Posts written by Benjamin Hannani

News in brief

TUES Jan. 11 (AM): Beckham, England, and Transfers

Following plenty of hype, David Beckham seemed fine in his first training session with Tottenham. How long he’ll be with the Hotspurs is in question, though, as there are ongoing negotiations with the Galaxy for a permanent deal.

Sepp Blatter shares his thoughts on why England’s bid failed and they have nothing to do with the BBC corruption investigation.

Transfers and a unique fixture after the jump (more…)

News in brief

MON Jan. 11 (PM): Ballon D’Or, La Liga, MLS, and EPL

The ballots are in: Lionel Messi beat out his Barca teammates Iniesta and Xavi for the 2010 Ballon d’Or award. This is the second consecutive year that Messi has been bestowed with the honor, becoming the first repeat winner of the award since Ronaldinho’s recognition in 2004 and 2005.

After being sidelined for five months with a knee injury, Kaka is ready to get back on the pitch and stay with Real Madrid. In other words, “He will stay with Real,” according to manager Jose Mourinho.

MLS, EPL, and La Liga after the jump (more…)

United States

THURS Jan. 6 (PM): Transfers, Americans Abroad, EPL, and USMNT

At long last, a conclusive decision has been made regarding David Beckham. The Los Angeles Galaxy have their consent on a loan deal that would send the Englishmen to play for the Tottenham Hotspurs. What’s more, Becks could very well debut against his former club, Manchester United.

Another departure is also in store for Ronaldinho, who will terminate his contract with AC Milan. However, his future remains uncertain.

(more…)

News in brief

TUES Jan. 4 (AM): Transfers, EPL, Barca, and MLS

The Edin Dzeko Ultimatum: Juventus has 48 offers to propose an offer or else the Bosnian will join Manchester City.

Blackburn’s ownership finally spoke out, among other things, confirming a £6.2m bid for Milan’s Ronaldinho and attempts to court David Beckham, while also stating intentions of a long-term deal for manager Steve Kean.

Americans abroad, EPL, Barca, and MLS after the jump (more…)

United States

MON Jan. 3 (PM): Tottenham, Transfers, and MLS

Tottenham is preparing a permanent deal for David Beckham. According to manager Harry Redknapp, the Englishman is actually interested in joining the Hotspurs, which are offering approximately £120,000-a-week for Beckham’s services. On the other hand, Galaxy supporters are upset with the latest headlines regarding their midfielder, one fan even dubbing him a “selfish pig.”

Tottenham is also eyeing Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez after his club “indicated privately that they would be prepared to sell the player for a fee of around £17m.”

More transfer news and MLS after the jump (more…)

News in brief

THURS Dec.30 (PM): Celtic, Edu, Rapids, Fabregas, and EPL

Celtic is snagging MLS talent left and right. The Scottish club held, technically illegal, training sessions with Toronto FC’s Dwayne De Rosario – although that’s being resolved – and has signed former Chicago Fire DP Freddie Ljunberg.

Rangers midfielder and U.S. international Maurice Edu will likely be sidelined for the club’s derby this weekend against Celtic. According to a club spokesperson, Edu still hasn’t partook in a training session and is “doing his workouts in the gym.”

Rapids’ mystery player, Chelsea, Fabregas, and a furious Ferguson after the jump (more…)

United States

TUES Dec.28 (AM): EPL, Beckham, and Cummings

American goalkeeper Brad Friedel had a tough day at work, as his Aston Villa club was pounded in a 4-0 defeat to Manchester City. Mario Balotelli provided City with a hat trick, while Joleon Lescott scored a goal too. The defeat is Aston Villa’s sixth loss in the last seven league games.

In other Premier League action, Chris Baird had two goals to give Fulham a 2-0 victory over Stoke City.

More EPL news and transfers for Omar Cummings and Beckham (?) after the jump (more…)

News in brief

MON Dec. 27 (PM): Messi, MLS, EPL, Celtic, Kaka, Serie A, and Schalke’s stadium

Two days after Christmas Day, Lionel Messi confesses that he asked Santa for a Copa America title. Argentinians everywhere are hoping Messi wasn’t on the naughty list.

Off-season transfer rumors mount, as the Colorado Rapids’ Omar Cummings may be headed to the Premiership on a loan deal. Despite reports linking Toronto FC’s Dwayne De Rosario to Celtic, “Dwayne is not going on trial with Celtic or any other club,” said Toronto GM Earl Cochrane.

However, Celtic did get a hold of one MLS player, as the Seattle Sounders’ Freddie Ljunberg is training with the Scottish club.

Ronaldinho, Kaka, Inter, Man U, and Schalke’s (caved-in) stadium after the jump (more…)

News in brief

THURS Dec.23 (PM): Xavi, Friendlies, Onyewu, Everton, and World Cup Bonuses

FC Barcelona midfielder Xavi is the 2010 World Soccer Player of the Year. The Spanish international, who received 25.8% of the votes, barely beat out his club teammate, Messi, who earned 24.1% of the votes.

American soccer fans have a real treat ahead of them when Manchester United and Barcelona face off in the States for a pre-season friendly in 2011.

AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf shares his thoughts on American teammate Oguchi Onyewu. Rumor has it that Onyewu is being eyed by Bolton and Everton, both of whom have top American players in Stuart Holden and Tim Howard, respectively.

Everton, Chivas USA, and World Cup bonuses after the jump (more…)

United States

TUES Dec. 21 (AM): Balotelli, MLS, Playoffs, and Bearzot

Clearly, Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli is not familiar with the words “humility” or “modesty.” After winning the Golden Boy award, the striker believes that only Barcelona’s Lionel Messi is better than himself. “All the others are behind me,” Balotelli said.  “I am delighted to receive the award, but who else would have won if not me?”

That’s not all. Balotelli also hopes to play for Milan alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Davies, Anelka to the MLS(?), playoffs, and Bearzot after the jump (more…)