Liverpool and Norwich kick off the new Premier League season on Friday night, live on Sky Sports – but will they serve up another iconic opening day moment? 

Sadio Mane scored Liverpool’s winner in their 2016 4-3 opening day win at Arsenal

We’ve picked out some classic curtain-raising goals to mark the start of the 2019/20 campaign.

David Beckham’s halfway line heroics for Manchester United against Wimbledon in 1996 and Jurgen Klinsmann’s diving celebration on his Tottenham debut in 1994 make the cut.

Sergio Aguero’s fast start in Manchester City colours and Liverpool’s thrilling 4-3 win at Arsenal in 2016 are included too.

Source – Sky Sports

The president of the Serie A club said he’d have paid £30m for the defender and suggested English wealth was responsible for high fees for players.

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has scoffed at the fee Manchester Unitedpaid for Harry Maguire and said a player on the books at his club was worth three times what United paid for the England international.

Maguire moved to Old Trafford from Leicester City for £80 million ($97m), a world-record price for a defender.

De Laurentiis believes that is far too high for a player of his calibre and suggested that Kalidou Koulibaly could command £250 million ($303m) if here were to be sold.

“He [Koulibaly] has a clause of £150 million ($182m),” the executive told ESPN.

“But for example, in England they paid £85m for a player. In Napoli, I would pay £30-35m.

“With that in mind, I think Koulibaly’s value is £250 million if they paid that much for that guy.”

Koulibaly was mentioned in some reports as a possible target for United in the early part of the summer, before the 26-year-old Maguire emerged as their main interest.

De Laurentiis blamed the high valuations placed on players on the revenue generated by English clubs, and said that the income of clubs in England made the playing field uneven for other participants in Europe’s top five leagues.

“The problem of the super cost of players is due to England,” he continued. “In England they gross more money than in France, Spain, Italy and Germany.

“If a club grosses £800m, they have no problem to offer around £80m, £90m, £100m for one player. There is not a good and fair competition between England and the other countries.”

Three of the 10 most expensive transfers of all time happened this summer, but only one involved an English club, and they were the sellers in that circumstance.

Eden Hazard’s move from Chelsea to Real Madrid is the tied-tenth highest transfer in football history at €100m (£89m/$113m), and his fee is eclipsed by Joao Felix’s move from Benfica to  Atletico Madrid and Antoine Griezmann’s between Atleti and Barcelona.

Maguire’s fee ranks 13th on the all-time list, just behind a transfer involving De Laurentiis’s club.

The 12th highest deal for a player was when Gonzalo Higuain exchanged Naples for Turin, when Juventus paid €90m for the Argentine striker.

Source – Goal.com

Eden Hazard‘s first goal for Real Madrid was enough for a 1-0 win in Wednesday’s pre-season friendly at Red Bull Salzburg, but Zinedine Zidane’s side still look very much a work in progress with just over a week to go until the La Liga season begins.

Eden Hazard scored his first goal since his move to Real Madrid in the Spanish club’s shaky win over Red Bull Salzburg. David Geieregger/SEPA.Media /Getty Images

Former Chelsea attacker Hazard put in his best performance since joining Madrid for €120 million earlier in the summer — his game-winner came midway through the first half when the Belgian ran clear on the break, cut inside his marker, and thumped a 20-yard drive to the net.

Zidane’s side lined up in a new 3-5-2 formation, with new €50 million defender Eder Militao one of three centre-backs. The experiment was not an immediate success and skipper Sergio Ramos struggled at times to handle Salzburg’s strapping 19-year-old centre-forward Erling Braut Haaland, son of former Leeds midfielder Alfe Inge Haaland.

Hazard linked very well with strike partner Karim Benzema, and he almost made it 2-0 before the break after skipping past the last defender only to be denied by Salzburg goalkeeper Cican Stankovic.

The Austrian side dominated after half-time but 20-year-old Zambian forward Patson Daka blasted wide having lost his composure when straight through on goal. The game opened up as both Zidane and home coach Jesse Marsch emptied their benches, with three Madrid defenders booked for cynical fouls, but goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois having no serious saves to make.

A second consecutive pre-season victory was a boost for Zidane, who had pointedly left unwanted Galacticos Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez at home in the Spanish capital, amid moves by the Bernabeu hierarchy to bring in new stars in Paul Pogba and Neymar

“I am very happy with how the team played. We played a good game, with a new shape. But we will do many things this year,” Zidane told RMTV after the match. “The important thing is to keep going with our pre-season, just one game left before La Liga starts. Bit by bit we are getting ready, and we are better all the time.”

Source – ESPN

The Rams have a player-coach agreement in place with the 33-year-old, who will link up with the Championship promotion hopefuls in January.

Wayne Rooney will be returning to English football from MLS side D.C. United in January, with the Manchester United legend agreeing an 18-month deal with Derby County.

A man who has more goals to his name for the Red Devils and Three Lions than any other player will be linking up with the Rams in a player-coach capacity, asGoal revealed on Monday was to be the case.

The contract he has in place at Pride Park, which is due to run until the summer of 2021, includes the option for a further 12-month extension.

Rooney, who will see out the 2019 season in America before joining Derby’s Championship promotion push, told the club’s official website: “I am very excited about the opportunity that Derby County have provided me with.

“I am looking forward to joining Phillip Cocu, his coaching staff and the first-team squad from the start of January. I am sure I can make a big contribution and can’t wait to meet everyone, especially the supporters.

“I am equally excited to begin my coaching career at Derby County working with both the first team and Academy.

“I must also take this opportunity to thank DC United, their owners, executives and supporters who have been superb to work with. I want them to know that I will give my all in support of our push for the play-offs.”

Rams boss Cocu added on acquiring the services of an iconic figure: “Wayne Rooney is an extremely talented and top-class footballer.

“It is an exciting prospect for him to be joining Derby County and he can bring so much to this squad, both on and off the pitch. He has enjoyed a wonderful career, both in club football and for England, and he still has so much to give as well.

“His credentials speak for themselves. But to have a player with his leadership, skill, experience, character and work ethic will be huge for us. He knows what it takes to succeed as a player and I have no doubt he will have a positive impact right across the club.

“The inspiration and motivation this can generate is massive for all of our players from the first team right through to the youngsters in the Academy. It is entirely in keeping with, and in support of, the club’s philosophy and approach.

“I am looking forward to working with Wayne from the start of next year and welcoming him to the club.”

Executive chairman Mel Morris said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce that Wayne Rooney will be joining Derby County.

“This is clearly an exciting signing for us, and Wayne’s presence will further enhance the club’s standing and its ability to perform both on and off the pitch.

“To have Wayne Rooney as a player, and equally as an aspiring coach, is incredible and I can only imagine the buzz this will generate amongst our supporters at home and internationally.

“First and foremost, Wayne is joining us as a player but he will also have coaching responsibilities too, particularly around the development of our younger players progressing towards the first-team from our Academy, as he looks to gain his relevant qualifications for a future coaching and management career.

“I would like to express a sincere thanks to DC United for their professionalism throughout this process. We wish them every success for the remainder of their season.”

Source – Goal.com

The defender was giving nothing away as he insists it is up to the Brazilian to let the world know if he wants a move back to the Spanish giants.

Photo by Getty/Goal

Gerard Pique says any news on Neymar’s intention to move back to Barcelonawill have to come from the Paris Saint-Germain star himself rather than his former team-mates.

The Brazilian has been consistently linked with a move back to the Spanish giants this summer, with Brazil star Neymar keen to leave Paris just two years on from his world-record €222 million (£200m/$249m) move from Barca.

The Catalans remain the frontrunners to land their former star, and the latest reports have suggested they could try to strike a loan deal including the option to buy next summer as the club looks to offset the cost without having to offload first-team players.

At the presentation of new signing Junior Firpo on Sunday, club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said more arrivals could be on the way between now and the end of the Spanish transfer window on September 2, leading many to believe he was hinting at a move for the 27-year-old.

Jordi Cardoner, the vice president of the La Liga champions, tried to downplay the links, saying that a move for Neymar was “ruled out” at this time.

And while Barcelona have made it clear that they believe Neymar is unhappy with PSG, Pique says his friends on the Spanish side will not be offering any private information about his intentions of making another move.

“Of course I talk to him, but he has to be the one to speak out,” Pique told a press conference ahead of Barca’s friendly with Napoli.

“We have private conversations and I don’t think it’s correct to talk about them here.

“He’s a star on and off the pitch. We hope something will happen.

“He is a great player, who knows the dressing room, the city and the club.

“I am convinced that there are many people [at the club] who were very happy with his output.

“I know that it would be a very complicated operation, that he plays for PSG and that we have a great squad that can challenge for every trophy.

“You already know about my relationship with Ney and we would be happy to have him here [but] he plays for PSG and my opinion doesn’t change anything.”

Neymar watched from the stands as Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria scored to help PSG come from behind to beat Rennes 2-1, claiming the Trophee des Champions in Shenzhen on Saturday.

While he did not play, the attacker was seen laughing and joking with team-mates after being pulled into the on-pitch celebrations by Marco Verratti.

Neymar was slow to return to training following ankle injury sustained in Brazil’s friendly win over Qatar in June, which saw him miss their Copa America triumph on home soil, with the Brazilian having only started his preparations for the new season last week.

Source – Goal.com

Tottenham agree €70m Dybala fee with Juventus as talks begin over personal terms.

Juventus have accepted Tottenham‘s €70 million (£65m/$78m) bid for striker Paulo Dybala, sources tell Goal.

The player is now set for talks with Spurs over contract terms as a move to the Premier League grows closer.

The 25-year-old has developed into one of Juve’s top players since his 2015 arrival from Palermo, helping the club to the Serie A title in all four of his seasons with the Bianconeri.

But Dybala has seen his future called into question after he took on a diminished role with Juventus last season following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Argentina international scored 10 goals in all competitions for Juve in 2018-19, down from 26 the previous season and 19 the campaign before that.

Dybala has been linked with a move to Manchester United, but talks over a swap deal involving Dybala and Romelu Lukaku have now ended, with Inter back in pole position to land the Belgian.

Mario Mandzukic was also involved in those discussions, but the Croatian is now unlikely to move to Old Trafford following the breakdown of talks between United and Juventus.

For Spurs, Dybala’s arrival would be a major statement following the cash infusion they gained from reaching last season’s Champions League final.

Spurs fell to Liverpool in the European showpiece in Madrid, but they are now eager to spend some of the money they earned from that run.

Tottenham have already made two signings this summer: Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon and Jack Clarke from Leeds, though Clarke has been loaned back to the Championship side for 2019-20.

Ndombele’s signing was the first incoming transfer for Spurs since they landed Lucas Moura from Paris Saint-Germain in January 2018.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are angling to make more additions ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline, and Dybala is not the only big name who could potentially arrive in north London.

Tottenham have emerged as one of the only options for Philippe Coutinho, whom Barcelona are looking to offload ahead of the new season.

Spurs are keen on the Brazilian, with Christian Eriksen about to enter the final year of his contract and a renewal appearing unlikely. Manchester United have been linked with the Denmark international, who was also interesting Real Madrid earlier this summer.

Tottenham kick off their Premier League campaign with a home match against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Source – Goal.com

The Spanish midfielder admitted that the French club is despised by many and is looking forward the challenge of maintaining their success.

Photo by Getty Images

Ander Herrera says that he is embracing the idea of being ‘hated’ as he gets set for his first season with Paris Saint-Germain.

The midfielder joined PSG this summer via a free transfer, having left Manchester United after five-year stay with the Premier League club.

Herrera, who made 189 appearances for the Red Devils, won the Europa League, an FA Cup, a League Cup and a Community Shield during his time at Old Trafford.

Now a member of PSG, the Spaniard has joined a club that tends to dominate in France, having already won the Trophee des Champions this season.

And Herrera understands that frequent success brings criticism and animosity, and he’s fully prepared to embrace that as he begins life in Ligue 1.

“[The club’s reputation is] that of a giant! A club that is respected, that is classy,” he told France Football.

“A club where three or four of the best players in the world play. I know too that it is one of the most hated clubs in France, and I like that.”

The move to PSG brings Herrera to the fourth club of his career, having played for Real Zaragoza and Athletic Bilbao before heading to Old Trafford.

He was free to join any club this summer, but Herrera says that staying in the Premier League was not an option while also stating that he still holds plenty of love for his first club, Real Zaragoza.

“First of all, [I joined PSG] for the project. The club has a classy and glamorous side that I like a lot. Then, because I wanted to continue to play for a big club,” he said.

“And, honestly, I could not see myself playing in another English club. When you have played for Manchester United, it is difficult to go elsewhere.

“PSG, they have a project that is progressing incessantly. The way that PSG approached me was impeccable. I felt wanted. Thomas [Tuchel] called me multiple times to talk. He is someone who helps players become better. At 29, I still want to improve.”

He added: “I was happy to play for Athletic Bilbao, another club that is dear to me, and for Manchester United, the biggest club in the United Kingdom, where I felt loved. Today, I am happy to be at PSG, the biggest club in France.

“I have always given everything to the clubs I have represented and I represent. But I cannot lie to you: the club of my heart is still Real Zaragoza, who I have supported as a child and where I started my career.”

Source – Goal.com

The French defender has made no secret of his desire to head home this summer and is now in the process of completing a return to Ligue 1.

Photo by Getty Images

Laurent Koscielny is in France to undergo a medical at Bordeaux, with a €5 million (£4.6m/$5.6m) deal close to completion, while Carl Jenkinson is also edging towards the exits at Arsenal.

Sources close to events in north London have confirmed to Goal that the experienced centre-half is set to see his wish granted of securing a return to his homeland.

Koscielny, who still has one year left to run on his contract at Emirates Stadium, has made no secret of his desire to head home this summer .

He has been pushing for a move despite Arsenal’s reluctance to part with his services.

The Gunners had been hoping that the 33-year-old could be talked around , allowing him to see out his agreement and aid Unai Emery’s cause in 2019-20.

His departure will leave the club short on reliable options at the heart of their back four, with questions having been asked of Shkodran Mustafi on a regular basis.

Koscielny is, however, determined to make his way back to Ligue 1 after nine years in the Premier League and is now in the process of finalising a switch late in the summer window.

Arsenal have reluctantly agreed a sale with Bordeaux but will feel that they are bringing in decent money for a player running down his deal and with his best years behind him.

The Gunners are also holding talks regarding the potential departure of another long-serving defender.

Jenkinson, who joined from Charlton in 2011, has emerged as a target for Championship side Nottingham Forest.

They are in the market for a new right-back after seeing Tendayi Darikwa suffer an untimely knee ligament injury.

Arsenal are open to the idea of parting with Jenkinson, who has made just 13 appearances for the club across the last five seasons.

The 27-year-old has spent much of that time either out on loan or injured, with two spells at West Ham and one at Birmingham.

It is understood that any agreement which takes him to the City Ground will be worth around £2m.

If Arsenal have any intention of bolstering their ranks after overseeing more departures, then they have until 5pm on Thursday to get any deals over the line before the latest deadline passes.

Source – Goal.com

Simon Mignolet has left Liverpool to sign for Belgian side Club Brugge on a five-year deal.

Simon Mignolet has joined Club Brugge

The 30-year-old joins Club Brugge for a fee of between £6m and £8m plus bonuses, Sky Sports News understands.

Mignolet had flown out to Brussels on Sunday to finalise his five-year deal and complete his medical.

The Belgian has been allowed to leave Liverpool this summer after being refused a loan to Napoli last season following Loris Karius’ departure to Besiktas.

Liverpool goalkeepers Simon Mignolet, Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher celebrate with the Champions League trophy

Sky Sports News understands Mignolet, who had also been a target for Benfica, wanted to be closer to his family back in Belgium.

The 31-year-old signed a five-year deal with Liverpool in 2016 and is understood to have left Anfield on very good terms, with Liverpool satisfied with the fee and happy to fulfil the player’s wish to leave.

Mignolet, capped 21 times by Belgium, joined Liverpool from Sunderland six years ago and made 204 appearances for the club, winning the Champions League in 2019.

Source – Sky Sports