11:21 AM ET There are numerous examples of players jumping straight into management upon retirement. Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi took over the managerial reins at Qatari club Al Sadd mere days after his playing career ended, while Frank Lampard took his first managerial job at Derby County 18 months after hanging up his boots.
Football
8:42 AM ET United States forward Ricardo Pepi had completed a move from FC Dallas to Bundesliga side FC Augsburg, it was announced on Monday. Sources previously told ESPN that Pepi was set to move to Augsburg in a record-breaking deal $20 million plus add-ons, the most for a homegrown player in Major League Soccer
9:00 AM ET LAFC has hired former United States men’s international defender Steve Cherundolo to be its next manager, sources have told ESPN, with an announcement expected later on Monday. Cherundolo replaces Bob Bradley, who parted ways with LAFC after his contract expired following the conclusion of the 2021 season. Bradley ultimately moved to take
7:13 AM ET Sam Marsden Moises Llorens Joan Laporta has said “Barcelona are back” and added that they will be able to compete for the game’s best players next summer after presenting new signing Ferran Torres on Monday. Barca let Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann leave before the season started due to financial problems, but
4:25 AM ET Adriana Garcia Argentine DJ Fer Palacio has denied accusations he infected Lionel Messi with COVID-19. Paris Saint-Germain confirmed on Sunday that Messi is among four club players to have tested positive for COVID-19 during the holidays. Messi spent the Christmas break in his native Rosario and attended several parties, including one at
9:48 AM ET Happy New Year! Only the Premier League and LaLiga were in action of the major European leagues, but the leaner schedule still gave us plenty to discuss. Chelsea and Liverpool played to an entertaining draw that helped neither side keep pace at the top of the table, while Manchester City got a
4:00 AM ET Chelsea broke their transfer record in August to sign Romelu Lukaku in the expectation he would fire them to the Premier League title. Yet in the first week of January, the Blues find themselves 10 points behind leaders Manchester City and with their €115 million acquisition facing a decidedly uncertain future. Head
2:44 PM ET LONDON — Manchester City have shown themselves to be in a league of their own, so the Premier League should be thankful that Chelsea and Liverpool are still able to keep us all entertained. Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge helped neither team and only consolidated City’s vice-like grip on top spot,
6:34 PM ET Luke Thrower The 2022 winter window is open as of Jan. 1 and there’s plenty of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings and goings and, of course, done deals! TOP STORY: Ndombele drawing Roma interest AS Roma are interested in signing
3:52 PM ET Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will hold talks with Romelu Lukaku on Monday to discuss recent comments by the Belgian that were critical of the coach’s tactics and which cost the striker his place in Sunday’s 2-2 home draw with Liverpool. – Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)– ESPN+ viewer’s guide: