Transfers
Bournemouth Defender Wanted By Atalanta, Leeds, As Sevilla Negotiate
Sevilla have reportedly opened talks to sign Bournemouth-owned full-back Max Aarons, but Atalanta and Leeds United are also interested in the 25-year-old.
Football Espana reports that Atalanta are among the clubs interested in Valencia loanee Max Aarons who is expected to return to Bournemouth at the end of the season.
According to the report, the Serie A side are among the six teams following the English defender, but Sevilla have already opened talks.
Football Espana claims that agreeing to personal terms is not expected to be an issue for Sevilla as the Englishman is keen to join Valencia’s domestic rivals in the summer.
Valencia signed Aarons on loan with an option to buy in the January transfer window, but the 25-year-old has only collected two La Liga appearances since.
Therefore, Valencia are not interested in discussing a permanent transfer for the versatile full-back who will be available for €12m to €15m.
Olympique Marseille and Lille are said to be the Ligue 1 clubs interested in Aarons, while suitors from the Premier League include Sheffield United and Leeds United. Sevilla’s city rivals, Real Betis, were previously linked with the English defender but are no longer interested in the 25-year-old.
Atalanta’s future coach
It remains to be seen if Gian Piero Gasperini will remain at the helm in Bergamo, given that he recently admitted he’d not extend his contract beyond 2026.
“There’s a beginning and an end. At the end of the year, we’ll see whether to let the contract run out or stop earlier, but there definitely won’t be any continuity. There will be no further renewals or extensions,” the coach said in February.
The experienced tactician added more recently: “I never said I was leaving. I said something else, that I wouldn’t extend my contract, which is different.
“Right now, the only goal is to reach the Champions League. It’s not something you achieve in one season, but over the months and years. I have a bond with Bergamo and Atalanta. Sometimes people forget the players we’ve lost due to injuries, but everything is positive; we just need to finish strong.”
Football-italia.net
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World Cup 20265 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.
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