14 Tuesday, February 2, 2021 Sports Hertha Berlin sign A motivated Messi World Cup winner Khedira; Bayern could spell bad news loan out pair DPA Berlin for Granada in the cup Former Germany midfield- er Sami Khedira joined Her- tha Berlin on Monday in what The divulging of was the big signing on Bun- Lionel Messi’s contract desliga transfer deadline day while champions Bayern Mu- details seemed to nich sent young talents Chris have served to give Richards and Joshua Zirkzee out on loan. him extra motivation Khedira was announced to prove his worth in shortly after the 6 pm (1700 the league at the GMT) transfer deadline by Hertha with all the details of weekend. Ronald his move from Italian cham- Koeman hopes that pions Juventus confirmed by continues in the cup the cut-off. Hertha also secured the as Barcelona face services of Serbia internation- Granada al Nemanja Radon- Juventus’ German midfielder jic on loan from French side Sami Khedira who will play for DPA Olympique Marseille. German club Hertha Barcelona Richards and Zirkzee Berlin, the club announced on meanwhile left Bayern Munich February 1, 2021. (AFP) Barcelona will hope Lionel on loan to get match experi- Messi keeps proving his worth ence at Hoffenheim and Parma Record champions Bayern this Wednesday when they on a day which was quiet by and some others haven’t made take on Granada in the Span- previous deadline standards as any signings but the Bavarians ish Cup quarter-finals. clubs stayed cautious amid the agreed a deal with Hoffenheim A story that appeared in coronavirus pandemic. and let Richards go. Spanish newspaper El Mundo Hertha are outside the Bun- “The aim is to offer the on Sunday detailed Messi’s desliga danger zone only on 20-year-old defensive player contract and suggested the goal difference after a 3-1 de- the opportunity to gain more money the club pay him is the feat at Eintracht Frankfurt on match practice in the German reason why they are in finan- Saturday and experienced 2014 top flight,” Bayern said in a cial straits. World Cup winner Khedira, statement, while Hoffenheim “Another game where who however has not played said Richards will “cover the Messi proves his worth” was Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (left) scores during the Spanish League match against Athletic Club Bilbao at the Camp Nou since June, is a major capture. injury-ravaged defence.” the headline on the front of stadium in Barcelona on Sunday. (AFP) “In Sami Khedira we are “I’m looking forward to Marca on Sunday after Messi getting a atop player who has taking the next steps in my scored goal number 650 of his can put that right this week “We had chances but just published to one side but we the game at the Nuevo Los Car- been under contract with some development in Hoffenheim. Barcelona career in the team’s against Granada. couldn’t take them,” he said af- know it is difficult. Messi is a menes stadium in a bid to take of Europe’s top clubs,” said It’s important I pick up more 2-1 win over Athletic club. Granada warmed up for ter the frustrating goalless draw. great player. Without Leo we Barcelona to the semi-finals. Hertha sporting director Arne match practice in the Bundes- “That’s quite a question,” the big match at home with a This is another big chance cannot aspire to much.” That Of the other duels to reach Friedrich. “He will help us im- liga now,” the player said. said Antoine Griezmann after 0-0 draw against Celta Vigo for him to make his mark in was a variation on something the last four the stand out fix- mediately with his experience Richards will reunite with the game when he was asked but it was clear from his team the cup. Last season Granada he had said in his press con- ture comes on Thursday when in the Champions League, coach Sebastian Hoeness what price he would put on selection just how much im- came close to reaching the ference on Friday: “With the last season’s finalists Athletic , and also with after they worked together Messi. “He is the best player portance coach Diego Martin- final but were denied byA th- players we have we know we Bilbao host Real Betis. the national team at the World last season when Bayern un- in the world and we just want ez is putting in the cup. letic Bilbao in the semi-finals. cannot aspire to win much.” Manuel Pellegrini’s side Cup and European Champi- der-23 team won the third him to stay here as long as pos- He rested centre-back Ger- Martinez’ Granada side Barcelona are still 10 points have improved of late and onships,” Khedira, 33, last league title. sible.” Elsewhere “Priceless man Sanchez and left centre- will have to deal with a moti- behind Atletico Madrid in the would love to stay in the cup played in the Bundesliga with Another Bayern talent, Messi” was the headline on Di- forward Roberto Soldado on vated Messi. league despite having won all alongside city rivals Sevilla VfB before joining striker Leon Dajaku, was sent ario Sport after the Argentine’s the bench until the last half Barca Ronald Koeman said their league games in January. who go to Almeria on Tuesday. Real Madrid in 2010. on loan to Union Berlin in 12th league goal of the season. and hour of the game against after the win over Athletic: “We The Cup remains their best The other quarter-final “Hertha made great ef- January also in order to get He is yet to score in the Celta. Both are likely to start have to be united. We need to chance of winning something sees Villarreal visit neighbours forts to sign me and offered more playing time in the Bun- current cup campaign but he against Barcelona. put the things that have been this season and Messi will start Levante on Wednesday. me the opportunity to return desliga while 19-year-old Zirk- to the Bundesliga,” he said. “I zee made the move to Serie A feel great physically would like strugglers Parma. to use the experience I have “We hope that he can de- Brighton sign Caicedo, Liverpool close to deal for defenders gained in recent years to help liver something in Parma so the team and lead Hertha to they’re not relegated,” Bayern LONDON: Brighton & Hove ing Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip in the summer for 18 million Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Clubs remains subject to international more sporting success.” Her- chairman Karl-Heinz Rum- Albion signed Moises Caicedo and Joe Gomez. Ben Davies, has been agreed between the seem to be moving cautiously clearance but boss Graham tha did not give immediate de- menigge told Sky Sports news. from Independiente del Valle of currently at Preston North End, two clubs. West Bromwich with finances impacted by the Potter sees a lot of potential in tails of the move for Khediria, Parma have an option to make Ecuador’s top-flight on Monday is a reported target with a price Albion also confirmed a season- coronavirus pandemic and while Caicedo, who made his interna- whose Juventus contract was the move permanent for 15 mil- in what has been the biggest tag of up to two million pounds long loan deal for Turkish practical things like meeting tional debut for Ecaudor last Oc- set to expire in summer. lion euros (18.1 million dollars). deal of a slow transfer deadline (2.7 million dollars) as well as international Okay Yokuslu from potential signings face-to-face is tober. “He has done very well in While Khedira is a high- The biggest early deal of day so far. Turkish defender Ozan Kabak in Spanish club Celta Vigo. It is much harder given the ongoing Ecuador and made his debut for profile capture for Hertha, the window was RB Leipzig Premier League champi- an initial loan from Bundesliga West Brom’s third signing of the health restrictions. his country at just 18,” Potter Bundesliga clubs have gen- signing forward Dominik Szo- ons Liverpool were looking to bottom side Schalke. Reports window after Robert Snodgrass The 19-year-old midfielder said. “He’s an exciting signing, erally been shy during the boszlai from Red Bull Salzburg complete a deal for a defender in England suggest a fee of one from West Ham and Mbaye Caicedo has committed to a but it is important we give him winter transfer period due to for 20 million euros as they at- after a number of first-choice million pounds with an option to Diagne along with a reported four-year deal with Brighton time to adjust.” financial issues caused by the tempt a first league and Ger- centre backs are injured includ- make Kabak’s move permanent move for Arsenal defender that runs until 2025. The deal (DPA) coronavirus. man Cup title. Fans urged to plan ahead before attending FIFA Club WC matches fore kick-off and the Metro will be running 17:00) the necessary permit. a full service each day. Sunday 7 February – Match 4 (kick-off Taxi: Kareem, Karwa and Uber services Al Mawlawi continued: “We encourage all 18:00) able to access dedicated taxi area near the spectators to arrive at least one hour before Monday 8 February – Match 6 – qualifier vs stadium. kick-off. Be prepared to follow any social dis- FC Bayern Munich (kick-off 21:00) Storage: Limited storage facilities tancing measures – wear a mask, show your Metro: Later metro services will be or- Ehteraz app when prompted and don’t get too ganised after Match 6 to allow fans to return Travel advice for those not attending close to anyone who is not from the same home. Please listen for announcements matches household. We are also advising people not Parking: Parking will be available a short and local roads are expected to be in a rush to leave the stadium after the walk from the stadium. Please be aware tempo- to be busier than usual immediately before and match ends. Traffic is likely to be heavy and rary local road restrictions will be in place near after each match, while temporary road restric- people may need to wait to board the Doha the stadium and may not be picked up by your tions will also be in place near each stadium. ans planning to attend FIFA Club World Metro due to social distancing measures. in-car navigation. Please refer to our access It is recommended you avoid travelling at the Cup Qatar 2020 matches are being ad- Metro services will be running much later maps for your best route. Station () busiest times. vised to take the Doha Metro and arrive than usual to help ensure fans have a smooth Accessible parking: Accessible parking is FCWC 2020 matches: Thursday 4 Febru- Roads: Expected to be busier than usual at least one hour before kick-off. journey back home.” available but must be arranged in advance by ary – Al Duhail SC vs Al Ahly SC (kick-off 20:30) around each stadium for about two hours FQatar will host the 17th edition of the Al Mawlawi also advised anyone not attending those that qualify. When you collect your match Sunday 7 February – Match 5 (kick-off before and two hours after each match. tournament from 4-11 February. The tourna- matches to allow extra time for their journey ticket from QNCC please ask about accessible 21:00) Metro: Green Line is expected to be busier ment was due to be played in December but by road or metro. He also pointed out that parking and you will be provided with the neces- Thursday 11 February – Third-place play-off than usual at the following times. was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. temporary road restrictions would be in place sary permit. (kick-off 18:00) Thursday 4 February Matches will take place at two FIFA World Cup around each stadium on match days. Taxi: Kareem, Karwa and Uber services will Thursday 11 February – Final (kick-off Services toward from 14:00 2022™ stadiums: Ahmad Bin Ali and Education be able to access the dedicated taxi area near 21:00) to 16:00 and services from Al Riffa station City, with a maximum capacity of 30% at each the stadium. Metro: Later metro services will be organ- after 19:00. venue due to COVID-19 precautions. Storage: Limited storage facilities ised to allow fans to return home. Please listen Services towards In order to help fans to plan their journeys, for announcements. from 17:30 to 19:30 and services from Educa- the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 Local Parking: Parking is available to the south tion City station after 22:30. Organising Committee (LOC) has announced a and east of the stadium. From the Southern Sunday 7 February range of key advice – including to arrive early, Car Park, it is a 5-10-minute bus journey to/ Services towards Al Riffa station from respect social distancing and be aware of from the stadium. From the Eastern Car Park, 15:00 to 17:00 and services from Al Riffa sta- temporary road restrictions in the vicinity of it is a 10-15-minute bus journey or a 40-45 tion after 20:00. tournament venues. minute walk. Please consider walking, particu- Services towards Education City station Abdulaziz Al Mawlawi, the LOC’s Host Coun- larly after the match, as buses are expected from 18:00 to 20:00 and services from Educa- try Operations Director, said: “Our main mes- to be busy. Also, please be aware, temporary tion City station after 23:00. sage to fans is to plan ahead before you travel. local road restrictions will be in place near the Monday 8 February Check the official channels and social media stadium and may not be picked up by your in- Services towards Al Riffa station from for any updates in relation to road closures, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium car navigation. 18:00 to 20:00 and services from Al Riffa sta- public transport and COVID-19 protocols.” Distance from central Doha: 22km Accessible parking: Accessible parking tion after 23:00. Fans will be able to travel to all matches by Doha Metro: Within walking distance of Al is available but must be arranged in advance Thursday 11 February the Doha Metro, car or taxi. Each stadium will Riffa Station (Green Line) Education City Stadium by those that qualify. When you collect your Services towards Education City station open three hours before kick-off. Parking and FCWC 2020 matches: Thursday 4 Febru- Distance from central Doha: 13km match ticket from QNCC please ask about ac- from approximately 15:00 and services from taxi areas will be available from three hours be- ary – Tigres UANL vs Ulsan Hyundai FC (kick-off Doha Metro: Within walking distance of cessible parking and you will be provided with Education City station after 23:00. (SC)