Promotion was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with the initial promise that it would return after six tournaments.

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Ten Liga de Expansión clubs have officially taken their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.CAS has yet to confirm whether it will take on the caseThe last team to be relegated was Jaguares de Chiapas in 2017Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Amid ongoing controversy over the suspension of promotion and relegation in Mexican football, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has issued a formal response to an appeal filed with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) by ten Liga de Expansión clubs demanding the reinstatement of these mechanisms.

The suspension was agreed upon in April 2020, during the height of the pandemic, providing a six-season period during which Liga de Expansión clubs could focus on consolidating their projects without the sporting pressure of promotion and relegation. According to Íñigo Riestra, FMF’s Secretary General, this measure was requested by the clubs themselves to avoid bankruptcy, as many were operating at a deficit and facing precarious financial conditions.

“The FMF General Assembly approved this temporary suspension to protect the economic stability of the clubs,” Riestra explained in an official video. Additionally, a financial rescue fund was created at the clubs’ request to ensure their survival.

To complement this strategy, an Improvement Fund was established, distributing significant resources for infrastructure and strategic development within the Liga de Expansión teams—investments that can sometimes go under the radar. This fund mandates an annual investment of 20 million pesos (1,036,418 million) from 2020 onwards to modernize stadiums and enhance sporting facilities.

At the same time, in 2022, a Certification Committee was created to set administrative, sporting, and infrastructure requirements that clubs must meet to be eligible for promotion. Starting in the 2023 season, only certified clubs that win the Campeón de Campeones are eligible for promotion; however, so far, only two clubs have met these standards.

The 10 clubs involved in the appeal—Atlante, Morelia, Leones Negros, Atlético La Paz, Alebrijes, Cimarrones, Cancún, Mineros, Venados, and Tampico Madero—argue that the absence of promotion and relegation has negatively impacted their ability to secure commercial agreements and television broadcasting rights.

In summary, the FMF maintains that the suspension was a necessary measure to prevent the economic collapse of several clubs and that the pathway for promotion remains open, albeit conditioned on meeting certain criteria that only a few teams have fulfilled so far.

AdvertisementOssiel Compeán / Imago7THE BIGGER PICTURE

The legal action comes amid growing frustration among Liga de Expansión clubs, who claim that Liga MX has failed to provide transparency regarding the promotion and relegation system. The issue has been further complicated by ongoing controversies in Mexican football, particularly surrounding the topic of multi-club ownership.

There has been ongoing debate about whether reinstating promotion and relegation could raise the competitive level across all tiers of Mexican football. However, it is evident that Liga MX has presented significant obstacles for Liga de Expansión teams, many of which have spent recent years striving to meet the league’s demanding certification requirements.

Getty Images SportWHAT MEXICAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION SAID

"Promotion remains active through certification. A club will be promoted once at least four clubs are certified at the start of the season and one of them wins the Campeón de Campeones," reads the official statement posted on the FMF’s X account.

AFPDID YOU KNOW?

In 2020, due to the global crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mexican football executives decided to temporarily suspend the promotion and relegation system in Liga MX. This decision was made to support franchise owners in the first division and strengthen Liga Expansión, with the idea that, years later, the system would return with a stronger second division. However, it seemed that this reform would remain permanent.

This decision mainly affected the teams in the second division. Teams like Atlante, Leones Negros de la UDG, Venados de Mérida, and Atlético Morelia are among those that have expressed their dissatisfaction in recent years with the suspension of promotion and relegation. But, according to Liga MX, these teams do not meet the necessary requirements to be First Division clubs. It's a stance that has been heavily criticized by executives from the mentioned teams, who have even taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

MatériaMais Notícias

da pinnacle： O atacante Luciano foi o único jogador do São Paulo que parou para conversar com os jornalistas após a vitória por 1 a 0 sobre o Santo André neste domingo (5), fora de casa, pelo Campeonato Paulista. O camisa 10 enalteceu o resultado obtido já nos acréscimos, praticamente no último lance do jogo. Confira:

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da aposte e ganhe： With the rumours coming thick and fast over Marc Guehi’s Selhurst Park future, Crystal Palace have reportedly turned their attention towards a Champions League level defender who could replace their star man.

Crystal Palace transfer news

da leao： Whilst they may be back to their best under Oliver Glasner, that price could yet come at a cost when the summer transfer window arrives and their star men become the subject of serious interest.

The likes of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Guehi have already found their names in the headlines amid reported interest from the Premier League’s best clubs and that interest only looks likely to increase in the coming months.

Having rediscovered his golden touch in front of goal, Mateta has reportedly emerged as a potential target for Manchester United this summer as they look to end their striker woes once and for all. Whether the Frenchman swaps Selhurst Park for Old Trafford remains to be seen, however, especially given the bottom half place the Red Devils currently find themselves in.

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What’s more, Guehi’s form also hasn’t gone unnoticed. After Newcastle United were priced out of a move last summer, it’s Chelsea who are reportedly interested this time around and they’re unlikely to face the same money problem.

The Blues’ interest is certainly a concern for those in South London, who are seemingly planning for the worst. According to The Boot Room, Crystal Palace are now plotting a summer move to sign Cameron Carter-Vickers from Celtic.

The 27-year-old has attracted the attention of the Eagles alongside Aston Villa and Everton following another excellent campaign in Scotland almost three years on from leaving Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent basis.

A player who very nearly helped Celtic into the last 16 of the Champions League with a heroic performance only undone by a late Bayern Munich goal, Carter-Vickers should be high up on Palace’s list of candidates to replace Guehi this summer.

"Aggressive" Carter-Vickers can replace Guehi

Replacing Guehi, whether it’s this summer or in years to come, will be no easy task for Crystal Palace. In Carter-Vickers, however, they could welcome an ideal candidate to do exactly that. The defender is at the peak of his powers at 27 years old and ready to step back into England’s top flight to finally make his mark.

Earning praise from Brendan Rodgers for how he bounced back from an own goal against Club Brugge earlier this season, Carter-Vickers could now get the chance to bounce back from Spurs failure all those years ago courtesy of Crystal Palace.

The Celtic boss told reporters: “he’s a really, really tough character. He’s a great guy, he picked himself up. He was really strong and aggressive again in the game and got on with it and had a real bravery in the second half, because he was the one carrying the ball forward for us to start the attack.”

With the summer approaching, the American could be one to watch if Premier League and Crystal Palace, in particular, come calling in pursuit of replacing Guehi, who could commence a transfer merry-go-round in the coming months.

How do Rangers salvage this season, and how does Philippe Clement keep his job?

Having been ignominiously dumped out of the Scottish Cup by Queen’s Park last Sunday, defeated in that competition by lower-league opposition at Ibrox for the first time ever, the Light Blues are staring down the barrel of a trophyless season.

The Gers are 13 points adrift of run-away Premiership leaders Celtic, a gap that will be insurmountable, but Sunday’s trip to Tynecastle still feels must-win, as Clement fights to remain in situ, ahead of Rangers’ Europa League last 16 tie coming up on 6 March.

So, could the Belgian claim the victory he so badly needs by unleashing a highly-rated teenage midfielder?

Rangers' midfield issues

As noted by former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew, midfield has been a problem area for Rangers throughout this season.

Clement has primarily deployed three different options at the base of midfield this season, so let’s assess their stats.

As the table outlines, Mohammed Diomandé and Nicolas Raskin have been Rangers’ best-performing midfield duo this season.

The former boasts the best attacking statistics, goals, assists and big chances created, while the Belgian shines for defensive metrics, namely tackles, interceptions and duels.

Thus, it’s no surprise that this has been Clement’s starting duo for the last five Premiership and Europa League matches they’ve both been available for; Diomandé was suspended for the trip to Old Trafford last month.

Thus, this means Connor Barron has been the man to miss out, generally performing the poorest of the three, reflected by the fact he has the worst return for goals and assists, as well as big chances created.

Chalkboard

Earlier this season, after making the move from Aberdeen, Barron was earning rave reviews, most notably named the club’s player of the month for September.

Meanwhile, a report by BBC Sport noted he made a “promising start to his Rangers career”, with Peter Cassidy of STV describing him as “one of the few shining lights at Ibrox this season”.

However, the 22-year-old has not featured in any of Rangers’ last four Premiership fixtures due to a medial collateral ligament injury sustained during a collision with Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt, and the date of his return is as yet unknown.

So, currently short of midfield options, should Clement turn to a teenager at Tynecastle?

The Rangers starlet who Clement must unleash

Against Queen’s Park in last Sunday’s ill-fated Scottish Cup tie, 18-year-old Bailey Rice, who Ben Mattinson on Twitter describes as a “quality midfielder”, was handed his full-senior debut.

However, it didn’t last long, with Rice hooked at half time, a substitution that former Hearts and Hibs midfielder Michael Stewart, speaking on Premier Sports’ Scottish Football Social club, described as a “deplorable decision”, adding that Rice “did not deserve to be taken off”, with Darrell Currie saying that he hopes the youngster does not feel like a “scapegoat”.

On top of this, former Rangers defender Alan Hutton believes Rice is “ready” to start contributing at first-team level, adding that he was impressed by the teenager when he was introduced at halftime against Man United, following Barron’s injury.

Teammate Ianis Hagi has also praised the youngster’s “mentality”, so we’re advocating for Clement to put Rice back into the team at Hearts on Sunday, if the Gers are to claim the three points they so desperately require in Gorgie.

Tipped for success at such a young age, the signs point to the teenager emerging as an even bigger talent than the stricken Barron, with it set to be an interesting tussle in the centre of the park over the coming years.

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Turning their attention towards a future star, Manchester United are now reportedly battling to sign a young winger in the summer transfer window who’s already impressed their scouts.

Man Utd transfer news

With cost-cutting measures continuing and Ruben Amorim’s side sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League as the season nears its conclusion, Manchester United were left frustrated once again when Real Sociedad equalised to rescue a draw in their Europa League first leg.

Scoring from the spot through Mikel Oyarzabal thanks to what the referee deemed to be a handball from Bruno Fernandes, the Spaniards will now travel to Old Trafford with it all to play for.

In many ways, a Europa League exit at the last 16 stage would encapsulate Manchester United’s season in its entirety, but Amorim will be desperate to avoid yet more disappointment in the first months of his tenure.

With every game, it’s become clearer and clearer that the Red Devils need affordable reinforcements, which has seemingly seen them turn their attention towards a future star.

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According to The Boot Room, Manchester United are now battling to sign Roger Fernandes from SC Braga, who value their 19-year-old winger at €40m (£34m) this summer. The rising star has already impressed United’s scouts and could now be on the move.

As ever when it comes to a talent of such calibre though, Manchester United aren’t alone in the race to secure Fernandes’ signature. Reports have also linked Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle United with moves to sign the Braga teenager in what could deal those at Old Trafford a frustrating blow.

Set to miss out on Champions League football in a season which has only seen their stock fall even further, convincing Fernandes to ditch the likes of Liverpool in favour of Amorim’s project has become increasingly difficult in the current campaign.

"Specialist" Fernandes is one to watch

Whether there’s doubts over Manchester United’s ability to sign such talents in their current state, the Red Devils are certainly looking in the right direction. Fernandes has been on the rise since 15 years old and hasn’t looked like slowing down ever since.

Now 19 years old, the winger has scored five goals and assisted another five in all competitions for Braga this season. Earning the praise of Ben Mattinson as a result of his recent rise, the analyst described Fernandes as a “1v1 specialist” and dubbed him an “unselfish winger” back in January of last year.

When the summer arrives, it looks as though the teenager is likely to find himself at the centre of a Premier League battle, as the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool all jostle for his signature.

The former England batter helped the team win 19 out of 50 internationals in his tenure

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Jan-2024

Following a successful stint with the Afghanistan men’s cricket team, former England batter Jonathan Trott’s contract as head coach has been extended for a year. His 18-month tenure came to an end with 2023 but the ACB has chosen to keep him for 2024 as well.Afghanistan made excellent gains on the field last year, which culminated in their performance in the ODI World Cup where they beat Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka and Netherlands. They were also within reach of victory over the eventual champions Australia until Glenn Maxwell played one of the greatest innings of all time.Trott spoke to ESPNcricinfo in the aftermath of that campaign where Afghanistan went in with only one win in World Cup cricket and increased that count to five by the end of the tournament. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with them so far,” he said. “It’ll be nice to be able to build on the success we had at this World Cup.”In all, Trott, who was first appointed as head coach of Afghanistan in July 2022, has helped the team to win eight out of 23 ODIs, including a maiden series win over Bangladesh, and 11 out of 26 T20Is, including a maiden series win over Pakistan.Afghanistan are currently playing a three-match T20I series against the UAE, where the scoreline is 1-1. They will then play India in a set of three T20Is in January in preparation for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the USA in June.Trott had a storied time with England, especially in Test cricket where he made 3835 runs in 52 matches, and was one of the pillars of their Ashes triumph in 2010-11. At his peak a player capable of batting long periods and constructing massive innings, Trott’s success also translated well into ODI cricket where he made 2819 runs at an average of 51 with four hundreds and 22 fifties. Towards the end of his career, though, the intensity of his game took a toll on him and he needed a break from cricket in 2013-14. Trott eventually retired from England duty in 2015. The Afghanistan job was his first time as head coach of a senior men’s team in international cricket.

Manchester United have produced countless talents out of their impressive academy system, with attacker Alejandro Garnacho one of the latest to emerge and thrive in the first-team.

The Argentine originally joined from Atlético Madrid back in 2020, linking up with the youth team before making the jump and seamlessly transitioning into the professional game.

He’s since made 130 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 23 times, with eight of his efforts coming during the ongoing campaign at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim has continued to make him an integral part of his plans, as seen by his tally of 14 starts since his appointment at the end of November.

However, the same can’t be said for one player who evidently doesn’t appear to be in the 40-year-old’s plans after allowing him to depart on a temporary basis in January.

Marcus Rashford’s time at Manchester United

Academy graduate Marcus Rashford was frozen out of the United squad after Amorim’s arrival, making just six appearances after he took over the reins in the North West.

However, he’s gone out on loan to Aston Villa, recapturing his best form, already registering four assists under Unai Emery – leading to a recall to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

His time with his boyhood club has been a roaring success, registering 138 goals in 426 appearances, and it all started with his debut in the Europa League way back in 2016, scoring a double against FC Midtjylland.

The 27-year-old made himself an immediate fan-favourite given the impact on that night in February nine years ago, with not many predicting him to be as successful as he has been.

However, in the present day, one other Red Devils talent has the opportunity to follow in his footsteps after his own impressive performance during his first European outing for the club.

The player who could be United’s next Rashford

Performing on a European stage is a daunting task, let alone for your first professional start, something which Rashford did with ease all them years ago.

Centre-back Ayden Heaven has also managed to do just that, starring in the triumph against Real Sociedad on Thursday night in what was his first start for United after his summer move from Arsenal.

There’s no doubt the 18-year-old was a signing made for the academy, but after such a display, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him in Amorim’s first-team plans going forward.

The youngster has benefitted from the current injury crisis within the defensive department, taking his opportunity to shine at Old Trafford with both hands against the LaLiga outfit.

Heaven featured for the entirety of the clash, completing 86% of his passes and registering 64 touches – looking calm and composed in possession despite his tender age.

He also won 100% of the ground duels he entered, making four clearances and winning one tackle, helping the Red Devils reach the next stage in their pursuit of a trophy this campaign.

Minutes played

90

Touches

64

Passes completed

42/49 (86%)

Ground duels won

4/4 (100%)

Clearances made

4

Tackles won

1

Interceptions made

2

The defender, who was dubbed “exceptional” by Liam Canning, has certainly given Amorim a selection headache when other players return from their injury setbacks.

He’s replicated Rashford in impressing on his debut, which came in a European competition, with the centre-back having the potential to replicate the Englishman’s success at Old Trafford.

Should Heaven get anywhere near the levels the attacker has achieved in Manchester, he will be an absolute bargain, having the chance to cement his place at the back and play a vital role in their quest to return to glory.

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MatériaMais Notícias

da dobrowin： Árbitro do clássico disputado entre Botafogo x Flamengo em Brasília, Tarcizo Pinheiro Caetano relatou as expulsões dos jogadores Joel Carli, Tiquinho Soares e Marçalna súmula.Os atletas foram expulsos no segundo tempo da partida e serão desfalques da equipe alvinegra na próxima rodada do Campeonato Carioca.

JOEL CARLI

– Expulsei aos 68 minutos de jogo, o atleta de número 3 da SAF Botafogo, os Sr Mauro Joel Carli, após receber o segundo cartão amarelo e se levantar-se do banco de reservas e se direcionar-se até a linha lateral de frente para este banco e protestar contra as tomadas de decisão da arbitragem com gestos e dizendo as seguintes palavras: “Isto é uma brincadeira, vocês só podem estar de sacanagem, isto é uma sacanagem!”. Após receber o cartão vermelho, o atleta deixou o seu banco de reservas e se direcionou para fora dos arredores do estádio sem problemas.

+ Com Marcelo no Fluminense, Brasileirão chega a 23 jogadores que já disputaram Copa do Mundo

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da luck： +Luís Castro critica presença da polícia em campo e pede controle emocional ao Botafogo

TIQUINHO SOARES

– Expulsei aos 87 minutos de jogo, o atleta de número 9 da equipe SAF Botafogo, o Sr Francisco das Chagas Soares dos Santos, após receber o segundo cartão amarelo próximo a linha de meio campo por protestar contra as decisões da arbitragem com gestos e dizendo as seguintes palavras: “Foi falta, p***. Só você não viu, p***. Você está de sacanagem!”. Digo também que após receber o cartão vermelho, em ato contínuo, o referido atleta me atingiu com uma “cabeçada” em meu nariz e profere as seguintes palavras face a face: “Vai tomar no seu c*, seu m*** do cara****”, me sentindo ofendido na minha honra e moral. Após dizer estas palavras, o atleta deixou o campo de jogo. Cabe ressaltar que o árbitro não necessitou de atendimento médico e continuou na partida normalmente.

MARÇAL

– Expulsei aos 90+3 minutos de jogo o atleta de número 21 da equipe SAF Botafogo, o Sr Fernando Marçal de Oliveira com uso de cartão vermelho de maneira direta próximo a linha de meio campo, após ofender o árbitro da partida utilizando as seguintes palavras face a face com o referido árbitro: “Vai tomar no c*! Você é vagabundo, vai tomar no seu c*”, me sentindo ofendido na minha honra e moral. Após o receber o cartão vermelho, o jogador deixou o campo de jogo e já do lado de fora do campo de jogo, chutou um microfone que se encontrava próximo a descida para o túnel de acesso aos vestiários.

Do trio de expulsos alvinegros, Tiquinho Soares é o jogador com mais chances de acabar levando uma punição pesada do TJD-RJ. O atacante foi acusado pelo árbitro de atingi-lo com uma “cabeçada no nariz” e pode pegar mais de um jogo de suspensão.

Com expulsões, confusões e invasões no gramado, Botafogo acabou sendo derrotado pelo Flamengo por 1 a 0 em Brasília. O time de Luís Castro volta para campo na próxima quinta-feira, diante do Sergipe, fora de casa, às 20h, pela primeira fase da Copa do Brasil.

Arsenal today are an entirely different team from the one Mikel Arteta took control of over five years ago.

The manager has helped transform a meandering and seemingly lost club into one that looks destined to win something significant in the coming years.

However, it has not been a linear journey for the Spaniard, as just a year into his tenure, his position was starting to look seriously untenable.

Thankfully, the emergence of Emile Smith Rowe and his early partnership with Bukayo Saka steadied the ship and practically saved the Spaniard’s job, so it’s good news that Hale End has provided him with another version of the Englishman.

Emile Smith Rowe's career

So, while Smith Rowe did make his senior debut for Arsenal back in a Europa League group game in the 18/19 season, it makes sense to start in the 20/21 campaign, as it was in the Premier League game at home to Chelsea on Boxing Day, that it became abundantly clear to everyone watching that the youngster was a serious talent.

He started that game and, alongside Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, injected the dynamism the club lacked in the prior 14 league games, of which Arteta had overseen just four wins.

The Croydon-born gem ended the season with a brilliant haul of four goals and seven assists in 33 games and carried his form over to the following campaign, in which he scored 11 goals and provided two assists in just 37 appearances.

By the start of the 22/23 season, it felt as if the Hale Ender was ready to truly explode, but in a stroke of terrible luck, he was blindsided with injury problems, which limited him to just 196 minutes of action across 14 appearances.

Unfortunately, while he was sitting on the sidelines, the club were mounting a surprise title charge, with Martin Odegaard having the season of his life as the team’s most attacking midfielder and racking up a stellar haul of 15 goals and seven assists in 45 games.

Appearances

115

Goals

18

Assists

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.26

So, while the young Englishman did miss some games through injury the following year, the primary reason he was limited to just 475 minutes was the simple fact that there wasn’t a place for him in the starting lineup anymore, which likely made the club’s choice to accept up to £34m for his service from Fulham in the summer far easier.

Since moving to West London, the former fan favourite has still suffered from some minor injuries but has generally looked good when on the pitch, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 31 appearances.

In all, while Arsenal would likely have used Smith Rowe more this season in light of their attacking struggles and injuries, selling him to the Cottagers was probably the best thing for all parties involved, especially as Hale End might’ve already provided Arteta with the perfect replacement.

Arteta's new Smith Rowe

For all that has gone wrong this season, one of the most significant positives has been the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, and it should come as no surprise that it is the latter who is Arteta’s new Smith Rowe.

Now, this comparison works for a few reasons, such as the fact that they are both attacking midfielders who can thrive on the wing, they’re both English and even the fact that their breakouts came under this manager.

However, we’d argue the most important similarity is how they impacted the first team in a time of need.

As mentioned above, the now Fulham star announced himself to the wider footballing world by forming a brilliant partnership with Saka and turning the ship around at a time when it looked like changes were going to be made in the dugout, and while it’s not been anywhere as dire this season, there are some unmistakable similarities.

For example, while the “unplayable” Nwaneri, as dubbed by Jack Wilshere, was making cameo appearances and getting the odd cup start earlier this season, his involvement in the first team dramatically increased once the attacking injury crisis was in full swing, with nine of his 12 starts coming since January 1st.

Appearances

29

Minutes

1087′

Goals

8

Assists

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.31

Minutes per Goal Involvement

120.77′

Moreover, when he has played, the “sensational” Hale Ender, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has often contributed, with his eight goals and one assist coming in 1087 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement on average every 120.77 minutes, which for an 18-year-old is incredible.

Finally, while Smith Rowe broke through and formed a partnership with Saka, the Enfield-born dynamo is doing the same with Lewis-Skelly, who played a big part in his goals against Bolton Wanderers and PSV Eindhoven.

Ultimately, fans will be hoping his Arsenal career progresses in a different way, but as things stand, there are plenty of similarities between Smith Rowe and Nwaneri.

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Eric Dier is set to leave Bayern Munich for Monaco this summer, and the centre-back has now penned a farewell to the Bavarians and Harry Kane.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Eric Dier set to leave Bayern Munich
• Will join Monaco on a three-year deal
• Sends emotional mesage to the Bavarians

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Dier joined Bayern Munich on a loan deal from Tottenham Hotspur in January of 2024 before sealing a free transfer to the Bavarians in the summer. The former England international has not been a regular starter for Vincent Kompany; however, he has been a useful squad option for Der Rekordmeister over the last one-and-a-half seasons.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT DIER SAID

  Dier is now set to leave Bayern Munich as a free agent, as Ligue 1 giants Monaco have completed a deal for the 31-year-old centre-back, who has signed a three-year contract with the French side. Dier has now penned an emotional farewell to the Bavarians and wrote: "I just want to say a big thank you to the club, the staff, my teammates and of course the fans for this moment, it really meant a lot to me and I’m very grateful for it. It’s been with huge pride that I’ve played in red at this special place.

  "It was also a privilege to be there to witness [Thomas] Muller's farewell, one of a kind!"

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Dier also announced his move to Monaco in a separate post and sent an endearing message to the French side's fans. He said: "Salut a tous. It's Eric Dier. I'm sorry my French is not good enough for more yet, but it will be very soon because I'm very excited to announce that I'll be joining AS Monaco in the summer.

  "I can't wait to get started, I'm really looking forward to wearing this shirt, and I can't wait to meet everyone at the club at the Stade Louis II and get started. So I'm really really looking forward to it. I'm going to give everything for this club. I look forward to seeing you all very soon."

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR DIER?

  The 31-year-old will now partake in Bayern Munich's final Bundesliga clash against Hoffenheim on May 17 before he bids farewell to the Bavarians and shifts to Monaco.