Month: August 2021

Liverpool: Defender Andy Robertson signs new five-year deal at Anfield

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Since arriving at Liverpool from Hull City in 2017, Robertson has gone onto make 177 appearances for the Reds

Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has signed a new deal with the club which runs until the summer of 2026.

The 27-year-old Scotland captain moved to Merseyside from Hull City in July 2017 for an initial fee of ยฃ8m and is closing in on 200 appearances for the Anfield club.

Robertson joins Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Alisson and Virgil van Dijk in extending his stay with Liverpool this summer.

On the announcement, Robertson told Liverpoolfc.com: “Obviously when the negotiations started and it looked as if my future was going to be here longer term than what it was, then I think it’s no secret that I’m happy at this club.

“I want to stay at this club for as long as possible and to extend my stay, it’s always a happy time for me, for my family.

“We’re settled here, we love everything about this football club and I’m glad that the journey is continuing.”

Robertson has won the Premier League, Champions League, Fifa Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup during his time at the North West based outfit.

His start to this campaign has been hampered by ankle ligament damage he suffered in a pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao.

It meant that he had to miss Liverpool’s first two games of the Premier League season – which were victories over Norwich City and Burnley.

Earlier this month, Robertson said the injury was “nothing too major” and he has since been named in Scotland’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers next month, which comes Liverpool’s match against Chelsea on Saturday, which kicks off at 5:30pm.

Martin ร˜degaard: Norwegian midfielder joins Arsenal on a permanent deal for a fee of ยฃ30m

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ร˜degaard initially joined Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid in January and made 20 appearances for the Gunners

Arsenal have completed the signing of Martin ร˜degaard from Real Madrid on a permanent deal.

The Norway international, who joins for an initial ยฃ30m plus bonuses worth around ยฃ4m, was in London on Wednesday undergoing a medical after Arsenal and Real Madrid reached an agreement.

The 22-year-old spent the second half of the 2020-21 campaign on loan with the Gunners after failing to break into the Real Madrid team under Zinedine Zidane, and now returns to the Emirates Stadium on a five-year deal.

He made 20 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice in that time and one of those goals came in the north London derby win over Tottenham in March.

ร˜degaard – who will wear the No 8 shirt – will be unavailable for Arsenal’s Premier League clash with London rivals Chelsea on Sunday, as he waits for visa clearance.

Asked what the 22-year-old will add to his squad, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “A lot of things that he brought last season. He made us better, we needed more options and alternatives for creativity.

“He is still a really young man but he has huge experiences in clubs already and has unique talents for the way we want to play so I am really pleased the club have made the effort.”

The Norwegian joined Real Madrid from Stromsgodset in 2015 but only made eight league appearances for the Spanish side. Prior to joining Arsenal, ร˜degaard also spent time on loan at Dutch sides Heerenveen and Vitesse as well as Spanish club, Real Sociedad.

Leeds United: Striker Patrick Bamford signs new five-year deal at Elland Road

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Since joining Leeds United in 2018 Bamford has made over 100 appearances for the West Yorkshire based side

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has signed a new five-year deal, keeping him at The Peacocks until the summer of 2026.

The 27-year-old has made 111 appearances for Leeds United, scoring 43 goals in that time.

Bamford joined The Whites in 2018 from Middlesbrough in a deal worth around the region of ยฃ10m.

After putting pen to paper on his new deal, Bamford toldย LUTV: “It was something that was spoken about at the end of last season, I wanted to try and get it sorted as soon as possible before this season started.

“It dragged on a bit because of the Euros, everyone was busy. It took a bit of time but I’m really happy to finally have tied down my long-term future.

“As a person, I’m always wanting to improve and am always chasing something else. It’s almost like we’re growing at the same rate. The club wants to get back to where it was, hopefully reaching Europe at some point, but that’s my ambition as well.

“So while they are matching, it is obviously perfectly suited.”

Last season’s form was not enough to be considered in England’s European Championship squad for Bamford, who is yet to receive an international cap at senior level, and the former Chelsea forward has made his intentions clear on breaking into Gareth Southgate’s side.

Bamford added: “I always set myself targets and there are things that I would like to achieve before leaving football. And they [European football and an England call-up] are two of them.

“But the main thing is to keep pushing on and being ambitious and seeing how far we can get in terms of a team and individually.”

Bamford could face Everton in Leeds’ second league game of the season on Saturday, following last weekend’s heavy 5-1 loss against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

However, ย Diego Llorente and Kalvin Phillips are both unavailable for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Southampton: Captain James Ward-Prowse signs new five-year contract at St Mary’s

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Since making his Southampton debut in October 2011, James Ward-Prowse has made over 300 appearances for the Saints

Southampton captain James-Ward Prowse has committed his long-term future to the Hampshire based side by signing a new five-year deal.

The academy graduate has made 323 appearances for Southampton across all competitions, scoring 33 goals in that time since making his debut aged 16 in October 2011.

Speaking to the club website, Ward-Prowse said: โ€œIโ€™m over the moon. I think Iโ€™m probably the happiest man in the world right now. To come to this decision, I think has been massive and is a big step forward.

โ€œTo commit my future again to this football club is something Iโ€™m incredibly proud of and a new chapter begins now for me.

โ€œItโ€™s probably the first time in my career that Iโ€™ve had that link away and that talk, but I think I was very keen to sit down and talk to the club and itโ€™s worked both ways; theyโ€™ve sat down and told me their admiration for me and the way they want me to lead the team โ€“ and this club has done so much for me, I canโ€™t put into the words the opportunities and chances that theyโ€™ve given me and Iโ€™m incredibly grateful for the club for doing that.

โ€œIโ€™m not finished yet here, I still have a lot left to give to this football club and I want to be there leading this team and ensuring I can give everything back and repay that faith the club have shown in me since I was eight-years-old.โ€

Ward-Prowse received his first England call-up in March 2017 and was part of Gareth Southgate’s 33-man provisional squad for this summer’s Euro 2020 tournament, although did not make the final 23-man squad.

The decision to stay at Southampton – despite interest from other Premier League sides – was a “big step forward”.

Southampton are next in action on Sunday afternoon as they face Manchester United at St Mary’s Stadium and that game kicks off at 14:00PM BST.

Leicester City: Winger Harvey Barnes signs new four-year deal to remain at the King Power Stadium

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Since making his Leicester debut in December 2016, Barnes has gone onto make over 100 appearances for the Foxes

Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes has signed a new deal to commit him to the club until 2025.

The academy graduate has made 101 appearances for Leicester City across all competitions, scoring 21 goals in that time.

Barnes joined the East Midlands outfit at the age of nine, and went onto make his professional debut against FC Porto in the Champions League in December 2016.

Speaking to the clubs website, Barnes said: “Iโ€™ve been here for so many years now, it feels like home. For me, it was a no-brainer. Of course, I wanted to extend my stay here.

โ€œItโ€™s been something thatโ€™s been going on in the background and to sign now is great. Itโ€™s right at the start of a new season as well, which I know everyone is excited about.โ€

The 23-year-old helped Brendan Rodgers’ side to their maiden FA Cup Final triumph in May, and earlier this month he added the FA Community Shield to his trophy haul.

Barnes also made his England debut last October, coming on as a late substitute for Jack Grealish in a 3-0 friendly win against Wales.

England V India: Tourists take 1-0 series lead in pulsating final day at Lord’s

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Virat Kohli is the third Indian captain to win a test match at Lord’s after Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni
Second LV= Insurance Test, Lord’s (day five of five)
India 364 (Rahul 129, Anderson 5-62) & 298-8 (Rahane 61)
England 391 (Root 180*) & 120 (Siraj 4-32)
India won by 151 runs
Scorecard

England produced one of their poorest home performances in recent years to lose the second Test against India by a 151 run margin at Lord’s.

From a position where they started the final day as minimal favourites, England’s bowling was flashed all round the ground by the India tail before their batting faltered as the hosts slipped to 120 all out.

Shami got to his fifty after dispensing Moeen Ali into the stands for 6.

Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah – two actual tailenders – shared a ninth-wicket stand of 89 in front of some boisterous Indian support.

Shami had reached 56 not out and Bumrah an unbeaten 34 when India declared on 298-8 just after lunch, setting England an unlikely 272 to win the game or 60 overs to see out the day.

Kohli calls his sides innings to a close as they finished 298-8, and a lead of 271

In reply, England were 1-2 after openers Rory Burns and Dom Sibley were both dismissed without scoring and hope quickly vanished when Jonny Bairstow then, crucially, captain Joe Root were out in the space of four balls either side of tea.

Root was out second ball after tea as the hosts began to struggle to save the test match

Jos Buttler, who faced 96 balls for 25, chewed up 16 overs with Moeen Ali and 12 with Ollie Robinson, either side of Sam Curran completing an unwanted king pair.

But, Robinson and Buttler fell in the space of four deliveries, before Mohammed Siraj bowled last man James Anderson to end with 4-32 and put a rampant India 1-0 with three Tests to play.

Siraj clean bowled Jimmy Anderson as India blew the hosts away at the home of cricket

Abysmal England sink to new low

Disappointing England Test performances have become a recurring theme, especially away from home. They have also been bowled out for 85 and 60 at home by Ireland and Australia respectively, however they managed to win both of those matches.

What makes this defeat so poor is the way in which they threw away a genuine chance of victory, one which came after they were second best in the drawn first Test and allowed India to reach 276-3 on day one here.

Their tactics during the Shami-Bumrah stand were completely baffling. Perhaps sucked in by the emotion of James Anderson being peppered by Bumrah on the the third evening, England targeted the man rather than the stumps. By the time the changed the plan, it was too late.

Not only that, but the fractious nature of the contest – there were numerous verbal exchanges between the two sides – seemed to energize India, while England faltered.

Buttler and Root exchanged words with Bumrah as things started to get heated in the middle

However, when England came to bat to save the match on a pitch only showing an occasional sign of uneven bounce, they were taken to the cleaners, much to the delight of the raucous India fans inside a very atmospheric Lord’s.

England are now without a win in seven Tests and must find a response when the sides meet again at Headingley on 25 August. India, on the other hand, will be very hard to stop.

What the captains said

England captain Joe Root:

India captain Virat Kohli:

Premier League: Newly promoted Brentford beat Arsenal 2-0 at Brentford Community Stadium

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Christian Nรธrgaard’s header was his first league goal in English football – after failing to find the back of the net in 59 Championship appearances

Brentford celebrated their return to the top tier after a 74-year hiatus with a stunning victory over a wasteful Arsenal side as they opened their Premier League campaign in the best way possible.

Thomas Frank’s side were magnificent on a night of pure emotion at the Brentford Community Stadium, making a superb start to the season, but inflicting serious pain on the Gunners in a sobering 90 minutes for the visitors.

Brentford took to life in the big time with ease and fully deservedly took the lead after 22 minutes when Sergi Canos drove low past keeper Bernd Leno at the near post, although Arsenal complained bitterly that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.

Brentford players mob Sergi Canos after scoring the opening goal against Arsenal

Emile Smith Rowe was the only Gunners player who rose above the lack of inspiration for Arsenal, forced a save out of Brentford keeper David Raya – who also superbly kept out Nicolas Pepe’s effort in the latter stages – before the home fans exploded in noise and elation when they scored a second with 17 minutes left.

Nรธrgaard heads in Brentford’s second much to the delight of the home supporters

Arsenal, who lacked the duo of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang through illness, paid the price for a terrible attempt to stop substitute Mads Sorensen’s routine long throw. New ยฃ50m defender Ben White was particularly guilty as Christian Nรธrgaard ghosted in to head home from close range.

Brentford’s supporters, celebrated ecstatically at the full time whistle, however this was a result and performance that instantly turns the focus on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as he seriosuly needs an improvement on last season.

17,000 Brentford fans were packed inside the stadium to witness their sides first win back in the English top-flight

Arsenal felt there was a foul by Bees captain Pontus Jansson on Leno in the build-up to the second goal, but the visitors’ out of character defending lead to Sky Sports commentator Jamie Carragher to say: “How would you describe Arsenal’s defending here? It’s just Arsenal. Weak, bullied. New season, same old story.”

However a new chapter of Brentford’s history was written as they managed the tide of emotion to get their first Premier League campaign off to the best possible start with a display that lacked any errors whatsoever.

What’s Next?

Brentford travel across London to Selhurst Park to take Crystal Palace next Saturday at 3pm, while Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium a week on Sunday and that encounter kicks off at 4.30pm.

Newcastle United: Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock joins on a six-year deal

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Willock initially joined Newcastle on loan from Arsenal in January and scored eight goals in 14 league matches for Steve Bruce’s side

Newcastle have sealed the signing of Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock on a permanent six-year deal.

The 21-year-old is ineligible for the Magpies’ opening league fixture against West Ham United on Sunday, however he will available for Newcastle’s away trip to Aston Villa on August 21.

The deal is in excess of ยฃ20m after a successful loan spell during the second half of the 2020-21 season.

Talking to Newcastle United’s website following his permanent return, Willock said: “There is no better club for me at the moment to come to and make that step than Newcastle.

“He [Steve Bruce] called me a lot, he was filling me with loads of confidence and just speaking to me on a level that I like to speak on.

“He’s a very nice man, a very trustworthy man. He is someone I trust a lot and I feel like that was a big part of why I came here as well.”

Bruce said: “We have had to be patient and persistent, but it has been worth the wait to bring Joe back.

“I want to thank Lee Charnley in particular for the work he has put in to make the deal happen. The club have gone above and beyond to make it possible.

“Joe is a wonderful young player with all the attributes you want in a midfielder, and he certainly proved that during his time with us last season.

“This is a move I know our supporters really wanted us to make, and I know they will join me in giving Joe a very warm welcome back to St James’ Park.”

Willock said he was “buzzing” to be returning to Newcastle and will be in contention for their trip to Aston Villa on August 21.

“I loved my time here last season and I’m really happy to be back and to be a Newcastle United player,” he added.

“Leaving Arsenal is obviously a big step, and I’d like to thank everyone involved with the club for all their support over the years, but this is the right move to the right club at the right time for me.

“I only got one chance to play in front of a smaller number of Newcastle fans as a home player last season, so I can’t wait to step out in front of a packed St James’ Park and experience that atmosphere.”

Leeds United: Goalkeeper Illan Meslier signs new five-year deal until 2026

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Since initially joining Leeds United on loan in August 2019, Meslier has gone onto make 46 appearances during his time at Elland Road

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has put pen to paper on a new contract with the club which runs until the summer of 2026.

The 21-year-old, who initially joined Leeds on loan from Lorient in August 2019 has since established himself as Marcelo Bielsa’s first choice goalkeeper at the West Yorkshire based outfit.

Meslier’s original deal was due to expire in 2023, but he joins manager Marcelo Bielsa in committing his future at Elland Road.

He appeared in 35 league games last season, keeping 11 clean sheets as the Peacocks – enjoying their first season back in the Premier League since 2004 – finished ninth.

Speaking to the clubs website, Meslier said: “I’m so proud. I’m very happy to sign a new deal with Leeds, a big club, so it was natural to sign and I have no doubts.

“I have the chance to play in the Premier League at 21, which is not a given for everyone and I feel very happy to play every weekend against big teams.

“Last season I discovered the Premier League, I was young for a goalkeeper, so this season I have to confirm the challenge and take the opportunity the club has given me.

“I will give the maximum of myself and keep working every day with the goalkeeper coaches, it’s an important season for me and the rest of the team too.

“We work hard every day with Marcelo to try and get the best out of ourselves, we were not surprised to finish ninth last season, but we know this season will be difficult because the teams know us now, so we have to work more to try and have another good season.

“This club is unbelievable, the stadium is full all of the time and you feel the atmosphere of the fans and we play football everybody likes.

“I can’t wait to play in the Premier League with Elland Road full.”

Liverpool: Defender Virgil van Dijk signs new contract until 2025

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Since arriving at Anfield in January 2018 van Dijk has made 130 appearances across all competitions, scoring 13 times along the way

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has penned a new deal with the club that runs until the summer of 2025.

The 30-year-old, who’s original contract was scheduled to run until 2023, joins Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho and Alisson in committing their immediate futures at Anfield.

He appeared in just five league games last season, as he picked up an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Everton in October.

Van Dijk, who decided to focus on pre-season with Liverpool instead of representing the Netherlands at Euro 2020, said he was “delighted, very happy and proud” to sign a new deal.

“Where I am today, how I feel today, as a very senior, important player for the team and for the club,” added the Netherlands centre-back, who has made 130 appearances for Liverpool. “That’s just a fantastic feeling and why I definitely feel at home here.”

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: “Imagine if we had to buy this boy now. Thank God we only had to give him a new contract.”