Football
Why Liam Delap snubbed Man Utd and signed for Chelsea
Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, edging out rivals Manchester United and https://metro.co.uk/tag/manchester-city-fc/Newcastle in a fiercely competitive pursuit of the promising young striker.
The 22-year-old forward made the move from Manchester City to Ipswich last summer in a deal worth £15 million. Despite Ipswich suffering relegation from the Premier League, Delap’s individual performances stood out, scoring 12 goals across 42 matches and significantly boosting his reputation.
A key factor in his availability this summer has been a £30 million relegation clause in his contract, making him an attractive option for several top-flight clubs.
Chelsea’s qualification for next season’s Champions League, secured with a crucial victory over Nottingham Forest on the final day of the campaign, is understood to have played a pivotal role in convincing Delap to make the switch to Stamford Bridge.
His move is expected to be finalized soon as personal terms near completion.
Manchester United had also been strongly linked with Delap but now turn their attention to other targets to strengthen their attacking options.
Following their Europa League final loss to Tottenham, United failed to secure a place in any European competition and are preparing for a major squad overhaul.
A deal is already in place for Matheus Cunha, with Wolves granting permission for the Brazilian to undergo a medical after United triggered his £62.5 million release clause.
There is also interest in Viktor Gyokeres, particularly if Arsenal succeed in their pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
United chief executive Omar Berrada has emphasized a balanced approach to the transfer window, combining financial prudence with the ambition to rebuild after one of the club’s most disappointing seasons since their relegation in 1973–74.
Missing out on Champions League football has cost the club an estimated £100 million in potential revenue, and the pressure is on to reshape the squad under manager Ruben Amorim.
Cunha appears to be the first major addition as United aim to return to the top tier of English football.
Berrada confirmed that technical director Jason Wilcox, Amorim, and the recruitment team have been preparing for various transfer scenarios for months and are now focused on executing a well-planned strategy.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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