Transfers
Why LaLiga Blocked AC Milan’s Rafael Leao Move To Barcelona
There was no shortage of talk about what Barcelona would be able to do if they got a new sponsorship deal over the line with Nike, particularly in the transfer market. They even tried to do some of that business without getting it over the line.
According to Bar Canaletes, in his desperation to make a star signing, Barcelona President Joan Laporta went all out to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao. That attempt hinged on being able to register him, and Laporta sent a memorandum of understanding to La Liga stating their and Nike’s intentions to sign a deal.
Laporta continued to insist on this step, and La Liga President Javier Tebas then contacted unofficial Barcelona fixer Alejandro Echevarria to make it clear that this would not be sufficient, and Laporta should stop trying to make it happen. More concerning, Tebas intimated that they ‘would not look the other way’ as they did with Dani Olmo’s signing, wherein he was allowed to be registered via an emergency injury rule in place of Andreas Christensen’s salary. There was some debate over whether the Dane’s injury was likely to keep him out as long as the suggested four months.
La Liga were more steadfast on this matter though, and Nike remain in control of the deal, as they try to include Barcelona Licensing and Merchandising in the deal, in exchange for a major signing bonus, which would give Barcelona short-term liquidity in the transfer market. Bar Canaletes say that BLM could turn over €125m this year.
Barcelona are looking for a right-back. Óscar Mingueza and Joshua Kimmich, the latter for his versatility, are options. @gbsans
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) September 11, 2024
Barcelona’s chasing of major signings at seemingly any cost continues to look short-sighted, with the original ‘economic levers’ continuing to cause havoc with the club’s salary limit and finances. Laporta’s strategy of first exciting fans and securing victories via spending to start a virtuous cycle of income is certainly a risky one given the situation.
Goal
ICPC Takes Anti-Corruption Crusade To NFF
14th Women Africa Cup Of Nations: Falcons Will Adopt One-match-at-a-time Strategy – Nnadozie
Enyimba, 3SC, Sunshine Stars, Kwara United, Others Storm Lagos For Football Fiesta
**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202621 hours agoJoe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202621 hours ago
Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel’s fiery relationship is driving England forward at the World Cup
-
World Cup 202621 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo gets backing from Jorge Jesus as new Portugal boss confirms Al-Nassr star remains central to World Cup plans
-
World Cup 202621 hours ago
Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive
-
World Cup 202613 hours ago
**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
-
World Cup 202621 hours ago
Kylian Mbappe has the perfect chance to silence his Spanish critics against Spain in World Cup semi-final
-
Sports Analysis14 hours ago
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
-
Other News21 hours ago
Tony Cascarino reveals what Cole Palmer must do to emulate Chelsea legends Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard
