Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has named five players of Nigerian descent in his squad for the club’s pre-season tour of the United States. The players include new signing Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham, Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa, Lesley Ugochukwu who joined from Rennes last summer, Noni Madueke from PSV last summer, and young talent Tyrique George. Adarabioyo will compete with Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, and Benoit Badiashile for a spot in central defense. Chukwuemeka and Ugochukwu, who are being monitored by AC Milan and Everton respectively, will need to impress Maresca to secure their places in the squad. Madueke is…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has opted to reject a £1 million-per-week offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad in favor of staying with the Premier League champions. Despite Al-Ittihad manager Laurent Blanc’s hopes of finalizing the transfer, De Bruyne decided to remain at Manchester City after consulting with his family. Concerns about relocating, especially regarding his eldest son’s education, were key factors in his decision. The 33-year-old is now in the final year of his contract with City.
Malang Sarr has joined Ligue 1 club Lens on a free transfer following the termination of his contract with Chelsea earlier this summer. Sarr originally signed with Chelsea on a free transfer in 2020 after leaving Nice, where he had made 119 appearances in four seasons. His time at Stamford Bridge included loan spells at Porto, where he was briefly demoted to the reserve squad, and Monaco. He featured in 21 games during the 2021/22 season and was part of the squad that won the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup. However, Sarr did not make any appearances during the 2023/24…
Police recommended that Manchester United player Tyrell Malacia visit Macclesfield Hospital for an evaluation following a collision with a suspected drunk driver earlier this month. Malacia, a Dutch full-back, was a passenger in a Range Rover owned by his United teammate Marcus Rashford, who was driving a vehicle behind during the incident. Stay tuned for the latest updates, photos, and videos on this developing story.
Jarrad Branthwaite is asking Everton to match Manchester United’s offer of £160,000 per week. This summer, Everton rejected two bids from United for the 22-year-old center back. United’s latest offer was £50 million, but Everton valued Branthwaite at £70 million, a figure they could not meet. Branthwaite, who impressed last season under Sean Dyche, is seen as a key player for both club and country. Everton is keen to extend his contract, which currently has three years left and pays over £70,000 a week. However, if Everton cannot come close to United’s offer, Branthwaite is reportedly prepared to turn down…
First glimpse of Tobi Amusan as Team Nigeria’s flagbearer reveals stunning opening ceremony outfits for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Tobi Amusan, Nigeria’s flagbearer, looked striking in her opening ceremony outfit, proudly showcasing her heritage in a traditional Yoruba attire of Iro and Buba with Gele, reflecting her Ogun State roots. Team captain and co-flagbearer Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori also joined her in representing Nigeria with distinction. For Paris 2024, Team Nigeria dazzled with their outfits, blending urban and traditional cultural styles. The ensemble, designed by US-based sports apparel company Actively Black, featured Nigeria’s green and white colors in a local ‘Adire’…
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is taking proactive measures for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers by preparing a Super Eagles player list, despite the absence of a permanent coach. This effort aims to ensure a smooth transition and adequate preparation for the team’s upcoming matches. The NFF’s technical department, led by Austine Eguavoen, has started compiling a list of players for the national team. This list will be provided to the new coach upon their appointment, enabling a swift start. While the technical department has previously prepared player lists based on performance, the current situation requires a more proactive stance due…
Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has reportedly offered his services to a Serie A club for the 2024-25 football season. The Manchester United legend has been without a club for the past 12 months following the expiration of his contract with the club. As European leagues prepare for the upcoming season, De Gea is eager to return to the pitch. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reveals that the 33-year-old has expressed his availability to Genoa, a Serie A team, for their new season project. While Genoa’s management is hopeful about adding the Spaniard to their goalkeeping lineup, they…
Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba has provided an update following his four-year doping ban issued in February. Pogba, 30, tested positive for elevated testosterone levels after Juventus’ first game of the 2023-24 season, in which he was an unused substitute. He was initially suspended provisionally in September 2023 and later received the ban from an Italian anti-doping prosecutor’s office, which could potentially end his career. Pogba expressed that he believes the verdict is incorrect and described himself as ‘sad, shocked, and heartbroken’ by the decision. He has since revealed that the past months have been ‘difficult,’ but he is…
Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham will miss Real Madrid’s pre-season tour of the United States following their extended runs with France and England in Euro 2024. As Madrid begins their summer preparations this weekend, they have already played a behind-closed-doors friendly, defeating Spanish second-tier team Albacete 3-0 on Wednesday. While the team will head to the US soon, they will be without several key players. Mbappe, who helped France reach the Euro 2024 semi-finals, and Bellingham, who was part of the beaten finalists, will be given extra time to recover. Both are anticipated to return for the UEFA Super Cup…
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has expressed his enthusiasm for adapting to a new possession-based style of play under Arne Slot. Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp, is known for his emphasis on ball control and precise defensive tackling, contrasting with Klopp’s direct and aggressive approach that led Liverpool to Premier League and Champions League victories. Jones, excited about the increased responsibility this style offers central midfielders, shared his thoughts on Liverpool’s progress under Slot: “He’s amazing. It’s probably the happiest I’ve been with a playing style that suits me. There’s a clear plan in training, and he’s deeply involved, focusing on…
Harry Maguire has criticized the “ridiculous” criticism directed at England for their Euro 2024 performances. Despite reaching their second consecutive European Championship final in Germany, England lost 2-1 to Spain in Berlin, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring a late winner and securing Spain’s record fourth European title. The team faced significant scrutiny, particularly directed at manager Gareth Southgate, whose tactics and team selection were heavily criticized. This criticism was so intense that plastic pint cups were thrown at Southgate following a goalless draw with Slovenia in the group stages. Southgate has since stepped down from his role, and Maguire, a key…
Chelsea are reportedly closing in on an agreement to sign Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen. The Blues are seeking a ball-playing goalkeeper for Enzo Maresca’s new system, with doubts lingering over Djordje Petrovic’s suitability. Robert Sanchez has been reinstated as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, but Jorgensen emerged as a prime target for Maresca earlier this week, and negotiations have progressed positively. According to The Athletic, Chelsea and Villarreal are discussing a transfer fee ranging from £17m to £21m for the 22-year-old, who impressed as one of La Liga’s top ball-playing goalkeepers last season. Chelsea appears undeterred by the price range and is…
Frenkie de Jong will miss Barcelona’s pre-season tour of the United States due to an ongoing ankle injury, according to a recent report. The midfielder, who struggled with ankle issues last season and was unable to recover in time for Euro 2024, has decided with Barcelona that traveling would not be conducive to his recovery. Instead, he will remain at home with other sidelined players including Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araujo, and Ansu Fati. Details about De Jong’s condition remain limited, but Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman expressed concerns that the injury might be more serious than publicly acknowledged. “Frenkie played in…
Manchester United, addressing last season’s shortcomings in firepower and other areas, swiftly secured Netherlands starlet Joshua Zirkzee for £36.5 million from Bologna. He joins to bolster the squad, offering competition alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford in wide positions. Looking ahead, United now focuses efforts on fortifying their defense and midfield, with potential departures of players like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Casemiro, and Jadon Sancho influencing their strategy. The club aims to generate funds through sales, possibly facilitating further signings. With a current attacking lineup featuring Garnacho, Hojlund, Rashford, Amad Diallo, and Zirkzee, the addition of Ivan Toney, linked previously…
UEFA has announced sanctions against seven countries who participated in Euro 2024 due to discriminatory behavior by their fans. Several matches during the tournament were affected by incidents of racism and offensive chanting. In a press statement on Wednesday, UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) confirmed charges against seven national federations, involving a total of 17 games. Croatia has been fined £41,978 and prohibited from selling tickets to their away fans for their next UEFA competition match, following racist and discriminatory incidents in all three of their Group B fixtures. The Romanian FA received a £33,583 fine and will…
Antonio Rudiger has made the decision to stay at Real Madrid this summer, despite receiving significant interest from Saudi Arabia. Reports suggested that Al Ittihad made a substantial offer to lure the German defender away, but according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Rudiger did not entertain the proposal. Romano tweeted on Thursday morning: “Despite reports of a large offer from Al Ittihad, Toni Rudiger has no intention of leaving Real Madrid this summer. His focus remains fully on the Real Madrid project, with no plans to join the Saudi Pro League despite the interest. Real Madrid view Rudiger as…
Manchester United’s pursuit of dominance in English and European football hinges on a sturdy defense. To strengthen their backline, the club should contemplate acquiring two more central defenders. This strategic decision is pivotal for several reasons. Injuries: United’s defense has been hampered by injuries and form inconsistencies in recent seasons. Key central defenders like Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof have all faced significant injury setbacks. This has often necessitated makeshift solutions, resulting in erratic defensive displays. Adding two new central defenders would offer crucial depth, ensuring the team remains resilient in the face of injuries or…
Mikel Arteta expressed satisfaction with his youthful Arsenal side’s performance as they secured a penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth in their first pre-season tour game. With many regular starters still on international duty, Arteta entrusted several young players against a strong Bournemouth squad. Fabio Vieira opened the scoring midway through the first half, but Arsenal were later equalized by Antoine Semenyo. The Gunners maintained their composure and clinched the win from the spot. “I’m very pleased,” Arteta commented post-match. “Today was a very different scenario with so many young players, most of whom were making their debuts for us. It…
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United experienced a withdrawal from their pre-season tour squad as a player prepares to finalize a departure from the club. The Red Devils have confirmed a 29-man squad for their tour to the United States, including new signing Leny Yoro. Young forward Joe Hugill was initially slated to join the tour squad but withdrew. Hugill is on the verge of completing a loan move to League One club Wigan Athletic, prompting his withdrawal to facilitate the transfer. Manchester United are eager for the 20-year-old to gain more regular playing time for his development, following…