Spanish Football | Soccer

REAL SOCIEDAD 2 ABERDEEN FC 0 | EUROPA LEAGUE 1º LEG PRELIMINARY QUALIFIER

For Spanish Football Club REAL SOCIEDAD the season kicked into "serious mode" when they faced Scottish Club Aberdeen FC in the 1ºst leg Europa League preliminary qualifier. There was some doubts with the local fans as they initially missed the absence of Antoine Griezmann signed by Atletico de Madrid & Carlos Vela. However, the Spaniards managed an excellent result winning 2 - 0 & getting a grand advantage for the 2º leg match.

Overall, Real Sociedad was the better team with the goals coming in the second half thanks to Zurutuza in the 52nd min & Canales in the 67th min. Real Sociedad could have scored more but Iñigo Martinez hit the bar in the first half.

Details:
REAL SOCIEDAD- 2:
Zubikarai; Zaldua, Elustondo, Iñigo, De la Bella; Bergara, Pardo (Granero, min. 82), Xabi Prieto (Agirretxe, min. 74), Canales; Chory Castro (Canales, min. 63) & Finngobason.
ABERDEEN F.C. - 0 :
Langfield; Logan, Anderson, Reynolds, Pawlett (Considine, min. 61) ; Hayes, Jack, Flood, Robson (Low, min, 70); McGin & Rooney (Goodwillie, min, 70).
GOALS:

1-0, min. 52: Zurutuza. 2-0, min. 67: Canales.

DIEGO LOPEZ SUCCUMBS TO THE REAL MADRID PRESSURE TO LEAVE

According to Spanish TV "La Sexta",via its Sports news section, Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez will be sacrificed to make way for newly signed Costa Rica goalie Keylor Navas. Diego Lopez wants to stay & compete for the goalkeeper position but intense Club pressure along with Coach Carlo Ancelotti letting known that team-mate Iker Casillas will be chosen ahead has lead Lopez to rethink his position. Obviously the man is not stupid & can read the "politically" driven signals.

The result is a band aid solution to a complex situation that Real Madrid as a Club wanted to avoid at all costs the continuing haemorrhaging this upcoming season. However-my opinion-the Club bends to the majority fan-base & media pressures & forces the "wrong goalkeeper" to leave. A tough & I believe unfair decision that Diego Lopez finally accepts as a true & grand professional. A great Club man.

According to the cited Spanish TV station, Lopez will return back from the US Tour & settle his contract exit in a low profile manner without stirring up a storm. The player does not wish to speak about the "whole affair" & will begin examining his immediate future with currently looks more heading toward AC Monaco. However, the goalkeeper has a great reputation & many Top European Clubs many race in to give interesting offers. What is assured is that Diego Lopez will be able to exercise his profession with problems soon & without the choking pressure of playing at Real Madrid.

His apparent substitute, new signed Kaylor Navas, has been delaying his return from Costa Rica while Real Madrid solves the "goalkeeper problem". It is speculated that now that Lopez has decided to look elsewhere that Kaylor Navas will fly into Madrid possibly next Sunday to be presented officially next week.

No other Spanish Sports media source has confirmed that Diego Lopez has decided to leave except the Spanish TV "La Sexta". What is a reality is the pressure from the Club on Lopez to exit & that the Iker Casillas is the chosen goalie to start the season.

Stay tuned for more & importantly, for a confirmation.

FC BARCELONA "OVER POPULATED" MIDFIELD

Spanish Sports daily "Mundo Deportivo" highlights an interesting dilemma for FC Barcelona, the current "over population of midfield players". Ironic really, while 98% of World Football Clubs would consider this story a blessing in their case, Clubs like FC Barcelona & Real Madrid may see this a problem.

While there has been much speculation at Real Madrid with their saturation of midfield players with their latest signings (Kross & James Rodriguez), Barça also has apparently too much manpower in the centre. For example the right side of midfield has potential 4 players bidding for that particular spot.

Although it may sounds "alarming" the Spanish Football season is a long one, a period full of uncertainties that calls for a solid squad full of players that can fill in gaps when called for. A list of injuries will be present & could get long, not to mention the need to give players rest. Thus this may actually not be a problem.

I have not doubt that before the end of the summer signing/transfer period FC Barcelona may sell or loan out players, including the names like Afellay & Song, while Xavi Hernandez will have less responsibilities this season.

As you can see, a huge problem for Barça :O)

ATLETICO DE MADRID SHUTS ZAKARIA BAKKALI ?

Spanish Football Club & last season Spanish Liga Champions Atletico de Madrid continue to work to strengthen their squad for the upcoming 2014-2015 season. According to Club directives there are still 3 more signings to be made before the shutting the bank account.

One of those could be Belgium & PSV Eindhoven 18 year old promise Zakaria Bakkali.

According to news out from Dutch daily "De Telegraaf" Atletico de Madrid has come to a full agreement with PSV Eindhoven for around 2-3M€. What is now needed is that Atletico de Madrid negotiate an agreement with the player.

If the negotiations get to good port, Bakkali would become a future bet for Atletico & an important reinforcement up-front in the attack where he can support other new Club signings like Mario Mandzukic & Antoine Griezmann.

Stay tuned!

PSG OFFERS ATLETICO DE MADRID LEVAZZI

Paris St Germain needs to make room (rid a player) in its squad for Real Madrid Argentine Angel Di Maria. The French Club under the "UEFA Financial Fairplay" guidelines needs to stay within the agreed salary cap & it is a case of eliminate someone to add.

According to Spanish Sports media, PSG has offered Spanish Football Club Atletico de Madrid their Argentine International forward Lavezzi. The Atletico de Madrid owner Gil Marin was in Paris analysing the possibility of incorporating the Argentine, a player to the liking of Coach Diego Simeone. Lavezzi has not been a "regular" piece in the PSG line-up last season & this could be a positive option for the Argentine.

There are no details of possible numbers. However, what is deduced is that if Lavezzi desires to play in Spain & with Atletico de Madrid, he would have to accept a reduction in his salary. This could be a mayor obstacle for his signing.

Atletico de Madrid has remodelled its forward line with the signing of Mario Mandzukic from Bayern Munich & Antoine Griezmann from Real Sociedad. Atletico Coach Simeone would like to incorporate another attacker but not at any price.

Stay tuned!

PARIS ST GERMAIN WILLING to PAY 80M€ FOR ANGEL DI MARIA ?

Real Madrid Coach Ancelotti was clear when asked about Argentine midfielder Angel Di Maria... "I have no news concerning a possible transfer & expect the incorporation of Angel Di Maria to the squad for pre-season the 5th of August". The truth is that Carlo Ancelotti hopes things will change course as Di Maria looks more closer to joining Paris St Germain than reuniting with his current Real Madrid team-mates. The Argentine wants "out" & his "situation" settled before the 5th of August.

Latest news indicates that Di Maria & Paris St. Germain already have a deal settled. The French Club is willing to pay the 8M€/season salary that Real Madrid is not. Apart, Paris St Germain is also willing to pay Real Madrid between 75-80M€ in transfer fee which makes it hard for the Spanish Football Club to say no. If the deal goes through Angel Di Maria would become the highest (biggest) transfer deal in the History of Real Madrid. It is no secret that Club Directives look favourably at the possibility as the "fresh cash"will cover most of the already big signings, James Rodriguez in particular.

Football observers indicate that the official deal & announcement could be within days as PSG need before to transfer either Pastore, Lavezzi or another to stay within the "UEFA Financial Fairplay" limits. Said all of the above the operation could be totally halted if Carlo Ancelotti real puts his foot down & forces his will upon the Club. But can anyone resist the close to 80M€? Can Ancelotti guarantee a regular place to Di Maria in the midfield this coming season?

Stay tuned!

ATLETICO DE MADRID TARGETS GRIEZMANN OF REAL SOCIEDAD

Last time we mentioned French International & Real Sociedad forward Antoine Griezmann here we speculated that he could end up next season at Paris St Germain or Monaco. I made the observation that Griezmann would be the perfect player Atletico de Madrid are looking for to fill the gap left open by David Villa.

Today Spanish Sports daily "AS" published that Atletico de Madrid has focused on young Griezmann & is attempting the signing. Initially Real Sociedad directed Atletico to the contract release clause figure of 30M€, however it seems the Real Sociedad position may have soften & talks are under way with a figure of 25M€ now in place.

The French player wishes to stay in Spain to play his Football & the Atletico de Madrid option is ideal. Real Sociedad will obviously fight hard to keep their talented forward but at least there are negotiations & this is positive news for Atletico de Madrid.

Stay tuned!

REAL MADRID | 80M€ FOR JAMES RODRIGUEZ TOO MUCH ?

Is 80,000,000 € too much for a Football Player? Depends, Cristiano Ronaldo cost 96M€ & now everyone is in accorde that he was relatively "cheap". But what about Colombian International JAMES RODRIGUEZ? Real Madrid has paid Monaco close to 80M€ to have the 23 year old Football player whos only jump to fame so far has been his 6 goals in the last World Cup in Brazil. Too much?

Check the latest economic study by the Consultancy Euromericas picked up by Spanish Sports daily "AS". According to their study the new Real Madrid player James Rodriguez has already sold 345,000 shirts with his Number 10. With each shirt costing approximately around 97€ the player has already generated 33,400,000€ in just 4 days & he has not even played a single match with his new Club. The boom has come from Colombia & from Asia with the Internet channel being the main driving financial motor.

Real Madrid keeps around 60-70% of the Marketing generation revenues of James Rodriguez, that is, what he generates from his "image", be that Sporting wear, commercials or any other economic activity the uses James Rodriguez to promote their products or services.

Now, to answer the question, is 80M€ too much to pay for James Rodriguez? Think the reply is obvious, by the start of the Spanish Liga season at the end of August the player would have generated more than 50% of his cost & if James Rodriguez plays well & wins titles Real Madrid will actually profit way beyond the initial investment.

SPANISH LIGA CALENDAR SEASON 2014-2015

The Spanish League - Liga - calendar for the upcoming 2014-2015 season has been announced in the Spanish Football Federation’s HQ. Here are the most noticeable dates to keep in mind:

The opening games of Spanish Liga season 2014-2015 (Round 1)- 23, 24th & 25th of August 2014:

Sevilla FC-Valencia CF
Levante-Villarreal
Malaga-Athletic Club Bilbao
Rayo Vallecano-Atletico de Madrid
Celta de Vigo-Getafe
FC Barcelona-Elche
Almeria-RCD Espanyol
Eibar-Real Sociedad
Granada-Deportivo A Coruña
Real Madrid-Cordoba

The "Classico" dates:
Real Madrid - FC Barcelona the weekend 26th October 2014,
FC Barcelona – Real Madrid the weekend 22nd March 2015 .

The Madrid "classico" dates:
Real Madrid - Atletico de Madrid weekend 13th September 2014,

Atletico de Madrid - Real Madrid weekend 7th February 2015

Also other interesting Spanish Liga regional derby dates:

Athletic Club Bilbao - Real Sociedad (Round 15, weekend of 13th December 2014), Levante UD - Valencia CF (Round 12, weekend 22nd November 2014), Deportivo - RC Celta de Vigo (Round 5,weekend 23rd September 2014) & FC Barcelona - RCD Espanyol (Round 14, weekend 6th of December 2014).

FULL CALENDAR HERE

FC BARCELONA SIGNS JEREMY MATHIEU FROM VALENCIA CF

After weeks of speculations & "cross-fire" between Clubs, FC Barcelona announced that they have come to an agreement to sign Valencia CF defender Jeremy Mathieu. The negotiations went down to the wire as Barça finally succumbed to the Valencia CF demands of 20M€ as transfer fee. The payment will be 10M€ upfront in cash & the rest in instalments.

The French player was literally pulled off the plane that Valencia CF was boarding this morning to go to Peru for pre-season matches. Mathieu signs for the next four seasons with a possible option of a fifth.

With the incorporation of Mathieu, Barça finally manages to fills a strategic field position, a Central Defender. The position has been a sour spot for years at Barça never being able to find the right profile, along with being able to accompany Pique next season & fill the huge gap left by the retired Carles Puyol.

Jeremy Mathieu is on his way to Barcelona to shut all the details of his new contract & will be officially presented to Sports media in the coming hours or days.

TOTTEMHAM HOTSPURS LOOKS AT GRIEZMANN OF REAL SOCIEDAD

Spanish Football Club Real Sociedad & French International player Antoine Griezmann is without doubt a superb player with just 23 years of age. The "youngster" is on the verge of exploding on the World Soccer scene & he may just need to make the jump to a more "resourceful" Club.

English Premier League Club Tottenham Hotspurs is showing some serious interest. According to local press the Club is thinking about putting up the 30M€ contract release clause (buy-out) in order to do with the services of the Frenchman.

Tottenham Hotspurs will need however the OK from the player & they are working with their French goalkeeper Lloris (French National Team-mate) to see if he can help convince the Real Sociedad player to say yes to the English Club.

Said this, I have the sensation that Griezmann knows well his potential & may be waiting for a "better" offer from bigger Clubs. It is no secret that Atletico de Madrid has been eyeing the player, while Real Madrid has been also following Griezmann & could be thinking about him to replace Morata who has gone to Juventus FC. Added to all this is the interest from other major European Clubs in Italy, France & England.

Stay tuned!

REAL MADRID TO PRESENT JAMES RODRIGUEZ AS THEIR NEW PLAYER THIS AFTERNOON

The Football World never stops to amaze me. Four weeks back Colombian & Monaco Forward Radamel Falcao was the hot favourite to sign for Real Madrid, today the reality is that fellow countryman & team-mate James Rodriguez is now in Madrid passing the medical exam.

The fact is that JAMES RODRIGUEZ will be presented this afternoon by REAL MADRID CF as their new signing after they have shut a deal with Monaco. The details suggest a 75M€ transfer fee plus 5M€ more if the player succeeds with Champions League, other titles & objectives. The player signs for the next 6 years & will receive a salary close to 8M€ per season.

James Rodriguez in Madrid passing the medical exam

The news is not as yet official but everything indicates that it will be in hours. The players schedule today is to go over to the "Santiago Bernabeu Stadium" to sign his contract & then be officially presented to Spanish & World media around 19.00-20.00. The player will later dress his players uniform (with Nº10) & be greeted by the Real Madrid fans to later attend an expected packed Press Conference.

James Rodriguez joins German Toni Kroos as the new Real Madrid signings, with a third expected soon to be goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Apart from James Rodriguez being a World Soccer Star on the rise, the player has an enormous marketing attraction that should open up further markets in Latin America, USA & Asia. The Real Madrid model again is in full motion & the cashier keeps sounding.

NEWSFLASH:
James Rodriguez has been officially presented by Real Madrid this afternoon in front of 45,000 fans at the "Santiago Bernabeu Stadium".

Welcome to Spanish Football!

REAL MADRID PRE-SEASON GAMES & MATCHES CALENDAR

Real Madrid left Spain today for Los Angeles USA to continue with their pre-season & to play some interesting quality Friendly matches that make up part of the 2º edition of the "International Champions Cup". There the Spanish Football Club will play teams like Inter Milan, AC Roma & Manchester United, plus hook up with the remaining squad players current on summer vacation after their World Cup participation or recently signed.

REAL MADRID Pre-season dates & matches:

27th of July: Real Madrid - Inter de Milan (Berkeley, USA)
30th of July: Real Madrid - AC Roma (Dallas, USA)
2nd de August: Real Madrid - Manchester United (Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA)
5th of August: TBC if Real Madrid makes the Final (Miami USA) (2º edi. "Internationals Champions Cup")

12th of August: Real Madrid - Sevilla FC (UEFA European SuperCup de Europa /Cardiff, Wales)

16th of August: Real Madrid - Fiorentina (Warsaw, Poland)

20th of Ausgust: Atletico de Madrid - Real Madrid (Spanish SuperCup /away)
27th of August : Real Madrid - Atletico de Madrid (Spanish SuperCup /return)

REAL MADRID - MONACO SHUT JAMES RODRIGUEZ TRANSFER ?

I realize that the following news piece will excite many Real Madrid fans around the World, however it is not official & is still in the speculation realm. Spanish Sports daily "AS" announce today that REAL MADRID & MONACO have come to an agreement to transfer JAMES RODRIGUEZ to the Spanish Football Club. The transfer figure "dances" between 75-80M€ & it is not clear if a Real Madrid player will be included in the operation to lower the price further. Monaco likes Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez, but the player is not keen to move.

However, with player or without player, these sources speculate that the official announcement could be made in the coming days with a presentation in Madrid mid-end of this week. This will need to be confirmed.

Negotiations between Clubs have been ongoing & non-stop over the weekend. The player was meant to be with his team, Monaco, yesterday in Barranquilla (Colombia) & today in Miami with his side. However, James Rodriguez took a plane to Niza (France) with a technical stop-over in Madrid yesterday. Everything indicates that the player is currently in Monaco to shut the "fine details" of the transfer & later officially say good-bye to the Monaco fan-base.

If the news is correct & James Rodriguez transfers to Real Madrid, the Colombian will join his new team the 1st of August for pre-season.

Stay tuned!

JAMES RODRIGUEZ CLOSER TO REAL MADRID

In Football nothing is impossible, & with Real Madrid it seems the slogan is the same. What started as a media driven clamour has turned into a real transfer possibility according to the major Football papers. Yesterday French daily "L´Equipe" wrote that Monaco & Colombian International JAMES RODRIGUEZ was very close to signing for Real Madrid CF. In fact, the French paper speculated that next Monday could be the day that things could be official.

Today Spanish Sports daily "Marca" gives details of the negotiations. Real Madrid & James Rodriguez have an apparent agreement which consists of a 5 year contract at 8M€/season. According to the same source Monaco & Real Madrid are negotiating with the former asking for 85M€ while the latter offers 75M€. Thus the front cover of today's "Marca" saying "...just 10M€ away from Madrid". Other media sources add that Real Madrid could include a player in the operation to lower the Monaco price, like goalkeeper Diego Lopez, but I personally doubt that Lopez will accept. However, if Real Madrid signs Keylor Navas - Levante & Costa Rica goalie - they may offer Navas out to Monaco on loan for a season. An interesting option which may interest.

The possibilities of James Rodriguez landing at Real Madrid depends on Argentine International Angel Di Maria being transferred. Real Madrid Coach Ancelotti is against selling Di Maria but the player is determined to leave after the Spanish Club refuses to lift his economic conditions. The Argentine has offers with Paris St Germain apparently a firm candidate with a 60M€ + offer that would go to buy James Rodriguez from Monaco.

But there are more signs that indicate a James Rodriguez signing by Real Madrid as published by Spanish Sports paper "AS":

Real Madrid has assigned a room at "Valdebebas" (their training HQ) already to James Rodriguez, room 110 between Benzema (Nº9) & Bale (Nº11),
James Rodriguez will have the Nº10 on his shirt,
Real Madrid is currently looking for a home for James Rodriguez & his family in Madrid.

The transfer will be official once Real Madrid announce officially the transfer of Angel Di Maria.

As you can read (& see) things have raced since we first speculated a possible Real Madrid interest for James Rodriguez. In fact it looks a certain reality & a question of days. Stay tuned!

TOP 10 CANDIDATES LIST UEFA BEST PLAYER FOR 2013 - 2014

UEFA has handed in their list of candidates to compete for the "UEFA Best Player in Europe Award" for season 2013-2014. The top 10 list has Spanish Football familiar players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Diego Costa & now Luis Suarez. Surprised to see James Rodriguez of Monaco who really exploded onto the World Football scene during the recent Brazil World Cup & was only "normal" in the French Liga.

Last years winner was Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich.

CR7 candidate for UEFA Best Player Award

The 10 player shortlist for the 2013/14 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award:

• Diego Costa (Spain, Club Atletico de Madrid – now at Chelsea FC)
• Ángel Di Maria (Argentina, Real Madrid CF)
• James Rodriguez (Colombia, AS Monaco FC)
• Philipp Lahm (Germany, FC Bayern München)
• Lionel Messi (Argentina, FC Barcelona)
• Thomas Müller (Germany, FC Bayern München)
• Manuel Neuer (Germany, FC Bayern München)
• Arjen Robben (Netherlands, FC Bayern München)
• Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid CF)
• Luis Suarez (Uruguay, Liverpool FC – now at FC Barcelona)

This list will be shortened to just 3 players the 14th of August, & the winner will be announced the 28th of August in Monaco during the UEFA Champions League season 2014-15 Group draw.

REAL MADRID THE MOST VALUABLE SPORTING CLUB IN THE WORLD

The prestigious American Financial magazine "Forbes" has released its list of the most valuable Sporting Institutions in World Sports. Spanish Football Club REAL MADRID CF maintains the Top Spot with an estimated economic value of 3,4 Billion dollars, followed by another Spanish Football Club FC Barcelona.

English Premier League giant Manchester United has just received an important shot in its "economic arm" with a 10 year 948M€ deal with a well known Sportswear company which will keep them up on the list.

Top 10 "Forbes" list of World Sporting Clubs (Economic value):

1. Real Madrid 3,440 millones US$
2. FC Barcelona 3,200
3. Manchester United 2.810
4. New York Yankees 2.500
5. Dallas Cowboys 2.300
6. Los Angeles Dodgers 2.000
7. Bayern Munich 1.850
8. New England Patriots 1.800
9. Washington Redskins 1.700
10. New York Giants 1.550.

FIFA RANKING | SPAIN DROPS TO 8TH POSITION

As expected Spain has been dethroned from the Nº1 spot on the FIFA World Ranking. Their disastrous Brazil 2014 World Cup campaign - with elimination after just two Group matches - puts the Spain National Team down to the 8th position after reigning in the Nº1 spot for the last 6 straight years.

The newly crowed FIFA World Champions Germany now takes the Nº 1 spot with 1,724 pts & Argentina runner-up is in second position. The rest of the placings take more or less how the Nations ended in the recent World Cup.

Spain has a chance to add some points & perhaps lift in rankings when they meet Germany in a International Friendly match here in Spain (Vigo) in Novembre.

FIFA World Ranking Classification (July):

1. Germany 1724 pts
2. Argentina 1606
3. Holland 1496
4. Colombia 1492
5. Belgium 1401
6. Uruguay 1330
7. Brazil 1241
8. Spain 1229
9. Switzerland 1216
10. France 1202
11. Portugal 1148
12. Chile 1098
13. Greece 1091
14. Italy 1056
15. USA 989
16. Costa Rica 986
17. Croatia 955
18. México 930
19. Bosnia-Herz. 917
20. England 911.

FELIPE LUIS - JAN OBLAK MOVES | ATLETICO DE MADRID

News & players movements concerning Spanish Football Club & Liga Champions Atletico de Madrid.

First off is the exit news of left back defender Felipe Luis to English Premier League Club Chelsea FC. Both Clubs have announced a transfer agreement of around 24M€ pending the habitual medical examinations. The Brazilian will join last season team-mates Courtois, Thiago & Diego Costa all of which have also made the move to London.

Secondly an addition has also been announced between Clubs. Atletico de Madrid communicates via their Website that they have come to a transfer agreement for Benfica 21 year old goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

The young goalkeeper will sign a 6 year contract & cost Atletico de Madrid around 16M€. The Spanish Football Club secures the goalkeeping area were Oblak will compete with Moya signed from Getafe months back.

REAL MADRID SIGNS KEYLOR NAVAS FROM LEVANTE

Mayor bombshell that has saturated the front pages of most Spanish Sports daily´s & media today. According to "Marca" REAL MADRID CF has paid the 10M€ contract release clause for 27 year old Costa Rica International & Levante goalkeeper KEYLOR NAVAS. Spanish newspaper "Abc.es" gives details like a 5 year contract with a 2,5M€ net salary/season. All the above has important ramifications for the Real Madrid Goalkeeping area as it will force either Iker Casillas or Diego Lopez to have to leave the Club.

The Spanish Sports paper "Marca" bets that Diego Lopez will leave to either Italian Club Napoli or to Monaco. Both are very insistent with the possibility of signing Diego Lopez. However, things are not as clear as one would expect & this news piece opens up a variety of unexpected possibilities which still may surprise all of us.

What seems clear is that Real Madrid wishes to avoid this new season the ongoing debate & continual controversy of Iker Casillas vs Diego Lopez that has split the Club fanbase & fuelled media the last 12 months.

Earlier last month Spanish TV "Antenna 3" advanced that Real Madrid would sell both Iker Casillas & Diego Lopez, & substitute for Keylor Navas & RCD Espanyol goalie Kiko Casillas. The media source was criticised for announcing an over exaggerated "prediction" that now seems to be at least a half truth.

Other sources indicated that Iker Casillas is currently doubting whether to continue at Real Madrid for next season. His bad performance in the Champions League Final, World Cup & continuing criticism has made the apparent interest from Arsenal FC & Paris St Germain a possibility. His Club team-mate Diego Lopez has told his inner circle that he has no intention of leaving Real Madrid & feels better than last season to keep fighting for the Clubs Nº1 goalie position.

All this leaves open the following upcoming scenarios:

Although "Marca" gives the scoop of Real Madrid signing Keylor Navas, we need to wait for an official Club announcement,
The arrival of Keylor Navas will cause either Diego Lopez or Iker Casillas to leave the Club,
Most media sources speculate that Diego Lopez will leave for either Napoli or Monaco,
Iker Casillas leaving instead has gained strength in the last days. Club candidates are Arsenal FC or Paris St Germain,
The possibility of both Diego Lopez & Iker Casillas leaving is still a viable option,
If both leave, the new look Real Madrid goalkeepers would be Keylor Navas & Kiko Casillas (from RCD Espanyol).

As you can read big news if it is confirmed that Real Madrid has signed Keylor Navas, & a big "revolution" with the Real Madrid goalkeeping positions.

Who will leave? Diego Lopez or Iker Casillas? Both? Stay tuned?

REAL MADRID - JAMES RODRIGUEZ AGREEMENT ?

The following news piece comes out of Spanish Sports daily "AS". The fanfare could be a paper selling tactic however the news in itself has been gaining "speaker volume" over the past days. According to the media source Real Madrid has come to an agreement with Colombian International & World Cup sensation James Rodriguez. The player would receive a salary of 7,5M€ /season & Real Madrid now needs to negotiate with Monaco to seal the operation.

News yesterday mentioned that rival FC Barcelona had entered the picture with a 90M€ bid to "complicate" the plans of Real Madrid soliciting the player for 2015, but it seems that the Monaco forward has only "eyes" for the Madrid Club & for this new season.

Monaco owner Rybolovlev started high in his price around 100M€ + mark but Real Madrid has managed to lower the price to around 80M€ & could further lower it to 70M€ including a player in the operation. Monaco asked for Pepe or Coentrao but both were rejected, however young Brazilian Casemiro likes & is valued at 10M€ which would make the operation 70M€ in cash + Casemiro 10M€ = 80M€.

Real Madrid is expected to sell in the coming days Argentine International Angel Di Maria to Paris St. Germain for around 60M€, money which will be used for the James Rodriguez operation.

Stay tuned for further developments.

SAMI KHEDIRA OVER TO ARSENAL FC ?

The following news piece comes out of Barcelona based media, concretely "Sport" which advances that German International midfielder & Real Madrid player Sami Khedira will go over to English Premier League Club Arsenal FC next season.

Its news well worth noting, firstly from its absence from Madrid based papers & secondly, because Sami Khedira has not wanted to extend his contract with Real Madrid. The German believes he is not "appreciated" as he would desire at the Spanish Club & looks for new adventures. The truth is that the Real Madrid midfield area is a very competitive affair with World Class players on all fronts. Plus the new addition of Toni Kroos will lift further the competition.

The Barcelona based Sports daily goes on to say the Real Madrid & Arsenal FC, along with player, have agreement to culminate the transfer. The offer from Arsenal is a 4 seasons contract while the transfer fee is said to be around 30M€. Real Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti has attempted to convince the German in staying but Khedira has apparently already taken his decision.

The news may become formal in the next days. Stay tuned!

FIFA WORLD CUP 2014 | CONGRATULATIONS GERMANY

Some may be experiencing already "Football withdrawal symptoms" after an intense & exciting month of FIFA World Cup games. A relatively strange World Cup were the best players did not shine as expected, although the goalkeepers took the centre stage.

From a Spanish point of view, the early elimination of Spain was the "shocker", although had they been able to qualify perhaps they could have gone a long way. The Football level was in my point of view, below the expected.

Team Photo Germany FIFA World Cup Champions 2014

Germany National Team Photo World Cup Final 2014

From here I would like to congratulate Germany for winning the FIFA World Cup 2014 & gaining their 4th star. Deserved win as they played & demonstarted the better Football all tournament.

For those already suffering from the idea of "No Football" in coming weeks, relax, the big Spanish Football Clubs are beginning their pre-season. Real Madrid & FC Barcelona start today, while Atletico de Madrid, Sevilla & Valencia CF ...etc started last week. In the weeks ahead the TV & Press will be saturated with Summer tournament matches & continuing transfer news. We will all be back enjoying regularly "Football" before we know it.

FC BARCELONA ANNOUNCE LUIS SUAREZ SIGNING

FC Barcelona has announced officially that the Spanish Football Club has come to an agreement with English Premier League Club Liverpool FC to transfer Uruguayan International forward Luis Suarez. The player needs to pass the regular medical exam & could be presented in Barcelona as soon as next week.

The 27 year old player signs for the next 5 years with Barça & the Club communicates that the transfer fee is 81M€ (others say 75M€). However English sources differ & comment that the figure could be more than 90M€. FC Barcelona is creating suspicion with its differing figures, as everyone still remembers that Neymar transfer. Back then, Barça said one thing & the official figures said something much higher & totally different. The "gap" caused indirectly the resignation of Barça President Sandro Rosell.

If Luis Suarez cannot change his FIFA suspension of 4 months (& from all Sporting fields), the forward will not be able to do pre-season with his new Club & would only then be active Football wise at the end of October.

Welcome Luis Suarez to Spanish Football!

AT MADRID OFFERS 24M€ FOR JUAN ITURBE OF HELLAS VERONA

Another Football Player name is doing the Spanish Football transfer-signing circuit, JUAN ITURBE, the Argentine 21 year old "star" of Italian Football Club Hellas Verona. According to Sports media there is a "mini-bidding war" between Spanish Club Atletico de Madrid & Italian giant Juventus FC.

The Italians offered 20M€ for the midfielder & Atletico de Madrid has responded with 24M€. The winner here is clearly Verona which bought the player for 15M€ & sees how the players value increases.

Juan Iturbe is a talented midfielder which some have tagged as a "Lionel Messi type" player. Difficult to surpass Messi but if Iturbe is just 50% close he would be in the "TOP" bracket range & a value asset to any big European Club with serious ambitions.

The "fight" is on, which Club will finally take Juan Iturbe? Stay tuned!

CHELSEA FC CLOSING IN ON FELIPE LUIS OF ATLETICO DE MADRID

News out of England - newspaper "The Sun" as shown below - suggest that Chelsea FC is close to confirming their promise of shutting the transfer of Brazilian & Atletico de Madrid left back Felipe Luis. The English Club wants to put up 20GBP (25M€) which is the release clause of the players contract with the Spanish Club.

It is no secret that Chelsea FC Coach Jose Mourinho has had Felipe Luis in mind as the "natural" substitute for the now departed Andy Cole. The negotiations are obviously progressing & it seems a matter of time before an official statement from both Clubs.

While Felipe Luis is in Madrid already training with Atletico de Madrid & their pre-season, the Spanish Football Club has already worked hard anticipating events & has sign - & put in place - Brazilian left back Siquiera. Thus for Atletico this position is well covered & it seems that it is a matter of time that both At. Madrid & Chelsea FC come to an agreement to allow Felipe Luis to fly over to London for next season. He will join ex-Atletico de Madrid players Diego Costa, Tiago & it looks also as if Courtois.

Stay tuned!

JUVENTUS FC WILL SIGN ALVARO MORATA FROM REAL MADRID CF

Spanish Sports daily "AS" advances that young Spanish International & Real Madrid CF forward ALVARO MORATA is headed to Italy, concretely JUVENTUS FC next season. The deal is said to be around a 22M€ transfer fee plus 2,2M€ extra in bonuses for "objectives". The "sticky" point between Clubs was ironed out as Juventus accepts a "buy-back" clause that Real Madrid insisted on. However, it will cost Real Madrid between 30 - 33M€ if they do decided to buy-back Morata in the future.

The player signs for the next 4 years at a salary of around 2,2M€/ season. This finally shuts the door on a group of European Clubs that had Alvaro Morata as a signing priority like Wolfsburg, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Porto, Arsenal, Liverpool FC & Villarreal. The Clubs will formalize the deal in coming days & make soon the official announcement.

The Italian Club secures one of Europe´s young promising strikers with an enormous future ahead. The lack of playing time at Real Madrid was halting the players progress & I am sure that Morata will explode at Juventus FC were he will now find fellow Spaniard Fernando Llorente who will not doubt help the youngster in his adaptation to Italian life & Calcio. A good buy by the Italians.

ARSENAL FC SIGNS ALEXIS SANCHEZ FROM FC BARCELONA

The news just in & doing the Spanish Sports online editions is that FC BARCELONA & Chilean International ALEXIS SANCHEZ will be transferred to English Premier League Club ARSENAL FC. The numbers are 34,6M€ in transfer fee plus an extra 3M€ according to reached "objectives". The news says that both Football Clubs have total agreement barring the paperwork.

This move is important for FC Barcelona because the received money from the Alexis Sanchez transfer will serve as the first down payment to Liverpool FC to finally shut officially the LUIS SUAREZ transfer move to Barça. If everything goes according to plan, Barcelona & Arsenal FC will shut the Alexis deal in the coming hours & make it official tomorrow. While immediately after Liverpool FC & Barcelona will shut the Luis Suarez transfer & this will also be announced soon.

The Chilean International had serious offers from Juventus FC & Milan but Alexis has made his choice & Arsenal FC appears to be his next & soon to be destination.

ATLETICO DE MADRID SHUTS MANDZUKIC FOR 22M€ ?

It is hot news currently coming out from Germany, via "Bild", the English Press & racing around the social media channels. According to all of them Spanish Football Club & Liga Champions Atletico de Madrid is very close to shutting (or has already) the transfer-signing of Croatian International & Bayern Munich forward Mario Mandzukic.

In fact German paper "Bild" has gone further & says the deal is done. I personally however advise caution & await official Clubs announcements.

The details published say the operation will cost the Spanish Football Club 22M€. The 28 year old has been offered a contract until 2019, that is, three years more than his current Club Bayern Munich.

If all of the above is true, Mandzukic knocks back offers from the English Premier League. While the speculation-rumour that Manchester City Spanish International forward Alvaro Negredo was to be the new At.Madrid signing also falls.

The Spanish Club needs to fill the gap left behind in its squad with the transfer of Diego Costa to Chelsea FC. Local Football observers cite that Atletico de Madrid Coach Diego Simeone likes the profile & characteristics of Mario Mandzukic who scored 18 goals in the German League last season.

Stay tuned for an official confirmation.

REAL MADRID OFFERS PSG 40M€ FOR VARRATTI ?

German International & Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos is said to be the firm candidate to incorporate himself to Real Madrid CF next season. Although the player has not confirmed, nor have the Clubs announced officially the signing/transfer, the deal has been made public for the last week: 25-30M€ transfer with a 6M€/season salary - 5 seasons- for Toni Kroos.

However, from Italy & their mayor Sports daily "La Gazzetta dello Sport" comes the news that Real Madrid has made another offer for another midfielder. The player is Italian International & PSG midfielder Marco Varrati. It is no secret that Real Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti has a very high esteem in reference to this player & is a personal request to strengthen the squad for next season.

According to the Italian Sports newspaper Real Madrid has offered 40M€ to Paris St Germain & 5M€/season (net) to Varrett for the next 4 seasons. The French Club may need to sell its Italian midfielder against their wishes because of the "UEFA Fair Play rule" where they have gone over their Club salary cap with the buying of Brazilian David Luiz.

Real Madrid is also speculated to have its eyes on Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba. This news comes more from France & their Sports daily "L´Equipe". One could consider this option a Plan B in case negotiations with PSG do not finish in safe port.

Stay tuned for updates!

BAYERN MUNICH SIGNS YOUNG JUAN BERNAT FROM VALENCIA CF

German giant Bayern Munich has announced the signing of 21 year old Valencia CF & Spanish U-21 winger JUAN BERNAT. The player had another year of contract with Valencia CF but was sold for 10M€. Surprising as Valencia CF lets go a huge talent that Bayern Munich did not doubt for a minute in getting over to their Club.

The player is known for being extremely rapid, with excellent skills & a powerful shoot at goal. Qualities that Bayern Munich Football Director Sammer recognized after saying that the Club had been following very closely Bernat for sometime.

From here we wish the player all the luck in the World at Bayern Munich & congratulate the Germans for their keen eye & excellent acquisition. The Spaniard is a future European Football talent that will give plenty of glory in the future.

REAL MADRID | ALFREDO DI STEFANO DIES AT 88

The World Soccer community & World Football fans have just received the news that Football Legend & Real Madrid CF "Honorary President", Alfredo Di Stefano has passed away at the age of 88. The Real Madrid legend suffered a heart-attack last Friday which put him into a coma of which he was not able to recover.

Alfredo Di Stefano is considered one of the Greatest Football Players ever in the History of the Sport with his famed accomplishments & goals with Real Madrid CF & European Cup success the pinnacle of his career. Many observers consider Di Stefano the "Best Striker" of all time, & he later went on to Coach successfully adding more titles to his name.

Alfredo Di Stefano represented Argentina & Spain at Natonal Level, River Plate, Millonarios & Real Madrid CF, while his best stint as Coach was with Valencia CF.

List of Honours (source Wikipedia)

-National team
Argentina Argentina
Copa América: 1947

- Club
Argentina River Plate
Primera División: 1945, 1947

South American Club Championship : 1948 (runner-up)

Colombia Millonarios
Colombian Championship: 1949, 1951, 1952,

Copa Colombia: 1953
Pequeña Copa del Mundo de Clubes: 1953

Spain Real Madrid
Primera División: 1954, 1955, 1957, 1958, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964

Copa del Rey: 1962

European Cup: 1955–56, 1956–57, 1957–58, 1958–59, 1959–60

Intercontinental Cup: 1960

Individual honours:
Argentine League Top Scorer
1947

Colombian League Top Scorer
1951, 1952

Pichichi Trophy
1954, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959

Ballon d'Or
1957, 1959

Super Ballon d’Or, by France Football: 1989

European Cup Top Scorer
1958, 1962

Spanish Player (Athlete) of the Year
1957, 1959, 1960, 1964

- Manager/Coach:

Argentina Boca Juniors
Primera División: 1969
Copa Argentina: 1969
Argentina River Plate
Torneo Nacional: 1981

Spain Valencia
Primera División: 1970–71
Runners-up: 1971–72
Copa del Rey:
Runners-up: 1970–71, 1971–72
European Cup Winners' Cup: 1979–80
Segunda División: 1986–87
Spain Real Madrid
Primera División:
Runners-up: 1982–83, 1983–84
Copa del Rey:
Runners-up: 1982–83
Copa de la Liga:
Runners-up: 1982–83
European Cup Winners' Cup:
Runners-up: 1982–83
Supercopa de España: 1990

RIP Alfredo Di Stefano & thanks for the Football magic.

JAMES RODRIGUEZ | ANGEL DI MARIA OUT FIRST FROM REAL MADRID

It started off as media generated hype, but slowly the idea of Colombian International & Monaco 22 year old forward JAMES RODRIGUEZ ending up next season at Real Madrid is gaining credibility. The fact that James Rodriguez publicly voiced his dream to play at Real Madrid has opened the doors of the Spanish Football Club as President Florentino Perez always wants the "Best" & tacitly requires that candidates openly voice the "love" to the Club beforehand.

Today Spanish Sports daily "AS" writes that Monaco has put its price on their player for a possible transfer operation, a cool 80M€! The World Cup performance of James Rodriguez has sky-rocketed his market price from the 45M€ that Monaco paid Porto last season. However, Real Madrid could lower this initial price to around 65-70M€ if the player pressures his exit & Real Madrid includes some of its players into the operation. Monaco is interested in goalkeeper Diego Lopez, Coentrao, Casimiro & Alvaro Morata.

Before a possible James Rodriguez landing at Real Madrid a midfielder with similar characteristics has to leave. At this moment the candidate looks like being Argentine International ANGEL DI MARIA, its the players choice because Real Madrid Coach Ancelotti wishes the player to stay. The Spanish Football Club has already big offers of around 60-70M€ from Manchester United & Paris St Germain, with other said interest from Manchester City, Monaco & Arsenal.

If Real Madrid sells Di Maria the Club would have the money to go after James Rodriguez & the Colombian a position to work for at Real Madrid. A position that will be competitive as James Rodriguez will have to compete with Isco a rising World Football talent in his own right & destined to be a regular in the Spanish National Team.

This is the current situation with James Rodriguez, Di Maria & Real Madrid. In coming days & weeks things will get clearer, & we will see if the hype becomes a "transfer reality". Stay tuned!

JAMES RODRIGUEZ & REAL MADRID | LATEST NEWS

With the elimination of Colombia from the World Cup we lose seeing 22 year old James Rodriguez currently leading the goalscoring tally with 6 goals & the "new sensation" of World Soccer. However, the exhibition by the Monaco forward has lit the lights of the mayor European Clubs & speculation is ramped that the Colombian may be headed to a new Club next season.

James Rodriguez himself set his own course with repeated comments that his wish was to end up at Real Madrid. A signal that the Spanish Football Club has received & is delighted with as it is usually a pre-requisite that Real Madrid President Florentino Perez desires from candidates.

The latest news comes out of Spanish Sports daily "Marca". The source comments that the players representative Jorge Mendes has already had a meeting with Real Madrid to express that a transfer operation is possible. The price that Mendes transmitted to Real Madrid was 75M€ & that the player earns 5M€/year at Monaco.

Real Madrid transmitted their initial interest & also let know that the Club would pay 50M€ ...no more than 60M€, that their main priority at this moment is a midfielder who is Bayern Munich & German International Toni Kroos. The Spanish Club also said they have no rush to jump into signing players & will take things with calmness. As expected the players representative let know that Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspurs & Napoli are also interested, to which Real Madrid responded that they are the current European Champions.

The inclusion of players in a possible operation with Monaco could be an option to lower the transfer price. Young Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata is liked by Monaco, although he prefers Juventus FC. Argentine forward Angel Di Maria is also liked but Manchester United & Paris St Germain have higher offers. In any case, Real Madrid signing James Rodriguez will depend on Di Maria or another midfielder leaving the Club beforehand & until then "negotiations" will be on stand-by.

Lastly ,staying with Monaco & possible transfers, the Radamel Falcao option has gone cold. Real Madrid will bet on Karim Benzema as their forward for next season. The Club had Luis Suarez as their Nº1 striker option for next season but changed their minds putting their faith in Benzema & eliminating Suarez as an option after the "bitting incident". This allowed FC Barcelona to enter the picture & the latter is currently close to shutting a transfer deal for the Uruguayan.

In a nutshell, stay tuned in coming weeks on the transfer front. I am sure their will be great & surprising news. The James Rodriguez - Real Madrid option is open & it is a possibility.

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