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Transfer Market Talk: Aston Villa’s Aggressive Strategy vs. Liverpool’s Patient Approach Under Arne Slot

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As usual, the Premier League giants have been busy with their summer shopping in order to best prepare for the upcoming season. Among the hyperactive on this transfer market across the Channel, we find Aston Villa at the top of the list. Last 4th in the Premier League and qualified for the Champions League, the Birmingham club wants to offer Unai Emery the most competitive squad possible and is therefore chaining together big purchases as well as great sales. Currently, the English team is the biggest spender in the world with nearly 180 million euros spent and does not seem willing to stop there. If the other English bigwigs such as Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United or Arsenal are responding, this is not the case for Liverpool, which is struggling to take off.

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At the end of the 2022-2023 season, when Liverpool finished just outside the most prestigious European competition (5th in the standings), the team led with an iron fist by Jürgen Klopp managed to secure the services of talented players such as Dominik Szoboszlai (RB Leipzig), Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton), Wataru Endo (Stuttgart) and Ryan Gravenberch (Bayern Munich) with a view to returning to the top, even if it meant jostling for position in the title race with Manchester City and Arsenal. As the new season dawns, the objectives remain the same despite the handover of power on the Reds’ bench between Jürgen Klopp and Arne Slot, who was poached from Feyenoord Rotterdam and who officially took up his duties on June 1. But while we expected to see Liverpool agitated in all directions under the leadership of the Dutch technician, it is the calm while the resumption of hostilities in the Premier League is scheduled in a few weeks.

Read Adrián’s magnificent gift to Mohamed Salah

A handful of departures and complicated files to manage…

So, how can we explain this inactivity at Liverpool? An inactivity that should be qualified, however, given that the Mersey club has parted ways with three key players. First, we can cite the case of Thiago Alcantara. Eaten away by repeated injuries, the Spanish midfielder has missed more than a hundred matches with the Reds since his arrival in the summer of 2020 from Bayern Munich. A failing physique that got the better of him since the Iberian decided to hang up his boots to return to Catalonia and join Hansi Flick’s staff at Barça. After eight years at Anfield, Joël Matip, who tore his cruciate ligaments in his knee in December 2023, also left the ship at the end of his contract which expired last June. Same story for Adrian. Alisson’s backup since 2019 and downgraded for two years as third goalkeeper, behind Caoimhin Kelleher, the 37-year-old Spanish goalkeeper had an offer of an extension, but chose to return to his training club, Betis Sevilla.

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If Liverpool is very discreet in terms of arrivals, this can be explained by the fact that the English club has several priorities in mind regarding its squad, namely securing the future of three key elements of the Klopp era: Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk. While the Egyptian striker has just entered the final year of his contract, his future is dotted along the banks of the Mersey. Even if Liverpool’s leaders are sounding out the market for his successor, a sale of the Pharaoh is not on the agenda despite offers from Saudi Arabia. Regarding “TAA”, whose contractual situation is similar to Mohamed Salah, the Briton is in Real Madrid’s sights for his versatility and his ability to help out in midfield. If the Merengues have already made contact with the English international, a departure for the 25-year-old player is still not on the agenda and Liverpool is pushing internally to tie him to a new lease. Finally, for Virgil van Dijk, he figures in Arne Slot’s plans for the coming season. And despite the many speculations surrounding his future which worry the Scousers, the Dutchman has hinted that he wants to prolong the fun within the Merseyside club. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Is Arne Slot playing for time?

What about the intentions of Liverpool’s new strongman, Arne Slot? While the Reds’ supporters are still waiting for the first signing of the summer, the Dutchman is prioritising the current squad and the players he currently has at his disposal during his pre-season in the United States. On tour across the Atlantic, the former Feyenoord Rotterdam boss detailed his approach to this summer transfer window.The first goal is to work with these players. Of course, it is a disadvantage that many of them are not here yet (due to Euro 2024 and the Copa America). The positive is that it is an ideal way to see the young players and give them game time. The standards are really high when it comes to bringing in new players because we have such a good squad. Of course, Richard Hughes (the sporting director) and I try to improve the squad as much as possible, but it is not that easy“, the Dutch coach told the press, according to The Mirror.

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He pursues : “I inherited a team that is really good, so it is not so easy to find players of the same level or even better, especially since they have to be available. Richard, more than me, is working very hard on this and keeping me informed. If there is any news about it, we will come to you. We already have a good team that I am happy with, but it would be a surprise for all of us if we did not bring in any players. It will probably happen in the end, but for now, we are waiting for our players to come back and waiting for the good ones to sign.“In other words, all scenarios are possible at Liverpool, even if Arne Slot wants above all to get his bearings with his new players before assessing future needs. But for the moment, transfer rumors related to the Anfield residents are not running the streets…

Pub. and 7/26/2024 8:01 PM MAJ and 7/26/2024 9:18 PM

2024-07-26 18:01:37
#Liverpool #summer #transfer #window

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SAD|| 10 Players Who Lost Everything After Divorce, Number 5 Will Shôck You

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The Hidden Financial Struggles of Footballers: Divorce’s Costly Toll

The glamorous image of professional footballers, with their luxurious lifestyles and multimillion-dollar contracts, often obscures a harsh reality: the financial devastation many endure through divorce. Behind the fame and fortune, several high-profile players have seen their wealth significantly depleted after parting ways with their spouses, a stark reminder that no amount of money can fully shield one of the financial pitfalls of personal relationships gone awry…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

One of the most shocking examples is that of former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué, who lost not only his properties in England but also custody of his children following a bitter divorce. Despite earning millions during his career, Eboué found himself stripped of almost everything. His situation became a cautionary tale, underscoring that even the wealthiest footballers can fall victim to the financial ruin that divorce can bring.

Eboué is not alone. Football legends such as Thierry Henry and Ryan Giggs have also experienced significant financial losses due to divorce. Henry reportedly paid £10 million to his ex-wife, while Giggs parted with an astonishing £40 million after his marriage ended. Louis Saha and Wes Brown, both former Manchester United players, also suffered substantial financial hits, with Brown declaring bankruptcy despite earning £50,000 per week during his time at the club. His case highlights how even vast earnings can quickly evaporate when faced with legal settlements and financial mismanagement.

David James, the former England goalkeeper, faced a particularly dire situation, losing much of his fortune after divorce and being forced to auction his personal belongings to make ends meet. Similarly, Ray Parlour, another Arsenal great, saw his ex-wife receive half of his £10 million fortune, including a £2.5 million house. Jamie Redknapp, a former Liverpool star, also faced a hefty settlement, parting with half of his estimated £15 million fortune after his marriage ended.

These are just a few of the many footballers who have faced financial disaster due to divorce. Keith Gillespie, once a key figure in the Premier League, lost over £7 million, leading to his bankruptcy in 2010. Despite earning significant wages during his career, his divorce and poor financial decisions left him in financial ruin. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Perhaps the most shocking case is that of Tendai Ndoro, a Zimbabwean striker who lost everything after registering all his properties in his wife’s name. Following their breakup, she kicked him out of the house, leaving him with nothing. Ndoro’s story serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of not protecting one’s assets, even in relationships where trust is implicit.

For footballers, whose careers often peak early, these financial setbacks can be devastating. While their salaries are among the highest in professional sports, the combination of short career spans, legal fees, and divorce settlements can quickly erode their fortunes. Many players also face additional challenges in managing their finances due to a lack of financial education or oversight during their playing years.

These stories underscore the importance of safeguarding personal wealth, especially for high-earning individuals like footballers, who may be more vulnerable to financial upheaval. Proper financial planning, asset protection strategies, and prenups are increasingly necessary tools for protecting one’s earnings and securing a stable future.

In conclusion, while the public sees footballers as insulated by their wealth, the reality is that they are just as susceptible to the financial hardships of divorce as anyone else. The personal struggles behind the scenes reveal that their lives, though glamorous on the surface, are often fraught with the same vulnerabilities and challenges faced by ordinary individuals. These cases serve as sobering reminders that financial security is never guaranteed, even for those at the pinnacle of success.

 

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NFL | The best was yet to come, and then no

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In February 2022, the Bengals missed the Super Bowl by three small points, but regardless, the future seemed bright in Cincinnati.


Posted at 1:13 a.m.

Updated at 7:00 a.m.

In any case, that’s what we, the most seasoned experts in American football, believed, capable of seeing the future each season, often in a very impressive way; for example, this column has been predicting since 1970 that the New York Jets are not going to win the Super Bowl, and that’s still exactly what happens.

The Bengals have never won anything, but their presence on the big stage two years ago suggested that, a bit like the Nordiques in 1990, the best was yet to come.

Well, no.

As of this hour, the Bengals are a dismal 1-4, and even then, their only win came against the Carolina Panthers, who are about as bad as they are.

The good news for the Bengals is that this “landing” is fairly easily explained: their defense is pretty awful. The less good news is that it is probably already too late to try to solve this problem.

In five games, the Bengals have allowed a total of 145 points, which gives a pretty staggering average of 29 points per game. No one else in the American Association looks this bad, and in the league as a whole, only the Carolina Panthers are even worse in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Bengals are wasting the best years of Joe Burrow, who turns 28 in December. He wouldn’t be the first quality quarterback to waste his talent in this uniform.

Is it necessary here to remember that in American football, as in life in general, there is never anything certain? This reality reminds us of this sublime quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who once wrote that “supreme happiness is a hundred times sweeter to hope for than to obtain”.

Rousseau must have been a Bengals fan, obviously.

You are probably aware that the New York Jets fired their coachbut that’s not the worst. The worst part is that poor Robert Saleh would have been escorted to the door like a pauper by security agents.

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Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh

It’s undoubtedly one of the worst moments in the history of a club that collects the worst moments, from Mark Sanchez dropping a ball on his lineman’s pussy, to a visibly hot Joe Namath trying to to kiss a reporter live on TV (we’re going to move on to the naughty photo of Brett Favre because there are children here).

We can never repeat it enough: in football, as in life, everything starts from the top. The leaders of the Jets, who display a level of competence similar to that of the inventors of Pepsi Crystal, thus opted for the easy way, instead of realizing that their ground game is non-existent, and that their quarterback who hears voices in his head is finished.

In addition, barely installed, new coach Jeff Ulbrich decided to give control of the attack to assistant Todd Downing, who will call the plays from now on. This is not a detail because this task previously fell to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, close and confidant of Aaron Rodgers.

It’s obvious that this is going to end very badly. As per usual.

Someone whispers in my ear that the inbox is overflowing again, so let’s get to it right away.

First, Luc Girouard from Sept-Îles sends us this timely little comment: “Would Prince Rodgers have plotted to kick Robert Saleh out in order to take his place? »

We all see what you did, Luc.

Then, there is a certain Nicolas B. from Laval who sent this: “Hi Richard. Great weekly column on football. Really entertaining. In addition, you allow my teenagers to read about football in French, which is still a challenge […] If you ever make a reference to my comment, my sports travel gang is buying me a beer on our next trip. »

You will demand a micro beer, Nicolas. Finally, there is Marco Campanozzi who can no longer hear about “mixing” and the right chair: “I can’t do it anymore!!! »

We are Marco.

It will be another great opportunity to lock yourself in front of the TV while pretending to do something constructive, because Sunday’s menu is particularly spicy.

Thus, Commanders in a state of grace will go to Baltimore to prove that they are serious, the Chargers will go to Denver in the hope of recovering after two defeats in a row, and the Cowboys will host the Lions, in a match that they can’t really let slip away, just to build something following the little miracle last Sunday night in Pittsburgh.

Don’t forget to check out the colors during halftime.

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A young badminton player realizes his deceased father’s dream

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Only 13 years old, badminton-player-honors-fathers-dream-at-nationals/” title=”13-year-old Saskatchewan badminton player honors father’s dream at nationals”>Gautham Sumesh is preparing to realize the dream of his father, who died six months ago: he will soon participate in the National Badminton Championship.

My father was really addicted to badmintonrecalls the Saskatchewan teenager. He really liked that I played.

Gautham Sumesh has been playing badminton since he was old enough to handle a racket. The first time he managed to beat his father, Sumesh Pulavathil, he was offered a drink to celebrate the event.

Sadly, Sumesh Pulavathil died in a road accident near Estevan last October.

Despite the tragedy, the teenager continues to carry his family’s dreams: Gautham Sumesh won the provincial championships this year and is preparing to participate in the National Championship in New Brunswick.

He would be really happyhe believes.

Dreaming of badminton

The young player’s parents left India in 2022 in the hope that their son would become a top badminton player.

: Gautham badminton”,”text”:”When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badminton”}}”>When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badmintonexplains the latter’s mother, Gayathri Ramdas. It is the foundation of our family life.

Her husband put everything in place to help his son play. He bought him shoes and racquets, in addition to devoting many hours to coaching him and other children.

Sumesh Pulavathil (front) was an avid badminton player. (Archive photo)

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Although the family was devastated by Sumesh Pulavathil’s death, there was never any question of the teenager quitting badminton. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Since the death of his father, Gautham Sumesh has undergone intensive training, particularly in preparation for the provincial competition which took place in April.

He remembers that no one knew him when he started competing provincially, but that changed after his victory at the provincial championship.

: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”,”text”:”After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job! “Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”}}”>After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with meexplained Gautham Sumesh.

A portrait of Sumesh Pulavathil (far left) and his family.

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Despite his son’s success in the championship, Gayathri Ramdas believes the victory was bittersweet due to his father’s absence.

Despite everything, she watched her son grow up and demonstrate the values ​​of sportsmanship and good play that she and her husband wanted to instill in him, as he harbored ambitions of becoming a professional badminton player.

I’m little by little catching up on all the dreams we had.

With information from Janani Whitfield

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