Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has continued to justify his £40 million price tag since his move from Manchester City, proving to be a valuable asset for the London club. The 21-year-old has made an immediate impact since joining Chelsea during the 2023 summer transfer window. His recent performance in the 3-2 victory against Newcastle, where he both scored and assisted, brought his goal tally in the league to 11 for the season. Palmer has now matched Jude Bellingham’s impressive record at Real Madrid. Both youngsters have contributed to 19 goals in Europe’s top five leagues this season, making them the…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Jurgen Klopp provides a positive update on Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, stating that the injury is not severe, and there is a “good chance” he could feature in the upcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United. Konate, who missed the Premier League clash against Manchester City, suffered a hamstring issue during Liverpool’s 5-1 Europa League victory over Sparta Prague. However, Klopp revealed that the 24-year-old is likely to make a return for the FA Cup fixture at Old Trafford. When asked about the severity of the injury, Klopp assured reporters, “No, no. Ibou has a chance for United. A good…
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is urging England manager Gareth Southgate to reintegrate Joe Gomez into the national team, marking the first call-up for the defender since October 2020. Between 2017 and 2020, Gomez earned 11 caps for England but experienced a decline in playing time with Liverpool, leading to his exclusion from Southgate’s squad. However, with an increased contribution in the past season and being a key figure in Klopp’s team this year, Gomez has made 39 appearances across all competitions. After Gomez’s noteworthy performance in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, Klopp directed a message to Southgate regarding Gomez’s…
Reports suggest that Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson might face up to a four-week absence due to injury, casting doubt on his availability for the clash against Premier League leaders Arsenal at the end of March. Ederson sustained a knee injury in a collision with Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez at Anfield, resulting in a penalty for the home side in a 1-1 draw. Despite attempting to continue after initial treatment, Ederson was ultimately replaced by Stefan Ortega, who played a crucial role in helping City secure a valuable point against their title rivals. Sky Sports News indicates that Ederson’s recovery could…
Chelsea secured a crucial 3-2 victory at home against Newcastle United, marking a return to winning form on Monday night. With this win at Stamford Bridge in gameweek 28, the Blues closed the gap to within a point of the Premier League’s top half. In the sixth minute, Chelsea took the lead when Sven Botman’s clearance landed at Cole Palmer’s feet on the edge of the box. Palmer’s shot was redirected skillfully by Nicolas Jackson, leaving Martin Dubravka bewildered. Newcastle missed key opportunities in the periods around half-time, failing to capitalize on Chelsea’s moments of vulnerability. Despite their hosts looking…
Manchester United has identified Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as their top summer target, with the centre-back expected to command a £75 million price tag. The Red Devils are reportedly determined to pursue the move regardless of Erik ten Hag’s managerial status. Additionally, Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise is another priority target for Manchester United, with a £60 million release clause in his contract. Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, recently met with Luis Diaz’s agent to explore a potential transfer to Catalonia. However, Barcelona was surprised to learn that Liverpool would demand a fee between £100 million to £120 million for the…
The Women’s FA Cup semi-final draw has been finalized, setting up a compelling clash as defending champions Chelsea are set to face Manchester United in a rematch of last year’s final. The other semi-final will witness Tottenham Hotspur taking on Leicester City. These fixtures are scheduled to take place over the weekend of April 13/14. Chelsea, eyeing their sixth Women’s FA Cup title, aims to equalize with Doncaster Rovers Belles as the third-most successful team in the competition’s history. Arsenal leads the tally with 14 wins, while Southampton stands second with eight triumphs from the 1970s. Having narrowly lost to…
Wilfried Nathan Douala and 61 other Cameroonian players have faced suspensions for providing false information about their ages. A shocking age fraud scandal has shaken the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), leading to the suspension of 62 players who were found guilty of misrepresenting their ages, some by more than a decade, according to reports from Pulse Sports. Among those implicated in this unprecedented controversy is Wilfried Nathan Douala, the 17-year-old sensation from AFCON 2023. Despite being hailed as a rising star during the tournament, FECAFOOT’s investigation revealed discrepancies in Douala’s age, leading to his suspension and that of 61 others…
Nigeria has encountered a dual setback with injuries looming over key players in anticipation of the Super Eagles’ forthcoming international friendly matches against Ghana and Mali scheduled for March. The Nigeria Football Federation has enlisted 26 players for these encounters, introducing two debutants, Gabriel Osho from Luton Town and Benjamin Tanimu representing Tanzanian club Ihefu SC. Notably, Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s primary goalkeeper at the 2023 AFCON, and Napoli star Victor Osimhen lead the list of players called up by the NFF for the games set to take place in Algeria. Seven AFCON participants, including captain Ahmed Musa and the injured…
Barcelona defender Joao Cancelo, currently on loan from Manchester City, asserts that City is the favored team to secure this season’s Champions League title. “Man City are the favorites to win the Champions League. I think so because of the squad, the style of playing, and the manager. They can win two Champions League in a row, I’m sure,” he conveyed to Gazzetta dello Sport. Pep Guardiola’s squad has progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition after a 6-2 aggregate victory over FC Copenhagen. Meanwhile, Barcelona hosted Napoli in the second leg of their last-16 tie following a 1-1 draw…
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirms that Gabriel Martinelli will be unavailable for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 match against FC Porto. Martinelli sustained a foot injury during their 6-0 victory over Sheffield United last Monday, causing him to miss the subsequent 2-1 win against Brentford. After the match, he was spotted wearing a protective boot and using crutches in the mixed zone. It is anticipated that Martinelli will be sidelined for the upcoming clash against Porto on Tuesday night. When asked about the possibility of Martinelli playing, Arteta responded to reporters, “Percentage you want [of him to…
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has openly expressed his admiration for Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, revealing his keenness to witness the player in Barcelona’s colors. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg encounter with Napoli, Xavi’s preference for a Napoli player to join Barcelona was promptly directed at Lobotka. “I would say Lobotka, I like him a lot,” commented the Spaniard. “The way he builds from the back and doesn’t lose the ball. I would like to see him in a club like Barca. I think he has the quality to play for…
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirms that Gabriel Martinelli will be unavailable for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 match against FC Porto. Martinelli sustained a foot injury during their 6-0 victory over Sheffield United last Monday, causing him to miss the subsequent 2-1 win against Brentford. After the match, he was spotted wearing a protective boot and using crutches in the mixed zone. It is anticipated that Martinelli will be sidelined for the upcoming clash against Porto on Tuesday night. When asked about the possibility of Martinelli playing, Arteta responded to reporters, “Percentage you want [of him to…
Former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo Nazario praises Jude Bellingham, likening the young talent to his former teammate Zinedine Zidane. Ronaldo expressed his admiration for Bellingham’s playing style at Real Madrid, stating, “I was watching a few matches at the Bernabéu, and I was looking for Bellingham. He reminds me a little bit of Zidane with his quality. I love the way Jude Bellingham plays. I love to watch him play; he goes forward all the time.” Bellingham made the move to Real Madrid from Dortmund last summer and has impressed with 20 goals and nine assists in 31 games under…
The Nigeria National League (NNL) has initiated plans to broadcast its matches on local television. According to NNL Chairman George Aluo, these plans are set to be implemented in the 2025 NNL season. Currently, NNL matches are streamed online on Global TV. Aluo sees this as a gradual process, expressing optimism for improvement. He stated, “It is a gradual process. Now that we have started with ‘Global TV,’ it can only get better. Even the NPFL found it difficult to put the games on StarTimes. But now that we have started with Global TV, we have begun from somewhere, and…
Real Madrid winger Vinicius sheds light on why opposing defenders struggle to cope with him on the field. Vinicius has established himself as a formidable force in La Liga, causing headaches for opponents with his remarkable speed. The Brazilian international effortlessly eludes defenders with his smooth skills and adept dribbling. Having made a significant impact this season, Vinicius has scored 16 goals and provided eight assists in 27 games across various competitions under the management of Carlo Ancelotti. In an interview with the club’s website, the 23-year-old attributes defenders’ difficulties in handling him to his versatility, asserting that he becomes…
Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, bids farewell to Brahim Diaz, who has chosen to switch allegiance from the Spain national team to Morocco. Diaz, a former Spain U21 star, has opted to represent Morocco at the senior level, relinquishing his ties with his country of birth. The Real Madrid attacking midfielder will now don the jersey of the African nation. Born in Spain to a Spanish mother and a Moroccan father, Brahim is eligible to play for Morocco. Regarding the player’s decision, Fuente commented, “I have not spoken with Brahim. I call or I do not call, and…
Mauricio Pochettino has once again called on Chelsea fans to support him, asserting that they wouldn’t find another manager more devoted to the team in their current circumstances. Amidst ongoing speculations about a disconnect between Pochettino and the supporters, particularly evident in chants for former manager Jose Mourinho, the Argentine emphasized the importance of winning matches to win over the fans. He urged them to grasp the long-term vision of the Chelsea project. “This is a different project,” Pochettino explained. “It’s a different Chelsea. If you judge us by comparing it to the club’s past, no one will succeed. Fans…
Liverpool’s striker, Darwin Nunez, faced challenges staying onside in the first half of the intense encounter against Manchester City. In the highly anticipated Premier League clash at Anfield, Nunez unexpectedly carved out a record, albeit not one to celebrate. The Uruguayan forward set some unwelcome milestones in terms of being caught offside. Unprecedented Offside Figures Emerge After First-Half Offside Spree SquawkaLive data reveals that Darwin Nunez now holds the record for the most offside instances in the current Premier League season, with a remarkable 25 offside occurrences. This statistic becomes more striking when juxtaposed with the collective offside count of…
Top 10 Football Transfers That Didn’t Live Up to Expectations In the dynamic world of football, transfers often ignite excitement and high hopes. Clubs invest significant sums to secure top players, aiming to strengthen their squads and achieve success on the pitch. However, not every transfer unfolds as anticipated, and some players fall short of the lofty expectations placed upon them. These transfers, marked by underwhelming performances, unmet expectations, and disappointing outcomes, are commonly referred to as “flops.” While some transfers capture headlines for success stories, others linger in the shadows as reminders of the unpredictable nature of the beautiful…