MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – In alphabetical order, Casemiro, Salah, and Vinicius. These are the three stars Saudi Arabia has set its sights on bringing home next season. The now-famous PIF (Investment Fund), according to AS, has decided to revamp the Saudi top flight’s star roster, not extending the lucrative contracts of the big names whose contracts are expiring, replacing them with new talents.

The closest of the three is Brazilian Casemiro, who has already announced his departure from Manchester United at the end of the season. Al Ittihad had contacted him in the past, but now they may return. Initial approaches were also made to Vinicius and Salah in recent months, but the Real Madrid Brazilian and Liverpool’s Egyptian have chosen to reject the offers.

Now the situation of both, with their respective clubs, has changed, and Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ettihad, Al Ahli, and Al Ettifaq, through the PIF fund, believed they could bring them to Saudi Arabia. A move strongly supported by the authorities in view of the 2034 World Cup.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Casemiro will leave Manchester United at the end of the season, at the end of his contract. The separation is official, with the 33-year-old Brazilian midfielder ending an adventure that began in 2022, when he was bought from Real Madrid for 70 million pounds. He was a key player in the 2023 League Cup final victory over Newcastle (his goal opened the game), and with the Red Devils he also won the 2024 FA Cup.

“I will carry Manchester United with me for the rest of my life,” Casemiro said. “But it’s not time to say goodbye yet; there are still many memories to be made in the next four months. We still have a lot to fight for together, and my full focus will remain, as always, on giving everything I have to help the club succeed.” According to the BBC, Casemiro’s high salary—over €22 million per season—weighed in on United’s decision not to exercise the option to renew their contract, a move that conflicts with the cost-cutting policy initiated by shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – “We scored four more goals than last year. We have four fewer points in the league, it’s true, and we’re not first because Lens have just won ten consecutive games and deserve to be there. But if we analyze this particular season, we’re having a very good moment.” Despite the Champions League defeat in Lisbon and second-place finish in Ligue 1, Luis Enrique remains positive. “There are many reasons,” he replies to those who point out that PSG has often appeared to be struggling in recent months.

“It’s January 22nd, and since the start of the season, we’ve played only one match against the team that reached the Champions League final. Just one match, and it was the first—a reference to the European Super Cup against Tottenham—when we were at 50%. And if you look at the teams we’ve faced in the Champions League, there are six who are aiming to finish in the top eight. If I put it all together, it’s an extraordinary season.” And compared to last year, Luis Enrique assures, the team’s belief in its own abilities is different. “A year ago, we didn’t know we could win. The players didn’t have the same level of confidence. Today, individually and collectively, we know we can do it. And the other teams know it too.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Another setback for Pedri. According to a statement released by the club, the Barcelona midfielder suffered “a muscle injury to the hamstring of his right thigh” during yesterday’s Champions League match against Slavia Prague, with a recovery time of one month.

According to the Catalan press, coach Flick will therefore be without the player for at least seven matches across La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. Pedri will miss games against Oviedo, Copenhagen, Elche, Albacete, Mallorca, Girona and Levante.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Government is holding individual talks with businesses affected by Storm Harry as it assesses the damage caused by the severe weather, Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Thursday.

Speaking to journalists a day after the storm battered several localities, Abela said homes, businesses, farmers and infrastructure were among those impacted.

He noted that the Agriculture Ministry has already called on farmers and fishers to report any losses they suffered.

With regard to businesses, Abela confirmed that discussions are under way on a case-by-case basis to evaluate damages and identify the necessary support.

The Prime Minister said a forum of permanent secretaries met on Wednesday to begin evaluating the extent of the damage and mapping out remedial action.

“We won’t leave anyone alone,” Abela said, adding that a public outreach exercise has already been carried out and negotiations have started.

Meanwhile, local councils have been urged to immediately report storm-related damage as authorities move to address widespread infrastructural harm.

The Public Works Department said Storm Harry caused severe damage across Malta and called on councils to submit reports, particularly where safety, accessibility or emergency risks are involved.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bonett said the reporting system would allow repairs to be carried out with immediate effect, while Parliamentary Secretary Omar Farrugia thanked workers and councils assisting with repair efforts.

Authorities also appealed to the public to avoid closed coastal areas, as members of the Disciplined Forces responded to nearly 700 storm-related incidents amid Force 10 winds.

– Photo Malta Civil Protection Department –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

SAO PAULO (BRAZIL) (ITALPRESS) – A letter addressed to the fans and the entire São Paulo community to announce his resignation. Julio Casares, president of the São Paulo club, has stepped down following allegations that have placed him at the center of an investigation for “suspected embezzlement.”

The decision comes even before the club’s general assembly ratifies what had already been decided by the club’s board, namely the suspension of Casares himself.

“Given the persistence of this matter, the need to safeguard my health and, above all, to protect my family from very serious attacks and threats, as well as to prevent this political dispute from continuing to harm the football team and the club’s sporting environment, I hereby submit my resignation from the position of president, with immediate effect,” Casares wrote.

Vice-president Harry Massis Júnior will assume the role on an interim basis.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela said the European Union must find a “pragmatic solution” to growing tensions over Greenland, warning against escalation with the United States on the eve of an extraordinary summit of EU leaders. Abela said the EU cannot afford to appear weak, but stressed that unity does not require confrontation. “Does this mean we have to raise the tone to appear united? No,” he said. Abela avoided commenting on the legitimacy of the tariffs and was cautious about the EU’s threat to use a so-called “trade bazooka,” saying any response must take into account its consequences.

“Our job is to lower this red-hot temperature,” he said. The prime minister described the relationship between Malta and Washington as “very strong,” describing it as an opportunity for dialogue, adding that he will present a “solid” position at the summit. “We will not remain on the edge,” he stated.

Foreign Ministry officials confirmed that Malta has supported Denmark discreetly in EU forums, but opposition MPs reiterated the need for public solidarity, warning that silence risks setting a dangerous precedent.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Jean-Philippe Mateta is pressuring his management. According to BBC Sport, the French striker has asked Crystal Palace to sell him this transfer window. This request seems like a welcome move for potential suitors, and there are plenty of them.

Juventus and Aston Villa are the most likely targets, with the Bianconeri reportedly rejecting the offer submitted to the London club, which is asking for 40 million pounds (approximately €46 million). Mateta, 28, has 18 months left on his contract with Crystal Palace and has no intention of negotiating a renewal.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Not just apologies in words and gestures, but also through concrete actions… and money. Manchester City players have not forgiven themselves for yesterday’s defeat away to Bodø/Glimt in the penultimate Champions League matchday, nor for the disappointment caused to the 374 fans who followed the team on the long and cold trip to Norway.

That is why, the day after the 3–1 loss, the Citizens’ dressing room decided to refund the cost of the match ticket (around £25, just under €29) to their supporters, collecting a total of £9,357 (approximately €10,740).

“Our fans mean everything to us,” said City captains Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland. “We know the sacrifices our supporters make when they travel all over the world to support us home and away, and we never take that for granted. They are the best fans in the world. We know they supported us in freezing cold conditions and had to face a long journey on a difficult night for us. Covering the cost of these tickets for the fans who went to Bodø is the least we can do.”

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi top the list, but they’re not the only ones. According to “The Mirror,” Manchester United, despite the excellent start of interim manager Michael Carrick, are looking for a big name to start a new era after the one begun with Ruben Amorim ended early with his dismissal.

The new name is said to be Niko Kovac, manager of Borussia Dortmund, who is popular with the owners, although the German England manager and the Italian Marseille manager are considered the most interesting prospects at Old Trafford. According to Sky Deutschland, United have already inquired about the former Croatian footballer and manager, who, among other things, has an excellent relationship with Christopher Vivell, one of the Red Devils’ technical directors. Kovac has a contract with Dortmund until 2027, but he would be one of the most popular alternatives if one of Tuchel and De Zerbi doesn’t arrive. Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola, and Marco Silva are other names linked to Manchester United, also because all of their contracts are expiring.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews