Want Backheel Breakfast in your inbox? Sign up for the email version here.
Pedro heading to Chelsea after Manchester United exit bidding
Apparently Louis van Gaal just didn’t want him anymore. Suuuuuure.
Pedro was expected to secure a move from Barcelona to Manchester United this week, but he’s heading to a different Premier League club instead. Chelsea had a bid accepted on Tuesday night, and he’s going to lock up his transfer to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
United manager Louis van Gaal reportedly soured on Pedro this week, though that sounds like a way to save face rather than a genuine news item.
Odd, though, that LvG should suddenly decide his feet are too cold on the very night that Chelsea re-enter the bidding. Odd indeed. #MUFC
— Ian Ladyman (@Ian_Ladyman_DM) August 19, 2015 Instead, it seems more likely that Victor Valdes told him that United wasn’t the place for him, while Cesc Fabregas told him Jose Mourinho isn’t as bad as he seems.
Pedro doing his homework on Chelsea/United with mates at both said to be key in him reconsidering own first preference.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) August 19, 2015 Good job, United! Can’t wait to see what average player you overpay for on deadline day!
In the news
At least United have Memphis Depay, though. This goal was amazing. (r/soccer)
Leicester have signed Gokhan Inler from Napoli. (Leicester City)
Gerard Pique is likely to get a four-match ban for insulting a referee. (AS)
Sergio Romero, surprisingly, hopes David De Gea stays at Manchester United. (BBC)
Jordan Henderson hurt his foot and is waiting to see how bad it is. (Guardian)
The good news for Liverpool is Daniel Sturridge should be back soon. (Mirror)
Borussia Mönchengladbach have signed Niko Schulz, who will cover for injured USMNT star Fabian Johnson. (Bundesliga)
You should be reading
Mike Goodman on Jose Mourinho and Year Three Syndrome. (Grantland)
Brent Maximin asks if Brendan Rodgers is any good. (Soccer Gods)
Tom Filer on Muhamed Konjic and Coventry City. (In Bed With Maradona)
Fun with transfer rumors
The section in which nothing should be taken seriously.
Alex Sandro to Juventus is almost done. (Di Marzio)
Real Madrid starlet Marco Asensio is going to Espanyol on loan. (AS)
Roma might swap Adem Ljajic for defender Juan Jesus. (Football Italia)
Expect Chelsea to make one last big bid for John Stones. (Guardian)
Meanwhile, Fenerbahce are trying to sign John Terry. (Mail)
Manchester City expect to lock up Kevin De Bruyne and Nicolas Otamendi. (Mirror)
Tuesday’s games
Manchester United beat Club Brugge 3-1 and should advance to the Champions League group stage. (The Busby Babe)
What to watch on Wednesday (click for listings, all times ET)
Champions League: Five games (from 2:30 p.m.) - Valencia-Monaco is the clear pick of the bunch.
MLS: Two games (from 7:30 p.m.) - Neither is terribly exciting, but then again, no team in MLS is truly awful right now.
See More:
