Thomas Meunier has completed a return to French football, signing for Lille after just five months with Trabzonspor.
Meunier, who won the Ligue 1 title three times with Paris Saint-Germain during his four years at the Parc des Princes, has signed a two-year contract with Les Dogues.
The 32-year-old featured eight times for Borussia Dortmund this season after missing the start of the campaign through injury, before completing a move to Turkey in February.
Meunier will provide experience for Bruno Genesio's side, who will compete in the Champions League this season following their fourth place finish in Ligue 1.
"Lille was the perfect choice from a sporting and family point of view. With its proximity to Belgium, it's like being at home," Meunier said in a statement.
"My experience in the various European Cups will enable me to coach the youngest members of the dressing room and ensure that they're 100% focused on the club's sporting success."
Meunier becomes the French side's third addition this transfer window following the long-term arrivals of Ethan Mbappe and Ngal'ayel Mukau.
Having allowed defender Leny Yoro to complete a reported £59.8million deal with Manchester United, Lille are expected to dive into the transfer market for further additions to their squad.
Wray & Nephew launches new-look JPL jerseys at Rum Fest
As Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum enters into the second year of its partnership with the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), it launched new-look jerseys at the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival.
The patrons of the festival, held at the Catherine’s Hall Sports Complex on July 18, 2023, experienced a fashion show showcasing six of the 14 team’s jerseys.
The fashion show unveiled the new kits for JPL 2024 season winner Cavalier FC, and the runner-up Mount Pleasant Football Academy. Also highlighted were the jerseys for Harbour View FC, Portmore United FC and Arnett Gardens FC and Montego Bay United FC (MBUFC).
On hand to see the show were executives of MBUFC, who lead the only top-tier professional football club from Jamaica’s western region, including Coach Rodolfo Zapata, General Manager Sumil Reid and Director Anthony Cameron.
“These jerseys are another manifestation of the Wray Rum partnership with the JPL, said Kerry-Ann Bryan, brand manager of Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum. “Our patrons at the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival were the first to see and appreciate this next layer of support.
“Wray & Nephew has been a storied sponsor of football in Jamaica. We offer over $300 million in support across the Jamaica Football Federation national men’s and women’s programmes as well as to the JPL and Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA),” Bryan explained after the jerseys were revealed.
The kits were produced in partnership with Admiral and brandish bold colours, unique patterns, and details that represent each club, its surrounding community and showcases each Football Club’s history. The 14 JPL teams will utilise the home and away vibrant kit designs for 2024/25 season.
Having launched the kits, Rum Fest eventgoers had the opportunity to get first dibs on their jersey pick from the Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum football-themed festival booth.
The JPL and Admiral collection can also be purchased online via the Admiral website, or at the Locker Room Sports location in Kingston.
Messi ruled out of MLS All-Star game with ankle injury
Lionel Messi will miss the annual MLS All-Star game in Columbus on Wednesday due to his ongoing ankle injury, MLS has confirmed.
The Argentina captain sustained the injury during his nation's Copa America final victory over Colombia on July 14.
Messi subsequently left the pitch in tears, and watched from the dugout as substitute Lautaro Martinez struck an extra-time winner in Miami.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was expected to be part of the annual clash between an MLS XI and Liga MX XI.
However, he was listed as unavailable on the MLS website along with fellow Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez, though their team-mates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are both included.
The likes of Hugo Lloris, Christian Benteke and Federico Bernadeschi also feature in the MLS roster, while Andre-Pierre Gignac and Salomon Rondon will feature for the Liga MX All-Stars.
Maatsen looking forward to working with 'brilliant' Emery at Aston Villa
Ian Maatsen labelled Aston Villa head coach as "brilliant" as he prepares for the club's maiden appearance in this season's Champions League.
Maatsen completed his £37.5million switch from Chelsea while on international duty with the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
The 22-year-old, who did not feature for Ronald Koeman's side in Germany, signed a six-year deal at Villa Park following an impressive loan spell with Borussia Dortmund last season.
Maatsen made 16 Bundesliga appearances, scoring two goals and helping Die Schwarzgelben reach the Champions League final, playing the full duration of their 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid at Wembley.
Emery led Villa to a fourth place finish in the Premier League, and has become well known for his success on the European stage during his time in Spain.
The Spaniard has won the Europa League on four different ocassions, while also guiding Villa to the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League last term.
"Last season they did very well and the coach obviously is a brilliant coach with a lot of experience in Europe," Maatsen told Aston Villa's official club website.
"They are playing Champions League football this season so it is exciting. "He is a manager who loves to play football and win trophies.
"That was the challenge for me to come here and show the people that I am capable of doing these things at the highest level."
Maatsen made his Champions League debut in Dortmund's last 16 fixture against PSV Eindhoven, going on to make seven appearances in the competition.
And while many predict Emery's side to follow Newcastle after trying to juggle league and European commitments, the defender insisted that he is confident that Villa can become regulars in Europe's elite club competition.
"It's good because obviously we are here now to earn a spot in the Champions League every year - it's such a great competition."
Maatsen is one of seven new arrivals at Villa Park, with Emery taking his spending this transfer window to £140million after the arrival of Amadou Onana from Everton was confirmed on Monday.
Villa begin the 2024-25 season away to West Ham on August 17, a side they have failed to beat away from home in the league since a 2-1 victory at Upton Park back in April 2011.
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