
<p>Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica. After <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyFootball/status/1620547181953286145">chasing the Argentina international</a> for weeks, the Blues finally get their man. The $130 million fee will break the British transfer record for incoming players.</p>



<h2>Chelsea had negotiations drag with Enzo Fernandez due to payment</h2>



<p>Although the price was agreed in principal for quite some time, the two clubs negotiated the exact structure for hours. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/benfica-boss-labels-chelsea-disrespectful-over-fernandez-talks-20230105-WST-414458.html">Benfica wanted</a> to receive three installments over the course of two or three years. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a>, on the other hand, favored a more spread out agreement. The Blues wanted to pay the $130 million in six installments over a five-year period. Nevertheless, the final structure has been agreed.</p>



<p>Despite the late move, Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solekol explained how the deal could be handled in a timely matter. “Chelsea have the resources to do this in the last minute,” <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/11095/12476234/transfer-centre-live-all-the-latest-deals-moves-and-rumours-from-the-january-transfer-window" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> Solhekol.&nbsp; “They have a&nbsp;private jet on standby and can have the medical done in Lisbon. The player is doing what he can to make this deal happen. Benfica are prepared for this to be done in the last minute.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨 Chelsea have reached agreement in principle with Benfica to sign Enzo Fernandez. Immediately, not summer. Clubs now racing to get documents for 22yo Argentina midfielder completed in time for 11pm UK deadline <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAthleticFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheAthleticFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLBenfica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLBenfica</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeadlineDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeadlineDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/JHRo8nkh2r">https://t.co/JHRo8nkh2r</a></p>— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/1620542911669764096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>The deal just narrowly beats the previous <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> record for a player transfer. Jack Grealish cost Manchester City about $6 million less than <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/chelsea-ready-to-sign-enzo-fernandez-in-january-window-20221228-WST-413594.html">Fernandez</a> in the summer of 2021. </p>



<h5>Benfica make massive return on investment</h5>



<p>Fernandez only moved to Benfica six months ago. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/primeira-liga-tv-schedule/">Portuguese</a> club spent about $15 million to bring in the dynamic midfielder from River Plate in July. Fernandez played just 17 league matches for Benfica, scoring one goal and adding five assists in this competition.</p>



<p>The 22-year-old midfielder helped <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentina</a> win the World Cup in Qatar last month as well. Despite his relatively young age, Fernandez featured in all seven matches at the competition. He managed to score one goal and supply an assist during the tournament. The midfielder’s stellar play earned himself the FIFA Young Player Award at the competition.</p>



<p>Chelsea have a total net spend of about $600 million during the current campaign.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / AFLOSPORT</em></p>


Chelsea have agreed a massive $130 million fee for Benfica's Enzo Fernandez. It only signed the Argentine six months ago for $15 million.

Chelsea sign Enzo Fernandez for record-breaking $129 million

destacadas


<p>Chelsea is not done with its January shopping spree, and Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo are next on the wish list.</p>



<p>The pair of midfielders play for Benfica and Brighton respectively. According to <em>The Guardian</em>, Todd Boehly and company want to shore up the midfield with what could be two expensive signings. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> already submitted bids for both players. Benfica turned down an eye-watering $110 million from Chelsea for the World-Cup-winning Fernández, while Brighton denied an offer over $60 million. </p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="pt" dir="ltr">🇦🇷🥇 A homenagem a <a href="https://twitter.com/Enzo13Fernandez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Enzo13Fernandez</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuAmoOBenfica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuAmoOBenfica</a> <a href="https://t.co/G3ZjKxC9tw">pic.twitter.com/G3ZjKxC9tw</a></p>— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) <a href="https://twitter.com/SLBenfica/status/1614687585003270144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Those are high fees for some clubs, but par for the course at Stamford Bridge. Just this winter, Chelsea spent individual sums of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/chelsea-agree-e100m-deal-for-mykhailo-mudryk-20230114-WST-415528.html">$100 million</a>, $40 million, $35 million and $11 million just for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/chelsea-signs-joao-felix-on-short-term-loan-deal-20230111-WST-415129.html">loan of Joao Felix</a>. </p>



<p>However, these signings are all either defenders or forwards. Or, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/latest-chelsea-transfers-not-at-fault-for-aimless-spending-20230114-WST-415145.html">these signings are young</a>. Chelsea did purchase Vasco da Gama midfielder Andrey Santos. It would be a tall task to have the 18-year-old midfielder step right into the Premier League.</p>



<p>Therefore, Chelsea wants Fernández and Caicedo. These are proven players in the midfield, an area of openness for Chelsea. </p>



<h2>Fernández and Caicedo on list of heavy-spending Chelsea</h2>



<p>Despite all the spending, Chelsea continues to seek its next transfer market gem. Chelsea’s spending this winter more than quadruples the team that spent the second most, Arsenal. </p>



<p>There is some debate over the purpose and tactics of this record spending. On one hand, some of these signings are for the future. Young players loaded with potential signed contracts reaching eight years, a major gamble for Chelsea. Or, these signings are purely desperate. Chelsea sit in <a href="https://www.premierleague.com/tables" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10th in the Premier League</a> table. The Blues have two wins in the last 11 Premier League games played. On top of that, it is out of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/man-city-thrash-chelsea-4-0-in-the-fa-cup-20230108-WST-414797.html">FA Cup</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/top-london-clubs-dropped-from-carabao-cup-20221109-WST-407520.html">Carabao Cup</a>. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a> made sure of that. </p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Official. Moises Caicedo has picked Futbol Division as new agents — it’s now confirmed by agency statement 🚨🔵🇪🇨 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a><br><br>One to watch in the final days of Jan window — Brighton want to keep him but Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are well informed on Moises situation ⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/7CmaFU3Y4Z">https://t.co/7CmaFU3Y4Z</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1617614319109406721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Not content with that performance, Boehly went on a splurge in the market, and Chelsea linked itself with any name near the rumor mill. In fact, UEFA is looking at modifying its Financial Fair Play rules to ensure no club can go as wild as Chelsea has, according to <em><a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/chelseas-long-term-deals-prompt-uefa-to-set-five-year-limit-x8r3x63j3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Times</a></em>. The long-term deals to step around FFP could be maximized at five years soon.</p>



<p>Regardless, Chelsea wants to capitalize on a major transfer window with Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo. </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</em></p>


Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo are the latest names on the wish list of Todd Boehly and the spending crew at Chelsea.

Chelsea chasing Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo deals


<p>Benfica head coach Roger Schmidt had made some interesting comments regarding the Chelsea attempts to land Enzo Fernandez. The Benfica boss claims that the Blues acted like they would pay the player’s full release clause, but then wanted to enter negotiations to drive the price down. Fernandez currently has a $126 million release clause with the Portuguese club.</p>



<p>Schmidt spoke on the issue with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> during a press conference on Thursday. “We do not want to sell Enzo,” Schmidt <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/4845325/benfica-coach-slams-chelsea-for-disrespectful-pursuit-of-enzo-fernandez" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a>. “Not me, not the president, nobody.” </p>



<p>“We know, everyone knows he has a clause in the contract and if the player wants to leave and someone comes and pays the clause of course we cannot work against that. Then maybe we will lose the player.”</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Benfica head coach Roger Schmidt on Enzo Fernández deal and Chelsea’s bid rejected 🔵 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a><br><br>“It’s disrespectful for all of us, I can’t accept what they are doing” 🎥⤵️<a href="https://t.co/3uvYZ93iTC">https://t.co/3uvYZ93iTC</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1610995121239261185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Benfica coach calls Chelsea ‘disrespectful’</h2>



<p>“There is a club who wants our player,” Schmidt continued. “They know we don’t want to sell the player. They tried to get the player on their side and they know that they can only get this player when they pay the clause.”</p>



<p>“So it is a very clear situation. What the club is doing, who wants to buy Enzo, is disrespectful against all of us, against Benfica and I cannot accept what they are doing.”</p>



<p>“To make the player crazy and then to pretend they can pay the clause and later they want to negotiate, I think this is not what I understand about a good relationship between clubs who maybe want to discuss about the player. So that’s what I can say about the whole topic of Enzo and I will not answer further questions.”</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Enzo Fernández deal. As things stand, Chelsea &amp; Benfica have not scheduled new meeting after talks collapsed 🚨🇦🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a><br><br>Rui Costa always said: €120m [clause] or no way. Chelsea verbally discussed that with Benfica then official bid was €85m. No deal.<br><br>🎥 <a href="https://t.co/a58uN3CYyC">https://t.co/a58uN3CYyC</a> <a href="https://t.co/5NuEZDoECZ">pic.twitter.com/5NuEZDoECZ</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1610799647190310915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h5>Blues pump-faked paying release clause</h5>



<p>Chelsea apparently made Benfica feel like they would pay the release clause in full. However, the Blues reportedly submitted an opening offer in the $90 million range. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also claimed that discussions over a deal between the two clubs are now over.</p>



<p>It remains to be seen if the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> club will eventually go back to pay the release clause or move on to other targets. Fernandez was one of the breakout stars of the 2022 World Cup. The midfielder collected the title with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentina</a> and was awarded as the best young player at the tournament.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Marco Canoniero</em></p>


Benfica head coach Roger Schmidt has called Chelsea "disrespectful" over negotiations for star midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Benfica boss labels Chelsea 'disrespectful' over Fernandez talks


<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> are supposedly set to splash the cash on Enzo Fernández. The <em><a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-fc-transfer-latest-enzo-fernandez-release-clause-b1049700.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evening Standard</a></em> claim that the Blues are content to trigger the midfielder’s release clause at Benfica. This fee would be in the region of $125 million.</p>



<p>Fernández was one of the breakout stars of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a> with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentina</a>. The 21-year-old central midfielder featured in every match at the tournament for his country. His performances earned himself the award for <a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/enzo-fernandez-the-rapid-rise-of-argentinas-award-winning-youngster#:~:text=Argentina%27s%20Enzo%20Fernandez%20is%20handed,World%20Cup%E2%84%A2%EF%B8%8F%20in%20Qatar." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best Young Player</a> during the competition in Qatar.</p>



<p>Chelsea will need to bolster their midfield fairly soon. Star duo N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are both out of contract with the club in the summer. Both midfielders, if fit, are typically a mainstay in the middle of the pitch for the Blues. Fernández would certainly take care of one of these roster spots.</p>



<h5>January window not easy to maneuver </h5>



<p>The winter window can be a tough transfer market. Typically teams do not want to allow their top players to depart midseason. Chelsea boss Graham Potter even touched on this recently. “I would say the January window isn’t so straightforward to find solutions,” Potter stated during a <a href="https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/potter-chelsea-january-transfer-james-25839262" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press conference</a> last week. </p>



<p>“The team, as I see it, hasn’t functioned as maximally as I would have liked and I think that it can do. I would say the job of the head coach is to focus on the players that are here and make them better. There’s room for improvement there for sure.”</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chelsea and Newcastle are reportedly ready to trigger Enzo Fernández&apos;s €120 million release clause. 🚨😮<br><br>The 21-year-old Benfica midfielder recently won the Best Young Player Award at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. 🔥🥇 <a href="https://t.co/rIw4KT41i5">pic.twitter.com/rIw4KT41i5</a></p>— Transfermarkt.co.uk (@TMuk_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/TMuk_news/status/1608027067937062913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>However, paying a release clause tends to take care of any haggling. Fernández would certainly cost a lot, but the Blues would be filling a major hole looking forward. Taking his age into account, there is even room to grow and get better with Chelsea as well.</p>



<h2>Enzo Fernández not only move for Chelsea this window</h2>



<p>Fernández is also not the only name to be heavily linked with the Blues either. Christopher Nkunku is supposedly set for a move to London as well. The versatile star has already <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/09/30/christopher-nkunku-already-completed-chelsea-medical-reports/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reportedly</a> completed a medical ahead of a move. Chelsea are also in talks with Monaco over defender Benoit Badiashile. The left-sided center back would cost around $42 million.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire</em></p>


Chelsea are reportedly ready to trigger a release clause exceeding $100 million for Benfica and Argentina player Enzo Fernández.

Chelsea ready to sign Enzo Fernández in January window


<p>By the time the last six matches of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> group stage kicked off on Thursday, there was only one spot remaining in the knockout round. AC Milan faced RB Salzburg in what turned out to essentially be a one-game playoff. The winner of the match would advance to the next phase of the tournament.</p>



<p>AC Milan would beat Salzburg 4-0 on the night. Olivier Giroud started off the scoring with a signature header by the Frenchman inside 15 minutes. The France international thought he had doubled his team’s lead about 10 minutes later; however the center forward was ruled offside.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, Giroud would go on to get his brace in the match. Rade Krunic and Junior Messias also added goals as well. Milan will join fellow <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/serie-a-tv-schedule/">Serie A</a> club Napoli in the knockout round of the Champions League. After finishing <a href="https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/standings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second in Group E</a>, Milan could next face Porto, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bayern-munich-tv-schedule/">Bayern Munich</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/tottenham-tv-schedule/">Tottenham</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a>, or Benfica.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Napoli ✅<br>Liverpool ✅<br>Porto ✅<br>Club Brugge ✅<br>Bayern Munich ✅<br>Inter ✅<br>Tottenham ✅<br>Eintracht Frankfurt ✅<br>Chelsea ✅<br>Milan ✅<br>Real Madrid ✅<br>RB Leipzig ✅<br>Man City ✅<br>Dortmund ✅<br>PSG ✅<br>Benfica ✅<br><br>The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 is set 🔒 <a href="https://t.co/rS5BijWdU9">pic.twitter.com/rS5BijWdU9</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1587926719771865088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Champions League group stage wraps up in dramatic fashion</h2>



<p>However, one Italian team that will not compete in the top European competition is <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a>. Juve are in the midst of an extremely disappointing campaign. The usual giants of Italy have already been knocked out of advancing through to the next phase, but they did have a chance to qualify for the Europa League round.</p>



<p>Juve just needed to either grab a result against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">Paris Saint-Germain</a> or hope Maccabi Haifa lost against Benfica Thursday night. While they could not manage a point at home to the visiting Parisians, Juve was helped out by Benfica. The Portuguese club put six by Maccabi Haifa in Israel.</p>



<h5>Benfica edge PSG in Group H</h5>



<p>Despite PSG beating Juve, the huge 6-1 victory by Benfica gave the Portuguese the group title. Both PSG and Benfica finished level on points in the group; however, Benfica got the edge on total away goals in the group stage. Teams that won their Champions League groups will look to avoid PSG in the knockout round.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / LaPresse</em></p>


AC Milan and Benfica picked up big, and crucial, wins in the Champions League group stage to advance to the round of 16.

Milan, Benfica cap off Champions League group stage in style


<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus </a>have officially been knocked out of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> group stage.  The Italian giants were beaten 4-3 by Benfica on Tuesday night. It will be the first time in nine years that Juve fail to reach the UCL knockout rounds. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/serie-a-tv-schedule/">Serie A</a> club seemed to sleepwalk for much of the game in Portugal. Benfica scored all four of their goals in the first 50 minutes of the match. Antonio Silva and Joao Mario scored in the opening half an hour, while Rafa Silva netted his team’s final two goals of the game.  </p>



<p>Juve did, however, fight back to make the scoreline close. Arkadiusz Milik and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">United States men’s national team</a> midfielder Weston McKennie scored twice in two minutes late in the game. Nevertheless, it was not enough to save Juve.</p>



<p>The Italian giants can still qualify for the Europa League knockout rounds should they finish <a href="https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/standings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">third in Group H</a>. Currently, Juventus is level on points with Maccabi Haifa for the Europa League spot. However, Juve have to play group-leading Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday.</p>



<h2>Juventus out of Champions League early</h2>



<p>Juve were last knocked out of the UCL group stage in 2013-14.  They finished third in the group on that season and progressed all the way to the Europa League semifinals. Interestingly, Benfica ended that run in the Europa League. </p>



<p>Elsewhere in Group H, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">PSG </a>demolished Maccabi Haifa 7-2 in Paris.  Superstar Lionel Messi ran the show with two goals and two assists on the night. Kylian Mbappe also netted a brace, while Neymar and Carlos Soler found the back of the net as well.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">PSG ARE ON FIRE 🔥<br><br>Another beauty from Messi! <a href="https://t.co/RXyk0L7EXg">pic.twitter.com/RXyk0L7EXg</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1584996083750473728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Reigning UCL and LaLiga champions <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> suffered its first defeat of the current campaign.  RB Leipzig scored a trio of goals from Josko Gvardiol, Christopher Nkunku, and Timo Werner.  Nevertheless, Real have already qualified for the knockout phase of the competition.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / NurPhoto</em></p>


A 4-3 loss in Portugal spelled out the fate for Juventus in the Champions League. The Italian side are out before the knockout stage.

Juventus drop out of Champions League with Benfica loss

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>The slate of July summer friendlies on TV includes a number of world-class players. Oftentimes, these players are part of new teams, looking to make an instant impression on their new teammates and fans.</p>
<p>Plus, summer friendlies provide an opportunity to see matchups that would otherwise seem bizarre. A top Italian team playing a French side that finished the past season battling for a Champions League spot. Or, a Champions League team from Germany playing against a team just five points away from relegation in England.</p>
<p>These are weird fixtures, but that is what makes them fun. For some players, they use these games to just get fit with match-level intensity. Other plays have something to prove, generally for play time in the upcoming season.</p>
<p>We, as fans, have the opportunity to watch these players go head-to-head. However, due to the fact that these games are not part of an official league, they are not always available on TV in the United States. For example, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a> plays Crystal Palace on Tuesday, July 19. In the United States, this game does not have a broadcaster. However, you can watch the game using the club website. Oftentimes, that requires a paid-subscription specific to that club.</p>
<p>In any case, here are a few examples of the July summer friendlies that you can watch on TV.</p>
<h3>July summer friendlies on US TV</h3>
<h5>Benfica vs. Nice – Friday, July 15 – 4 p.m. ET – ESPN Deportes,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/signup/?irad=359590&amp;irmp=330866" aria-label="Watch on fubo TV">fubo TV</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5531305-15177288" aria-label="Watch on DirecTV Stream">DirecTV Stream</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://vidgo.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=1&amp;aff_id=1004" aria-label="Watch on Vidgo">Vidgo</a></h5>
<p>This is one of those games that fans seldom get to see. Are either club a true European powerhouse constantly threatening for the UEFA Champions League? No. Yet, that does not make this a boring or bland game. Instead, take it as an opportunity to see how two of the underdogs in less-discussed leagues shape up heading into the 2022/23 season.</p>
<p>These two sides have just one prior meeting, coming back in 2013. Therefore, this July summer friendly is a rare meeting for the two.</p>
<h5>Inter Milan vs. AS Monaco – Saturday, July 16 – 2:15 p.m. ET – ESPN3,&nbsp;<a href="https://sling-tv.pxf.io/c/330866/1324302/14334" aria-label="Watch on Sling Orange">Sling Orange</a></h5>
<p>The return of Romelu Lukaku could be in store for Inter Milan as they take on a Monaco side prepping for another stint in the UEFA Champions League. Historically, Monaco played Inter in a total of four games. Those came over two legs in European Cup and Champions League qualifying. On both occasions, Inter advanced.</p>
<h5>DC United vs. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bayern-munich-tv-schedule/">Bayern Munich</a> – Wednesday, July 20 – 7:30 p.m. ET – <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" aria-label="Watch on ESPN+">ESPN+</a></h5>
<p>On the 20th, there are five July summer friendlies involving MLS clubs and European opposition. One of those is DC United battling the most dominant side in German soccer. Wayne Rooney is the new head coach of DC United, making this something of a test for the former Derby manager. Even if it is a friendly, it can be a learning experience to play against a talented a strong side like Bayern.</p>
<h5>Borussia Dortmund vs. Villarreal – Friday, July 22 – 1 p.m. ET – ESPN Deportes,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/signup/?irad=359590&amp;irmp=330866" aria-label="Watch on fubo TV">fubo TV</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5531305-15177288" aria-label="Watch on DirecTV Stream">DirecTV Stream</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://vidgo.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=1&amp;aff_id=1004" aria-label="Watch on Vidgo">Vidgo</a></h5>
<p>Two constant underdogs that put out great efforts on the European scene. Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal are fan favorites due to the passion they provide despite a relative lack of hardware compared to their rivals. Dortmund underwent some change this offseason, bringing in Sebastian Haller for the departing Erling Haaland. Villarreal will look to have a similar campaign to last season. However, there will be no European competition for the Yellow Submarine. Therefore, this contest is perhaps the side’s best competition outside Spain.</p>
<h5><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a> vs. Bayern Munich – Saturday, July 23 – 6:30 p.m. ET – ESPN, ESPN Deportes,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/signup/?irad=359590&amp;irmp=330866" aria-label="Watch on fubo TV">fubo TV</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5531305-15177288" aria-label="Watch on DirecTV Stream">DirecTV Stream</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://sling-tv.pxf.io/c/330866/1324302/14334" aria-label="Watch on Sling Orange">Sling Orange</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://vidgo.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=1&amp;aff_id=1004" aria-label="Watch on Vidgo">Vidgo</a></h5>
<p>Without a doubt, this is the best of the July summer friendlies. Two clubs that have realistic expectations of not just success, but a treble of trophies or more, go head-to-head from historic Lambeau Field. The talent on display is second to none it seems, with Manchester City potentially bringing out the aforementioned Erling Haaland. Bayern Munich could have its way with some transfers as well. Matthijs De Ligt is a rumored name to be eyeing up a move to the Bavarians.</p>
<p>Check out our new schedule of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/club-friendlies-tv-schedule/">club friendlies on US TV and streaming</a>. Please note that the listings are subject to change. And with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/schedule-of-soccer-friendlies-in-us-this-summer/">more than 50 friendlies scheduled in the United States</a> alone this summer, there may be some late additions.</p>


The July summer friendlies feature a number of games that U.S. soccer fans can watch that include some of the biggest names in the sport.

July summer friendlies feature best and brightest talents on TV - World Soccer Talk

July summer friendlies feature best and brightest talents on TV

<div id="attachment_363701" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-363701" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images</p></div>
<p>Possession-based soccer remains the preferred style of play for many teams in Europe.</p>
<p>Clubs look to play through the middle of the pitch to dominate the game. Therefore, the flanks emerged as a critical area for teams to exploit in order to create more chances. Nowadays, play-making ability is essential for full-backs.</p>
<p>Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo understands the evolution of the sport. Also, he is perhaps the most in-form full-back this season in European soccer.</p>
<h3>Joao Cancelo’s emergence on to the scene</h3>
<p>Cancelo joined the blue side of Manchester in 2019 during a swap deal for Danilo, which also included $31.4 million going to Juventus. Like the Brazilian international, the Benfica product is adept at playing on both sides of the flanks in the backline. The right side is his preference, but versatility proves pivotal in Pep Guardiola’s system.</p>
<p>Last season, Guardiola decided on employing Cancelo mostly at left-back opposite of Kyle Walker. He was sensational.</p>
<p>The former Valencia player was a key figure in the Citizens winning their fifth Premier League title. He was even voted to the <a href="https://www.90min.com/posts/2020-21-pfa-premier-league-team-of-the-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PFA Premier League Team of the Year</a>. With Manchester United’s Luke Shaw occupying the left-back position in the Team of the Year, Cancelo took the right slot. Regardless, the honor is impressive. Additionally, Cancelo earned nominations to the league team of the year in three different countries: England, Italy, and Portugal.</p>
<p>Currently, the 27-year-old is having the best season in his career. His versatility allows him to play on the left or the right depending on Guardiola’s other options. With Oleksandr Zinchenko on the team sheet, Cancelo moves to the right. If Kyle Walker is fit, Cancelo shifts to the left.</p>
<p>Do not be fooled by the fact that he is a defender. Joao Cancelo’s emergence is perhaps more apparent on the offensive end. At least, that was the case on November 3. That day, the Portuguese international had three assists in a 4-1 victory over Club Brugge in the Champions League. He became the first defender to accomplish this feat since Borussia Dortmund’s Achraf Hakimi did it against Atlético Madrid in October, 2018. Cancelo also scores some sensational goals, like his strike outside the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9f38m7xu3Y" target="_blank" rel="noopener">18-yard box against Newcastle</a>.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“He’s been outstanding. He’s assisting and scoring goals himself and for me he’s the best full-back, in terms of creating stuff, and how important he is to the team,”</em> said former City forward Paul Dickov on the Manchester City’s program Matchday Live.</p></blockquote>
<h5>Cancelo’s diverse positioning</h5>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-343224 size-medium alignright" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211229_WST_363677_Pep-Guardiola-Manchester-City-300x378.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=378" alt="" width="300" height="378" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Pep-Guardiola-Manchester-City-300x378.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Pep-Guardiola-Manchester-City-150x189.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Pep-Guardiola-Manchester-City.jpg 338w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>Pep Guardiola popularized the ‘inverted full-back’ role during his four-year tenure at Bayern Munich. The three-time Premier League Manager of the Season realized that playing with a high line exposed his team to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/gegenpressing-how-does-the-football-tactical-style-made/1wc20wx6qtkkq1t36xj0px9mel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gegenpressing</a> and counterattacks. His resolution was to make his full-backs play centrally as midfielders. Ergo, the opposition slows down with more defensive-minded players cluttering the field.</p>
<p>Since then, the tactic is a staple in Guardiola’s philosophy. Joao Cancelo’s emergence through his touch, passing ability and positional awareness thrives in that role for Guardiola. In fact, his manager compared Cancelo to two all-time greats that he coached in his illustrious career.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“Philipp Lahm is the best player I’ve ever seen in my entire life at being a full-back moving inside. But Joao, like Dani Alves has the quality,”</em> said Guardiola following the club’s 3-0 victory over Everton last month.</p></blockquote>
<p>Cancelo embodies the ‘total football’ tactical system. He can play as a left-back, right-back, central midfielder and potentially in the final third. The 2018-19 UEFA Nations League winner is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“I was brought up and developed as a right-back. However, I like to be versatile, because during the year, there are lots of injuries, so I want to help the team, and I can adapt to any position the manager (Guardiola) needs me,”</em> said Cancelo to Manchester City’s website.</p></blockquote>
<p>His versatility, technique and awareness makes him one of the most unique players in the beautiful game. Joao Cancelo’s emergence will be something to follow as Manchester City looks for more <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/26/leaders-man-city-hit-six-after-leicester-scare/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Premier League trophies</a>, and that Champions League crown that avoids the club from the Etihad.</p>
<div class="ckeditor-em"><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1183236637&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true" width="100%" height="300" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc; line-break: anywhere; word-break: normal; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-weight: 100;"><a style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" title="World Soccer Talk Podcast" href="https://soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Soccer Talk Podcast</a> · <a style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" title="FIFA, UEFA &amp; CONMEBOL battle over biennial World Cup idea" href="https://soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk/fifa-uefa-conmebol-battle-over-biennial-world-cup-idea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FIFA, UEFA &amp; CONMEBOL battle over biennial World Cup idea</a></div>


Joao Cancelo's emergence for Manchester City has him as one of the best full-backs in the world, helping City to a league-leading position.

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Joao Cancelo's emergence as one of the world's best full-backs