Despite tentative interest from Manchester United, Ronald Araujo has no immediate plans to depart Barcelona in the upcoming months, according to information obtained by 90min. The 24-year-old has garnered recognition as one of Europe’s top center-backs, drawing attention from scouts representing various elite clubs. While reports from Germany linked Bayern Munich to Araujo during the winter transfer window, Manchester United has also surfaced as a potential suitor. Sources confirm to 90min that, for several reasons, a transfer for Araujo is currently unlikely. A significant factor is Araujo’s current contentment at Barcelona. He expresses a desire to remain with the team…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Jorge Mendes, the agent of Jose Mourinho, has proposed the Portuguese manager as a potential replacement for Xavi at Barcelona. The iconic manager was dismissed by Roma on Tuesday, January 16, following his tenure that included consecutive European finals. Despite the impressive European campaign, Mourinho was let go as Roma slumped to ninth place in Serie A. This marks the sixth time in Mourinho’s career that he has been relieved of his managerial duties, having previously parted ways with teams such as Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Real Madrid. Mourinho’s agent is reportedly exploring the possibility of a surprising move…
In a groundbreaking moment for African football history, the Super Eagles of Nigeria achieved their first-ever victory on Ivory Coast’s home turf during the 2023 AFCON. The pressure was palpable for Nigeria, positioned in third place in Group A, requiring a win to secure advancement. Coach Jose Peseiro’s squad, having drawn 1-1 against Equatorial Guinea in their opening match, faced a significant challenge against Ivory Coast, the host nation that had previously triumphed over Guinea-Bissau. The urgency heightened when Equatorial Guinea secured a 4-2 victory over Guinea-Bissau, claiming the top spot in Group A with four points. With the imperative…
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has emphatically stated that he will part ways with the club “the day the players cease to follow him,” following a challenging first half of the 2023/24 season. Despite clinching their first La Liga title in four years in Xavi’s inaugural full season in charge, Barcelona has struggled to keep up with Real Madrid and unexpected league leaders Girona this season, currently residing in fourth place and trailing by eight points from the top spot. The recent low point came with a 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana final in Saudi…
Manchester United has reportedly targeted Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise as one of the first transfer priorities in the upcoming Sir Jim Ratcliffe era. As part of the potential deal for the 22-year-old star, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is being considered for a return to Selhurst Park in a swap arrangement. With Wan-Bissaka entering the final 12 months of his United contract, this summer represents the last opportunity for the club to recoup a portion of the £50 million paid for his signature in 2019. Utilizing Wan-Bissaka as part of a deal for Olise, a standout winger in the Premier League, is…
Ivory Coast and Nigeria are poised for a pivotal clash in the Africa Cup of Nations group stage. In their opening game in Abidjan, the host nation, Ivory Coast, showcased their prowess with a commanding 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau. Seko Fofana’s early goal and Jean-Philippe Krasso’s second-half effort secured the win, dispelling any pre-AFCON nerves. On the flip side, Nigeria faced a setback in their Group A opener, settling for a frustrating 1-1 draw against giant-killers Equatorial Guinea. Dealing with injuries to key players like Victor Boniface and Wilfred Ndidi before the tournament, the Super Eagles needed a quick-fire equalizer…
Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has asserted that his teammate Kevin De Bruyne belongs to the same echelon as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. During an interview at The Best FIFA Football Awards, Walker expressed his opinion that De Bruyne is currently among the best players globally. The English star particularly praised the Belgian’s pivotal role in Manchester City’s recent 3-2 victory over Newcastle United, where De Bruyne contributed with a goal and an assist in the closing stages of the match. Walker stated, “I think there are only certain players, the likes of Messi and Ronaldo, that you can…
Former Chelsea defender Frank Lebouef has asserted that Jose Mourinho still harbors a significant coaching ambition in his career. Mourinho parted ways with Roma on Tuesday amid a series of disappointing results. Despite guiding the Serie A club to the Europa League final last season and winning the Europa Conference League the previous campaign, Roma currently sits in ninth place in the league, having secured just one victory in their last five matches. As Mourinho explores his next coaching opportunity, Lebouef reveals that the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager has a keen desire to coach the national team of…
Nigeria’s coach, Jose Peseiro, expressed his confusion on Wednesday over reports suggesting that striker Umar Sadiq was poised to resume playing for his club Real Sociedad shortly after withdrawing from the Africa Cup of Nations due to injury. Addressing reporters in Abidjan, Peseiro shared his bewilderment regarding the apparent quick recovery of the 26-year-old from a knee injury, which he believed would have ruled Sadiq out of any involvement in the AFCON. “I am confused also,” Peseiro remarked. “I received a report from the medical team that he is injured, and he cannot recover in 15 days at least. The…
Nigeria has the opportunity to further enhance its standing as the nation with the highest number of medals won, while Senegal is poised to join the exclusive ranks of nations successfully defending their title. In a noteworthy development, André Ayew from Ghana has officially become part of the elite group of players with eight different tournament participations, joining the esteemed company of Ahmed Hassan and Rigobert Song. As the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations unfolds, several records are on the verge of being broken: Player Records André Ayew (Ghana): Ayew has the chance to surpass three other…
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…
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…