They say in life you should never go back. For Diego Costa, Atletico Madrid may be the only option. The Chelsea striker was told he was no longer part of the manager’s plans at the end of last season but neither the club nor player found a resolution. Costa is currently on the books at Stamford Bridge and cannot move again until the January transfer window. Reports state that he’s been out partying in his country of birth, Brazil. The 28-year-old made his name as one of the best striker’s in the world during the 2013-14 season when he scored 27 goals in 34 La Liga games for Atletico … [Read more...]
6 La Liga Players Shortlisted for Golden Boy Award
Six players currently contracted for Spanish La Liga clubs have been shortlisted for the 2017 Golden Boy award. The award is run by Italian newspaper, Tuttosport, with the award given to Europe’s most-impressive footballer under the age of 21. 25 of the most promising players in Europe are shortlisted each year, dating back to 2003 when the Golden Boy award first started. Real Madrid forward Borja Mayoral is among the nominees. The 20-year-old came through the youth system before spending last season on loan at VfL Wolfsburg. He scored and provided the cross for the own goal which … [Read more...]
Big Players; Big Money; players that clubs have made a profit or loss on
With the continued meteoric rise of money in football it means more and more is being spent by clubs on the transfer of players. This article will look at the biggest profit or loss that has been made from clubs following the sale or buys of the top players around the world. Profit GARETH BALE – AROUND £76 MILLION PROFIT Back in 2007 a 17 year old Bale was just beginning to show glimpses of his talent which prompted Tottenham to pay £10 million for his signature. Then following 6 successful years at the club he was recruited by Real Madrid and signed for a record at the time of £86 … [Read more...]
Two Games in, what three things have we learnt?
The first international break of the season comes around quickly for La Liga teams and although only having started their campaigns two weekends ago, already find themselves with time off to reflect on their opening couple of fixtures. It may be far too early to read too much into the new campaign, but based on what we have seen in the 180 minutes each side has had to show case their talents, we can take some strong assumptions as to how the season may pan out. Asensio looks the Real deal Marco Asensio’s double against Valencia at the weekend proved what we already knew, that the … [Read more...]
Spain fifth favourites for the World Cup ahead of qualifying clash with Italy
La Furia Roja or the Red Fury’s (for those like myself less au-fait with the Spanish language) dominance of World and European football may have been on the decline for a number of years since their 2012 European Championship title, but in the race to Russia, Spain are just edging nemesis Italy in the hunt for an automatic qualifying spot. As it stands, Spain and Italy are locked on 16 points together in first and second, however, largely thanks to Spain’s 8-0 drubbing of Liechtenstein in the opening qualifier, Julien Lopetegui’s men hold a +4-goal advantage over their Italian rivals as the … [Read more...]
La Liga Season Preview: Real Hot to Trot Once More?
Real Madrid’s five year wait to reclaim the La Liga title for a record 33rd time in the competitions 88-year history, but the question this season is can they retain the trophy they had to wait half a decade for? If the transfer window is anything to go by, then Barcelona’s sale of Neymar Jr to Paris St Germain for an astronomical £190m has only enhanced Los Blancos title credentials (at least until Barcelona splash the cash on his replacement) but Zinedine Zidane will be wary of former Athletic Bilbao and Valencia head coach Ernesto Valverde who leaps into the Camp Nou hotseat. The … [Read more...]
Lionel Messi Puts an End to Any Transfer Rumours by Signing a New Deal at Barcelona
One of the best football players to ever grace the Nou Camp has agreed to sign on the dotted line this week by agreeing to a three-year extension to his contract, assuaging any worries that he might be looking for a new club in twelve months time. Source - Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) via Twitter The Argentinian star has agreed to remain at the iconic club until at least 2021, which would be his 17th season at the Nou Camp. Messi will be weaving his magic under the … [Read more...]
Spain’s Tax Accusations Turning La Liga Stars Away
The transfer window merry go round is in full swing and one of the stories dominating the back pages is where Cristiano Ronaldo will go next? The news broke last week that Real Madrid’s record goal scorer wants away after being accused by the Spanish Government of tax evasion with Ronaldo feeling he has received little support from the Real Madrid hierarchy However, this appears to be a theme in La Liga with other high profile players such as Neymar Jr and Lionel Messi all falling foul of Spanish tax laws. Ronaldo’s lawyers are claiming that if anything, The Portuguese forward has … [Read more...]
Best La Liga Sponsorships Deals
Sponsorship deals play arguably the biggest part of any club’s financial muscle power with deals for shirts, stadia and even training wear paying big bucks. Some of the finances offered to clubs are eye watering but not every club is seeking to exploit the opportunity to maximise their coffers. Just ask Barcelona. Barcelona and Unicef In a unique break from the norm, in 2006 Barcelona secured a deal with Unicef to display the Children in danger charity’s logo on the front of their shirts. At the time, they were one only a few clubs not to display a corporate logo as their main … [Read more...]
Sporting Gijon Fighting a Date with Destiny
Interesting fact, Sporting Gijon’s home ground ‘El Molinón’ is the oldest professional football field in Spain. That is a nice fact, however, it will do little to help the side of they lose to Eibar on Sunday night. Anything other than three points against José Luis Mendilibar’s mid table warriors will see Sporting Gijon return to the Segunda division after a two-season period in the top flight. The gap to Deportivo La Coruna in seventeenth is five points with both sides still with two matches to play. However, the odds are stacked firmly against Gijon who are 1/10 for the drop with … [Read more...]