Up-and-coming Players

It seems FC Barcelona may be feeling the harsh consequences of its actions this summer. After signing a multitude of players in recent months for outrageous transfer fees while already having several players tied to absurd contracts, reports from Spain claim the club may not be able to register two of its biggest signings before the season and could lose them for free as a result.

The United States has never had a strong foothold in European soccer, much less the English Premier League. However, this year has seen a bit of shift — a revolution if you will — with Americans playing in England's first division at a tremendous rate. No team has made more waves than Leeds United. 

American Premier League fans who woke up early Saturday morning were treated to quite the entertaining fixture. Newly promoted Fulham hosted last season’s runners-up Liverpool at Craven Cottage and both sides shared the honors with a 2-2 draw after a back and forth affair.

Liverpool vs Fulham Highlights

Fulham played with guts and desire, and honestly, looked like the better side throughout the 90 minutes. A pair of goals from Aleksandar Mitrović gave Fulham every chance of leaving with all three points but Liverpool equalized on both occasions to secure the draw.

Multiples sources have now confirmed that the Riqui Puig LA Galaxy contract has been agreed to, with the 23-year-old joining from Barcelona on a free transfer despite still having one year left on his contract at the Camp Nou.

Barça manager Xavi told Puig back in May that he wasn't part of the club's midfield plans for the new campaign, and after being left off the team's preseason tour of the United States, the "next Iniesta" has signed a three-year deal ahead of the MLS transfer window closing Thursday.

The Premier League breeds some of the best young talents of any league in the world. Youth academy stars are given a chance with the first team, and quite often, they stay. As we get closer to the start of the Premier League season, here are five players 20 years old and under, that you need to pay attention to this season.

A well-oiled defense can be the difference between going out in the group stage and winning a tournament. Scoring four goals in a game is well and good until you turn around are realize the other team scored five. Every successful team needs to be able to keep the ball out of its own net. Defending is an art, and at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, many artists will be on display, putting their bodies on the line to ensure their team advances to the next round. But not all defenders are created equal.

Leeds United completed its final preseason fixture ahead of opening the Premier League campaign against Wolves on Aug. 6, and Jesse Marsch's men delighted a crowd of nearly 30,000 at Elland Road with a 6-2 beatdown of Serie B side Cagliari.

Marsch selected both of his American players in the starting XI with Tyler Adams playing in the midfield pivot role alongside Marc Roca. Brenden Aaronson was in a front three with Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford.

Crystal Palace have signed American international defender Chris Richards from Bayern Munich on a five-year contract, both clubs said on Wednesday.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. BBC reported Palace will pay an initial $10.33 million for the 22-year-old center back, with the fee rising to $13.35 million with add-ons.