Let's see who they buy first. Think they have too many AMs and need to strength at the back and upfront.
Ligue 1 | French Football 2017/18
- Thread starter bucky
- Start date
Lyon brought the fullbacks they needed and added Bertrand Traorè. Nice have lost Pereira but their first eleven is far superior and their players are very young and developing every year while Marseille are stockpilling has-beens.
Maxime Lopez has great potential too, Thauvin hasn't been bad for them, but I see what you mean, also you follow Ligue 1 closer than me, maybe because I like Maxim, and Rudi Garcia as their coach, just don't see any reason for them to not improve what they had last season.
And your Monaco, is the shop closed, or Jardim already with his typical speech, young squad, we just think on our next match, we are not the favourites, and all that
Maxime Lopez has great potential too, Thauvin hasn't been bad for them, but I see what you mean, also you follow Ligue 1 closer than me, maybe because I like Maxim, and Rudi Garcia as their coach, just don't see any reason for them to not improve what they had last season.
And your Monaco, is the shop closed, or Jardim already with his typical speech, young squad, we just think on our next match, we are not the favourites, and all that
Like Bucky said the only question mark for Lyon is Genesio who isn't bad tactically but he can't motivate his players otherwise they have better players in almost every positions and those players are younger with more room to improve. With Marseille the only guaranteed improvement is Rami over the clowns that they had last season because Germain isn't guaranteed to be an upgrade on last year's Gomis and the same thing with Luiz Gustavo compared to Vainqueur, Payet will have to improve a lot too.
Now, if Marseille sign Moussa Dembélé, they will have a better chance.
Fair enough, I am starting the bet of this season now, of course no money involved, Marseille will finish this season ahead of Nice and Lyon, at least third, if not second, and Lille will be the kamikaze football team in Ligue 1
Fair enough, I am starting the bet of this season now, of course no money involved, Marseille will finish this season ahead of Nice and Lyon, at least third, if not second, and Lille will be the kamikaze football team in Ligue 1
And I won't bet because Bordeaux will make both of us look like fools.
Did I read correctly that Marseille, one of the biggest club in France for decades, was sold a few years back for 45M Euros?! That just seem to make absolutely no sense to me. For less than half of a Pogba someone purchased an entire club?!
They don't earn their stadium, iirc the training center had several mortgages attached to it, the club was costing money to the owner and RLD's widow wanted to get rid of it.
Yes, and PSG was sold for a similar amount.
It's not surprising since the club had been operating at a loss for years, costing a few hundred millions to the RLD family, has many structural issues and was stripped of most of his assets before the sale. Money pits don't tend to sell for huge amount of money. I'm sure the new owner wants to make it profitable, I wonder how he will manage to do it.
Still don't understand why Marseille didn't wanna keep Gomis when they'll end up paying for a foreign striker, who probably will take to adapt to the city (tough environment if the team isn't performing) and for more money
Champions Project mon frère... A disaster in the making
Wow, I've never really kept up with the price of team sales. It makes sense I guess, I just figured it would be at least over the 100 mil mark but the French league is not very financially strong outside of a team or two of foreign ownership. I'd guess a Premier League club would sell for easily double that amount at least given the financial and marketing strength worldwide of the league.
LYON
Jason Denayer: “Manchester City vetoed my move to Lyon.”
Speaking to Voetbal Magazine, Belgian defender Jason Denayer revealed that Manchester City were actively blocking his possible loan move to Lyon this summer.
“They have vetoed my departure to Lyon. They do not want to sell me, and even if they did it would only be under exorbitant conditions like for example with a buy-back clause that matches the selling fee. So, clubs only want me on loan. I am not against that but I want to choose my destination. In this frame of mind, Lyon was the perfect club, an ambitious team in a good league. We had an agreement with Lyon but not with City, who absolutely want to loan me to Girona. They have just been promoted, they play on the counter, in a small town, with few supporters. The opposite in every aspect to Lyon.”
Official | Olivier Kemen re-joins Gazelec Ajaccio on loan
Olivier Kemen has re-joined Gazelec Ajaccio from Lyon on a one-year loan deal for this upcoming campaign.
The Cameroonian-born midfielder spent the second half of last season on-loan at Ajaccio, playing 16 times for “Le Gaz”, registering 2 assists and 4 goals in the process.
The 20-year-old has been watched by many clubs in Ligue 1 but it is Ajaccio that he has joined on-loan for the upcoming campaign.
Official | Lyon sign Kenny Tete from Ajax
Lyon have complete the signing of Ajax full back Kenny Tete for a fee believed to be around €3m.
The 21-year-old will join the club for pre season soon after leaving his club of 12 years Ajax Amsterdam. Tete had been brought up through the world famous Ajax youth academy and had been a good prospect wanted by many clubs for a number of years.
Lyon fought off competition from the likes of Crystal Palace, Juventus and Inter Milan to sign Tete, who will be unveiled officially as a Lyon player later this evening.
T.S.
Besiktas’ Marcelo has already agreed personal terms with Lyon
Besiktas defender Marcelo has agreed personal terms with Lyon ahead of a possible move, according to L’Équipe.
The Turkish giants had opposed the 30-year-old’s departure for several weeks but following the signing of Pepe.
Lyon have submitted a €6m bid with a series of bonuses to Besiktas, but the Turkish side wants €8m for the player.
The bid as is could however be enough to entice Besiktas, Lyon are currently optimistic.
Remi Garde: “Lacazette & Giroud can play alongside each other.”
Speaking to France Football, former Lyon manager Remi Garde asserted that there was room for both Alexandre Lacazette and Olivier Giroud at Arsenal.
“Olivier and Alexandre are two different players that Arsène needs. The seasons are long and the aims are high for a club like Arsenal. To have these two players at his disposal is not too much, and it is possible to put them both in the same XI. The proof, at Lyon, is that Alex and Bafé (Gomis) played alongside each other at Lyon with me. We got the balance right by playing a diamond midfield. That is something that Arsène could do with these two players. Alex is a player who is sufficiently intelligent to adapt to that, Olivier Giroud too.”
Jason Denayer: “Manchester City vetoed my move to Lyon.”
Speaking to Voetbal Magazine, Belgian defender Jason Denayer revealed that Manchester City were actively blocking his possible loan move to Lyon this summer.
“They have vetoed my departure to Lyon. They do not want to sell me, and even if they did it would only be under exorbitant conditions like for example with a buy-back clause that matches the selling fee. So, clubs only want me on loan. I am not against that but I want to choose my destination. In this frame of mind, Lyon was the perfect club, an ambitious team in a good league. We had an agreement with Lyon but not with City, who absolutely want to loan me to Girona. They have just been promoted, they play on the counter, in a small town, with few supporters. The opposite in every aspect to Lyon.”
Official | Olivier Kemen re-joins Gazelec Ajaccio on loan
Olivier Kemen has re-joined Gazelec Ajaccio from Lyon on a one-year loan deal for this upcoming campaign.
The Cameroonian-born midfielder spent the second half of last season on-loan at Ajaccio, playing 16 times for “Le Gaz”, registering 2 assists and 4 goals in the process.
The 20-year-old has been watched by many clubs in Ligue 1 but it is Ajaccio that he has joined on-loan for the upcoming campaign.
Official | Lyon sign Kenny Tete from Ajax
Lyon have complete the signing of Ajax full back Kenny Tete for a fee believed to be around €3m.
The 21-year-old will join the club for pre season soon after leaving his club of 12 years Ajax Amsterdam. Tete had been brought up through the world famous Ajax youth academy and had been a good prospect wanted by many clubs for a number of years.
Lyon fought off competition from the likes of Crystal Palace, Juventus and Inter Milan to sign Tete, who will be unveiled officially as a Lyon player later this evening.
T.S.
Besiktas’ Marcelo has already agreed personal terms with Lyon
Besiktas defender Marcelo has agreed personal terms with Lyon ahead of a possible move, according to L’Équipe.
The Turkish giants had opposed the 30-year-old’s departure for several weeks but following the signing of Pepe.
Lyon have submitted a €6m bid with a series of bonuses to Besiktas, but the Turkish side wants €8m for the player.
The bid as is could however be enough to entice Besiktas, Lyon are currently optimistic.
Remi Garde: “Lacazette & Giroud can play alongside each other.”
Speaking to France Football, former Lyon manager Remi Garde asserted that there was room for both Alexandre Lacazette and Olivier Giroud at Arsenal.
“Olivier and Alexandre are two different players that Arsène needs. The seasons are long and the aims are high for a club like Arsenal. To have these two players at his disposal is not too much, and it is possible to put them both in the same XI. The proof, at Lyon, is that Alex and Bafé (Gomis) played alongside each other at Lyon with me. We got the balance right by playing a diamond midfield. That is something that Arsène could do with these two players. Alex is a player who is sufficiently intelligent to adapt to that, Olivier Giroud too.”
MARSEILLE
Marseille reach deal with Sevilla for Adil Rami
Marseille have this afternoon reached a fee agreement with Sevilla for French international central defender Adil Rami.
The fee is believed to be worth €6m for the former Lille man, who will join up with boss Rudi Garcia once again.
The deal was previously held up by haggling over the price between Marseille and Sevilla, with the former only willing to pay €4m and the latter asking for €6m. In the end OM caved first.
Rami had already agreed contractual terms with Marseille and will now undergo a medical before becoming OM’s 4th signing of the window.
Rami is currently in Marseille to complete the move.
Fenerbahce have begun discussions for Michy Batshuayi
Turkish giants Fenerbahce have opened discussions over the possible signing of Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, according to our colleagues at Foot Mercato.
More than that, Batshuayi has emerged as Fener’s number one transfer window priority at this time, the report claims.
Batshuayi has yet to pass judgement on any potential offer from the Turkish giants.
Wilfried Bony has held talks with Marseille Sporting Director Andoni Zubizarreta
Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony spoke with Marseille Sporting Director Andoni Zubizaretta three days ago about a possible move, according to L’Équipe.
Marseille have been forced to look at other striking options with the chances of signing Olivier Giroud fading fast. The French international wants to take his time before making any decision.
AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca has become more of a Plan A than a Plan B, and Zubizaretta has already convinced him to favour a move to Marseille over offers from Besiktas and Fenerbahce.
Marseille have however not opened fee negotiations with AC Milan. OM would prefer a loan with an option to buy, but the Serie A outfit want a €20m fee. At the time of writing, Marseille have yet to bite.
Carlos Bacca has told Marseille he wants to join them
AC Milan’s Colombian striker Carlos Bacca has informed Marseille representatives that he is very interested in their project, according to RMC.
Bacca, 30, has been transfer listed by the new regime at AC Milan, and hopes to find a new club as soon as possible.
Marseille are hesitating to go for Bacca, with Milan likely to demand close to €30m in initial negotiations for the player. Even if Marseille are confident that they can work that price down, they are cautious to be very cost effective in this market and are considering other options at present.
Marseille agree fee with Crystal Palace for Steve Mandanda
Ligue 1 side Marseille have finally agreed a fee with Premier League club Crystal Palace for the possible signing of Steve Mandanda, according to L’Équipe.
After weeks of negotiations that saw Marseille make low-ball offers of €1m and €1.5m, Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish sought to provoke the situation by demanding €8m.
An agreement has been reached worth €2m that could rise to €6m.
Mandanda has already re-located in Marseille and will now sign the 3-year contract that he had agreed to many weeks ago.
Marseille enquire for Nikola Kalinic
Ligue 1 side Marseille have made an enquiry for Fiorentina’s Croatian international attacking player Nikola Kalinic, according to France Football.
It is believed that La Viola will want at least €20m in order to part with the player.
The German View | Can Luiz Gustavo take the Marseille project to the next level?
Four years at VfL Wolfsburg came to an end for Luis Gustavo on Tuesday, after he opted for a move to the south of France over Italy. The Brazilian signed for Olympique Marseille, signing a contract until 2021. However, the 29-year-old may already be past his use by date.
It’s quite clear to see that Gustavo hasn’t enjoyed his best football to date. Perhaps that could be down to the fact Wolfsburg battled against relegation for the majority of last season of which they escaped by a whisker – beating Eintracht Braunschweig in their relegation play-off.
The past 18 months has seen the Brazilian turn in lacklustre performances whilst being extremely ill-disciplined. His eight red cards in the Bundesliga is the joint-highest in the league, alongside Jens Nowotny.
It probably didn’t help that Wolfsburg’s hierarchy sacked long-term head coach Dieter Hecking in October 2016 after almost four years in charge after the German made them a stable, Europa League challenging club.
Frenchman Valérien Ismaël was appointed and ultimately failed as Wolfsburg dropped to new lows, before Andries Jonker was appointed head coach in February ‘17. After four years at Wolfsburg, Gustavo felt as though it’s time to move on, and at this stage in his career, it’s hard not to blame him as he looks for new pastures outside of Germany.
For the calibre of player the 29-year-old is, Wolfsburg have done well to keep hold of him so long. When it comes down to it, Wolfsburg is an extremely hard place to persuade players to come/stay at the club. Located in the Lower Saxony (northern Germany), Wolfsburg is a working class city, predominantly Volkswagen employees.
In recent seasons we’ve seen Kevin de Bruyne return to Chelsea, Julian Draxler depart for France and Wolfsburg miss out on Romelu Lukaku and Álvaro Morata. The money is there, but unfortunately the picturesque surroundings are not.
And so on paper, it looks as though signing Gustavo may be a good move for both parties. For the rumoured €8m fee, Marseille are getting a player who has won seven major trophies within a four-year spell. The most noticeable of those being a part of the squad that won the quadruple – Bundesliga, Champions League, DFB Pokal and the German Super Cup – with Bayern Munich in their 2012/13 campaign.
Defensively, only Mats Hummels (1186) has more tackles and interceptions that Luis Gustavo (1157) in the Bundesliga since August 2009 (via Whoscored) which made the Brazilian one of the most fearless, efficient ball-winning players in Germany.
Like Julian Draxler, perhaps Gustavo can now kick on in his career. The Germany international stagnated towards the end of his Wolfsburg career after he became increasingly unhappy, which resulted in a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Since his switch, the 23-year-old has become an established player in Joachim Löw’s Germany side, captaining the winning Confederations Cup side.
Perhaps a switch to southern France for Gustavo will see him recreate his previous form. The talent is still there in Gustavo, which is why both the Milan clubs were chasing his signature and so Marseille have secured quite a coup.
There’s no doubting that the Ligue 1 club has struggled of late. Let’s hope that Gustavo can play a key role in Rudi García’s Marseille as they look to challenge for a place in Europe once again.
D.P. of Get German Football News
Marseille reach deal with Sevilla for Adil Rami
Marseille have this afternoon reached a fee agreement with Sevilla for French international central defender Adil Rami.
The fee is believed to be worth €6m for the former Lille man, who will join up with boss Rudi Garcia once again.
The deal was previously held up by haggling over the price between Marseille and Sevilla, with the former only willing to pay €4m and the latter asking for €6m. In the end OM caved first.
Rami had already agreed contractual terms with Marseille and will now undergo a medical before becoming OM’s 4th signing of the window.
Rami is currently in Marseille to complete the move.
Fenerbahce have begun discussions for Michy Batshuayi
Turkish giants Fenerbahce have opened discussions over the possible signing of Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, according to our colleagues at Foot Mercato.
More than that, Batshuayi has emerged as Fener’s number one transfer window priority at this time, the report claims.
Batshuayi has yet to pass judgement on any potential offer from the Turkish giants.
Wilfried Bony has held talks with Marseille Sporting Director Andoni Zubizarreta
Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony spoke with Marseille Sporting Director Andoni Zubizaretta three days ago about a possible move, according to L’Équipe.
Marseille have been forced to look at other striking options with the chances of signing Olivier Giroud fading fast. The French international wants to take his time before making any decision.
AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca has become more of a Plan A than a Plan B, and Zubizaretta has already convinced him to favour a move to Marseille over offers from Besiktas and Fenerbahce.
Marseille have however not opened fee negotiations with AC Milan. OM would prefer a loan with an option to buy, but the Serie A outfit want a €20m fee. At the time of writing, Marseille have yet to bite.
Carlos Bacca has told Marseille he wants to join them
AC Milan’s Colombian striker Carlos Bacca has informed Marseille representatives that he is very interested in their project, according to RMC.
Bacca, 30, has been transfer listed by the new regime at AC Milan, and hopes to find a new club as soon as possible.
Marseille are hesitating to go for Bacca, with Milan likely to demand close to €30m in initial negotiations for the player. Even if Marseille are confident that they can work that price down, they are cautious to be very cost effective in this market and are considering other options at present.
Marseille agree fee with Crystal Palace for Steve Mandanda
Ligue 1 side Marseille have finally agreed a fee with Premier League club Crystal Palace for the possible signing of Steve Mandanda, according to L’Équipe.
After weeks of negotiations that saw Marseille make low-ball offers of €1m and €1.5m, Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish sought to provoke the situation by demanding €8m.
An agreement has been reached worth €2m that could rise to €6m.
Mandanda has already re-located in Marseille and will now sign the 3-year contract that he had agreed to many weeks ago.
Marseille enquire for Nikola Kalinic
Ligue 1 side Marseille have made an enquiry for Fiorentina’s Croatian international attacking player Nikola Kalinic, according to France Football.
It is believed that La Viola will want at least €20m in order to part with the player.
The German View | Can Luiz Gustavo take the Marseille project to the next level?
Four years at VfL Wolfsburg came to an end for Luis Gustavo on Tuesday, after he opted for a move to the south of France over Italy. The Brazilian signed for Olympique Marseille, signing a contract until 2021. However, the 29-year-old may already be past his use by date.
It’s quite clear to see that Gustavo hasn’t enjoyed his best football to date. Perhaps that could be down to the fact Wolfsburg battled against relegation for the majority of last season of which they escaped by a whisker – beating Eintracht Braunschweig in their relegation play-off.
The past 18 months has seen the Brazilian turn in lacklustre performances whilst being extremely ill-disciplined. His eight red cards in the Bundesliga is the joint-highest in the league, alongside Jens Nowotny.
It probably didn’t help that Wolfsburg’s hierarchy sacked long-term head coach Dieter Hecking in October 2016 after almost four years in charge after the German made them a stable, Europa League challenging club.
Frenchman Valérien Ismaël was appointed and ultimately failed as Wolfsburg dropped to new lows, before Andries Jonker was appointed head coach in February ‘17. After four years at Wolfsburg, Gustavo felt as though it’s time to move on, and at this stage in his career, it’s hard not to blame him as he looks for new pastures outside of Germany.
For the calibre of player the 29-year-old is, Wolfsburg have done well to keep hold of him so long. When it comes down to it, Wolfsburg is an extremely hard place to persuade players to come/stay at the club. Located in the Lower Saxony (northern Germany), Wolfsburg is a working class city, predominantly Volkswagen employees.
In recent seasons we’ve seen Kevin de Bruyne return to Chelsea, Julian Draxler depart for France and Wolfsburg miss out on Romelu Lukaku and Álvaro Morata. The money is there, but unfortunately the picturesque surroundings are not.
And so on paper, it looks as though signing Gustavo may be a good move for both parties. For the rumoured €8m fee, Marseille are getting a player who has won seven major trophies within a four-year spell. The most noticeable of those being a part of the squad that won the quadruple – Bundesliga, Champions League, DFB Pokal and the German Super Cup – with Bayern Munich in their 2012/13 campaign.
Defensively, only Mats Hummels (1186) has more tackles and interceptions that Luis Gustavo (1157) in the Bundesliga since August 2009 (via Whoscored) which made the Brazilian one of the most fearless, efficient ball-winning players in Germany.
Like Julian Draxler, perhaps Gustavo can now kick on in his career. The Germany international stagnated towards the end of his Wolfsburg career after he became increasingly unhappy, which resulted in a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Since his switch, the 23-year-old has become an established player in Joachim Löw’s Germany side, captaining the winning Confederations Cup side.
Perhaps a switch to southern France for Gustavo will see him recreate his previous form. The talent is still there in Gustavo, which is why both the Milan clubs were chasing his signature and so Marseille have secured quite a coup.
There’s no doubting that the Ligue 1 club has struggled of late. Let’s hope that Gustavo can play a key role in Rudi García’s Marseille as they look to challenge for a place in Europe once again.
D.P. of Get German Football News
Dani Alves to sign for PSG
PSG are confident of completing the signing of Dani Alves on a free transfer from Juventus within the next 24 hours.
RMC confirm that the Brazilian right-back has given a verbal agreement to the Paris side, with reputable local sources like Canal Supporters reporting that Alves has already undergone and completed a medical with PSG.
Alves, who has previously agreed to join Manchester City, appears set to snub the Premier League outfit and sign a 2-year contract with Les Parisiens.
Twitter of Marquinhos:
Fiorentina sound out Jesé
Serie A side Fiorentina have sounded out Jesé as a possible replacement for the apparently outgoing Federico Bernardeschi, according to L’Équipe.
The Spanish flop has failed to make any impact at PSG and has been told to find the exit door this summer.
His considerable salary demands might prove too large an obstacle for La Viola in terms of getting a deal done.
Newcastle United weighing up Alphonse Areola possibility
Premier League newcomers Newcastle United are weighing up the possibility of lodging a bid for PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, according to France Football.
Rafa Benitez has followed the player since the French international’s time at Villarreal and the Magpies are weighing up the possibility of submitting a €15m initial bid for the former SC Bastia loanee.
Areola is the club’s number one target to provide competition for Tim Krul, even if they have also looked at Joe Hart and Pepe Reina.
Les Parisiens would need to find a new goalkeeper should a deal be struck, even if, as rumoured, RC Lens man Nicolas Douchez returns to the capital in a capacity as #3.
PSG are considering Eliaquim Mangala
PSG have been offered Manchester City central defender Eliaquim Mangala by Jorge Mendes and are considering making the Frenchman their fourth choice defender next season behind Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe, according to France Football.
PSG Sporting Director Antero Henrique has made enquiries relating to the former Valencia loanee. The current biggest problem is that Manchester City want to sell the player for €25m, whereas Henrique prefers a loan.
At the moment, Les Parisiens intend to play a waiting game on this particular target, in the hope that as City get more and more desperate to offload the centre-back, that their resolve will weaken and that they will accept the loan rather than permanent departure of their defender.
Kylian Mbappé – more likely to stay than ever before
AS Monaco forward Kylian Mbappé’s entourage gave the strongest indication to date that the French international will remain with the Principality side for next season today, speaking to our colleagues at Live Team ASM.
“Kylian is back, and feels good at Monaco. His desire is to stay. Monaco have the cards in their hands. There is absolutely no reason for him to leave. No matter how many times we say this to the media, their heads continue to be turned. Today the Monaco squad is good as it is. We are beginning a new season with Monaco. We are due to meet with the Monaco representatives soon.”
The reputability of the regional site is little known, but these quotes only further what has already been a steadfast trend in the evolution of Kylian Mbappé’s situation.
Monaco sources indicate that the Mbappé family’s desire to be together for a football season, having been apart in 2016/17, with Mbappé and often his mother in Monaco and his brother and father in Paris, has played a primordial role in his decision making. The family had decided in April to live together in Monaco in 2017/18. This seems to have been the determining factor.
The next days will be crucial in confirming this trend, but Mbappé & Monaco appears to be a partnership that will continue for another campaign, despite an incredible effort from PSG to sign the player in recent days, a charm offensive led by Sporting Director Antero Henrique that has not ceased, yet.
In the biggest transfer situation of the summer, it won’t be prudent to remind readers that in the transfer window, it isn’t over until it is over.
Olivier Létang is trying to engineer Philippe Coutinho to PSG
Recently departed PSG Sporting Director Olivier Létang has taken up a position as CEO at football agency Sports Invest, where he is working with Kia Jooarabchian and Giuliano Bertolucci.
Létang’s first dip into the world of football agents has been an ongoing attempt to place Liverpool’s attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho at PSG, whose agent is Jooarabchian.
Les Parisiens are active for Coutinho, having made an enquiry at the end of last month.
Coutinho remains PSG’s Plan B should they as expected be ultimately rebuffed by AS Monaco for Kylian Mbappé.
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Still don't understand why Marseille didn't wanna keep Gomis when they'll end up paying for a foreign striker, who probably will take to adapt to the city (tough environment if the team isn't performing) and for more money
Gomis as a back-up would have been a great idea if the other CF were injured.
Other rumours about PSG:
- Aurier likely to move. He would be a great acquisition for United IMO
- Inter interested in Pastore: PSG wanrs 40 millions of euros
- PSG won'h have Donnaruma who renewed his contract with Milan and James Rodriguez going to Bayern
- PSG likely to offer 20 millions of euros for Mangala
- Fabinho likely to join Atletico because Monaco doesn't want to sell him to PSG?
- Aurier likely to move. He would be a great acquisition for United IMO
- Inter interested in Pastore: PSG wanrs 40 millions of euros
- PSG won'h have Donnaruma who renewed his contract with Milan and James Rodriguez going to Bayern
- PSG likely to offer 20 millions of euros for Mangala
- Fabinho likely to join Atletico because Monaco doesn't want to sell him to PSG?
Yes and he even showed he could be the main striker for them scoring 20 goals.
Marseille going strong. They do want to build a very competitive team.
Regarding the players to watch out for in the OP, I really like Maxime Lopez. He reminds so much of Nasri.
Finally someone who watches the same, hopefully more stable in his mind, the type of player you pay a ticket just to watch him play, I am going to follow Marseille this year because of him.
Hopefully another kid in Portugal at Braga who has the same age and in the same position will be another 1 to look, less creative but very objective, Bruno Xadas.
I'll be keeping an eye on Marseille because of him, too. As you said, let's hope he has his head screwed on which, unfortunately, Nasri did not and it cost him because of it. Not that he hasn't had a good career, mind.
I haven't heard of Bruno Xadas, truth be told. Let's hope he makes it, though, because the more players of this ilk, the merrier!
Yesterday even had time to watch the replay of a pre season match they had against Ettoile du Sahel just to confirm if it was hype around him, no, creativity, touches and touches, opening spaces only with vertical passing, switch direction of play with long passes to the right and left, he just gives the feeling he has all the vision around the pitch.
Remembers Nasri, but has potential to be more imo, remembers the profile of the spanish midfielders, small, incredible vision, and with just 1 pass he blows up the notion to be great you need to be very strong or very fast, hope Marseille keeps him at least 2 years, he needs to be developed in France, too soon to leave imo.
Regarding Xadas since this is not a portuguese football thread, if during the season he develops well I will give you the feedback, but he is totally different than Maxime, less creative, but I think he has more quality in finishing.
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Thanks, Bing.
Manchester City reach €57.5m agreement with AS Monaco for Benjamin Mendy
Premier League side Manchester City finally reached a €57.5m deal with AS Monaco last night, after their initial three bids worth €40m, €45m, €52.5m were all rejected, according to L’Équipe.
Last night, Monaco and Manchester City were exchanging deal papers, with the finer details of the agreement set to be hashed out in the coming hours.
Mendy is expected to rapidly undergo a medical and sign a very long-term contract with the Citizens, most probably longer than a 5-year-deal.
Leonardo Jardim has been informed by Monaco representatives that Mendy will leave the club. Pep Guardiola, who has been waiting impatiently on this deal, will fly Mendy out immediately for him to join City’s tour of the US. Mendy had given his personal agreement at the end of last month to Manchester City after being impressed by Pep Guardiola’s discourse.
AS Monaco release statement condemning clubs for tapping up Kylian Mbappé
AS Monaco have this afternoon released a statement condemning “big” clubs in the European football sphere who have been in contact with Kylian Mbappé and his entourage without any authorisation at club level.
“Monaco seeks to remind clubs that such actions contradict article 211 of the Administrative Regulations of the LFP and article 18.3 of FIFA regulations governing the status and transfer of players. In order to put an end to this unacceptable situation, AS MONACO is considering asking the LFP and FIFA to institute disciplinary proceedings against the offending clubs.”
Official | AS Monaco extend and loan out promising attacker Irvin Cardona
Irvin Cardona has signed a new deal at Monaco until 2021, and has also been sent out on loan to Belgian side Cercle Brugge, all in the same day.
The 19-year-old centre forward joins the Belgian side in a bid to gain first team experience, after making just seven appearances for Monaco this past season.
Cardona has been quite active in the UEFA Youth League throughout most of his career, boasting a record of six goals in 10 games in the competition. This move to Brugge will help Cardona with regards to first team football, with the player hoping this move will provide a platform to break into the Monaco side soon enough.
« Back
Monaco definitively block Fabinho from moving to PSG
In a dinner on Thursday night between Monaco Vice President Vadim Vasilyev, PSG President Nasser Al Khelaifi and agent Jorge Mendes, the Principality side definitively ruled out the possibility of Fabinho moving to Les Parisiens, according to L’Équipe.
This move from Vasilyev was not designed to make PSG cough up more money, it was a genuine discourse intended to make clear that no top Monaco player would be joining their Ligue 1 title rivals. The same is said to go for Kylian Mbappé.
AS Monaco VP Vasilyev has no intention of negotiating with Arsenal for Thomas Lemar
Monaco Vice President Vadim Vasilyev has no intention with negotiating with Arsenal at all for Thomas Lemar, according to Monaco sources contacted by L’Équipe.
However, sources contacted by GFFN believe that internally, Vasilyev has set an extortionate price at which he would accept to sell Lemar at, but that he has refused to tell Arsenal what that price is in an attempt to produce a show of strength and continue the facade that Lemar is not for sale at any price.
It is our understanding that Monaco did not even bother responding to Arsenal’s second bid for Thomas Lemar, made at €45m. It was never formally rejected, but quite simply ignored because Monaco appear to have viewed it as a complete waste of time.
If Arsenal make a third offer that is considerably improved, then perhaps things could change, but the situation looks very bleak for the London club at the time of writing. However, it is clear that that offer would have to be an improvement of north of €10m to have any impact at all.
Multiple agents who have spoken to GFFN this week both on and off the record are unanimous in stating that it is impossible to understand what Monaco’s strategy in terms of selling players will turn out to be during this window, despite the fact that we are already nearly 7 weeks into it.
Vadim Vasilyev keeps his cards close to his chest, which is perhaps the only hope that Arsenal fans can take at the time of writing in their pursuit of Thomas Lemar.
Djibril Sidibé signs new Monaco contract until 2022
Monaco have announced that full back Djibril Sidibé has signed a new contract extension at the club that will take him to 2022.
The former Lille man has reportedly been a target for Premier League duo Arsenal and Chelsea, but he will remain part of Leonardo Jardim’s squad for the foreseeable future.
The 24-year-old made 29 Ligue appearances this past season as he helped Monaco lift the Ligue 1 title, also playing in multiple Champions League games in their run to the semi finals, scoring against Tottenham Hotspur.
Sidibé has also become a fixture in the France national squad, making his debut back in September 2016 and making 10 appearances since then.
Kamil Glik signs new Monaco deal until 2021
Polish defender Kamil Glik signed a new contract until 2021 and joined Monaco from Torino last summer for a reported fee of €11m plus €4m in bonuses. The tough-tackling centre-back was a mainstay in Leonardo Jardim’s side, playing 50 times in all completions, helping them to their first league title in 17 years.
The Pole also netted 6 times for the champions, more than any other defender in Ligue 1. His impressive exploits have helped earn him a new contract which ties him down to the Principality side until 2021.
Glik seemed delighted with his new deal as he went on to say, “This season, the objectives are the same. To go as far as possible in the Champions League. We’ll be going out to defend our French league title and keep winning!”
“We are delighted to extend Kamil’s contract. He only arrived last year, but soon showed all his qualities. We are confident he still has much more to bring to the team,” said Monaco Vice President, Vadim Vasilyev.
A.R.
Tiemoué Bakayoko to Chelsea, this time its for good: €45m plus bonuses
AS Monaco and Chelsea finally reached a total and unshakable agreement last night over the transfer of defensive midfielder Tiemoué Bakayoko worth €45m plus bonuses, according to RMC.
The player’s brother confirmed the move on his Snapchat account. The 23-year-old is due in London to undergo a medical on Friday.
Mainz sign Abdou Diallo for €5m from AS Monaco
Mainz have completed the signing of 21-year-old Abdou Diallo from Monaco.
The central defender signs with the Bundesliga club on a five-year-deal until 2022 and will be hoping for more first team opportunities throughout the season. Capped at every age group for France and captaining the under-21 side, Diallo has the potential to be a great signing for Mainz.
Diallo made 11 appearances across four competitions last season for Monaco, playing five times in Ligue 1, four times in the Coupe de France and one time in both the Champions League and Coupe de la Ligue, failing to score but picking up one assist in the Coupe de France.
T.S.
Prince Albert of Monaco on Kylian Mbappé: “I don’t think he will go.”
Speaking exclusively to L’Équipe, Prince Albert of Monaco discussed the future of the Principality side’s starlet Kylian Mbappé.
“I don’t think (that he will leave). There are ongoing discussions that make me think he will be at Monaco nest season. The discussions relate to a possible wage hike. But I think that he has understand, his father too, that it is not yet in his interest to go to a huge club, where he is not assured playing time. Even if Zidane has said that he would receive playing time at Real Madrid.”
When asked specifically about selling Mbappé to PSG, the Prince was definitive:
“No. It is my opinion and I think that it is also that of Vadim Vasilyev.”.
AS Monaco sign Terence Kongolo for €13m
AS Monaco have completed the signing of central defender Terence Kongolo for €13m from Feyenoord.
The 23-year-old has signed a 5-year contract with the Ligue 1 champions after a title-winning season of his own in the Netherlands.
Arsenal & Dortmund were attentive to the player’s situation but he chose AS Monaco as he views it to be the perfect place to take the next step in his career.
Official | Valère Germain kicks-off Marseille’s summer window bonanza
Marseille and Monaco have officially reached an agreement over the transfer of forward Valere Germain, who will sign a four-year-deal on Monday for €8m plus €2m in bonuses.
The 27-year-old will leave the champions after spending his whole career on the peninsula, coming through into the first team in 2010.
Germain scored 17 goals in competitions this season as he helped his side win Ligue 1 and reach the semi finals of the UEFA Champions League, but has now taken the step to join Rudi Garcia at Marseille in a bid to get more first team football.
Official | AS Monaco land defensive midfielder Soualiho Meïté for €8m
AS Monaco have made yet another signing, this time Zulte Waregem midfielder Soualiho Meïté – who joins the champions on a 5-year-deal.
The 23-year-old defensive-midfielder has been earning his trade in Belgium’s top flight division and was certainly a vital part of his club’s third place finish last season. Meïté made 30 league appearances for Zulte Waragem, scoring once, and assisting once. He has also featured with the French national side at U16 through to U20 level.
The Frenchman is naturally a defensive-midfielder, and could be thrown in the deep end with the first team if the likes of Fabinho or Bakayoko left the club this summer.
Official | AS Monaco sign Jordy Gaspar
Monaco has completed the signing of France Under-20 International Jordy Gaspar on a three-year-deal.
The 20-year-old joins the French champions after making just four appearances last season for Lyon, a club he has spent his entire career at.
Gaspar joined Lyon’s youth academy in 2008, and spent three years in the reserve set up before making the jump up to the first team in 2015.
“We are pleased to announce the signing of Jordy Gaspar to AS Monaco,” said Monaco vice-president and chief executive Vadim Vasilyev.
“He is an young, exciting French prospect recognized for his potential and who will find all the conditions to progress here under the influence of Leonardo Jardim.”
AS Monaco reject €13m offer from AS Roma for Jemerson
Ligue 1 champions AS Monaco have rejected a €13m proposal from Serie A side AS Roma for Brazilian central defender Jemerson, according to France Football.
Monaco have no intention of selling the player at all.
Soualiho Meïté to join AS Monaco for €8m
Het Nieuwsblad report what has been in the offing for many weeks, that AS Monaco will sign Soualiho Meïté from Zulte Waregem in the coming days now that the French transfer window is officially open.
ASM will pay between €7m & €8m for highly-rated central midfielder, with 40% going to the Belgian outfit and the rest going to Lille owing to the transfer arrangement the latter two sides had.
The player is expected in Monaco imminently to finalise a contract and undergo a medical.
AS Monaco sign 19-year-old goalkeeper from Osasuna
Alvaro Fernández Llorente joins Monaco from Osasuna on a 3-year deal.
The highly-rated ‘keeper represented CA Osasuna as a youth. He made his senior debut with the reserves in April 2015, going on to play for 47 times for the reserves in 2 seasons. The 19-year-old made his La Liga debut last season, coming on as a second-half substitute for injured Mario Fernández in a 3-1 against Villarreal.
On Tuesday, the Principality’s club announced the arrival of Fernández Llorente on a free after his contract at Osasuna expired. “I am very happy to sign for AS Monaco, a club that has demonstrated last season all its sporting ambitions and that bases its philosophy on the trusting of the young players. I want to give the maximum to continue growing as a player and reach new levels,” said the goalkeeper.
A.R.
Official | Nabil Dirar departs Monaco for Fenerbahce
After a five-year spell, Nabil Dirar has left Monaco – signing for Turkish side Fenerbahce.
The deal is worth €4.5m including bonuses. Dirar had previously indicated that he was seeking a move to the Premier League, but it appears that the financial lure of Turkey changed his mind.
Dirar has been at the club throughout the tough times in the second division and enjoyed game time in the Champions League knockout stages this season.
He made 18 Ligue 1 appearances for the eventual champions in the recent campaign and certainly goes out on a high.
S.H.
Bernardo Silva: “Manchester City was an offer I could not refuse.”
Speaking in an interview with RMC, Manchester City attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva discussed his recent transfer from AS Monaco.
“It was not easy to quit Monaco because I have had some very good seasons. I want to thank everyone over there. They have given me the opportunity to play at the very highest level. But after this very good season, I wanted to try something different. It is good to do it after this league title. I am very happy to have been able to give this to the club and their supporters.”
“When I knew I had the opportunity to play in the Premier League, to be managed by Guardiola and to play alongside players like De Bruyne, Agüero and Silva, I could not refuse it. It was also a good offer for Monaco (€50m plus €20m in bonuses). I am very happy. I will be playing in the best league in the world.”
“We (Guardiola & I) spoke for a dozen or so minutes after signing my contact. He explained things to me a little. He told me that I will need to adapt to the league, to this club. He told me in which position he wants me to play. He sees me on the right or in the middle. I can play in both positions. But I can also play on the left if required.”
Premier League side Manchester City finally reached a €57.5m deal with AS Monaco last night, after their initial three bids worth €40m, €45m, €52.5m were all rejected, according to L’Équipe.
Last night, Monaco and Manchester City were exchanging deal papers, with the finer details of the agreement set to be hashed out in the coming hours.
Mendy is expected to rapidly undergo a medical and sign a very long-term contract with the Citizens, most probably longer than a 5-year-deal.
Leonardo Jardim has been informed by Monaco representatives that Mendy will leave the club. Pep Guardiola, who has been waiting impatiently on this deal, will fly Mendy out immediately for him to join City’s tour of the US. Mendy had given his personal agreement at the end of last month to Manchester City after being impressed by Pep Guardiola’s discourse.
AS Monaco release statement condemning clubs for tapping up Kylian Mbappé
AS Monaco have this afternoon released a statement condemning “big” clubs in the European football sphere who have been in contact with Kylian Mbappé and his entourage without any authorisation at club level.
“Monaco seeks to remind clubs that such actions contradict article 211 of the Administrative Regulations of the LFP and article 18.3 of FIFA regulations governing the status and transfer of players. In order to put an end to this unacceptable situation, AS MONACO is considering asking the LFP and FIFA to institute disciplinary proceedings against the offending clubs.”
Official | AS Monaco extend and loan out promising attacker Irvin Cardona
Irvin Cardona has signed a new deal at Monaco until 2021, and has also been sent out on loan to Belgian side Cercle Brugge, all in the same day.
The 19-year-old centre forward joins the Belgian side in a bid to gain first team experience, after making just seven appearances for Monaco this past season.
Cardona has been quite active in the UEFA Youth League throughout most of his career, boasting a record of six goals in 10 games in the competition. This move to Brugge will help Cardona with regards to first team football, with the player hoping this move will provide a platform to break into the Monaco side soon enough.
« Back
Monaco definitively block Fabinho from moving to PSG
In a dinner on Thursday night between Monaco Vice President Vadim Vasilyev, PSG President Nasser Al Khelaifi and agent Jorge Mendes, the Principality side definitively ruled out the possibility of Fabinho moving to Les Parisiens, according to L’Équipe.
This move from Vasilyev was not designed to make PSG cough up more money, it was a genuine discourse intended to make clear that no top Monaco player would be joining their Ligue 1 title rivals. The same is said to go for Kylian Mbappé.
AS Monaco VP Vasilyev has no intention of negotiating with Arsenal for Thomas Lemar
Monaco Vice President Vadim Vasilyev has no intention with negotiating with Arsenal at all for Thomas Lemar, according to Monaco sources contacted by L’Équipe.
However, sources contacted by GFFN believe that internally, Vasilyev has set an extortionate price at which he would accept to sell Lemar at, but that he has refused to tell Arsenal what that price is in an attempt to produce a show of strength and continue the facade that Lemar is not for sale at any price.
It is our understanding that Monaco did not even bother responding to Arsenal’s second bid for Thomas Lemar, made at €45m. It was never formally rejected, but quite simply ignored because Monaco appear to have viewed it as a complete waste of time.
If Arsenal make a third offer that is considerably improved, then perhaps things could change, but the situation looks very bleak for the London club at the time of writing. However, it is clear that that offer would have to be an improvement of north of €10m to have any impact at all.
Multiple agents who have spoken to GFFN this week both on and off the record are unanimous in stating that it is impossible to understand what Monaco’s strategy in terms of selling players will turn out to be during this window, despite the fact that we are already nearly 7 weeks into it.
Vadim Vasilyev keeps his cards close to his chest, which is perhaps the only hope that Arsenal fans can take at the time of writing in their pursuit of Thomas Lemar.
Djibril Sidibé signs new Monaco contract until 2022
Monaco have announced that full back Djibril Sidibé has signed a new contract extension at the club that will take him to 2022.
The former Lille man has reportedly been a target for Premier League duo Arsenal and Chelsea, but he will remain part of Leonardo Jardim’s squad for the foreseeable future.
The 24-year-old made 29 Ligue appearances this past season as he helped Monaco lift the Ligue 1 title, also playing in multiple Champions League games in their run to the semi finals, scoring against Tottenham Hotspur.
Sidibé has also become a fixture in the France national squad, making his debut back in September 2016 and making 10 appearances since then.
Kamil Glik signs new Monaco deal until 2021
Polish defender Kamil Glik signed a new contract until 2021 and joined Monaco from Torino last summer for a reported fee of €11m plus €4m in bonuses. The tough-tackling centre-back was a mainstay in Leonardo Jardim’s side, playing 50 times in all completions, helping them to their first league title in 17 years.
The Pole also netted 6 times for the champions, more than any other defender in Ligue 1. His impressive exploits have helped earn him a new contract which ties him down to the Principality side until 2021.
Glik seemed delighted with his new deal as he went on to say, “This season, the objectives are the same. To go as far as possible in the Champions League. We’ll be going out to defend our French league title and keep winning!”
“We are delighted to extend Kamil’s contract. He only arrived last year, but soon showed all his qualities. We are confident he still has much more to bring to the team,” said Monaco Vice President, Vadim Vasilyev.
A.R.
Tiemoué Bakayoko to Chelsea, this time its for good: €45m plus bonuses
AS Monaco and Chelsea finally reached a total and unshakable agreement last night over the transfer of defensive midfielder Tiemoué Bakayoko worth €45m plus bonuses, according to RMC.
The player’s brother confirmed the move on his Snapchat account. The 23-year-old is due in London to undergo a medical on Friday.
Mainz sign Abdou Diallo for €5m from AS Monaco
Mainz have completed the signing of 21-year-old Abdou Diallo from Monaco.
The central defender signs with the Bundesliga club on a five-year-deal until 2022 and will be hoping for more first team opportunities throughout the season. Capped at every age group for France and captaining the under-21 side, Diallo has the potential to be a great signing for Mainz.
Diallo made 11 appearances across four competitions last season for Monaco, playing five times in Ligue 1, four times in the Coupe de France and one time in both the Champions League and Coupe de la Ligue, failing to score but picking up one assist in the Coupe de France.
T.S.
Prince Albert of Monaco on Kylian Mbappé: “I don’t think he will go.”
Speaking exclusively to L’Équipe, Prince Albert of Monaco discussed the future of the Principality side’s starlet Kylian Mbappé.
“I don’t think (that he will leave). There are ongoing discussions that make me think he will be at Monaco nest season. The discussions relate to a possible wage hike. But I think that he has understand, his father too, that it is not yet in his interest to go to a huge club, where he is not assured playing time. Even if Zidane has said that he would receive playing time at Real Madrid.”
When asked specifically about selling Mbappé to PSG, the Prince was definitive:
“No. It is my opinion and I think that it is also that of Vadim Vasilyev.”.
AS Monaco sign Terence Kongolo for €13m
AS Monaco have completed the signing of central defender Terence Kongolo for €13m from Feyenoord.
The 23-year-old has signed a 5-year contract with the Ligue 1 champions after a title-winning season of his own in the Netherlands.
Arsenal & Dortmund were attentive to the player’s situation but he chose AS Monaco as he views it to be the perfect place to take the next step in his career.
Official | Valère Germain kicks-off Marseille’s summer window bonanza
Marseille and Monaco have officially reached an agreement over the transfer of forward Valere Germain, who will sign a four-year-deal on Monday for €8m plus €2m in bonuses.
The 27-year-old will leave the champions after spending his whole career on the peninsula, coming through into the first team in 2010.
Germain scored 17 goals in competitions this season as he helped his side win Ligue 1 and reach the semi finals of the UEFA Champions League, but has now taken the step to join Rudi Garcia at Marseille in a bid to get more first team football.
Official | AS Monaco land defensive midfielder Soualiho Meïté for €8m
AS Monaco have made yet another signing, this time Zulte Waregem midfielder Soualiho Meïté – who joins the champions on a 5-year-deal.
The 23-year-old defensive-midfielder has been earning his trade in Belgium’s top flight division and was certainly a vital part of his club’s third place finish last season. Meïté made 30 league appearances for Zulte Waragem, scoring once, and assisting once. He has also featured with the French national side at U16 through to U20 level.
The Frenchman is naturally a defensive-midfielder, and could be thrown in the deep end with the first team if the likes of Fabinho or Bakayoko left the club this summer.
Official | AS Monaco sign Jordy Gaspar
Monaco has completed the signing of France Under-20 International Jordy Gaspar on a three-year-deal.
The 20-year-old joins the French champions after making just four appearances last season for Lyon, a club he has spent his entire career at.
Gaspar joined Lyon’s youth academy in 2008, and spent three years in the reserve set up before making the jump up to the first team in 2015.
“We are pleased to announce the signing of Jordy Gaspar to AS Monaco,” said Monaco vice-president and chief executive Vadim Vasilyev.
“He is an young, exciting French prospect recognized for his potential and who will find all the conditions to progress here under the influence of Leonardo Jardim.”
AS Monaco reject €13m offer from AS Roma for Jemerson
Ligue 1 champions AS Monaco have rejected a €13m proposal from Serie A side AS Roma for Brazilian central defender Jemerson, according to France Football.
Monaco have no intention of selling the player at all.
Soualiho Meïté to join AS Monaco for €8m
Het Nieuwsblad report what has been in the offing for many weeks, that AS Monaco will sign Soualiho Meïté from Zulte Waregem in the coming days now that the French transfer window is officially open.
ASM will pay between €7m & €8m for highly-rated central midfielder, with 40% going to the Belgian outfit and the rest going to Lille owing to the transfer arrangement the latter two sides had.
The player is expected in Monaco imminently to finalise a contract and undergo a medical.
AS Monaco sign 19-year-old goalkeeper from Osasuna
Alvaro Fernández Llorente joins Monaco from Osasuna on a 3-year deal.
The highly-rated ‘keeper represented CA Osasuna as a youth. He made his senior debut with the reserves in April 2015, going on to play for 47 times for the reserves in 2 seasons. The 19-year-old made his La Liga debut last season, coming on as a second-half substitute for injured Mario Fernández in a 3-1 against Villarreal.
On Tuesday, the Principality’s club announced the arrival of Fernández Llorente on a free after his contract at Osasuna expired. “I am very happy to sign for AS Monaco, a club that has demonstrated last season all its sporting ambitions and that bases its philosophy on the trusting of the young players. I want to give the maximum to continue growing as a player and reach new levels,” said the goalkeeper.
A.R.
Official | Nabil Dirar departs Monaco for Fenerbahce
After a five-year spell, Nabil Dirar has left Monaco – signing for Turkish side Fenerbahce.
The deal is worth €4.5m including bonuses. Dirar had previously indicated that he was seeking a move to the Premier League, but it appears that the financial lure of Turkey changed his mind.
Dirar has been at the club throughout the tough times in the second division and enjoyed game time in the Champions League knockout stages this season.
He made 18 Ligue 1 appearances for the eventual champions in the recent campaign and certainly goes out on a high.
S.H.
Bernardo Silva: “Manchester City was an offer I could not refuse.”
Speaking in an interview with RMC, Manchester City attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva discussed his recent transfer from AS Monaco.
“It was not easy to quit Monaco because I have had some very good seasons. I want to thank everyone over there. They have given me the opportunity to play at the very highest level. But after this very good season, I wanted to try something different. It is good to do it after this league title. I am very happy to have been able to give this to the club and their supporters.”
“When I knew I had the opportunity to play in the Premier League, to be managed by Guardiola and to play alongside players like De Bruyne, Agüero and Silva, I could not refuse it. It was also a good offer for Monaco (€50m plus €20m in bonuses). I am very happy. I will be playing in the best league in the world.”
“We (Guardiola & I) spoke for a dozen or so minutes after signing my contact. He explained things to me a little. He told me that I will need to adapt to the league, to this club. He told me in which position he wants me to play. He sees me on the right or in the middle. I can play in both positions. But I can also play on the left if required.”
Mendy to City means less chance for us to get Lemar. Time to focus on Mahrez.
The French Super Cup (Monaco vs PSG) is on tonight, anyone else watching?
Of course!
C'mon Monaco!
Neymar will Zlatan the league.
Fantastic talent at the peak of his powers.
Fantastic talent at the peak of his powers.
5 plot lines to follow during today’s Trophée des Champions between PSG & Monaco
Football is back. Well, almost.
Much like the Community Shield in England, the Trophée des Champions is a glorified friendly that tells you exactly nothing about the season about to follow it. Last year’s edition saw Paris Saint-Germain win in striking fashion using a 4-2-3-1 formation against Lyon that they barely used again.
However, there are plenty of interesting little threads weaving into Saturday’s showpiece as one side try to hold on to their assets as they slip from their grasp while the other tries to reel in the biggest fish they can.
So, what is there to look out for? Here’s a look at five storylines that we may have a few more answers to by Sunday morning.
1 | A new look Monaco?
After a spectacular 2016/17 season, it was always going to be a summer of change for the Principality club. Three of their biggest stars have already hit the exit (Bakayoko, Mendy & Silva) with the club adamant that they will hold on to the three they still remain at the Stade Louis II (Lemar, Fabinho & Mbappé).
The big questions come in terms of who will fill the gaps that have been created by those sales. Will Youri Tielemans be the perfect foil to Fabinho in that midfield? Is Jorge ready to start or might Djibril Sidibé move to cover the left-back position? And are either of Rony Lopes or Allan Saint-Maximin really ready to step into Bernardo Silva’s shoes?
Leonardo Jardim’s starting line-up will give us some ideas as to what he plans for the campaign ahead. There’s still a few bits of business to be done and Monaco have brought in plenty more young talent, so it will be intriguing to see how he will build his new side.
2 | PSG’s goalkeeping dilemma
A seemingly never-ending drama continues to add new chapters every single year. Many expected Alphonse Areola to finally ascend to the throne, only for the young Frenchman to stutter and relinquish the crown back to Kevin Trapp by the end of last season in PSG’s saga of instability that is their the goalkeeper position.
Unfortunately for the German international, his butterfingers promise that he won’t hold on to the number one spot with too tight of a grip, already dropping a relatively embarrassing clanger in pre-season. It looks increasingly unlikely they will dip into the transfer market this summer, especially with Gianluigi Donnarumma signing a new deal with AC Milan, so it’s between these two calamity cases again.
Who will Unai Emery trust to start off with, Areola or Trapp? And whoever starts, how long of a leash will they have if they cause another storm at the weekend? This will be a battle all season long that yet again may not produce a conclusive answer.
3 | Emery back in control
PSG took away some silverware last season but the wound of missing out on the Ligue 1 title will still sting. Emery redeemed himself somewhat in the final third of the season but he will get no second chances from here on out.
With that in mind, the curtain raiser will be a real indicator as to whether he trusts his own ideals or whether he will stick to what his players seem to prefer. If they experiment with a 4-2-3-1 again, in the belief that another attacker might play on the the wings, then it’s a clear sign that he will only live and die by his own sword.
Should he fold them into the 4-3-3 again, the players have won the internal struggle. It might not be the worst outcome for the Spaniard, given the squad’s experience with the system and the talent at his disposal, but he could struggle to keep everyone happy if the capital club finally make some moves in the window.
4 | The golden child takes centre stage
Most who tune in to this one want to see one player and that’s teenage sensation Kylian Mbappé. The 18-year-old has been in the headlines all summer, linked to crazy money moves to all the biggest clubs in the world.
Regardless of that, he is at Monaco, at least for this game and will start. That formula has so far only led to entertainment for all involved since he became a professional footballer and the Frenchman will expect himself to hit the ground running in order to keep the momentum going heading into the World Cup next June.
Mbappé is a joy to watch and there is a chance that this might be one of the final times we will see him in the red and white. If you aren’t doing anything with your Saturday evening, just know that the kid can be worth the viewing just on his own.
5 | Neymar’s shadow looms large
One Brazilian has dominated the back pages for PSG over the past few weeks and it is not one that they currently own. It would be a humungous statement of intent if Les Parisiens could land Neymar, a top-five player and he would undoubtedly, instantly add great quality to this team.
Lest we forget, the club already have some pretty decent wide men but someone will be forced out by the club. Angel Di Maria and Julian Draxler were the big outlays, and are least likely to be shown the exit door, but there is a lot of pressure on Lucas to be as spectacular as possible right away, even if his friendship with Neymar might ironically enable him to stay
What should worry the superstar pair of Di Maria and Draxler is that if PSG remain in a 4-3-3, then it would force one of them to spend most of the season on the sidelines, should a deal be struck with Barcelona. Simple maths tells you three does not fit into one and with no one safe from the axe, all of them will need to show now exactly why they should be the third man in the Parisian’s attack.
N.S.
Football is back. Well, almost.
Much like the Community Shield in England, the Trophée des Champions is a glorified friendly that tells you exactly nothing about the season about to follow it. Last year’s edition saw Paris Saint-Germain win in striking fashion using a 4-2-3-1 formation against Lyon that they barely used again.
However, there are plenty of interesting little threads weaving into Saturday’s showpiece as one side try to hold on to their assets as they slip from their grasp while the other tries to reel in the biggest fish they can.
So, what is there to look out for? Here’s a look at five storylines that we may have a few more answers to by Sunday morning.
1 | A new look Monaco?
After a spectacular 2016/17 season, it was always going to be a summer of change for the Principality club. Three of their biggest stars have already hit the exit (Bakayoko, Mendy & Silva) with the club adamant that they will hold on to the three they still remain at the Stade Louis II (Lemar, Fabinho & Mbappé).
The big questions come in terms of who will fill the gaps that have been created by those sales. Will Youri Tielemans be the perfect foil to Fabinho in that midfield? Is Jorge ready to start or might Djibril Sidibé move to cover the left-back position? And are either of Rony Lopes or Allan Saint-Maximin really ready to step into Bernardo Silva’s shoes?
Leonardo Jardim’s starting line-up will give us some ideas as to what he plans for the campaign ahead. There’s still a few bits of business to be done and Monaco have brought in plenty more young talent, so it will be intriguing to see how he will build his new side.
2 | PSG’s goalkeeping dilemma
A seemingly never-ending drama continues to add new chapters every single year. Many expected Alphonse Areola to finally ascend to the throne, only for the young Frenchman to stutter and relinquish the crown back to Kevin Trapp by the end of last season in PSG’s saga of instability that is their the goalkeeper position.
Unfortunately for the German international, his butterfingers promise that he won’t hold on to the number one spot with too tight of a grip, already dropping a relatively embarrassing clanger in pre-season. It looks increasingly unlikely they will dip into the transfer market this summer, especially with Gianluigi Donnarumma signing a new deal with AC Milan, so it’s between these two calamity cases again.
Who will Unai Emery trust to start off with, Areola or Trapp? And whoever starts, how long of a leash will they have if they cause another storm at the weekend? This will be a battle all season long that yet again may not produce a conclusive answer.
3 | Emery back in control
PSG took away some silverware last season but the wound of missing out on the Ligue 1 title will still sting. Emery redeemed himself somewhat in the final third of the season but he will get no second chances from here on out.
With that in mind, the curtain raiser will be a real indicator as to whether he trusts his own ideals or whether he will stick to what his players seem to prefer. If they experiment with a 4-2-3-1 again, in the belief that another attacker might play on the the wings, then it’s a clear sign that he will only live and die by his own sword.
Should he fold them into the 4-3-3 again, the players have won the internal struggle. It might not be the worst outcome for the Spaniard, given the squad’s experience with the system and the talent at his disposal, but he could struggle to keep everyone happy if the capital club finally make some moves in the window.
4 | The golden child takes centre stage
Most who tune in to this one want to see one player and that’s teenage sensation Kylian Mbappé. The 18-year-old has been in the headlines all summer, linked to crazy money moves to all the biggest clubs in the world.
Regardless of that, he is at Monaco, at least for this game and will start. That formula has so far only led to entertainment for all involved since he became a professional footballer and the Frenchman will expect himself to hit the ground running in order to keep the momentum going heading into the World Cup next June.
Mbappé is a joy to watch and there is a chance that this might be one of the final times we will see him in the red and white. If you aren’t doing anything with your Saturday evening, just know that the kid can be worth the viewing just on his own.
5 | Neymar’s shadow looms large
One Brazilian has dominated the back pages for PSG over the past few weeks and it is not one that they currently own. It would be a humungous statement of intent if Les Parisiens could land Neymar, a top-five player and he would undoubtedly, instantly add great quality to this team.
Lest we forget, the club already have some pretty decent wide men but someone will be forced out by the club. Angel Di Maria and Julian Draxler were the big outlays, and are least likely to be shown the exit door, but there is a lot of pressure on Lucas to be as spectacular as possible right away, even if his friendship with Neymar might ironically enable him to stay
What should worry the superstar pair of Di Maria and Draxler is that if PSG remain in a 4-3-3, then it would force one of them to spend most of the season on the sidelines, should a deal be struck with Barcelona. Simple maths tells you three does not fit into one and with no one safe from the axe, all of them will need to show now exactly why they should be the third man in the Parisian’s attack.
N.S.
When is the kickoff for PSG and Monaco match?
9 pm CET.
Thanks bro.
Di Maria, suspended, and Draxler, who had delayed vacations due to the confederations cup won't be able to play, Rabiot whose ankle is recovering is also uncertain.
The PSG front 3 is expected to be Cavani, Pastore and either Guedes or Lucas.
The PSG front 3 is expected to be Cavani, Pastore and either Guedes or Lucas.
Monaco playing three at the back with Toure as the spare CB?
And Meunier instead of Guedes.
It seems like both teams will play with a RB on the wing.
It seems like both teams will play with a RB on the wing.