Cultured Football #32
Cultured Football #32
Cristiano Ronaldo's Man United Return is Nostalgic, But Lacks Football Sense
With the summer transfer window coming to a close over the next few days and big deals heating up as a result, this week it was virtually impossible to avoid stories that, in one way or another, deal with transfers. Still, I feel that the five we’ve picked will each provide an insightful, informative and thought provoking read rather than the glib opinions often shared in such instances.
The trillion-dollar gambling game
However, let’s start with something other than transfers. A number of English Premier League clubs have betting companies as shirt sponsors. Many others promote them on their perimeter hoarding. Aside from the morally questionable choice of promoting betting, there is nothing (legally) wrong with that. Yet when you dig a bit deeper and realise that some of these companies don’t even have functioning websites, then surely matters are different and something more sinister is afoot. A follow up interview with an insider reveals more about this situation.
Reading Time: 12 minutes
Can Manchester Utd's Andrea Pereira, Chelsea's Kenedy get Flamengo back on track?
Brazilian club Flamengo are gunning for another Libertadores triumph and as before they have been looking at players returning from Europe to help boost this bid. This summer they have managed to bring in Kenedy from Chelsea and Andrea Pereira from Manchester United with more players on their wishlist. As others like Gabigol have proven, this return home has been quite successful for both team and players.
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Kylian Mbappé Is at a Crossroads Between Extravagance and Ambition
Just a few months back, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was claiming that his club needed the Super League because of the poor financial position brought about COVID. Now, suddenly, it seems that he has found €170 million to put in an offer for Kylian Mbappe. What a miracle! Yet perhaps the most surprising aspect of all of this is that Mbappe himself seems to be up to joining a club that is clearly in a period of transition.
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Five U23 loanees to keep an eye on in the 21/22 season
It is increasingly difficult for young players to find space at some top clubs, even if they are incredibly talented. For most of them, their first sustained experience in the professional game will have to come whilst out on loan. This is not necessarily a bad thing, especially for clubs who get to host these talents for a season. Of the many that have been sent out to gain experience this season, these are five deals that are particularly intriguing.
Reading Time: 6 minutes
Cristiano Ronaldo's Man United Return is Nostalgic, But Lacks Football Sense
Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United is, undoubtedly, a big story and it is similarly undeniable that he will bring a lot to his new club despite being thirty-six. That does not mean that he will be a good signing. Or, at least, Jonathan Wilson is not sure about that.
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Last Week’s Most Read
Once again, the summer has seen the Eredivisie being raided for its finest young players with Donyell Malen and Denzel Dumfries both opting to leave PSV Eindhoven. It is a familiar story for Dutch football but, whilst it reduces the quality of the league, this also means that there are always plenty of opportunities for younger players to make their mark. And there are plenty of those to look out for, starting with this list of thirty five that includes an exciting sixteen (16!) year old who has just made his breakthrough at Feyenoord.
Reading Time: 17 minutes