Mourinho takes ‘ethical’ high ground over massive Pogba fee (really)
August 10 – Jose Mourinho has wasted no time getting under his rivals’ skin following the £89 million world record transfer of Paul Pogba to Manchester United.
Premier League
Hull City sale talks back on with Chinese group entering the bidding
August 10 – Hull City’s sale talks appear to be back on after the Allam family owners had announced that they had put negotiations on hold while they stabilised the club for the start of the Premier League season. The negotiations now appear to be with a Chinese group rather than the US consortium they were in talks with.
Ranieri commits to four more years of Leicester story
August 10 – Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri, who masterminded the club’s memorable Premier League success last season, has signed a new four-year contract.
Man Utd break records with £89m for Pogba. City fork out £47.5m for Stones
August 9 – World football’s record transfer fee has been smashed again after Paul Pogba’s return to Manchester United finally went through when the French international midfielder signed a five-year contract with the option to extend for a further year.
Chinese money debuts in Premier League with Guochuan Lai taking over West Brom
August 5 – West Bromwich Albion are the latest English side to fall into the hands of ambitious Chinese owners following the acquisitions of neighbouring Midlands clubs Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
No more Mr Nice Guy… Mourinho accused of bullying, again
August 5 – The new English season has not yet started but Jose Mourinho, back in the Premier League with Manchester United, is already causing controversy, hurting feelings and facing accusations of disrespect.
Premier League transfer spend hits £475m in July with Pogba deal to come
August 4 – Premier League clubs have spent £475 million in the month since the summer transfer window opened on 1 July, according to business analysts Deloitte, slightly down on the £515 million outlay at the same stage last year.
Hull Tigers eye-up Wales’ Coleman but told to keep claws off
August 3 – Newly promoted Hull City have had an approach to speak to Wales manager Chris Coleman about their managerial vacancy rejected by the Football Association of Wales.
Liverpool’s Sakho flies into more trouble as Klopp sends him home
July 28 – French defender Mamadou Sakho, who missed France’s Euro 2016 campaign after serving a 30-day suspension after a failed drugs test, is back in the news again for all the wrong reasons.
Manchester’s Beijing derby called off as Bird’s Nest pitch deemed unplayable
By Paul Nicholson
July 25 – The pre-season game between Manchester United and Manchester City in China, the first ever meeting of the two clubs outside England, has been called off after heavy rain has left the famous Bird’s Nest stadium pitch in Beijing unplayable.
US investors complete £100m buy into Swansea City
22 July – American owners of British football clubs have not always proved ideal bedfellows but Swansea City will hope for a different outcome after an American consortium completed the purchase of a controlling stake in the Premier League team.
Hull City put sale talks on hold as Bruce builds his team
July 21 – Premier League club Hull City, promoted back into the top tier after a year in the Championship, will be sold, but not just yet. Owner Assem Allam has put negotiations on hold until after the summer transfer window closes and while they recruit players for the upcoming season.
Does £32m Kante sale to Chelsea mark start of Leicester City break-up?
July 18 – The anticipated breakup of the Leicester City’s shock Premier League-winning squad has begun with French midfield lynchpin N’Golo Kante moving to Chelsea for a reported £32 million.
Premier League transfer money-go-round speeds up as clubs eye season start
By Andrew Warshaw
July 13 – The end of Euro 2016 means only one thing: the annual summer spending spree in Europe being stepped up, particularly in the Premier League where clubs are already splashing the cash to boost resources ahead of the most lucrative season on record in terms of television revenue.
Man City sign eSports starlet Kez to play for the club
July 8 – Manchester City have signed a new player. Kieran ‘Kez’ Brown will represent Manchester City in football gaming tournaments and fan events.