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Wales Online
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's Swansea City transfer news as club agree record deal for Lewis O'Brien
Tonight's Swansea City transfer news as club agree record deal for Lewis O'Brien The latest news from the Stadium Lewis O'Brien of Nottingham Forest (Image:) Here's your round-up of all the latest Swansea City news for Sunday, July 6. Wrexham 'agree deal' for O'Brien Wrexham have reportedly agreed a club-record fee for midfielder Lewis O'Brien. However, it's claimed the Dragons are struggling to meet the Nottingham Forest man's wage demands. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here. According to The Sun, Ryan Reynolds and co have lodged a £5m bid for O'Brien, with Forest seemingly keen on dropping their valuation of the player, which was understood to have previously been around £8m, in order to get an exit done. However, while the move would break Wrexham's transfer record, the club are reportedly struggling to meet O'Bren's wage demands. As such, the same report claims the move to north Wales is now in doubt, although he is unlikely to have a shortage of options this summer. Article continues below WalesOnline understands the Swans are still be keeping a close eye on developments, despite their recent capture of midfielder Ethan Galbraith, although the chances of them putting together an acceptable package at this point seem slim. Preston North End, Birmingham City and Southampton have also shown an interest in the midfielder this summer, along with Spanish giants Valencia. Hull City had previously lodged a bid similar to that of the Dragons, but their transfer embargo appears to have scuppered hopes of a move to Humberside. Boss makes Galbraith claim Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens has revealed that Ethan Galbraith turned down the advances of Huddersfield Town to join swansea-city-fc>Swansea City this summer. The Northern Irishman was confirmed as a Swans player on Friday evening, having previously been a figure of long-term interest in SA1. He was the subject of a failed deadline day bid back in January, with Orient batting away a bid understood to be around £750,000. Swansea appeared to cool their interest earlier in the summer, but Galbraith was still a man in demand, with both Huddersfield and Charlton Athletic making offers. However, as revealed by WalesOnline, Swansea reignited their interest in the 24-year-old and Wellens says a move to south Wales was always going to be the first choice for the midfielder, whom he's backed to go all the way to the Premier League. "He had a few clubs interested and I gave him the total choice of what he wanted to do," Wellens said. "Huddersfield came in, he didn't want to play in League One - he wanted to challenge himself in the Championship. "Charlton came in, he didn't want to go to Charlton because he didn't feel he fitted into their style of football. "Swansea came in, he feels he fits into their style of football. He's made his decision and we wish him all the best. He gets a move to play at a level he deserves to play at. I think ultimately he'll end up in the Premier League." Prats backs Galbraith to shine Swansea City legend Darren Pratley says the Jack Army are going to fall in love with Ethan Galbraith following the midfielder's move from East London. Pratley, who made 199 Swansea appearances between 2006 and 2011, played with Galbraith at Orient over the last two seasons. 'I think Ethan will be loved down there by the Jack Army,' he said. 'He is a brilliant player. He is versatile, he can play midfield or he can play right-back but push up into those midfield areas. 'He is very good technically, but he is also tenacious and will give his all. 'He is an international player, one of the best players I have ever played with, to be honest, even though I have only played with him these last couple of years. 'I am sure he will be great for Swansea, I am looking forward to seeing him play for a distance. 'I can't believe he has left because he doesn't want to be coached by me! But, in all seriousness, Swansea fans have got a great player there, and I know they will take him in and look after him. 'I wish him good luck as a Jack.' Pratley recently announced his retirement as a player, a move that will see him move into coaching at Brisbane Road, and Galbraith himself revealed he picked the 40-year-old's brains before making the move to the Stadium. 'I spoke to Darren Pratley, who is an absolute club legend,' Galbraith said. 'I spoke to Prats quite a bit over the last month and he had nothing but good things to say and he helped me make the decision as well. 'When you go to a new club you are always trying to find out bits and pieces but he was very positive.' Sign up to the Swansea City WhatsApp service to get breaking news and top stories sent to your phone. Youngster on trial at Cheltenham Swansea City attacking midfielder Ben Lloyd enjoyed a run out for Cheltenham Town on Friday night. The 20-year-old was one of four trialists involved in a pre-season friendly victory over Bishop's Cleeve, with Town running 4-1 winners on the night. Article continues below Lloyd is under contract at Swansea until next summer and his appearance is likely to be assessment ahead of a proposed loan move at the League Two club.
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Mourners to gather for Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota's wake after crash
Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva will be remembered at a wake in Portugal this morning, after the Liverpool forward died in a car crash in Spain on Thursday Mourners prepare to pay their respects to Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota, who will be honoured at a wake in Portugal on Friday morning, according to a local parish priest. The 28 year old father of three tragically passed away in a car accident in Spain, along with his brother Andre Silva. The devastating incident occurred after the Lamborghini they were in veered off the road and burst into flames, believed to be caused by a tyre blowout. The crash took place on the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria near Zamora at 12.40am on Thursday. Jose Manuel Macedo, the parish priest at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar in Sao Cosme, conveyed to PA news agency that the wake for the brothers is scheduled for 8am at the Capela da Ressurreicao, with their funeral to follow on Saturday at 10am at the Igreja Matriz. An outpouring of condolences from the football community and beyond emerged for the Portuguese striker on Thursday. Liverpool's manager Arne Slot expressed the club's profound shock, stating, "Diogo was not just our player,". "He was a loved one to all of us. I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be." Slot highlighted that Jota "never sought popularity" yet achieved it regardless, being a friend to all and having the ability to uplift others "just by being with them". He reminisced about the last conversation they had, where he wished Jota well for his forthcoming nuptials. "In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this," Slot expressed with deep sorrow. Slot remembered being struck by the Liverpool fans' anthem for Jota when he first joined the club, realising "straight away" the player's "special qualities". He said: "When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals and we will sing his song. For now, we grieve for a remarkable individual. He will always be in our hearts." The Portuguese Football Federation shared its devastation over the news, stating: "Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football." Police are probing whether a tyre blowout during an overtaking manoeuvre caused the Lamborghini to veer off the road, while authorities in Zamora are also considering "a possible speeding incident" as part of their investigation. The crash, which did not involve any other vehicles, left a trail of wreckage and burnt vehicle parts strewn along the roadside In the wake of the tragedy, Liverpool supporters began paying their respects at Anfield from Thursday morning, placing flowers and heartfelt notes such as "Thanks for everything, Diogo". Jota was a key figure in Liverpool's Premier League triumph in the 2024/25 season, contributing six goals in 26 matches. Having signed for Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, Jota lifted three major trophies with the club. Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of the Portugal national team, extended his deepest sympathies to Jota's family, expressing his wish for them to find "all the strength in the world" after the Liverpool striker's passing. Ronaldo's message on Instagram, translated into English, read: "Doesn't make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you." The Prince of Wales, who is also the patron of the FA, expressed his deep sorrow over Jota's passing, stating: "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him." Jota and his wife reportedly became a couple in 2013 and have since welcomed three children into their family – two boys and a girl born last November. The footballer often posted snapshots of his family life on Instagram, while his wife shared glimpses of their holidays in exotic locations like Dubai and Lapland. The family also includes three pet beagles. Just this Wednesday, Jota and Cardoso, aged 28, shared a video from their wedding day, captioning it: "A day we will never forget." Liverpool FC has set up both physical and digital books of condolence following the tragic events, inviting fans and the public to leave their tributes at the Anfield Road Stand reception or online at The club has also lowered flags to half-mast at the stadium and closed all club-related facilities until Monday, providing staff with wellbeing support during this difficult time.
Daily Mirror
04-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Man City transfer spree speaks volumes about 115 Premier League charges
On Friday, June 6, it will be six months since the independent commission received the final submissions in the hearing into the 115 charges against Manchester City. Those charges were first laid in February, 2023. After the commission went away to consider its verdicts, City have - understandably - carried on regardless. Business as usual. In fact, it has been business as usual … and then some. With confirmation of a £46.3million deal for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, City's spending on new recruits in 2025 has gone past the £200million mark. When negotiating contracts for their clients, did the agents of Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Reijnders ask about the impending verdicts on the allegations that City breached Premier League regulations? It is hard to think they did not. It is equally hard to believe the subject was not raised when Erling Haaland agreed a new nine-and-a-half year deal back in January. Presumably, the representatives of Rayan Cherki - Lyon's attacking midfielder - will mention the issue in the final stages of discussions over a big-money move to the Etihad. Ditto when it comes to the anticipated negotiations with Wolves wing-back Rayan Aït-Nouri. And it might even be raised when young, stellar talents - Sheffield Wednesday's 16-year-old striker Caelan Cadamarteri is the latest name to be linked - are being recruited for the academy this summer. Considering they are protesting their innocence on all charges, the City hierarchy was, of course, never going to do anything other than carry on regardless. But the longer the delay in announcing the independent commission's verdicts and the more business City conducts in the transfer market, it is hard to imagine any punishments coming their way having hugely significant consequences. Such was the number of charges, there was initial speculation that punishment could consist of a points deduction so severe that it would inevitably mean relegation. In the context of any outcome still being possible, that could still be the case. But the delay in reaching verdicts - verdicts that, presumably, could then be challenged - is only fuelling belief that an extreme sanction is unlikely. One thing about the verdicts, though, is that they have to come soon. Gary Neville labelled the delay a 'disgrace' and 'an absolute stain to the game' and while he is probably not giving enough consideration to the myriad legal complexities, he has a point. Pep Guardiola's City are about to travel to the Club World Cup - FIFA's new flagship version of the competition - as one of the two standard-bearers of the Premier League but with charges from that competition still hanging over them. The next Premier League season begins in just over a couple of months' time. Sure, the commission has a hugely difficult and complex task. We know how much legal might City have put into defending themselves. We also know the verdicts could have serious implications for the Premier League's system of financial governance. But if this delay goes on much longer - and if there is then an appeal by either side - the credibility of the whole process will be seriously questioned. And the Premier League cannot allow that to happen. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Premier League release statement on decision that denied Aston Villa goal vs Man Utd as club ready official complaint
Scroll down to watch the incident at Old Trafford VILLA VEXED Premier League release statement on decision that denied Aston Villa goal vs Man Utd as club ready official complaint Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Premier League have released a statement over Aston Villa's controversial disallowed goal. Villa thought they had gone in front in their crunch clash away at Manchester United on the final day of the season. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Morgan Rogers was penalised despite Altay Bayindir dropping the ball Credit: Getty 8 Rogers finished into the empty net for Aston Villa Credit: Reuters 8 The whistle had already gone too early Credit: PA 8 VAR were only able to confirm the mistake but not step in Credit: TNT Sports Morgan Rogers poked the ball away from United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir before finishing into an open net after Harry Maguire's header. But referee Thomas Bramall blew his whistle before the ball crossed the line. He thought Rogers had kicked the ball out of Bayindir's hands and therefore awarded a free-kick against the Villa man. However, replays showed Bayindir did not have the ball under control and the goal should have stood. READ MORE ON ASTON VILLA HAD A MAR Emi Martinez's Aston Villa 'farewell' ends in disgrace as he's SENT OFF However, the laws of the game state that a goal cannot be retrospectively awarded after the whistle has blown - even if done in error. VAR did take a brief look at the incident. But that was only to confirm the whistle had gone before the goal was scored - thus leaving the officials hamstrung. And the Premier League statement clarified the situation. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Their Match Centre account tweeted during the United vs Villa match: "72' - The referee's call was a free kick to Manchester United with Bayindir deemed to be in control of the ball before Rogers gained possession. "The whistle was blown by the referee before the ball entered the goal, therefore the incident was not reviewable by the VAR." Ruben Amorim vows 'good days are coming' after 'disaster season' as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apology To rub salt into the wounds for Villa - who were in fifth at the time of the referee controversy - United went up the other end and scored the opener through Amad Diallo. A Christian Eriksen penalty sealed a 2-0 home win as Villa had to settle for sixth and missed out on the Champions League on goal difference behind Newcastle - who lost at home to Everton. And the Premier League's statement did not do anything to tame ten-man Villa's fury - as SunSport understands the club will launch an official complaint over the appointment of an inexperienced ref for such an important match. Bramall has taken charge of league matches across the Premier League and Championship this term - with Sunday's Old Trafford game his 11th in the top flight. That took his Premier League tally to 30 - ironically, that is less than a third of the amount overseen by today's fourth official Bobby Madley. Captain John McGinn was raging after the game and said: "I think everyone wanted the correct decisions when the VAR was implemented. "You watch rugby, even if the referee has awarded a try and it's wrong, its overturned. "It's so so hard to take especially when the impact it has on us, as a club and a team, is so big. "It's really, really tough to take and handle. I don't think we deserved to win but if you were 1-0 up at that point and all you need is a point to get to the Champions League, it's costly. "Moving forward, the rule has to be looked at as the correct decisions were not getting made at the end of the day. I think [referee] Thomas [Bramall] knew. It probably wasn't fair on him at that moment either. The boys are gutted." Asked if the ref acknowledged his mistake, he said: "He didn't really know what to say. "Because of the impact it has on us as players and our careers, the club, you are obviously angry. I think he is a young referee who has progressed very quickly. "Maybe we could look at having more experienced referees. I don't know. It's just an incredible decision and makes today even worse than it should be." Villa manager Unai Emery added: "It was a mistake. A big mistake. "The match we played overall in 90 minutes with the red card and this goal disallowed, it was a key moment. But overall, they did more." Emery revealed he spoke with the referee after the game: "Yes, I told him but he knows it [he made a mistake]." 8 Replays showed Bayindir did not have the ball under control Credit: PA 8 Aston Villa raged at Thomas Bramall after his mistake Credit: Reuters 8 Unai Emery made his feelings and frustrations clear Credit: AFP
Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Balestier Khalsa's departing coach Peter de Roo urges FAS to get out of comfort zone to improve SPL
Balestier Khalsa coach Peter de Roo says there is a lack of effort from the football authorities in making the game better. ST PHOTO: LUTHER LAU SINGAPORE – For most of the last decade, Balestier Khalsa had become a team known for their defensive, uninspiring brand of football rather than flair or ambition. That perception has been turned on its head under Dutchman Peter de Roo, who became their full-time head coach in 2023. With one game left, Balestier are fourth on 45 points – three more than their next opponents, fifth-placed Albirex Niigata – and are just a point away from securing consecutive top-four finishes in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) – the first time the club has achieved this since 1997 and 1998. The 55-year-old has done this while having introduced a possession-based, attacking style of play that has won fans and plaudits alike. But the de Roo era will end on May 25, after their season finale against Albirex at Bishan Stadium (6pm), as he has informed the club that he will not be renewing his contract. His decision was prompted by several factors, including difficulties in taking the next step at a club that he felt has reached its maximum potential with 'limited resources'. De Roo said: 'We compete with clubs who have a much higher budget than us and in the top four, we are the only club that doesn't have national team players. 'When you are successful in a club like Balestier, the budget is not going to improve in the next season, but the players want to earn more money and the expectations go up. To stay at the same level or even improve in terms of the results, is going to be a massive challenge. 'Where I come from, if you do well, you generate more income, there are more people watching, you get more money from broadcast and commercial arms to improve the team and the salaries of players. Simply, if you do well, the budget goes up. At Balestier, it is not like that. I must accept that.' Noting that he has achieved his objective of making an impact at the club, he added: 'You better leave two months too early than stay for one day too long.' While he exits 'with pain in my heart, because I love these boys, I love the club', de Roo said he also felt the need to be honest as he felt there was so much untapped potential in football here. Without mincing his words, he added that the football authorities' lack of effort and innovation has also contributed to his decision to leave. 'I've been part of the SPL for three years and what I noticed is that there is a lack of effort from the people (in charge) in trying to make it better and more attractive. I see a lot of people who take things for granted here and are too comfortable,' said de Roo. He mentioned, for example, that on several occasions, he had raised the issue of time-wasting by SPL teams with FAS. This had contributed to dull matches and, by his own tabulation, a below average ball-in-play time of the 'low 40s'. The average ball-in-play time in the English Premier League is 57 mins. 'It is disrespectful to people who watch it, and it's certainly not what young players should be seeing. FAS can do a lot about these things as well. We must do better, and we owe it to the people who watch our games to address these things,' de Roo said, adding that more should also be done in terms of fan engagement. While admitting he did not have all the answers, he stressed the need for innovation. He said: 'We need to try to encourage and promote and make the competitions better, but I get the feeling that everybody is sort of being comfortable. Being comfortable isn't going to lead to anything. They need to think outside the box.' The departure of club vice-chairman Darwin Jalil in April had also played a part in his own exit. De Roo credited Darwin for raising the standard at the club and being a crucial figure behind the Tigers' growth in the last two years. De Roo, who served as technical director at the Football Association of Malaysia from 2017 until the end of 2020, had initially joined as Balestier's interim head coach for the last six matches of the 2022 season after Akbar Nawas left to join Thai second-tier side Udon Thani. But he eventually accepted an offer to stay on as permanent head coach for the 2023 season before agreeing to extend his contract again for the 2024-25 campaign. The Dutchman said he accepted the role even though the Tigers' best offer meant taking a pay cut of up to 60 per cent compared to his previous salaries. Since leaving his appointment in Malaysia, he has been based in Singapore, where his wife works at the Netherlands Embassy. For now, de Roo has not thought of the next step in his career, but reiterated that he has enjoyed being in the Republic and hopes to see changes to improve local football. He added: 'During my time here, I have studied the history of the country. Look at where Singapore was then in the 60s or in the 70s, and where they are now. You're so good at planning and building so many things. So to me, it is weird that we can't get football organised. 'If you can transfer that mindset of how the nation was built into football, things will improve.' Hougang United v Brunei DPMM (May 24, 6pm, Our Tampines Hub) While DPMM will be looking to finish the season and their Singapore sojourn with a sixth consecutive win in the league, the Cheetahs will be looking to end a five-game winless run. BG Tampines Rovers v Lion City Sailors (May 24, 6pm, Jalan Besar Stadium) The champions have a chance to assert their dominance over runners-up Tampines. Eight points separate the two sides, and their previous encounters this season have produced one win for each and a draw, setting the stage for a decisive showdown. Tanjong Pagar United v Geylang International (May 25, 6pm, Jurong East Stadium) The 2024-25 season's wooden spoonists have just three wins all season, but they can draw confidence from their lone victory in the past 14 matches – a 1-0 win over Geylang in the Singapore Cup group stage back in March. Deepanraj Ganesan is a sports journalist at The Straits Times focusing on football, athletics, combat sports and policy-related news. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
