After a few months of speculation and various rumors, reports are coming in from multiple sources that David Beckham will stay in MLS. Many reports from French press stated Beckham’s move to Ligue 1 side Paris Saint Germain was imminent but those turned out to be false.

PSG Director of Football, Leonardo, told press the following about Beckham’s decision to remain in Los Angeles.

“David was very interested in coming to Paris. But the welfare of his family in Los Angeles, the wish not to change everything in his life, weighed heavily.”

Nasser al-Khelaifi, PSG president, echoed Leonardo’s comments that Beckham won’t be coming to Paris. He also cleared up reports that new manager Carlo Ancelotti changed focus from bringing in Beckham to Real Madrid’s Kaka.

“David Beckham is in Los Angeles, and he is going to stay there. He will not come [to PSG], that is clear.”

“It was not the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti that changed everything.”

As I wrote in 2011, I’m not surprised by this decision and I put his family as a major reason he’d likely stay. While the reports do state that the decision was for family reasons, the full reasons might never become clear. It could have been a combination of reasons but Beckham will likely finish his career with the Galaxy.

The Daily Mirror in England is reporting that Beckham will sign a new deal with the Galaxy sometime this week.

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David Beckham To Sign Contract Extension with LA Galaxy; Will Not Be Moving to PSG - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

As soon as the 2011 Major League Soccer season finished, the speculation of David Beckham’s future began to run rampant. The French press have falsely stated he’s already signed with Paris Saint-Germain and was supposed to be in Paris last weekend. Beckham’s management team has responded to these reports stating that a decision has not been made.

The only certainty for now is that Beckham will be playing for PSG or the LA Galaxy. After a rocky start to his time in LA, Beckham has settle in during the last few seasons and finished the 2011 season by winning MLS Cup. He’s recovered from injuries and backlash from Galaxy supporters (decision to go on loan to AC Milan) to being one of the top midfielders in MLS.

It seems that most think Beckham is more likely to sign with PSG but the Galaxy have made an offer. Below I’ve outlined the reasons for Beckham signing for either side.

Paris Saint-Germain

• Money - It’s clear that PSG Will offer more money than the Galaxy. The reports have the deal at $18 million for 18 months. Beckham makes more off the pitch than on it but there’s no denying that money always plays some role.
• Champions League - Another reason for Beckham to play in Paris would be the chance of returning to the UEFA Champions League. PSG are currently at the top of the French Ligue 1 table and are a strong bet to finish in the top 3. This would be Beckham’s last good chance to play in a top European league and he could cap his career by playing in the top club competition in the world.
• 2012 Olympics - Beckham would improve his chances to play for the Great Britain team if he’s a regular contributor in a top league. While MLS is improving, it’s still not considered the level of Ligue 1. If Beckham is successful at PSG, it would make his inclusion in the GB Olympic roster extremely likely.

LA Galaxy

• 2012 Olympics - This is a reason for the Galaxy as he could stay match fit leading up to the tournament. The MLS season runs from March-November where as in France the season would end in May. The Olympic tournament begins in late July so staying in MLS could give him an extra month or so of matches to get fit. Also, the Galaxy would not have any issue letting Beckham leave for the time to play in the Olympics where this would coincide with the start of the Ligue 1 season in France.
• Family - Beckham and his family has settled in Los Angeles. Going overseas to play for PSG would likely mean uprooting all that and starting over in Paris for 18 months. If the decision was purely based on his family, you would think that the Galaxy would have the edge over Paris.
• Future After Playing - Beckham has talked about his interest in becoming an owner after his playing days are over. Staying with the Galaxy would make it a seamless transition into the front office of a new MLS franchise. It’s also possible that he could stay with the Galaxy and move towards being a coach/manager or General Manager type position. As with the reason above, staying in Los Angeles makes all this a lot easier than moving back and forth between Paris in an 18 month span.

One thing is for sure and that is that reports shouldn’t be trusted until it’s confirmed by Beckham.

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French Reports Have Beckham Signing With PSG But Don’t Rule Out The LA Galaxy - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Landon Donovan will once again return to England for a loan spell with English Premier League side Everton. Donovan played for the Toffees in 2010 where he impressed and some thought the loan could turn into a permanent transfer. Reports surfaced in the summer of 2010 that a few teams interested in a transfer but nothing ever materialized.

Donovan, who is now 29, has won just about every team and individual award in Major League Soccer. He’s become the face of US Soccer and makes roughly $2 million a year at the LA Galaxy. The question still remains if Donovan will ever move overseas for more than a loan.

Now, I don’t think that this will happen but I do believe that it would be the best thing for his career.

Donovan has achieved just about everything in MLS including championships and individual accolades. Nobody would fault him for wanting to move overseas and prove he can play for several years in the English Premier League. Here are a few reasons why I think he should make the loan move to Everton a permanent one.

• Good For Both Sides - The move would be good for both Donovan and Everton. It could also prove to be a valuable move for the Galaxy who could use the transfer fee (could be more than $10 million) to rebuild their team. Donovan is in the prime of his career and probably only has 3-4 season where he could be a solid contributor for Everton. The Toffees are not a deep side and saw their form rise when Donovan joined the side in 2010. The Galaxy will be losing their best player but they would get compensated and could go after someone like Didier Drogba or Frank Lampard.
• Donovan Could Increase MLS/EPL Popularity - Some will argue that Donovan leaving hurts MLS but it could actually do the opposite. Clint Dempsey, who started in MLS before moving to Fulham, Donovan having success in the EPL would show that there are quality players in MLS. It would also increase American interest in the Premier League just as Dempsey has done. For example, a Fulham v Everton match could draw very good ratings in the USA because of Donovan and Dempsey.
• Donovan Needs To Prove He Can Make It Europe - While Donovan did shut up some critics with his 2010 loan with Everton, there are still some questions. He has yet to play a full season in Europe and doing that with Everton would cement his place as one of the best American players. In his short time in 2010, Donovan quickly became a fan favorite and he could possibly become a legend at Goodison Park if he were to have a productive 3-4 seasons. He would also put to rest all the missed opportunities and bad memories of his failed stints in Germany.

As I said before, I doubt that Donovan will stay any longer than expected (late February). Everton are unlikely to have the money necessary for a transfer and the Galaxy probably won’t accept a transfer. You can never say never but the chances of Donovan staying at Everton long-term are probably 5% of less. Of course, there will probably be speculation with reports of Chelsea to bid 20 million pounds for Everton’s Jack Rodwell. In theory, they could use part of that to bid for Donovan but the recent history shows that Everton are more likely to keep that money than spend it on transfers.

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Why Landon Donovan Should Make His Move To Everton Permanent - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Los Angeles Galaxy captain Landon Donovan will once again return to England for a loan spell. Donovan, who had struggled to make his mark in Europe, became a fan favorite when he arrived at Everton in January 2010. The American quickly showed he could play in the EPL as he helped Everton to a draw with Arsenal as well as wins against Manchester United and Chelsea.

Donovan said the following on twitter after the loan deal was announced.

Once a Toffee, always a Toffee

Everton manager David Moyes had the following comments.

“I am delighted that we have managed to get Landon back. He will give us some good experience over January and February. 

“He did well for us when he was over two years ago and hopefully will return with those same qualities.

“His season has just finished and like last time we need him to hit the ground running because the games come thick and fast at this time of year.”

Donovan, since returning in 2010 to MLS, spoke about his eagerness to return to Goodison Park.

“The opportunity to return to Everton and play for such a well-respected club and a manager that I hold in such high regard was something that was simply too good to pass up.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Everton in 2010 and I’m hopeful that we can experience similar success this time around.

“I want to thank David Moyes and Bruce Arena, as well as executives from both clubs and Major League Soccer for allowing me this unique and special opportunity.”

The deal will start on January 4th (EPL match against Bolton) and conclude on February 25th (Merseyside derby versus Liverpool). It’s very unlikely this loan will be extended for the rest of the season or to a permanent move. The Galaxy have set a high price tag on Donovan and Everton have limited financial resources.

Landon Donovan To Join Everton For Short-Term Loan in 2012 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

In Episode 10 of our podcast, we talk with ESPN.com writer Jeff Carlisle who gives his thoughts on the MLS Cup Final and the future of David Beckham. Jeff (@jeffreycarlisle on twitter) also discusses the USA National Team and Olympic tournament at London 2012. You can listen to the episode at the embedded player below as well as past episodes are at http://the90thminute.libsyn.com

The 90th Minute Podcast – Episode 10 Featuring Jeff Carlisle

The 90th Minute Podcast – Episode 10 – Jeff Carlisle Talks MLS, Beckham, Donovan, and USMNT - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

In Episode 9 of our podcast, we talk with Yahoo! Sports Martin Rogers to preview the MLS Cup Final between the LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo. Martin (@mrogersyahoo on twitter) also gives his thoughts on David Beckham’s future and whether he’ll return to MLS or play in Europe. You can listen to the episode at the embedded player below as well as past episodes are at http://the90thminute.libsyn.com

The 90th Minute Podcast – Episode 9 Featuring Martin Rogers

The 90th Minute Podcast – Episode 9 – Martin Rogers Previews 2011 MLS Cup Final - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

The Los Angeles Galaxy play the first of four matches in the next two weeks with a trip to face Sporting Kansas in Major League Soccer. The match will take place at LiveStrong Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas on Monday, September 5, 2011. Kickoff is scheduled for 23:00 BST (UK time), 00:00 CET (Central Europe), and 18:00 EST (USA Eastern).

Sporting KC v LA Galaxy TV Listings

It will be televised on Fox Soccer Channel (USA), Setanta Sports (Africa), and on GolTV (Canada).

Sporting KC v LA Galaxy Preview

Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes

“We’ve had to learn some really hard lessons,” Manager Peter Vermes said, “sometimes our fault and sometimes not.”

“We’re in the same position we were last week. Nothing has really changed, which is pretty incredible.”

“He’s a big player for them (Donovan). He can change their game a lot. That’s what we’re going to have to be very much cognizant of. He can get behind you. He can play underneath. He recovers well. He can give the final pass. He’s one of the best players in the League.”

LA Galaxy manager Bruce Arena

“I would not have probably played Beckham or Gonzalez and it was a plus for us. Then, with the injury to Berhalter, Sunday would have been difficult (last week’s NY match being postponed). This is going to be the story in September and October, to deal with these games sandwiched between MLS games in an important part of this competition as well as MLS so it’s really going to be a challenging month of September for us.”

“We know Frankie’s a good player, an experienced player, and the only way we are going to get him in a position to help our team down the stretch is to get him on the field. I wasn’t sure whether we’d get 90 minutes out of him [Saturday] and did. I think that it was great, and hopefully, he can be part of a rotation of our backline.”

Injuries

Sporting - OUT: DF Daneil Cyrus (L foot fracture); MF Luke Sassano (R knee sprain); MF Konrad Warzycha (R knee surgery); DOUBTFUL: MF Craig Rocastle (R knee sprain); QUESTIONABLE: MF Birahim Diop (groin strain); PROBABLE: MF Milos Stojcev (R ankle sprain)

Galaxy - OUT: DF Sean Alvarado (R knee surgery); DF Gregg Berhalter (R foot sprain); DF Leonardo (R knee surgery); QUESTIONABLE: MF David Beckham (back spasms); MF Jovan Kirovski (L ankle sprain); GK Donovan Ricketts (L ulna fracture)

Sporting KC v LA Galaxy Prediction

2-2 Draw

Sporting KC v LA Galaxy Odds

Sporting KC win – 6/4

Draw – 21/10

Galaxy win – 13/8

LA Sporting KC v LA Galaxy Live Online

The match can be seen at Free Live Sports TV and Free Sports Online.

Sporting KC v LA Galaxy – Preview, Prediction, TV Listings, Betting Odds – MLS – 5 September 2011 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Manchester City defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy 1-1 (7-6 on penalty shoot-out) in the World Football Challenge on Sunday, July 24, 2011.

LA Galaxy 1-1 (6-7) Manchester City Video Highlights

The match highlights can be viewed here at Free Soccer Highlights.

LA Galaxy 1-1 (6-7) Manchester City Recap

Man City would edge the Galaxy in a penalty kick shoot-out during the World Football Challenge.

City took a 1-0 lead on a 20th minute Mario Balotelli goal while the Galaxy leveled in the 53rd minute. Balotelli’s goal was a penalty kick after Micah Richards was brought down in the box by Bryan Jordan.  The equalizer, from LA’s Mike Magee, was a great strike that just beat the goalkeeper.

After 90 minutes with a 1-1 score, the match was decided in penalty kicks. City would eventually prevail 6-7 and have won all three of their matches in the World Football Challenge.

There was one moment in the match that has drawn attention which was a play by City’s Mario Balotelli. During a great chance to score in the box he tried to a backheel which caused manager Robert Mancini to immediately sub him out of the match. While he’s still considered a very talented player, it remains to be seen if Balotelli has the maturity to succeed in the EPL.

LA Galaxy 1-1 (6-7) Manchester City Match Stats

SCORING SUMMARY

MCF — Mario Balotelli (unassisted), 20′
LA — Mike Magee (Chris Birchall), 53′

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

MCF — Stefan Savic, 67′

Los Angeles Galaxy 1-1 (6-7 on penalties) Manchester City – Video Highlights, Recap, Match Stats – World Football Challenge – 24 July 2011 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Real Madrid play their first match of the 2011 World Football Challenge with a trip to face the Los Angeles Galaxy. The match will take place at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California on Saturday, July 16, 2011. Kickoff is scheduled for 22:00 EST (USA Eastern), 03:00 BST (UK time), 04:00 CET (Central Europe), and 19:00 PST (USA Pacific).

Los Angeles Galaxy v Real Madrid TV Listings

It will be televised on ESPN2 (USA), ESPN (UK), SuperSport (Africa), Digi Sport (Hungart), Sport TV1 (Portugal), TRT3 (Turkey), TV4 Sport (Sweden), and TV2 PL (Norway) .

Los Angeles Galaxy v Real Madrid Preview

LA Galaxy player Juninho

“I grew up watching Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, two players who were there for many years and won many championships.”

“I like how Xabi Alonso plays, very intelligent.”

“Admiration. I believe the majority of my emotions would be admiration.”

“I admire them, but I have to play my game. I believe on the field they do their thing and I do mine.”

“They have a great team and it’s complicated to say whether we’ll win or not.”

“For sure, we will have a special joy if we win.”

Real Madrid player Coentrao

“Time will tell if the price of my transfer is an honour or if it adds more pressure on me. I can only respond on the pitch and I want to prove I’ve got sufficient quality to be worth any amount. I will be confident as I work on this team.”

“We have some entertaining moments, which is good in these days of work. We sometimes play as friends do, but we are also more serious in order to train well.”

Real Madrid player Richardo Carvalho

“Jose Mourinho’s teams improve every day and I guess that’s why his second year on a side is the best. We all know each other better. We grow ever day. We try to improve and make our game progress.”

“Our new reinforcements are very good. It’s still soon to talk about them, but I believe they will make the team improve. Zidane is always with us, which is important because we have great respect for him. He’s here to help. Regarding Kaka, we all know he had a difficult year, but he’s fine now. We are all aware of his quality. We’re all convinced both will help us considerably.”

Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo

“I’m happy to be back training,” he said. “It’s preseason for us, but we’re very driven.”

“We came here last year and were treated well, we prepared ourselves well.”

“That game helped us a lot. It was impressive how many people [more than 90,000] attended the match. Hopefully we’ll have as great a turnout on Saturday.”

“It’s always motivating to play against teams that we can’t face often,” he said. “These games help us get into rhythm, to begin the season the best way possible.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho

“The tournament for us gives us exactly what we need.”

“Difficult matches that are against teams that are at a different level than us because they are in the middle of their competition and with good managers, good players and very well organized. I am very happy to have these matches in our preparation.”

“Globally, I hope [the tournament] is a huge success because some of the best teams in the US and some of the best teams in Europe are involved,” said Mourinho. “Everybody tries to win every single match at every single tournament. My team will not be at the top because we just started training today, but my promise is all my players are going to play.”

“LA has become our home in terms of preseason,” said Mourinho. “We feel at home. Real Madrid will be respecting what Real Madrid means around the world and respecting all of our rivals. The World Football Challenge is a great initiative.”

Los Angeles Galaxy v Real Madrid Prediction

Real Madrid wins 3-2

Los Angeles Galaxy v Real Madrid Betting Odds

LA Galaxy win – 8/13

Draw – 5/2

Real Madrid win – 9/2

Los Angeles Galaxy v Real Madrid Live Online

The match can be seen at Free Live Sports TV and Free Sports Online.

Los Angeles Galaxy v Real Madrid – Preview, Prediction, TV Listings, Betting Odds – Friendly – 16 July 2011 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Real Madrid will once again travel to the United States to begin their pre-season for the 2011-12 season. They will be competing in the 2011 World Football Challenge which features clubs from MLS, La Liga, Mexico, and the EPL. Los Blancos have released their official squad list for the tournament which includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil, Xavo Alonso, Kaka, and Iker Casillas.

The full list is below along with their home country in parentheses.

Real Madrid 2011 World Football Challenge (USA Pre-Season Tour) Roster

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Spain), Antonio Adán (Spain)

Defenders: Ricardo Carvalho (Portugal), Pepe (Portugal), Sergio Ramos (Spain), Marcelo Viera (Brazil), Alvaro Arbeloa (Spain), Raul Albiol (Spain), Ezequiel Garay (Argentina), David Mateos (Spain)

Midfielders: Fernando Gago (Argentina), Kaká (Brazil), Lassana Diarra (France), Xabi Alonso (Spain), Sergio Canales (Spain), Pedro León (Spain), Mesut Özil (Germany), Sami Khedira (Germany), Hamit Altintop (Turkey), Nuri Şahin (Turkey), José Callejón (Spain), Roysten Drenthe (Netherlands)

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Karim Benzema (France), Esteban Granero (Spain)

Manager: José Mourinho (Portugal)

Real Madrid Squad List For 2011 World Football Challenge (Pre-Season USA Tour) - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog