Latest Soccer News: September 2024 Highlights
As we dive into the latest soccer news in September 2024, international competitions and high-profile transfers dominate the headlines. With the start of a new Premier League season and preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, soccer fans are in for an exciting few months ahead.
International Matches and World Cup 2026 Preparations
The September international break sees key matchups in World Cup 2026 qualifiers and the UEFA Nations League. In Europe, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric continue to defy age, with Ronaldo leading Portugal against Croatia on September 5 and Scotland on September 8. Meanwhile, England faces crucial fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland, aiming to return to form after their Euro 2024 disappointment.
In South America, the focus is on World Cup qualification, though Lionel Messi is notably absent from Argentina's squad due to injury. Argentina leads the CONMEBOL standings, while Brazil is under pressure, sitting outside the automatic qualification spots. Brazil faces Ecuador and Paraguay in pivotal fixtures as they look to turn their campaign around.
Premier League and European Club Competitions
As the 2024/25 Premier League season begins, Manchester City's Erling Haaland is once again in the spotlight, having netted eight Premier League hat-tricks. However, it's not all smooth sailing for Pep Guardiola's side, as key player Bernardo Silva has voiced concerns over the congested schedule, a recurring issue across Europe's top leagues.
Elsewhere, Manchester United faces mounting pressure to bolster their squad after a slow start to the season. The club has been linked with several high-profile players, including Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. Arsenal, on the other hand, has injury concerns, with defender Riccardo Calafiori forced off during Italy's international duty.
Transfers and Rumors
- Manchester United Transfer Targets: United has already begun planning for the January window. They have identified Fulham’s Antonee Robinson as a key target to strengthen their defense, alongside young Real Madrid target Franco Mastantuono.
- Chelsea's High-Profile Activity: Chelsea dominated the summer transfer window with a series of eye-catching moves. They completed the loan signing of Jadon Sancho from Manchester United, and though they failed to secure Victor Osimhen from Napoli, they did bolster their attack with Pedro Neto from Wolves for £54 million.
- Mohamed Salah's Uncertain Future: Mohamed Salah has hinted that the 2024/25 season could be his last at Liverpool, with transfer interest from Europe and Saudi Arabia looming large.
- Arsenal's Squad Building: Arsenal continues to build for the future, keeping a close eye on Real Madrid targets and exploring options to further strengthen their squad. The injury to Riccardo Calafiori during international duty has prompted the Gunners to reassess their defensive options.
- Other Major Moves: Several key transfers have shaped the current landscape, including Romelu Lukaku’s move to Napoli for £37.9 million and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall joining Chelsea from Leicester. Brighton also made headlines with the acquisition of Yankuba Minteh from Anderlecht for £25 million.
Players to Watch
Several young stars are emerging across Europe's top leagues. Lamine Yamal, the teenage sensation from Barcelona, has been included on the Ballon d'Or shortlist, alongside Rodri and Jude Bellingham. This marks a significant shift as Messi's era begins to wind down, with younger players stepping into the limelight.
On the flip side, veterans like Casemiro at Manchester United face questions about whether they can maintain their performance levels as they age. The Brazilian midfielder has come under scrutiny for his recent form, with speculation growing about his long-term future at Old Trafford.
EPL Standings - September 2024
As of mid-September 2024, the EPL standings are fiercely competitive, with Manchester City leading the charge and Liverpool hot on their heels. These teams have demonstrated their dominance early in the season, with others like Brighton and Arsenal also making strong starts, leading to a good position in the EPL standings.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester City | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | Win, Win, Win |
| 2 | Liverpool | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | Win, Win, Win |
| 3 | Brighton | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | Win, Win, Draw |
| 4 | Arsenal | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | Win, Win, Draw |
| 5 | Newcastle United | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | Win, Draw, Win |
These EPL standings reveal the tight race at the top, with Manchester City and Liverpool both achieving perfect starts to the season. Brighton and Arsenal are also showing consistency with their undefeated records, while Newcastle United is proving to be a dark horse, poised to challenge the top clubs. With the EPL season still in its early stages, fans can expect more thrilling action as teams fight for supremacy, and to top the EPL standings table.