Sports
Dani Olmo Slams ‘Lying’ Argentina Coach After World Cup Incident
Dani Olmo has broken his silence on the ugly scenes that followed the 2026 World Cup final, accusing Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala of “lying” in the apology he issued for their post-match confrontation.
Spain lifted the trophy after a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in New Jersey, but tempers boiled over at the final whistle, with several Argentina players and staff involved in heated exchanges.
Amid the chaos, television cameras captured Ayala striking Olmo in the face as the Barcelona man appeared to be trying to defuse a situation. FIFA has since opened an investigation into Argentina’s conduct.
Ayala’s Apology and Olmo’s Response After World Cup win
Speaking earlier this week, Ayala expressed regret over the incident but played down the contact as being less serious than it looks on footage. He said the incident was “more of a push than a punch” and claimed it came as “a reaction to something [Olmo] said,” adding that he would apologise to the Spain international in person if their paths crossed.
Olmo, however, remains unconvinced. Speaking to Catalan newspaper Diari de Terrassa, the midfielder refuted the apology and rejected the suggestion that he had provoked the outburst. Olmo said:
“Someone who says they’re sorry, but justifies a punch by saying it was a response to a comment, is surely not sorry, because he is lying. I didn’t say anything to him, so he doesn’t need to apologise.
“What truly defines us is not the mistake, but the courage to acknowledge it with humility, honesty and dignity,” he added. “If I see him, I’ll obviously apologise to him in person.”
Olmo Proud of World Cup Win and Team Behaviour
Beyond the controversy, Olmo shined a light on his team’s collective efforts and manner in victory in becoming world champions, highlighting that he wants the squad remembered for their behaviour as much as their football.
“I want them to be proud of how we competed, how we won, and above all, of our behaviour,” he said, before reflecting on the responsibility that comes with the platform. “The far-reaching nature of football means that we players are role models for children and future generations, and that carries a great responsibility.”
Asked what underpinned Spain’s triumph, Olmo pointed firmly to unity over individual talent. “The group, the collective, always above individual players,” he explained, describing the squad as a family that transcends any single star. He also praised the backroom staff, particularly around physical conditioning, insisting there were no shortcuts to success.
“It’s all about hard work, nothing else, to achieve the goal,” Olmo said — a fitting summary of a Spain side that outclassed Argentina, managing 20 shots to their opponents’ two on the night in a dominant yet tight World Cup final.
Sports
Liverpool Make Enquiry to Sign PSG Forward Ibrahim Mbaye
Liverpool have now made an enquiry to sign another exciting Paris Saint-Germain attacker after Bradley Barcola.
As we approach August, Liverpool have still only made one new signing for new manager Andoni Iraola, despite a hugely disappointing 2025-26 season.
The Reds swooped in and hijacked Newcastle United’s deal to sign Victor Munoz, but they have been relatively quiet since.
The Merseyside outfit had identified RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as their top target to replace the outgoing Mohamed Salah earlier in the summer, but the Ivory Coast international decided that he wanted to join PSG instead.
The Champions League holders then struggled to agree a deal with the Bundesliga side for the teenager, who could now be moving closer to joining Real Madrid instead.
Liverpool have had to go back to the drawing board and they have now held preliminary talks over a move for Barcola, who they also wanted to bring to Anfield 12 months ago.
It was confirmed on Sunday that the France international won’t be extending his contract at the Parc des Princes, which increases the likelihood of him leaving this summer, although PSG are said to be ready to demand up to £145m for his services.
Barcola isn’t the only PSG attacker Liverpool have made contact for though.
Liverpool Launch Ibrahim Mbaye Transfer Enquiry
According to French publication RMC Sport, Liverpool are one of a number of top European clubs to make contact over a move to sign PSG teenager Ibrahim Mbaye.
The 18-year-old ‘phenomenon’ announced himself on the global stage with a goal for Senegal at the 2026 World Cup, which came on the back of 42 first-team appearances for PSG despite his tender years.
His quality and progress hasn’t gone unnoticed and with competition for places in wide areas in the French capital extremely fierce, Liverpool, along with Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund, are all eyeing a move for the talented teenager.
PSG aren’t closing the possibility of a sale either, although they do value Mbaye at in excess of €50m if they are to consider a sale in this window.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Liverpool Hold Positive Talks Over Vinicius Junior
Reports suggest that Liverpool are also eyeing an ambitious 2027 move to sign Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior on a free transfer next summer, with no progress yet over him signing a new contract to stay at the Bernabeu.
The Brazil international’s future has been thrown into further doubt as the La Liga giants close in on a deal to sign RB Leipzig sensation Diomande, who can operate from the left flank like Vini Jr.
The Reds are unlikely to be alone in their pursuit of the 26-year-old having held positive talks, with trusted journalist David Ornstein reporting on Saturday that Arsenal are considering making a move for the Brazilian this summer, having missed out on the likes of Diomande and Morgan Rogers.
The attacker is undoubtedly one of the best in the world, and landing him would be a huge coup, and both Liverpool and Arsenal will be hoping that they can bring him to the Premier League if the deal is right.
Sports
Tottenham Move Into Pole Position to Sign Savinho
Tottenham Hotspur are now in advanced talks to complete yet another major summer signing, as Roberto De Zerbi closes in on his first attacking addition.
Tottenham have worked from back to front so far in terms of their summer transfer business, bringing in Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka to reinforce their defence, before adding two experienced Premier League stars in Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali to their midfield, both club-record deals at the time.
Despite Spurs’ 2-0 pre-season friendly win against Auckland in New Zealand in the last 24 hours, De Zerbi wants more new faces in his squad before the September 1 deadline, with a big focus on the attack.
The Italian said after the game against Auckland that he wants a ‘couple’ of important signings for his frontline, to support the likes of Mathys Tel, Dominic Solanke and Richarlison, with the latter continuing to be linked with a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
De Zerbi is said to want to add a left-winger and a striker to his squad in the coming weeks, with their Premier League campaign due to get underway in a month’s time, with Manchester City star Savinho emerging as the top target for the former.
Tottenham Move to Pole Position to Sign Savinho
According to the Sun, Tottenham have moved into pole position to sign the Brazilian from City with talks now advanced over a deal for the 22-year-old.
Italian giants AC Milan are also in the race to sign the forward, but the report says it’s believed that Spurs have made him their number one target, with discussions progressing positively.
Milan turned their attentions to Savinho at City having initially registered their interest in an ambitious move for Phil Foden, but the England international has since signed a new contract to remain at the Etihad.
The San Siro outfit are said to be preparing a loan offer with a mandatory buy clause worth between £43-47m, with recent reports suggesting that Tottenham have made a £70m offer to ensure they get the man they have wanted for more than a year.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Tottenham Make Enquiry for Exciting PSG Forward
Tottenham have also made an enquiry to sign another exciting winger in Paris Saint-Germain’s Ibrahaim Mbaye, according to the latest reports on Sunday evening.
While Savinho often plays from the left-hand side, Mbaye is more right-sided, which could suggest that Spurs are open to signing two more wingers before the window closes.
The north Londoners will face stiff competition in their bid to prise the talented 18-year-old away from the Parc des Princes however, given he is also attracting interest from Manchester City, Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund.
With four goals and four assists in 42 appearances for PSG, they Champions League holders are said to value the Senegal international at in excess of €50m, but they would be willing to sell for that price.
Now it is up to Tottenham to decide if they are willing to reach that fee for a relatively unproven 18-year-old.
Sports
Sir Alex Ferguson Names 3 ‘Great’ Newcastle Players Kevin Keegan Signed
Sir Alex Ferguson has paid a warm tribute to the late Kevin Keegan, singling out three signings that transformed Newcastle United‘s side into the club’s “best ever team”.
Keegan, who died on July 20 aged 75, helped build Newcastle into an exciting and powerful side during his first spell in charge between 1992 and 1997, before later returning for an eighth-month stint in 2008.
His first spell helped thrust Newcastle into contention, as promotion in his first season was later followed up with a spellbinding title race with Ferguson’s Manchester United in the 1995/96 season, falling just short.
The pair’s rivalry helped define the early days of the Premier League, paving the way for the great battles we’ve seen over the years — and the Scotsman is just one of many to pay tribute, as he highlighted three transfers that changed the game for Keegan.
Ferguson’s Tribute to Keegan
Ferguson reminisced when speaking to Track Radio, via BBC, describing Newcastle’s strength at their peak under Keegan as a formidable outfit.
“I had the utmost respect for him,” Ferguson said. “We had many duels when he was manager of Newcastle, but I have to say the job he did at Newcastle was fantastic.
“He re-energised that club, and he brought that enthusiasm and fanaticism that great supporters can give. That’s the job he did.”
Keegan’s attention then turned to the trio of players that helped Newcastle to develop a real edge, and one that turned them into contenders as one of the club’s best-ever teams. Ferguson said:
He also brought three great players to the club – [David] Ginola, [Faustino] Asprilla, Philippe Albert – and added a bit of class to the team, and I must say the challenges we had with Newcastle at that time at United were huge.
“Kevin carried the love of the game on his sleeve, there’s no question about that, and that carried right on to the fans, to the players. That period at Newcastle was of emotion, it was excitement.
“They brought these great players to the club too, and they added to it, and it gave Newcastle – I think – their best ever team.”
The Impact Ginola, Asprilla and Albert Made for Newcastle
All three additions cost just over £11m, but each left a distinct mark. David Ginola, the biggest name of the three, arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in 1995 and was the central flair symbol of Keegan’s “Entertainers” before he later joined Tottenham.
The first addition was actually Phillipe Albert, who signed from Anderlecht in a £2.6m deal and who became somewhat of a cult hero; his audacious chip over Peter Schmeichel in the famous 5-0 rout of Ferguson’s United was his best moment.
Faustino Asprilla arrived in 1996 from Parma but was seen as a larger gamble given his £6.7m price tag, which was considered sizable at the time. The Colombian thrived at times, with a hat-trick against Barcelona being the highlight. All three brought something different to the table and all helped Newcastle to play with Keegan’s identity, which made them one of the most exciting sides in England at that time.
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