Brentford striker Ivan Toney has openly expressed his desire to join a prominent club. Toney is keen on making a move to a team contending at the top of the table for titles. The 27-year-old, returning to action after serving an eight-month betting ban, has been linked with clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea and hasn’t ruled out leaving the Gtech Community Stadium. Speaking to Sky Sports, Toney stated, “You can never predict the right time to move elsewhere, but it’s clear I aspire to play for a top club. Everyone dreams of playing for a team competing for titles. Whether…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Former Tottenham Hotspur standout, Darren Bent, is of the opinion that the ex-Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino is unlikely to make a switch to Chelsea during the current January transfer window. Speculation has arisen about Firmino’s potential move to Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea seeks to strengthen their attacking options. The Telegraph has also reported Chelsea’s interest in securing a short-term deal for former Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema. Commenting on these developments, Bent expressed doubt about Firmino’s return to the Premier League, citing historical tensions between Chelsea and Liverpool. During an appearance on talkSPORT, Bent remarked, “Given the history between Chelsea…
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has expressed mixed emotions regarding Umar Sadiq’s return to full fitness. Sadiq was excluded from Nigeria’s squad in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to a knee injury sustained in a friendly against Guinea. The 26-year-old was replaced by Trabzonspor forward Paul Onuachu. Despite initial expectations of a three-week recovery period, Sadiq was spotted in training this week and has also been included in Real Sociedad’s lineup for the Copa del Rey clash against Osasuna. Peseiro shared his sentiments, stating, “I’m perplexed by the situation. He underwent a test after the injury,…
Manchester United’s next major venture beyond the playing field may involve the establishment of a cutting-edge training ground, prompted by the limitations of their current facility at Carrington. In 2002, United relocated to Carrington, situated on former farmland near the M60 ring road. This move was initiated by the iconic former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, who expressed concerns about the lack of privacy at The Cliff, the club’s primary training base since the 1930s (still utilized for certain youth operations). While Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have developed superior elite training facilities in recent years, enhancing or redeveloping the existing…
Liverpool continues to keep a close eye on Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, despite the player committing to a new contract until 2029 at Stamford Bridge last summer, according to sources from 90min. Colwill garnered interest from Liverpool after returning to Chelsea from a successful loan stint at Brighton & Hove Albion in the 2022/23 season, contributing to the Seagulls’ record-high sixth-placed finish in the Premier League. Despite Liverpool and Brighton expressing interest in a permanent deal, Colwill opted for a new six-year contract with Chelsea in August, including the option for an additional year. Insiders suggest that Liverpool remains a…
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is in full swing, unfolding with considerable drama in Ivory Coast. The tournament has witnessed underdog triumphs, as teams like Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Angola, and Namibia defy FIFA rankings to secure results against African football powerhouses. Consequently, numerous high-profile Premier League players are at risk of an early departure from AFCON, potentially benefiting their respective top-flight clubs currently missing key contributors. Nigeria: While the top four best-performing third-placed teams in the group stage also advance to the knockout rounds, Nigeria’s shaky start to the 2023 tournament raises questions about their progression. A…
The complete schedule for the FA Cup fourth round has been confirmed, following the conclusion of third-round replays earlier this week. Notable fixtures include Liverpool hosting Norwich and a Black Country derby between West Brom and Wolves, secured after Gary O’Neil’s team won their replay against Brentford. The fourth-round matches are set to take place over the weekend of January 27. The full list of fixtures is as follows: – Watford vs Southampton – Blackburn vs Wrexham – Bournemouth vs Swansea – West Brom vs Wolves – Bristol City vs Nottingham Forest – Leicester vs Birmingham City – Sheffield Wednesday…
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has instructed Anthony Martial to undergo solo training and enhance his fitness before being considered for team selection. According to Mail Sport, Martial has not participated in group training sessions with the rest of the squad since falling ill with a bug last month. Consequently, the Frenchman has been absent from United’s lineup since the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on December 9. In response to questions about Martial’s status in recent weeks, Ten Hag has provided limited information. Prior to the 2-2 draw with Tottenham last weekend, Ten Hag stated that Martial was…
Jordan Henderson is on the verge of making a return to European football with Ajax after reportedly finalizing an agreement to part ways with Al Ettifaq, as per recent reports. The midfielder’s move to the Saudi Pro League side in the summer of 2023 stirred controversy, especially after leaving Liverpool following a highly successful 12-year stint. Henderson, once regarded as a significant supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, faced criticism for joining a league in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is prohibited and carries severe penalties, including death. Despite this, Henderson maintained that his transfer aimed to elevate the profile of the…
Real Sociedad forward Umar Sadiq is poised to participate in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey clash for the LaLiga side as he has been included in the squad set to face Osasuna. Despite being initially ruled out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to a knee issue last Friday, Sadiq resumed individual training with Sociedad. In response to his absence from the national team, Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro called up Paul Onuachu as a replacement for Sadiq. However, Sadiq’s return to training with Sociedad prompted strong reactions from fans, leading the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to issue…
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has admitted that he has “a lot to say” after being left out of the Cameroon squad for the Africa Cup of Nations clash against Guinea on Monday. The goalkeeper faced significant criticism for choosing to delay his arrival at the tournament, opting to stay with Manchester United for the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur and missing Cameroon’s opening match against Zambia. Onana encountered flight troubles but eventually arrived for the Guinea game, only to discover that he had been excluded from the squad. Reports suggest that the United goalkeeper was furious about the decision.…
A recent report suggests that Barcelona’s head coach, Xavi, is losing the support of certain players within the team’s dressing room. The Catalan giants suffered a significant setback in the Supercopa de Espana final against Real Madrid, enduring a 4-1 defeat after Vinicius Junior’s first-half hat-trick. Barcelona’s struggles extend beyond this loss, with a series of draws causing them to fall eight points behind surprise league leaders Girona at the midway point of the season, though they have a game in hand, and seven points behind second-placed Madrid. According to ESPN, there is growing discontent among some Barcelona players regarding…
Victor Osimhen, the standout player for the Super Eagles, clinched the Serie A title with Napoli last season and capped off 2023 as the African Best Footballer of the Year. Despite these individual achievements, the 24-year-old striker openly acknowledges that his ultimate ambition is to secure victory in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Nigeria. As Nigeria gears up to face Ivory Coast in their second group game at the 34th AFCON in Abidjan, Osimhen reiterated his objective, as reported by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano. In an interview, Osimhen emphasized that winning the AFCON with the Super Eagles is…
Roma has appointed Daniele De Rossi as their new coach, despite his limited coaching experience, following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho, as announced by the Serie A club on Tuesday. The 40-year-old former Italy midfielder, who spent the majority of his playing career at his hometown club, returns to Roma where he enjoyed a distinguished playing career. Roma officially confirmed the appointment, stating, “AS Roma are pleased to confirm that Daniele De Rossi has been appointed as head coach until 30 June 2024.” De Rossi takes charge at Roma shortly after Mourinho’s abrupt sacking, which was revealed on Tuesday morning,…
With the January transfer window officially open, Manchester United football club, under the management of Erik ten Hag, is actively seeking to bolster their attacking options. The team currently finds itself in the 7th position on the Premier League table after a disappointing start to the 2023/2024 season, having played 20 matches. The struggle to find the back of the net has been evident, with players like Antony, Facundo Pellistri, and Anthony Martial failing to make a significant impact. In response to this, Manchester United is eyeing an improvement in their attacking lineup and has been linked to a potential…
Jose Mourinho has spoken for the first time since his dismissal as AS Roma manager on Tuesday morning. Following his sacking as AS Roma manager, Mourinho, also known as the ‘Special One,’ has broken his silence. Roma took the decision to part ways with Mourinho after the team’s 3-1 loss to AC Milan at San Siro, leaving them in ninth place on the Serie A table. Although Mourinho’s initial contract was set to expire at the season’s end, Roma chose immediate action. AS Roma confirmed Mourinho’s departure through a statement on their social media pages and official website, expressing gratitude…
After his dismissal by Roma, Jose Mourinho is on the lookout for a new opportunity, armed with an impressive CV. Joining the ranks of Manchester United managers who believed their exit was premature, Mourinho may reflect on his future as he clears his desk at Roma. In football, age doesn’t necessarily signal a career wind-down. Mourinho, with a storied journey from Porto to managing six clubs in seven stints, including two tenures at Chelsea, remains a serial winner. His CV boasts two Champions League trophies, eight domestic titles, and four World’s Best Coach awards. While critics downplayed his claim that…
Chelsea has reportedly made a substantial offer of £73 million to acquire Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting, according to blockbuster reports from Portugal. The Swedish striker, who joined from Coventry City in the summer, has been in impressive form with 20 goals and 10 assists in just 24 appearances. However, Sporting is said to be standing firm, insisting on the striker’s £87 million release clause and rejecting Chelsea’s £73 million bid. In another transfer update, Manchester United is said to be eyeing a move for Bayern Munich’s star defender Matthijs de Ligt in the upcoming summer transfer window. Reports from Sky…
South Africa’s kickoff to the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) turned nightmarish with a substantial defeat against Mali. AFCON 2023: Mali Leads Group E After Dominating South Africa Entering the 2023 AFCON with high hopes of surpassing previous performances, Bafana Bafana now find their aspirations for a second AFCON title in jeopardy. In their clash with Mali at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on January 16, the expectation was for South Africa to secure at least a draw if not the full three points. Regrettably, the South African squad failed to find the net, succumbing to a 2-0 loss…
Alhassan Yusuf is set to sit out Nigeria’s Group B encounter against hosts Cote d’Ivoire, as he is nursing an injury. The 23-year-old sustained a thigh injury during Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea on Sunday. Fortunately, the injury is not severe, and he is anticipated to return for the Super Eagles’ final group match against Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau. Due to the setback, Yusuf missed training on both Monday and Tuesday. Head coach Jose Peseiro has several midfield options to choose from, with Joe Aribo, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, and Kelechi Iheanacho all available for selection.