According to reports from Soccernet.ng, Chelsea is exploring alternatives for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, considering the £86 million-rated Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres as a potential option as they prepare for a major overhaul in the summer. While Victor Osimhen showcased impressive goal-scoring prowess last season with 26 league goals, securing both the Serie A golden boot and the CAF Player of the Year award, his form has been hindered this season due to injuries. Despite this setback, the 25-year-old Nigerian forward has managed to score 13 goals in 24 appearances for Napoli across all competitions. Meanwhile, Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres has…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Reports indicate that Manchester United have compiled a list of nine potential candidates for the managerial role as they deliberate over the future of current manager Erik ten Hag beyond this season. Despite Ten Hag having another season left on his three-year contract, signed in 2022 upon his arrival from Ajax, mixed results and the possibility of a fresh start following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s co-ownership and a new sporting direction have cast doubt on the Dutchman’s position. Manchester United have faced challenges in maintaining momentum since Ten Hag’s promising debut season in charge. They have suffered 11 defeats in their…
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reaffirmed midfielder Frenkie de Jong’s commitment to the club, stating that he has no intention of leaving ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window. Since his €75m transfer from Ajax in 2019, De Jong has been a key figure for Barcelona. However, his significant market value has made him a potential asset for sale amid the club’s financial challenges. Barcelona attempted to offload the Dutchman to Manchester United nearly two years ago. Despite ongoing financial difficulties, De Jong’s future, along with other players like Ronald Araujo and Pedri, has remained uncertain. Nevertheless, the player has…
Zinedine Zidane showcased his enduring brilliance in a charity match at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, captivating fans almost two decades after his retirement from professional football. The iconic Ballon d’Or and World Cup-winning midfielder, who hung up his boots shortly after turning 34 following the 2006 World Cup in Germany, remains etched in football history. Despite the controversial end to his career with a red card for headbutting Italy’s Marco Materazzi, Zidane was revered as one of the finest midfielders of his era and among the greatest footballers of all time. Renowned for his flair and pivotal moments, such…
Joao Cancelo has leveled accusations against Manchester City and their manager, Pep Guardiola, alleging that they propagated falsehoods concerning his departure from the club. A pivotal creative force for the Cityzens, the Portugal international contributed significantly to their success, clinching two Premier League titles before embarking on a loan spell to Bayern Munich midway through the 2022/23 season. Currently on loan at Barcelona, Cancelo refuted assertions implying dissatisfaction at the Etihad Stadium after being relegated from Guardiola’s starting lineup. In a startling revelation to A Bola, he asserted, “Lies were told! I’ve never been a disruptive teammate, as confirmed by…
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has emphasized his desire for Xavi Hernandez to continue as the club’s manager beyond the current season, refuting Xavi’s previous announcement of his intention to depart at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. This decision followed a challenging period for Barcelona, marked by defeats in two El Clasicos and slipping out of contention for the La Liga title. However, Barcelona’s fortunes have taken a positive turn since then, with an impressive ten-game unbeaten streak across all competitions and a recent qualification for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2020, courtesy of a…
The Football Association has officially announced that Harry Maguire from Manchester United, Kyle Walker from Manchester City, and Sam Johnstone from Crystal Palace have withdrawn from the England senior squad due to injuries. Walker was substituted just 20 minutes into England’s friendly loss against Brazil at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening. Following the match, Gareth Southgate confirmed that the full-back would undergo assessment in the “coming days.” Walker has now returned to Manchester City for this assessment. Similarly, fellow experienced defender Maguire was also substituted during the defeat, exiting the game in the 67th minute. Although the Manchester United center-back…
Following the UEFA Champions League quarter-final draw, Bayern Munich finds itself grappling with numerous unfavorable circumstances. The club has recently endured setbacks with the injuries of two crucial players, Sacha Boey and Manuel Neuer. In the latest update, the reigning German champions disclosed that Boey, the Frenchman who joined Bayern from Galatasaray in the winter, has suffered a ligament tear in his left ankle during a training session. The medical team has projected his recovery to span several weeks, rendering him unavailable for action. Similarly, goalkeeper Neuer was called up by the German head coach, Nagelsmann, for preparations ahead of…
Both players had brought two shirts with them. Bellingham gave one of his shirts to Vinicius and the other to Rodrygo, his teammate at the Bernabeu. Bellingham seemed puzzled about who Vinicius’ second shirt was for. When asked, Vinicius replied that it was for Rice, presumably requested during their time on the pitch. An England team member then took the shirt to the home dressing room, while Bellingham headed towards the Brazil changing room, exchanging handshakes, hugs, and brief chats with Rodrygo. Following the defeat, Bellingham took to social media, expressing, ‘Always a pleasure to wear an England shirt and…
Chelsea secured a pivotal victory against West Ham, reclaiming their position at the top of the Women’s Super League (WSL). Aggie Beever-Jones and Erin Cuthbert found the back of the net, driving Chelsea to victory in a closely contested match. Aggie Beever-Jones wasted no time, scoring the opener early in the game, marking her sixth goal of the season and setting the tone for Chelsea’s determined performance. Erin Cuthbert’s contribution was equally crucial, adding another goal to Chelsea’s tally and sealing the win. Despite West Ham’s spirited effort, Chelsea demonstrated resilience throughout the match. Despite not performing at their peak,…
Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, recently shared his thoughts on Jurgen Klopp’s impending departure from Anfield at the end of the season. The Dutch defender emphasized that it won’t just be Klopp leaving, but also others like assistant manager Pepijn Linders. Van Dijk expressed his emotions, acknowledging the difficulty of bidding farewell. “It is not only the manager who is leaving the club. It is more people,” Van Dijk stated via Tribal Football. “Pepijn is a really important figure in the dressing room, and I could go on and on. I am not looking forward to saying goodbye at all,…
Earlier this month, Dani Alves was convicted of sexual assault stemming from an incident in Barcelona in December 2022. Alves’ family is urgently seeking a loan to cover the bail payment for the former Barcelona footballer. Despite appealing the verdict, Alves hopes for temporary release from prison. After multiple failed attempts over the past 14 months, Alves was granted bail by the presiding judge this week, set at €1 million. However, Alves is unable to pay the bail himself due to financial constraints. Neymar’s father, who assisted with a compensation payment earlier, has declined to contribute this time. Reportedly, Alves’…
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has expressed interest in Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and may consider a summer transfer move. Nottingham Forest faces the possibility of selling some of their key players following their breach of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations. The club has incurred a four-point deduction as a consequence of this breach. With Nottingham Forest exceeding the £61 million annual loss threshold by £34.5 million, Arsenal sees an opportunity to potentially secure Gibbs-White. The midfielder, who joined Forest in 2022 for £42.5 million from Wolves, has emerged as a standout performer for the club. With nine goal…
Manchester United faces the possibility of being excluded from European competition next season following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a minority share in the Premier League club. Ratcliffe, who also owns OGC Nice, currently positioned fifth in Ligue 1, is subject to UEFA regulations on multi-club ownership. These regulations typically prohibit both clubs from participating in the same competition. Although UEFA has adjusted its regulations to permit clubs under common ownership to compete in different European tournaments starting next season, the restriction against participating in the same competition persists. According to a UEFA insider quoted by The Sun, “It is…
In an international friendly on Saturday, it was a late goal from 17-year-old sensation Endrick that proved to be the difference between England and Brazil at Wembley Stadium. The emerging talent, destined for Real Madrid, emerged from the bench to clinch both the winning goal and the spotlight, much to the delight of the sizable Brazilian supporters in attendance. Gareth Southgate’s squad struggled to find inspiration from the outset and ultimately suffered a deserved defeat, providing them with ample reflection ahead of Euro 2024. The match began with Rodrygo carving out the first goal-scoring opportunity, driving fearlessly at England’s defense…
Germany bounced back from a year of upheaval with a commanding 2-0 triumph over France on Saturday evening. The lead-up to the impending European Championships on home turf had been turbulent for Germany, marked by a string of poor performances and a managerial change, with Julian Nagelsmann taking the reins from former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick last autumn. However, they seized victory at Lyon’s Groupama Stadium, overcoming a France side widely regarded as Euro 2024 favorites. Germany wasted no time asserting their dominance, netting the opening goal a mere seven seconds into the match. Toni Kroos, returning from international…
Gareth Southgate addressed England’s midfield options alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham following the team’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday night. The match was decided by a late goal from young talent Endrick, marking his first senior goal for the Selecao and resulting in a defeat for the Three Lions against a Brazilian side that had suffered three consecutive losses in previous fixtures. While Rice and Bellingham are expected to secure midfield positions for Euro 2024, the third spot appears to be open for contention. Conor Gallagher started the match, with Manchester United’s young talent Kobbie Mainoo coming on…
Benjamin Tanimu expresses his delight at achieving a lifelong dream by making his debut for the Super Eagles. The young centre-back, who plies his trade with Tanzanian club Ihefu SC, featured in the Super Eagles’ 2-1 friendly victory against the Black Stars of Ghana on Friday. Tanimu, aged 21, showcased his talent for 71 minutes before being substituted for Ademola Lookman. Taking to social media, Tanimu celebrated his milestone with a heartfelt message: “Today is a day of boundless joy for me. I am grateful to God for granting me the opportunity to play my part, no matter how small,…
The Bayer Leverkusen coach is being considered as a potential replacement for either Jurgen Klopp or Thomas Tuchel. Speculation persists regarding Xabi Alonso’s next managerial destination beyond this season, with Liverpool and Bayern Munich emerging as possible options. The retired Spanish international has garnered significant attention in the coaching realm since taking charge at Bayer Leverkusen in 2022. Under his guidance, Leverkusen has surged to the top of the Bundesliga this season, poised to claim their maiden German top-flight title with an impressive record of 22 wins and four draws in 26 games, maintaining a commanding 10-point lead over Bayern…
Portugal’s forward, Bruma, marked a significant moment by being the first player besides Cristiano Ronaldo to don the iconic no.7 jersey for his country since 2007. With Ronaldo unavailable for their 5-2 victory against Sweden in an international friendly, Bruma was granted the opportunity to wear the revered number. Although he began the match on the bench, manager Roberto Martinez called upon him in the second half. Bruma seized the chance and made an impact by netting Portugal’s fourth goal, courtesy of a brilliant assist from Bruno Fernandes. It was a memorable occasion for Bruma as he graced the field…