Scott Parker comes up against former England teammate Steven Gerrard when his Bournemouth team entertain Aston Villa on Saturday. PA
Scott Parker comes up against former England teammate Steven Gerrard when his Bournemouth team entertain Aston Villa on Saturday. PA
Scott Parker comes up against former England teammate Steven Gerrard when his Bournemouth team entertain Aston Villa on Saturday. PA
Scott Parker comes up against former England teammate Steven Gerrard when his Bournemouth team entertain Aston Villa on Saturday. PA

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Football

Scott Parker preparing to pit wits against ex-England teammate Steven Gerrard

Parker's Bournemouth take on Aston Villa in their first game back in the Premier League

The National

August 05, 2022

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Bournemouth boss Scott Parker says playing alongside Steven Gerrard was “a pleasure” as he bids to inflict early season pain on his former England team-mate.

The pair were regular midfield rivals during their playing careers as well as lining up together at international level, including under Roy Hodgson at Euro 2012.

Parker is preparing for his maiden managerial battle against Gerrard, with his newly-promoted Cherries set to host Aston Villa on Saturday in their Premier League opener.

“He was brilliant to play with; against, not so much,” said Parker.

“I think Stevie was, certainly in our generation, one of the best midfielders. An all-round midfielder, can do every part of the game, score goals, dynamic defensively as well.

“Playing with him was a pleasure, to play with him as well during that tournament [Euro 2012].

“A lot of fond memories playing against and some not so fond ones because there was always a battle on your hands and there were always some challenges.”

Premier League opening weekend predictions

  • FRIDAY: Crystal Palace v Arsenal, 11pm: Arsenal have signaled their intent to challenge for a top-four berth this season with some signature signings, not least Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus and Portugal midfielder Fabio Vieira. Selhurst Park is never an easy place to visit and the Gunners will have to show plenty of grit to come away with a positive result. Prediction: Palace 1, Arsenal 1. Getty Images
    FRIDAY: Crystal Palace v Arsenal, 11pm: Arsenal have signaled their intent to challenge for a top-four berth this season with some signature signings, not least Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus and Portugal midfielder Fabio Vieira. Selhurst Park is never an easy place to visit and the Gunners will have to show plenty of grit to come away with a positive result. Prediction: Palace 1, Arsenal 1. Getty Images
  • SATURDAY: Fulham v Liverpool, 3.30pm. Darwin Nunez has already endeared himself to Liverpool fans with a fine cameo off the bench in the 3-1 Community Shield victory over Manchester City. The Uruguayan will be hoping for a starting role against Fulham, who have traditionally found the going tough against the Premier League's biggest guns. Prediction: Fulham 0, Liverpool 4. AP Photo
    SATURDAY: Fulham v Liverpool, 3.30pm. Darwin Nunez has already endeared himself to Liverpool fans with a fine cameo off the bench in the 3-1 Community Shield victory over Manchester City. The Uruguayan will be hoping for a starting role against Fulham, who have traditionally found the going tough against the Premier League's biggest guns. Prediction: Fulham 0, Liverpool 4. AP Photo
  • Bournemouth v Aston Villa, 6pm: Bournemouth bounced straight back after their relegation from the Premier League in 2021. Scott Parker has added no new signings to his squad that finished runners-up in last season's Championship while Aston Villa counterpart Steven Gerrard can count on the services of Brazilian pair Diego Carlos and Philippe Coutinho. Prediction: Bournemouth 1, Villa 1. Getty Images
    Bournemouth v Aston Villa, 6pm: Bournemouth bounced straight back after their relegation from the Premier League in 2021. Scott Parker has added no new signings to his squad that finished runners-up in last season's Championship while Aston Villa counterpart Steven Gerrard can count on the services of Brazilian pair Diego Carlos and Philippe Coutinho. Prediction: Bournemouth 1, Villa 1. Getty Images
  • Leeds United v Wolves, 6pm: Leeds stayed up by the skin of their teeth on the final day of last season, but with star forward Raphinha having departed for Barcelona, it remains to be seen how Jesse Marsch compensates for the brilliant Brazilian. Wolves' form tailed off towards the back end of 2021/22 as they failed to win any of their final five games to finish 10th. Prediction: Leeds 0, Wolves 2. PA
    Leeds United v Wolves, 6pm: Leeds stayed up by the skin of their teeth on the final day of last season, but with star forward Raphinha having departed for Barcelona, it remains to be seen how Jesse Marsch compensates for the brilliant Brazilian. Wolves' form tailed off towards the back end of 2021/22 as they failed to win any of their final five games to finish 10th. Prediction: Leeds 0, Wolves 2. PA
  • Newcastle United v Nottingham Forest, 6pm: Two clubs who have been plenty busy in the transfer market over the summer. Dutch defender Sven Botman will form part of a defence that on paper looks as good as many in the top tier. Nottingham Forest stormed to promotion via the play-offs after being rooted to the foot of the table when manager Steve Cooper was appointed in September 2021. Prediction: Newcastle 2, Forest 0. Getty Images
    Newcastle United v Nottingham Forest, 6pm: Two clubs who have been plenty busy in the transfer market over the summer. Dutch defender Sven Botman will form part of a defence that on paper looks as good as many in the top tier. Nottingham Forest stormed to promotion via the play-offs after being rooted to the foot of the table when manager Steve Cooper was appointed in September 2021. Prediction: Newcastle 2, Forest 0. Getty Images
  • Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton, 6pm: Tottenham look best placed to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the table, especially with Richarlison added to a star-studded front line already boasting Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. Ralph Hasenhuttl has been four years at the Southampton helm but there has been little sign of progress. Could this be the year the Saints step up? Prediction: Tottenham 3, Southampton 0. Getty Images
    Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton, 6pm: Tottenham look best placed to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the table, especially with Richarlison added to a star-studded front line already boasting Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. Ralph Hasenhuttl has been four years at the Southampton helm but there has been little sign of progress. Could this be the year the Saints step up? Prediction: Tottenham 3, Southampton 0. Getty Images
  • Everton v Chelsea, 8.30pm: After a period of uncertainty following a protracted takeover, Chelsea moved fast to replace the departing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen with Kalidou Koulibaly while four-time Premier League winner Raheem Sterling should provide the goals Romelu Lukaku couldn't. Everton can not endure another season like last where they only ensured survival with a game to spare. Everton 0, Chelsea 2. AP Photo
    Everton v Chelsea, 8.30pm: After a period of uncertainty following a protracted takeover, Chelsea moved fast to replace the departing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen with Kalidou Koulibaly while four-time Premier League winner Raheem Sterling should provide the goals Romelu Lukaku couldn't. Everton can not endure another season like last where they only ensured survival with a game to spare. Everton 0, Chelsea 2. AP Photo
  • SUNDAY: Leicester City v Brentford, 5pm: Brentford showed they were more than a match for most teams in the league in an excellent debut campaign while Leicester's largely fizzled out before it even ignited. With Newcastle testing Leicester's resolve to keep James Maddison, the Foxes could be in for another season of struggle. Leicester 1, Brentford 1. Getty Images
    SUNDAY: Leicester City v Brentford, 5pm: Brentford showed they were more than a match for most teams in the league in an excellent debut campaign while Leicester's largely fizzled out before it even ignited. With Newcastle testing Leicester's resolve to keep James Maddison, the Foxes could be in for another season of struggle. Leicester 1, Brentford 1. Getty Images
  • Manchester United v Brighton, 5pm: Fitting that Cristiano Ronaldo - who reportedly has told Manchester United he wants to quit the club - should mark his return to action against the team he last faced in the Premier League in May. That day was one to forget for all concerned at the club as Brighton ran out 4-0 winners. But United have a new man in charge in Erik ten Hag. Fans will hope for a rapid uptick in form and performances under the Dutchman. Prediction: United 2, Brighton 2. AFP
    Manchester United v Brighton, 5pm: Fitting that Cristiano Ronaldo - who reportedly has told Manchester United he wants to quit the club - should mark his return to action against the team he last faced in the Premier League in May. That day was one to forget for all concerned at the club as Brighton ran out 4-0 winners. But United have a new man in charge in Erik ten Hag. Fans will hope for a rapid uptick in form and performances under the Dutchman. Prediction: United 2, Brighton 2. AFP
  • West Ham United v Manchester City. 7.30pm: City will be reeling more from their abject performance against Liverpool last weekend perhaps more than they will the result, a 3-1 defeat. With Raheem Sterling, Fernandinho and Oleksandr Zinchenko gone, it will be interesting to see how City look to supply their superstar signing Erling Haaland. Prediction: West Ham 1, City 2. Getty Images
    West Ham United v Manchester City. 7.30pm: City will be reeling more from their abject performance against Liverpool last weekend perhaps more than they will the result, a 3-1 defeat. With Raheem Sterling, Fernandinho and Oleksandr Zinchenko gone, it will be interesting to see how City look to supply their superstar signing Erling Haaland. Prediction: West Ham 1, City 2. Getty Images

Parker, who masterminded promotion from the Championship last term, admits Bournemouth could be better prepared for their top-flight return.

The 41-year-old has so far been restricted to just three summer signings, with two of those – Ryan Fredericks and Joe Rothwell – injured for the curtain raiser, while a host of players have been allowed to leave Vitality Stadium.

Having said the Cherries are “way short of where we need to be” following last weekend’s friendly defeat to Spanish side Real Sociedad, Parker insisted the club is working collectively to recruit reinforcements.

“I realise now in the Premier League every comment is held on to but it is the truth,” he said.

“I’m not criticising what I have here. The facts are, like everyone at the football club knows, we need to bring some players in and everyone is trying their hardest to do that.

“As the manager, I want them in three months ago. I also understand it’s difficult in a market where it is very competitive, a lot of teams spending a lot of money.

“We’re probably in a different market to that so we have to be creative while also trying to bring in the right quality.

“We need help. Everyone has acknowledged that and everyone is trying to do something about that.”

The biggest summer transfers

  • Perr Schuurs - Ajax to Torino (£8m). AFP
    Perr Schuurs - Ajax to Torino (£8m). AFP
  • Paco Alcacer - Villarreal to Sharjah (loan). Getty Images
    Paco Alcacer - Villarreal to Sharjah (loan). Getty Images
  • Matheus Nunes - Sporting to Wolves (£38m). AFP
    Matheus Nunes - Sporting to Wolves (£38m). AFP
  • Tanguy Nianzou - Bayern Munich to Sevilla (£16.9m). AFP
    Tanguy Nianzou - Bayern Munich to Sevilla (£16.9m). AFP
  • Alan Virginius - Sochaux to Lille (£3.8m). AFP
    Alan Virginius - Sochaux to Lille (£3.8m). AFP
  • Thilo Kehrer - PSG to West Ham (£10.1m). Getty Images
    Thilo Kehrer - PSG to West Ham (£10.1m). Getty Images
  • Pervis Estupinan - Villarreal to Brighton (£15.1m). Getty Images
    Pervis Estupinan - Villarreal to Brighton (£15.1m). Getty Images
  • Destiny Udogie - Udinese to Tottenham (£15.1m). Loaned back to Udinese. Reuters
    Destiny Udogie - Udinese to Tottenham (£15.1m). Loaned back to Udinese. Reuters
  • Sergio Gomez - Anderlecht to Manchester City (£11m). Photo: Manchester City
    Sergio Gomez - Anderlecht to Manchester City (£11m). Photo: Manchester City
  • Alex Collado - Barcelona to Elche (loan). AFP
    Alex Collado - Barcelona to Elche (loan). AFP
  • Remo Freuler - Atalanta to Nottingham Forest (£9m). AP
    Remo Freuler - Atalanta to Nottingham Forest (£9m). AP
  • Marc Bartra - Real Betis to Tranbzonspor (undisclosed fee). Getty Images
    Marc Bartra - Real Betis to Tranbzonspor (undisclosed fee). Getty Images
  • Giovani Lo Celso - Tottenham to Villarreal (loan). Getty Images
    Giovani Lo Celso - Tottenham to Villarreal (loan). Getty Images
  • Cheikhou Kouyate - Crystal Palace to Nottingham Forest (free). Getty Images
    Cheikhou Kouyate - Crystal Palace to Nottingham Forest (free). Getty Images
  • Emmanuel Dennis - Watford to Nottingham Forest (£20m). Getty Images
    Emmanuel Dennis - Watford to Nottingham Forest (£20m). Getty Images
  • Nico González - Barcelona to Valencia (loan). AP Photo
    Nico González - Barcelona to Valencia (loan). AP Photo
  • Luca Pellegrini - Juventus to Eintracht Frankfurt (loan). AFP
    Luca Pellegrini - Juventus to Eintracht Frankfurt (loan). AFP
  • Daniel Wass - Atletico Madrid to Brondby (£1.7m). EPA
    Daniel Wass - Atletico Madrid to Brondby (£1.7m). EPA
  • Pablo Marí - Arsenal to Monza (loan). AP
    Pablo Marí - Arsenal to Monza (loan). AP
  • Dries Mertens - Napoli to Galatasaray (free). AFP
    Dries Mertens - Napoli to Galatasaray (free). AFP
  • Jordan Veretout - Roma to Marseille (£9.3m). Reuters
    Jordan Veretout - Roma to Marseille (£9.3m). Reuters
  • Christian Benteke - Crystal Palace to DC United (undisclosed fee). AFP
    Christian Benteke - Crystal Palace to DC United (undisclosed fee). AFP
  • Maxwell Cornet - West Ham United to Burnley (£17.5m). PA
    Maxwell Cornet - West Ham United to Burnley (£17.5m). PA
  • Georginio Wijnaldum - PSG to Roma (loan). AFP
    Georginio Wijnaldum - PSG to Roma (loan). AFP
  • Lucas Torreira - Arsenal to Galatasaray (£5m). AFP
    Lucas Torreira - Arsenal to Galatasaray (£5m). AFP
  • Marc Cucurella - Brighton to Chelsea (£55m). Getty Images
    Marc Cucurella - Brighton to Chelsea (£55m). Getty Images
  • Ademola Lookman - RB Leipzig to Atalanta (£12.6m). PA via AP
    Ademola Lookman - RB Leipzig to Atalanta (£12.6m). PA via AP
  • Renato Sanches - Lille to Paris Saint-Germain (£12.6m). AFP
    Renato Sanches - Lille to Paris Saint-Germain (£12.6m). AFP
  • Riqui Puig - Barcelona to LA Galaxy (free). AP Photo
    Riqui Puig - Barcelona to LA Galaxy (free). AP Photo
  • Alex Telles - Manchester United to Sevilla (loan). AFP
    Alex Telles - Manchester United to Sevilla (loan). AFP
  • Carney Chukwuemeka - Aston Villa to Chelsea (£20m). Reuters
    Carney Chukwuemeka - Aston Villa to Chelsea (£20m). Reuters
  • Kasper Schmeichel - Leicester City to Nice (£1m). AFP
    Kasper Schmeichel - Leicester City to Nice (£1m). AFP
  • Mattia Viti - Empoli to Nice (£10.9m). AFP
    Mattia Viti - Empoli to Nice (£10.9m). AFP
  • Gabriel Slonina - Chicago Fire to Chelsea (£8.3m). Reuters
    Gabriel Slonina - Chicago Fire to Chelsea (£8.3m). Reuters
  • Bernd Leno - Arsenal to Fulham (£3m). AFP
    Bernd Leno - Arsenal to Fulham (£3m). AFP
  • Charles De Ketelaere - Club Brugge to AC Milan (£26.8m). AFP
    Charles De Ketelaere - Club Brugge to AC Milan (£26.8m). AFP
  • Joe Rodon - Tottenham to Stade Rennais (loan). AFP
    Joe Rodon - Tottenham to Stade Rennais (loan). AFP
  • Borja Mayoral - Real Madrid to Getafe (£8.4m). EPA
    Borja Mayoral - Real Madrid to Getafe (£8.4m). EPA
  • Cesc Fabregas - Monaco to Como (free). EPA
    Cesc Fabregas - Monaco to Como (free). EPA
  • Alexis Beka Beaka - Lokomotiv Moscow to Nice (£11.7m). AFP
    Alexis Beka Beaka - Lokomotiv Moscow to Nice (£11.7m). AFP
  • Marcus Tavernier -Middlesbrough to Bournemouth (£10m). Getty Images
    Marcus Tavernier -Middlesbrough to Bournemouth (£10m). Getty Images
  • Aaron Ramsey - Juventus to Nice (free). AFP
    Aaron Ramsey - Juventus to Nice (free). AFP
  • Orel Mangala - Stuttgart to Nottingham Forest (£12.7m). AFP
    Orel Mangala - Stuttgart to Nottingham Forest (£12.7m). AFP
  • David Raum - Hoffenheim to RB Leipzig (£21.8m). Getty Images
    David Raum - Hoffenheim to RB Leipzig (£21.8m). Getty Images
  • Oscar Mingueza - Barcelona to Celta Vigo (£2.5m). Getty Images
    Oscar Mingueza - Barcelona to Celta Vigo (£2.5m). Getty Images
  • Jules Kounde - Sevilla to Barcelona (£45m). AFP
    Jules Kounde - Sevilla to Barcelona (£45m). AFP
  • Dwight McNeil - Burnley to Everton (£20m). Getty Images
    Dwight McNeil - Burnley to Everton (£20m). Getty Images
  • Arnaud Kalimuendo - PSG to Rennes (£21m). Getty Images
    Arnaud Kalimuendo - PSG to Rennes (£21m). Getty Images
  • Filip Kostic - Eintracht Frankfurt to Juventus (£14.4m). EPA
    Filip Kostic - Eintracht Frankfurt to Juventus (£14.4m). EPA
  • Salvatore Sirigu - Genoa to Napoli (free). Reuters
    Salvatore Sirigu - Genoa to Napoli (free). Reuters
  • Mikkel Damsgaard - Sampdoria to Brentford (£12.7m). EPA
    Mikkel Damsgaard - Sampdoria to Brentford (£12.7m). EPA
  • Malang Sarr - Chelsea to Monaco (loan). AFP
    Malang Sarr - Chelsea to Monaco (loan). AFP
  • Issa Diop - West Ham United to Fulham (£15m). Getty Images
    Issa Diop - West Ham United to Fulham (£15m). Getty Images
  • Alexis Sanchez - Internazionale to Marseille (free). Getty Images
    Alexis Sanchez - Internazionale to Marseille (free). Getty Images
  • Timo Werner - Chelsea to RB Leipzig (£18m). AP
    Timo Werner - Chelsea to RB Leipzig (£18m). AP
  • Amadou Onana - Llle to Everton (£33.8m). AFP
    Amadou Onana - Llle to Everton (£33.8m). AFP
  • Emirhan Ilkhan - Besiktas to Torino (£3.8m). PA
    Emirhan Ilkhan - Besiktas to Torino (£3.8m). PA
  • Gonçalo Guedes - Valencia to Wolves (£27.5m). AP Photo
    Gonçalo Guedes - Valencia to Wolves (£27.5m). AP Photo
  • Conor Coady - Wolves to Everton (loan). Getty Images
    Conor Coady - Wolves to Everton (loan). Getty Images
  • Anthony Modeste - Cologne to Borussia Dortmund (£3.8m). EPA
    Anthony Modeste - Cologne to Borussia Dortmund (£3.8m). EPA
  • Angeliño - RB Leipzig to Hoffenheim (loan). Getty Images
    Angeliño - RB Leipzig to Hoffenheim (loan). Getty Images
  • Marcos Senesi - Feyenoord to Bournemouth (£12.6m). AFP
    Marcos Senesi - Feyenoord to Bournemouth (£12.6m). AFP
  • Isco - Real Madrid to Sevilla (free). EPA
    Isco - Real Madrid to Sevilla (free). EPA
  • Raheem Sterling - Manchester City to Chelsea (£50m). Getty Images
    Raheem Sterling - Manchester City to Chelsea (£50m). Getty Images
  • Lisandro Martinez - Ajax to Manchester United (£46m). Getty Images
    Lisandro Martinez - Ajax to Manchester United (£46m). Getty Images
  • Robert Lewandowski - Bayern Munich to Barcelona (£38.3m). AFP
    Robert Lewandowski - Bayern Munich to Barcelona (£38.3m). AFP
  • Hugo Ekitike - Reims to Paris Saint-Germain (loan). AFP
    Hugo Ekitike - Reims to Paris Saint-Germain (loan). AFP
  • Thomas Henry - Venezia to Verona (£3.8m). Getty Images
    Thomas Henry - Venezia to Verona (£3.8m). Getty Images
  • Takefusa Kubo - Real Madrid to Real Sociedad (£5.2m). Getty Images
    Takefusa Kubo - Real Madrid to Real Sociedad (£5.2m). Getty Images
  • Kalidou Koulibaly - Napoli to Chelsea (£33.8m). EPA
    Kalidou Koulibaly - Napoli to Chelsea (£33.8m). EPA
  • Chancel Mbemba - Porto to Marseille (free). EPA
    Chancel Mbemba - Porto to Marseille (free). EPA
  • Breel Embolo - Borussa Monchengladbach to Monaco (£10.6m). EPA
    Breel Embolo - Borussa Monchengladbach to Monaco (£10.6m). EPA
  • Christian Eriksen - Brentford to Manchester United (free). PA
    Christian Eriksen - Brentford to Manchester United (free). PA
  • Raphinha - Leeds United to Barcelona (£49m). Getty Images
    Raphinha - Leeds United to Barcelona (£49m). Getty Images
  • Federico Bernardeschi - Juventus to Toronto FC (free). Getty Images
    Federico Bernardeschi - Juventus to Toronto FC (free). Getty Images
  • Andrea Cambiaso - Genoa to Juventus (£5.9m). Getty Images
    Andrea Cambiaso - Genoa to Juventus (£5.9m). Getty Images
  • Arturo Vidal - Inter Milan to Flamengo (free). Getty Images
    Arturo Vidal - Inter Milan to Flamengo (free). Getty Images
  • Mohamed Bayo - Clermont to Lille (£11.8m). AFP
    Mohamed Bayo - Clermont to Lille (£11.8m). AFP
  • Francisco Trincao - Barcelona to Sporting (loan). Getty Images
    Francisco Trincao - Barcelona to Sporting (loan). Getty Images
  • Samu Castillejo - AC Milan to Valencia (undisclosed fee). PA
    Samu Castillejo - AC Milan to Valencia (undisclosed fee). PA
  • Lewis Ferguson - Aberdeen to Bologna (£3m). PA
    Lewis Ferguson - Aberdeen to Bologna (£3m). PA
  • Keane Lewis-Potter - Hull City to Brentford (£16m). PA
    Keane Lewis-Potter - Hull City to Brentford (£16m). PA
  • Alessio Romagnoli - AC Milan to Lazio (free). Getty Images
    Alessio Romagnoli - AC Milan to Lazio (free). Getty Images
  • Nathan Collins - Burnley to Wolves (£20.5m). PA
    Nathan Collins - Burnley to Wolves (£20.5m). PA
  • Andriy Yarmolenko - West Ham United to Al Ain (free). AP Photo
    Andriy Yarmolenko - West Ham United to Al Ain (free). AP Photo
  • David Ospina - Napoli to Al Nassr (free). Getty Images
    David Ospina - Napoli to Al Nassr (free). Getty Images
  • Kristian Thorstvedt - Genk to Sassuolo (£8.4m). Reuters
    Kristian Thorstvedt - Genk to Sassuolo (£8.4m). Reuters
  • Andreas Pereira -Manchester United to Fulham ( £10m). Getty Images
    Andreas Pereira -Manchester United to Fulham ( £10m). Getty Images
  • Gabriel Jesus - Manchester City to Arsenal (£45m). Getty Images
    Gabriel Jesus - Manchester City to Arsenal (£45m). Getty Images
  • Steven Bergwijn - Tottenham Hotspur to Ajax (£26.5m). AP Photo
    Steven Bergwijn - Tottenham Hotspur to Ajax (£26.5m). AP Photo
  • Andreas Christensen - Chelsea to Barcelona (free). AFP
    Andreas Christensen - Chelsea to Barcelona (free). AFP
  • Sébastien Haller - Ajax to Borussia Dortmund (£30.8m). AFP
    Sébastien Haller - Ajax to Borussia Dortmund (£30.8m). AFP
  • Flynn Downes - Swansea City to West Ham United (£12m). PA
    Flynn Downes - Swansea City to West Ham United (£12m). PA
  • Junior Messias - Crotone to AC Milan (£3.8m). Reuters
    Junior Messias - Crotone to AC Milan (£3.8m). Reuters
  • Luis Sinisterra - Feyenoord to Leeds United (£21.3m). AFP
    Luis Sinisterra - Feyenoord to Leeds United (£21.3m). AFP
  • Brais Méndez - Celta Vigo to Real Sociedad (£12.8m). Getty Images
    Brais Méndez - Celta Vigo to Real Sociedad (£12.8m). Getty Images
  • Moussa Niakhaté - Mainz to Nottingham Forest (£8.7m). Getty Images
    Moussa Niakhaté - Mainz to Nottingham Forest (£8.7m). Getty Images
  • Romeo Lavia - Manchester City to Southmpton (£12m). AP Photo
    Romeo Lavia - Manchester City to Southmpton (£12m). AP Photo
  • Tyler Adams - RB Leipzig to Leeds United (£20m). AP
    Tyler Adams - RB Leipzig to Leeds United (£20m). AP
  • Axel Witsel - Borussia Dortmund to Atletico Madrid (free). EPA
    Axel Witsel - Borussia Dortmund to Atletico Madrid (free). EPA
  • Maya Yoshida - Sampdoria to Schalke (free). AP Photo
    Maya Yoshida - Sampdoria to Schalke (free). AP Photo
  • Tyrell Malacia - Feyenoord to Manchester United (£12.9m). AP Photo
    Tyrell Malacia - Feyenoord to Manchester United (£12.9m). AP Photo
  • Zeki Celik - Lille to Roma (£6m). AFP
    Zeki Celik - Lille to Roma (£6m). AFP
  • Ritsu Doan - PSV Eindhoven to Freiburg (£6.5m). AFP
    Ritsu Doan - PSV Eindhoven to Freiburg (£6.5m). AFP
  • Divock Origi - Liverpool to AC Milan (free). AFP
    Divock Origi - Liverpool to AC Milan (free). AFP
  • Rolando Mandragora - Torino to Fiorentina (£7m). EPA
    Rolando Mandragora - Torino to Fiorentina (£7m). EPA
  • Joao Palhinha - Sporting to Fulham (£17m). Getty Images
    Joao Palhinha - Sporting to Fulham (£17m). Getty Images
  • Franck Kessie - AC Milan to Barcelona (free). Getty Images
    Franck Kessie - AC Milan to Barcelona (free). Getty Images
  • Trezeguet - Aston Villa to Trabzonspor (£3.4m). AFP
    Trezeguet - Aston Villa to Trabzonspor (£3.4m). AFP
  • Kalvin Phillips - Leeds United to Manchester City (£45m). Reuters
    Kalvin Phillips - Leeds United to Manchester City (£45m). Reuters
  • Giulian Biancone - Troyes to Nottingham Forest (£5m). AFP
    Giulian Biancone - Troyes to Nottingham Forest (£5m). AFP
  • Giuliano Simeone - Atletico Madrid to Real Zaragoza (loan). EPA
    Giuliano Simeone - Atletico Madrid to Real Zaragoza (loan). EPA
  • Raoul Bellanova - Cagliari to Inter Milan (loan). Getty Images
    Raoul Bellanova - Cagliari to Inter Milan (loan). Getty Images
  • Richarlison - Everton to Tottenham (£50 million). PA
    Richarlison - Everton to Tottenham (£50 million). PA
  • Fabio Carvalho - Fulham to Liverpool (£5 million). PA
    Fabio Carvalho - Fulham to Liverpool (£5 million). PA
  • James Tarkowski Burnley to Everton (free). Getty Images
    James Tarkowski Burnley to Everton (free). Getty Images
  • Sime Vrsaljko - Atletico Madrid to Olympiakos (free). AP Photo
    Sime Vrsaljko - Atletico Madrid to Olympiakos (free). AP Photo
  • Dean Henderson - Manchester United to Nottingham Forest (loan). PA
    Dean Henderson - Manchester United to Nottingham Forest (loan). PA
  • Luuk de Jong - Sevilla to PSV Eindhoven (£3.4m). AP Photo
    Luuk de Jong - Sevilla to PSV Eindhoven (£3.4m). AP Photo
  • Henrikh Mkhitaryan - Roma to Inter Milan (free). Reuters
    Henrikh Mkhitaryan - Roma to Inter Milan (free). Reuters
  • Cenk Tosun - Everton to Besiktas (free). Reuters
    Cenk Tosun - Everton to Besiktas (free). Reuters
  • Andre Onana - Ajax to Inter Milan (free). Getty
    Andre Onana - Ajax to Inter Milan (free). Getty
  • Moussa Sissoko - Watford to Nantes (£2m). AFP
    Moussa Sissoko - Watford to Nantes (£2m). AFP
  • Corentin Tolisso - Bayern Munich to Lyon (free). AFP
    Corentin Tolisso - Bayern Munich to Lyon (free). AFP
  • Vitinha - Porto to Paris Saint-Germain (£34m). AFP
    Vitinha - Porto to Paris Saint-Germain (£34m). AFP
  • Romelu Lukaku - Chelsea to Inter Milan (loan). PA
    Romelu Lukaku - Chelsea to Inter Milan (loan). PA
  • Lorenzo Insigne - Napoli to Toronto FC (free). AP
    Lorenzo Insigne - Napoli to Toronto FC (free). AP
  • Sven Botman - Lille to Newcastle United (£31.9m). AFP
    Sven Botman - Lille to Newcastle United (£31.9m). AFP
  • Takumi Minamino - Liverpool to Monaco (£15.5m). Getty Images
    Takumi Minamino - Liverpool to Monaco (£15.5m). Getty Images
  • Alphonse Areola - Paris Saint-Germain to West Ham United (£7.8m). AFP
    Alphonse Areola - Paris Saint-Germain to West Ham United (£7.8m). AFP
  • Lucas Leiva - Lazio to Gremo (free). Getty Images
    Lucas Leiva - Lazio to Gremo (free). Getty Images
  • Joselu - Alaves to Espanyol (free). Getty Images
    Joselu - Alaves to Espanyol (free). Getty Images
  • Matt Turner - New England Revolution to Arsenal (£4.7m). Reuters
    Matt Turner - New England Revolution to Arsenal (£4.7m). Reuters
  • Fernandinho - Manchester City to Athletico Paranaense (free). PA
    Fernandinho - Manchester City to Athletico Paranaense (free). PA
  • Bartol Franjic - Dinamo Zagreb to Wolfsburg (£6.9m). Getty Images
    Bartol Franjic - Dinamo Zagreb to Wolfsburg (£6.9m). Getty Images
  • Wahbi Khazri - Saint-Etienne to Montpellier (free). AFP
    Wahbi Khazri - Saint-Etienne to Montpellier (free). AFP
  • Tobias Figueiredo - Hull City to Nottingham Forest (free). PA
    Tobias Figueiredo - Hull City to Nottingham Forest (free). PA
  • Pietro Pellegri - Monaco to Tornio (£3.9m). Getty Images
    Pietro Pellegri - Monaco to Tornio (£3.9m). Getty Images
  • Erling Haaland - Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City. Getty Images
    Erling Haaland - Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City. Getty Images
  • Malcolm Ebiowei - Derby County to Crystal Palace (undisclosed). PA
    Malcolm Ebiowei - Derby County to Crystal Palace (undisclosed). PA
  • Taiwo Awoniyi - Union Berlin to Nottingham Forest (£17m). Getty Images
    Taiwo Awoniyi - Union Berlin to Nottingham Forest (£17m). Getty Images
  • Gareth Bale - Real Madrid to Los Angeles FC (free). PA
    Gareth Bale - Real Madrid to Los Angeles FC (free). PA
  • Lucas Alario - Bayer Leverkusen to Eintracht Frankfurt (£5.6m). PA
    Lucas Alario - Bayer Leverkusen to Eintracht Frankfurt (£5.6m). PA
  • Sadio Mane - Liverpool to Bayern Munich (£28m). Getty Images
    Sadio Mane - Liverpool to Bayern Munich (£28m). Getty Images
  • Armindo Sieb - Bayern Munich to Greuther Fürth (undisclosed fee). Getty Images
    Armindo Sieb - Bayern Munich to Greuther Fürth (undisclosed fee). Getty Images
  • Nick Pope - Burnley to Newcastle (£10m). PA
    Nick Pope - Burnley to Newcastle (£10m). PA
  • Ki-Jana Hoever - Wolves to PSV Eindhoven (loan). PA
    Ki-Jana Hoever - Wolves to PSV Eindhoven (loan). PA
  • Ryan Fredericks - West Ham United to Bournemouth (free). Getty Images
    Ryan Fredericks - West Ham United to Bournemouth (free). Getty Images
  • Mario Götze - PSV Eindhoven to Eintracht Frankfurt (£3.4m). Getty Images
    Mario Götze - PSV Eindhoven to Eintracht Frankfurt (£3.4m). Getty Images
  • Fabio Vieira - Porto to Arsenal (£30m). EPA
    Fabio Vieira - Porto to Arsenal (£30m). EPA
  • Antonio Rudiger - Chelsea to Real Madrid (free). PA
    Antonio Rudiger - Chelsea to Real Madrid (free). PA
  • Merih Demiral - Juventus to Atalanta (£17.2m). AFP
    Merih Demiral - Juventus to Atalanta (£17.2m). AFP
  • Giovanni Simeone - Cagliari to Hellas Verona (£10.3m). AP
    Giovanni Simeone - Cagliari to Hellas Verona (£10.3m). AP
  • Marc Roca - Bayern Munich to Leeds United (£10m). PA
    Marc Roca - Bayern Munich to Leeds United (£10m). PA
  • Yves Bissouma - Brighton to Tottenham (£25m). PA
    Yves Bissouma - Brighton to Tottenham (£25m). PA
  • Gavin Bazunu - Manchester City to Southampton (£12m). PA
    Gavin Bazunu - Manchester City to Southampton (£12m). PA
  • Darwin Nunez - Benfica to Liverpool (£64.3m). PA
    Darwin Nunez - Benfica to Liverpool (£64.3m). PA
  • Aurelien Tchouameni - Monaco to Real Madrid (£85.3m). AFP
    Aurelien Tchouameni - Monaco to Real Madrid (£85.3m). AFP
  • Nemanja Matic - Manchester United to Roma (free). EPA
    Nemanja Matic - Manchester United to Roma (free). EPA
  • Ryan Gravenberch - Ajax to Bayern Munich (£20m). EPA
    Ryan Gravenberch - Ajax to Bayern Munich (£20m). EPA
  • Giorgio Chiellini - Juventus to Los Angeles FC (released). Getty Images
    Giorgio Chiellini - Juventus to Los Angeles FC (released). Getty Images
  • Cameron Carter-Vickers - Tottenham to Celtic (£6m). AFP
    Cameron Carter-Vickers - Tottenham to Celtic (£6m). AFP
  • Alexandre Lacazette - Arsenal to Lyon (free transfer). AFP
    Alexandre Lacazette - Arsenal to Lyon (free transfer). AFP
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
How does ToTok work?

The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store

To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.

The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.

Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.

 

Meatless Days
Sara Suleri, with an introduction by Kamila Shamsie
​​​​​​​Penguin 

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Mamo 

 Year it started: 2019 Founders: Imad Gharazeddine, Asim Janjua

 Based: Dubai, UAE

 Number of employees: 28

 Sector: Financial services

 Investment: $9.5m

 Funding stage: Pre-Series A Investors: Global Ventures, GFC, 4DX Ventures, AlRajhi Partners, Olive Tree Capital, and prominent Silicon Valley investors. 

 

Engine: 3.5-litre V6

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 290hp

Torque: 340Nm

Price: Dh155,800

On sale: now

MATCH INFO

Barcelona 2
Suarez (10'), Messi (52')

Real Madrid 2
Ronaldo (14'), Bale (72')

Jebel Ali Dragons 26 Bahrain 23

Dragons
Tries: Hayes, Richards, Cooper
Cons: Love
Pens: Love 3

Bahrain
Tries: Kenny, Crombie, Tantoh
Cons: Phillips
Pens: Phillips 2

The specs

Common to all models unless otherwise stated

Engine: 4-cylinder 2-litre T-GDi

0-100kph: 5.3 seconds (Elantra); 5.5 seconds (Kona); 6.1 seconds (Veloster)

Power: 276hp

Torque: 392Nm

Transmission: 6-Speed Manual/ 8-Speed Dual Clutch FWD

Price: TBC

How do Sim card scams work?

Sim swap frauds are a form of identity theft.

They involve criminals conning mobile phone operators into issuing them with replacement Sim cards by claiming to be the victim, often pretending their phone has been lost or stolen in order to secure a new Sim.

They use the victim's personal details - obtained through criminal methods - to convince such companies of their identity.

The criminal can then access any online service that requires security codes to be sent to a user's mobile phone, such as banking services.

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

THE BIO

Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren

Favourite travel destination: Switzerland

Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers

Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum

PSA DUBAI WORLD SERIES FINALS LINE-UP

Men’s:
Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY)
Ali Farag (EGY)
Simon Rosner (GER)
Tarek Momen (EGY)
Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)
Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
Nick Matthew (ENG)

Women's:
Nour El Sherbini (EGY)
Raneem El Welily (EGY)
Nour El Tayeb (EGY)
Laura Massaro (ENG)
Joelle King (NZE)
Camille Serme (FRA)
Nouran Gohar (EGY)
Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)

While you're here
World politics
On Women's Day
While you're here
BAD%20BOYS%3A%20RIDE%20OR%20DIE
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The biog

Hobbies: Salsa dancing “It's in my blood” and listening to music in different languages

Favourite place to travel to: “Thailand, as it's gorgeous, food is delicious, their massages are to die for!”  

Favourite food: “I'm a vegetarian, so I can't get enough of salad.”

Favourite film:  “I love watching documentaries, and am fascinated by nature, animals, human anatomy. I love watching to learn!”

Best spot in the UAE: “I fell in love with Fujairah and anywhere outside the big cities, where I can get some peace and get a break from the busy lifestyle”

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

Main report
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Ahmed Raza

UAE cricket captain

Age: 31

Born: Sharjah

Role: Left-arm spinner

One-day internationals: 31 matches, 35 wickets, average 31.4, economy rate 3.95

T20 internationals: 41 matches, 29 wickets, average 30.3, economy rate 6.28

While you're here
While you're here
Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

While you're here
Points to remember
  • Debate the issue, don't attack the person
  • Build the relationship and dialogue by seeking to find common ground
  • Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
  • Listen actively without interrupting
  • Avoid assumptions, seek understanding, ask questions
Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

While you're here
BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%202-litre%20direct%20injection%20turbo%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%207-speed%20automatic%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20261hp%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20400Nm%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20From%20Dh134%2C999%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

SCHEDULE

December 8: UAE v USA (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)

December 9: USA v Scotland (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)

December 11: UAE v Scotland (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)

December 12: UAE v USA (ICC Academy Oval 1)

December 14: USA v Scotland (ICC Academy Oval 1)

December 15: UAE v Scotland (ICC Academy Oval 1)

All matches start at 10am

 

Updated: August 05, 2022, 9:17 AM
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