LONDON: Before the year is out Real Madrid will complete one of the most expensive transfers in the history of the game. Eden Hazard is waiting to see if he will be part of it.
After a gilded run of three Champions League triumphs in four years, Madrid are floundering. Nineteen points adrift of Barcelona, eight behind third-placed Valencia, as La Liga nears the halfway mark, Florentino Perez knows the Spanish title has gone. And that his club’s hyperdemanding supporters want change.
Perez’s presidency, the economic model with which he has governed Europe’s most successful club, has always had Galactico transfers as its axis. Last year, Paris Saint-Germain outmuscled him for two signatures — the long-desired one of Neymar and the man-of-the-moment recruitment of Kylian Mbappe. This year there will be at least one landmark deal come what may.
Part of the Madrid method is to line up their men early. The footballers Perez sees as potentially superstellar are made aware of the president’s interest and sounded out as to their willingness to push for a transfer should Los Merengues press the bidding button. Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, David De Gea, Neymar and Mbappe could all explain the process.
Chelsea’s most important forward, the English Premier League’s Player of the Year in 2015, has been on the long list for several seasons now.
Madrid officials have met Hazard in person and explained that a club he has dreamt of representing views him as an heir-apparent to Cristiano Ronaldo. Their current coach, Zinedine Zidane, has Hazard’s mobile number.
Those who know the Belgian well will tell you that Hazard neither hides neither his interest in playing for Madrid, nor his queries over whether those approaches will ever translate into a formal offer. His club and national team-mate Thibaut Courtois has spent time in the same boat, sounded out and chatted up by Perez’s recruitment team, yet made to wait.
Chelsea are aware of Hazard’s circumstances and realize the situation is essentially beyond their control. Twenty-seven last week, Hazard is the London club’s best-paid player. If he wants it there is a proposal to extend a contract that expires in two summers’ time, hiking his wages to around £300,000 ($413,000) per week.
If Madrid move for the player, Chelsea expect Hazard to ask to leave. And they know Madrid have the financial firepower to pay a transfer fee that a bottom-line conscious club preparing to rebuild its stadium at vast expense would find extremely hard to turn down.
A further concern is the timing. Antonio Conte wants out of Stamford Bridge and has been looking for his next job since before this season began — so Chelsea know they are about to lose a popular Premier League-winning manager. To lose your most creative footballer in the same summer would be a major public relations problem.
Add to that the need to tie Courtois down to a new deal or see one of the club’s other world-class talents leave under freedom of contract at the end of the 2018-19 campaign and you get a sense of some of the issues preoccupying Marina Granovskaia. Little wonder that Chelsea’s key executive has offered Courtois a new contract that would take the goalkeeper’s annual salary to £10 million, almost double his current terms.
If the story of a leading Premier League club waiting on Madrid to act in the transfer market is a familiar one, not everything is entirely in Perez’s control. The reassertion of PSG and Manchester City’s state-financed muscle has made his pursuit of the game’s most glamorous figures more multi-dimensional than ever before. (Both Qatar and Abu Dhabi-owned clubs contributed the abrasive inflation on Mbappe’s €180 million ($220 million) move from AS Monaco.)
Just as Lionel Messi exploited approaches from the same two clubs to extract football’s richest ever contract from Barcelona, so Ronaldo has his own hand to play at Madrid. Perez must decide whether to allow the club’s most successful footballer to leave for PSG or Manchester United (and deal with the dangerous repercussions if selling the Portuguese proves a mistake), or to meet Ronaldo’s demands for financial terms
superior to Messi’s.
Should Perez decline to risk censure over selling Ronaldo, expect Hazard to renew at Chelsea. If Madrid’s president gambles on selling a man who stockpiles Ballon d’Or, the little Belgian may finally go galactic.
Eden Hazard playing waiting game in possible Real Madrid transfer
Eden Hazard playing waiting game in possible Real Madrid transfer
LeBron James breaks Michael Jordan’s record for 30-point games with his 563rd
- Jordan set his record in 1,072 games over 15 seasons, while James surpassed it in his 1,523rd appearance over 22 seasons
- James became the NBA’s career scoring leader last season, and he holds several additional longevity records
LOS ANGELES: LeBron James broke Michael Jordan’s NBA record for 30-point games during the Los Angeles Lakers’ victory over Atlanta on Friday night.
With a turnaround jumper with 5:58 to play for the last of his 30 points, James reached at least 30 points in the regular season for the 563rd time in his career, surpassing the mark established by Jordan in 2003. Jordan set his record in 1,072 games over 15 seasons, while James surpassed it in his 1,523rd appearance over 22 seasons.
“It’s very humbling,” James said. “Anytime I’m mentioned with any of the greats, and arguably the greatest ever to play the game, super-cool. It’s someone I idolized in my childhood, and I wear 23 because of him. So to know that I can sit here and be in the room or in the conversation or whatever it is, you mention MJ, it’s like super-duper dope for me, being a kid where I’m from.”
James turned 40 last week, and he is among the few remaining active players who personally witnessed Jordan in his 1990s prime with the Chicago Bulls. He studied and admired Jordan during his childhood in Akron, Ohio.
When James passed Jordan for fourth place on the NBA’s career scoring list back in March 2019, the moment moved him to tears on the Lakers’ bench. He called Jordan “an inspiration” and “the lightning in a bottle for me, because I wanted to be like him.”
The Lakers heralded James’ latest statistical superlative in their locker room after the Lakers’ 119-102 win over Atlanta. Chicago native Anthony Davis also made sure James kept his achievement in perspective, however.
“It bothers me,” the Lakers big man said with a grin. “But it took him seven more seasons. ... No, actually, growing up, I was more No. 1 LeBron. That was my era. So that’s obviously a hell of an accomplishment. I think he’s probably No. 1 in everything at this point. I’ve been here long enough to witness so many accomplishments, so I’m definitely grateful to be here, and we just want to keep stacking.”
James scored his final two buckets on turnaround, fadeaway jumpers that looked more than a little bit like the famed shot at the heart of Jordan’s midrange game. James said youth coaches didn’t always like his attempts to emulate Jordan’s turnaround fade because it compromises a shooter’s balance, but he has spent his entire basketball life honing it into a weapon.
“(Jordan) was more of a left-shoulder fadeaway guy,” James said. “I kind of go the opposite way. But just two masters of their craft putting in work and work and work to the point where it’s kind of become unguardable. It just works. It’s work and dedication.”
Coincidentally, James also passed Dirk Nowitzki (1,522) for the fourth-most games played in the regular season in NBA history Friday night. James has already played the most postseason games (287) in NBA history.
But James shows absolutely no signs of slowing in his record-tying 22nd season: He scored 38 points against Portland one night earlier to tie Jordan’s 30-point mark.
James hit seven 3-pointers against the Blazers while putting up the third-most points ever scored by a player over 40 — trailing only two games played by Jordan shortly after he turned 40 with Washington.
Only three players have scored at least 30 points in an NBA game after turning 40. Jordan did it four times, Nowitzki did it once — and James has already done it twice in the first five days of his 40s.
“It’s just another thing that he’s done in his career, and certainly speaks to his greatness and longevity,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “That stretch where he hit two fadeaways and a 3 (with 7:14 to play) gave us the cushion we needed and control of the game.”
James became the NBA’s career scoring leader last season, and he holds several additional longevity records. He has scored at least 10 points in 1,253 consecutive games over the past 18 years, obliterating the record set by Jordan from 1986 to 2001 (866).
Isak fires Newcastle to victory at struggling Spurs
- Spurs’ ambition of a top- four finish already looks over after a run of one win in eight league games since a stunning 4-0 victory at Premier League champions Manchester City.
- Tottenham sit 11th in the table, but a spirited performance from Postecoglou’s stretched squad deserved more as Newcastle were left clinging on in the closing stages.
LONDON: Under-fire Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said he was angry his injury-ravaged side did not get their rewards for a battling performance as Alexander Isak’s strike earned in-form Newcastle a 2-1 win on Saturday.
Both sides struck inside the first six minutes as Anthony Gordon’s controversial equalizer canceled out Dominic Solanke’s opener for Spurs. Isak then scored for the seventh consecutive Premier League game to claim a sixth straight win in all competitions for Newcastle.
The Magpies remain in fifth but move level on points with fourth- placed Chelsea in the battle for a place in next season’s Champions League. Spurs’ ambition of a top-four finish already looks over after a run of one win in eight league games since a stunning 4-0 victory at Premier League champions Manchester City.
Tottenham sit 11th in the table, but a spirited performance from Postecoglou’s stretched squad deserved more as Newcastle were left clinging on in the closing stages.
“I’m so proud, so happy with this group of players the way they played and I’m really angry that they didn’t get the rewards they deserved today,” said Postecoglou.
“I loved everything. The players were given an enormous task and didn’t make any excuses. We deserved to win the game today.”
Spurs were without first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario along with defenders Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies through injury plus the suspended Rodrigo Bentancur.
The loss of stand-in ‘keeper Fraser Forster to illness meant Postecoglou was forced to throw in Brandon Austin for his Spurs debut.
Slow starts, particularly at home, have been a major part of Spurs’ struggles under Postecoglou but they got off to a flyer. In front of the watching new England manager Thomas Tuchel, Solanke did his case for international recognition no harm with a fine downward header from Pedro Porro’s cross on four minutes.
The lead lasted barely over two minutes, albeit the equal- izer arrived in controversial circumstances.
Joelinton blocked Lucas Bergvall’s pass with his arm to gift Bruno Guimaraes possession and the Brazilian fed in Gordon to fire home. However, a VAR review deemed Joelinton’s handball was not deliberate and the goal stood. Isak needs no help to find the net on current form but got it from an under-manned Spurs defense seven minutes before half-time.
Radu Dragusin deflected Jacob Murphy’s low cross onto the foot of the Swedish striker, who took his tally for the season to 14 goals in all competitions.
Spurs were dealt a further blow as Dragusin, who had been a doubt due to illness, was forced off at the break, leaving Postecoglou without a single natural center back to choose from.
Midfielder Archie Gray and fullback Djed Spence deputized manfully as Tottenham did all the pressing in the second half.
Brennan Johnson blasted off the post after Pape Sarr’s effort had been parried by Martin Dubravka.
Bahrain shock Oman for Gulf Cup glory
- Win sparked wild celebrations among the Bahrain fans in the crowd of almost 60,000
KUWAIT CITY: Bahrain won the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup on Saturday, defeating Oman 2-1 in a dramatic final in Kuwait City.
With 12 minutes remaining Oman were ahead, but two goals in two minutes late in the game gave Bahrain — with Mohamed Marhoon making the difference — a second triumph in the regional competition, six years after lifting the trophy.
For a long time at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, however, it looked as if the prize was heading to Muscat for a third time.
It took Oman, who defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the semifinal on Tuesday, just 17 minutes to take the lead, and it came from a corner.
Ali Al-Busaidi swung over a cross, and there was Abdulrahman Al-Mushaifri to find a little space at the edge of the 6-yard box to head home in emphatic fashion.
Both teams continued to have chances, and it was always going to be the case that the next goal would be crucial.
It went to Bahrain, who leveled after 79 minutes. Marhoon was brought down in the area by Jameel Al-Yahmadi, and the hero of the semifinal win over Kuwait dusted himself down to fire home from the spot.
Just moments later and Bahrain were ahead thanks to more great work from the goal-scorer. Marhoon advanced to the left byline once more, and looked to pull back for waiting teammates in the area.
Instead, however, the ball was diverted into his own net by Mohamed Al-Musalami to spark wild celebrations among the Bahrain fans in the crowd of almost 60,000.
Oman did their utmost to get back on level terms, but Bahrain held on for the next 10 minutes of regular time and the 15 added on at the end, to start the new year in the happiest of fashions.
Erling Haaland doubles up in Manchester City stroll as Spurs fume
- Defending champions City beat Leicester last week for just their second win in 14 games
- Spurs have slumped to 12th in the table after five defeats in seven matches
LONDON: Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City pummelled West Ham 4-1 in the Premier League on Saturday while in-form Newcastle inflicted another painful defeat on Ange Postecoglou’s struggling Tottenham.
Chelsea’s recent woes continued with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, meaning they have taken just two points from four games over the festive period.
Defending champions City beat Leicester last week for just their second win in 14 games but they have now won successive matches for the first time since October and Pep Guardiola will hope they have turned the corner.
The home side took the lead in the 10th minute when West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal deflected City winger Savinho’s cross past goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
City tightened their grip three minutes before the break when Haaland headed home at the back post from Savinho’s deep cross.
The Norwegian claimed his second 10 minutes after the interval, dinking the ball over Areola after a fine pass from Savinho, to take his league haul to 16 goals, one behind Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
Phil Foden made it 4-0 before Niclas Fuellkrug grabbed a consolation for Julen Lopetegui’s men, who suffered a 5-0 mauling by Premier League leaders Liverpool last week.
Despite their shocking run of results, sixth-placed City are just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
But Guardiola said his team were still not back in the groove.
“We have struggled with results recently but the last two victories are good and we did not lose for three,” he told the BBC.
“I would say a month and half (of poor form) compared with eight years is not bad.”
In the early kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Newcastle came from behind to clinch a fifth straight Premier League win and heap more misery on injury-hit Spurs.
The home side went ahead in the fourth minute through Dominic Solanke.
Newcastle levelled two minutes later when Antony Gordon arrowed an effort into the bottom corner but Postecoglou stood in disbelief on the touchline looking at referee Andrew Madley after Joelinton intercepted Lucas Bergvall’s pass with his hand in the build-up.
VAR deemed Joelinton’s arm to be in a natural position and the contact to be accidental, which provoked a furious reaction from Tottenham’s bench and they were up in arms midway through the first half when the already-booked Dan Burn avoided a second yellow card for handball by the center circle.
In-form Alexander Isak scored what turned out to be the winner toward the end of the first period.
The 2-1 victory, watched by new England manager Thomas Tuchel, leaves Newcastle in fifth spot, which may yet prove enough to secure a place in the Champions League next season
But Spurs have slumped to 12th in the table after five defeats in seven matches.
Postecoglou said he was proud of his players but was the “angriest I think I have ever been in my career.”
“I think it’s clear,” said the Australian. “Now whether people agree with me or not whether it wasn’t handball or it was accidental, I’m just not interested in any of that discussion.
“I know what everyone wants me to say, but all I’ll say is that on any other day, on a fair and even playing ground, we would have won that game. Simple as that.”
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea were breathing down Liverpool’s necks just two weeks ago but are now nine points behind the Reds, having played two games more.
The Italian, who has always insisted his team are not in the title race, made six changes for the match at Selhurst Park.
Chelsea took the lead when Jadon Sancho drove down the left and found Cole Palmer, who calmly finished in the corner.
The visitors enjoyed the bulk of possession but they could not capitalize and Jean-Philippe Mateta levelled in the 82nd minute.
Aston Villa beat relegation-threatened Leicester 2-1 at home, with goals from Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey.
Brentford recorded their first league win on the road, smashing bottom side Southampton 5-0, and Bournemouth beat Everton 1-0.
Second-placed Arsenal are in action at Brighton in the 1730 GMT kick-off while Liverpool host crisis-hit Manchester United on Sunday.
‘I love that team’: Arab fans turn out in force to cheer on AC Milan and Juventus in Riyadh
- A 2-1 win saw Milan reach EA Sports FC Italian Supercup final where they will meet Inter on Monday
RIYADH: AC Milan fans from across the region were celebrating a famous win over Juventus as their team bounced back from a goal deficit to claim a 2-1 victory in the EA Sports FC Italian Supercup semifinal at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh.
The match was watched by a large contingent of local Saudi supporters and many others who had traveled from across the Gulf to cheer on the two Italian giants.
Milan striker Tammy Abraham, who had a big impact after coming on for the last half-hour, thanked supporters for inspiring the players in their comeback win, describing Saudi Arabia as “a beautiful country.”
AC Milan supporter Alhasan Alghanim, from Saudi Arabia, said: “I’m here today supporting my team in the semifinals. Hopefully, on Monday we will win against Inter.”
Issa Tayei, from Qatar, told Arab News that he traveled to the Kingdom for the first time to attend the Supercup and support his favorite team, Juventus.
Assim Abu Ibrahim attended the event to support his son, who is a part of the Juve Academy, but is a devoted Milan fan.
“I am a big supporter of AC Milan, controversially. Since I was a child, I loved that team, and I am still committed to them. I love football,” he said.
The 37th edition of the Supercup began on Thursday with Inter Milan beating Atalanta 2-0.
The event aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Quality of Life program and the country’s plan to continue hosting major global sporting events.
The Ministry of Sports organized the event, which is being hosted by the Kingdom for the fifth time, as part of its commitment to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
