Brazil’s Caixa bank refuse Corinthians £85m offer to pay off Neoquimica Arena debt
February 13 – Brazilian bank Caixa has refused a proposal by Corinthians to pay off the Neoquimica Arena, the club’s home ground since the 2014 World Cup.
Finance
Winter chill as Premier League clubs cut transfer spend to £100m in January window
February 2 – Spending by Premier League clubs in January dipped significantly after three successive record-breaking windows – with teams splashing out £715 million less than in same 2023 period.
Levski Sofia creates newco to manage stadium rebuild and secure all commercial rights
February 2 – Bulgarian club Levski Sofia have created a new company to manage the reconstruction of the club’s new Georgi Asparuhov stadium, which is being built on the site of the old stadium which will be levelled.
Hibs given SFA greenlight to take new investment cash from Foley
February 1 – Scottish Premier Leagues side Hibernian have had permission granted by the Scottish Football Association (SFA) board to bring on Bournemouth’s billionaire US owner Bill Foley as a minority investor.
FIFA’s international transfer report charts record $9.63bn spent in 2023
January 31 – Clubs worldwide spent a record $9.63 billion on international transfers last year, surpassing the previous record set in 2019 by more than $2 billion.
Porsche cleared to take 10% stake in Bundlesliga’s VfB Stuttgart
January 30 – Germany’s DFL has approved the acquisition of 10.41% of Bundelsiga side VfB Stuttgart by sports car manufacturer Porsche.
Show me the money. Qataris angry over claims they weren’t as loaded as they pretended
January 30 – Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani is reported to be seeking legal advice after claims he didn’t provide proof of funds when trying to buy Manchester United.
Transfer talk: Winter window closing but no sign of big money deals
January 27 – As the curtains of the transfer window edges nearer to closing until the summer, Premier League clubs continue to be linked with high-profile moves, as fans wait for their sides to finally start to splash some cash.
Transfer talk: As the window does anyone know what’s on Mbappe’s mind? Does he?
January 26 – With the January transfer window closing in five days – and with not much business done – the longest running story of where France forward Kylian Mbappe plays next, is still unresolved. He has received an offer to join Real Madrid as a free agent in the summer and another to renew his contract with Paris St-Germain, but he remains undecided.
Smart traders: Lille and Ajax wheel and deal, Barca and Chelsea spend, spend, spend
January 26 – France’s LOSC Lille and Netherlands’ Ajax head a ranking of clubs that are the smartest traders of non-academy players. At the other end of the scale Barcelona and Chelsea have lost the most money.
Real Madrid beat Man City to top 2023/23 money league, PSG third
January 25 – Real Madrid have reclaimed top spot in the annual Deloitte Football Money League, beating last year’s league leader Manchester City by a slim €5 million.
Transfer talk: Liverpool eye Kimmich; Saudis at door for Man Utd’s sale, Lukaku on move again?
January 25 – Liverpool have joined Manchester City in the race to sign FC Bayern want-away midfielder Joshua Kimmich. The highly-rated German international’s contract expires at the end of the season, with the 28-year-old unlikely to pen a new deal.
Transfer talk: Hammers knocking on Phillips’ door, Man Utd look to off load Sancho and Antony to Saudi
January 23 – West Ham United are leading the race for in-demand 28-year-old Kalvin Phillips and are close to agreeing a loan deal with Manchester City for the England international.
Burnley and Dundee FC combine for cross-border player development alliance
January 23 – Premier League Burnley’s owners ALK Capital and Football Partners Scotland, owners of Dundee FC in the SPL, have agreed a player development partnership.
Transfer talk: Man Utd target de Ligt, Chelsea need £100m+ for Gyokeres
January 19 – Manchester United are targeting a summer swoop for 24-year old Bayern Munich and Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt. The move would require a defensive clear out for the Red Devils, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof slated for the shop window come June.