Brazil clinch World Cup spot as Carlo Ancelotti enjoys home debut in charge

 Brazil secured a spot at the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay in a successful home debut for new manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian’s second match in charge made for a memorable night in Sao Paulo, courtesy of Vinicius Jr’s 43rd-minute goal.

The hosts dominated possession, but managed just four shots on target as Paraguay took the result down to the wire.

The result was still much-improved from Ancelotti’s debut in last week’s goalless draw against Peru.

The win lifts Brazil to third in South American qualifying, level on points with second-placed Ecuador who sealed their World Cup place with a goalless draw in Peru.

The top six teams in CONMEBOL qualifying receive automatic qualification.

Elsewhere, first-place Argentina drew 1-1 with sixth-place Colombia after Thiago Almada’s goal in the 81st minute cancelled out Luis Diaz’s 24th-minute opener.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/brazil-clinch-world-cup-spot-as-carlo-ancelotti-enjoys-home-debut-in-charge-41230769

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liam Delap, Matheus Cunha: Every major deal so far as transfer deadline approaches

 Big transfers have already been completed with the first window set to close

The summer transfer window’s first deadline is approaching ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup.

Because of the newly expanded tournament, FIFA allowed for an earlier opening of the market so that clubs could sign and register players in time for the inaugural competition.

Chelsea and Manchester City have done so with the signings of Liam Delap and Rayan Ait-Nouri respectively.

On the continent, Real Madrid completed the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, and paid a fee to the Premier League champions to ensure that he was on the plane to the United States with them.

Bayern Munich did similar with Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah, who arrives to provide fresh impetus to Vincent Kompany’s backline.

In the Premier League, Ruben Amorim’s rebuild at Manchester United is already underway with the signing of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, with United set for a big summer of ins and outs.

Here, Standard Sport lays out every major deal of the summer so far.

Signed: Jeremie Frimpong

Liverpool FC via Getty Images

June

June 1

Matheus Cunha - Wolves to Manchester United, £62.5million

June 2

Dario Essugo - Sporting to Chelsea, £18million

Romelle Donovan - Birmingham to Brentford, Undisclosed

June 3

Caoimhin Kelleher - Liverpool to Brentford, £12.5million

Mark Flekken - Brentford to Bayer Leverkusen, £8million

June 4

Liam Delap - Ipswich to Chelsea, £30million

James Ball - AFC Wimbledon to Swindon, Free

June 5

Nuno Tavares - Arsenal to Lazio, Undisclosed

Antonio Cordero - Malaga to Newcastle, Undisclosed

June 6

Jorginho - Arsenal to Flamengo, Free

Lloyd Kelly - Newcastle to Juventus, £20million

Thierry Small - Charlton to Preston, Free

Sonny Carey - Blackpool to Charlton, Free

Jean-Clair Todibo - Nice to West Ham, Undisclosed

June 9

Rayan Ait-Nouri - Wolves to Manchester City, £31million

Mamadou Sarr - Strasbourg to Chelsea, £12million

Marquinhos - Arsenal to Cruzeiro, Undisclosed

Safe hands: Caoimhin Kelleher

Nigel Keene/ProSportsImages

May

May 14

Eric Dier - Bayern Munich to AS Monaco, Free

May 20

Bashir Humphreys - Chelsea to Burnley, Undisclosed

May 28

Michael Kayode - Fiorentina to Brentford, Undisclosed

May 30

Jeremie Frimpong - Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool, £29.5million

Trent Alexander-Arnold - Liverpool to Real Madrid, Free

Carlos Alcaraz - Flamengo to Everton, Undisclosed

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/trent-alexander-arnold-liam-delap-matheus-cunha-every-major-deal-so-far-as-transfer-deadline-approaches-41227016

The Harry Kane dilemma Thomas Tuchel faces ahead of the World Cup

 Harry Kane was already in his thirties, albeit by less than two weeks, when Thomas Tuchel agreed to pay €100m for him. Bayern Munich have since seen a return in the form of 82 goals in two seasons and if Tuchel need not worry how much resale value the striker has, he only needs to concern himself if Kane can keep going until a World Cup that ends just before his 33rd birthday.

The England captain has looked far further into the future, however. An admirer of Tom Brady, Kane has spoken of a desire to play into his forties. He admires Cristiano Ronaldo for his longevity and, at the age of 40, the Portugal captain has scored in both the Nations League semi-final and final in the last week. Can Kane follow in his footsteps? Tuchel believes it will not be easy. Ronaldo is an anomaly in many respects. His age is one of them.

Tuchel said: “I think it gets more and more difficult nowadays. Cristiano took a step into a not-as competitive a league as [the] Premier League or Spain as part of keeping his performance up. I think he is always the exception to the rule. We cannot go now from Cristiano Ronaldo and think everyone can play until 39 and 40 in today’s game. Harry has this natural ability to score goals. There are at the moment no signs he cannot do it at a high level. How long he can do it, I have not a crystal ball, [so] let’s see. He is in a club where they play dominant football, I think that can suit him. Just the outlook until the World Cup, he knows that it is a crucial year for him, also in terms of fitness and being ready to compete in the heat, in the humidity.”

It is a matter of more than just the attitude that means Kane wants to play every game. Tuchel has acceded to his wishes and said it is “likely” that he starts against Senegal on Tuesday, though he played against Andorra on Saturday. “He scored his 450th [career] goal in this match. It was a very decisive goal, a very important one,” noted Tuchel. Calling a goal against Andorra decisive and important reflected the reality that no one else scored any – it was a 1-0 win.

Harry Kane applauds the England fans after the World Cup qualifier against Andorra (PA)

And that, in turn, was an indication that Tuchel’s appointment alone was not a quick fix to the problem of England looking less than the sum of their considerable parts and struggling to accommodate the various creators who all want to gravitate towards the middle. Cole Palmer started against Andorra. So far, however, one of only four Englishmen to score in the final of a major international tournament has had a greater impact for his country as a substitute than a starter. Right now, too, he isn’t really Tuchel’s idea of a winger.

“If we want to have players in, and we don’t have enough No 10 positions, we could have Cole play on the wing and play then more inside,” he said. “But at the moment, we decide to have the wingers high and aggressive and wide, where they have their biggest strength. Everything is a big learning.”

Cole Palmer isn’t really Thomas Tuchel’s idea of a winger (Getty)

If one lesson is that England rarely have the Palmer of Chelsea or the Phil Foden of Manchester City, Tuchel had a point when he argued their clubs haven’t seen that much of late either. Palmer delivered a star turn in the Conference League final but only has one goal in his last 23 games.

Tuchel nevertheless accepts the broader issue. “That’s the question that needs to be answered,” he said. “It is a fair question. I think that even Cole struggled lately at Chelsea to have an impact. Phil, unfortunately, struggled over many months now to have the impact that he can have.”

Part of the puzzle for Tuchel involves personnel. Bukayo Saka is set to feature for the first time in his reign against Senegal – another reason not to pick Palmer off the right – and there is a quest for chemistry.

Bukayo Saka should be back for England’s game on Tuesday against Senegal (PA)

“It’s on us, it’s on me to find the right balance, to find the right connections, like who loves to play with each other, who has a genuine connection, who takes care of each other,” he reflected. “We need to improve in connections, in support, in interactions in the group. I feel we are too isolated on the pitch. We have not clicked yet. I don’t see it has clicked between the players.”

That could be part tactical, part mental. “We can do better,” Tuchel added. “We can do more fluid. We can be more exciting, which since a longer time I feel has been a bit of a problem. I feel a bit stuck.”

Gareth Southgate could probably empathise. It is not as simple, however, as liberating footballers with one word. “It’s difficult to prescribe freedom, to play with freedom and suddenly everyone plays with freedom,” Tuchel said.

Tuchel believes he is ‘very impatient’ when it comes to seeing England improve (PA)

The England shirt can hang heavy on players. “Like a heavy shirt?” mused Tuchel. “Do we expect too much? Don’t we feel the freedom? Do we not feel the same freedom to express ourselves that we feel like in the clubs? Does Phil feel free in his club? Is he really free in his club to express himself? Not since many months. He struggles also there.”

Free or not, Foden isn’t in the squad to face Senegal. But many another flair player is and so far Tuchel’s reign has brought six goals: one from an attacking midfielder, in Eberechi Eze, but two from defenders and three from Kane. A reliance on the captain is nothing new. He has 72 international goals, the rest of the squad 40 between them. It may not be Tuchel’s problem but his successor might hope Kane shows the staying power of Ronaldo.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/the-harry-kane-dilemma-thomas-tuchel-faces-ahead-of-the-world-cup-41225700

Nothing will change – Cristiano Ronaldo intends to remain at Al Nassr

 Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he intends to stay with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.

There had been speculation – fuelled by FIFA president Gianni Infantino – the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could join a club competing in this summer’s Club World Cup on a short-term deal.

The 40-year-old had also hinted his future could lie elsewhere when he posted a message on social media at the end of Al Nassr’s season that read: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written.”

But speaking after Portugal’s triumph over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday – in which Ronaldo scored his 138th international goal – the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star said he would not be moving on.

“Future? Nothing will change. Al Nassr? Yes,” the forward told reporters.

Ronaldo joined the Saudi Pro League side in December 2022 after a second spell at United ended in controversy following an interview in which he criticised the Premier League club.

His contract in Riyadh was due to expire this summer, prompting speculation linking him with Brazilian club Botafogo, who are involved in the Club World Cup.

Infantino added credence to the reports by saying “Ronaldo might play for one of the teams” featuring at the tournament in the United States and that “there are discussions with some clubs”.

This comes after Infantino and governing body FIFA were criticised over the manner in which they handed a host nation spot at the event to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami without them winning Major League Soccer.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/nothing-will-change-cristiano-ronaldo-intends-to-remain-at-al-nassr-41222940

Tijjani Reijnders ‘really excited’ to link up with Man City for Club World Cup

 Tijjani Reijnders “could not wait” to undergo his medical with Manchester City and expects to be in their squad for the Club World Cup.

The 26-year-old Netherlands midfielder has agreed a five-year contract to move to City from AC Milan for 55million euros (approximately £46million) and told Italian media he had spent Sunday conducting a medical with Pep Guardiola’s side.

City will play their first match of the Club World Cup against Morocco’s Wydad AC on June 18 and the arrival of Reijnders could also impact the future of Jack Grealish at the Etihad.

Reijnders told Gazzetta: “The medical? I couldn’t wait to do it. The plan is to take part at the Club World Cup with City. I’m really excited about that.

“Doing that means I’ll get to know my new team-mates sooner.”

Reijnders was a bright spark in a disappointing season for Milan, who only finished eighth in Serie A, missing out on qualification for Europe.

Reijnders, who joined the Italian giants from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2023, scored 15 goals in 2024-25 and will bolster Guardiola’s midfield options following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne.

As first reported by the Daily Telegraph on Wednesday, England international Grealish looks set to miss out on City’s final 35-man squad for the Club World Cup.

The 29-year-old was not summoned from the bench in last month’s FA Cup final defeat by Crystal Palace and omitted from the squad for the last game of the season at Fulham altogether.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/tijjani-reijnders-really-excited-to-link-up-with-man-city-for-club-world-cup-41221371

Transfer Rumors: Liverpool Prepare Isak Bid; Klopp Offers Sesko to Real Madrid

 Man Utd are chasing Mateta. / IMAGO/Sebastian Frej

Liverpool are ready to lodge a bid of €120 million (£101.2 million, $136.9 million) for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, Fichajes state. The Reds are awaiting encouragement from the Sweden international if talks over a new contract stall.

Manchester United are set to receive another blow in their search for a new striker as Sky Sports News note Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta is in talks over signing a new contract. Juventus are also keen on the 27-year-old.

Early talks have been held between Newcastle and Nottingham Forest over winger Anthony Elanga. The Daily Mail state Forest will only listen to offers if Elanga requests to leave.

Per Calciomercato, Chelsea are ready to submit a take-it-or-leave-it offer to AC Milan over goalkeeper Mike Maignan, having failed with an opening offer below €20 million (£16.9 million, $22.8 million).

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has travelled to London for talks with Chelsea over winger Noni Madueke, according to Napoli Network. An asking price of £50 million ($67.7 million) has been set.

Marseille have made an offer to sign West Ham United defender Nayef Aguerd, Foot Mercato report. The Morocco international impressed on loan with Real Sociedad this season.

Sky Sports Germany state Sunderland have turned down an offer from Borussia Dortmund over midfielder Jobe Bellingham. Talks are ongoing after an bid worth under €25 million (£21.1 million, $28.5 million).

Manchester City midfielders Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gündogan are both targets for Turkish giants Galatasaray, according to Fotomac. Pep Guardiola is open to parting with the latter.

La Liga

Ter Stegen could leave Barcelona. / IMAGO/NurPhoto

Jürgen Klopp, Red Bull’s head of global soccer, has personally reached out to Real Madrid to try negotiate the sale of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, DefensaCentral state. Los Blancos are not interested, however.

Instead, TodoFichajes claim manager Xabi Alonso has requested a move for Edin Džeko. The 39-year-old is set to be available for free as he prepares to depart Fenerbahçe.

Barcelona are ready to offer Marc-André ter Stegen a full year’s salary to agree to terminate his contract, SPORT report. The Germany international has been warned he will not play next season after the imminent arrival of Joan García.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur all failed with approaches for River Plate midfielder Franco Mastantuono, according to TBR Football. The 17-year-old star turned down all offers and is ready to join Real Madrid.

Rojo has been linked with Inter Miami. / IMAGO/NurPhoto

Lionel Messi is urging Inter Miami to sign former Manchester United and Argentina defender Marcos Rojo, TNT Sports claim. The 35-year-old is under contract with Boca Juniors until the end of the year.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/transfer-rumors-liverpool-prepare-isak-bid-klopp-offers-sesko-to-real-madrid-41218370

Liverpool reject Barcelona approach for Luis Diaz

 

Liverpool have turned down an approach from Barcelona for Luis Diaz and have insisted the winger is not for sale.

Barcelona contacted Liverpool to discuss a deal for Diaz on Wednesday but their enquiry has been met with a strong response.

Diaz has been linked with an exit having failed to agree terms on an extension to his contract, which runs until 2027. The expected arrival of Florian Wirtz will also increase competition for places but Liverpool have insisted that Diaz remains a part of the club’s plans for next season.

The Colombia international was a key part of Liverpool’s title-winning side and scored 17 goals in all competitions in 2024/25. Barcelona had earmarked Diaz for their left-wing role, having failed in an approach to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao last summer.

The Athletic are reporting that the Spanish champions have been informed that Diaz is not for sale. Saudi Pro League sides had also been keen on a deal for Diaz, though the winger has shown no interest in wanting to leave Anfield.

Despite the exit of Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer this summer and Ibrahima Konate’s uncertain contract situation, Liverpool feel the right move is to ‘maximise’ Diaz’s performance value, over his financial worth.

There is a feeling within the Liverpool board that it would be difficult to find a replacement of similar quality, unless the bid for Diaz is too good to refuse.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/liverpool-reject-barcelona-approach-for-luis-diaz-41207187

From pitch invader scuffle to matchwinner – Cristiano Ronaldo stars for Portugal

 Cristiano Ronaldo overcame a pre-match scuffle with an enthusiastic fan to again be Portugal’s hero as he fired them to the Nations League final.

The 40-year-old was confronted by a pitch invader who wanted a selfie ahead of kick-off before scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 semi-final victory over Germany in Munich.

The hosts had gone in front early in the second half when Liverpool transfer target Florian Wirtz headed home but Roberto Martinez’s men hit back with two goals in five minutes.

A brilliant strike from Francisco Conceicao, whose father Sergio scored the last time Portugal beat Germany in Euro 2000, brought them level before Ronaldo bagged his 137th international goal with an easy tap-in to win the match.

It sent Portugal through to the final where they will meet either Spain or France on Sunday.

There was plenty of drama in the warm-up as midway through an electrical storm, Ronaldo had his confrontation, with the young fan dragged away by stewards.

The storm caused a 10-minute delay to kick-off, but once the action got under way it was almost an electric start for the hosts as they started on the front foot with Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa making two great saves.

First he produced a fine stop to deny debutant Nick Woltemade’s fizzed effort before getting down quickly to turn Leon Goretzka’s stroked effort around the post.

Portugal were inches away from taking the lead early in the second half as Ronaldo was just unable to connect with Nuno Mendes’ incisive cross, which agonisingly grazed the striker’s studs.

And soon after the ball went in at the other end as Germany took the lead in the 48th minute.

Joshua Kimmich, winning his 100th cap, made it, clipping a delightful ball over the defence for Wirtz to run on to and find the bottom corner.

Portugal’s response was good and Bruno Fernandes, fresh from a post-season tour to Asia with Manchester United, whipped an effort just wide.

But it was substitute Conceicao who made the difference five minutes after coming off the bench.

It was a brilliant individual goal, cutting in from the right, driving towards goal before finding the bottom corner with a 25-yard curling effort.

The turnaround was complete five minutes later after another fine goal.

Mendes played a one-two with Fernandes and then laid it on a plate for Ronaldo to tap into an empty net after just staying onside.

Conceicao could have killed the match but whistled an effort just wide and Germany almost equalised moments later as Karim Adeyemi advanced into the box but his shot hit the outside of the post.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen made a miraculous double save to deny Diogo Jota and Conceicao at the death, but Portugal’s work was done.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/from-pitch-invader-scuffle-to-matchwinner-cristiano-ronaldo-stars-for-portugal-41205754

Manchester City on verge of signing Tijjani Reijnders after agreeing fee

 

Manchester City are set to make Tijjani Reijnders their first summer signing after agreeing a £46m fee with AC Milan.

The Netherlands midfielder will sign a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium, assuming he passes a medical.

City hope the transfer will be completed in time for the 26-year-old to make his debut at the Club World Cup.

They have targeted Reijnders as they looked for a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, after deciding not to renew the contract of the 33-year-old.

City had an interest in Florian Wirtz, but he would prefer to go to Liverpool, and Morgan Gibbs-White, who now looks more likely to stay at Nottingham Forest.

Reijnders could be one of two new signings in the summer’s first transfer window for City with Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri also wanted by Pep Guardiola.

Should both arrive, it would take their spending in 2025 past £250m after they brought in four players – Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis – during the winter transfer window.

Reijnders, who helped the Netherlands reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024, scored 15 goals for AC Milan last season, even though they only finished eighth in Serie A.

Milan failed to qualify for European football, meaning they had a greater need to sell players.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/manchester-city-on-verge-of-signing-tijjani-reijnders-after-agreeing-fee-41202997