Tuchel confirms Alonso exit & Ronaldo pushes for start - FootballTransfers recap

FT Desk

6 Aug 2022 22:15 BST
4 min read

The new Premier League season is finally upon us, and there was no shortage of action over the first two days - both on and off the field.

Liverpool came close to a shock defeat at the hands of Fulham and Chelsea were made to work for their victory away to Everton, while Tottenham laid down an early marker of their intentions as they put Southampton to the sword in a 4-1 thrashing.

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As could be expected a host of new summer signings were also in action, from Darwin Nunez - author of a goal and assist to salvage Liverpool's opener - to Chelsea trio Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella.

Over at Manchester United, meanwhile, the big story continues to be whether Ronaldo will stay put: the striker is apparently pushing for inclusion on the opening day while other Red Devils favourites believe it is time for him to go.

FootballTransfers takes a recap of the biggest stories from today’s transfer business.

Tuchel confirms Barca-bound Alonso is leaving

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel left Marcos Alonso out of his matchday squad to take on Everton and later confirmed that the Barcelona-linked left-back would be leaving the club.

The Catalans had set their sights on Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta but will have to settle for only the former, after Azpilicueta signed a new Blues deal and subsequently played all 90 minutes of Saturday's visit to Goodison Park.

Rooney calls on Man Utd to let Ronaldo go

Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd, 2022-23 — © ProShots

They formed a lethal striking partnership during their days at Old Trafford together, but Wayne Rooney now believes the time is right for Cristiano Ronaldo to leave the club.

In the ex-forward's opinion, Erik ten Hag's efforts to rebuild over the coming years will only be hampered by the presence of such a towering veteran figure at the ex-Juventus and Real Madrid ace.

Ronaldo pushing for starting spot against Brighton

Typically, meanwhile, Ronaldo himself does not want to miss out on the fun despite only a minimal presence in United's pre-season preparations.

Reports claim that the striker is "flying" in training and putting pressure on Ten Hag to include him from the off when the club kicks off against Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

Gavi says he'll leave Barcelona if they sign Bernardo Silva

The problem with trying to sign every player that comes along is that you risk upsetting those already there.

Barca wonderkid Gavi believes that his first-team prospects will be hurt if the Catalans follow through with the signing of Bernardo Silva and could even hold out on a new contract, expected to be signed when he turns 18.

Man Utd could turn to Man City reject to fix attack

Ronaldo out, Sane in?

After missing out on Ten Hag's old Ajax protege Antony United have apparently turned their attentions towards Leroy Sane, who has been struggling at Bayern Munich recently.

Read more about: La Liga, Premier League, Barcelona, Chelsea, Man Utd, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcos Alonso