European Leagues

Vinicius Junior set to extend stay at Real Madrid

Brazil legends Ronaldo Nazário and Rivaldo have said Vinícius Júnior has already done enough to be awarded this year's Ballon d'Or after

Real Madrid are on the verge of securing a new long-term contract for their Brazilian sensation, Vinicius Junior, as the clock ticks down on his current deal set to expire next June.

Reports from renowned Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano indicate that the new deal is “101% sealed,” signalling the club’s intent to retain their talented forward.

Tweet from Fabrizio Romano about Vinicius Junior’s new contract

Despite grappling with injuries this season, the 23-year-old has demonstrated his worth, amassing three goals and an assist in just seven appearances across various competitions. Since his arrival from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius has featured prominently for Real Madrid, tallying an impressive 232 appearances, with 62 goals and 65 assists to his name.

Vinicius’s last season at the club was undoubtedly his most prolific, with a remarkable 23 goals and 21 assists in 55 outings. In a recent 4-0 victory against Osasuna, the young Brazilian notched another goal and an assist, expressing his deep commitment to the club after the match: “It is always an honour to play here at Real Madrid, with these fans and the love they have for me. I am very happy to play here, and I want to continue playing here at Real Madrid all my life.”

The impending contract extension for Vinicius is rumoured to span until 2027, featuring an eye-catching release clause of €1 billion (£870 million). This clause underlines Real Madrid’s determination to safeguard their prized asset.

Vinicius was not the only standout performer against Osasuna. Joselu and Jude Bellingham also found the net, with the latter bagging a brace, taking his tally to an astonishing 10 goals in just 10 appearances this season.

Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, praised Bellingham’s versatility, stating, “He’s finding a lot of possibilities in attack, he’s very involved, I’ve told him that he doesn’t have a fixed position and that’s benefiting him.”

Despite being only 20 years old, Bellingham’s maturity and rapid development have astounded observers. Ancelotti added, “This maturity that he has, he makes us forget that he’s 20 years old. He’s learned very quickly, and he’s very happy to be here and is enjoying his time, but always with his feet on the ground and very serious and professional.”

Real Madrid, riding a four-game winning streak in all competitions, are primed for their next challenge. They will aim to maintain their winning ways when they face Sevilla in La Liga action on October 21.

As Real Madrid continue to build for the future, securing Vinicius Junior’s commitment represents a pivotal step in maintaining their status as a footballing powerhouse. With exciting talents like Vinicius and Bellingham, the future looks bright for Los Blancos.

Bundesliga

FIFA Club World Cup: Dortmund Set For Ulsan Challenge

Dortmund emerged from a tricky Matchday 2 encounter against the record South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns with three important points that put the Bundesliga side within sight of a place in the knockouts.

Level on four points atop the section with their opening Group F opponents Fluminense, Niko Kovač’s men know that victory against South Korea’s Ulsan would take them through, but improvements will be sought ahead of BVB’s next encounter at the TQL Stadium.

“There’s still a lot to improve on, both for me personally and for the team,” midfielder Jobe Bellingham – who scored his first goal for Die Schwarzgeleben in the 4-3 win against the Sundowns – said.

Bellingham was one of three changes Kovač made to his starting line-up following the scoreless draw against Fluminense and while further tweaks may be made for the Ulsan game, none of the long-term injured trio of Emre Can, Salih Özcan and Nico Schlotterbeck will be available to the coach.

“It was important that we won against Mamelodi Sundowns and that we now put in a good performance against the South Koreans; we want to win this group,” forward Maximilian Beier added.

Ulsan’s chances of progression were snuffed out after they followed an opening-day loss against the Sundowns with a 4-2 reverse against Fluminense. Despite that disappointment, the Tigers’ coach Kim Pan-gon insisted his side will be looking to bow out on a high against Dortmund.

“We have no hope to go to the round of 16, but for our supporters, our fans, we have to fight until the end of the tournament,” the 56-year-old said.

The two-time Asian Champions League winners will draw some confidence from the fact that they led Fluminense by 2-1 at half-time thanks to goals from Lee Jinhyun and Um Wonsang.

However, with just one win from their last six games in all competitions, causing an upset against their opponents from the Bundesliga in Ohio appears a tall order for the five-time K League champions.

Dortmund won the 1997 Intercontinental Cup – the Club World Cup’s direct predecessor – by beating Brazil’s Cruzeiro.

Kovač also lifted the Intercontinental Cup, after starting the 2001 final for Bayern (1-0 vs. Boca Juniors).
Like his brother Jude before him, Jobe Bellingham scored on his first competitive start for Dortmund.
Ulsan are the only Korean team at the Club World Cup.

The K-League side are seeking their first-ever win at a FIFA tournament, having lost their previous six games at this level.

US international Gio Reyna and American youngsters Cole Campbell and Mathis Albert are part of Dortmund’s squad.

Probable teams

Dortmund: Kobel – Süle, Anton, Bensebaini – Ryerson, Nmecha, Groß, Svensson – Bellingham, Brandt (c) – Guirassy
Out: Can (adductor), Özcan (knee), Schlotterbeck (knee)
Doubtful: –
Coach: Niko Kovač

Ulsan: Jo – Trojak, Seo, Kim (c), Ludwigson – Lee, Jung, Bojanić, Ko – Um, Farias
Out: –
Doubtful: –
Coach: Kim Pan-gon

Bundesliga.com

European Leagues

Galatasaray Issue Osimhen Ultimatum – Report

Galatasaray have issued an ultimatum to Victor Osimhen, as questions surrounding the player’s future continue to drag on.

According to reports from Fanatik, via TMW, Galatasaray have already reached an agreement with Napoli concerning the fee for the player but a lack of response from Osimhen is beginning to wear away at the Turkish giants’ patience.

The Nigerian striker spent the 2024-25 season on loan with the Super Lig outfit, scoring 26 times in 30 league games and helping Okan Buruk’s side lift the domestic title; the Istanbul side finishing 11 points clear of fierce rivals Fenerbahce.

Galatasaray vice-president impatient with Osimhen
Speaking about the deal, Galatasaray vice-president Abdullah Kavukcu expressed his unhappiness: “He’s making us wait but time is running out. We’ve offered him figures higher than those proposed in Europe.”

The reports suggest that the Turkish club have informed Osimhen’s entourage that if they are still interested in a deal, they must come to the negotiating table after the summer holidays – where a decision may finally be made on the player’s future.

Other than Galatasaray, rumours in recent weeks have touted a possible move to Juventus or to various Saudi Pro League sides.

Football-italia.net

Premier League

City Squad Set for Trim, Says Guardiola

England’s Football Association would consider appointing an interim manager to try and coax Pep Guardiola to become the England boss if

Pep Guardiola has predicted that Manchester City will actively trim their squad down before the start of the Premier League season.

City took 24 outfield players and three goalkeepers to the Club World Cup in America and face Al Ain in the second group game looking to secure qualification in the early hours of Monday morning.

Ilkay Gundogan is wanted by Galatasaray, while the injured Mateo Kovacic has had suitors. Jack Grealish, Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker are not part of the travelling party but are to be moved on.

Guardiola claimed earlier in the year that he will need a larger squad in future after being rocked by a steady stream of injuries through the last campaign.

But after making eight signings since January, he is also mindful that City cannot keep everybody happy if the size of the group remains the same.

Guardiola has typically operated with around 20 outfield players during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

Dailymail.co.uk