European Leagues

$332m offer: Mbappé rejects chance to meet with Al Hilal

Kylian Mbappé has refused to meet with representatives of Saudi Arabian team Al Hilal, who have made a world-record bid for the France striker, sources confirmed to ESPN.

The Paris Saint-Germain player wouldn’t meet with Al Hilal officials, who were in the French capital to sign Brazilian forward Malcom.

The news was first reported by French sports daily L’Equipe.

Al Hilal made a record €300 million ($332 million) bid for Mbappé on Monday but sources have told ESPN that the World Cup winner is not interested in joining the Riyadh-based club.

Instead, he plans to walk away as a free agent at the end of the upcoming season, when he is widely expected to join Real Madrid.

Sources told ESPN that should Mbappé go to Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer, he would potentially get a €100m signing on fee. He would also get an €80m bonus this September should he opt to stay with PSG.

PSG want to cash in on the World Cup star now rather than let him walk for free a year from now when his contract expires.

However, Mbappé’s PSG teammate Marco Verratti has now agreed to join Al Hilal, sources have told ESPN.

While PSG and Al Hilal have yet to agree a transfer fee and remain some way apart in their valuations, the Italy international midfielder is expected to become the latest big name to move to Saudi Arabia.

Al Hilal missed out on Lionel Messi, who joined Inter Miami after two years at PSG.

Premier League

Amorim Explains Rashford’s Loan Move to Aston Villa

£40m Striker: Man Utd, Liverpool In Transfer ‘Tug Of War’

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has revealed that Marcus Rashford’s departure on loan to Aston Villa was due to differences in football philosophy.

Rashford, 27, joined Villa on a loan deal that includes an option for a permanent transfer valued at £40 million, with the Midlands club covering up to 75% of his wages.

Amorim explained that despite Rashford’s talent, he struggled to adapt to the coach’s tactical approach.

“I couldn’t get Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football and to train the way I see it,” Amorim said.

He acknowledged that player-coach dynamics can vary, saying, “Sometimes you have one player who is really good with one coach, and the same player with another coach is different. I just wish the best to Rashford and Unai Emery, and I hope they can connect because he’s a very good player.”

Rashford made notable contributions under Amorim, scoring his first goal during a 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town and starting key matches against Everton and Viktoria Plzen.

Villa fans will now anticipate seeing the forward make an impact under Unai Emery’s management.

Serie A

Lookman Set for February Return Following Knee Injury

Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman is expected to return to action before the end of February after recovering from a knee injury sustained in training last month.

The 27-year-old Nigerian international has missed the team’s last three matches across all competitions and will also be unavailable for both legs of Atalanta’s crucial UEFA Champions League play-off against Club Brugge.

According to Transfermarkt, Lookman is slated to make his comeback during Atalanta’s Serie A fixture against Empoli on February 23.

The former Leicester City player has been in stellar form this season, recording 14 goals and seven assists in 27 appearances. His return is expected to provide a significant boost to Gian Piero Gasperini’s side as they continue their campaign in both domestic and European competitions.

Premier League

Liverpool to Face Newcastle United in Carabao Cup Final

Liverpool secured their place in this year’s Carabao Cup final with a commanding 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Thursday night.

Despite trailing 1-0 from the first leg in North London, the Reds staged a stunning comeback.

After a goalless first half, Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock with a sharp snapshot. Mohamed Salah then doubled Liverpool’s advantage from the penalty spot after Gakpo was fouled.

Dominik Szoboszlai added a third with a composed finish, before captain Virgil van Dijk sealed the rout with a powerful header.

Their final opponents, Newcastle United, defeated Arsenal 2-0 on Wednesday night at St James’ Park, completing a 4-0 aggregate victory.

The highly anticipated final will take place on March 16.