Transfers

A well-oiled defense can be the difference between going out in the group stage and winning a tournament. Scoring four goals in a game is well and good until you turn around are realize the other team scored five. Every successful team needs to be able to keep the ball out of its own net. Defending is an art, and at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, many artists will be on display, putting their bodies on the line to ensure their team advances to the next round. But not all defenders are created equal.

England’s Championship division is one of the most intense seasons in Europe. The 46 games played, just in the league itself, give players more opportunities to perform well but also for a team’s season to come crashing down. While there are more games, every game means just as much in the Championship, if not more, as the teams compete for the right to move up to the Premier League.

Crystal Palace have signed American international defender Chris Richards from Bayern Munich on a five-year contract, both clubs said on Wednesday.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. BBC reported Palace will pay an initial $10.33 million for the 22-year-old center back, with the fee rising to $13.35 million with add-ons.

Following a season in which Leeds United barely survived relegation, this summer has brought on a tidal wave of incoming players in Yorkshire. While the big money departures of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips have made headlines, they have also brought in the revenue responsible for a completely revamped squad ahead of the 2022-23 Premier League season. Here is a look at the new potential Leeds starting XI 2022, featuring all of Jesse Marsch’s new signings and one more potential newcomer. 

Every lock has a key, but not every key fits in every lock. Even the best have their limits. This summer, Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move away from Manchester United following the club’s dismal 2021-22 Premier League campaign that saw the club finish sixth with its fewest points total ever. The Red Devils will be playing Europa League soccer in the fall, and reportedly Ronaldo is less than happy and wants a move away, but where can he go?

Juventus and FC Barcelona squared off in Dallas on Wednesday night for another preseason friendly. The teams displayed their attacking prowess for 90 minutes with the spoils ultimately shared finishing 2-2, but Weston McKennie, a Dallas-area native, was strangely kept on the bench.

Are they just not gonna play McKennie in Texas?

— Matt Cocco (@MattCocco) July 27, 2022

Barcelona is scary again. Former player now manager Xavi corrected course for the Catalan club last season and now has the roster to go for titles. The potential Barcelona starting XI 2022-23 lineup is not only filthy, but has incredible depth.