Transfer deadline day: Premier League leads spending in Europe

Man United new signing Joshua Zirkzee celebrates after scoring his debut goal for the club. (AFP)

Short Url

https://arab.news/nxwqt

Updated 31 August 2024

August 31, 2024 02:37

Transfer deadline day: Premier League leads spending in Europe

Updated 31 August 2024

August 31, 2024 02:37

It was deadline day Friday in the summer transfer window for Europe’s five big domestic leagues.
The English Premier League again leads overall spending — about $2.4 billion and counting — and once again Chelsea is first in line with an outlay of $290 million.
Among the big names in European soccer that could be changing jerseys were Ivan Toney (Brentford), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), Jadon Sancho (Manchester United) and Victor Osimhen (Napoli).
But England’s top tier remains the most lucrative, even if its spending is down slightly from a year ago.
More evidence of the Premier League’s draw: Teams in the second-division Championship have spent more than 200 million euros ($221 million) to strengthen their squads. That’s the seventh-highest expenditure among leagues worldwide.
United bolsters midfield, Palace gets Nketiah
United signed Uruguay defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain for an initial 50 million euros ($55.7 million). It takes the club’s summer spending on new players to around $240 million. United had earlier signed striker Joshua Zirkzee, center backs Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, and full back Noussair Mazraoui. The 23-year-old Ugarte looks set to be the long-term replacement for Casemiro.
Crystal Palace had a busy Friday spending that Michael Olize money. The club added striker Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal for a fee reported to be $39 million. Nketiah is in search of playing time and grew up in south London. Arsenal might be clearing some space for a late signing. Earlier, Palace signed center back Maxence Lacroix from Wolfsburg for a reported fee of 21 million euros ($23 million). The move reunites the 24-year-old French player with Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who coached the German club for two seasons.
Napoli lands McTominay, Gilmour
Italy is back over the $1 billion mark again in overall spending — the second highest in Europe.
A pair of Scotland midfielders — Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour — are headed to Napoli. McTominay joined on a fee of $33 million from Man United, where the midfielder had been since he was five. United manager Erik ten Hag lamented the pressure that clubs are under to sell “homegrown” players — because of the good profit margin — amid the league’s financial regulations. Gilmour arrives from Brighton for a fee of about $20 million.
Romelu Lukaku joined Napoli on Thursday, reuniting with manager Antonio Conte, who had coached Belgium’s all-time record scorer at Inter Milan.
Bayern done buying
Bayern Munich signaled early Friday that it was done spending. The Bavarian powerhouse spent about 100 million euros ($110 million) combined for Portugal midfielder João Palhinha and forward Michael Olize as it aims to recapture the German title it lost to Bayer Leverkusen last season.
Leverkusen kept most of its double-winning team together, while last season’s surprise second-place team Stuttgart was ransacked by rivals.
The highest-profile signing by a German club on Friday was Netherlands defender Lutsharel Geertruida moving to Leipzig from Dutch club Feyenoord. Geertruida was a key player for Feyenoord last season under coach Arne Slot, who’s now at Liverpool. He also played two games for the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
The most talked-about transfer on deadline day in Germany was one that didn’t happen. Leverkusen and Germany defender Jonathan Tah was a target for Bayern, and was linked with Barcelona. The defender confirmed on Friday he was staying put.
Reminder: Mbappé was free
The summer’s biggest move came with no transfer cost at all when Kylian Mbappé joined Real Madrid after his contract expired at Paris Saint-Germain. La Liga was on course to be the lowest spender among the big five — it entered the final week at just under $600 million.
Zaha to Lyon
Veteran forward Wilfried Zaha joined French club Lyon from Galatasaray for a modest fee of $3 million. The 31-year-old Zaha spent most of his career at Crystal Palace before playing last season in Turkiye, where he helped Galatasaray win the domestic league title.

PFL MENA vice president hails region’s ‘remarkable’ MMA talent

Updated 59 min 42 sec ago

Arab News

September 19, 2024 13:26

PFL MENA vice president hails region’s ‘remarkable’ MMA talent

Gustavo Firmino talks to Arab News about the playoffs in Riyadh, growth of MMA in Middle East, and the PFL World Championships

Updated 59 min 42 sec ago

Arab News

September 19, 2024 13:26

RIYADH: PFL MENA may still be in its inaugural season, but it has already given mixed martial arts fighters from the Middle East a platform to showcase their talents on to global audiences.

One of the key driving forces behind the success of the Professional Fighters League’s newest international league is its Vice President of Fighter Operations Gustavo Firmino. Having previously worked with Bahrain-based BRAVE CF, Firmino knows a thing or two about putting on the best fights for Middle Eastern fans, and he is continued to do that with PFL MENA.

On Sept. 20, PFL MENA enters its postseason, raising the stakes for 16 of the best fighters in the region, as bantamweights, featherweights, lightweights, and welterweights take to the SmartCage at Boulevard Riyadh City to fight for an opportunity to become PFL MENA champion.

Ahead of the PFL MENA playoffs, Firmino spoke about the talent in the Middle East, what it takes to break through into the PFL’s million-dollar global tournament, and some of the must-see matches on this Friday’s card.

“The level of skill and talent we’ve seen from fighters in the Middle East and North Africa has been nothing short of remarkable,” he said. “This only strengthens our commitment to investing in this region, helping to develop and discover more young talents with immense potential to shine on the global stage.”

While a PFL MENA championship will certainly put a fighter on the map, it does not necessarily guarantee a spot in the PFL’s million-dollar global tournament, which features the best fighters from all corners of the globe.

“It is important to note that winning the Professional Fighters League in the Middle East and North Africa region does not automatically guarantee a spot in the global championship. The level of competition on the international stage is incredibly high, and only the fighters who consistently perform at the top level, showing excellence and determination, will be considered for the global competition.”

Still, the doors are open for Middle Eastern fighters to break through and compete on the global stage, as PFL MENA semifinalists like Abdullah Al-Qahtani and Jarrah Al-Selawe have done previously.

“The key factors that will determine a fighter’s participation in international tournaments are high performance and consistency. It’s not just about winning titles; it's about proving yourself as a world-class athlete over time, through dedication and elite-level results,” Firmino added.

As for the fights on this Friday’s PFL MENA 3 card, Firmino highlighted some must-see matchups including the main event and the co-main event.

The night’s marquee matchup will feature Saudi Arabia’s own Al-Qahtani taking on Jordan’s Abdulrahman Alyhassat in a featherweight semifinal contest.

“The upcoming fight between Abdullah Al-Qahtani and Abdulrahman Al-Hayassat is incredibly difficult to predict,” said Firmino. “Both fighters have shown exceptional abilities, and their chances are evenly matched, with a 50/50 split. Each has demonstrated dominance in their previous bouts, making this one of the most closely contested fights of the tournament.”

In the co-headlining bout, Jordan’s Al-Selawe looks to add another title to his already impressive resume as he faces Egypt’s Omar El Dafrawy.

“The excitement surrounding the semi-final clash between Al-Selawe and El Dafrawy is enormous,” Firmino exclaimed. “El Dafrawi brings youthful energy and determination, while Al-Selawe is one of the most seasoned fighters in the region.

“This matchup is a highly anticipated bout, and all eyes will be on these two exceptional athletes,” he added.

Firmino also talked about the other 170-pound semifinal fight featuring Mohammad Alaqraa, a protege of Khabib Nurmagomedov, and multiple-time champion Amir Fazil.

“Mohammad is Khabib’s protege, he trains at Khabib’s gym in Dagestan, he’s undefeated at 6-0 with 5 wins by knockout, but he’s facing a multiple-time Wushu Sanda Champion and a current UAE Warriors champion in Fazil. It’s the moment of truth for him. Is he ready for the next level?”

Topics: PFL MENA boxing

Paris Olympics stars set for FIBA 3x3 World Tour in Abu Dhabi

Updated 19 September 2024

Arab News

September 19, 2024 13:18

Paris Olympics stars set for FIBA 3x3 World Tour in Abu Dhabi

The UAE capital’s Corniche will once again play host to the world’s best 3x3 basketball players

Updated 19 September 2024

Arab News

September 19, 2024 13:18

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Sports Council has announced the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Abu Dhabi will take place Oct. 26-27 at a specially built arena along the UAE capital’s Corniche, with some of the world’s best players — including recent Paris Olympic medalists — competing for vital ranking points and medals.

The FIBA 3x3 World Tour Abu Dhabi will feature a prize fund of $160,000, with $40,000 awarded to the champions, $30,000 for the runners-up, and $22,000 for the third-place team.

The Paris Olympics saw the Netherlands clinch gold, and the dynamic Dutch players will be making their way to Abu Dhabi this October. Furthermore, FIBA 3x3 icons Team Ub from Serbia will bring their seasoned skills back to the capital, alongside the likes of team Vienna, Hangzhou and Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy.

The final list of teams is still under process due to qualification.

The 3x3 format, known for its simplicity and pace, has grown in popularity since its Olympic debut, but has flourished in the UAE in recent years under the ADSC’s development.

Aref Hamad Al-Awani, general secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, emphasized the city’s readiness to host this international event.

“We are excited to bring the FIBA 3x3 World Tour back to Abu Dhabi, particularly after the remarkable display of 3x3 basketball at the Paris Olympics. The sport’s rapid growth has been impressive, and we are confident that this tournament will further enhance its reputation, as we offer a thrilling and secure experience for both players and fans,” he said.

The Abu Dhabi leg of the World Tour season will feature 14 international teams, alongside a local team from the ever-popular QUEST Community Championship. This Community Championship continues throughout the year, culminating with the winning team earning the right to represent Abu Dhabi at the main event on Oct. 26-27.

Ignacio Soriano, 3x3 head of events at FIBA, said: “Our partnership with this city and its sports leadership has flourished for nearly a decade now, solidifying Abu Dhabi as the ideal host for world-class 3x3 basketball. We eagerly anticipate our return to the capital and are confident that the Abu Dhabi event will once again radiate the vibrant energy that perfectly aligns with our organization’s vision.”

Topics: FIBA 3x3 World Tour

England’s renewed rivalry with Australia pushed to the season’s margins

Updated 19 September 2024

Jon Pike

September 19, 2024 12:10

England’s renewed rivalry with Australia pushed to the season’s margins

Australia is touring Scotland, England and Wales with two forms of short-format cricket packed into just over four weeks, all at risk of weather disruption

Updated 19 September 2024

Jon Pike

September 19, 2024 12:10

There is much talk that the most evenly matched rivalry in international cricket has become that between Australia and India. It is true that, in recent years, the teams have dominated the rankings in Test cricket and were finalists in the last World Test Championship in 2023. Then, Australia triumphed by six wickets. Both are the frontrunners in the current WTC cycle and will face each other in a five-match Test series in Australia starting in November.

Yet, there is still no feeling of anticipation that quite compares with the near-150-year-old rivalry between England and Australia. This is true even during Australia’s tour of Scotland, England and Wales, when two forms of short-format cricket are being packed into just over four weeks, all at risk of capricious weather.

Scotland was trounced in three T20Is. This was hardly a surprise but it provided welcome exposure and experience for Scottish cricket. In England and Wales, three T20Is and five ODIs are scheduled in eight different locations, south, west and north. The program has an end-of-year party feeling, a sense of visiting friends in places almost out of a sense of social responsibility. Perhaps there is an unspoken frisson that English and Welsh cricket will never be the same again; overhanging the future, like Damocles’ sword, is the sale of The Hundred. Who knows what the outcome will mean for the sort of bilateral tournament being witnessed this September?

At least this one seems safe, given it is Australia touring. People will turn up to see the old enemy; the first T20I at Southampton was sold out. Almost inevitably, rain delayed the start to 18.45 and the temperature at the end of the match at 10.10 p.m. was displayed as 7.5C.

Both teams are in transition. England more so, looking at the first T20I, England more so, as the team was beaten by 28 runs. After hugely disappointing defenses of both the ODI and T20I World Cups, it was time to move on and regroup. In any sport, reshaping and rebuilding successful teams is a difficult task requiring sensitivity, planning and emotional intelligence. It can be argued that England’s management displayed few of these requirements.

During the ODI World Cup in October/November 2023, the England and Wales Cricket Board appeared to panic by awarding multi-year contracts to its squad out of fear that some players were being tempted by lucrative multi-competition contracts on offer from franchises.

The move has backfired. First, the one member of the squad not offered an ECB contract promptly retired from international cricket, whilst several others have not played for England since the World Cup ended. One long-time servant, the all-rounder Moeen Ali, announced his retirement from international cricket after being omitted from the squad for the current series against Australia. These retirements and omissions open the door both for emerging and recently dormant talent.

On the evidence of the second T20I at Cardiff, England has reason to be optimistic. Set 194 to win, a combination of Liam Livingstone’s experience, with 87, and Jacob Bethell playing in his second international match, with 44, was largely instrumental in England winning by three wickets, despite a late wobble. Unfortunately, the third and deciding match fell victim to rain in Manchester.

The five ODIs will be shoehorned into 11 days, the last one scheduled for September 29, when sunset will be at 18.54. Bilateral series of this type have been described as meaningless. It is not clear if the critics mean in comparison with franchise cricket or in relation to the players being subject to too much cricket. England’s debutants and returning players may well see much meaning in the matches. They provide an opportunity for them to display their talents and temperament against the oldest foe.

In addition, there is revenue for the venues and on-ground vendors, for the ECB, and for those providing travel and accommodation in the local and regional economy. Audiences in Australia and in Asia may be less keen to tune in, given the time differences. However, the two teams have only hosted each other for three ODIs and three T20Is since 2018, hardly a case of saturation.

Australians may not welcome playing in the temperatures on offer, although this week they hit 25C in the daytime. There are places up for grabs, especially in the T20 team. David Warner has retired, so a new opener is required. The all-conquering ODI and Test captain, Pat Cummins, has been rested, along with Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell, who are now, respectively, 31, 34 and 35 years old.

One to watch for the future is 21-year-old Cooper Connolly. His Sheffield Shield debut was in the 2024 final, in which he helped Western Australia beat Tasmania by scoring 90 in the first innings. His debut for Australia came against Scotland. Jake Fraser-McGurk, at 22, is another young batting tyro. Having scored 330 runs at a strike rate of 234 in the 2024 Indian Premier League, his introduction to the Australian team in Scotland proved a tough task but he responded with a 29-ball half century in the second ODI against England.

Australia has always had a habit of producing previously unheard-of players who turn out to have long and successful careers. England has been more proactive in recent years in this respect. The number of fresh faces on both sides introduces an intriguing aspect to the current series, as players approaching the end of their international careers make way for the next generation. Who will be the successors in the next stage of cricket’s oldest rivalry remains to be seen.

Topics: Jon Pike Cricket Column

Anthony Joshua ready to show ‘gladiatorial spirit’ in IBF title clash with Daniel Dubois

Updated 19 September 2024

Arab News

September 19, 2024 10:28

Anthony Joshua ready to show ‘gladiatorial spirit’ in IBF title clash with Daniel Dubois

Joshua, Dubois and fighters in Riyadh Season Card Wembley Edition undercard put through their paces at public workout

Updated 19 September 2024

Arab News

September 19, 2024 10:28

LONDON: Boxer Anthony Joshua said he was feeling “no emotion” ahead of his International Boxing Federation heavyweight title bout with reigning champion Daniel Dubois on Saturday.

The former two-time world champion told a public workout at Wembley Arena on Wednesday night that he wanted to show his “gladiatorial spirit” in front of an expected crowd of over 96,000 at Wembley Stadium.

AJ, Dubois and all of the fighters taking part in the Riyadh Season Card Wembley Edition undercard were put through their paces at the workout event, which was free for the public to attend.

“There’s no emotion. No emotions. I’m just here,” Joshua said.

The Watford man was impressed with the scale and standard of the facilities for a public workout.

“There’s a fight here happening tonight right? Ten out of ten. Three fights happening tonight. It’s ten out of ten,” he said.

“I feel like I’m in the ring ready for my fight as well. It feels good. Canvas feels good. Size is good. I just need to get my wraps on and my gloves and I could fight today,” he added.

When pressed on what he had planned for the next three days ahead of the fight, he continued: “More media, more talking. More training most importantly. And walking into the ring in front of 96,000 people ready to show people my gladiatorial spirit.”

Joshua was accompanied in the ring by young members of his first amateur boxing club in Finchley.

MORE IMAGES

Click here to see more images from the public workout at Wembley Arena in London attended by IBF world heavyweight title holder Daniel Dubois and challenger Anthony Joshua.

“It means everything, it’s what it’s about, opening doors for people like people did for me too,” Joshua said when asked about the importance of giving back to the next generation.

“This is being on the big stage, they’re the boys and girls from my club, we’re a local town and so I thought I’d bring them down,” he added.

Dubois said he was ready for the build-up to the fight to finish and just wanted the bout to start.

“It’s all part of the pre-fight ritual, I’m going through the motions and just building up my energy for Saturday. I’m ready to fight so I’m in a good place at the moment,” he said.

“I’ve just worked hard in the gym. I’ve suffered and worked really hard for weeks and months.

“I know I need to go to another level at my very best. I can’t wait for the challenge on Saturday. I’m ready to fight, let’s go,” he added.

As part of the event, Riyadh Season put on three small-rounded bouts following the public workouts. Chris Kongo was among the winners after easing to a 59-55 win over Jacob Quinn.

The fights also included Aadam Hamed, the son of legendary boxer Prince Naseem, who looked classy in his victory over Santiago Garces.

The bill was topped by the highly-regarded Cameron Vuong who looked impressive in beating Joe Underwood Hughes.

Topics: boxing Riyadh season Riyadh Season Card Wembley Edition Anthony Joshua Daniel Dubois

New season of Saudi Women’s Premier Leagues promises top-class action

Updated 19 September 2024

Arab News

September 19, 2024 09:25

New season of Saudi Women’s Premier Leagues promises top-class action

Third season of Saudi women’s football will have 90 matches over 18 weeks
Campaign titled #SeeUsPlay aims to inspire next generation of Saudi players

Updated 19 September 2024

Arab News

September 19, 2024 09:25

RIYADH: The Saudi Women’s Premier League returns to action on Friday Sept. 27 with a new campaign titled “#SeeUsPlay” aimed at inspiring young footballers.

There will be 90 matches over 18 weeks in the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s Women’s Premier League, with over 200 players registered for the new season.

Over 15 international players have signed for 10 clubs in the SAFF’s league.

The influx of international talent is a testament to the growth of women’s football in the Kingdom, following on from the qualification of Al-Nassr for the preliminary stage of the AFC Women’s Champions League in August.

The “#SeeUsPlay” campaign is aimed at growing the game. There are already 77,000 female players in the nation’s school league.

The SAFF’s President Yasser Al-Misehal said: “We’re very proud of the growth of women’s football in Saudi Arabia and excited to see the return of the Women’s Premier League.”

He said the federation’s investment in women’s football has resulted in more registered players, football clubs, domestic competitions, national teams, licensed coaches, referees, and girls participating in the regional training centers and the school’s league.

“I congratulate our Women’s Football Department on this initiative, and wish the players, clubs and officials good luck and in the spirit of the campaign, encourage everyone across Saudi and beyond to ‘#SeeUsPlay.’

“We have so many historic clubs and passionate fans who support them but there is new history to write, and these players simply deserve your support. Everyone benefits from the noise and energy you will bring.”

The SAFF’s Head of Women’s Football Aalia Al-Rasheed added: “The development we have seen for the Saudi Women’s Premier League over the past two seasons has been remarkable, going from having no professional female players to now having over 20 nationalities competing here in Saudi Arabia.”

She added: “It has been an incredible experience to witness how this game is inspiring a new generation, with players who saw the formation of our national team in 2021 now joining the women’s professional league and professional women’s clubs now competing on the international stage.”

Al-Rasheed said she was proud of the growth of the game at grassroots level, and the interest from international players to join the league.

The development of Saudi Arabian football is in line with the nation’s “Growing Together” campaign and the nation’s Vision 2030 strategy to promote sports.

Topics: Saudi women Premier Leagues

Transfer deadline day: Premier League leads spending in Europe

Transfer deadline day: Premier League leads spending in Europe

PFL MENA vice president hails region’s ‘remarkable’ MMA talent

PFL MENA vice president hails region’s ‘remarkable’ MMA talent

Jordan’s Al-Selawe banking on experience for victory at PFL MENA 3

Saudi’s Al-Qahtani to headline PFL MENA postseason action in Riyadh

Paris Olympics stars set for FIBA 3x3 World Tour in Abu Dhabi

Paris Olympics stars set for FIBA 3x3 World Tour in Abu Dhabi

Refugee breakdancer stands by ‘Free Afghan Women’ message at Paris Olympics 2024

Hundreds rally in Paris for Iranian women’s rights

England’s renewed rivalry with Australia pushed to the season’s margins

England’s renewed rivalry with Australia pushed to the season’s margins

Saudi Central Bank lowers benchmark rate by 50 bps, following US Fed decision

New season of Saudi Women’s Premier Leagues promises top-class action

Anthony Joshua ready to show ‘gladiatorial spirit’ in IBF title clash with Daniel Dubois

Anthony Joshua ready to show ‘gladiatorial spirit’ in IBF title clash with Daniel Dubois

MORE IMAGES

Boxing stars Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois face off at Tower Bridge in London

Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois lead boxing stars at Riyadh Season Card Wembley Edition grand arrivals

New season of Saudi Women’s Premier Leagues promises top-class action

New season of Saudi Women’s Premier Leagues promises top-class action

Saudi minister visits Kuwait to pass on Saudi leaders’ condolences after royal’s death

Saudi Arabia and Italy share vision for future

Latest updates

Saudi-Italian officials discuss manufacturing and innovation cooperation

Jihadist attacks in Mali capital killed more than 70: security sources

Region ‘closest to war since 1973’: Saudi envoy to UK

Saudi Arabia’s crude production climbs 1.26% to 8.94 mbpd: JODI

PFL MENA vice president hails region’s ‘remarkable’ MMA talent

Recommended

Pager and walkie-talkie blasts targeting Hezbollah across Lebanon raise questions, stoke Middle East tensions

How an EU-led operation to salvage a burning Red Sea oil tanker hopes to prevent a major environmental disaster

Why a probe into the killing of notorious human trafficker ‘Bija’ is a test of Libya’s rule of law

Search form

Print Edition

Search form

Search form

You are here

Transfer deadline day: Premier League leads spending in Europe

Transfer deadline day: Premier League leads spending in Europe

PFL MENA vice president hails region’s ‘remarkable’ MMA talent

Related

Paris Olympics stars set for FIBA 3x3 World Tour in Abu Dhabi

Related

England’s renewed rivalry with Australia pushed to the season’s margins

Related

Anthony Joshua ready to show ‘gladiatorial spirit’ in IBF title clash with Daniel Dubois

MORE IMAGES

Related

New season of Saudi Women’s Premier Leagues promises top-class action

Related

Latest updates

Recommended

Search form

Print Edition