David de Gea Announces Plans to Leave Manchester United This Summer

Posted on July 8, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

David de Gea is ready for his next chapter…

The 32-year-old Spanish professional footballer has announced he’s leaving Manchester United this summer, saying that now’s the right time to undertake a new challenge in his career.

The goalkeeper failed to agree to terms on a new contract to extend his stay at Old Trafford and will leave the club 12 years after joining from Atletico Madrid in 2011.

De Gea was close to signing a new deal, only for talks to collapse at the end of season. Sources have told ESPN that United are in negotiations with Inter Milan for the transfer of Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana.

“I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters,” De Gea wrote on social media on Saturday.

“I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love from the last 12 years. We’ve achieved a lot since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club.

“I took incredible pride everytime I pulled on this shirt, to lead the team, to represent this institution, the biggest club in the world was an honour only bestowed upon a few lucky footballers.

“It’s been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here. I didn’t think from leaving Madrid as a young boy we would achieve what we did together.

“Now, it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings.

“Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me. We’ve seen it all.”

De Gea made 545 appearances for United — seventh on the club’s all-time list — and was part of the team that won the 2012-13 Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson. He also won the FA Cup in 2016, the Carabao Cup in 2017 and 2023 as well as the Europa League in 2017.

In a club statement released on Saturday shortly after De Gea’s announcement, manager Erik ten Hag said: “It takes great quality and character to reach the level of even playing one game for Manchester United.

“To do it 545 times over 12 years is a special achievement, particularly in the goalkeeping position where every game puts you in the spotlight. To have won player of the year awards from both the fans and his teammates, each on four occasions, shows the level of his performance and he will always be remembered as one of the very best goalkeepers in the history of the club.

“I am personally grateful for the 25 clean sheets he helped provide last season and his overall contribution on the pitch during my first year at the club.

“All the players and staff send him our very best wishes for the next phase of his outstanding career.”

Chelsea Closing in on Deal to Sign Manuel Ugarte

Posted on June 3, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Manuel Ugarte may be switching sides soon…

Chelsea are thisclose to signing the 22-year-old Uruguayan professional footballer, a highly rated defensive midfielder for Sporting CP, according to ESPN.

Both the London side and French champions Paris Saint-Germain have offered to trigger the Uruguay international’s release clause of €60 million. However, unlike the Parisians, Chelsea are adding solidarity payments and various bonuses which makes their proposition more attractive, sources said.

Sporting are even encouraging and pushing Ugarte to choose Chelsea ahead of PSG, who are still hoping to convince him, sources added. Ugarte has not yet agreed to anything but, according to sources, a full agreement with Chelsea is now close.

New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is said to be a big fan of Ugarte, who will line up alongside British-record signing Enzo Fernandez in the Chelsea midfield next season if he decides to join the club.

Despite spending more than £600 million to sign 17 players over the past 12 months since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over the club, it is set to be another bust summer at Chelsea.

Much of that transformation looks set to focus on the team’s midfield with both Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic close to departing.

Mount’s existing deal expires next summer and Chelsea would rather cash in now than lose him for nothing in 2024 if no agreement over an extension can be reached, sources have told ESPN, with Manchester United in pole position for his signature.

Sources have also told ESPN that Manchester City are in talks to sign Croatia international Kovacic.

Alejandro Garnacho Signs New Long-Term Contract with Manchester United

Posted on April 28, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

United Alejandro Garnacho stands…

The 18-year-old Argentine-Spanish professional footballer has committed his long-term future to Manchester United‘s after signing a new contract on Friday.

Garnacho’s new deal will see him remain at Old Trafford until June 2028.

“When I joined this incredible club, I dreamt of achieving my debut, playing at Old Trafford, scoring my first goal and winning trophies with this badge on my chest,” Garnacho said in a statement.

“I feel very proud and emotional to have experienced these moments already, together with my family who have supported me every step of the way.

“We are all humbled to have this chance to continue our journey at Manchester United and I have already begun to work on achieving the next set of targets and ambitions.

“The manager and his coaching staff have helped me to improve in every way, and with their support, I am developing each day to help the team to be successful.

“I am relishing the future and can’t wait to create more special memories with this group, in front of our amazing supporters.”

Meanwhile, United manager Erik ten Hag said the club will not allow the 18-year-old to miss the end of the domestic season to represent Argentina at the Under-20s World Cup.

Garnacho is thought to have asked to join up with his international teammates for the tournament, which Argentina will host between May 20 and June 11.

Garnacho’s involvement would have meant missing United’s final three Premier League fixtures against Bournemouth, Chelsea and Fulham as well as the FA Cup final against Manchester City on June 3.

Asked whether Garnacho would join up with Argentina’s Under 20s, Ten Hag said: “No, we don’t release him.”

The winger has been sidelined with an ankle problem sustained in United’s 0-0 draw against Southampton on March 12.

Speaking after Thursday’s 2-2 draw at Tottenham, Ten Hag said Garnacho would step up his comeback on Friday.

“He will return tomorrow in team training, partial, and then we have to see when he can return totally in the team training and then back into games,” Ten Hag added.

Garnacho has registered four goals and five assists from 29 appearances across all competitions this season.

Manchester United & David de Gea “Close to Agreeing” to New Contract

Posted on April 18, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

David de Gea is thisclose to a United layover…

Manchester United is closing in on an agreement with the 32-year-old Spanish professional footballer over a new contract, according to ESPN.

The goalkeeper is approaching the end of his current deal and could leave Old Trafford for free at the end of the season.

United, however, believe they are close to an agreement, which would see De Gea extend his stay while taking a cut in his basic wage but with larger performance-related incentives.

Most of the terms have been finalized although talks are continuing about how the contract is structured.

United also have the option of triggering a one-year extension to his existing deal which is valid until May, but there’s confidence at the club that fresh terms will be in place before that’s necessary.

De Gea has been Erik ten Hag‘s undisputed No.1 since the Dutchman’s arrival last summer, making 47 appearances in all competitions.

He has made more than 500 appearances since arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2011. He has won United’s player of the year award four times and lifted the Premier League title, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League during his 12 years in England.

Casemiro Helps Lead Manchester United Past Newcastle United to Claim Carabao Cup

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Casemiro is celebrating new hardware…

The 31-year-old Brazilian professional footballer helped Manchester United end their six-year wait for silverware as they beat Newcastle United 2-0 to win the Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.Helps

United last won a major trophy in their 2017 Europa League campaign, but looked comfortable in their display against Eddie Howe‘s side as Casemiro’s header and a Marcus Rashford goal gave Newcastle too much to overcome in their first League Cup final appearance since 1976.

“It has been an amazing period, first trophy of the season, but we want more — it is not enough for this club, we want more and we need more because our standards demand more,” Bruno Fernandes said. “For me it was about winning trophies and finally we did it. I am satisfied but I want more. I want much more.”

There was little in the way of clear-cut chances in a frantic beginning, but United opened the scoring on 33 minutes with the first of two quickfire goals as stalwart midfielder Casemiro sent half of Wembley into pandemonium. Luke Shaw delivered a stooping ball in from a wide free kick and the Brazil international expertly glanced a header into the far corner. He was deemed to have been played marginally onside after a VAR check.

With the momentum in their favor, United doubled their lead six minutes later as Newcastle defender Botman guided Rashford’s effort into his own goal. Wout Weghorst burst forward and played Rashford in behind. The 25-year-old’s shot from a narrow angle was diverted up and over the stretching Loris Karius by Botman as United tightened their grip on the trophy.

The goal was initially ruled an own goal on Botman, but later on Sunday it was credited to Rashford, marking the England international’s first goal in a final in his seventh time playing in one.

Weghorst threatened again in first-half stoppage time with a well-struck effort from distance, but Karius — who made his first start since February 2021 — was equal to it.

Newcastle returned in the second half with an improved yet toothless performance, with Joelinton coming closest but having his shot well-blocked by Lisandro Martinez, as United comfortably saw out the victory.

“No complaints with how we played, obviously the scoreline doesn’t say that, and that’s where football can be cruel,” Newcastle manager Howe said. “I’m sorry we couldn’t deliver for the fans today.”

Newcastle’s fans, who had created a sea of black and white with give-away plastic flags at the stadium’s west side during the closing minutes, drifted away before the trophy presentation. The club has now lost each of their past nine matches at Wembley, a run that began in the 1974 FA Cup final.

By contrast, Man United‘s fans were in full voice as Bruno Fernandes raised the trophy, which they hope will be the first of many under Erik ten Hag.

United have enjoyed an improved season in their first term under the former Ajax manager. They’re third in the Premier League table and still in the Europa League draw. Ten Hag is the first manager at Old Trafford to win silverware since Jose Mourinho.

Alejandro Garnacho Agrees to New Five-Year Deal with Manchester United

Posted on February 20, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Alejandro Garnacho has a new deal…

The 18-year-old Argentine-Spanish soccer player has reached an agreement in principle to sign a new five-year deal with Manchester United, pending a few final details related to image rights, according to ESPN.

Garnacho is out of contract in 2024 but the source said there is a financial consensus for him to extend his stay at Old Trafford until 2028.

All that remains to be finalized before the terms can be made official are some aspects relating to the Garnacho’s image rights.

The new deal will see his salary adjusted according to his new status in Erik ten Hag’s squad due to the progress he has made since making his first team debut last April.

Garnacho has since made 27 appearances for United, scoring three goals, and has been one of the revelations of the Premier League season so far.

Negotiations over new terms started a few months ago and a source close to the talks confirmed to ESPN the club and the player have now reached an agreement over the financial elements of the deal and the length of the contract.

His salary will progressively increase as his role in the team grows.

The source says both parties are keen for everything to be tied up and an official announcement could follow in the coming weeks.

Negotiations remain ongoing for United to be sold — with bids from Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe confirmed — and club officials have been told that, for now, it’s business as usual meaning contract talks with players are unaffected.

Garnacho, who joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2020, has a Spanish father and an Argentine mother and is eligible to play for both countries.

He has been capped by both Spain and Argentina at youth level and was part of the latter’s preliminary squad for the World Cup, although he did not make the final cut in the end and is yet to debut for Lionel Scaloni‘s world champions.

Chris Armas Joining Coaching Team at Leeds United

Posted on January 25, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Chris Armas is ready to leed(s)…

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican professional soccer coach and former player will join the coaching team of fellow American Jesse Marsch at Leeds United.

The former Toronto FC and New York Red Bulls coach was most recently an assistant coach at Manchester United, working under Ralf Rangnick last season.

The former USMNT international and MLS player is expected to be in the dugout for Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup round four tie at Accrington Stanley, subject to obtaining a work permit.

About the appointment, Leeds United head coach Marsch said: “He will be a fantastic addition to the staff, he brings a wealth of experience from across the world and having worked closely with him previously, I am sure he will help us to improve every day.”

Director of football Victor Orta added: “We always have constant ideas to improve the team around Jesse and with Chris it is a perfect fit, they have both worked together in the past and he has experience of working in the Premier League.

“Chris was one of the best ever players in the history of the United States and his determination and skills will add value to our club and we are really happy he has joined us.”

Armas won 66 caps for the USMNT alongside a playing career that included spells with LA Galaxy and Chicago Fire. He played alongside Marsch at Chicago Fire. He also took over at NYRB as head coach when Marsch left for RB Leipzig in 2018.

Leeds has American players Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson in its team, and has been linked with a move for another U.S. international, Weston McKennie.

Manchester United Agrees on Fee to Sign Antony

Posted on August 30, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Antony is putting on a United front…

Manchester United has agreed on a fee to sign the 22-year-old Brazilian professional football player from Ajax.

The deal is worth an initial €95 million with another €5m in add-ons, which will make it the second-most-expensive transfer in United’s history behind Paul Pogba, who joined from Juventus for a then-world-record £89.3m (€105m) in 2016.

The deal is subject to a medical, player terms being finalized and international clearance.

Antony will be reunited with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, who will complete his fifth signing of the summer after bringing in Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro.

He will give United another option in attack after Anthony Martial suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the 2-1 win against Liverpool last week.

Antony signed for Ajax from Sao Paulo in 2020 and has made 82 appearances for the Eredivisie giants, scoring 25 goals.

He has also been capped nine times for Brazil, scoring twice.

Ten Hag’s side have responded to back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Brentford with victories against Liverpool and Southampton, lifting them off the bottom of the Premier League table.

Edinson Cavani to Join Valencia on Free Transfer

Posted on August 29, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Edinson Cavani is headed to The Capital of the Turia…

The 35-year-old Uruguayan professional footballer and former Manchester United striker will join Valencia on free transfer, the Spanish club has announced.

The Uruguay team forward was available after his contract expired earlier in summer after spending the last two seasons at Old Trafford.

Cavani has agreed to sign a two-year contract and will be the reference up-front to Italian manager Gennaro Gattuso.

The former Paris Saint-Germain striker was at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium to see his new team’s loss to Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the Spanish league on Monday.

Valencia won the race to sign the veteran against Real Sociedad, who are still in the market looking for a replacement for Swedish forward Alexander Isak who was sold last week to Newcastle for a 70 million-euros transfer fee.

Cavani arrived on Monday afternoon to Valencia and talked to the local media before passing medical exams with club doctors and signing his new deal.

“I am happy to be here. I wanted to play in Spain and Valencia were willing to bet on me,” Cavani said.

“I like to be where I’m wanted, where I’m loved because you live off the strength of the fans and the club’s love.

“I talked to coach Gennaro Gattuso and Valencia have given me a lot of confidence, so I hope I can give them my best and leave a good image here.”

Cavani began his career at Danubio in Uruguay before making the jump to Europe in 2007, signing with Palermo.

After four seasons in Sicily, he left for Napoli where he scored 104 goals in 138 matches, being Seria A top-goalscorer in 2012-13.

In 2013 he was signed by Paris Saint-Germain where he played for seven seasons and became the top scorer in the club’s history.

He joined Manchester United in 2020, where he played for the last two seasons.

Manchester United to Sign Casemiro from Real Madrid

Posted on August 19, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Casemiro is putting on a United front…

Manchester United has announced an agreement with Real Madrid to sign the 30-year-old Brazilian professional footballer and midfielder, whose full name is Carlos Henrique Casimiro.

The transfer is subject to the agreement of personal terms, U.K. visa requirements and a medical, according to Man United.

The deal is worth an initial £60 million, with £10m in potential add-ons, according to ESPN sources.

Casemiro is expected to sign a four-year contract with an additional one-year option.

Real Madrid also confirmed the agreement in a statement, adding that there would be a farewell event for Casemiro held on Monday.

“Real Madrid want to experience its thanks and affection for Casemiro, a player who is now part of the legend of this club,” the statement read. “Since his arrival in January 2013 at the age of 20, Casemiro has been one of the most important players in one of the most successful eras in our history… An exemplary player who has given everything for Real Madrid. Real Madrid is and will always be his home.”

The addition of Casemiro would represent a breakthrough in United’s long search for a midfielder. The club previously agreed a fee with Barca of around €85 million for Frenkie de Jong, sources told ESPN in July, but a move for the Netherlands international has stalled over his preference to remain at Camp Nou. United then opened negotiations over a move for Juventus‘ Adrien Rabiot, but talks broke down due to the midfielder’s wage demands, turning the club’s attention to Casemiro.

The Brazil international had initially decided not to leave Madrid, but sources told ESPN that he changed his mind, with United offering him a higher salary than he received at Madrid.

Sources added that while Casemiro will be one of United’s top earners, he has not doubled his salary by moving to Old Trafford.

He reported to training on Friday before Real Madrid boss Sources have told ESPN confirmed the 30-year-old had told him he wanted to leave the Bernabeu.

“We’ve spoken this morning. He wants to try a new challenge, a new opportunity. I understand this, also the club does,” Ancelotti said.

“Because of what he’s done for this club and for this team, we need to be respectful of this.”

Casemiro began his career at Brazilian side Sao Paulo and joined Madrid in 2013, where he won five Champions League titles during his nine-year spell in the Spanish capital.

Having been a key player at Madrid in recent years, Casemiro faced competition for his place in the starting XI after the club’s €80m signing of Aurelien Tchouameni this summer, and had sought assurances from Ancelotti about his role in the team this season before deciding to accept United’s offer.

Casemiro made 336 appearances in all competitions for Madrid, where he also won three LaLiga titles, three Club World Cup trophies and the Spanish Cup. He becomes United’s fourth summer signing, following Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez.

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