boss. As well as representing the Arsenal striker, he also looks after former United defender Victor Lindelof. Following eight years at Old Trafford, the Red Devils decided against offering the ex-Benfica centre-back fresh terms, leading to his departure on a free transfer. It's understood Lindelof was keen to remain and battle for his position, but Amorim chose to release the 31-year-old. This move reportedly left Cetinkaya "upset". At the time, it was claimed the door has been closed for a potential switch to Old Trafford for Gyokeres following Lindelof's departure. It proved irrelevant as it became clear the striker favoured Arsenal. United had also already dismissed themselves from pursuing him before securing Benjamin Sesko. Gyokeres has already revealed his honest thoughts on Amorim (Image: 2024 DeFodi Images) Gyokeres started making a name for himself at Coventry City, but his time under Amorim is what saw him become one of the most talked-about players in world football. Despite his admiration for the United manager, he confessed he was left stunned by his exit. He has previously said: "It was a shock. It's never happened to me to see a manager leave in the middle of the season when everything was going well. It was surprising, but I totally understand his decision." Amorim also delivered some frank remarks about Gyokeres when quizzed about speculation surrounding the striker back in April. He appeared to hint the forward would not have fancied a switch to United unless they secured Champions League football. The Red Devils boss said: "I didn't talk to Viktor. But if a player only wants to join Manchester United to play Champions League then that player will not come to Manchester United. We want players who want to represent United and not players who want to play only certain competitions." Gyokeres has spoken honestly about his decision to join Arsenal (Image: YouTube/Arsenal) For better or worse, Amorim has relentlessly attempted to drill his tactical blueprint into United. Whilst there were occasions when it appeared the Portuguese manager was creating unnecessary difficulties by persisting with his 3-4-3 system, he's remained committed to the approach which delivered silverware at Sporting. If anyone flourished and thrived under Amorim's methods, it was Gyokeres. Previously, the striker acknowledged this himself in another interview. He said: "We won two championships in a row, for the first time in 71 years. It's an incredible achievement, and of course, Ruben Amorim played a big role in that. I can't thank him enough. The style of play we had under his orders suited me perfectly." If Gyokeres had opted for United, his remarks about his ex-manager's playing style hint that he would have been optimistic about making a name for himself at Old Trafford. But a different story will now unfold, beginning with their reunion. Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. 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. Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more. Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
Irish Independent
07-08-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Conference League qualifiers: St Pat's fall behind to Besiktas in Tallaght as Shamrock Rovers contain Ballkani
Live | St Patrick's Athletic take on the might of Turkish side Besiktas, managed by Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, while in Kosovo, Shamrock Rovers face Ballkani in tonight's Uefa Conference League third qualifying round first legs. Stephen Kenny's Saints will be up against a stellar Besiktas side at a packed Tallaght Stadium, while Rovers will be aiming to keep their tie alive for next week's second leg at home. Rovers kick-off at 7.30pm Irish time, while St Pat's v Besiktas kicks off at 7.45pm in Tallaght and you can catch all the action here. Uefa Conference League third qualifying round: Ballkani 0 - Shamrock Rovers 0 (7.30pm) (31 mins) Athletic 0 - Besiktas 2 (7.45pm) (18 mins) 4 minutes ago Athletic 0 - Besiktas 2 (14 mins) GOAL! A second goal for Besiktas as Ernest Muci threads a wonderful ball through to the marauding full-back Jonas Svensson. The Norwegian lifts his head and crosses centrally where Joseph Anang gets a touch to it, but the ball falls kindly for Tammy Abraham who rifles home into an empty net. 7 minutes ago 26' Decent moment for the Hoops as Darragh Nugent digs out a cross for Rory Gaffney in the box. The 35-year-old marksman can't quite extend his neck muscles to get to it. Chance evaporates. 9 minutes ago 24' Ballkani continue to take the game to Shamrock Rovers so far, but they've yet to create a true goal-scoring opportunity since the low cross from Kryeziu to Adetunji. 10 minutes ago Athletic 0 - Besiktas 1 (9 mins) GOAL! The Turkish side have broken the deadlock in Tallaght and it's a soft goal to concede from a Saints perspective. Ernest Muci was given space to run into on the right before pulling a pass across the edge of the 18-yard-box. The ball bobbled into the patch of ex-Benfica and West Ham midfielder Joao Mario who found the net with the aid of a deflection. League of Ireland on Twitter / X 8' | First blood to Beşiktaş. João Mário with the goal for the 0-1 BJK League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) August 7, 2025 13 minutes ago Athletic 0 - Besiktas 0 (6 mins) have held their own in Tallaght so far. Besiktas just unleashed their first shtike on goal through Jonas Svensson who stung the palms of Joseph Anang, but a foul was given by the Slovenian arbiter for a push in the back of Jason McClelland. 17 minutes ago 15' SAVE! Ed McGinty is tested again with a powerful effort from right-back Geralb Smajli who tried his luck from range. The 26-year-old gets his body behind it and gathers at the second attempt. A minute later Hoops' skipper Roberto Lopes picks up a yellow card for a hefty challenge. 21 minutes ago 12' CLOSE! Best chance of the game thus far as Almir Kryeziu finds space down the left-hand side of the Hoops rearguard. The Kosovan winger tried to square it for the onrushing Adetunji, but Ed McGinty got a vital touch to redirect the cross. 22 minutes ago Impressive tifo display from St Pat's fans: 25 minutes ago John McKenna and his wife Namu Kwon: 'We're the first Rovers supporters in. Officials here super helpful. Wouldn't take money for letting us in.' 26 minutes ago There's no shortage of talent at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's disposal as Besiktas roll into town with Mert Gunok getting the nod in goals, while ex-Arsenal centre-half Gabriel Paulista is joined by Jonas Svensson in defence. Orkun Kokcu slots into the double pivot behind Portuguese internationals Rafa Silva and Joao Mario, while ex-Chelsea marksman Tammy Abraham leads the line. Former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is one of few noticeable absentees for the Turkish giants: Beşiktaş JK on Twitter / X BEŞİKTAŞ XI 🦅⬛⬜ @HondaTR Beşiktaş JK (@Besiktas) August 7, 2025 27 minutes ago HERE'S HOW THE SAINTS LINE UP: With a big challenge against Turkish opposition this evening, Stephen Kenny has made three changes from his side that defeated Waterford 2-0 last Sunday. Joseph Anang remains between the posts, while Ryan McLaughlin and Jason McClelland take up full-back positions. Sam Grivosti joins captain Joe Redmond in defence, with an unchanged midfield of Forrester, Lennon and Leavy. Up top, Jake Mulraney and Mason Melia are joined by the incoming Simon Power. Zach Elbouzedi (shoulder) and Romal Palmer are unavailable through injury: St Patrick's Athletic FC on Twitter / X Our Saints to face BeşiktaşChris Forrester comes in for Barry Baggley in our only change from last week's win in Estonia A strong bench includes new boys Darren Robinson & Jordon Garrick & Academy teenagers Kian Quigley & Billy Hayes #StPatsFC 🔴⚪️ St Patrick's Athletic FC (@stpatsfc) August 7, 2025 27 minutes ago 5' Ballkani have been the dominant force so far, with last season's top-scorer Sunday Adetunji causing some problems with his pace in behind the Hoops defence. 31 minutes ago 1' The first-half gets underway in Kosovo! The man in the middle with the whistle this evening is Dmytro Panchyshyn who forms an all-Ukrainian refereeing ticket with assistants Oleksii Myronov and Volodymyr Vysotskyi. It's pretty much the perfect night for football in the town of Suhareka in southern Kosovo. However, the climate is remarkably different for the travelling Hoops players and fans. Temperatures still remain slightly above 22 degrees with little to no breeze and night skies overhead. 37 minutes ago BALLKANI'S TEAM TONIGHT: Last season's runners-up in the Kosovan league are yet to return for the new season, but European action has kept them sharp. Tonight, head coach Orges Shehi lines his team out as follows in a 4-3-3 formation with Adnan Golubovic between the posts, captain Arber Potoku starts at left-back, with Brazilian threat Giovanni in midfield and last season's club top-scorer Sunday Adetunji leading the line. 39 minutes ago SHAMROCK ROVERS LINE-UP: Head coach Stephen Bradley sets his team up as follows with a solitary alteration from his team that defeated Derry City 2-0 last Sunday. Ed McGinty starts in goals, with Pico Lopes captain on the evening alongside Dan Cleary and Lee Grace Darragh Nugent replaces Aaron McEneff in a midfield boasting Josh Honohan, Matt Healy, Danny Mandroiu and Dylan Watts, while Danny Grant and Rory Gaffney spearhead the forward line. UEFA graphics suggest a 3-5-2 formation: Shamrock Rovers FC on Twitter / X 🟢 TEAM NEWS ⚪️Your Hoops XI to face Ballkani this evening 👊🏼☘️#RoversInEurope 🟢 || @sharp_security Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) August 7, 2025 41 minutes ago A strong message of support from Besiktas during their warm up: And a message from the Beşiktaş players before they warmed up, with a show of solidarity to those suffering in Gaza they came out with training tops saying 'stop crimes against humanity' and 'enough is enough'. Presumably to avoid any UEFA sanction, they removed the tops before they started their warm-up. 44 minutes ago Since touching down in Dublin, Besiktas boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that he spoke to the FAI about managing the Republic of Ireland before Hallgrimsson was appointed: 'We had some good chats' – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirms FAI approached him about succeeding Stephen Kenny Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that he spoke to the FAI about the managerial vacancy with the Republic of Ireland before they hired Heimir Hallgrimsson. 46 minutes ago Aidan Fitzmaurice is in Tallaght this evening: The Besiktas lineup is a sign of their squad strength but also how seriously Solskjaer is taking this tie. He has named an XI with 10 senior internationals, four from Turkey, two from Portugal (Rafa Silva, Joao Mario), one each from Czech Republic (David Jurasek), Norway (Jonas Svensson), England (Tammy Abraham) and Albania (Ernest Muci). Gabriel Paulista, who was once named in a squad by Brazil boss Dunga but never capped (and who later declared for Spain in the hope of having an international career) is the only one not capped at senior level. 48 minutes ago Aidan Fitzmaurice treats our readers to the big preview detailing all you need to know ahead of clash with Besiktas: St Pat's v Besiktas preview: Saints eyeing 'one of great victories in Irish football history' against Turkish giants Stephen Kenny's vast experience as a manager in European competition, a road that began for him with Longford Town against Bulgarian opposition 24 years ago, has taught him a thing or two.
Daily Mirror
07-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Darwin Nunez windfall grows greater thanks to shrewd contract clause for Liverpool exit
Darwin Nunez is now on his way out of Liverpool, but the Merseysiders will not be the only ones to benefit from the Uruguayan striker's move to the Middle East this month Darwin Nunez's move from Liverpool to Al-Hilal will bank one of his former clubs another huge windfall. The Uruguayan will soon be meeting the Saudi Arabian giants in Germany – where they are currently training – to undergo a medical. Arne Slot 's side will bank an initial £46million from his sale with potential add-ons moving the fee to beyond £50m. The ex-Benfica forward has often struggled at Anfield, but he is set to be paid around £400,000-a-week in the Middle East. Nunez and Liverpool will not be the only parties banking big money as a result of this move, though. His first senior club Penarol, who he joined in 2014 and are based in his home country Uruguay, have profited immensely from his moves across Europe. In 2019, a 20-year-old Nunez made his first move to Europe when he joined La Liga side Almeria. The Spanish side paid a Uruguayan football record fee of around £6.94m, but included a 20% sell-on clause in the deal. Just over a year later, Nunez's childhood side were left counting their pennies again. Benfica were so impressed with his performances in Spain, they forked out around £21.7m to take him to Portugal. As a result, Penarol received 20% of the fee, equivalent to around £4.34m. El Observador report how Penarol were then still entitled to a sum of money when Liverpool decided to sign Nunez in the summer of 2022. Liverpool, who were managed by Jurgen Klopp at the time, signed him for an initial £65m, with potential add-ons taking the deal up to £85m. As a result of the move, Penarol received approximately £3m due to their shrewdness when he joined Almeria. The Reds were savvy themselves, as not all of the aforementioned add-ons had to be paid. Slot's decision not to start him in one more Premier League game for the Merseysiders last season reportedly prevented one of the clauses from being met, saving Liverpool an estimated £4.3m. Despite not having him at the club since 2019, Penarol still hold around 3% of any transfer fee Liverpool made from him. When his move to Saudi goes through, they are set to receive around £1.34m from the deal. In total, they have earned around £15.62m from Nunez, 26, over the years. It is a large sum of money for the Uruguayans, particularly considering Nunez only made 14 appearances for the club. Most excitingly of all, in the future, they may welcome him back with open arms. He has previously said his ambition is to one day return to the club he was at since the age of 13. While speaking to a Uruguayan television channel in 2023, he said: "One day I plan to return and lift the Copa Libertadores with my Peñarol shirt." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football 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.
Daily Mirror
26-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool boss Arne Slot provides telling update on Darwin Nunez after pre-season absence
Darwin Nunez was not in Liverpool's squad as they fell to defeat against AC Milan in Hong Kong and Arne Slot has revealed that he did not want to risk the Reds' striker Arne Slot has revealed that he did not want to risk Darwin Nunez in Liverpool's clash against AC Milan. The striker was left out of the Reds' friendly clash in Hong Kong, and continues to recover from an injury. The Uruguay international, who has been linked with a move away from the club this summer, could only watch on from the sidelines on Saturday, with his absence from the squad leaving some room for speculation. The ex-Benfica star was deemed unavailable alongside Luis Diaz, who has been linked with a possible move to Bayern Munich. But whereas Slot conceded Diaz's lack of involvment came as a result of transfer speculation, the Dutchman was keen to highlight how Darwin had already impressed this summer. Liverpool's boss focused on ensuring Darwin was ready to enter the season match-fit rather than the prospect of any transfer. The striker's situation was likened to that of Wataru Endo. Slot expects both players to be available to feature against Yokahoma FM in Japan on Wednesday. 'In Darwin's situation, he has trained really well and played a few good games for us already this pre-season," said Slot. "He was injured so we didn't want to take the risk. 'It was also the same with Wata (Endo) — trained with us all week but we didn't want to take a risk with him either. It is part of pre-season, the boys need to get towards match fitness and that is a thin balance, a thin line sometimes. "In this situation we thought it was smarter for Darwin and Wata to sit it out today but I assume they will be with us when we are in Japan for the next game.' The situation is somewhat different for Diaz , who Liverpool have decided not to play at this moment in time. "In Lucho's situation it was [linked to his future], yeah," Slot admitted. "There are a lot of rumours around it lately and I cannot go into that. But he is training really well with us and we have decided, for now, not to play him yet. Slot added: "Yes [I've spoken to Diaz] but I am used to talking to most of my players on a regular basis. Like I said, Lucho is training really well but we've decided that he is best not playing at the moment in the games and I cannot comment much more than that. Does he want to leave? I am not the person to ask."
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Darwin Nunez transfer gets green light from manager as Liverpool receive bid
Liverpool are expected to part ways with Darwin Nunez this summer with a number of clubs interested in signing the forward but the Reds may need to accept a loss Darwin Nunez is drawing keen interest and Liverpool have received a £52million bid from AC Milan, it's claimed. But the Reds have also received an approach from the Saudi Pro League for the forward who has scored 25 goals and recorded 16 assists in 95 Premier League appearances. Al Hilal are ready to turn towards the Uruguay international if their move to land Victor Osimhen fails this summer. New boss Simeone Inzaghi is said to have pushed his club to move for the ex-Benfica star, should a move for the Nigerian fail per reports in Riyadh. The Saudi Pro League side, who have already signed Theo Hernandez from Milan this summer, renewed their negotiations with Osimhen after seeing their first proposal rejected. Al Hilal managed to come to preliminary terms with Napoli before the Club World Cup. Osimhen rejected a deal worth €40m (£34.8m) annually on that occasion however. And that has left a move for Darwin, who looks set to depart Anfield, on the table. The Reds are said to be willing to accept a loss on their striker to allow him to leave for £70m - after signing him for £85m in 2022. READ MORE: Arne Slot could save Liverpool millions with 'top player' who left John Terry distraught It could be Italian side Napoli who yet offer the stiffest competition to Al Hilal for Darwin's signature. Antonio Conte's team have been persistently linked with the South American star. But reports in Saudi state that it's the Rossoneri who have made the latest offer to Liverpool. The forward, 26, scored in Liverpool's return to pre-season action against Preston. Darwin capitalised on an error from the opposition backline before firing past the goalkeeper as Arne Slot's team recorded a 3-1 win. Liverpool have been linked with a number of potential replacement's for the striker. The latest has seen the suggestion that discussions are underway over a possible transfer for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Frenchman's representatives have reportedly met with Liverpool chiefs in Paris. Mateta scored 14 goals for the Eagleas last season as the club found FA Cup success last season, Mateta has two years left on his contract and has previously been linked with a move to Manchester United. Amid speculation surrounding the Red Devils a fee in the region oof £40m to £50m was touted. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football 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.
