Man City win Community Shield

Manchester City and Liverpool went head-to-head on Sunday, for the first available piece of silverware in the English 2019/20 season.

As well as the league, FA Cup and League Cup, Man City won the Community Shield last season, and were looking to retain the trophy.

City’s day got off to an excellent start, as Raheem Sterling put them in front inside 12 minutes.

Joel Matip leveled things up for Liverpool in the second-half, with the score having been locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes.

City then beat Liverpool 5-4 on penalties, with Gabriel Jesus scoring the winning penalty:

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 19: Harry Maguire of Leicester City looks on as he holds his leg during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City at Molineux on January 19, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Pep on Maguire

After the game, Pep Guardiola was asked about Harry Maguire.

Maguire was spotted in Manchester on Sunday ahead of a move to Manchester United, which the Evening Standard state will cost £80m, a world-record fee for a defender.

“Maguire is an excellent, top class player.

“We were interested, but we could not afford it. United can afford it. 

“He made an incredible World Cup. He’s strong in the air, good build-up, he’s so fast playing the ball forward. 

“He has all the qualities to work for United. Congratulations to United.” As quoted by the Evening Standard.

Barcelona & PSG’s Neymar

Goal.com are reporting on Saturday night that Barcelona are finally gearing up to try to re-sign Neymar from PSG.

Neymar joined PSG from Barcelona two years ago in a 222 million euro transfer.

However, rumours linking Neymar with a return to the Camp Nou have been swirling all summer.

Neymar is back with PSG, however the Brazilian has yet to play for the club this season.

The forward was injured days before the start of the Copa America, which Brazil won on home soil.

What do we know about Barcelona’s bid for Neymar

According to Goal.com, Barcelona are now preparing to start talks with PSG.

At the same time, the Catalans should table an offer for Neymar in the next few days. Readers are told:

The Ligue 1 champions have been steadfast over their asking price for the Brazil international and have been sticking to their €222 million (£200m/$249m) valuation of the player they signed from Barca in 2017.

There may well be movement on that price, however, with the 27-year-old keen to make the return to Camp Nou.

It’s unclear how much PSG may accept to finally get Neymar off their books.

Neymar after PSG won the French Super Cup

PSG came from behind to beat Rennes in the French Super Cup on Saturday.

Adrien Hunou fired Rennes into the lead after 13 minutes.

However, Kylian Mbappe levelled in the 57th and Angel Di Maria won the match in the 73rd.

Neymar played no part in the match, however the Brazilian focused attention afterwards.

Philippe Coutinho & Barcelona

With less than a week remaining in the transfer window, could Philippe Coutinho leave Barcelona to return to the Premier League?

Coutinho’s future at the Camp Nou may soon be over, according to two Spanish papers.

Starting with Sport, they report that Barcelona have “started the process” of trying to sell Coutinho.

Coutinho is expected to return to the Camp Nou shortly after the summer break.

Once back, Barcelona will begin talks with Coutinho about a possible exit.

Mundo Deportivo also report that Barcelona are gearing up to sell Coutinho.

Barcelona’s secret offer

Both Sport and Mundo Deportivo claim that Barcelona have received an official offer for Coutinho.

Neither outlet reveals which club posted that offer.

Could Arsenal sign Coutinho?

Arsenal fans will no-doubt come across reports linking their club to Coutinho this Saturday.

It’s unclear where these rumours originated from.

However, Football London have summed up the Coutinho-Arsenal links as follows:

The Gunners are one of the clubs being linked with an interest in signing former Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho on loan, with reports even suggesting that Sanllehi’s good relationship with Barcelona is putting Arsenal at the head of the race for the Brazilian.

Reports claim that the Arsenal head of football is set to meet with Barcelona officials during the two teams’ game against each other on Sunday in order to try and come to a deal.

Do Arsenal need Coutinho?

That’s a matter for debate.

Arguably, after signing Nicolas Pepe from Lille, the answer is ‘no’.

Arsenal are stocked with attacking talent: perhaps Unai Emery would be better advised to focus on trying to bolster his defensive options?

Barcelona vs Arsenal

Barcelona host Arsenal on Sunday in the Juan Gamper Trophy.

The match will be played at the Camp Nou.

It’s Arsenal final pre-season friendly before the Gunners start their Premier League campaign against Newcastle.

How much would Coutinho cost?

That issue is dealt with by Mundo Deportivo.

They report that Coutinho could leave Barcelona this summer for as little as 25-30 million euros.

Mundo Deportivo claim that that’s the loan fee Barcelona are chasing for Coutinho.

Liverpool, Man United & Man City

It’s worth noting that Jurgen Klopp has previously ruled out Coutinho’s Anfield return this summer.

On Man United and Man City’s possible interest in Coutinho, Sport claim those clubs “remain silent”.