Tag: Paris Saint-Germain

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PSG SET TO MOVE FOR MANCHESTER UNITED’S PAUL POGBA

Paris Saint-Germain are considering a move for Manchester United’s Paul Pogba as they look to bring in a new midfielder this summer.

Pogba’s future at Old Trafford is far from certain as he enters the final 12 months of his contract and, speaking in December, his agent Mino Raiola said it was “over” and that the former Juventus midfielder needed “a new scenery.”

The 28-year-old enjoyed a strong end to the 2020-21 campaign as he helped United finish second in the Premier League and reach the Europa League final; and he continued that form into Euro 2020 with some impressive displays despite France’s shock round-of-16 exit to Switzerland.

PSG sporting directo and Raiola discussed Pogba over the phone, having addressed the subject in June when they met in Monaco. A move for Pogba was also discussed when PSG agreed a deal for Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is a free agent after his AC Milan contract expired.

Sources have told ESPN that Pogba has yet to discuss a new deal at United formally and is interested in the project on offer at PSG.

Other candidates on PSG’s transfer shortlist include Rennes’ Eduardo Camavinga, who also has only one year left on his contract and Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

The 2018 World Cup -winner knows PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino is a big fan of his, while Leonardo has a very close relationship with Raiola.

Leonardo has been in Paris the past few days to finalise the arrival of Sergio Ramos, while Raiola was in Turkey for the transfer of Mario Balotelli, one of his other clients, to Adana Demirspor.

Before taking things further and contacting United, PSG will have to offload players first. Pablo Sarabia, Ander Herrera or Leandro Paredes are among the midfielders PSG would be open to letting go in order to make room for Pogba.

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PSG CONFIRMS THE SIGNING OF SERGIO RAMOS FROM REAL MADRID

French giants, Paris Saint German have confirmed the signing of Serigo Ramos from Real Madrid

The Spain International reflected on “a day I will never forget” as he completed his much-anticipated switch to Paris St Germain after ending his 16-year stay with Real Madrid last month.

Ramos has been at the forefront of Real’s success in recent years, helping the club to five LaLiga titles and four Champions League crowns in his time at the Bernabeu, but injuries restricted his involvement last season.

He made just 21 appearances in all competitions in 2020-21, the fewest games he has played over the course of a campaign in a Real Madrid shirt, while he was at loggerheads with club president Florentino Perez over a new deal.

The 35-year-old Spaniard departed Madrid after 671 appearances and 101 goals, and has signed a two-year contract with Mauricio Pochettino’s PSG, tying him to the French capital club until June 2023.

“I am very happy to join Paris St Germain,” said Ramos on the club’s official website. “This is a big change in my life, a new challenge and it’s a day I will never forget.

“I am very proud to be a part of this ambitious project, to be a part of this squad with so many great players.

“Paris St Germain is a club that has already proven itself at the highest level. I want to continue to grow and improve at Paris and help the team to win as many trophies as possible.”

A number of niggles and a knee injury that required surgery have limited the veteran defender to just seven appearances in total for club and country in 2021, and he missed out on a Spain squad place at Euro 2020.

Ramos, part of the Spain sides that won the 2010 World Cup and back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012, was one of the hottest free agents on the market this summer but PSG have won the race for his signature.

“Today, Paris welcomes one of the greatest players of our era,” said PSG chairman and chief executive officer Nasser Al-Khelaifi “We are delighted to announce that Sergio Ramos has joined us.

“Sergio is a complete footballer, one of the best defenders in the history of the game. He is a born competitor, a leader and a true professional. His vast experience and ambition is in perfect synergy with those of the club

“I am proud to see him in a Paris St Germain jersey and I know our supporters will reserve a fantastic welcome for him.”

Ramos is PSG’s third summer signing following the arrivals of Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan and Georginio Wijnaldum from Liverpool.

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PSG SIGN ACHRAF HAKIMI FROM INTER MILAN ON FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT

Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan on a five-year contract.

Rumours were making rounds last month that the Serie A champions would receive up to €70 million — bonuses included — for the Morocco international.

Sources now say that personal terms were agreed between PSG and Hakimi more than a month ago and that the full-back pushed for the move to happen.

“I feel a great sense of pride today,” Hakimi said. “After Spain, Germany and Italy, Paris Saint-Germain offers me the chance to discover a new championship with one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. I can’t wait to meet my new teammates, the fans and experience the incredible colour and passion inside the Parc des Princes.

“I share the same big ambitions as the coaching staff and my teammates and will do everything I can to deliver what is expected of me.”

PSG chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi added: “This calibre of signing shows the level of our ambitions — we continue to build something very special. Achraf may only be 22 years old and has already established himself as one of the most talented full-backs in world football — these are the standards we set at the club. I know Achraf will have a fantastic career with us and the whole club wishes him every success in our colours.”

Champions League winners Chelsea were also interested in signing Hakimi this summer but reports show that they never made a concrete offer.

Hakimi’s departure will help Inter bring in needed money to help the club settle debts.

The defender played a key role in helping Inter claim their first league title in 11 years last season, contributing seven goals and 11 assists in Serie A.

Hakimi joined the Italian giants last summer from Real Madrid for €40m after two seasons on loan at Borussia Dortmund.

The defender will become the latest new recruit at PSG after they signed Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer, and they are also set to complete the signing of Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

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SERGIO RAMOS SET FOR PSG MEDICALS ON TUESDAY

Sergio Ramos will undergo a medical in Paris on Tuesday ahead of joining Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, sources say.

Sources added that the veteran defender agreed to join the Ligue 1 giants on a two-year deal.

Ramos, 35, announced last month that he would leave Real Madrid after failing to reach an agreement to extend his 16-year stay in the Spanish capital.

Manchester City and Bayern Munich had shown an interest in acquiring the Spain international, but the experienced centre-back preferred PSG’s project.

Ramos didn’t strike an agreement with Madrid due to discrepancies over the length of the deal. Los Blancos were only willing to offer one year and by the time Ramos agreed to accept the club’s proposal he was told the deadline had expired.

Ramos had wanted a two-year deal. His wages at PSG are set to be lower than what he was earning in Spain and what he would have earned had he stayed at the Bernabeu.

Ramos will land in Paris just hours after the arrival of his former Real Madrid teammate Achraf Hakimi. Hakimi, 22, is expected to join PSG on a €70m transfer from Inter Milan, sources have told ESPN.

The Morocco international posted a message on Twitter on Monday hinting that he was on his way to the French capital.

The arrival of Ramos and Hakimi will further strengthen Mauricio Pochettino’s squad that already includes defenders Presnel Kimpembe, Marquinhos and Thilo Kehrer.

Pochettino was eager to strengthen his defensive line that proved to be their weak spot last season when they were eliminated by Manchester City in the semifinal stages of the Champions League.

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SERGIO RAMOS NEARS PSG MOVE ON FREE TRANSFER

Paris Saint-Germain are in advanced negotiations to sign Sergio Ramos on a free transfer after the defender’s Real Madrid contract expired on Wednesday, sources have confirmed.

Ramos announced last month that he would leave Madrid after failing to reach an agreement to extend his 16-year stay in the Spanish capital.

Sources close to the deal said that things have advanced throughout the week and a final decision is expected in the coming days.

Ramos wants a two-year deal but PSG are only offering one with a second year as an option to be triggered by mutual content. His wages should also be lower than what he was earning in Spain and what he would have earned had he stayed at the Bernabeu.

The Spain international, who turned 35 in March, didn’t strike an agreement with Madrid due to discrepancies over the length of the deal.

Los Blancos were only willing to offer one year and by the time Ramos agreed to accept the club’s proposal he was told the deadline had expired.

ESPN previously reported that both Manchester City and Bayern Munich are also monitoring Ramos’ situation but various sources said he prefers PSG’s offer.

Sporting director Leonardo presented a project that four-time Champions League winner Ramos considered “ambitious,” sources say.

Ramos views Paris as a more attractive destination for his family and believes the adaption process would be much quicker in France, where he would link up with former teammates Angel Di Maria and Keylor Navas, as well as close friend Neymar who has been on the phone to convince him to accept PSG’s offer.

Sources detail how PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino has asked the club to strengthen in defence after they missed out on the Ligue 1 title to Lille and were beaten by Manchester City in the Champions League semifinal.

Pochettino has Presnel Kimpembe, Marquinhos, Abdou Diallo and Thilo Kehrer, all aged below 28, and feels the side lacks leadership and experience at the back to compete at the top level.

At first, PSG didn’t view signing a new centre-back as a priority but the emergence of Ramos on a free transfer has been viewed as an opportunity not to be missed.

PSG had been tracking Ramos’ situation throughout the season but didn’t want to make a move until his future at Madrid was decided. Therefore, it was only on June 16 that sporting director Leonardo stepped up negotiations.

The French side have already signed midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer this summer and are close to securing deals for goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Inter Milan right-back Achraf Hakimi for around €70 million.

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PSG SET TO MAKE IMPROVED OFFER Of £60M FOR INTER MILAN’S ACHRAF HAKIMI

Paris Saint-Germain will be hopeful of pipping Chelsea in the race for Achraf Hakimi as they get ready to launch an improved bid worth £60million for his services, according to reports.

Chelsea and PSG have both been put on red alert this summer over Hakimi’s situation at Inter Milan, with the Serie A champions desperately needing cash to help resolve their financial crisis.

And now according to Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Ligue 1 giants are set to table a £60m bid – which is what he is valued by Inter at – that includes add-ons to complete a move for Hakimi after having an initial £56m offer knocked back.
It has also been claimed that PSG have already reached personal terms with Hakimi, with the Moroccan agreeing a five-year contract at the Parc des Princes.

And PSG are said to now be ‘confident’ of getting the deal over the line for one of the most sought-after full backs in European football.

Former Real Madrid star Hakimi played a starring role as Inter claimed their first Serie A title since 2010.

Hakimi played 45 times in all competitions last season under former boss Antonio Conte, scoring seven goals and creating 11 assists as he provided a huge attacking threat for Inter down the flanks.

The 22-year-old right back can also play on the left side of defence too, as well as a winger, and would provide PSG with extra quality in their bid for Champions League glory.

The latest news will come as a huge blow to Chelsea, who have been in pursuit of Hakimi this summer.

The Blues have been in talks over a deal for Hakimi, and were planning to use Marcos Alonso as a sweetener to get their man.

Chelsea have shown interest in a £52m cash deal which would also include 30-year old Alonso.

The arrival of Hakimi at Chelsea would add competition to the right wing back spot, which is currently held by Reece James, as the European champions look to lead a Premier League title charge next term.

But Chelsea will now be hoping that Inter push back PSG in their latest move for Hakimi.

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PSG BEAT BARCA, BAYERN MUNICH TO SIGN GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM

Paris Saint-Germain have beaten Barcelona and Bayern Munich to the signing of Georginio Wijnaldum from Liverpool on a free transfer.

Wijnaldum, 30, has agreed a three-year deal with PSG after deciding to run down his contract at Anfield, which expires at the end of June.

“Signing for Paris Saint-Germain is a new challenge for me,” Wijnaldum said. “I’m joining one of the best squads in Europe and I want to bring all my desire and commitment to this ambitious project. Paris Saint-Germain have proved how good they are in recent years and I am convinced that together, with our supporters, we can go even further and higher.”

The Netherlands international had previously reached an agreement to join Barca. His agents met with the Catalan club’s president Joan Laporta at the end of May and a medical had been pencilled in.

Barca’s interest in Wijnaldum dates back to last summer, when Ronald Koeman made him a target after being appointed as the club’s coach.

However, as first reported by ESPN on Friday, PSG made a late play to hijack Barca’s move for Wijnaldum.

Sources close to the negotiations told ESPN that the Ligue 1 side were willing to double the terms agreed with Barca, while a phone call from coach Mauricio Pochettino also helped persuade Wijnaldum to change his mind.

Bayern Munich also held talks with Wijnaldum, who informed the German club and Barca last weekend that he had decided to sign for PSG.

The midfielder becomes PSG’s first signing of the summer as they look to strengthen after missing out on the league title to Lille and a semifinal Champions League exit to Manchester City.

Wijnaldum, who is preparing for the European Championship with Netherlands, played for Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven before making the move to England with Newcastle United in 2016 for around €15 million.

After Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League a year later, he joined Liverpool on a five-year deal for a fee of €25m.

He helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2019, famously scoring twice in the semifinal win over Barca, and was part of the side which won the Premier League a year later.

During his five-year stay at Anfield, he also won the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

In total, he made 237 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 22 goals.

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GIANLUNGI DONNARUMMA NEARS MOVE TO PSG

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly close to completing the free signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Donnarumma’s eight-year spell with AC Milan will come to an end this summer after the highly-rated goalkeeper failed to agree new terms with the Italian club.

And now the 22-year-old is due to join PSG as a free agent, with the Parisian side beating the likes of Chelsea, Juventus and Manchester United to his signature.

According Sky Sports, PSG have offered Donnarumma a five-year deal worth £10million (€12m) a year plus add-ons, which will see him become the French club’s new No 1.

The report goes on to claim that Donnarumma could undergo his medical while he’s away on national team duty with Italy for Euro 2020, with any medicals to be conducted at their Coverciano training base before the tournament kicks off.

Juventus abandoned talks to sign the goalkeeper after being put off by the player’s mammoth wage demands, and were unwilling to go above £8m (€10m) per season.

Jose Mourinho was also hoping to tempt Donnarumma to his new club Roma, with the Special One said to have personally contacted the Italy international about a joining him in the capital.

However, Donnarumma looks set for France with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi spearheading the move to bring him to the Parc des Princes, despite the fact that Keylor Navas recently renewed his contract with the club.

Milan have already secure Donnarumma’s replacement, with Lille’s Mike Maignan completing his move at the end of May just days after helping the French club wrap up an unlikely Ligue 1 title.

Speaking about Donnarumma’s departure last month, Maldini said: ‘Gigio was a leader and often the captain. People sometimes don’t realise what it means to be a professional, it means you must be ready to change club.

‘It’s difficult to accept, I realise, but it’s also increasingly difficult to see a career in one team. We must respect those who gave so much to Milan and remember Donnarumma did not lack respect for us.

‘It can happen that at times you have to take different paths. I can only wish him the best.’

Having arrived in 2013, the Italy international made his first-team debut in 2015, aged just 16, and went on to make 251 appearances for them across all competitions.

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NIKE DROPS NEYMAR FOR REFUSING TO COOPERATE IN SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATION

Nike has dropped its partnership with Brazilian professional footballer Neymar da Silva Santos Jr. for refusing to cooperate with authorities investigating sexual assault allegations against him.

Neymar had previously been the ambassador of the brand in South America and was among one of the company’s highest-paid athletes.

Neymar and the company parted ways last year despite having eight years left in the soccer superstar’s marketing contract. Nike had refused to give a reason for the sudden move at the time.

However, in a statement released late Thursday, Nike said it ended its business relationship with the athlete after he refused to cooperate “in a good faith investigation” launched by lawyers at Cooley LLP, a firm hired by the company.

“Nike ended its relationship with the athlete because he refused to cooperate in a good faith investigation of credible allegations of wrongdoing by an employee,” the company said.

The sexual assault allegations came after a Nike employee told friends and colleagues that Neymar, in an alleged intoxicated state, tried to force her to perform oral sex on him in his hotel room in New York City in 2016.

The employee said she was in the room when Neymar came back to the hotel. The woman said that she and several Nike employees were assigned to help coordinate events and logistics for the soccer player’s team.

The employee, who still works with Nike, alleged that Neymar tried to block the door to prevent her from leaving the hotel room, and chased her down the hotel hallway while undressed.

A spokeswoman for Neymar told The Wall Street Journal that he denies the allegations.

The employee reported the incident to the company’s head of human resources and general counsel in 2018 and initially requested that it be kept confidential, according to Nike.

The company then hired Cooley LLC in 2019 to conduct a private investigation after the employee expressed interest in launching a probe, according to statements from people and documents obtained by The Wall Street Journal.

Nike said the investigation was “inconclusive” and noted that it had yet to be completed when the brand ended its business relationship with Neymar.

Hilary Krane, the company’s general counsel, said in a statement that Nike did not disclose the matter publicly after it found “no single set of facts emerged that would enable us to speak substantively on the matter.”

“It would be inappropriate for Nike to make an accusatory statement without being able to provide supporting facts,” the statement added.

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TOTTENHAM HOLD TALKS TO WITH MAURICIO POCHETTINO ABOUT POSSIBLE RETURN

Tottenham have held talks with former boss Mauricio Pochettino about a possible return to the club.

The 49-year-old, who is currently in charge of Paris St Germain, left Spurs in November 2019 after five years in charge and was replaced by Jose Mourinho.

But with Mourinho sacked last month, reports indicate that Spurs have spoken to the Argentinian regarding the potential prospect of a second spell in charge.

Pochettino guided PSG to the semi-finals of the Champions League after taking over from Thomas Tuchel in January, beating Barcelona and Bayern Munich on the way, and won the French Super Cup and the Coupe de France.

But they missed out on the Ligue 1 title to Lille and there are mixed messages about his future in Paris.

The French club were not prepared to comment on “rumours” when approached by the PA news agency and responded by putting out an interview of Pochettino, who has 12 months left on his contract, talking about doing “great things in the future”.

Pochettino, who is understood to be back in London, said in an interview conducted on Monday: “I’m happy with the way the players have adapted to the changes.

“There are many things which could not be changed or which could not be developed for lack of time.

“But I still think that with this way of working, and with the desire to be able to develop other types of ideas on the ground, we will do great things in the future.

“And in a club like Paris St Germain, you are forced to think that perfection is accessible and that winning is the only option.

“And for a club like ours, it’s about winning, winning and winning. And come back to win.

“It requires a great expenditure of energy and always having the certainty that the priority is to be professional and that the difficulties or the obstacles are always surmountable. And it’s my challenge, to impose this idea here.”

Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag and Brighton’s Graham Potter are also candidates, with Antonio Conte also possibly in the frame following his exit from Inter Milan on Wednesday.

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has been linked to the position, but the PA news agency understands there are no plans for talks between the two parties.

Out of all of the candidates, Pochettino would be the most popular appointment among the fans.

Tottenham mounted back-to-back Premier League title challenges under Pochettino before a memorable run to the 2019 Champions League final.

But Spurs, in the midst of building a £1billion stadium, went through two transfer windows without making any signings and that caught up with them at the start of the 2019-20 season.

The nadir was a 7-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich in October 2019, with Pochettino relieved of his duties a month later.

His relationship with the club – and chairman Daniel Levy – remained strong and he spoke about one day returning.

In an interview in April of last year, Pochettino told BT Sport: “It was an amazing journey that finished the way no one wanted it to finish.

“But deep in my heart I am sure our paths will cross again. From the day I left the club, my dream is to be back one day and to try to finish the work we didn’t finish.

“We were so close to winning the Premier League and Champions League.

“Deep inside I want to go back because the fans are so special. Maybe in five years, maybe in 10 years, but before I die I want to manage Tottenham.”