Could Alverez be on the verge of an Atletico exit?
Tensions are rising in the Spanish capital as Julian Alverez looks to be set for a big departure from Atletico Madrid. The transfer chaos is causing unrest in the dressing room at the Madrid side, as fans — and even their own manager — seem to be turning, say Spanish reporters, although publicly, Simeone and his teammates seem to be fully backing Álvarez. The Argentinian received unwanted boos from his own support as he was taken off in their 2-2 draw with Villarreal. As the full-time whistle blew, his teammates went over towards their support to applaud them, but Álvarez took a different route, heading straight to the dressing room while abuse was directed at him. You could tell from the look on Álvarez’s face, as well as during training, that he had zero interest in remaining at Atlético, and it shows the issue Simeone has on his hands, as Álvarez has clearly made it known that he wants to leave the club ahead of deadline day, with Barcelona being his preferred destination despite strong interest from Arsenal. Simeone is eager to keep hold of Álvarez, but it’s very clear that Álvarez wants out of the club as soon as possible. It is said that Arsenal officials travelled to Madrid on Friday to discuss a potential deal for Álvarez, with Arteta claiming Álvarez would be a dream signing. The move to Arsenal looks likely with journalist Fabrizio Romano saying: “The Arsenal is involved in the operation. It would be ready to make the attempt, and it’s just waiting for the green light from Julian Alvarez.”
St Johnstone Complete signing of Enes Alic
The Bosnian left-back agrees a two-year deal with the Perth outfit after leaving Zeljeznicar. St Johnstone have signed 26-year-old left-back Enes Alic on a two-year deal, after being released by Željezničar, having had multiple spells in Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia. Alic began his career in Bosnia at FK Mladost Doboj Kakanj, making 28 appearances and grabbing four goals, ahead of a move to Domžale in Slovenia, where he made 54 appearances across two campaigns, earning a move to Hungarian side Kisvárda. The Bosnian would go on to make 25 appearances in Hungary, before joining Croatian outfit NK Varaždin, making 20 appearances. Alic would then join Željezničar, making 39 appearances and netting on six occasions, before being released and making the move to Scotland. Alic will be competing for the starting spot with Matty Foulds, who became a reliable team player in the Championship last campaign, making 30 appearances for St Johnstone after joining from Harrogate Town. Enes Alic speaks on his move to Scotland: “I am very happy to be here. St Johnstone is a great club with great traditions and supporters. I can’t wait to play my first game. I have heard a lot about the Scottish Premiership. There is a lot of passion and high intensity in this league. It is a hard league, but I want to test myself. I am ready to go. The fans can expect speed, shooting and crossing, I like to attack the space. I like to defend first and foremost but I do enjoy getting forward too. I can promise I will give 200 per cent for this club every game and every training session. I look forward to meeting the fans and playing in front of them here at McDiarmid Park.”
Dundee Agree Deal for AFC Bournemouth Youngster
Matai Akinmboni is set to agree a loan-deal with Dundee from Premier League side, Bournemouth. Dundee and Bournemouth have agreed a season-long deal for the 19-year-old, which is subject to the Bournemouth man getting a GBE and a work permit. Akinmobi has been in training with the Dens Park side for the past two weeks, has overcome his injury worries, and has been impressing in training under Steven Pressley. The Premier League side still have full faith in the American Under-20 international after signing him from the MLS, having joined from DC United and agreed a long-term deal with the English side. After their derby victory at Tannadice on Saturday, Pressley admitted that he would be keen on bringing in two more players, as well as a winger. Matai made 17 first-team appearances in the USA, as well as having a spell with Loudoun United FC, having come through the youth ranks at DC United since Under-15 level. Dundee have also very recently snapped up Bradley Fink and Bobby Wales on loan, both of whom made their debuts in their derby victory over next-door neighbours Dundee United.
Falkirk announce signing number 15 of the season
Falkirk have completed the loan signing of Conor McLeon from English Championship side, Wolves. Falkirk have had a busy window as they continue to bring in new faces, following the loss of so many key players such as Barney Stewart, Filip Lissah, Calvin Miller, and Dylan Tait. Their new man hasn’t made a single professional appearance, having spent his early days at Wolves academy, but has had an impressive pre-season, which has earned the 19-year-old a new one-year deal at Wolves and caught the eye of John McGlynn. McLeon scored a double in the opening game of the season for the U21s, netting a brace against Burnley. The midfielder was sent out to get some game time at a professional level under his belt, with the on-loan Wolves man set to possibly make his professional debut against last season’s champions, Celtic. John McGylnn spoke on the new signing: “Conor is a winger, and he’s one that Allan Fraser watched towards the end of last season and he caught his eye, so we’ve followed him since then. He’s been doing really well in pre-season with Wolves. He scored a couple of goals against Burnley, which is great from his point of view. He’s a skilful player that will take opposition players on in one vs one situations, and we feel he’s someone who will complement the team. He’s coming in to push for starts and to try to make a name for himself, like a lot of the players we’ve brought in in these positions have done. He’s one that we’ve been doing a good bit of work on. We’re delighted to get him, we’re looking forward to working with him, and we welcome him to the football club.”
From Sweden to Fir Park: Fee agreed for Kanga
Motherwell seem to be closing in on Ives star, Jardell Kanga with the Sweden under-21 star set for Scotland move. The Steelmen have agreed a fee of around £350,000, which could rise to around £900,000, made up of potential add-ons. A long-term contract agreement is close to being reached after the 20-year-old bagged 12 goals as well as seven assists for the Finnish side this campaign, and he arrives fully fit due to the Finnish league season already being half-way done. Kanga has been a standout in Finland over the past year after joining from Swedish side Hammarby IF back in 2022, having come through the youth ranks in Germany, playing at under-19 level for Bayer Leverkusen before returning to Sweden. The Sweden Under-21 international will not be eligible to play in the second leg of Motherwell’s Conference League clash with last season’s Europa League finalists, Freiburg, but the Fir Park side will push to get him ready for their visit to Paisley this weekend. Motherwell have a good amount of cash to work with this summer, with the departures of Elliot Watt to Turkey, Elijah Just to Swansea, and Callum Ward to QPR, as well as Maswanhise being linked with a move away.
Rangers learn appeal date for McInnes touchline ban ahead of Old Firm clash
Derek McInnes might be forced to watch his maiden Old Firm fixture as Rangers manager from the stands after an August 31 hearing date was scheduled for his appeal against a four-match touchline ban, which includes one suspended game. The penalty stems from his time managing Hearts last season, specifically when he criticised a late decision to award Celtic a penalty against Motherwell in May, calling the call “disgusting.” That crucial stoppage-time penalty was converted by Kelechi Iheanacho to secure a 3-2 win for Celtic on May 13, keeping them just one point adrift of Hearts prior to overtaking them for the title on the final day. Rangers argued the comments were “directed at the decision, rather than representing any broader criticism of officials” when announcing their intention to contest the ban. McInnes also added, “I don’t agree with it and the club don’t agree with it. I’m glad that we’re going to appeal against that. “I’ve been a manager for 19 years, and you know you’re going to be asked about contentious decisions and all the rest of it. “I’ve never wanted to make it personal. For me, the decision was wrong. I feel as though I made my points at the hearing. “Broadcasters pay a lot of money to hear managers’ reactions. We’ve got to be careful that we don’t have managers and players who have to be really sure of themselves and check themselves before answering a question. “At no point was I wanting to inflame a situation. The situation was already being discussed before I did my Press. It was quite a big moment in the season and there was a lot of emotion, but I felt as though what I said was controlled.” The delayed hearing date means McInnes could miss league fixtures against Falkirk and Motherwell, as well as the visit of Celtic to Ibrox in the League Cup Quarter Finals.
Tony Docherty and Steven Naismith Take Charge of Scotland U21s
Scotland U21s have announced today their management team of Tony Docherty as Head Coach and Steven Naismith as assistant manager. They come in as the replacement for Scot Gemmill, who departed his role in July after thirteen years. Docherty haș been out of worked since December of last year, when he left Ross County following a mixed spell at Dundee. Naismith left his role as First Team Assistant Manager alongside Steve Clarke and was heavily rumoured to be in position to take over from 62-year-old, but it is unclear if this was ever a possibility before the SFA went for Sebastien Pocognoli. The new U21s Head Coach told the official SFA website: “I have had the privilege of coaching within the Scotland A squad set-up before, and more recently within the Coach Education team. “You are always proud to represent your country, in whatever capacity. It doesn’t get any better than that. “I am looking forward to getting straight to work, and I’m delighted I’ll be joined by Steven, who I have so much respect for as a coach, as a player, and as an individual. “I had several lengthy conversations with Craig Mulholland and then met Sébastien Pocognoli as part of the process. Everyone is aligned on creating a clear national team and player identity, and about doing everything we can to improve every aspect of the national game. “I’m equally enthused by the challenge of supporting our clubs, in a unique new initiative, ensuring we all work together creating real growth. “It’s up to us to make sure the national team experience is the best that it can be, while pushing young Scottish players to be the best they can be.” And Naismith also added: “Representing Scotland, in various capacities now, has meant so much to me. “I’ve learned a lot along the way and it’s great to have the opportunity, alongside Tony and the rest of the staff, to pass those experiences on to those hoping to carve out international careers. “I was fortunate to be part of the staff that took Scotland back to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and there is a burning desire within the Scottish FA to ensure there is no repeat of that wait. “There are strong foundations to build on, but there is an obvious drive, energy and focus to enhance every aspect further and see how far it can take us. “I am delighted to, of course, be coaching a Scotland team with Tony, but I am most excited by the mentorship programme I will lead, sharing my experiences as a player, manager and coach with some of our brightest young players.”
Dundee United leader insists luck will turn after three defeats in-a-row
Dundee United defender Bert Esselink echoed much of manager Jim Goodwin’s comments after a Dundee Derby defeat on Saturday. United were bested 2-0 at home to rivals Dundee in a match where they had most of the possession, but failed to create any real goalscoring opportunities. The defeat leaves the Tannadice side 11th after three games and without a win. Including their League Cup defeat to Celtic it’s now three defeats in-a-row for United, where they haven’t found the net once and conceded 10 goals whilst doing so. After the match, Esselink emphasised that whilst his team were disappointed to lose the game, he believes their luck will turn eventually. He said: “A very tough result, a hard day for us. We have to stick together. You can see that there are chances and the moments we get into their box and we get big opportunities. It just doesn’t fall our way and that’s what we have to change.” “I don’t believe there’s a lack of confidence, we are very well grouped together, we believe in each other. We do things properly every day in training, but training doesn’t count, we need to get goals in the games. We have to change it together, and the first opportunity is next week.” Dundee United teenager Abdoulaye Yoro was on the receiving end of a lot of criticism, not only down to giving the ball to Drey Wright prior to his opener, but also for his reaction, or lack of when attempting to win the ball back. Esselink said: “He is still a young guy. Everyone makes a mistake or gives a bad pass. It is part of the game, but it is the reaction that matters the most. He knows it. “We need to keep on top of that with everyone. You need to react yourself when you lose the ball. These are the basics I am talking about. We need to keep on top of that from the training sessions and into the games.” United next travel to bottom place Kilmarnock on Saturday as both sides are in pursuit of their first league win of the season.