Manchester United are reportedly intensifying their efforts to sign Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves. According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Manchester United have made an initial offer of €60 million (£51 million) for Benfica midfielder Joao Neves. Neves, one of the most promising talents in Portugal and Europe, has been frequently linked with United over the past year. However, Benfica has rejected Manchester United’s bid, deeming it insufficient. Benfica president Rui Costa is demanding closer to €100 million, given Neves’ release clause of €120 million. It’s unclear whether Manchester United are willing or able to meet this valuation. Benfica has a history…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has revealed he is open to a big-money move to Saudi Arabia. The Belgian midfielder, who has one year left on his contract, has discussed the possibility of moving abroad with his family. His wife, Michelle, is open to the idea. De Bruyne is now contemplating his next move and is expected to be a target for the Saudi Pro League, either now or in 2025. Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws, De Bruyne said, “Saudi? At my age, you have to be open to everything. If I play there for two years, I will…
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has finally addressed the decision to dismiss Xavi Hernandez as the club’s manager. Xavi was relieved of his duties at the end of the current season, months after Laporta persuaded him to withdraw his resignation. The Barcelona board, led by Laporta, had urged Xavi to stay on, making the subsequent dismissal surprising to many. Laporta has now provided clarity on the situation. In an episode of *The Presidential Podcast* on BarçaOne, Laporta elaborated on the reasons for sacking Xavi and appointing Hansi Flick as his replacement. He confirmed that Xavi’s public comments about the club’s financial…
Manchester City have initiated legal action against the Premier League, reports The Times. City are challenging the Premier League’s Associated Party Transaction (ATP) rules, which scrutinize commercial and sponsorship deals with entities owned or linked to the club’s owners. These rules mandate that such transactions must be independently assessed to ensure they reflect fair market value. However, City argue that these rules are “unlawful.” In a 165-page legal document, the club claims they are victims of “discrimination.” The ATP rule was implemented in December 2021 following Newcastle United’s acquisition by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. The legal dispute will…
The newly appointed manager of Fenerbahce, Jose Mourinho, assured the club’s fans of his dedication, stating that he “belongs to their family.” Mourinho’s official presentation as the new coach of the Turkish Super Lig club took place on Sunday, drawing thousands of spectators to the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul. Addressing the audience after his introduction, Mourinho expressed gratitude for the affection shown to him prior to victories, emphasizing the significant responsibility he feels. He pledged his commitment to the club and its supporters, declaring, “I belong to your family from this moment. This shirt is my skin.” Mourinho takes…
Arsenal icon Thierry Henry emphasized that Real Madrid doesn’t require both Kylian Mbappe and Endrick. Henry made the statement during a punditry session with CBS Sports, suggesting that signing such players would be a luxury for the Spanish giants. “Real Madrid won La Liga and the Champions League without Mbappe or Endrick,” Henry stated, asserting that the club doesn’t depend on them and that it reflects the essence of Real Madrid. Mbappe’s official transfer to Real Madrid is anticipated this month, while Endrick has already signed and is set to join the squad this summer.
Toni Kroos reiterated his contentment with departing Real Madrid during the Champions League trophy parade at Madrid’s Cibeles square. Following his final match for Real Madrid in the Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium, the German midfielder expressed gratitude to the fans, stating, “I am happy with my decision. I enjoyed every single minute of these 10 years. I will miss a lot of things, no doubt. The Bernabeu is my home. Real Madrid fans are the best in the world.”
Barcelona sent a congratulatory message to LaLiga rivals Real Madrid after they overcame Borussia Dortmund in Saturday’s UEFA Champions League. Thanks to a 2-0 win over the Bayern Munich, Real Madrid has won its 15th title in record time The heroes for Carlo Ancelotti’s men were Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior, who scored twice in the second half to secure a hard fought win. Carvajal broke the deadlock on 74 minutes off a corner kick from Toni Kroos before Vinicius added the second goal with less than 10 minutes left. After the game, Barcelona took to their X handle to…
The appointment of Enzo Maresca as the club’s new Head Coach has been approved by Chelsea. The Italian has signed a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge with the option of a further year and will officially start his new role on 1 July. ‘Itg’s a dream for any coach to be part of Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world. That’s why I’m very excited about this opportunity,’ the new chief executive of the Blues I’m looking forward to working with a very talented group of players and staff in order to create a team that will continue…
According to a statement from Arsenal on Monday, 22 players have left the club as free agents. Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares are two of the players who will leave. Egypt international Elneny, who has spent over eight years at Arsenal following his £5million move from Basel in January 2016. He played 161 games in all competitions during his time at the club, where he was mainly used on the bench. An FA Cup winner, Elneny also started in the 2017 and 2020 Community Shield victories, with a loan spell at Besiktas sandwiched inbetween. Joining him out the door is…
Enzo Maresca, the new manager of Chelsea, has expressed his desire to uphold the Blues’ winning legacy and inspire the team’s supporters. Maresca made his formal announcement on Monday as Chelsea’s new manager, and he spoke immediately after. “Any coach’s dream is to work with one of the biggest teams in the world, Chelsea. That is the reason this opportunity excites me so much,” Maresca stated. “I look forward to working with a very talented group of players and staff to develop a team that continues the club’s tradition of success and makes our fans proud.” Mauricio Pochettino, who was…
The entrance of the remaining players at the Super Eagles’ camp has been postponed due to the ongoing strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). On Monday (today), it was anticipated that players Maduka Okoye, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Paul Onuachu will report to camp with their colleagues. The players, who are all in the nation, have not been able to get to Uyo because of the NLC strike, which has caused domestic flights in the nation to be delayed, according to Promise Efoghe, the team’s new media officer. On Monday…
Kylian Mbappe is poised to wear the No.9 jersey at Real Madrid as his preferred numbers are unavailable. The No.9 spot has been vacant since Karim Benzema’s departure last summer. However, Le Parisien suggests this is a temporary arrangement for Mbappe, who typically wears No.7 at club level and No.10 internationally. Currently, Vinicius Jr occupies the No.7 jersey, while Modric wears No.10. With Modric likely extending his contract, Mbappe may have to wait a bit longer. Nonetheless, by the 2025/2026 season, he could inherit the coveted No.10, joining the ranks of legendary players like Luis Figo, Clarence Seedorf, Ricardo Gallego,…
England captain, Harry Kane has urged manager, Gareth Southgate to take Chelsea’s Cole Palmer to Euro 2024. Kane spoke after Palmer scored his first England goal in the 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday. Palmer was recently included in England’s provisional 33-man squad after a sensational first season at Chelsea, where he netted 24 goals and made 13 assists for the Blues. England captain, Harry Kane has urged manager, Gareth Southgate to take Chelsea’s Cole Palmer to Euro 2024. Kane spoke after Palmer scored his first England goal in the 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday.…
Fenerbahce’s new manager, Jose Mourinh, has firmly stated he won’t be chasing players from Roma. Despite leaving the Serie A club in January, the 65-year-old has been associated with some of his former players, like Romelu Lukaku and Paulo Dybala. Nonetheless, Mourinho declared, “I have no interest in the players of my former club, Roma.” He’s focused on clinching the Super Lig title next season, determined to lead Fenerbahce to victory after falling short by just three points.
Steven Gerrard disclosed that he turned to legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson for advice after his dismissal from Aston Villa. The former Liverpool midfielder faced the axe in October 2022 amid Villa’s struggle, winning only two league games and edging towards relegation. Gerrard’s departure paved the way for Unai Emery’s arrival, leading Villa to secure Champions League qualification. Reflecting on the challenging period, Gerrard admitted seeking counsel from others. One significant figure he approached was his former rival, Ferguson. In an interview with the Telegraph, Gerrard recounted their conversation and the wisdom he received. “I am not…
Former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas won’t be making a return to the club as part of incoming manager Enzo Maresca’s coaching staff. Having retired from playing last summer, Fabregas has been gaining coaching experience with Como in Serie B. He initially took charge of Como’s B team and Under-19s, later serving as interim head coach for the first team. Despite not being able to secure the permanent head coach role due to licensing requirements, he remained as an assistant and is now set to take over as head coach as Como moves into Serie A. Fabregas’ recent visit to Chelsea’s…
As Virgil van Dijk approaches his 33rd birthday, speculation arises about his future at Liverpool beyond the upcoming 2024/25 season. Despite his invaluable contributions since joining as the club’s record signing in January 2018, the reality of time dictates that his tenure at the top may not last much longer. Van Dijk’s impact at Liverpool has been immense, featuring prominently in significant achievements such as reaching and winning the Champions League, as well as securing the Premier League title after a three-decade wait. While Van Dijk’s departure is not imminent, preparing for the future is prudent. Here are six potential…
Saudi Pro League CEO Michael Emenalo has acknowledged the personal setback experienced by Jordan Henderson following his departure from Al Ettifaq. Henderson’s move from Liverpool to Saudi Arabia last summer stirred controversy, but after only six months, he opted to join Dutch powerhouse Ajax. In an interview with The Telegraph, Emenalo clarified that Henderson’s exit didn’t reflect negatively on life in Saudi Arabia. He revealed efforts made to convince the midfielder to stay, highlighting Henderson’s positive contributions to Ettifaq and his efforts to adapt to the country and its culture. Emenalo emphasized Henderson’s professionalism and his impressive career, which included…
Manchester United has reportedly made initial contact with Xavi in the wake of his unexpected departure from Barcelona. Just one month after reversing his decision to step down, Xavi saw his contract terminated due to a disagreement with president Joan Laporta over the club’s transfer strategy. Hansi Flick has since been unveiled as his replacement. Xavi has expressed his intention to take a break from management before considering his next move. However, according to AS, Manchester United has already approached him. United officials are currently reviewing the season and will soon decide on the future of current manager Erik ten…