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Aaron Ramsdale was visibly emotional on his first return to the Emirates Stadium since leaving Arsenal during the summer transfer window.

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Ramsdale returns to Emirates StadiumWarm reception from Arsenal fansGoalkeeper left emotional by welcomeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ramsdale was moved to tears by the warm welcome he received from Arsenal fans ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Southampton. Even before reaching the pitch, the popular goalkeeper was being embraced by his former team-mates in the tunnel.

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Ramsdale played a huge role in Arsenal's resurgence under Mikel Arteta, named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for 2022-23. But Arteta had other ideas and he surprisingly lost his place to new signing David Raya before last season, paving the way for a £25 million ($32.8m) switch to Southampton.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ramsdale kept 14 Premier League clean sheets for Arsenal in 2022-23, two fewer than Raya's 16 in 2023-24.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR RAMSDALE?

Despite his lack of Arsenal game time, Ramsdale was selected by England for Euro 2024 but hasn't yet been called up by interim manager Lee Carsley. His form for Southampton will be crucial in regaining that England place, with the 2026 World Cup starting to loom on the horizon at the end of next season.

Series unlikely to start until mid-October as SLC seeks further clarity from government

Andrew Fidel Fernando16-Sep-2020Sri Lanka Cricket has proposed a split, two-country quarantine for the Bangladesh team in the board’s latest attempt to convince Sri Lanka’s health ministry to allow Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka next month to go ahead.Sri Lanka’s health authorities have so far insisted on a strict 14-day quarantine for all arrivals, which the Bangladesh Cricket Board has refused to agree to. Now, SLC have floated the idea of Bangladesh’s players doing seven days of quarantine in Bangladesh before flying to Sri Lanka and doing seven further days of quarantine in the island.Neither Sri Lanka’s health authorities nor the BCB has agreed to such a plan, however. Ostensibly, maintaining a biosecure bubble while flying internationally also seems a complex and difficult proposition. But SLC is being forced to come up with creative solutions, as its health ministry has so far refused to budge on the 14-day quarantine.”We had a positive meeting with the Covid-19 Task Force yesterday, and everyone was in agreement that we should make this tour happen,” SLC vice-president Ravin Wickramaratne told ESPNcricinfo. “But we have to take what the doctors are saying into account also.”Acting on the health ministry and epidemiologists’ recommendations, Sri Lanka has so far fared better during the pandemic than many other nations. The Covid-19 death toll is at 13 and life has largely returned to normal in the island, save for the closed borders.Bangladesh’s refusal to undergo a 14-day quarantine – in which players would not be allowed to do so much as leave their hotel room – is because the BCB believes it is unfair to ask players to spend so long out of action – and in isolation – ahead of a major Test series. Earlier, SLC had asked the health ministry if the Bangladesh players could train in the second half of the 14-day period with a bubble in place but this was refused.Sri Lanka also does not have major stadiums adjacent to hotels, as England do in Southampton and Manchester. SLC expects to have more clarity from the health ministry in the next few days. In any case, this series is now unlikely to start until at least mid-October.

Former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has explained why he dropped down to the fourth tier of French football to join Bordeaux.

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Bordeaux drop to fourth tier after financial issuesCarroll swaps Ligue 2 Amiens for lowly French sideEx-Liverpool striker explains transfer decision Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The former Newcastle United forward shocked just about everyone when he signed for Bordeaux in the Championnat National 2 last month. Now, the 35-year-old says he "liked the idea" of joining the fallen French giant, after leaving Ligue 2 team Amiens.

AdvertisementAFPWHAT ANDY CARROLL SAID

He told Foot Mercato: “I had the opportunity to do it. I like the idea of this project to go back to Ligue 1 and it’s something I wanted to do… Of course, it’s also a very big club with a huge fanbase, and great facilities and it’s something I want to be a part of.”

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Bordeaux are the sixth most successful French side of all time, with 16 trophies to their name – including six Ligue 1 titles. However, earlier this year, they were declared bankrupt, placed into financial administration, and subsequently relegated from Ligue 2 to National 2; leading to a mass player exodus. Now, Carroll clearly has desires to try and help Bordeaux return to their former glory.

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AFPWHAT NEXT?

Carroll's Bordeaux side, who sit 14th in the table with six points from their opening five matches this season, host Avranches in their next league match on October 19. The former England international has scored four goals in two games for his new team so far.

After reaching an agreement to sign Brazilian youngster Estevao Willian, Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal to welcome yet another summer signing for Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea transfer news

The Blues have already had a busy summer window already, which started with a managerial change in the form of Maresca before Tosin Adarabioyo entered to become his first signing. Since then, Estevao has followed after much speculation, arriving from Palmeiras for a reported £29m, plus potential performance-based add-ons.

The 17-year-old joins the likes of Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington and Angelo Gabriel as the latest Brazilian youngster to enter Stamford Bridge, with Todd Boehly's focus seemingly on building a South American foundation in pursuit of a far more successful future at Stamford Bridge. And with future stars in mind, the American owner has reportedly turned towards a Premier League gem for Maresca.

European giants could now sign £60 million Chelsea star on loan

It’d be a surprise deal.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 22, 2024

According to Matt Law of The Telegraph, Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Omari Kellyman from Aston Villa in a deal worth £19m this summer. The London giants first enquired about the 18-year-old attacking midfielder back in January and are now set to see the teenager put pen to paper on a six-year deal.

First spotted by Wayne Rooney at Derby County, Kellyman arrives for quite the fee, given that he is yet to take his first real strides into Premier League football. With his medical reportedly scheduled on Monday, Kellyman will be presented as a Chelsea player sooner rather than later.

"Dream" Kellyman's price could be questioned

Kellyman's £19m arrival certainly isn't the first time that Chelsea's spending can be questioned since the arrival of Boehly, but it certainly sums things up at Stamford Bridge over the last few years. At 18 years old and without Premier League experience, such a price tag won't be without its pressure and it remains to be seen whether it will pay dividends for the London giants.

Nonetheless, the teenager has earned plenty of praise throughout what is still a young career, including from Derby's local recruitment manager Josh Butler, who told The Athletic: “Omari still plays with the same personality. He tries flicks over people’s heads, shots from ridiculous distances and plays with freedom. I’d love to say this was something we did for him — in truth, we just gave him a platform to practice.

“The extent of his success will be circumstantial because it won’t be down to talent or attitude. His greatest strength is that you can’t not like him. He’s an absolute dream for a football club.”

What Kellyman can guarantee is the homegrown status that Chelsea need, whilst also helping Aston Villa potentially avoid any Financial Fair Play punishment this summer.

He returns to the Stars for the entire season after his surprising debut in last years BBL against the Brisbane Heat

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Dec-2020Pakistan quick Dilbar Hussain is returning to the Melbourne Stars for BBL 10 after his debut late last season.Hussain has been re-signed as the Stars’ third overseas player and is available for the entire tournament after Haris Rauf was ruled out due to international duty. He is currently completing the mandatory 14-day quarantine in Western Australia and will be available for the Stars’ first match on December 11 in Canberra.Hussain was a surprise inclusion in the Stars line-up late last season for a match against the Brisbane Heat. It was his first T20 at a professional level and he got a baptism of fire at the MCG finishing with figures of 1 for 56 from his four overs, with AB de Villiers taking hold of him although he did eventually claim de Villiers in the final over.But the 27-year-old continued his development in the PSL and was outstanding in the playoffs for Lahore Qalandars in November, taking seven wickets in three matches including 2 for 28 in the final.That continued development was enough for coach David Hussey to re-sign him.”I’m looking forward to working with Dilbar again this season and supporting his development together with our wider bowling group,” Hussey said. “His Stars debut was a whirlwind last year – it was his first senior T20 match and he effectively came down to Melbourne at very short notice and ended up bowling to AB de Villiers at the MCG.”He’s a genuine 140km/hr bowler with a good yorker and an incredible slower ball. With another year of experience and his time in the PSL, we’re keen to see what Dilbar brings to the table for us this year. The fact that not many players have faced him before can be a real advantage for us.””I’m very happy to be coming back to the Melbourne Stars for the Big Bash,” Hussain said. “In the short time I was with the club last season I learnt so much. I’d like to thank David Hussey who was incredibly supportive and encouraged me to keep working on my craft.”

From Raquinho to MLS After Dark, GOAL looks at the quirkiest moments in the league this season

Major League Soccer has grown leaps and bounds since its inception in 1996. There are now 29 teams with a 30th in San Diego FC coming next season. There are now billion dollar valuations for a quartet of clubs. The league is now ranked ninth in the world by Opta in terms of global competitiveness.

Despite all of that – and the fact that MLS sits among the most successful sports entities in the U.S., alongside counterparts in the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB – the league still remains quirky.

In fact, in some ways, that's exactly part of its charm.

While the other established leagues have long-standing foundations set in stone, MLS is a league that feels like the ink is still drying on a Bob Ross-esque canvas. There are happy accidents painted every year, with new trees and rivers formed in their place.

In an effort to showcase the fun of North America's top flight, GOALunveils the Alternate MLS Awards. There are five categories: "Most MLS Moment," "Best Goal," "Moments where Messi realized he was in MLS," "The Peter Vermes Lifetime Achievement Award," and wrapping up with a look at the "Best and Worst Kits" in MLS this season.

Up first, GOAL US writers present their winners for the Most MLS Moment of the season.

Tom Hindle: The "However" VAR explanation

This starts with some credit to the league. Announcing VAR decisions, and explaining them, is a pretty good idea that really should be expanded to the whole sport. Fans in stadiums so often do not know what VAR checks are all about, so having someone articulate the whole scenario is a good thing. BUT there's a limit to that.

What isn't as cool, though, is the showmanship that seems to have come with it. Perhaps it's the American-ness of the sport, or maybe it's just silly, but this announcement, as theatrical as can be, is pure, unadulterated MLS. A message to referees: it's not about you!

AdvertisementJacob Schneider: MLS After Dark at its finest

Can we talk Real Salt Lake's 5-3 victory over the Colorado Rapids on May 18?

Leading 3-2 with five minutes left in regulation, the Rapids capitulated in stunning fashion on the road, with RSL bagging goals in the 85th, 88th and 96th minute to secure a victory. The momentum came out of nowhere, and it was a true #MLSAfterDark moment.

Ryan Tolmich: Raquinho!

One of the main reasons folks love MLS so much is the hilarity that can transpire, and is there anything more hilarious than a damn raccoon on a soccer field?

Raquinho immediately solidified his place in MLS lore the moment he emerged in Philadelphia. The league itself put out stats for the newest MLS hero, who provided the type of viral moment that makes this league so fun.

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Alex Labidou: Burrito Joint FC beats MLS reserve team in Open Cup

OK, so this is not technically a moment in the MLS regular season, but it happened to an MLS club — the Timbers 2 — so it should still count.

For all of the things MLS has done right, the decision to largely field reserve sides in this edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was wholly unpopular with many fans. On March 19, in the opening round of this year's tournament, justice was served — in a tasty, tortilla-wrapped form.

El Farolito FC, a team composed of semi-amateurs and backed by a popular San Francisco burrito restaurant, stunned the Portland Timbers 2, winning 2-1 at Providence Park of all places.

Following LAFC's claiming of the U.S. Open Cup this season, Commissioner Don Garber mentioned the league is actively looking to solve the issue of having more senior sides participate in the historic tournament. While he didn't reference this result as one of the reasons why, he didn't necessarily have to…

Birmingham City won't want to overstay their welcome in League One next campaign, as more and more faces begin to be linked with Chris Davies' already promotion-hungry group.

Alfie May signing on the dotted line is undoubtedly the most ambitious purchase of the transfer window to date from a Blues perspective, tempting the current third-tier Golden Boot winner to leave behind Charlton Athletic, to become the main man up top at St. Andrew's.

Davies and Co won't be stopping there with swooping in for coups in the market, however, as a new centre-back colossus is now on the ever-growing Birmingham shopping list.

Birmingham targeting new defender

According to a report by the Scottish Sun last weekend, the relegated outfit are eyeing up a move for Rangers stalwart Connor Goldson this summer, with Davies eager to get him into the building ever since leaving Tottenham Hotspur behind for the main gig with the Blues.

Goldson has been a mainstay at Ibrox for six whole years now, amassing 309 appearances along the way, but could now be moved on this summer if Philippe Clement fancies freshening up the ranks in Glasgow.

This would end up being a major statement buy from the Blues consequently, with Goldson more used to Champions League and Europa League nights, as opposed to slogging it out playing in the lower reaches of the EFL.

Yet, with Birmingham's pursuit of Mike Eerdhuijzen reportedly dead in the water, the relegated outfit could put all their eggs into the Goldson basket now, with a deal for the 31-year-old potentially taking place making the Blues even more overwhelming favourites to be crowned champions next season.

What Goldson can offer Birmingham

You only need to take a momentary glance at the defender's haul of trophies and accolades at Ibrox to know he's a man to rely on in pressurised situations, which will come in handy as Birmingham aim to make promotion back to the Championship look straightforward next season, as opposed to a gruelling chore.

Goldson has continued to be a dependable defender for Rangers over many seasons now, often chipping in with important goals from the back too, with 23 goals registered from his 300-plus games, alongside the three trophies he's managed to collect.

Under Steven Gerrard's tenure, Goldson would regularly shine as well, failing to miss a league game the entire season Rangers lifted the Scottish Premier League title for the first time in a decade, with the captain's armband even being given to him to hold the coveted honour aloft.

Games played

30

Goals scored

0

Assists

1

Touches*

81.5

Big chances created

5

Accurate passes*

60.1 (85%)

Tackles*

1.5

Ball recoveries*

5.5

Clearances*

2.8

Total duels won*

6.1

Clean sheets

15

Even with talk about Clement wanting to move Goldson on, the Rangers number six battled away valiantly last season in the league, with 15 clean sheets tallied up, alongside showing off his ability to dominate games from the back as a smooth operator of the ball, with 81.5 touches averaged per 90 mins.

Described as being a "warrior" by Gerrard when he still was occupying the dug-out at Ibrox, 6 foot 3 Goldson could be a statement buy from Davies, who might well have looked at Derby County's promotion efforts from last season for inspiration.

The Rams' staunch and disciplined game won them second spot in the league overall come the end of the 46-game schedule, with just 37 goals shipped, as Birmingham now strive to be near the top of the League One pile themselves.

Yet, with the addition of explosive May music to the ears of Birmingham fans who also want to be entertained, the Blues could really take the division by storm if everything goes to plan by being both resilient and an exciting watch.

Twine signs & PL loanee in: Chris Davies' dream lineup at Birmingham

Birmingham City will look to make a whole host of new signings to attempt an immediate return to the Championship.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 11, 2024

La Liga president Javier Tebas has slammed Real Madrid for their reaction to Vinicius Junior's defeat to Rodri at the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony.

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Tebas hits out at Real MadridLos Blancos boycotted Ballon d'Or 2024Rodri beat Vinicius Jr. to bag the Golden BallFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Los Blancos cancelled their trip to the French capital at the last moment on Monday after they found out that Manchester City's Rodri would be given the prestigious Ballon d'Or award instead of their star winger Vinicius Jr. As a mark of protest, the entire club decided to give the ceremony a miss.

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The Spanish champions' decision to boycott the event has not gone down well with La Liga chief Tebas, who has accused the club of "exaggerated victimhood". He also defended France Football's system of selecting the winners, with votes collected from a panel of journalists.

WHAT JAVIER TEBAS SAID

Speaking to , Tebas said: "I am a Real Madrid fan. The most important values of this club are being a gentleman and shaking hands when you lose. I think Real Madrid lost that spirit a long time ago. They should have gone to the ceremony and not questioned France Football's system, which is transparent, with 100 journalists voting. Real's victimhood is unnecessary and exaggerated. I don't know where they want to go."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Carlo Ancelotti's side must get over Vinicius' Ballon d'Or snub quickly as they look to get back to winning ways after their setback in El Clasico last weekend. Real Madrid will next take on Valencia on Saturday in La Liga.

Hoping to finish the midfield rebuild that got underway last summer, Liverpool are now reportedly interested in signing a Brazil international who was just knocked out of the Copa America by Darwin Nunez's Uruguay side.

Liverpool transfer news

Although they're yet to make their first official move of the summer, the transfer rumours have been coming thick and fast regarding potential incomings at Liverpool. The likes of Anthony Gordon and Jeremie Frimpong have both been linked to Anfield, with the former even reportedly having his head turned by a dream Liverpool switch this summer as the Reds plot their move in the market.

Liverpool's transfer window will likely begin to take shape after Euro 2024 and the Copa America. As things stand, Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez are all still with their respective international teams. However, the same can't be said for Alisson Becker, whose Brazilian side were knocked out in the last eight by Nunez and Uruguay.

That exit has not simply handed the Reds the boost of an early return for their shot-stopper. Indeed, Brazil's failure potentially speeds up their move for a particular transfer target. According to TuttoJuve, Liverpool are now interested in signing Gleison Bremer from Juventus, who value the centre-back at a hefty €70m (£59m) this summer, with Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Manchester United also eyeing moves.

Hijack: Liverpool eyeing “monster” who'd be Slot's own Van Dijk signing

This would be quite the statement from FSG.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 5, 2024

Bremer was among those left watching on from the bench as Brazil were knocked out of the Copa America by Uruguay and could now have an instant decision to make about his future at club level. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool would spend as much as £59m on one player this summer, but Bremer would certainly go a long way towards replacing the departed Joel Matip.

"Great" Bremer can replace Matip

After losing Matip on a free at the end of last season, Liverpool have been left with Virgil van Dijk, Jarrell Quansah, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate to call on at centre-back, with the injury histories of the later two an area of concern for the Reds that Bremer would instantly ease. Replacing Matip, the Brazilian also has enough quality to hand new manager Arne Slot the perfect selection headache if he completes a move this summer.

Progressive carries

0.19

0.92

Progressive passes

3.34

3.91

Interceptions

1.11

1..03

Tackles Won

1.17

0.69

Whilst Matip will take some replacing on the ball, Bremer is more than capable when it comes to defensive duties, and earned the praise of Juventus legend Sergio Brio last season as a result.

Brio said via JuveFC: "Juve’s strong point is definitely the defence. They concede few goals and are showing great solidity. I really like Bremer. He’s an exceptional player with great timing and positioning on the pitch. The Brazilian is the best defender in Serie A today. I’m certain of it."

Now, as they eye what would be a hefty deal, it could be Liverpool who benefit from that "exceptional" ability within Slot's backline at Anfield next season.

Adverts for batting, pace-bowling and spin coaches unveiled after short-term appointments in 2020

Matt Roller16-Dec-2020The ECB have ramped up their search for new full-time batting, pace-bowling and spin-bowling coaches for England’s men’s teams after formally advertising the three vacant roles.England have used a number of coaches to fill the roles on a short-term basis since Chris Silverwood’s promotion to the head coach job following Trevor Bayliss’ departure in October 2019, with Graham Thorpe and Paul Collingwood both mainstays as assistant coaches.Candidates for the batting coach role may include Jon Lewis (the former Durham coach), Jonathan Trott and Marcus Trescothick, all of whom have worked with England at some point in the last 12 months, with Trescothick the favourite after touring South Africa with the white-ball squads. Graeme Hick, who left his role as Australia’s batting coach earlier this year, could be another candidate.Jon Lewis (the England Under-19s head coach) and Warwickshire bowling coach Graeme Welch are among the prospective applicants for the seam-bowling role, while Jeetan Patel is likely to fill the spin-bowling position, though Richard Dawson, the Gloucestershire head coach, may also apply.The ECB have not advertised for a wicketkeeping coach to replace Bruce French at this stage, with James Foster likely to continue in the role for the time being.It is understood that the Rooney Rule will be adopted throughout the process, after the ECB introduced it for all national coaching positions in 2018. Therefore, at least one black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) candidate will be interviewed for each role.England are likely to bring consultant coaches with them to Sri Lanka, and are not expected to make any full-time appointments until after that series. Applications opened earlier this week, and will be accepted until January 10.