Ilkay Gundogan has rejoined Manchester City from Barcelona, marking his return to the English side. Commenting on the move, Gundogan referred to his return as a homecoming to the “best club in the world” after re-signing on Friday. The former German international had a highly successful spell at City from 2016 to 2023, securing five Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and 12 other major honors during his tenure.
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has announced Robert Sanchez as his first-choice goalkeeper. Maresca confirmed this decision to reporters during Friday’s press conference ahead of the weekend’s match against Wolves. Sanchez started in Chelsea’s first league fixture against Manchester City, which ended in a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. In the UEFA Conference League play-off first leg against Servette, Maresca opted for Filip Jorgensen. Maresca stated that both goalkeepers will continue to be used in different competitions. “If the level remains consistent, Robert will likely be the starting goalkeeper in the Premier League, while Filip will play in the Conference League…
Arsenal’s transfer for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino appears imminent, with Real Sociedad manager Imanol Aguacil giving him an emotional farewell during a news conference on Friday. Aguacil said, “I said ‘thank you very much’ to Mikel. As a Real coach, I want this type of farewell. He arrived at the age of 22, not having fully made it yet, and he’s had six incredible years here. His performance was outstanding, winning a cup and participating in Europe five times. He has brought in over thirty million for the club, he truly feels part of Real, and now he is…
David De Gea Opens Up About His Emotional Return to Football with Fiorentina After more than a year away from the game, David De Gea has expressed his overwhelming “emotions and feelings” upon his return to football with Fiorentina. Following his departure from Manchester United, the Spanish goalkeeper remained a free agent until Fiorentina signed him this summer. Though he was benched for Fiorentina’s opening Serie A match, De Gea got his chance to start in the UEFA Conference League qualifying match against Puskas Akademia. In his first emotional message since his return, De Gea shared on Instagram, “What a…
The 2023/24 season was remarkable for African players, especially those excelling in European leagues. The reigning African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, faced challenges in maintaining his previous season’s form. However, Victor Boniface emerged as a standout player in the Bundesliga. Boniface, along with several other players, is a top contender for the 2024 African Footballer of the Year award. African players have made significant impacts this season, particularly in Germany. Victor Boniface has shone brightly, but Serhou Guirassy has also delivered outstanding performances for Stuttgart, quietly becoming one of the season’s stars. Osimhen, after an incredible 2022/23 season,…
Heartland FC players were involved in a terrible accident yesterday. The accident happened on Friday in Umunna, near Okigwe, Imo State, as the team was traveling to Abakaliki for the Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT Pre-season Tournament. Reports indicate that several players and officials sustained varying degrees of injuries. They received first-aid treatment at a nearby facility. The former Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) team confirmed the accident in a statement, which read, in part, “The accident occurred at Umunna, near Okigwe in Imo State. The vehicle, while trying to avoid an oncoming vehicle, collided with another car that was carelessly parked…
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has responded to Facundo Pellistri’s announcement of his departure from Old Trafford, conveying his best wishes to the departing player. Fernandes told Pellistri that he “deserves the best” following Pellistri’s move to Greek club Panathinaikos in a reported £6.8 million deal. The 22-year-old Uruguayan struggled to make a significant impact at Manchester United, particularly with competition from players like Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Amad Diallo. Pellistri bid farewell to Manchester United fans on Instagram, writing, “Dear Reds, my time has come to say goodbye. It’s been an incredible journey, full of unforgettable moments and…
Chuba Akpom made history as the fourth Ajax player to score a hat-trick in a European match, achieving this feat in their 4-1 victory over Polish club Jagiellonia Bialystok on Thursday night. The Nigerian-born striker joins an elite group that includes Mohammed Kudus in 2023, Sébastien Haller in 2021, and Luis Suárez in 2009. Akpom opened the scoring for Ajax with a brilliant solo run in the ninth minute. He netted his second goal just after the hour mark by capitalizing on a loose ball in the box. He completed his hat-trick nine minutes later with a penalty. Ajax will…
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has discussed the key issue affecting the club’s £89 million signing, Mykhailo Mudryk. Since joining Chelsea in 2023, Mudryk has faced difficulties. After Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Servette in the UEFA Conference League play-off on Thursday, Maresca highlighted that Mudryk’s main challenge is making the right choices in the final third. Maresca explained that the 23-year-old winger often makes mistakes due to decision-making rather than technical ability. He emphasized that the club will work to help Mudryk improve this aspect of his game. “Mudryk has shown moments of inconsistency since joining the club,” Maresca said. “If…
Chelsea have left the No. 9 shirt vacant amid ongoing speculation linking them to a move for Victor Osimhen this summer. The Premier League club recently confirmed new shirt numbers for several players. Raheem Sterling, who is rumored to be on his way out, saw his No. 7 shirt handed to new signing Pedro Neto. Meanwhile, Joao Felix, another new arrival, was given the No. 14 shirt, previously worn by Trevoh Chalobah. However, the No. 9 shirt remains unassigned, sparking further speculation about a potential new arrival. Chelsea are actively seeking a striker after failing to secure Samu Omorodion from…
Manuel Neuer announced his retirement from international football with Germany’s national team on Wednesday. The 38-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper shared the news in a video posted on his official Instagram account. Neuer recently represented Germany at Euro 2024, where the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals. Over his illustrious career, he made 124 appearances for Die Mannschaft and was a key figure in their 2014 FIFA World Cup victory. “Today, my career with the German national team comes to an end,” Neuer stated in a heartfelt video message on Instagram.
Barcelona sporting director Deco is reportedly contemplating a bid for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, according to recent reports. Despite Sancho mending his relationship with United manager Erik ten Hag, he remains available for transfer this summer, with the club seeking £40m for his permanent departure. As the summer transfer window nears its end, United have yet to secure a buyer for Sancho. SPORT suggests that several clubs are exploring the possibility of a loan deal, with Barcelona among those interested. Barcelona see a loan move for Sancho as a potential opportunity to strengthen their squad, though the requirement to…
Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has been stripped of his No. 7 shirt. According to Sky Sports, the number has been reassigned to new signing Pedro Neto for the upcoming season. This decision comes as Chelsea appears open to listening to offers for Sterling. After moving from Manchester City two years ago, Sterling initially wore the No. 17 shirt before switching to No. 7 last season. Pedro Neto, who made his debut against Manchester City on Sunday, previously wore the No. 19 shirt. In addition, new signing Joao Felix will wear the No. 14 shirt, which was previously worn by Trevoh…
Matthijs de Ligt turned down offers from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain before finalizing his transfer to Manchester United, according to reports. The Dutch defender, who became available earlier this summer, was the subject of extensive negotiations between United and Bayern Munich. Despite initial uncertainties, a €45 million (£38.2 million) deal was eventually agreed upon. The Athletic reports that both Barcelona and PSG expressed interest in De Ligt, but he made it clear that United were his top choice. His strong desire to reunite with former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag was a significant factor in his decision. While Barcelona had…
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has highlighted the differences between Arne Slot’s tactics and those of his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp. Klopp, known for his “heavy metal football” and gegenpressing, built his success on high-intensity pressing and fast breaks. In contrast, Slot, rooted in Dutch football philosophy, emphasizes short passing and building play from the back. “Under Slot, the focus is more on short passes to build from the back and create spaces to exploit,” Alisson explained to LiverpoolFC.com. “The basic principles haven’t changed much for us, but the formation and approach have shifted. It’s been beneficial for me to have more…
Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo could be on his way out of the Etihad Stadium, with Al Hilal reportedly making a bid for the Portuguese defender. Cancelo returned to Manchester City after his loan spell at Barcelona ended last season. Although Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta expressed interest in a second loan in March, the Catalan club has focused on other transfer priorities and did not pursue it further. Despite Pep Guardiola’s recent statement that no inquiries had been received for Cancelo, Fabrizio Romano now reports a “formal bid” from Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal. Negotiations between Al Hilal, Manchester…
Details of Arsenal’s transfer deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino have been revealed. According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Merino has agreed to join Arsenal this summer. Romano announced on X that Merino will soon travel to London for his medical with the Gunners. “Here we go! Mikel Merino to Arsenal is confirmed! A verbal agreement is in place for the Spanish midfielder to join the Gunners,” Romano tweeted on Thursday. The deal is worth €32 million plus €5 million in add-ons, with favorable payment terms, and includes a contract until 2028. Arsenal has been negotiating the deal…
Ademola Lookman is now expected to remain at Serie A club Atalanta, despite recent reports linking him with a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Lookman was reportedly left out of Atalanta’s Serie A match against Lecce on Monday after hearing of PSG’s interest, with rumors suggesting he had been offered a long-term contract worth around €3.5 million per season. However, Atalanta has yet to receive an official offer from the Ligue 1 champions. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Lookman is now more likely to stay at Atalanta. The club is also keen to retain the winger, who has been named…
A recent ranking has highlighted the top contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or, featuring standout players from the Euros and Copa America. According to sportskeeda.com, the list includes key figures from Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign and Argentina’s successful defense of their Copa America title, placing their captain Lionel Messi among the top five contenders. Here are the current favorites to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or: 5. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami/Argentina)Messi has become the first Major League Soccer (MLS) star to remain a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or. This season, he has scored 12 goals and provided nine assists…
The drama surrounding Raheem Sterling’s future at Chelsea has intensified after the club stripped him of the No. 7 shirt. Sterling has been informed, both privately and publicly by manager Enzo Maresca, that he is no longer part of the plans at Stamford Bridge. The England international is among several players who have been excluded from first-team training. In addition to Sterling, vice-captain Ben Chilwell has been told to find a new club, while players like Trevoh Chalobah have known throughout the summer that they are not in the new manager’s plans. Sterling’s agents previously issued a statement requesting “clarity”…