Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola suggested that the team’s struggles last season were directly linked to the departures of three key players. According to Zola, these players “were the heart and soul of the team.” The Italian pointed out that Chelsea were significantly impacted by the departures of Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic, who moved to Arsenal and Manchester City respectively. Zola also highlighted the loss of Jorginho to Arsenal in January 2023 as a major blow, depriving the team of an influential leader. Speaking to Ladbrokes, Zola commented: “Chelsea faced a tough season, especially early on, due to significant changes.…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
According to Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has approached Marc Brys as a potential replacement for Finidi George. Brys, aged 62, who recently had disagreements with Fecafoot president Samuel Eto’o, has not denied the speculation linking him to the Nigeria job. The NFF is actively seeking a foreign technical adviser to lead the three-time African champions after a disappointing start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Following the NFF’s decision to appoint an expatriate Technical Adviser, Finidi George resigned from his position as head coach. Currently, the Super Eagles are in fifth place in Group C…
France forward Marcus Thuram has remarked that teammate N’Golo Kante has been formidable to face in training sessions. Thuram shared his thoughts ahead of France’s Euro 2024 opener against Austria on Monday. Kante played a pivotal role in France’s World Cup triumph in 2018. Having been absent from the national team for two years, the former Chelsea midfielder was recalled by head coach Didier Deschamps for Les Bleus’ Euro 2024 campaign this summer. Currently with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad at 33 years old, Thuram humorously commented during a press conference on Saturday, “I feel like there were three of…
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has made his choice between Zinedine Zidane and Luka Modric. Under pressure to select between these Real Madrid icons, the England international opted for the Croatian, with whom he shared the pitch during the 2023/24 season. Bellingham and Modric have played together in 35 matches across various competitions. Asked to decide between Modric and Zidane, Bellingham stated (via @theMadridZone): “Zidane or Modric? Modric.”
According to Fabrizio Romano, Pedro Lima is expected to feature for Sport Recife today as Chelsea finalizes their deal with Strasbourg. All documentation is under review for the right-back to join Chelsea in a €7 million deal, plus €3.5 million in add-ons. Chelsea is also anticipated to make a decision soon regarding Jhon Duran after talks with Aston Villa about a potential swap deal. While Chelsea explores other striker options, discussions have commenced with Duran’s representatives, and the player is keen on the move, pending the club’s final decision. Meanwhile, Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly preparing to compete with…
Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell has passed away at the age of 54 following a brief illness. Campbell, who scored 148 goals in 542 appearances across various clubs during his career, fell ill in May and was hospitalized in serious condition, according to Everton earlier this month. Arsenal expressed their sorrow over his death, stating, “We are devastated to learn of the passing of our former striker Kevin Campbell after a short illness. Kevin was beloved by everyone at the club. Our thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin.” Everton…
Manchester United are actively exploring alternative options to bolster their defense, with Jarrad Branthwaite identified as their primary target. Should negotiations with Everton falter due to the club’s reluctance to meet the £70m valuation, United have identified several other players to reinforce their backline. According to 90min, Marc Guehi, Jean-Clair Todibo, Leny Yoro, and Matthijs de Ligt are all under consideration by United. Guehi has impressed at Crystal Palace and earned a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad, while Todibo and Yoro have been long-standing targets for the Red Devils. De Ligt is also on their radar, although any potential…
Finidi George provided insight into his decision to resign as head coach of the Super Eagles. The 53-year-old submitted his resignation to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Saturday, following the NFF’s announcement of plans to bring in a foreign technical adviser to work alongside him. According to Colin Udoh, a former media officer of the Eagles, Finidi confirmed his resignation was prompted by a lack of communication from the NFF after their meeting on Thursday, where they discussed future plans without indicating they would appoint a foreign technical adviser. Feeling unwanted, Finidi chose to step down after waiting two…
Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho stands to secure a substantial salary with a potential move to Saudi Arabia. Recently departing Leicester City after his contract expired, the 27-year-old is currently engaged in negotiations with undisclosed Saudi clubs. Despite interest from teams in England and Turkey, a move to Saudi Arabia promises a significant financial package for Iheanacho, who scored six goals for Leicester City last season.
Olise’s outstanding performance during the 2023-2024 season, where he scored 10 goals and provided six assists in just 19 Premier League games, has positioned him as a key target for Chelsea’s offensive overhaul. Although Chelsea has already agreed on personal terms with Olise, the £60 million release clause in his contract poses a significant hurdle. To facilitate the deal, Chelsea is contemplating offering Trevoh Chalobah and Noni Madueke to Crystal Palace. Both players have faced uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge, with Chalobah reportedly open to offers. Madueke, specifically, is viewed as a direct replacement for Olise due to his left-footed…
Rangers will receive N150 million in prize money for clinching the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title. The Flying Antelopes secured their eighth NPFL title with a 2-0 victory over Bendel Insurance at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday. Kenechukwu Agu and Chidiebere Nwobodo scored the goals in front of a packed crowd at ‘The Cathedral’, including Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah. This victory marks Rangers’ first title in eight years. The team will be presented with the trophy after their final match of the season against Plateau United in Jos this weekend. Additionally, Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side will…
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Pastor Peterside Idaho has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to sanction Victor Osimhen unless he apologizes for disrespecting Finidi George. Osimhen, the Napoli striker, criticized George harshly during an intense Instagram Live session, visibly upset over comments reportedly questioning his commitment to the national team. Idaho, a former BCC Lions of Gboko player, strongly criticized Osimhen for his “irresponsible” behavior and emphasized the need for a public apology to George, suggesting a potential ban from the national team otherwise.
Following the conclusion of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s deal to acquire a 25 percent stake in the club, a new decision-making structure will be established for United’s transfer strategy. According to The Telegraph, Ratcliffe will soon finalize the changes, which could significantly reduce ten Hag’s control over player acquisitions. During ten Hag’s tenure, United have spent over £400 million on players such as Lisandro Martinez, Antony, Casemiro, and Rasmus Hojlund, with varying levels of success. Ratcliffe is expected to shift the focus towards a more strategic and financially prudent approach. A potential new hierarchy at United could see key figures, such…
Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has been offered the chance to become the highest-earning defender in the world with a potential move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, according to reports. Van Dijk, who turns 33 in July, is set to enter the final year of his contract this summer. He plans to discuss his future with Liverpool only after Euro 2024, though he has already had informal talks with new Reds boss Arne Slot. According to MARCA, Van Dijk’s expiring contract has made him an attractive target for Al Nassr, who are keen to strike a deal. Van Dijk’s…
Manchester United have reportedly agreed personal terms with Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. United are in the market for at least one new centre-back this summer following the departure of Raphael Varane. Additional reinforcements are anticipated due to uncertainties surrounding the futures of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans. The 21-year-old Branthwaite caught the attention of United after an impressive season, featuring in 41 matches across all competitions. According to The Times, United have initiated talks for a potential summer transfer. Personal terms have reportedly been settled with Branthwaite’s representatives, aiming for a contract worth between £150,000 and £160,000 per…
Despite leading Borussia Dortmund to an unprecedented UEFA Champions League run this past season, coach Edin Terzic has chosen to part ways with the club. Terzic, who initially took over as interim manager in 2020 and became permanent coach in 2022, guided Dortmund to a strong performance in the 2022-2023 Bundesliga season, narrowly missing out on the title to Bayern Munich on the final day. In the 2023-2024 season, Dortmund finished 5th in the Bundesliga but reached the UEFA Champions League final, where they were defeated 2-0 by Real Madrid. Announcing his resignation, Terzic expressed his difficulty in leaving the…
Manchester City clinched their sixth Premier League title in seven years during the 2023-24 season, yet under Pep Guardiola, no player’s position is assured. Throughout Guardiola’s eight-year tenure at the Etihad, he has shown a willingness to offload players, with Cole Palmer, Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte, and Ilkay Gundogan all departing permanently last summer. Here are five players who might leave Man City this summer: 1. Jack Grealish: Signed for a British record fee of €117.5 million in 2021, Grealish has not consistently lived up to expectations at the Etihad. Despite his role in City’s treble-winning squad, he is no…
Manchester United have received a £40 million bid from Juventus for Mason Greenwood, according to reports. Greenwood, an England international, has not featured for United since January 2022, following legal issues that were later resolved. He spent the last season on loan at Getafe in Spain, where he showed promising form. While Greenwood was expected to return for United’s pre-season, a move to Juventus appears increasingly likely. Personal terms have been agreed upon, and the player has reportedly given his approval to join the Italian club. United are likely to view the fee positively, considering their modest summer transfer budget.…
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has decided to end Finidi George’s tenure as Super Eagles coach following a meeting with him. The NFF announced plans to hire a foreign technical adviser after the team’s poor performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. In a statement released after an executive committee meeting on Wednesday, the NFF apologized to Nigerian fans for the Eagles’ “dismal output and very poor returns” of just three points from a possible 12 in the first four qualifiers. The federation stated, “We have resolved to employ an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the…
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has praised Arsenal’s William Saliba, calling him one of the Premier League’s finest centre-backs. Mbappe believes Saliba has the potential to start for France at Euro 2024 and has become a crucial player for Arsenal. Saliba’s standout performances over two consecutive seasons with the Gunners have secured his spot in France’s Euro squad. However, he currently trails Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate in Didier Deschamps’ selection hierarchy. “I have known him since he was very, very young,” Mbappe told Ouest-France. “We were in the same primary school in Bondy. We played football…