Football News: Review Of The Day 7th July 2019

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Review of the Day

Contracts

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has agreed a new 5 year deal with Chelsea.

West Bromwich Albion's coveted midfielder Rekeem Harper has signed a 3 year contract with the Baggies.

Michael Doughty has signed a contract extension with Swindon Town which runs until 2022.

Transfers

Former Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur forward Giovani dos Santos has signed for Mexican club America.

Real Valladolid have taken Federico Barba from Chievo Verona on loan.

Udinese have spent just under £1.5n to sign Brazilian centre-back Rodrigo Becao from Bahia.

Saint-Etienne have paid just over £4m for winger Denis Bouanga from Nimes Olympique.

Etrit Berisha has joined SPAL on loan from fellow Serie A club Atalanta.

Espanyol have signed Girona defender Bernardo Espinosa on loan.

Real Madrid's French left-back Theo Hernandez has moved to AC Milan for a fee of about £18m.

Spanish goalkeeper David Raya has moved to Brentford from Blackburn Rovers for a fee of about £3m.

Bologna have signed Stefano Denswil from Club Brugge for over £5m.

Paris Saint-Germain have signed French goalkeeper Marcin Bulka from Chelsea on a free contract.

Stephen Henderson has joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer from Nottingham Forest.

Alvaro Morata will join Atletico Madrid on a permanent basis at the end of the season when his 18 month loan spell with Atleti ends. The Spanish forward was Chelsea's record signing when he joined from Real Madrid but failed to impress in the English capital.

Grayson Returns To Blackpool

Blackpool have re-appointed Simon Grayson as manager to replace Terry McPhillips, who resigned the day before. Grayson began his managerial career with the Tangerines in 2005, taking them to the Championship before moving on to take over at Leeds United. New owner Simon Sadlier said: "It was important to act swiftly and appoint a new manager who can hit the ground running. Simon's achievements at this level and above speak for themselves. He has a proven track record of getting teams promoted from this division and had great success at this club previously, building a team full of winners and leaders who set the platform for the years that followed."

Kee Fails To Report

Accrington Stanley striker Billy Kee has failed to report back for pre-season training due to "personal reasons" Stanley have said. A statement revealed: "Billy didn't report back in pre-season due to personal reasons and we have no further information at this time. When we have an update, we will let people know."

Gabon Questioned Over Salary Arrears

Gabon's football federation has been asked to explain why there are salary arrears which date back until 2016, in some cases, at their football clubs. FIFA have given the Gabonese until Monday to respond and explain how they will go about addressing the situation which sees as many as 20 clubs owing money to players. CAF had warned the Gabonese FA (Fegafoot) in June 2018 that their clubs would be banned from continental competition if the arrears were not paid, but failed to act on that warning. A FIFPro survey taken in 2016 reported 96% of players suffering from delayed wages. Gabon is one of the richest countries in Africa with one of the highest GDPs per capita in Africa.

Boussoufa Retires From International Football

Mbark Bousoufa has decided to quit international football at the age of 34. The Moroccan said: "I had my time. I had a good time I think that's been enough from me. I have had enough time and I think it is time for the young players that are coming. There are enough good players."

Messi Claims "Corruption" Caused His Red Card

After Barcelona forward Lionel Messi received just the second red card of his entire career as he was sent off, along with Chile player Gary Medel, when the pair clashed in the second half of the Copa America Third Place play off. Apparently the red was shown for a headbutt, though none of the footage suggests anything of the sort happening, which just begs the question, where was VAR? Despite Argentina winning the match 2-1, Messi failed to attend the post-game medal ceremony as he sulked about the way he and the Argentinians have been treated in Brazil during the Copa. Though, to be fair, to a guy used to getting favourable treatment every match from officials while in a Barca shirt, it would be extremely frustrating to get fair officiating, let alone to have the referee give any kind of decision against him. Messi told reporters: "There was lack of respect toward us during this Copa America. We could have done better but they didn't let us make it to the final. Corruption and the referees are not letting the fans enjoy football. This is ruining football." CONMEBOL responded with: "In football, sometimes you lose and sometimes you win. One of the fundamental pillars of fair play is to accept the results and the refereeing decisions with respect." Messi has also claimed that the result of the final has been already decided and that Brazil would win. Which is hardly a big shout is it? If Brazil do not win, on home soil against Peru, it would be a huge shock.

Celtic Midfielder Hits Out At Scottish Football

Celtic's French midfielder Oliver Ntcham has said he wants to leave for Marseille due to the lack of quality to play against in Scotland's SPFL. Ntcham said in an interview with L'Equipe: "Celtic have given me a lot, but it's the best solution for my development. We can play as many matches as we want but, with all due respect for my team-mates, if the level of opposition is not high, you do not develop."

Written by Tris Burke July 07 2019 06:21:50