Posts Tagged ‘Bayern Munich’

Chelsea to snap up Benfica midfielder Ramires in £20m swoop?

July 23rd, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Chelsea to snap up Benfica midfielder Ramires in £20m swoop?manchestercity Chelsea to snap up Benfica midfielder Ramires in £20m swoop?soccerlens logo Chelsea to snap up Benfica midfielder Ramires in £20m swoop?

According to ESPN Soccernet, highly-rated Benfica midfielder Ramires has snubbed Manchester City and other suitors and will sign for Chelsea next week in a £20m deal.

As per their sources, the 23-year-old is already headed to Stamford Bridge, and the finishing i’s and t’s are expected to be dotted and crossed in the next few days.

Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City are among the clubs who have been linked with the Brazil international, and Benfica’s president has met with representatives from City and Chelsea, but according to the source, Ramires has opted for London instead of Manchester. “He has opted to go to Chelsea, and the deal can be done in the next couple of days, certainly by next week.”

Ramires joined Benfica from Cruzeiro last year, and he was an integral part of the side that won the club’s first league title since 2005 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Europa League. At the World Cup, Ramires played in four matches for Brazil and started their round of 16 win over Chile, but a yellow card in that match ruled him out for Brazil’s quarterfinal defeat to the Netherlands.

If Ramires does sign for Chelsea, he’ll become the club’s third signing of the month and of the summer. Midfielder Yossi Benayoun arrived from Liverpool in a £5.5m deal earlier this month, and he was followed days later by young Czech defender Tomas Kalas, who came from Sigma Olomouc for £5.2m.

“Chelsea to snap up Benfica midfielder Ramires in £20m swoop?” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Forbes Rich List: Manchester United Are The World’s Most Valuable Football Club

July 22nd, 2010 Dean Saliba

championsleague Forbes Rich List: Manchester United Are The Worlds Most Valuable Football Clubacmilan Forbes Rich List: Manchester United Are The Worlds Most Valuable Football Clubliverpool Forbes Rich List: Manchester United Are The Worlds Most Valuable Football Club

Forbes’ inaugural SportsMoney 50-50 standings (a system used to rank the 50 most valuable teams and the 50 most valuable athletes across the whole of world sport) were announced yesterday and, although the ‘teams’ segment is predominantly populated by American sports franchises, sitting pretty in the top spot is Premier League outfit Manchester United.

United have reaped the financial benefits of lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes on Nike and Aon, as well as a myriad of other income-generating endeavours (such as their in-house television channel MUTV, which is currently beamed into over 190 million households worldwide) to secure themselves an estimated global value of over $1.8 billion (£1.1 billion).

All in all, nine football clubs made the top 50, here’s how the SportsMoney list breaks down in terms of their ranking…

1. Manchester United (1st on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $1.83 billion (£1.19 million) / Estimated revenue: $459 million (£300 million)

United are thought to have upwards of 333 million followers across the world, with a core contingent of 139 million supporters.

2. Real Madrid (6th on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $1.32 billion (£864 million) / Estimated revenue: $563 million (£368 million)

Real have a higher income rate than Manchester United, but much higher overheads. Los Blancos also recoup $225 million in broadcasting fees, the highest in global sport.

3. Arsenal (8th on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $1.18 billion (£772 million) / Estimated revenue: $369 million (£241 million)

The Gunners have a relatively low global revenue, but the consistently high attendances at their new 60,000 capacity Emirates stadium contributed to their $102 million ‘operating income’ (i.e. ticket sales etc.) for last season – which is the second highest in the Premier League behind Manchester United.

Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium

Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium

4. Barcelona (25th on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $1 billion (£654 million) / Estimated revenue: $573 million (£375 million)

Barca secured $220 million in broadcasting revenue and online media deals last season.

5. Bayern Munich (27th on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $990 million (£648 million) / Estimated revenue: $406 million (£265 million)

Die Roten are the highest ranking German side by quite a margin, as no other Bundesliga club came anywhere near to making the top 50. Their double-winning domestic season, coupled with their appearance in the Champions League final are sure to boost their revenue next year.

6. Liverpool (41st on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $822 million (£538 million) / Estimated revenue: $304 million (£199 million)

Liverpool had seen a consistent increase in sponsorship revenue over the past few years, but their disappointing showing last season may have a negative impact on their future income.

Ronaldinho 300x208 Forbes Rich List: Manchester United Are The Worlds Most Valuable Football Club

Ronaldinho in action for AC Milan

7. AC Milan (43rd on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $800 million (£523 million) / Estimated revenue: $276 million (£180 million)

The Rossoneri saw their revenue fall by $54 million after failing to qualify for the Champions League in the 2008/09 season.

8. Juventus (47th on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $656 million (£429) / Estimated revenue: $285 million (£186 million)

The Bianconeri are currently on target to complete a new state-of-the-art, 40,000 capacity stadium by June of next year, which will be sure to boost their operating income.

9. Chelsea (48th on Forbes’ list)

Estimated value: $646 million (£423) / Estimated revenue: $340 million (£222 million)

Chelsea’s renewed shirt sponsorship deal with telecoms giant Samsung will net them $48 million over the next three years.

* * * * *

Please note that these results are an educated estimation of each respective club’s value not their residual wealth, hence the reason why cash-rich clubs such as Manchester City do not feature.

“Forbes Rich List: Manchester United Are The World’s Most Valuable Football Club” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Manchester United set to move for longtime target Lahm?

July 15th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Manchester United set to move for longtime target Lahm?manchesterunited Manchester United set to move for longtime target Lahm?soccerlens logo Manchester United set to move for longtime target Lahm?

It’s been a quiet summer thus far for Manchester United, but it looks like the dominoes will soon start falling.

United have already strengthened their defense with the future in mind with the signing of Chris Smalling from Fulham, but Sir Alex Ferguson could soon bolster the back line for the present. According to the Daily Mail, United are once again interested in Bayern Munich right back Philipp Lahm, a player who‘s been on their radar for the last couple of years.

Previously, United’s interest has been nothing more than that, but it appears that now is the perfect time for them to make a concrete move for the 26-year-old, who was Germany’s stand-in captain at the World Cup after Michael Ballack was ruled out due to injury. It’s been reported in the last couple of days that Bayern have made an approach for highly-rated Ajax right back Gregory Van der Wiel, and that news can only boost Ferguson’s confidence in finally being able to land Lahm.

However, there is one potential complication, as Bayern are interested in Park Ji-Sung, and any offer that United make could well need to include the versatile and dependable South Korean, who only signed a new contract last September.

But as invaluable as Park has been during his time at the club, he could stand to receive more regular starts at Bayern, so such a move could appeal to him, despite a previously stated desire to finish out his career at United.

Besides that, even if might not appear that right back is that pressing of a need, take a closer look, and it’s safe to say that United would be smart to take advantage of the perfect timing to land one of the best defenders in the game.

United aren’t exactly short on options at right back right now, with Gary Neville, Wes Brown, and Rafael da Silva all in the reckoning on the right. However, Neville’s career is winding down, and both he and Brown have been beset by injuries over the last few seasons. And Rafael, though he looks to be the right back of the future, isn’t quite ready to assume the full-time role as of yet.

With Bayern already having earmarked Van der Wiel to repalce Lahm, the door is open for United to pounce. And perhaps Fergie won’t have to park with Park after all, as Bayern could prefer a straight cash offer in order to help fund their move for the Dutch international.

“Manchester United set to move for longtime target Lahm?” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Transfer Rumors: Park to be makeweight in Man United move for Bayern’s Lahm?

July 15th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: Park to be makeweight in Man United move for Bayerns Lahm?Fiorentina Transfer Rumors: Park to be makeweight in Man United move for Bayerns Lahm?liverpool Transfer Rumors: Park to be makeweight in Man United move for Bayerns Lahm?

England

Lahm Deal No Walk In The Park?

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United could make a move for Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm, but any deal could hinge on whether or not United are willing to part with Park Ji-Sung, who is wanted by Bayern.

Analysis: With Bayern in pursuit of Ajax’s Gregory Van der Wiel, Lahm could be United’s for the taking if they really want him. Park has been a dependable squad member and stepped up in big moments on numerous occasions, but as the second leg of United’s Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern last season showed, having some experience and steadiness at right back can be a real difference maker.

Sunderland Swoop For Manchester Starlets

Sunderland are hopeful of finalizing a deal for young Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck within the coming days, and the club could also be set for a move for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Neither player looks to have a chance at many first-team opportunities at their respective clubs this coming season, so a move is in their best interests. Onuoha can be an immediate starter for Sunderland, Welbeck will greatly benefit from the chance to earn significant Premier League experience. And even if there’s a logjam at striker, Steve Bruce can find a place for him as a winger, so he should find opportunities there for the taking.

Birmingham Bid For Clyne

Birmingham City have made a bid of £1.25m for Crystal Palace right back Nathaniel Clyne. (The Sun)

Analysis: With Palace likely set for a battle to stay up this season, selling Clyne right now could be considered, given that being in League One wouldn’t do much for his value. However, he stands to have a lot more value to the club if he stays and helps their fight to stay up than if he leaves for what can be thought of as a rather small sum with his talent and potential in mind.

Wigan Loan Al-Habsi

Wigan have signed goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi on a season-long loan from Bolton. (The Sun)

Analysis: With the injury cloud always looming and ready to rain down on Chris Kirkland, it’s a smart move for Wigan to land another goalkeeper with Premier League experience. Al-Habsi performed well for Bolton in his extended spell of action in the 2007/08 season, and he could step in and do a job if needed.

Spain

Barcelona Target Bilbao Star

Barcelona are pondering a move for Atletico Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Martinez is one of the brightest prospects in Spanish football (which is saying a lot, considering the young talent they have), and he was a top target for Liverpool last summer. With Barca looking to meet frustration on the Cesc Fabregas front yet again, he makes for a fine backup option, but Barcelona’s financial situation could price them out of a move unless some sales can be made soon.

Aduriz Set For Valencia

Valencia have agreed a €4m fee for Mallorca striker Aritz Aduriz, who will underdog a medical at his prospective new home tomorrow. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: David Villa he is not, but he is a reliable scorer. Valencia will certainly miss Villa and Silva, but they will survive and flourish, thanks to old faces (Juan Mata, Joaquin, and Pablo) and newer ones. Alejandro Dominguez should be a significant contributor in his first full season at the club after coming from Rubin Kazan in January, and Aduriz and fellow new signing Alberto Costa will also do their part to make sure that the two Davids aren’t missed too much.

Atletico Eye Godin

Atletico Madrid are interested in Villarreal center back Diego Godin, who‘s coming off of an impressive World Cup performance for Uruguay. Villarreal could sell the 24-year-old if an offer around €15m comes in. (Goal.com)

Analysis: If there’s any area that Atletico need to spend big, it’s at the back. The addition of Godin wouldn’t be a cure-all for their defensive woes, but it would significantly boost their hopes of having an all-around successful 2010-11 campaign.

Italy

Juve Enter Fray For Forlan

According to Italian news reports, Juventus could be set to make a €20m bid for Atletico Madrid star and World Cup Golden Ball winner Diego Forlan. (Goal.com)

Analysis: It makes a lot more sense for Juve to make a run at Forlan instead of Edin Dzeko with numerous factors in mind. The only negative when it comes to a Forlan deal is his age, but when you’re capable of reaching a goal total as high or higher than your age, well, it’s just a number.

Milan Agree Papastathopoulos Deal

AC Milan and Genoa have come to an agreement over Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos. AC Milan will have the 22-year-old on loan next season and then sign him permanently for €7m next summer. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: Another much-needed step towards giving the squad a much younger look. Papastathopoulos (say it five times fast!) was a steady performer for a Genoa defense that was one of the worst in Serie A, and he has the potential to be a key cog in Milan’s back line for years to come.

Roma Look To Seal Burdisso Deal

After Inter Milan rejected their initial bid of €3.5m for defender Nicolas Burdisso, Roma are hopeful that an improved bid of €6m will be enough to land the Argentine international. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Inter may want €10m, but with Roma not having much room to maneuver in the transfer market right now, Inter shouldn’t find it hard to find a compromise over a player who Roma needs a lot more than they do at this point.

Fiorentina Close On Insua

Fiorentina have agreed a fee of £5m with Liverpool for left back Emiliano Insua. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Liverpool could’ve certainly benefited from having him in the side next season, but he should step in and be an immediate starter for Fiorentina.

“Transfer Rumors: Park to be makeweight in Man United move for Bayern’s Lahm?” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Transfer Rumors: Manchester rivals set to face off for Ibrahimovic?

July 15th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: Manchester rivals set to face off for Ibrahimovic?liverpool Transfer Rumors: Manchester rivals set to face off for Ibrahimovic?manchestercity Transfer Rumors: Manchester rivals set to face off for Ibrahimovic?

England

Manchester Move For Ibrahimovic?

The agent of Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to meet next week with officials from Manchester United and Manchester City. (Goal.com)

Analysis: It’d seem that the only way United would be able to work a deal out for him is if he significantly dropped his wage demands or if United went well above their current wage structure, neither of which I see happening. One can never say never, otherwise they wouldn’t be meeting with his agent, but I’d have to say that he’s bound for City or AC Milan.

United Target Not For Sale

Udinese president Giampaolo Pozzo says that winger Alexis Sanchez, who is a target of Manchester United and Roma, is not for sale this summer. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Sanchez made a big step from his first season at Udinese to his second, and he’ll be a big part of Udinese’s hopes to get back into Europe after last season’s surprising 15th place finish. If he continues his progress, I fully expect him to make a move next summer.

Fulham Want Fair Fee For Schwarzer

Arsenal have offered £2m for Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer, but that’s not going to cut it, as the Cottagers are looking for £4m for the experienced shot-stopper. (The Sun)

Analysis: 4m for a 37-year-old keeper might be considered a bit much, but given how long he’s been one of the best in the business, his importance to Fulham, and the fact that he still has plenty left in the tank, 4m isn’t really that much at all.

‘Pool Eye Park

According to the Sun, Liverpool are set to make a £6m bid for Monaco and South Korea star Park Chu-Young.

Analysis: Now, his numbers at Monaco might not blow you away, but there’s no doubt that he has the talent to be the next Korean success in the Premier League.

Birmingham Back For Babel

The Daily Star reports that Birmingham have rekindled their interest in Liverpool’s Ryan Babel, with an £8m bid set to be made soon.

Analysis: Roy Hodgson is still very much evaluating who he wants to keep and who he doesn’t, so he might yet decide that Babel still has a future at Liverpool. But with no guarantees as to how much Babel will figure into his plans, the need to raise funds for strengthening the squad, and an all-too-willing buyer in Birmingham, perhaps there will be less bumps in the road with this move this time around.

Fresh Sunderland Bid For Valdez

Sunderland have made a second bid for Borussia Dortmund striker Nelson Valdez. The 26-year-old, who started four of Paraguay‘s five World Cup games, is also receiving interest from PSV Eindhoven, among others. (The Mirror)

Analysis: If there is a Paraguayan striker that plays for Borussia Dortmund that Sunderland should be after, it’s Lucas Barrios, but he might be out of their price range.

Keinan Set For Blackpool

Israeli defender Dekel Keinan is set to undergo a medical ahead of signing a two-year deal with Blackpool. The 26-year-old recently had a trial with the newly promoted club, and he‘s set to become their first new acquisition of the summer. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: We’ll see how prominently he figures into Ian Holloway’s plans, but he has a great deal of experience on club and international level, including experience in Israel’s 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign and in the Champions League last season with Maccabi Haifa, which will prove valuable.

Italy

Milan Target Podolski

AC Milan executive Adriano Galliani says that the club could move for German forward Lukas Podolski, but it‘ll happen only if Klaas-Jan Huntelaar leaves the club this summer. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Considering Podolski’s propensity for profligacy on the club level in recent seasons, perhaps AC Milan might as well keep Huntelaar instead of giving Cologne a friendly cash injection.

Cavani Set For Napoli

Napoli have reportedly reached an agreement for Palermo striker Edinson Cavani. Napoli will take the Uruguayan on loan for the upcoming season and then pay €16m next summer to make the deal permanent. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Well, there are certainly no excuses for Napoli not making a serious push for a Champions League place (at the very least) and going deep in the Europa League. Defensively, they should be solid once again, but with one of the most dangerous front lines in Serie A, with Cavani, Lavezzi, and Quagliarella, we should see a lot fewer 0-0 and 1-1 draws (11 of those last season).

Germany

Bayern In For Van Der Wiel

Bayern Munich have made an approach for Ajax right back Gregory Van der Wiel, who‘s coming off of an impressive World Cup showing in the Netherlands‘ run to the final. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: This will only serve to increase speculation about the future of Philipp Lahm, who stands a good chance of leaving Bayern this summer, with Manchester United once again interested in him.

Surprise Contender For Campbell?

Newly promoted Bundesliga side St. Pauli have offered defender Sol Campbell a one-year deal worth €90k (£75k) per week. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: Well, I don’t see this one as being too likely to come to anything, though it’s certainly worth it to take a shot. Not a bad offer monetarily at all, and it wouldn’t tie him to the club even if they immediately go back down, but I imagine he wouldn’t want to jump into a relegation battle at this point in his career.

Wolfsburg Loan Cicero

Wolfsburg have signed Brazilian midfielder Cicero on loan. Cicero spent the last two seasons at Hertha Berlin, starting 61 games and scoring 10 goals and assisting on nine more. (ESPN Soccernet)

Analysis: Another solid signing for Wolfsburg. Cicero has been a quality performer in the Bundesliga over the last couple of seasons, and he was one of the bright spots in a dismal campaign for Hertha Berlin last season. He should step in and be an impact player from the outset for Wolfsburg.

Scotland

Rangers Swoop In For Eagles

Rangers have made an approach for Burnley winger Chris Eagles. The former Manchester United starlet scored two goals and assisted on three more in 20 Premier League starts last season. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: With Eagles out of contract next summer and not a sure thing to remain at Burnley past the end of that deal, it’s best to cash in now and at least get something back for him. And with Burnley back in the Championship after a Premier League season in which Eagles yo-yoed in and out of the starting lineup, the timing isn‘t bad.

USA

Henry Seals MLS Move

Thierry Henry has officially completed his move to Major League Soccer, as the New York Red Bulls have confirmed that they’ve signed the veteran striker to a multi-year deal. (ESPN Soccernet)

Analysis: Isn’t it only fitting that, given his longtime ties to Arsenal, that he’ll be making his debut in a friendly against Tottenham?

“Transfer Rumors: Manchester rivals set to face off for Ibrahimovic?” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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