Football news LIVE: Liverpool announce Mac Allister, Declan Rice to leave West Ham, Lionel Messi confirms Inter Miami move
talkSPORT.com brings you all the latest football news, views and transfer gossip from the Premier League and beyond.
Top stories:
- West Ham celebrate Europa Conference League victory
- Liverpool announce Alexis Mac Allister signing
- David Sullivan confirms Declan Rice has played his last game for West Ham
- Lionel Messi confirms he will join Inter Miami
- Real Madrid agree deal to sign Jude Bellingham
Reports in Spain claim Eden Hazard is nearing a decision on retiring from football.
The former Real Madrid forward was released by the club after an incredibly underwhelming and injury-hit spell.
Rated as one of the best players in the world at Chelsea, his transfer was worth a reported £130million by some outlets.
Hazard, 32, retired from international duty after Belgium’s disastrous performance at the 2022 World Cup.
Mundo Deportivo say that Hazard wants to continue living in Madrid with his family where he is happy, which is bringing him closer to calling time on his career.
Jude Bellingham has passed his Real Madrid medical, and his move from Borussia Dortmund should be announced imminently.
AS.com report that checks on a knee injury that kept Bellingham out of Dortmund’s title run-in have been proved to not be a concern.
The move for the 19-year-old England international is worth a reported €103million with €30m in variables.
Karim Benzema has explained his reasons for joining Al Ittihad.
The Real Madrid and France legend completed a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia, surprising much of the football world.
But in his first interview since the move, he’s explained why it stood out to him.
“I feel good, I’m happy to join a legendary club,” he said. “It’s going to be a new challenge, a new life, I can’t wait to start training.
“It’s a top club in Saudi Arabia, with a lot of passion from the fans and a lot of trophies. Why Saudi Arabia? I’m a Muslim, it’s a Muslim country and I want to live there.
“There is Cristiano Ronaldo, a friend, it’s good to find him again and it also shows that Saudi Arabia is starting to rise more and more at the world level. That’s what is important”, continues the Frenchman.
“It’s different from Europe but I’ve been to Saudi Arabia before, I feel good. It’s a Muslim country, which is beautiful, and that’s where I want to be.
“It is important to be in a Muslim country where I already feel that people love me, it will allow me to have a new life. I want to speak the Arabic language fluently, for me it is important.
“There are lots of other things. I’m lucky to be in Saudi Arabia, Mecca is close, I’m a believer so it’s important for me. I’m in my place, that’s where I’m going feel the best. When I spoke with my family, they were all very happy, they are all going to become. I know that our place is in Saudi Arabia.”
Erling Haaland can’t wait to take on Inter Milan.
The Manchester City striker has been speaking to uefa.com ahead of the final on June 10.
“It will be special,” he said. “I’ve always dreamed of playing in the Champions League final and it will be an honour to play in this match. But there’s also a job to do.
“We’ve had an incredible season but we have to finish it in the best way possible. I know we’re all going to give it everything to win this final. We will have to be at our best against a very good Inter side and we’re excited to get out onto the pitch.”
Outgoing Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans is wanted by Roma.
The Italian side are looking for free transfers to bolster their team after losing the Europa League final to Sevilla.
Tielemans is departing the King Power Stadium at the expiration of his contract, with the relegated side not offering a new deal.
A Belgian international, Tielemans had been regularly linked to Arsenal, but may join Jose Mourinho in Italy.
Football prosecutors want to charge Ajax’s Steven Berghuis with a three-game ban for hitting a supporter.
The proposed punishment was established after the Dutch star lashed out at a Twente fan after coming off the team bus.
The Dutch FA said in a statment: “The prosecutor takes into account in the settlement proposal that Berghuis as a player has an exemplary function, but also that he was provoked by grossly insulting statements.”
Fabio Capello has issued a warning to English players planning to move abroad.
With Jude Bellingham’s £89million move to Real Madrid all but confirmed, more Englishmen could be on the way.
Harry Kane has been linked as a replacement for Karim Benzema, while in Italy Ruben Loftus-Cheek could join Fikayo Tomori as AC Milan.
Discussing the trend, Capello, who managed David Beckham at Real Madrid, said: “When they play in England they do it 100 per cent, but when they go out it’s something else. They don’t seem happy. The key is that they’re not used to the media pressure we have in Italy or Spain”.
Crystal Palace have poached Jefferson Lerma for Bournemouth on a free transfer.
The Eagles have announced a signing on a three-year deal, with Lerma joining at the end of his current contract on July 1.
In 184 appearances across five seasons the 28-year-old Colombian was key on the south coast, helping secure top flight survival this season.
Newcastle are tracking Manchester United target Kim min-jae, talkSPORT understands.
Napoli centre back Kim has a £42m release clause, which United boss Erik Ten Hag is keen to activate.
The South Korean international has just come off the back of a Serie A winning season, attracting plenty of interest across Europe.
A total of 23 West Ham and Fiorentina fans have been arrested after fighting at the Europa Conference League.
Czech police confirmed the number, as per Corriere dello Sport.
West Ham had condemned supporters earlier in the day for throwing objects on the pitch, one of which struck Cristiano Biraghi and drew blood.
Xavi Hernandez has said it was Lionel Messi’s decision not to join Barcelona.
The Barca boss also explained why the club great chose Inter Miami.
“I’ve noticed a change in Messi in recent days, weeks,” he said. “Perhaps I didn’t see it so clearly in recent weeks. You have to respect him.
“You have to put yourself in his situation, you have to have empathy. And being a Leo shouldn’t be easy, he’s always in focus because he has to be a ’10’ in everything He never has peace of mind. He saw that these last two years he has not had a good time and now he is looking for peace of mind.
“We have talked a lot. All parties were excited. The club and him, but sometimes the circumstances do not They help to make things happen. But he wants a quieter and more family life. It’s a personal decision and you have to respect it. He’s the best player in history”
Kevin De Bruyne insists the thought of achieving football immortality isn’t what motivates him ahead of the Champions League final.
De Bruyne told talkSPORT: “To be honest I don’t really care, I just want to win the game.
“There’s always people who talk about it and do that stuff but I just want to win the game on Saturday and be the best player I can be and help the team win.
“Obviously whatever happens after people will speak about it whether we win or lose. I’m pretty happy with what’s occurred over the last eight years, it’s been incredible.”
Pep Guardiola will be desperate to add the Champions League to his Man City trophy cabinet, with the European crown being the one major trophy that has so far eluded him in England.
Asked what victory will mean for the head coach, the midfielder said: “Like everyone it will mean a lot because we’ve been trying for so, so long.
“What it’d mean for him personally I have no idea, he’s already won it! I’ve not done it yet.
“The impact that he had on the club and football in general is immense so I don’t think we can put into words what he’s done for football. A lot of teams have changed the way they’ve played because of him so that speaks for itself.”
Zinedine Zidane has turned down the chance to manage Paris Saint-Germain for the second time.
Le Parisien claim the former Real Madrid coach was approached to replace the sacked Christophe Galitier, but said no.
This is the second occasion in recent years he’s turned them down, with another unsuccessful approach in late 2021.
When asked about the rumours at a recent event, Zidane replied: “You surprise me with your question. Me, for the moment, I have nothing planned.”
PSG are instead in negotiations with former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann.
Barcelona manager Xavi has rubbished reports of a return for Neymar.
Earlier transfer rumours claimed the Brazilian, who looks set to leave PSG, would take a significant salary cut to return to Barca.
Asked about those claims on Jijantes, Xavi confirmed the desire for a move is only coming from one side.
“This is a surprise what is being said about Neymar,” he said. “In theory he is not in the planning. I appreciate it very much but there are other priorities. The sports area already knows all the names.”
Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso branded West Ham fans animals after losing the Europa Conference League final.
It was a fiery match both on and off the pitch with Fiorentina fans attacking Hammers supporters before the match.
Cristiano Biraghi was then struck with a missile from West Ham fans during the match, leaving him covered in blood.
Commisso said: “I expected a victory, but there were some cases on the pitch where the referee should have done better. Jovic with a broken nose, the other one is Biraghi. I spoke to the Premier League president and I told him that they are all ‘animals’ there for the way they treated our players.“
Alexis Mac Allister has said goodbye to Brighton following his move to Liverpool.
The Argentine World Cup winner has completed a £35million move to Anfield which could rise to £55m in add-ons.
Departing the AmEx four years after signing, he said he’d always support the club.
Writing on Instagram, he said: “It’s time to say goodbye to the club that opened the doors for me and gave me such amazing moments. I never thought I was going to live what I have lived in these 3 and a half years, but this club gave me that opportunity and I’ll be forever grateful.
“First of all, I’d like to thank every person who was part in this journey, Tony Bloom, Paul Barber and managers, Graham and Roberto with all their staff; and most importantly, the players, so beautiful memories and so much learnt from them! And everybody who works at the club, who are the least seen but who work the hardest, so we can enjoy everyday, and the team can achieve big goals.
“Finally, a special mention to all the fans, your support and respect during this time have been incredible. As well as your welcome after the World Cup, I will never forget it!
“I don’t have any doubts that this team is going to achieve many important things, because they have the football skills and human quality to do it.
“I’ll always watch you and support you (except when I play against you)
“THANKS A LOT SEAGULLS! You will always have a special place in my heart!”
Sergio Rico’s wife has offered an update on the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeepers health.
It’s been 10 days since the Spaniard was admitted to intensive care after suffering head injuries in a horse riding accident.
The hospital previously said he was in a ‘serious but stable’ condition, and have now said his condition ‘evolves favourably’.
His wife added that he “responds to certain stimuli” and that he is “struggling”.
Cristiano Ronaldo believes he ‘opened a box’ by moving to Saudi Arabia, with former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema since following.
Ronaldo joined the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr in December, and he will be competing against Benzema next season who has now joined Al Ittihad.
Discussing the deal, Ronaldo said: “I knew that me going to Saudi Arabia would open a box and I wasn’t wrong. I’m sure in a couple of years or three, this league is going to be one of the most important leagues in the world.”
Brighton’s owner Tony Bloom and manager Roberto De Zerbi have expressed their best wishes to Alexis Mac Allister.
The Argentine has left the Seagulls in a £35million move to Liverpool.
Departing four years on from signing, Mac Allister leaves as a World Cup winner and a Brighton great.
De Zerbi said: “I’m proud to have been Alexis’s coach; he is a very talented player. It has also been a privilege to work with a guy who has strong and traditional values, and I want to wish him good luck for the future.”
Bloom added: “We are incredibly proud of Alexis and we are sad to see him go. He did something very special, becoming the first Brighton & Hove Albion player to win the World Cup, and was a key player in our best-ever season.
“He will always be welcome here at the Amex and in the city. On behalf of all Albion fans, I would like to thank Alexis for the many amazing memories and superb performances in a Brighton shirt and wish him well for the next chapter in his career.”
David Sullivan has confirmed to talkSPORT that David Moyes will stay as West Ham manager.
The Europa Conference League-winning coach has a year left on his current deal, increasing speculation over his future.
Poor Premier League form also suggested the Scot could be at risk, but Sullivan says those fears are unwarranted.
“We believed in him,” he said. “We came in for a lot of pressure from supporters, the press and everyone who seemed mad on making changes but we believe in honouring contracts.
“David had a contract with us and has a contract with us until next summer and next summer we’ll look at it again.
“Until then, if he wants to remain as manager then he will remain as manager of West Ham.”
Liverpool have announced their signing of Alexis Mac Allister.
The World Cup-winning midfielder has joined from Brighton in a £35million deal with a potential further £20m in add ons.
Taking Sadio Mane’s vacant no.10 shirt, he told Liverpoolfc.com: “It feels amazing. It’s a dream come true, it’s amazing to be here and I can’t wait to get started.
“I wanted to be in [from] the first day of pre-season, so it’s good that everything is done. I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates.
“It was a fantastic year for me – World Cup, what we achieved with Brighton – but now it’s time to think about Liverpool and try to be a better player and a better human being every day.”
Celebrity West Ham fan Russell Brand has told talkSPORT his dad broke a rib celebrating the Europa Conference League triumph.
The Hammers took home their first major trophy since 1980 with victory in Prague, and there were jubilant celebrations across London.
Returning to the talkSPORT studios, Brand said: “I was there with my dad and all my mates that are West Ham fans, my dad broke his ribs, in fact it might be worse than that, he’s not answered his phone this morning.
“He broke his ribs celebrating, he got knocked into a pew, I hope he’s OK.”
Neymar is happy to take a salary cut in order to return to Barcelona.
That’s according to the latest from Sport, who claim the LaLiga side are now looking at a plan B after failing to bring back Lionel Messi.
The priorities for Xavi are reportedly a goalscorer to support Robert Lewandowski, midfielder to replace Sergio Busquets, and Neymar would be willing to take a wage cut to leave PSG and fill the first role.
West Ham owner David Sullivan confirms Declan Rice has played his last game for the club.
Speaking after the Europa Conference League victory, Sullivan exclusively told talkSPORT: “I think it has to be [his last game].
“We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going.
“You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season.
“In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement – or several replacements.
“It’s not something we want to happen. We offered him £200,000-a-week 18 months ago. He turned it down.
“It’s cost him £10million to stay at West Ham in that time (in lost wages). And he wants to go.
“You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.”
David Moyes is absolutely loving life.
The latest footage released from the West Ham dressing room following their Europa Conference League final win shows just how overjoyed the Scot was with his first-ever major trophy win.
Dancing along to Scottish group The Proclaimers, Moyes is seen joyously being egged on by his players.
