July 21st has been a busy day around the world of football! Instead of bringing you several different articles about all the news that is going on right now, here is one big sideline report to tell you all about what is going on at this very moment in the world of football.
Mario Gotze Returns to Borussia Dortmund
After the departure of BVB superstar Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Manchester United last week, Borussia Dortmund were quick to sign a replacement for the Armenian midfielder in their ex-player Mario Gotze. Gotze joined Borussia Dortmund at the age of 11 and went on to make 116 appearances for the club before he even turned 21. After a troublesome time at Bayern Munich however, the now 24-year old German star returns to the club that made him into one of the best footballers on the planet. The player moved to die Roten in 2013 on a €37 million move and after 3 years with Bayern Munich he returns to Borussia Dortmund for a €26 million fee. For more of my thoughts on Mario Gotze’s return click below.
https://themastermindsite.wordpress.com/2016/07/21/should-have-never-left-mario-gotze-returns-to-borussia-dortmund/
Marco Reus Named FIFA 17 Cover Star
Say sayonara to Lionel Messi, Marco Reus is your new FIFA 17 cover star. As it turns out it wasn’t just a good day for Borussia Dortmund in the transfer market with their signing of Gotze, it was also a good day for their star man and captain Marco Reus who will now be the face of FIFA everywhere, taking over from Lionel Messi. The 27-year-old German international received the most votes from fans to be the cover model, coming out on top over the likes of Anthony Martial, Eden Hazard, and James Rodriguez after over 3.1 million votes were cast. Following the confirmation, Reus said: “I’m honoured to join a very distinguished group of footballers to appear on the cover of FIFA. Most of all I am humbled that the fans have chosen me, and I will strive to make them proud with my performance on the pitch” (Squawka, 2016). I hate to be one of those guys, but with my second favourite player in the world being on the cover I might just actually have to buy the game again this year.
Andre Gomes Signs for Barcelona
After impressing no one at Euro 2016, Andre Gomes has sealed a move to Barcelona. The 22-year old was linked with a host of clubs over the summer but it’s the biggest club of all who seals the deal for the Portuguese midfielder. In 2015-16, Gomes featured in 30 matches for Valencia, scoring and assisting just 3 goals each. However, this was enough to be dubbed “the next Andres Iniesta” by Barcelona as their struggles in the transfer market appear to be continuing. Reports in Spain suggest the fee could be as large as £45.8 million (BBC, 2016), over £30 million more than Manchester United paid for Cristiano Ronaldo back in 2003.
Fantasy Premier League is Back
Everyone’s favourite fantasy football game, Fantasy Premier League is back for the 2016-17 season opening back up today. After 2 months out, Barclays Premier League’s official fantasy game is back with a new look, new players and new prizes. More to follow as I reveal who I’ve selected for my team tomorrow as well as give out weekly tips as the season progresses.
Paul Pogba Nears Manchester United Return
Paul Pogba’s imminent move to Manchester United is nearing closer and closer to happening every single day. Although many newspapers have already jumped the gun, Paul Pogba has not officially returned to his old club yet. However, the Red Devils revealed their kit numbers today with the number 6 mysteriously missing. Members of the Manchester United staff have also been spotted in Italy (ESPN, 2016). Paul Pogba’s move looks destined to happen and could be announced very, very soon.
Sam Allardyce Named New England Manager
Sam Allardyce was named today as England’s new manager replacing Roy Hodgson after a disappointing Euro 2016 campaign. Allardyce was reportedly the FA’s second choice, but after Arsene Wenger turned the offer down to stay at Arsenal, the Sunderland manager was the next name on the list. His first competitive game in charge of the nation will be a World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on September 4, 2016. Sam Allardyce knows how to keep teams in the Premier League and avoid relegation, but can he turn that knowledge and experience into making England a winning team again? We’ll have to wait and see.
Andre Schurrle Signs For Borussia Dortmund
After signing Mario Gotze on July 21st, nobody expected Borussia Dortmund to go on and sign another world star a day later. Borussia Dortmund had been linked with the German attacker ever since his Leverkusen and Chelsea days and have tried everything to sign him over the years. Now he finally joins the club on a five year deal for a fee that is believed to be around £25 million. Welcome to BVB Andre!
Well that’s been your July 21st, 2016 World of Football Sideline Report. Next time there’s a crazy day in the world of football you know where to look.
TheMastermindSite 