In a week filled with significant developments across various football clubs, Chelsea’s ownership of the trademark for Jose Mourinho’s name is set to conclude. This transition is happening as we celebrate the 20-year birthday of the trademark and renewal date this Friday. The impact of this decision can be felt both inside the club and outside in its new fanbase.
Chelsea is being investigated by the Premier League. Now they are in the hot seat over the sale of their women’s team to the club’s toxic parent company. The league still hasn’t approved this transaction, indicating that it does not meet fair market value. As this story continues to develop, many stakeholders will be eagerly and anxiously awaiting the outcome of this possible sale.
Arsenal have increased their pursuit of Espanyol’s highly-rated goalkeeper Joan Garcia after talks last week. The club is reportedly considering a summer move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams too. Newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta has already started discussions with Williams’ reps. This step is one of his first steps as the new Federal Highway Administrator.
Chelsea, for their part, are actively encouraging UEFA to increase their ticket allocation. They’re demanding more tickets for tomorrow’s (ie today) Conference League quarter-final first leg with Legia Warsaw. The club was allocated only 742 tickets for that game. In return, they were forced to instantaneously turn to European football’s governing body — UEFA — in search of more financial aid.
It’s been a great summer for Dean Huijsen, as both Chelsea and Liverpool have targeted the young Spanish centre-half for a transfer. Real Madrid is monitoring his every move, as well. With clubs scrambling to get his signature, his future hangs in the balance.
Bayern Munich currently has reservations when it comes to offering Thomas Muller a new contract. They are concerned about his pay. Still, the 21-year-old has attracted interest from clubs in the United States. Bayern may consider a transfer to their partner club in Major League Soccer, LAFC, as they assess their options moving forward.
In international football, the British and Irish Lions are gearing up for a challenging tour match against an Australia-New Zealand invitational side this summer. Look for a number of recent All Blacks luminaries at that event. Guys such as Richie Mo’unga, Brodie Retallick and Aaron Smith will add a whole new level of sizzle!
Later this year, London will indeed host a fiercely competitive Olympic men’s football tournament. National teams from Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago will compete for on-field supremacy. It is hoped that this inaugural event will highlight up-and-coming talent and develop stronger connections between countries represented.
In other club-specific news, Dinamo Zagreb is enjoying the swagger. They’re confident of meandering to the signing of Greg Taylor when his contract at Celtic expires this summer. Yet the Croatian club are obviously trying hard to get him signed up, a sign of Hajduk Split’s ambition within European football.
Liverpool seems close to sealing a new deal with talisman Mohamed Salah. Just a few days ago, reports surfaced that negotiations were progressing. Both sides equally want to see a deal completed which guarantees the Egyptian’s longterm stay on Merseyside.
Bouncers’ performance, former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams discussed his emotional distress after being released by the club. He said that it “pain [s]” him to enjoy watching football after facing adversity away from the pitch. It is a reminder of the demons athletes sometimes confront beneath their public façade.
In more positive news, Alex Neil has announced that the out-of-contract, in-form Aberdeen star Kevin Nisbet is going back to Millwall. He will get his chances to play in the first team. This transfer serves to underline the importance Nisbet could have on Millwall’s season as they aim to strengthen their squad.
Manchester United and England midfielder legend Paul Scholes was recently honored in his hometown with a mural celebrating his contributions to the game. Remarkably, this warm tribute was supported by supporters of competing club City, testament to the respect shared within the sport.
It was a Celtic that was a bit sad in the last weekend. They missed out on a dramatic late window for Georgian international midfielder Giorgi Kochorashvili for next season. The failed bid brings into stark relief just how competitive the race for player acquisitions has become in the game of football.
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