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“Leave the football before the football leaves you” was the message that Jamie Carragher handed to Manchester United midfielder Casemiro in early 2024.

It was one of the aggressive forms of criticism we’ve seen on Sky Sports in recent years and it was arguably deserved.

The Brazilian was one of the best midfielders in the world at Real Madrid. He was a serial winner, a Champions League legend.

At Old Trafford, however, his career has started to wane. Who could forget Casemiro’s tired and laboured display against Crystal Palace at the back end of 2023/24?

He was dribbled past a remarkable eight times during that game. For no context, no player in the whole of that Premier League campaign was dribbled past on more occasions in one match.

Since then, however, Casemiro has enjoyed something of a revival under Ruben Amorim in 2025/26. Long gone are the days of Erik ten Hag fielding the veteran at centre-half. He looks like a proper midfielder again.

The Brazil international has been one of United’s most consistent players this term, scoring three goals and supplying an assist. Yet, that should not distract supporters from the fact that he is still a problem.

He’s now 33 years of age and cannot be trusted to play for 90 minutes. Because of that, the transfer chiefs at United are considering launching a big-money move for a new midfielder in 2026.

The search for a Casemiro heir at Man United

While many problems linger in the air at Old Trafford, the biggest arguably lies at wing-back and in the centre of midfield.

United bolstered their attacking line significantly in the summer with the additions of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha but the midfield went untouched. That needs to change in January or next summer.

There are three players who appear to be at the forefront of their minds. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson would appear to be the dream target but he is also being chased by rivals Manchester City and could cost a fortune.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is another long-term target and could finally make his big move in 2026. He gave Casemiro the runaround during United’s 2-1 win on Sunday. Samuel Luckhurst noted that the Brazilian looked “haunted” by his experience at Selhurst Park just a couple of years ago.

The other target is Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba but his form has taken a downturn in 2025/26 and he doesn’t look like a player worthy of a previous £100m price tag.

Wharton vs Man Utd on Sunday

Touches

48

Accurate passes

23/29 (79%)

Key passes

1

Accurate crosses

1/3

Shots

1

Tackles won

3/3

Interceptions

1

Clearances

2

Recoveries

7

Duels won

5/7

Stats via Sofascore.

Anderson and Wharton would be the ideal solution to United’s woes and according to the numbers, it’s the former who should be the priority target.

He’s a bigger threat in the final third but he doesn’t shirk his defensive duties. He’s won more duels and made more ball recoveries per 90 minutes this season than his England colleague. According to Thomas Tuchel, he’s “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League”.

Yet, what if United had already signed their answer to Wharton and Baleba?

Man United have found their own Wharton and Baleba

United have taken a vested interest in improving their youth ranks since INEOS completed their takeover of the club.

Towards the beginning of 2025 they signed young Malian midfielder Sekou Kone in a bargain deal and while he is yet to appear for the first-team just yet, he has endured an injury-hit first few months at Carrington and looks a real superstar in the making.

There is also left wing-back Diego Leon, the young defender who looks well set to replace either Patrick Dorgu or Diogo Dalot in that position before too long.

The latest talent who looks set to arrive is a 17-year-old midfielder by the name of Cristian Orozco.

It was reported last week that United were set to complete a move to sign the teenager, with Orozco flying to the UK over the weekend to formalise a $1m move from Colombian side Fortaleza.

So, who is the budding youngster? Well, he’s notably been compared to both Casemiro and Moises Caicedo. Already it’s clear to see why comparisons are also being made to Baleba, the man Brighton actually tasked with replacing Caicedo at the Amex.

Having captained Colombia at U17 level, he already boasts natural leadership skills but it’s his skillset in and out of possession that makes him so exciting.

Como scout Ben Mattinson has outlined that Orozco is capable of ‘controlling the game from deep in midfield’. His best attributes are his press resistance and footwork to turn past defenders, while he’s ‘so composed under pressure’ and is capable of ‘recycling possession’ superbly well.

On that evidence, it’s easy to see why comparisons to Wharton are being made. The Palace midfielder is one of the most press-resistant midfielders in the English top-flight and that was clear for all to see when he supplied the pass that led to Palace’s penalty on Sunday. He evaded his marker with ease and then picked out a punchy forward pass.

Orozco, however, isn’t just about making things look pretty. Further labelled as “a midfield destroyer with leadership maturity far beyond his age” by one analyst on social media, he also brings the best of Baleba who is more defensively minded than Wharton.

United’s new signing is unlikely to provide them with too much threat in the final third but like Wharton he’ll evade the press and manoeuvre the ball nicely. Like Baleba, he’s also capable of sitting in front of the defence and breaking up play.

The teenager certainly isn’t ready for first-team football just yet but INEOS could well save themselves a fortune in the transfer market here.

Related Not just Zirkzee: Man Utd star who was a "waste of time" is now undroppable

This Man Utd player starred in their 2-1 win away to Crystal Palace

Posts 1 ByJoe Nuttall Nov 30, 2025

يستعد فريق ليفربول، بقيادة المدرب آرني سلوت، لخوض مباراة مساء السبت في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وذلك ضد نظيره ليدز يونايتد.

ويستضيف ملعب “إيلاند رود” مباراة ليفربول وليدز يونايتد، في إطار منافسات الجولة الخامسة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2025/26.

ويحتل ليفربول المركز التاسع في جدول الدوري الإنجليزي برصيد 22 نقطة، في حين أن ليدز يونايتد لديه 14 نقطة في المركز السابع عشر.

ويسعى ليفربول إلى تحقيق الفوز في مباراة اليوم بعدما سقط في فخ التعادل الإيجابي مع سندرلاند، في الجولة الماضية من الدوري الإنجليزي، بهدف لمثله. موعد مباراة ليفربول وليدز يونايتد اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي

تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 7:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 8:30 بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة ليفربول وليدز يونايتد اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي

تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN SPORTS 1. معلق مباراة ليفربول وليدز يونايتد اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي

سيعلق حسن العيدروس على أحداث مباراة اليوم.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

تحدث فابيان ديلف، لاعب مانشستر سيتي السابق عن بيب جوارديولا، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي السماوي واصفًا إياه أنه شخصية فريدة من نوعها.

ديلف على مدار مسيرته قدم 323 مباراة لأربعة فرق في جميع المسابقات، كما خاض لاعب خط الوسط 20 مباراة دولية مع إنجلترا كلاعب.

جاءت المباراة النهائية للاعب البالغ من العمر 32 عامًا كجزء من تعادل إيفرتون 0-0 مع واتفورد في نهاية موسم 2021/2022، حيث لعب 81 دقيقة، قبل أن يخسر الفريق في المباريات الثلاث الأخيرة للموسم.

وقال ديلف، في تصريحات عقب صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو”: “بيب شخصية فريدة من نوعها، أستطيع أن أقول لكم بصراحة إنه لو لم يكن لديه هذا الشغف والحافز، لما كان هنا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | تشكيل مانشستر سيتي أمام ليدز يونايتد في الدوري الإنجليزي.. موقف عمر مرموش

وأكمل: “بالنسبة له، إما كل شيء أو لا شيء، حقيقة أنه لا يزال هنا بعد تسع أو عشر سنوات وحقق كل هذا النجاح”.

وعن قيادة جوارديولا لمانشستر سيتي فترة أطول: “ربما ينظر إلى الفريق ويعتقد أنهم ما زالوا صغارًا بما يكفي لمواصلة التقدم والفوز بالمزيد من الألقاب”.

وأتم: “ربما يفكر في البقاء هنا لثلاث أو أربع سنوات أخرى، إنه متحمس بالتأكيد ويقدم كل ما لديه ويمكنك أن ترى ذلك في لغة جسده، لم يتغير شيء، بيب سيبقى بيب، سيفوز، وسيقود الفريق إلى الأمام”.

Gill was run out for his first score past 20 and under 100 since arriving in England

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Jul-2025Shubman Gill has been the man all through this tour and once again he was able to tick off a record – most runs by an India captain in a Test series – but his poor luck with the toss continued. And just as he was helping get his team past that disadvantage he was run out for his first score past 20 and under 100 since arriving in England, meaning he had gotten a start and, against the odds, gave it away. Ten balls later, the rain came and swept everyone back into the dressing room. It was as untimely as a wicket could ever be, leaving India at 85 for 3.B Sai Sudharsan was the batter at the other end, and although he took a step forward, there was no way he was going to make it across for a single. Of all the ways to get out on a pitch with 8mm of grass and consistent sideways movement – both swing and seam. India were negotiating all that well for the most part. Gus Atkinson, returning to the fold after just a second XIs game to judge his fitness, was the single biggest threat from England. He took down Yashasvi Jaiswal in the fourth over and had a part to play in the Gill run-out as well – quick to spot the opportunity in his follow-through and nailing a direct hit at the keeper’s end.England went into the Oval Test with a vastly changed bowling attack, Chris Woakes the unlikely survivor despite playing all five matches. Ben Stokes was out with injury. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse were rested and the replacements didn’t seem quite up for it. Josh Tongue gave away 11 runs in wides in his first over and Jamie Overton’s first three overs cost more than five runs apiece. Atkinson was keeping them in it, his first spell a wonderful example of how to keep it simple and reap the rewards on offer. He pitched the ball up, kept a tight line around off stump and walked away with figures of 6-1-7-1.India, though, were recovering from that. Sai Sudharsan was leaving the ball well – a marked improvement from the last Test where he was out for a duck leaving the ball to second slip – and seemed better equipped to handle balls aimed at his body as well. He is 28 off 84, having played some gorgeous drives down the ground. There were only six overs bowled in the middle session due to rain interruptions but that was still enough to cause a significant dent to India, whose hopes now lie with one batter who made his debut on this tour and another on the comeback trail which might not have a lot of trail left. Karun Nair, brought back in place of Shardul Thakur, was unbeaten on 0 off 8 at tea.

Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are riding high at the top of the Premier League table, and supporters have been told one player doesn’t get the praise he deserves.

Arsenal's set-piece kings on course to win the Premier League

Their explosive start has not just positioned them as Premier League title favourites, but also as the current kings of set pieces — a deadly weapon that’s wreaking havoc on opposition sides domestically and in Europe.

Arsenal have scored more goals from dead-ball situations than any other top-flight side so far (11), with star defender Gabriel at the heart of it with four contributions to those strikes as the Gunners make their best weapon known.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Corners, free kicks and even throw-ins have become golden scoring opportunities, as Arsenal turn these situations into major results with surgical precision.

Their aerial strength, combined with clever routines, has made them a nightmare for defenders who can’t afford to lose focus for even a moment.

However, at the heart of Arsenal’s success is their impenetrable defence which has conceded the joint-fewest goals, not only in the Premier League, but across Europe’s top leagues (3), with Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma also conceding just three.

The arrival of no-nonsense new backroom coach Gabriel Heinze is viewed as a real contributor to Arsenal’s increasingly water-tight backline, which has somehow become even more solid, despite already leaking the fewest league goals of any Premier League side in each of the last two seasons.

David Raya is in line for this third-successive Golden Glove award, and only a complete disaster in terms of injuries to key defenders would disrupt Arteta’s side right now.

That being said, even when William Saliba was briefly forced out of the side through injury, Cristhian Mosquera performed exceptionally well next to Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, and fellow summer signing Piero Hincapie is also on hand to step in.

Given their imperiousness at the back, Viktor Gyokeres has been somewhat overshadowed.

The Swede, who was brought in to take the mantle of Arsenal’s new prolific number nine, got off to a flying start but went seven games without a goal before his much-needed brace against Atlético Madrid last week.

Gyokeres has attracted some criticism for his fairly underwhelming return so far, but journalist Graeme Bailey insists that he’s actually a pretty underrated new member of the team.

Viktor Gyokeres adds extra element to Arsenal that people don't see

Speaking to TBR Football, Bailey says that Gyokeres brings an “extra element” to Arsenal that “people don’t really see”.

Interestingly, this thought is echoed by Arteta, who says that Gyokeres makes Arsenal a much more “unpredictable” side.

His in-game play is there for all to see, and the former Sporting CP star has already proved a handful for defenders since his blockbuster summer switch.

Now, Gyokeres just needs to add more goals, then the critics will soon be silenced.

Shane Burger also joins new coaching set-up at the Utilita Bowl

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Dec-2025Russell Domingo, the former South Africa and Bangladesh coach, has been named Hampshire men’s head coach on a two-year contract. He will be joined in the club’s new coaching set-up by another South African, Shane Burger, who previously coached Scotland before moving on to Somerset.Domingo was in charge of South Africa between 2012 and 2017, followed by a three-year stint with Bangladesh. He has been head coach of Johannesburg-based Lions since 2023, and has also worked in the PSL. ESPNcricinfo understands Domingo will continue in his Lions role, splitting his time between the UK and South Africa.He succeeds his countryman Adrian Birrell at Hampshire, with Birrell stepping down at the end of the 2025 summer after seven seasons on the south coast.Burger joins as assistant coach (bowling), while former Hampshire captain Jimmy Adams will continue in his role as assistant coach (batting).Related

Hampshire target white-ball double as coach Birrell prepares to step down

Timeline: Domingo's stint as head coach of Bangladesh

Domingo replaces Gough as Lahore Qalandars coach

Men's county ins and outs 2025-26

“I’m thrilled to be joining Hampshire Cricket,” Domingo said. “This is a club with incredible history, outstanding facilities at Utilita Bowl, and a clear vision for success both on and off the field.”I’ve been genuinely impressed by the ambition here and the strong cultural values that underpin everything Hampshire does. The combination of developing young talent whilst competing for trophies is exactly the challenge I’m looking for, and I can’t wait to get started.”I’m looking forward to working alongside Jimmy and Shane and getting to know the players as we prepare for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.”Burger said: “I’m really excited to be joining Hampshire Cricket. The quality of young bowlers coming through here is exceptional, Sonny Baker, Eddie Jack and Scott Currie have already earned England recognition, and I’m looking forward to helping them continue that development.”I love the ambition and vision of the club and the future seems bright. I’m excited to be part of that journey alongside Russell and Jimmy and I can’t wait to get started.”Hampshire endured a turbulent finish to last season, losing in both the final of the Vitality T20 Blast and the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. They appeared destined for relegation to Division Two of the County Championship, after suffering a points deduction for a substandard pitch, before being reprieved on the final day by Durham’s collapse against Yorkshire.Hampshire’s director of cricket, Giles White, added: “We’re delighted to announce our coaching team for next summer. Russell Domingo will serve as head coach, with Jimmy Adams and Shane Burger joining him as assistant coaches. Together, they form a strong and experienced unit that will continue to champion the cultural framework that has underpinned Hampshire cricket over the years.”We exist to win and to develop, and I’m confident this team will continue to drive that ethos as we move into an exciting future. It’s a fantastic place to be at this moment in time, and the season ahead promises great opportunities.”

Bruno Fernandes has been warned off a move to Barcelona that would see him link up with Lamine Yamal and Pedri. The Manchester United captain continues to see a transfer in 2026 speculated on, with leading teams in Europe and Saudi Arabia said to be monitoring his situation. Pedro Mendes has told his fellow Portuguese why a switch to Camp Nou would be the wrong choice.

• Fernandes contract: When Man Utd deal expires

  Fernandes remains a talismanic presence at Old Trafford, with three more goal contributions being delivered during a 4-1 victory at Wolves. He is, however, 31 years of age and will see his current contract expire in 2027 – with United holding the option for a further 12-month extension.

  It has been suggested that the right offer could lure him away from Manchester after next summer’s World Cup – when he will be chasing down global glory alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Fernandes has not entirely ruled out a fresh start being sought.

  Saudi Pro League sides are considered to be leading the chase, given the riches on offer in the Middle East, but a new challenge in European football may yet be found. Barcelona, who once prised Ilkay Gundogan away from Manchester City after seeing him pass the age of 30, are said to be one of Fernandes’ many suitors.

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• Getty
  

  Barcelona transfer: Fernandes warned off move to Camp Nou

  Mendes – speaking with Boyle Sports, who offer the latest Football Betting – has said when asked if Fernandes should leave United and where his next landing spot could be: “I don't know, it's up to him, but I think Bruno at the moment is the key figure for Manchester United, right? So what else can you want? As a player at a team like United, if you are the main guy, why would you change just for a new challenge or a new chapter in your career? Fair enough, that's understandable.

  “But, he won't have at Barcelona what he has at United at the moment. In Barcelona he can be a top player, for sure, 100%. But in Barcelona they have Pedri, they have players like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Bruno won't be the top name at Barcelona. And at United, I think Bruno is that guy. He might be up for a new challenge, but what more can you ask for if you are the main guy at United.

  “Bruno Fernandes needs the Premier League trophy to be among the greatest ever. Bruno Fernandes has been unbelievable for the past three or four seasons. But you just need the Premier League trophy, that will put him among the greatest ever in the league.”

• Man Utd arrivals: Palhinha billed as a good fit

  With questions being asked of Fernandes’ future, and Casemiro seemingly ready to leave Old Trafford in 2026, Mendes – who represented Portsmouth and Tottenham in his playing days – added on who United could look to draft into their midfield engine room: “Joao Palhinha is the typical Premier League number six, that defensive midfielder who just sweeps up everything in front of the defenders. If you have a team that has a lot of possession, he's a little bit out of his game, from my point of view.

  “The players around him will shine more than him because, as you said, he just wins the ball, passes it away, tackles the ball, passes it. He's fantastic at doing that role. He was fantastic at Fulham.

  “In Bayern Munich, when you have 70% or 60% of ball possession most of the games, and you don't need to do that kind of job, because normally teams play counter-attack or don't have that type of possession against you, his strength is a little bit forgotten.

  “He has more of the ball and he needs to be more involved in the game, and to be fair, it's not his main strength. So probably that's why he struggled at Bayern and at Spurs at the moment. I like what I saw in some games this year from him, but it's different from Fulham.

  “Palhinha at Man Utd? Well, why not? But to be fair, I think Manuel Ugarte is more or less the same type of player as Palhinha. Palhinha is an option if they want to replace him. But why not? We are not sure what is going to happen to Casemiro, so I think it could work.”

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  Trading places: Could Palhinha arrive as Fernandes leaves?

  Palhinha is currently taking in a season-long loan at Tottenham from Bundesliga champions Bayern. A permanent move somewhere may be made next summer, with it possible that he could cross paths with Fernandes as a Portugal international colleague bids farewell to English football.

MatériaMais Notícias

A candidatura do Brasil para sediar a Copa do Mundo Feminina de 2027 definiu 10 estádios para realizar o torneio. Embora a Fifa ainda possa alterar essa programação, o país conta com arenas modernas por conta do Mundial Masculino realizado em 2014.

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➡ A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

De acordo com a apuração do “ge”, o Maracanã receberia os confrontos de abertura e a grande decisão do torneio. Dos estádios da Copa de 2014, a Arena da Baixada, em Curitiba, e a Arena das Dunas, em Natal, seriam os únicos locais sem receber jogos.

MARACANÃ

O mítico estádio que recebeu as decisões das Copas de 1950 e 2014 deve receber sete partidas do Mundial Feminino, sendo quatro da fase de grupos, um das oitavas de final, um das quartas de final, além do último jogo.

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NEO QUÍMICA ARENA

O estádio do Corinthians deve receber sete confrontos, sendo cinco da fase de grupos, um das oitavas de final e um da semifinal.

MANÉ GARRINCHA

O estádio de Brasília será um dos que receberá a maior quantidade de jogos do torneio. A arena será palco de cinco partidas da fase de grupos, um das oitavas de final, um das quartas de final e a outra semifinal.

MINEIRÃO

Assim como o Mané Garrincha, o estádio de Belo Horizonte também receberá oito duelos, sendo cinco pela fase de grupos, um pelas oitavas de final, um pelas quartas de final, além da disputa de terceiro lugar.

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ARENA PERNAMBUCO

O estádio no Recife receberá cinco partidas da fase de grupos, uma das oitavas de final e uma das quartas de final.

FONTE NOVA

A arena de Salvador receberá cinco jogos da fase de grupos e um das oitavas de final.

BEIRA-RIO

Assim como a Fonte Nova, o Beira-Rio receberá cinco partidas da fase de grupos e uma das oitavas de final.

CASTELÃO

O estádio localizado em Fortaleza receberá cinco confrontos da fase de grupos e um duelo das oitavas de final.

ARENA DA AMAZÔNIA

O estádio da região norte receberá quatro jogos da fase de grupos.

ARENA PANTANAL

Assim como a Arena Amazônia, o estádio de Cuiabá receberá quatro partidas da fase de grupos.

Tudo sobre

Copa do Mundo femininaMaracanã

Global superstar Dua Lipa brought star power to Argentina's biggest footballing rivalry as she watched Boca Juniors defeat River Plate 2-0 in the Superclasico at La Bombonera. The 30-year-old singer, in Buenos Aires for her Radical Optimism world tour, turned heads in Argentina's iconic blue and white-striped national team jersey — the colours synonymous with Lionel Messi.

• Dua Lipa watches Superclasico clash at La Bombonera

  The pop sensation added football fever to her South American tour by attending one of the most intense derbies anywhere in the world – the Superclasico in Buenos Aires. Dua Lipa, fresh off two sold-out concerts at River Plate's Estadio Monumental, made the short trip across the city to La Bombonera on Sunday to witness Boca Juniors' 2-0 win over their fiercest rivals. Goals from Exequiel Zeballos and Miguel Merentiel sealed victory for the home side in a charged atmosphere that left the singer visibly captivated.

  Staying true to her global fanbase, the London-born star chose neutrality on the day, wearing the Argentina national team shirt rather than either club's colours. Her decision drew admiration from fans, who praised her for embracing the spirit of the event without taking sides. Despite the neutral attire, Lipa was seen cheering enthusiastically as Boca players celebrated their goals, soaking up the unique emotion of South America's most famous fixture.

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• Dua Lipa refuses to choose between River Plate and Boca Juniors

  After the game, Lipa shared a warm moment with Boca Juniors legend Juan Roman Riquelme, who gifted her a personalised Boca shirt emblazoned with her name and the iconic number 10. The club's official X account posted the photo with the caption: "Dua Lipa alongside Roman, fascinated with these colours." River Plate also took the opportunity to showcase their global reach by presenting Lipa with their jerseys.

• Dua Lipa and her relationship with football

  Lipa's Argentine adventure was part of her Radical Optimism world tour, which has already captivated audiences across Europe and the Americas. Her decision to attend the Superclasico came just days after performing two sold-out shows at River Plate's stadium – a fitting coincidence given the rivalry's cultural weight. Despite performing at River's home ground, she made sure to show respect to both clubs, balancing her allegiances with charm and diplomacy.

  It wasn't the first time Lipa has displayed her passion for football. Over the years, the singer has been linked to both Arsenal and Liverpool, two of England's most storied clubs. She famously performed before the 2018 Champions League final in Kyiv – a match that featured Liverpool – and later described herself as an "honourary Liverpool supporter", though she admitted her father and brother's Arsenal loyalty made things complicated at home.

  Her genuine appreciation for the sport has earned her credibility among fans worldwide, who appreciate her enthusiasm without viewing it as opportunistic. Whether attending a Champions League final or an Argentine derby, Lipa consistently embraces the occasion with authenticity.

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  Dua Lipa continues her South American tour

  Lipa will continue her Radical Optimism tour across Latin America, with scheduled stops stiill to come in Peru, Colombia, and Mexico before wrapping up in December. After captivating Argentina both on stage and in the stands, her next shows are expected to draw similar excitement, particularly among her growing fanbase across the region.

  For Boca Juniors, the derby win represents a major boost ahead of the final stretch of the Clausura competition, as they continue to chase top spot behind Rosario Central. River Plate, on the other hand, face mounting pressure to turn their form around after another frustrating result.

The €197 million sale of the iconic San Siro Stadium to Inter and AC Milan has been overshadowed by a shock probe into alleged bid-rigging. Just an hour after the deed was signed, prosecutors launched an investigation, drawing outrage from Inter president Beppe Marotta and Milan mayor Giuseppe Sala, who condemned the “worrying timing” of the inquiry.

San Siro's historic deal under scrutiny

Milan and Inter completed the €197 million (£165m/$215m) purchase of the San Siro Stadium and surrounding land from the Municipality of Milan, ending 77 years of municipal ownership. The deal is a historic milestone allowing both Serie A clubs to move ahead with plans for a new, modern arena designed by Foster + Partners and MANICA Architecture. Foster + Partners are the same company that are working on the new Manchester United stadium, which is being touted to become the largest football stadium in UK.

But celebrations were quickly clouded by controversy. Just one hour after the deed was signed, the Milan prosecutor’s office announced an investigation into alleged bid-rigging during the sale process. Inter president Marotta voiced his frustration at the Football Business Forum, saying: “The deed was signed at noon, and an hour later, the investigation opened. This is Italy.”

Calling the deal “a historic event” and “a step towards financial self-sufficiency,” Marotta criticised the timing of the probe as symbolic of Italy’s slow-moving bureaucracy compared to Europe’s efficiency.

AdvertisementAFPOfficials push back against prosecutors

Marotta wasn’t alone in his criticism. Milan’s mayor, returning from Brazil, addressed the investigation for the first time, defending the city’s role in the transaction. "We did everything right, respecting the rules. Once we received the expression of interest, we kept the tender open for the necessary time," Sala said during the Lombardy at the Heart of the Olympic Challenge event.

Sports Minister Andrea Abodi also echoed their concerns, emphasising that Italy’s ongoing infrastructure projects, including the San Siro redevelopment and preparations for Euro 2032, were being conducted transparently and in the public interest.

"Suddenly, something is happening that hasn't happened for 30 years, and it doesn't just concern Euro 2032: in Italy we have a dozen open construction sites that we will manage with the extraordinary commissioner Sessa, and I think this is an extraordinary result. What has been done in Milan has significant value, beyond its economic dimension, because it seeks to improve the city and the nation, unlike someone who, on a political or judicial level, attempts to question a path that is in everyone's interest."

The investigation centres on whether alternative bidders, including promoter Claudio Trotta of the Si Meazza Committee, were unfairly excluded from participating due to an unusually short tender window. Trotta alleged that “other consortiums were never given a fair chance,” prompting prosecutors to open formal inquiries.

City symbol enters Inter & Milan hands

The San Siro sale marks the end of 77 years of municipal control and the beginning of a new era of private ownership in Italian football. Built in 1926 and expanded over the decades, the San Siro, officially known as the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, has hosted World Cups, Champions League finals, and countless derbies, becoming a symbol of Milanese identity.

Under the terms of the sale, both clubs will continue to share the existing stadium until the new 71,500-seat arena is completed, expected before Euro 2032. The redevelopment includes green spaces, retail areas, and leisure facilities, turning the site into a modern entertainment hub.

Both Milan and Inter see the move as vital for reviving Serie A’s global competitiveness. Their joint statement called the acquisition “a new chapter for the city of Milan and Italian football.” For fans, however, it’s bittersweet, progress at the cost of nostalgia.

Still, club leaders argue that the new stadium is essential contending that it would allow them to make it a much bigger source of earnings, which is required today with how mordernised the sports has become in recent times. Milan president Paolo Scaroni acknowledged the emotional resistance, saying: “It was a difficult process, not only because of the bureaucracy but also because people didn't want a new stadium out of nostalgia. But today, if someone wants to go to San Siro, it's almost scary, when there's no match, it's almost deserted. And instead, we want a stadium that can host something every day.”

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Getty Images SportThe road ahead for Serie A clubs

While the investigation looms, both clubs are pressing forward. The new stadium project, estimated at €1.2-1.5 billion, aims to meet UEFA’s highest standards, generate year-round revenue, and reflect sustainability goals. Designed by world-renowned architects, the arena will retain tributes to the old San Siro’s legacy while embracing a futuristic, fan-focused model.

Despite the optimism, challenges persist. Demolishing an iconic landmark has drawn public resistance, while legal uncertainty could delay construction. The compressed bidding timeline, which lasted just over a month, remains at the centre of the probe. Still, city officials maintain the process was “transparent and compliant with all legal and procedural requirements.”