Jupiler Pro League

On friday the Belgian league begins with the clash between promoted Antwerp and champions Anderlecht. The league goes somewhat under the radar on this sub and in the footballing world in general. So i'll try to give some information about this hidden gem of a league. First and foremost i'll explain the (complicated) league system, necessary for understanding the rest of the post
League system
In the first division (consisting of 16 teams) every team plays to other teams twice in the regular season just like a normal league. The team in last place is relegated immediately.
In the seccond division (consisting of 10 teams) teams play 2 periods where each team plays home and away. This is simalar to the apertura/clausura system in South America. The two winners of each period play eachother home and away for the title and thus the promotion.
Now things get complicated:

• Play off 1: the six best teams of the first division are qualified for this mini league. At the start the points of the regular season are halved, with half points rounded off upwards (so 60 becomes 30 and 57 becomes 29). These teams play eachother home and away for the title and 3 european tickets.
  
• Play off 2: numbers 7-15 from the first division and the 3 best teams of the second division (with the exeption of the promoted side, and calcuted using the sum of both periods) play another mini league. Teams are stripped of their regular season points and divided in 2 groups of 6. Since all teams start with zero points the winner of each group is the one who gains most points playing the other five teams home and away. The two group winners play a game deciding who will play the fourth team from play off 1 with the last european ticket a stake.
  
• Play off 3: the 4 worst teams from the second division play eachother home and away deciding who is relegated to the third division.
  

Easy isn't it? Lets get started with the participating teams.
RSC Anderlecht

• 1) After 2 years with bad football, no results and poor transfers, Belgium's most succesfull club won last years title. This somewhat calmed the fans, but it is uncertain whether it will last if football remains poor. Another thing which upset fans was the low usage of academy players by coach René Weiler. Many of them have since moved (loan or permanent) and their performences will prove if Weiler was right in not playing them. In contary to the domestic results, the European campaigns in past seasons where excellent. The club made it to EL round of 32, round of 16 and QF in the last three years with wins and draws against Totenham, Monaco, Arsenal, Manchester United, Zenit, Dortmund and Galatasaray in the proces. They will be hoping to build on that in this years CL campaign. Fueled by the sale of young players, the club has invested heavily in past years realising most of the leagues most expensive signings. Outgoing transfers of key players have been avoided so far (with the exeption of Tielemans), thus the team looks strenghtened and not weakened. One question remains, the Stanciu one. Last years record transfer failed to live up to the price tag despite showing glimpses of his talent. A summer whitout an international tournement or early european football should mean hes fresh. He also had a full preseason which leaves no excuses to not perform. Due to problems with the proposed Eurostadium (planned for Euro 2020, afterwards Anderlecht would rent it) the club needs to seek alternatives for the aging infastructure.
  Goal: Title
  Europe: entry: CL group stage (3rd seed) , Goal: EL/CL round of 16 depending on draw
  
• 2) Key Players: Soufiane Hanni, Kara Mbodji, Leander Dendoncker, Lukasz Teodorczyk
  
• 3) Talents: Leander Dendoncker, Henry Onyekuru, Mile Svillar, Pieter Gerkens, Hannes Delcroix
  
• 4) Hounours: 34x Champion (last 16/17), 9x Cup (last 07/08), 12x Supercup (last 14/15), 2x EC2 (last 77/78), 1x Uefa Cup (82/83), 2x Uefa Super Cup ( last 77/78)
  
• 5) Stadium: Constand Vanden Stock Stadion (Astridpark), Cap: 21 500
  
• 6) Famous ex-players: / Vincent Kompany, / Romelu Lukaku, Lucas Biglia, Cheikhou Kouyaté, Nicolás Pareja
  
• 7) Transfers
  

IN
 

Player	From	Fee	Position
Sven Kums	Watford	€6,5 Mill	CM
Lukasz Teodorczyk	Dynamo Kiev	€4,5 Mill	ST
Pieter Gerkens	Sint-Truiden	€1,5 Mill	CM
Henry Onyekuru	Everton	Loan	LW
Matz Sels	Newcastle United	Loan	GK
Uros Spaijic	Toulouse	?	CB

 
OUT
 

Player	To	Fee	Position
Youri Tielemans	AS Monaco	€25 Mill	CM
Sebastien De Maio	Bologna FC 1909	€1,5 Mill	CB
Frank Acheampong	Tianjin Teda	Loan (fee €1,25 Mill)	LW
Michaël Heylen	SV Zulte-Waregem	€200 000	CB
Hervé Matthys	FC Eindhoven	Free	CB
Liam Bossyn	Nottingham Forrest	Free	GK
/ Andy Kawaya	KV Mechelen	?	LW
Trezeguet	Kasimpasa	Loan	LW
Jorn Vancamp	Roda JC	Loan	ST
/ Fabrice N'Sakala	Alanyaspor	?	LB
Wout Faes	Excelsior	Loan	CB
Idrissa Doumbia	SV Zulte-Waregem	Loan	CM
Stéphane Badji	Kayserispor	Loan	CM
/ Aaron Leya Iseka	SV Zulte-Waregem	Loan	ST
/ Dodi Lukebakio	RSC Charleroi	Loan	LW

 
AA Gent

• 1) The construction of the only modern stadium in the country and the appointment of coach Hein Vanhazebroeck have boosted the club. The fans have enjoyed considerable succes with their first ever title in 14/15 and exeptional performances in Europe. Recipe for succes was a 3-4-3 with lots of movement and diagonal passing. But the belief in/obsession with the system has had its negatives: when Wolfsburg found a counter to it, it lead to a collapse in the league. Many transfers have been deamed a failure due to not fitting the system thus being sold after a short time at a serious loss. The large amount of incomming transfers have also barred youth players from getting minutes. The performences have lead to considarable commercial succes and have secured the club's place amongst the elite clubs in Belgium. The fact that the stadium is almost always sold out and that coach Vanhazebroeck is staying for now means the club's directors can confidently look forward to the future. One thing that definatly needs work is the medical staf. Both Atalanta and Brighton found problems with Foket (heart) and Neto(knee) respectivly during their medicals and subsequently cancelled the transfers. It unsure if they will ever play at he same level again. The club has used the revenue from CL football to brake the club transfer record multiple times. So far it has panned out great with Kubo and Kalinic who were an instant improvement. Sylla and Andraijasevic are the new big spends and should continue this trend.
  Goal: Top 3
  Europe: entry: EL-qualifiers 3rd round, goal: survive EL group stage
  
• 2) Key players: Yuya Kubo, / Nana Asare, Samuel Gigot, Lovre Kalinic
  
• 3) Talents: Moses Simon, Samuel Kalu, Louis Verstraete
  
• 4) Hounours: 1x Champion (14/15), 3x Cup (last 09/10), 1x Super Cup (15/16)
  
• 5) Stadium: Ghelamco Arena, Cap: 20 000
  
• 6) Famous ex-players: Bryan Ruiz, Roberto Rosales
  
• 7) Transfers:
  

IN
 

Player	From	Fee	Position
Franko Andrijasevic	HNK Rijeka	€4,25 Mill	CAM
/ Mamadou Sylla	KAS Eupen	€3,85 Mill	ST
Damien Marq	RSC Charleroi	€2,5 Mill	CDM
Lior Inbrum	FC Ashdod	€2 Mill	LW
Ricardo Avilla	Chorrillo FC	?	CDM
Deiver Machado	Millonarios FC	?	LB

 
OUT
 

Player	To	Fee	Position
Jeremy Perbet	Club Brugge	€1 Mill	ST
Ibrahim Rabiu	Slovan Bratislava	€1 Mill	CAM
Rob Schoofs	KV Mechelen	€1 Mill	CM
Hatem Abd Elhamed	FC Ashdod	€500 000	RB
Gustav Wikheim	FC Midtylland	€500 000	LW
Emir Kujovic	Fortuna Dusseldorf	Free transfer	ST
Rodgers Kola	?	Free transfer	ST
Brian Vandenbussche	Cercle Brugge	Free transfer	GK
Ofir Davidzada	Maccabi Tel Aviv	Loan	LB
Peter Olayinka	SV Zulte Waregem	Loan	ST
/ Wiliam Troost-Ekong	Bursaspor	?	CB

 
Royal Antwerp FC

• 1) Belgium's oldest club is back after years in the second division being plagued by financial and sportive issues. With the money of Ghelamco, the expertise of Laszlo Boloni and the connections of D'Onofrio they are looking to make it count. Serious challenges remain: the stadium can collapse any seccond, the team is not ready and a court case with former owners is possible. That being said there is serious optimism among the club's widespread fanbase, many remember the glory days of the past and are eager to relive them. The last Belgian club to play a European final (in 92/93 lost against Parma) still has a long way to go before they can dream about Europe. The other Antwerp based club Beerschot-Wilrijk has just been promoted to the second division after it's fair share of financial troubles. Both sets of fans will look forward to meeting again, hopefully for them both in the first division. So far the transfers have been somewhat underwelming and it is a race to get both squad and stadium ready for the start of the season.
  Goal: Avoid relegation
  
• 2) Key Players: Johanna Omolo, Geoffry Hairemans, Frédéric Duplus
  
• 3) Talents: Tuur Dierckx
  
• 4) Hounours: 4x Champion (last 56/57), 2x Cup (last 91/92)
  
• 5) Stadium: Bosuil, Cap: 12 975 (Renovation in progress)
  
• 6) Famous ex-players: Jonny Evans, Darron Gibson, Ryan Shawcross, Fraizer Campbell, John O'Shea, Danny Simpson, Tom Heaton
  
• 7) Transfers:
  

IN
 

Player	From	Fee	Position
/ Reeda Jaadi	KV Mechelen	Free transfer	CAM
/ Dylan Batubinska	PSG B	Free transfer	CB
/ Sinan Bolat	FC Porto	?	GK
Moustapha Sall	El Arabi	?	CB
Zout	Virton	Free transfer	RW
Ivo Rodrigues	FC Porto	Loan	LW
Alexander Corryn	KV Mechelen	Loan	LB

 
OUT
 

Player	To	Fee	Position
Joren Dom	KFCO Beerschot-Wilrijk	Free transfer	LB
Nico Binst	Lierse SK	Free transfer	ST
Dimitri Daseleire	OH Leuven	Free transfer	RB

 
RSC Charleroi

• 1) The sleeping giant of Belgian football: located in one of the countries biggest cities and one with a typical football public, also suffers no direct competion from teams in the region or from other sportsteams (exept basketball). But it has not yet lead to succes. Since the takeover of the club by the Bayat family the club has steadily risen with finishing top 6 twice in the last 3 years as a result. Now they have to take the next step: getting even more people to the stadium, stopping their best talents from signing with Anderlecht or Standard, getting to a European group stage, winning something, sell and buy more expensive, ... They look to have the man for the job with Felice Mazzu: an excellent coach and somebody who embodies the club/city. He creates gritty teams who fight till the end and use every dirty tactic possible. This playing style coupled with the fact a lot of top club flops find form in Charleroi leads to frustrating matches for the top teams. Almost all of the traditional top teams struggle in the Stade du Pays. Incoming transfers have been cheap and exotic just like previous seasons. Outgoing the question remains wether young star Mata stays, having been linked with about 15 different domestic and foreign clubs. If Charleroi cash in they'll look to sing some youngsters to replace their aging core (Peneteau, Martos, N'Ganga, Tainmont).
  Goal: Top Half
  
• 2) Key Players: Nicolas Peneteau, / Clinton Mata, Javier Martos
  
• 3) Talents: / Clinton Mata, / Kris Bedia, / Dodi Lukebakio
  
• 4) Hounours: /
  
• 5) Stadium: Stade du Pays, Cap: 15 000 (Further renovation/expansion in progress)
  
• 6) Famous ex-players: Dante, Michael Siani, Adlène Guedioura
  
• 7) Transfers:
  

IN
 

Player	From	Fee	Position
/ Marco Ilaimaharitra	FC Sochaux	Free transfer	CDM
/ Núrio Fortuna	SC Braga	Free transfer	LB
Kaveh Rezaei	Esteghlal FC	Free transfer	ST
/ Dodi Lukebakio	RSC Anderlecht	Loan	LW

 
OUT
 

Player	To	Fee	Position
Damien Marq	AA Gent	€2,5 Mill	CDM
Roman Ferber	Union SG	Free transfer	ST
/ Djamel Bakar	?	Free transfer	ST
Ethan Poulain	UR La Louvière Centre	Loan	CB
Florent Stevance	AFC Tubize	Loan	RW

 
Club Brugge

• 1) Last season was one to forget for Club Brugge. The succes in recent years (title, two cup finals, EL QF) lead to some saturation in the club. The staf, the players and the fans weren't as involved/motivated which lead to an embaressement in Europe and a domestic title charge only saved by strong home reccord. A new, inexperienced coach has been appointed with Ivan Leko and transfers have been made. It is unclear whether these players will be good enough to start or if they will be squad dept. There are some positives thanks to last season, the poor performances have resulted in lack of interrest in key players like Izquierdo, Engels, Denswil and Vanaken. At this point none have moved. It also gave young players a chanche to shine: Horvath, Touba, Wesley and Rotariu took their chance and are possible starters this season. Questions remain as it is unclear how good the team actually is (from Preud'Homme did a fantastic job with an average squad or to Preud'Homme played an outdated style and the squad is capable of doing better) and key players have often been injured so nobody knows what the eventual best team will look like. The board have learned from their mistake last season of making few transfers. This season many transfers have been made, most positions now have more than one option. Outgoing wise they have shipped on some players who were not good enough. In the background small progress is been made in regards to the possible new stadium. The club continues to draw big crowds thanks to embodying the Flemish values of hard work and not complaining. They will need those home crowds to push them to victory.
  Goal: Title
  Europe: entry CL qualifiers 3rd round, Goal: survive EL group stage
  
• 2)Key players: Ruud Vormer, José Izquierdo, Hans Vanaken, ( Bjorn Engels and Lior Refaelov when fit)
  
• 3) Talents: Wesley Moraes, Dorin Rotariu, Ethan Horvath, Jens Teunckens, Laurent Lemoine, / Ahmed Touba, Dion Cools, / Elton Acolatse,
  
• 4) Hounours: 14x Champion (last 15/16), 11x Cup (last 14/15), 14x Super Cup (last 16/17)
  
• 5) Stadium: Jan Breydel Stadion, Cap: 29 062
  
• 6) Notable former players: Ivan Perišić, Mathew Ryan, Carlos Bacca, Óscar Duarte, Thomas Meunier
  
• 7) Transfers:
  

IN
 

Player	From	Fee	Position
Marvelous Nakamba	Vitesse Arnhem	€3 Mill	CDM
Jordi Vanlerberghe	KV Mechelen	€1,9 Mill	CB
Erhan Masovic	Cukaricki	€1,6 Mill	CB
Dennis Emmanuel Bonaventure	Zorya Luhansk	€1,3 Mill	ST
Jeremy Perbet	AA Gent	€1 Mill	ST
Guillaume Hubert	Standard Liège	€300 000	GK
Riley McGree	Adelaide United	€69 000	CM
German Mera	Deportivo Cali	?	CB
/ Elton Acolatse	KVC Westerlo	Free transfer	LW

 
OUT
 

Player	To	Fee	Position
Claudemir	Al-Ahli Jeddah	€2,7 Mill	CM
Lex Immers	ADO Den Haag	Free transfer	CAM
Jean-Charles Castelletto	Stade Brestois 29	?	CB
Fran Brodic	KSV Roeselare	Loan	ST
/ Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo	Rapid Wien	?	LB
Sébastien Bruzzese	KV Kortrijk	?	GK
Sander Coopman	SV Zulte-Waregem	Loan	CAM

 
KAS Eupen

• 1) Last season's return to the highest division was nothing short of a fairy tale. The mix of Aspire graduates, experienced Spaniards and unknown Belgians/Germans were the suprise package of the league. Often playing excellent football and even making the top teams struggle, they were never in serious danger of relegation. The two biggest stars (Onyekuru and Sylla) were sold at a premium this summer, but the other standouts (Ocansey, Lazare and Van Crombrugge) have stayed put. Incomming wise there is a new batch of Aspire players, some better Qatari's and some players with experience in the league. It's no guarantee they wil gel as well as last season but coach Jordi Condom has the experience to make it work. The geographical remoteness (to belgian standards) and small town mentality should secure that the players focus will be football wise. But it has a negative as well: the club has the second lowest attendance and a limited growth potential. The Qatari owners will be following keenly. Should they continue to develop these kinds of players, they will make a name for themselves in Belgium and beyond. The second objective ( produce better Qatari players in preparation of 2022 WC) has been going less swimingly, first team left-back Abdulrahman was easliy the weakest link in last years team. This seasons Qataris look better on paper and the experience of football at an elevated level will no doubt improve their development.
  Goal: Avoid relegation
  
• 2) Key players: Thierry Lazare, Eric Ocansey, Hendrik Van Crombrugge, Siebe Blondelle
  
• 3) Talents: Thierry Lazare, Eric Ocansey, Hendrik Van Crombrugge, Diawandou Diagne
  
• 4) Hounours: /
  
• 5) Stadium: Kehrweg-Stadion, Cap: 8 235
  
• 6) Notable former players: /
  
• 7) Transfers:
  

IN
 

Player	From	Fee	Position
/ Mamadou Sylla	RCD Espanyol	€2,3 Mill	ST
Jordan Lotiès	FCO Dijon	Free transfer	CB
Carlos Martinez	ASPIRE Senegal	Free transfer	RB
Abdul Manaf Nurudeen	ASPIRE Senegal	Free transfer	GK
Diawandou Diagne	FC Barcelona B	Free transfer	CDM
Souleymane Aw	ASPIRE Senegal	Free transfer	LB
Nils Schouterden	KV Mechelen	?	LM
Hamza Alsenhaji	Al-Sadd	Loan	ST
Abdelkarim Hassan	Al-Sadd	Loan	LB
Moussa Diallo	Solières	?	ST
Assim Madibo	Lekhwiya	Loan	CM
Nicolas Verdier	KV Mechelen	?	ST
Mickaël Tirpan	Royal Excel Mouscron	?	RB
Akram Afif	Villarreal CF	Loan	LW

 
OUT
 

Player	To	Fee	Position
Henry Onyekuru	Everton	€8 Mill	LW
/ Mamadou Sylla	AA Gent	€3,85 Mill	ST
Guy Dufour	KSV Roeselare	Free transfer	CM
Anthony Bassey	?	Free transfer	RM
Nicolas Timmermans	RWD Molenbeek	Free transfer	CB
Phakamani Mngadi	?	Free transfer	RM
Christian Brüls	?	Loan	CAM
/ Jeffrén	Grasshopper Club Zurich	Free transfer	RW
Joseph Biersard	RRC Hamoir	Free transfer	GK
José María Cases	?	Free transfer	CM
Raoul Kenne	?	Free transfer	RB
Abdoulaye Sanogo	?	Free transfer	CAM
Peter Hackenberg	?	Free transfer	CB

 
KRC Genk

• 1) A couple seasons ago the club took a clear direction: sign talented young players and sell them with a big profit. No doubt they have succeeded in recent seasons doing that, but it has been at the expense of performing in the league. Players know the club's reputation and are often more involved with their own carreer rather than the club's performances. This is highlighted in the EL campaigns where they are seemingly capable of anything because players know they will get noticed that way. The European performances combined with the end of last season should give confidence that a lot is possible this season if things go right. Other than Castagne and Ryan no first team players have left so far and some new talents have been brought in. If they can add some experience they should be capable of a title challenge. Their coach Albert Stuivenberg is a disciple of Louis Van Gaal and won two European U21 championships with the Netherlands so he should be able to win something with a young team. No european football means more focus domesticly, however it also means less available minutes for all the youngsters. Given that the dressing rooms is one with many nationalities, cultures and languages, Stuivenberg will have to run a tight ship to prevent it from derailing like it has done in the past. Attendance has somewhat dropped in recent years but last years EL QF has shown that there is still a large and enthousiastic fanbase. If the team starts performing, the fans will find the way to the stadium.
  Goal: Top 6
  
• 2) Key Players: Alejandro Pozuelo, Omar Colley, Sander Berge
  
• 3) Talents: The entire club exept for Buffel and Vukovic
  
• 4) Hounours: 3x Champion (last 10/11), 4x Cup (last 12/13), 1x Super cup (11/12)
  
• 5) Stadium: Luminus Arena, Cap: 24 956
  
• 6) Notable former players: Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Wilfred Ndidi, / Kalidou Koulibaly, / Christian Benteke, Koen Casteels, (/ Divock Origi and Yannick Carrasco who never played first team football)
  
• 7) Transfers:
  

IN
 

Player	From	Fee	Position
Markus Ingvartsen	FC Nordsjaelland	€4,95 Mill	ST
Joakim Maehle	Aalborg BK	€2 Mill	RB
/ Manuel Benson	Lierse SK	€1,25 Mill	RW
Danny Vukovic	Sydney FC	Free transfer	GK
/ Edon Zhegrova	Sint-Truiden VV	?	RW
Ruslan Malinovsky	Shakhtar Donetsk	?	CM
Joseph Aidoo	Hammarby IF	€1,25 Mill	CB

 
OUT
 

Player	To	Fee	Position
Timothy Castagne	Atalanta	€6 Mill	RB
Bennard Kumordzi	KV Kortrijk	Free transfer	CDM
/ Sandy Walsh	SV Zulte-Waregem	Free transfer	RB
Marco Bizot	AZ Alkmaar	Free transfer	GK
/ Paolino Bertaccini	FC Arouca	?	RW

 

Gerard Deulofeu:
Mundo Deportivo

Watford are set for talks with Barcelona with regards to Gerard Deulofeu who has told Javi Gracia he wishes to remain at Watford. With his contract set to expire next year the deal will be around 15m.

Sport

Barça agree to Deulofeu exit and will meet with Watford next week. Deulofeu communicated to Barça several weeks ago that his desire was to remain at Watford next season, where he spent the last six months on loan. The Premier League club also want that, although the deails of the deal need to be discussed. The meeting with Pozzo is planned in Barcelona for next week. Barça will accept less than 20 million, although they want a number of performance-related clauses and a cut of any future sale."

Lukasz Fabianski:
The Mirror

Watford are in pole position to sign Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski in a £4million deal. The Hornets want to sign a new No.1 with veteran Heurelho Gomes out of favour and error-prone loanee Orestis Karnezis on his way out. And the Pole is at the top of their shopping list amid rival Premier League interest from West Ham and Cardiff. Fabianski, 34, has told relegated Swansea he wants out and is confident of being thrown a top-flight lifeline.

Jack Butland
Telegraph

Watford and Wolves have contacted Stoke about signing Jack Butland, but his current focus is on obtaining the England No. 1 shirt.

Mahmoud Hassan "Trezeguet"
Fanatik

According to the Turkish outlet Fanatik, the Hornets have tabled a €6 million bid for the Egypt international.

Watford Observer

"We are prepared to wait until after the World Cup with Trezeguet,” Oksuz told media in Turkey. "He’s under contract with our club so we are relaxed about the situation. If he enjoys a good World Cup and suitable bids arrive for both parties then we can, but that’s not the case at the moment."

Sergio Rico
Stadium Deportivo

Watford interested in signing Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico

Gergoire Defrel
Watford Observer

Watford are reportedly leading the race to sign €15 million rated forward Gregoire Defrel. The 26-year-old joined Roma on loan from Sassuolo last summer but has failed to make an impression for this season’s beaten Champions League semi-finalists.

Hamburger Sportverein

Hamburg, one of the three cities in Germany with over a million inhabitants is a city, with its very own flair. People from Hamburg are characterized as rather left-leaning, grumpy at first sight, but with a very dry humor but very humorous. The river Elbe, is the reason for Hamburg’s port, which is one of the largest in Europe together with Rotterdam. But the Elbe is seemingly everywhere in Hamburg, which leads to many beautiful sights around the city, as the Speicherstadt or the Alster showcase. Districts as St. Pauli are especially notorious for being very open to all people, if they respect and tolerate others’ choices as well and attract people from all over the world. To sum up Hamburg, there is a saying which states that Hamburg isn’t a city, but a way of life. The two dominant clubs in Hamburg are the HSV and ST. Pauli, but St. Pauli has always been in the shadow of the much larger HSV, who plays in the Volksparkstadion, a stadium with a capacity of of 57k.
Hamburg
Speicherstadt
Volksparkstadion
hsv
History
HSV was formed in 1909 by the fusion of three clubs in Hamburg, which were founded in 1887,1888 and 1906. The clubs itself proclaims it’s foundation 1887, but that is just a minor point. Hamburg was a dominant side in it’s early years, being awarded the German Championship in 1922 for the first time. But as they were awarded this Championship because of the disqualification Nürnberg by the DFB, Hamburg declined which means that there is no German Champion for the year 1922. But they were able to win a regular Championship one year later and six years later. The following 40 years, Hamburg was able to celebrate success on a local level, but were overwhelmed by the national competition. They were one of the founding members of the Bundesliga in 1963. Hambrug was a mid-table club for the first few years, but was able to reach the Cup Winner’s cup in 1967 due to reaching the final of the DFB-Pokal against Champions Bayern Munich. They were able to reach the final of the European Cup, but were beaten by Milano 2:0. Hamburgs Fortunes turned in the late 70’s and early 80’s as they were able to win the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977, their first Bundesliga in 1797 and celebrate the biggest success in the History of the Club by winning the Champions Cup in 1983 outside of adding two further Bundesligas to their trophy cabinet. After this golden era for Hamburg, the club fell back into mid-table irrelevance until the turn of the millennium, when they finished 3rd. Although Hamburg had many different managers in the 00’s, they were able to finish in the top six quite regularly with players such as Ivica Olic, Rafael van der Vaart, Nigel de Jong and Managers Huub Stevens and Martin Jol. After being defeated twice by arch-rivals Bremen in cup tournaments in 2009, Jol left the club for Ajax. But Hamburg struggled the following years and became a team, which had to fight off relegation twice in the past three years, only narrowly being able to maintain it’s spot as the only club able to compete in every Bundesliga season.
Trophies

Trophy	Year(s)
German Champion	1923, 1928, 1960, 1979, 1982, 1983
German Cup	1963, 1976, 1987
European Champions Cup	1983
European Cup Winners’ Cup	1977

Notable Players in the club’s history:
Uwe Seeler: Hamburg’s living legend, Uwe Seeler was Germany’s best striker in the 60’s and was pas part of the squad which lost out to the Three Lions at Wembley in 1966. Scoring 404 goals in 476 apperances, Hamburg’s fans adore him to this day.
Horst Hrubesch: Another legendary Striker, Hrubesch only played in Hamburg for five seasons but was able to score 96 goals. He was aprt of the side which was able to win the Champion’s Cup in 1983 and was feared because of his headers!
Jerome Boateng: Arrived from Berlin in 2007 and was a regualar in Hamburg’s side until he was sold to Man City. What could have been..
Vincent Kompany: Kompany arrived in 2006 to replace Belgian compatriot Van Buyten, but he was never able to show his quality consistently, which led to his sale to Man City two seasons later.
Kevin Keegan: Arriving as a Liverpool Hero in 1977, Keegan is one of the most prominent English players in the history of the Bundesliga. After early struggles, Keegan was able to impress at Hamburg for the three seasons he played in Hamburg before leaving for Southamption in 1980.

Last Season:

Wins	Draws	Losses	GS/GC
11	8	15	40:46

Top Scorer: Nicolai Müller (9)
Starting off the season, Hamburg was able to showcase their improvemtn by only losing 5:0 to Bayern, compared to an 8:0 the season prior. Hamburg however gained points quickly and after the Winter Break even vaguely looked at the European Spots as they were in 7th from time to time. But as time passed and the match days went by, Hamburg’s limited quality was found out and they finished 10th, but I don’t think many Hamburg fans complained after the drama the two seasons prior.
Tactics: Bruno Labbadia’s main task last season was to improve Hamburg’s defense, which he was able to do by making them defend deeper and stand more compact with shorter defenses between each player. The weak point of Hambrug’s team last season was their attack, which consisted mostly of hoofball up to Lassoga or Schipplock, who tried to hold up the ball and have the midfield support them. This wasn’t a very successful approach as Hamburg didn’t want to commit so many players forward and the limited quality of the strikers. Hamburg’s defense and goalkeeper are the exact same as previous season, as well as the two CM’s which will probably 2 of Holtby,Ekdal and Hunt. The Attacking three behind the stiker have been revamped, with fresh faces Kostic and Halilovic. Especially dangerous Winger Kostic should lead to a visible improvement for Hamburg. While Striker Lassoga will most likely start off the season, it isn’t out of reason to see Bobby Wood competing for and taking his place in the starting XI.
Transfer Window: In:

Name	Fee	Position	previous club
Filip Kostic	14 Million	Left Winger	VfB Stuttgart
Alen Halilovic	5 Million	Attacking Midfield	Barcelona
Bobby Wood	3,5 Million	Striker	Union Berlin
Luca Waldschmidt	1,3 Million	Striker	Frankfurt
Bakary Jatta	free	Right Winger	(was a refugee)
Christian Mathenia	0,8 Million	Goalkeeper	Darmstadt

Out:

Name	Fee	Position	new club
Kerim Derimbay	1,75 Million	Attacking Midfielder	Hoffenheim
Zoltan Stieber	0,25 Million	Left Winger	Kaiserslautern
Batuhan Altinas	loan	Striker	Kasimpasa
Ivica Olic	free	Striker	1860 Munich
Jaroslav Drobny	free	Goalkeeper	Werder Bremen
Gojko Kacar	free	Defensive Midfield	Augsburg
Artjoms Rudnevs	free	Striker	Colgone

Three notable Players:
Filip Kostic One of the few quality players in Stutgart’s side last year, Kostic wanted nothing to do with second division football and was sold to Hamburg, although Wolfsburg were heavily linked with him as well. His signing is a real signal of Intent by Hamburg as he was sought out by clubs which could have offered him European football. His main area of improvement will have to be his consistency.
Rene Adler Flashback to 2010: Germany’s up and coming starting Goalkeeper must announce that he will miss the upcoming World-Cup. He is replaced by Manuel Neuer and well… the rest is history. After losing out on his starting spot to Bernd Leno due to Injury as well, Adler has been able to regain form at Hamburg and was one of the better Goalkeepers last season. Alen Halilovic
Croatia’s brightest talent and Europe’s most sought after youngster in 2014, Alen Halilovic will hope to impress at Hamburg after not being able to secure a spot in Barcelona’s side. His transfer to Hamburg has been hailed as a coup by Hamburg’s Director of Football, but as Barcelona aren’t naïve either, they have put a buy-back option on the talented youngster.
Predicted Starting XI
--------------------------------Lassoga--------------------------------
-----Kostic-------------------Halilovic-----------Müller------------
---------------------Hunt-------------Ekdal-----------------------
Ostzorlek-------------Djourou---------Spahic--------Diekmeier
---------------------------------------Adler-------------------------------
Wrap-up:
After avoiding the fight against relegation for the first time in years and many good additions to the squad, there is cautious optimism around HSV these days. Manager Labbadia was able to install confidence in his squad last season, which was repaid in points. Hamburg is at crossroads now, will they fall back into old habits and struggle at the beginning of the season or will they be able to recapture past glory and maybe even fight for Europe?
What to like: Improved dramatically last season, good additions, good squad cohesion, improved offense
What to not like: Labbadia’s sides tend to struggle in his second year as a manager, and they still don’t have a proven goal scorer up front. It’s still Hamburg, who somehow always manage to let down their supporters.
Predicted Table:

1. -
2. -
3. -
4. -
5. -
6. Hamburg
7. -
8. Augsburg
9. -
10. Leipzig
11. -
12. Hoffenheim
13. Bremen
14. -
15. Freiburg
16. Frankfurt
17. Ingolstadt
18. Darmstadt ***

Thanks for reading! Where will Hamburg end up? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

Auto-Refreshing Transfer News Thread from Sky Sports
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22:00

OVER AND OUT!

Thanks for joining us tonight - we'll see you bright and early from 7am for more transfer talk and latest news. Good night!
21:24

MIGNOLET ON THE MOVE?

Simon Mignolet's agent is in talks with Napoli over a transfer to the Serie A side, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The Liverpool goalkeeper has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield following Alisson’s arrival from Roma, but the Merseyside club are keen to keep hold of the Belgium international.
“We’re talking, but there’s no agreement,” agent Nico Vaesen said. “It’s in the interest of the club to find a solution.
“Liverpool want to keep him, but he wants to and must play. He deserves to play in a great team.
“For them [Napoli], Simon represents the best option in terms of quality, but there’s also the financial aspect.”
20:53

HERRERA WANTS NEW UNITED DEAL

Ander Herrera has expressed his desire to sign a new contract at Manchester United.
The 29-year-old Spaniard joined United from Athletic Bilbao in 2014 but has just one year to run on his contract at Old Trafford.
“I have been able to play more than 160 games right now, so what I have in my mind is to go for the 200 games and keep adding games for the club and for myself,” Herrera told Inside United.
“The way the club treats me is perfect. The love the fans show for me couldn’t be better or bigger, my family is happy in Manchester, so I will just try to give everything and use all my strength and effort to keep deserving to play for this club.”
20:20

LOPETEGUI BACKS ‘IMPORTANT’ BALE

Julen Lopetegui has backed Gareth Bale to play a key role for Real Madrid this season after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
19:45

BORDEAUX IN MORELOS TALKS

Ligue 1 club Bordeaux are in negotiations with Rangers over a move for striker Alfredo Morelos, sources in France have told Sky Sports News.
Last month, Steven Gerrard turned down a bid from Fenerbache for the Colombian centre forward, reportedly in the region of £2.6m.
Sky Sports News understands Rangers have rejected Bordeaux’s initial bid in excess of £3.75m.
The 22-year-old, who moved to Ibrox from HJK Helsinki in the summer of 2017 for £1.5m, has scored twice in the Europa League qualifiers and once in the Scottish Premiership so far this campaign.
19:36

BREAKING NEWS

Bordeaux are in negotiations with Rangers over striker Alfredo Morelos, having had an initial bid in excess of £3.75m rejected, sources in France have told Sky Sports News.
19:19

MALLO REVEALS FULHAM SNUB

Hugo Mallo has suggested he turned down an offer to join Fulham to stay at Celta Vigo this summer.
The Celta captain and right-back was a target for the newly-promoted Premier League club ahead of Deadline Day, along with Valencia's Martin Montoya and Manchester United's Timothy Fosu-Mensah.
But Mallo opted to remain in Spain, and signed a new contract at Celta until 2023 this week.
“I knew the figures, I was going to earn at Fulham, but in life it's not all about money and my aim was to continue at Celta,” he told Marca.
"That's why the deal (to sign a new contract) was so quick and easy.”
18:59

ZAHA IS PALACE’S X-FACTOR

Clinton Morrison can't hide his joy after Wilfried Zaha signed a five-year contract extension with Crystal Palace.
18:35

VINT LEAVES UNITED AFTER VISA ISSUE

Will Vint has left Manchester United after being denied the appropriate visa to play for the club, his father has confirmed.
The Manchester Evening News report the American was drafted into this season's U18s squad as a first-year scholar and travelled to Austria for a pre-season training camp earlier this summer.
18:18

'NOT ROCKET SCIENCE'

Sean Dyche has defended signing goalkeeper Joe Hart on a permanent deal for Burnley.
18:01

CHELSEA SHIP OMERUO OUT ON LOAN

Chelsea and Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo has joined La Liga side Leganes on a season-long loan.
Omeruo takes Chelsea's tally of players currently out on loan to 32. He has never made a competitive appearance for the Blues since joining from Standard Liege in 2012.
The 24-year-old centre-back spent last season on loan in Turkey at Kasimpasa, before being selected for Nigeria's World Cup squad.
17:32

VLASIC JOINS CSKA ON LOAN

Everton midfielder Nikola Vlasic has joined CSKA Moscow on a season-long loan.
The 20-year-old links up with the 13-time Russian champions, who will compete in this season’s Champions League after finishing runners-up to city rivals Lokomotiv last term.
Croatia international Vlasic has made 19 first-team appearances for Everton since joining from Hajduk Split on deadline day in August 2017.
https://twitter.com/Everton/status/1029782631892832256
17:10

BARCA REMAIN IN THE MARKET?

Barcelona could make more signings before the close of the transfer window.
Barca have been active since the end of last season, bringing in Arthur, Malcom, Arturo Vidal and Clement Lenglet to the Camp Nou this summer.
But club president Josep Maria Bartomeu has refused to rule out the possibility of further arrivals at the Camp Nou before the end of the month.
“The market (transfer window) ends on August 31 and we will continue to pay attention,” he is quoted by Marca.
Bartomeu also says club legend Andres Iniesta, who left the LaLiga champions to join Japanese side Vissel Kobe earlier this year, will return to the Camp Nou in another capacity in the future.
He added: “(Iniesta) has finished his era [here] as a player, but he will return to do other tasks that we’ve already spoken about.”
16:50

SPURS AGREE N’KOUDOU LOAN

Sky Sports News understands Tottenham have agreed to let Georges-Kevin N’Koudou joined Mainz on a season-long loan.
It is understood an option for the Bundesliga side to buy N’Koudou on a permanent deal is also under discussion as talks continue between the clubs.
The 23-year-old French winger is still thought to be considering his options, however, with 16 days left of the transfer window in a number of major European leagues.
N’Koudou has struggled for first-team games since joining Spurs for £11m from Marseille in 2016, spending the second half of last season on loan at Burnley, where he made just eight Premier League appearances.
16:39

BREAKING NEWS

Tottenham have agreed to let Georges-Kevin N’Koudou join Mainz on a season-long loan, according to Sky sources.
16:16

CHERYSHEV CANNOT WAIT

Denis Cheryshev: "It's a huge opportunity. I am very happy and grateful to be here, to the club, to the coach who has trusted me. I really want to start with my team-mates.
"I was able to talk to Marcelino before coming and yesterday he congratulated me when the signing was confirmed.
“I am very happy because he is the coach who has understood me best. I hope to repay the confidence placed in me."
16:10

CHERYSHEV SEALS VALENCIA LOAN

Denis Cheryshev has re-joined Valencia on a season-long loan from Villarreal.
The 27-year-old winger returns for a second spell at the Mestalla, having previously spent four months there on loan from Real Madrid in 2016.
Cheryshev starred for Russia at the World Cup, scoring four goals as the hosts reached the quarter-finals.
The move sees him reunited with Valencia head coach Marcelino García Toral, after the pair worked together at Villarreal.
15:53

BREAKING NEWS

Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina is expected in Rome tonight ahead of his proposed loan move to Napoli, Sky in Italy understand.
The Colombia international will undergo a medical tomorrow. Napoli will have a right to buy Ospina at the end of the loan.
15:28

PARISH SALUTES ZAHA EXTENSION

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish considers Wilfried Zaha signing a new contract the “final piece of the jigsaw” in the club’s hopes for a successful season.
“It’s absolutely fantastic,” Parish said. “We’re all so committed this year to giving it our best shot, and this is the final piece of the jigsaw.
“It’s nice to put all those stories to bed, stories that we knew weren’t true and were just rumour mongering. Wilfried the player that we’ve seen all summer has done everything properly and right.
“He’s shown the respect he’s got for this football club, and he should be applauded for that with all the noise that was going on around him. We’ve settled everything in terms of his long-term future, so we’re absolutely ecstatic.
“He’s scored the first goal when we bought the club in 2010. It’s been an incredible journey that we’ve been on together. It’s been a fantastic journey, for the club, for me, for him. It seems as though we’re intertwined on this journey, and long may it continue.”
15:15

IF NO PL PLAYERS, THEN WHO?

The left-back reportedly on Schalke’s radar is believed to be cost around €7m.
The second target is Bayern Munich midfielder Sebastian Rudy, who is also attracting interest from RB Leipzig.
Rudy has been priced at €15m – which Christian Heidel finds too high – so the club will try to negotiate a loan deal with an option to buy.
15:03

SCHALKE RULE OUT PL PURCHASES

Schalke sporting director Christian Heidel has reiterated the Bundesliga club are not in the market for players from the Premier League.
In an off-camera briefing, Heidel revealed that the club have been offered players from as many as 11 clubs in England in the last two weeks but they are all too expensive.
Schalke has been linked with plenty of Premier League players in recent days, with Danny Drinkwater, Danny Rose and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all mentioned.
However, in a press conference, Heidel maintained Schalke would focus on their own transfer targets.
"We will do no more than two transfers,” he said. “And I do not really know if the second one will be possible.
“I just can say that we will definitely buy a left-back. We have been in concrete talks with this player for about a week and we will buy him in the next few days.”
14:52

DYCHE DEFENDS HART SIGNING

Burnley manager Sean Dyche has defended the club's decision to sign Joe Hart on a permanent deal, despite already having three first-team goalkeepers in the squad.
The Clarets lost England internationals Nick Pope and Tom Heaton to long-term injuries, while Anders Lindergaard had been struggling with a thigh problem.
Burnley turned to Hart, bringing him in from Manchester City on a two-year deal worth around £3.5m.
"Given the situation as it came around with the injuries that we had in the goalkeeping department, I cannot understand the debate at all. It is pretty simplistic,” Dyche said.
"[It was a] random injury to Nick Pope, the one last year to Tom [Heaton] which started off a longer process, Anders [Lindegaard] goes down with a thigh injury, it is not rocket science.
"The only difference is that we signed Joe and it was not a loan, but I am pleased with the business. Why would you not want a competitive unit? And all very good in my opinion."
14:15

FULHAM DUO DEPART ON LOAN

Fulham have began trimming their squad after allowing Magnus Norman and Marcelo Djalo to leave on loan.
Goalkeeper Norman, who is behind Fabri and Marcus Bettinelli in the Craven Cottage pecking order, has joined League One Rochdale on loan until January.
The 21-year-old has yet to make a senior appearance for the club and joins fellow keeper Marek Rodak, who is at Rotherham, in temporarily leaving the club.
Djalo has joined Spanish Segunda Division club Extremadura on loan until the end of the season.
The defender joined the Cottagers last summer but made only four appearances last season as Slavisa Jokanovic’s men won promotion to the Premier League.
Jokanovic brought in 12 players over the summer transfer window as the club spent over £100m following their promotion.
13:20

LOAN DEAL

Rangers midfielder Jamie Barjonas has joined Bury on a loan deal until January
https://twitter.com/buryfcofficial/status/1029714361458282496
13:05

WATCH: CELTIC NOT SPENDING IS 'AMATEURISH'

Former Celtic striker Andy Walker believes the club are not matching Brendan Rodgers' ambition.
12:49

LOAN DEAL

https://twitter.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/1029699244733739008
12:19

SANTOS IN DEMAND

Sassuolo and Galatasaray are rivalling Schalke for the signing of Barcelona youngster Marlon Santos, reports Sport.
Marlon, 22, was on the verge of joining Newcastle on deadline day but the move fell through as the Brazilian was not granted a work permit.
Schalke need a replacement for Thilo Kehrer, who will join PSG for €37m, and they are leading the chase to sign Marlon. They are willing to pay Barca €15m for the defender, who spent last season on loan at Nice.
Sassuolo and Galatasaray are also keen too. The former have offered Barca €12m for the defender.
12:03

LOAN DEAL

https://twitter.com/saintmirrenfc/status/1029699426921668608
11:59

NAPOLI IN NEGOTIATIONS FOR OSPINA

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has confirmed Napoli remain in negotiations with Arsenal keeper David Ospina.
Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet is also one of the options Napoli are considering.
De Laurentiis said on Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli: “There are four in contention: Ochoa, Mignolet, Ospina and Tatarusanu. It is true that Ospina could arrive: we are negotiating, there are still some differences on the requests. I liked Ochoa but in the end I didn’t want him as he is a non-EU citizen ".
Napoli are in need of a goalkeeper after their new signing Alex Meret broke his arm in training last month just six days after joining the club.
Serie A transfer window closes on Friday at 7pm.
11:44

DE JONG LIKELY TO STAY AT AJAX

Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong has handed Barcelona a blow by insisting that he is likely to stay in Amsterdam this summer.
Barca have been linked heavily with De Jong over the past few months and it has been suggested that they want to bring him to the Camp Nou before the close of this transfer window. However, the 21-year-old plans to stay at Ajax this summer.
He told Ziggo Sport: “In principle, I will stay at Ajax [this summer], although you never know in football. Maybe in four days there is a club that offers an absurd amount of money and Ajax tell me to go. You can never make predictions one hundred percent, but the possibilities of continuing at Ajax are great.”
Recent reports have claimed that Ajax have agreed to sell De Jong to Barca for €50m if they fail to qualify for this season’s Champions League but that has been denied by the player. He added: “That story is one hundred percent false. Certainly, there has been interest from Barcelona and at first those rumours were fine. But now the newspapers are making up a lot of things.”
11:26

BOLTON LET LE FONDRE MAKE DREAM MOVE

Bolton have allowed striker Adam Le Fondre to leave the club to pursue a dream move abroad.
The Sky Bet Championship club released a statement on Tuesday confirming the 31-year-old forward had been given permission to speak "with a club overseas regarding a possible transfer after being presented with an opportunity of a lifetime."
Reports in the UK and Australia have suggested Le Fondre's destination is A-League side Sydney FC.
FULL STORY
11:15

'WATFORD TRIED TO SIGN ALCACER'

Watford made an unsuccessful attempt to sign Barcelona forward Paco Alcacer earlier this summer, reports Sport.
Alcacer is believed to be surplus to requirements at Barca and has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs, including Southampton and Everton, since the turn of the year.
In the end, Watford were the only English side to attempt to secure his signature. According to Sport, Watford proposed a two-year loan deal with the option to sign him permanently, but the deal eventually broke down.
Barca initially wanted to sell him on a permanent basis but they are now willing to explore other options regarding the striker’s future. Real Betis have sounded out a loan deal for the former Valencia man, while Nice have made an enquiry about his availability too.
11:04

BREAKING NEWS

QPR have announced the signing of Angel Rangel on a short-term contract.
https://twitter.com/QPstatus/1029684286989979649
10:57

'CELTIC CAN'T TRUST BOYATA'

Former Celtic player Andy Walker says the Hoops need to sell Dedryck Boyata and that his team-mates "can not trust him".
Boyata was absent as Celtic crashed out of the Champions League in Athens on Tuesday night and, though the player says he is injured, manager Brendan Rodgers claimed after the match that the Belgian was fit.
Fulham had a bid for Boyata turned down before the transfer window closed - reportedly worth £9m - and Walker thinks that was a mistake by Celtic.
He told Sky Sports: "You have got a big problem with Dedryck Boyata, who has refused to play for the club. If I was a team-mate of his, you know that you cannot trust him. Team spirit is very important and, if you have got someone refusing to play, you have got to get them out the door.
“Clearly, it was a mistake to refuse the £9m from Fulham. Boyata had a decent World Cup [for Belgium]. He can go to a club on the continent [the Premier League window is now shut] but I am sure it won't be anything like the £9m Fulham offered. But you have got to get a player who picks and chooses his games out the door, he is absolutely no use to Celtic at all."
10:45

RODGERS: BOYATA WOULD'VE BEEN FIT

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers claimed Dedryck Boyata had been fit to play their Champions League match against AEK Athens, despite the player missing the game with a leg problem.
10:36

BREAKING NEWS

Chelsea have announced that defender Kenneth Omeruo has joined La Liga side Leganes on a season-long loan deal.
10:33

WATCH: ZAHA IS PALACE'S X-FACTOR'

Clinton Morrison can't hide his joy after Wilfried Zaha signs a contract extension with Crystal Palace.
10:18

BREAKING NEWS

Arsenal forward Joel Campbell has arrived in Italy to finalise his move to Serie A side Frosinone, according to Sky in italy.
Campbell, who is set to sign a three-year deal, will undergo a medical tomorrow.
10:00

TRANSFER HEADLINES

• Zaha signs new Crystal Palace deal
  
• Godin: I did not 'use' Man Utd
  
• Ospina set for Napoli medical
  
• Mainz agree N’Koudou loan
  
• Dyche defends Hart signing
  
• Cheryshev joins Valencia on loan
  
• Sessegnon unfazed over transfer talk
  
• Utd confident over new De Gea deal
  
• Bakayoko joins AC Milan on loan
  
• Chelsea defender Aina set for Torino
  
• Which PL stars could still leave??
  
• EFL clubs can seal loans to Aug 31
  
• European deadline Aug 31
  
• New football season offer
  

09:55

ZAHA'S NEW FIVE-YEAR DEAL

09:53

PARISH REACTION

Here's what Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has had to say...
“Wilf grew up a stone’s throw from Selhurst Park from the age of four, and has been with the club since he was 12. This agreement is yet another example of his lifelong commitment to the club, and our commitment to him. This is an amazing day for everyone here at Palace, our supporters and of course Wilf – and is richly deserved."
09:51

ZAHA REACTION

After putting pen to paper on his new Crystal Palace deal, Wilfried Zaha said...
“I’m very pleased. Obviously, I just wanted to get it over and done with, so I can just focus on the season. I’m buzzing that we managed to get it sorted.”
09:48

BREAKING NEWS

Wilfried Zaha has signed a contract extension with Crystal Palace until 2023.
https://twitter.com/CPFC/status/1029665520973500416
09:47

GODIN ON UTD...

https://twitter.com/SoccerAM/status/1029663930518519809
09:34

PACHECHO JOINS MALAGA

Malaga have announced the signing of Dani Pacheco from Getafe.
The forward has signed a deal until the 2020/21 season.
09:15

LOAN DEAL

https://twitter.com/officiallydale/status/1029654176463290370
09:10

SILVA WANTS TO RETIRE AT PSG

Thiago Silva has signalled his desire to retire at PSG and says he has not been contacted about a return to former club AC Milan.
Silva, who is under contract until 2020, has been a key player for PSG since joining them from Milan back in 2012.
Speaking to Canal +, the Brazilian stated that he wants to see out his career in the French capital. He said: “I am at PSG and I am happy in Paris, I have a contract and I hope to retire here.”
The 33-year-old has also been linked with a return to Milan this summer but insists no-one from the San Siro has spoken to him about that possibility. He added: “[Milan’s sporting director] Leonardo did not call me to go to Milan.”
09:00

GODIN: I DID NOT ‘USE’ MAN UTD

Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin says he did not use interest from Manchester United to secure an improved contract.
Godin says he turned down United for 'personal reasons' - and has not yet signed a new deal with Atletico.
Manchester United were interested in adding an experienced defender before the window closed last week and put together an offer for Godin's agent to take to Atletico. But Godin stayed in Madrid and United believe their interest was leveraged into an improved contract for the 32-year-old Uruguay international.
However, ahead of Wednesday night's UEFA Super Cup final match against Real Madrid in Tallinn, Godin denied the events were linked.
"I have not renewed," Godin said. "I have had offers, although I have decided to stay for personal reasons, and I am only thinking about the final. But I have not extended my contract. I saw that news came out but I do not know where it came from."
08:48

CHELSEA DEENDER SET FOR LEGANES

Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo is set to join Leganes on loan, reports Marca.
Omeruo, who has spent the past three seasons on loan in Turkey, is on the verge of signing for Leganes on a season-long deal. The 24-year-old received offers from other LaLiga clubs but has opted to join Leganes, who will have an option to sign him on a permanent basis at the end of the season.
08:35

WHICH PL STARS COULD STILL LEAVE?

The Premier League transfer window is closed for the summer, but that does not mean there won't be more transfer activity before the end of the month.
While Premier League clubs can no longer sign players, they can sell to leagues where the windows are still open. In Spain, France and Germany the window does not shut until August 31 while in Italy the window closes on August 17.
So which players could leave the Premier League before the end of August? From Anthony Martial to Loris Karius and Danny Rose, we pick out 10 to keep an eye on…
READ HERE
08:17

O’NEILL HEADS TO CENTRAL COAST MARINERS

Burnley midfielder Aiden O’Neill has returned to Australia to join Central Coast Mariners on a season-long loan.
https://twitter.com/BurnleyOfficial/status/1029639936146857984
08:13

‘ZIDANE WANTS TO MANAGE IN PL’

Zinedine Zidane wants to return to management in the Premier League, reports L’Equipe.
Zidane has been out of work since surprisingly handing in his resignation at Real Madrid in May, less than a week after winning the Champions League for the third time in three seasons.
According to L’Equipe, he is planning to return to work next season and wants to do so in the Premier League.
Various recent reports have touted him as a possible successor to Jose Mourinho at Manchester United and the Frenchman would be open to managing at Old Trafford.
07:59

FOOTBALL WHISPERS

Here are the latest rumours from our friends at Football Whispers...
https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/AsJxvIHkndFWQ0P-LNHQWw/https/d2kmm3vx031a1h.cloudfront.net/CVGDMggdSWW0qRlto1tl_2018-08-15-08-34-56-sky-top-10-graphic.png
07:39

RODGERS HITS OUT AT BOYATA AFTER EXIT

Brendan Rodgers claimed Dedryck Boyata had been fit to play despite missing Celtic's 2-1 defeat at AEK Athens, which put them out of the Champions League 3-2 on aggregate.
The Belgium defender, subject of a failed £9m bid by Fulham before the English transfer window closed, had posted a video of him receiving treatment before Tuesday night's game in Greece.
His agent Jacques Lichtenstein was quoted earlier in the week by DH.be saying that as his client is in the final year of his contract, he could not risk playing when not 100 per cent fit.
After the narrow defeat in the second leg of the third qualifying round tie in the Olympic Stadium, where a late Scott Sinclair goal reduced the deficit after goals from Rodrigo Galo and Marko Livaja had put the home side 2-0 up, the Parkhead boss confirmed Boyata had been fit.
Rodgers, who was also without suspended defender Kristoffer Ajer, said: "Yes, we were obviously missing our two best centre-halves this evening, unfortunately. My concentration really until I get back is only with the players that are here. But yes, Dedryck would have been fit to play."
07:23

SESSEGNON UNFAZED BY TRANSFER TALK

Ryan Sessegnon says talk of a move away from Fulham has not distracted him and that he remains focused on playing for the Premier League side.
The teenager burst onto the scene back in 2016, when he was just 16, and has established himself as a regular in Slavisa Jokanovic's side at Craven Cottage. However, his performances have attracted the attention of larger clubs, with Tottenham reportedly keen to take the versatile player to north London.
Sessegnon admitted the attention is flattering, but said: "You always see little bits and bobs when teams are linked with you, but I was always staying focused on playing for Fulham. That's my main focus - just getting my head down and playing for Fulham.
“Of course as a young player, when you get linked to these clubs playing Champions League football, it's always flattering."
FULL STORY
07:15

JAHANBAKHSH: BRIGHTON’S IRAN ACE

Brighton boss Chris Hughton broke the club's transfer record to bring Alireza Jahanbakhsh to the Amex this summer, but what do you need to know about the winger?
The Iran international arrived on the south coast in a reported £17m deal this summer following a stellar campaign in the Netherlands with AZ Alkmaar, which he concluded by netting two hat-tricks in three games to secure the Golden Boot award.
At 25 he's an experienced figure, particularly on the international scene where he is closing on a half-century of caps for his country. But aside from that, who is Alireza Jahanbakhsh? And what is he capable of achieving in a Brighton shirt?
With him set to make his first appearance at the Amex Stadium against Manchester United live on Sky Sports on Sunday, we take a closer look...
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07:00

MATA TO LEAVE UTD?

Manchester United star Juan Mata could be set for an emotional return to his former side Valencia, according to The Sun.
06:24

FULL PAPER ROUND-UP

Get a full round-up of today's back pages HERE!
06:22

PAPER TALK

• Manchester United star Juan Mata could be set for an emotional return to his former side Valencia. (The Sun)
  
• Harry Maguire is close to agreeing a new £75,000-a-week contract with Leicester, following Manchester United's failed bid to sign the England defender. (Daily Telegraph)
  
• Diego Godin has revealed he turned down a deadline day move to Manchester United for "personal reasons". (Daily Mirror)
  
• Chelsea want to offload Danny Drinkwater abroad. (Daily Star)
  
• Rangers have reopened transfer talks with Hearts over Kyle Lafferty and are confident the striker will be on his way to Ibrox in the next 48 hours. (Daily Record)
  
• Unai Emery has been told Arsenal must cut their wage bill - and that could impact on his rebuilding plans. (Daily Mirror)
  

06:09

GOOD MORNING...

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