Sports News

Agents have accused clubs of double-standards over two of the biggest deals this summer, with pressure piled on players to move to a different club before the end of their contract. Conor Gallagher has agreed a move to Atletico Madrid in Spain after it was made clear he risked being left out of the first-team squad if he did not sign a new deal, with a year remaining on his existing terms. Manchester United’s Leny Yoro, meanwhile, moved from Lille after the French club’s president described the youngster as having an “exit voucher” this summer due being in the last year of his contract. That effectively ruled out waiting for a dream move to Real Madrid in one year. Several intermediaries have spoken to Telegraph Sport over the power being in the hands of clubs when it comes to keeping and selling players even when they are tied to contracts. One leading agent said: “Everyone is brought up to honour contracts and when a players signs a deal they intend to see it through. “But clubs are ...

The top European leagues, including the Premier League, and global players' union Fifpro will launch legal action against world governing body Fifa over its "abuse of dominance" in the game. The European Leagues, which represents 39 leagues and 1,130 clubs in 33 countries, says it is filing a complaint to the European Commission to protect the welfare of players. It comes following growing pressure from leagues and player unions, including the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), over the number of games added to the calendar and the impact on players. A Fifpro statement said the international calendar is "now beyond saturation", "unsustainable for national leagues" and a "risk for the health of players". It added: "Fifa's decisions over the last years have repeatedly favoured its own competitions and commercial interests, neglected its responsibilities as a governing body, and harmed the economic interests of national le...

England manager Gareth Southgate has resigned two days after defeat by Spain in the 2024 European Championship final. The Three Lions lost 2-1 in Berlin on Sunday, their second consecutive Euros final defeat, having been beaten on penalties by Italy at Wembley three years ago. The 53-year-old managed his country for 102 games in eight years in charge. His contract was set to expire later this year. "As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England," said Southgate. "It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. "But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter." Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham said the process to appoint Southgate's successor has started and "we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible". He added the FA "have an interim solution in place if it is needed" and will not comment further on the process until a new boss is appoi...

Real Madrid have announced that Kylian Mbappe will wear the No 9 shirt in his first season with the club. The European champions have also revealed that Mbappe will be officially presented to fans at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium next Tuesday at noon (11am UK time). Mbappe wore No 7 for the majority of his Paris Saint-Germain career but that jersey currently belongs to Vinicius Junior at Madrid. Meanwhile, Mbappe was France's No 10 at Euro 2024 - a number that has been Luka Modric's at the Bernabeu since 2017. France were eliminated from Euro 2024 by Spain at the semi-final stage on Tuesday night. Madrid had been waiting until Mbappe's Euros participation was over before announcing their plans to officially unveil him.  A club statement published on Wednesday afternoon read: 'Real Madrid C. F. is pleased to announce that Kylian Mbappe will be presented at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium on Tuesday 16 July at noon.' The statement continued: 'President of Real Madri...

Juventus are prepared to offer Federico Chiesa to Manchester United as part of their efforts to sign Jadon Sancho. Sancho’s time at United is set to come to an end this summer following last year’s dramatic falling out with Erik ten Hag. The winger has not played for the club since last August, exiled by the Dutchman before spending the second-half of last season on loan back at Borussia Dortmund. United’s decision to extend ten Hag’s contract ended any slim hopes of the Londoner being integrated back into the side. Needing to bolster their modest transfer budget through player sales, Sancho is among those United hope to fetch a decent fee for in the coming weeks. Juventus are eager to bring the former Dortmund star to Turin with the Bianconeri reportedly Sancho’s favoured destination. United are thought to be looking for a fee of around £40million, a figure that would represent a sizable loss having paid £72m to bring him to Manchester three years ago. Juve have their own dilemma with...

Alvaro Morata has sparked a storm in Spain's camp at Euro 2024 after threatening to quit the national team after the tournament over 'nonsense' criticism. Morata, who has captained his country in Germany this summer, previously admitted it would be 'easiest' for him to move abroad because of the poor treatment and laid bare the effect on his family, including his wife and four young children. He also floated the idea of leaving Atletico Madrid just a week on from seemingly pledging his future to the club, raging that 'in Spain, there's no respect for anyone'. Ahead of his likely next appearance against France in the first semi-final tomorrow, an explosive interview with El Mundo has caused uproar in his homeland. 'It could be [my last tournament with Spain],' Morata told the outlet. 'It's a possibility that I don't want to talk about too much, but it's probable.' Visit ...