Real Madrid have named their successor to Zinedine Zidane. The three-times running European champions will hire Spain boss Julen Lopetegui at the conclusion of the 2018 World Cup.
“Julen Lopetegui will be the Real Madrid coach after the celebration of the 2018 World Cup. Real Madrid C. F. announce that Julen Lopetegui will be the coach of the first team during the next three seasons. Julen Lopetegui will join the club after Spain’s participation in the World Cup, after two years leading the national team,” the club said in a statement.
Lopetegui made a name for himself by managing Spain’s youth teams during the reign of Vicente del Bosque, whom he succeeded as senior team manager in 2016.
He came up through the Real Madrid academy as a player, but only made one appearance for the team before embarking on a 17-year career with several Spanish clubs.
El Tri’s Jimenez joining Wolves on loan
Mexico’s Raul Jimenez will be looking to make a big splash at the World Cup, but it won’t be to secure a post-World Cup move because he has already done just that.
At least that’s what reports out of Portugal are claiming, as multiple outlets are reporting that the El Trio striker will join English Premier League side Wolves on loan from Benfica.
Jimenez joined Benfica in a transfer from Atletico Madrid that was the biggest in Portuguese Liga history. His loan to Wolves includes a purchase clause in the $40 million range.
MBAPPE leaves france training early with injury
France has a major injury concern with the World Cup just days away.
Kylian Mbappe had to leave training early on Tuesday after being injured by a tackle from defender Adil Rami. The 19-year-old forward went straight to the locker room with an apparent left ankle injury.
Kylian Mbappé a été touché dans un contact avec Adil Rami https://t.co/ebzRzl7sua pic.twitter.com/A8tPqrNWwO
— L'ÉQUIPE (@lequipe) June 12, 2018
Mbappe scored the lone goal in France’s recent 1-1 draw with the U.S. Men’s National Team. Should he miss time, the team has a number of attacking options with players like Ousmane Dembele, Florian Thauvin, Nabil Fekir and Thomas Lemar able to play out wide.
France takes the field on Saturday for the team’s group stage opener against Australia.
marcus rashford SUFFERS ‘slight knock’ in training
England are also dealing with a potential injury scare. Manager Gareth Southgate revealed that his young forward left training early with a “slight knock” but he would not elaborate on the nature of the injury. Rashford figures to be a valuable attacking piece out wide for The Three Lions, but this could dampen their plans if it turns out the injury is serious.
Manchester United named World’s Most Valuable Club
Manchester United topped the list of Forbes’ most valuable soccer teams in the world. The publication valued the English giants were valued at $4.12 billion, up from $3.69 billion a year ago. They generated more revenue than any other team in the world and also had an operating income 50% higher than their nearest competitor.
Right behind in the ranking them are Real Madrid ($4.09 billion) and Barcelona ($4.06 billion).
Overall, the top 20 teams on the list are worth an average of $1.69 billion, a 14% increase over the last 12 months and a 74% increase in the last 15 years.
RAMADAN SOBHI JOINS HUDDERSFIELD TOWN, REMAINS IN PREMIER LEAGUE
Egyptian international Ramadan Sobhi has himself a new club, after seeing his former club Stoke City relegated from England’s top-flight.
The 21-year-old has joined Huddersfield Town on a three-year deal worth £5.7 million, according to Goal. In his two seasons with the Potters, Sobhi made 41 appearances and scored two goals under then managers Mark Hughes and Paul Lambert.
“I’m very happy that we will be able to welcome Ramadan to the club. He’s a real talent and has achieved a lot for a player who is only 21 years old,” Huddersfield boss David Wagner said in a club release. “We’re looking forward to working hard with Ramadan on the training pitch to give him every chance of success at Huddersfield Town.”
Sobhi has 26 caps with the Egyptian National Team and is hoping to help the Pharaohs to a big splash in this summer’s World Cup in Russia.