The ‘real reason’ that Sheamus is leaving the WWE has been revealed.

It emerged on Sunday evening that the Irishman would be departing the company after a 19-year spell under contract. The 48-year-old signed with WWE in 2007, joining its developmental branch at the time, Florida Championship Wrestling.

The Celtic Warrior then joined the main roster in 2009, first competing in a rebranded ECW before making the jump to Monday nights on the promotion’s flagship show, Raw.

Sheamus Is A Multiple-Time World Champion in WWE

Sheamus quickly became WWE champion, just 166 days after debuting on the red brand. He would go on to hold the belt twice more alongside the World Heavyweight Championship, which he held once.

In recent years, he has become a much-loved figure backstage and among fans for his longevity and his willingness to put his body on the line to entertain. Which makes it all the more surprising to hear of his exit.

Within minutes of the news becoming public, it emerged that Sheamus had reportedly turned down an offer to reconstruct his current contract.

Full Details on Why Sheamus is Leaving WWE

Now a further report from Sportskeeda has confirmed further information behind the Superstar’s departure, calling the story a “sad, sad situation.

The outlet stated:

“Sheamus is leaving because of the contract situation. It was significantly smaller than the current one. Sad, sad situation.”

With his existing deal said to be expiring imminently, Sheamus hasn’t actually been released, but will shortly become a free agent.

Backstage Reaction to Sheamus Leaving WWE Emerges

Sheamus’ departure has been received poorly by the people backstage, and there is a general unhappiness regarding the restructured contracts, which have been offered to various Superstars.

This is a continuation of the backlash that was received by the company after the announcement that The New Day, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, were leaving under similar circumstances.

The report goes on to say that “WWE stars are not happy with the entire contract restructuring that TKO has been doing.” They were said to be ‘unhappy when the New Day’s news became public’ and that “it’s safe to say everyone is very annoyed it has happened to Sheamus.”

Moreover, the veteran is genuinely liked backstage, and the report quotes one source as saying it “makes no sense to not have him here.”

“The idea is now there are some long-time stars who hate this, saying WWE is not being loyal to people who have been loyal to the company, even turning down bigger offers when rival company, All Elite Wrestling came calling.”

These stars are also seeing it from the fans’ perspective, as it will seem to some that they are simply choosing not to renew their contracts when the reality is much different.

“Several people are unhappy with them, especially because it’s coming off to some fans like the stars are leaving because they didn’t want a new contract, and not the reality that the contracts are so much smaller than the ones they are on now.”

Controversy has been a feature of TKO’s ownership of WWE. The manner in which Sheamus was shown the door will do little to increase the popularity of management with the locker room or the wider fanbase.

Manchester United’s pursuit to improve their midfield this summer hasn’t quite gone to plan so far, but they are now ready to step up their chase for a top target.

The Red Devils had made Elliot Anderson their number one target for the window, but he has joined Man City in a club-record £116m deal from Nottingham Forest, while a move for Mateus Fernandes was also gazumped by Tottenham Hotspur, and the Portuguese star made the move to north London for £85m.

A deal for Ederson has been agreed with Atalanta, although there have been reports that the deal could be on the verge of collapse, and now Man Utd chiefs are ready to make a statement deal come to life.

Man Utd Chiefs Jetting Out for Tchouameni Talks

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According to journalist Jose Felix, Man Utd chiefs are preparing to jet out of the UK to Madrid for talks over a deal to sign Aurelien Tchouameni.

Tchouameni, who has been described as ‘world-class’, is currently representing France at the World Cup, and is expected to return to their starting lineup for their quarter-final clash with Morocco on Thursday after dealing with a thigh injury.

But the 26-year-old is now into the final two years of his contract at the Bernabeu, and reports suggest the Spanish side could be willing to let him leave, should new manager Jose Mourinho green light his departure.

United are keen to add a marquee name to their midfield to go alongside Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, and the France international fits the bill with his excellent ball-winning qualities and ability on the ball.

Club chiefs are now preparing to jet out to hold talks about a deal, with a fee of around £80m mooted by figures in the press.

Tchouameni Would Be Perfect Signing

Sarah Meyssonnier Via Reuters

While there have been links to a number of midfield signings all summer, it’s clear that Tchouameni is the man who should always have been the number one target if he is available.

It’s fair to say that the France star is among the very best midfield players in the world, and if United were able to find a way to convince him and Real Madrid to get a deal done, then they would be improving their midfield in a huge way, and potentially bringing in the best midfielder in the league.

The club have been pushing to seal deals for Michael Carrick to improve his squad, and Tchouameni would be the perfect option.

Liverpool are set to undergo a major squad rebuild this summer under new manager Andoni Iraola, and the attack is understood to be one of the priority positions to strengthen.

The Reds have already completed a deal to bring in Spain winger Victor Munoz for around £35m, having hijacked Newcastle’s move for the tricky forward at the 11th hour after they had already had a bid accepted.

Now the club are ready to try and do something similar once again but to Man Utd, as they eye up a £50m move to bring another forward in at Anfield ahead of the new season.

Liverpool Make Move to Hijack Man Utd Summerville Deal

According to a report by Caught Offside, Liverpool have made their move to find a deal with West Ham to sign winger Crysencio Summerville.

The Netherlands international, who has been described as ‘elite’, enjoyed a fine individual season for the Hammers but couldn’t stop them from being relegated to the Championship. He then went to the World Cup and shone for the Netherlands, scoring twice before their elimination on penalties against Morocco, where he missed in the shootout.

His performances have attracted the attention of several top clubs in Europe and the Premier League, and Liverpool have now made a ‘serious move’ for his services.

Man Utd had made the 24-year-old their leading target as they look to bolster their forward line ahead of a campaign that includes Champions League football, but Liverpool are pushing to muscle their way into the race.

Mohamed Salah’s departure, plus question marks around the future of Federico Chiesa, mean there are spots open in attack, and Summerville’s pace, trickery and goal threat make him a top candidate for the role. West Ham are understood to value him at £50m, however, there is a belief he could be available for considerably less.

Liverpool have previously been pushing for Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola for the roles, but have faced big hurdles in the race for their signature. It now looks as though they are ready to move on to alternative targets as a result.

Liverpool Can Hurt Man Utd Again

Hannah Mckay Via Reuters

Iraola’s arrival at Anfield was a surprise following Arne Slot’s sacking, but he is ready to make a big statement by building the squad in his own image and challenge for a Premier League title.

Summerville’s addition would not only be a major coup for the Anfield side, but it would also be a big blow to rivals Man Utd who are having a difficult window landing their top targets.

Liverpool are ready to go big in this window again, and Summerville could be the next man to arrive through the doors and help strengthen the squad ahead of what is a huge season.