Lionel Scaloni and AFA have finally extended Scaloni’s contract as national coach of Argentina until the end of 2026. This puts an end to his curious situation: the 44-year-old successful coach was technically unemployed since January 1.
Scaloni was appointed national coach in 2018. And then signed a commitment up to and including the World Cup in Qatar. That tournament was of course memorable for Argentina, with Scaloni often praised. However, he ran out of his contract on December 31.
It was of course clear for a long time that the Argentinian association AFA wanted to continue with its successful coach, but it still took almost two months before the pen was actually put on paper. Scaloni has now officially re-signed until December 31, 2026. In this way he can try to extend the world title at the World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.
Top Welsh talent Gabriele Biancheri signs with Manchester United
Speaking of contracts, in one of the most anticipated deals in England, Gabriele Biancheri continues his career at Manchester United. The teenager has signed a four-year contract with the Premier League superpower.
The professional contract will only start in September of this year, after the young attacker’s seventeenth birthday. Biancheri has never played a professional game, but his impressive performance with Cardiff City’s youth teams has landed him on the radar of all the major clubs in England. He has the Welsh football nationality, but could eventually choose England or Italy because of his background.
The talent would have had the choice of Premier League clubs. He has chosen United, the club that took over Cardiff’s head of youth academy with David Hughes last summer. Biancheri already underwent a medical with The Red Devils a month ago and the transfer has been completed now that FIFA has approved the transfer.
Hunting for a breakthrough at United, Biancheri can draw hope from the opportunities young players have been given by Erik ten Hag this season. Alejandro Garnacho (18) and Kobbie Mainoo (17) were transferred from the youth academy and impressed during training sessions. Garnacho in particular has been given a lot of playing time. With him, the counter is already at 1170 playing minutes this season.
