Football Transfer News | Chelsea announce Sterling signing; Barcelona bought Rafinha and more

Barcelona announced on Wednesday Deal to sign Leeds playmaker Rafinha And the club will also keep France forward Ousmane Dembele.

A deal to sign Brazil international Rafinha is pending the 25-year-old winger’s medical. Leeds have confirmed an agreement in principle with Barcelona.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has also said he is keeping Dembele, whose contract is expected to be extended until the end of 2024. Dembele performed well this past season after refusing to leave on loan.

Laporta did not answer questions about whether Barcelona were still trying to sign Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich. Laporta recently said Barcelona had made an offer for the striker.

The Catalan club has recovered after enduring a dire financial situation triggered by the pandemic, which previous club officials also attributed to poor administration.

Financial details of Rafinha’s transfer were not immediately disclosed, but local media said Barcelona would pay around €60 million ($60 million) in add-ons. – PTI

Chelsea have snapped up Raheem Sterling

England forward Raheem Sterling Joined Chelsea on a five-year contract From Manchester City, two Premier League clubs were announced on Wednesday. According to British media reports, the deal could be worth up to £50 million pounds ($59.60 million).

“I’ve achieved a lot in my career so far, but there’s still a lot to achieve and I’m really looking forward to doing it in a Chelsea shirt.” Sterling told the club’s website.

“London is my home and it’s where it all started for me, and it’s amazing to now be able to play in front of friends and family during the week at Stamford Bridge.”

Will be Chelsea’s first signing under Sterling New ownership led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake CapitalOfficially took over from Russian Roman Abramovich at the end of May.

The 27-year-old played 47 games in all competitions for City last season, scoring 17 times and providing nine assists. – Reuters

Mesut Ozil has changed Turkish clubs

Germany’s 2014 World Cup winning star Mesut Ozil has joined Istanbul Basaksehir on a free transfer after the 33-year-old midfielder terminated his contract with Fenerbahce.

Ozil has fallen out with Fenerbahçe’s management and has been left out of the first team since March. He joined the club from Arsenal in January 2021, after a long dispute with the club’s hierarchy left the player out in the cold for nine months.

The talented playmaker of Turkish origin ended his international career after what he described as “racist” attacks following the holders’ first-round exit at the 2018 World Cup.

In 2018, he came under fire in Germany after posing for a photo with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Arturo Vidal has joined Brazil’s Flamengo on a free transfer

Chile international Arturo Vidal has joined Brazilian club Flamengo on a free transfer after two seasons at Inter Milan.

“The dream I have had all my life has come true today. Now I’m Mengao,” Vidal posted on Instagram, referring to Flamengo’s nickname.

Vidal was present for Flamengo’s 2-0 home win over Atlético Mineiro on Wednesday, which sent the Rio de Janeiro club into the quarterfinals of the Brazilian Cup. Uruguay international Jorgen de Arasqueta scored two goals. Minero won the first leg 2-1.

The 35-year-old midfielder’s contract with Flamengo runs until December next year, according to Brazilian media.

Vidal started his professional career in 2005 for Chilean giants Colo Colo. Two years later, he moved to Bayer Leverkusen. He moved to Juventus in 2011, joined Bayern Munich in 2015 and signed for Barcelona in 2018.

He won league titles in Italy (4), Germany (3), Spain (1).

Vidal won Copa America trophies with Chile in 2015 and ’16 and played for the national team at World Cups in 2010 and ’14. – Ap