SPORTS
It is a sad day and a sadder period for sports in Nigeria.
A few days ago, Jeremiah Okorodudu, a famous Nigerian boxer, probably the most flamboyant and loquacious boxer in the country’s boxing history, died in a private hospital in the outskirts of Lagos, Nigeria.
He was only 64 years of age.
His death attracts special attention. It followed a mostly-silent, 2-year battle with poor health described by some media reports as the product of Stroke and Diabetes. In the past two weeks, the public was drawn to Jerry’s plight through the social media. Pictures of him lying on a bed in a local hospital in Ikorodu, Lagos, with headlines screaming for help for the celebrated former athlete, were very pitiable, a sad commentary on the general life-after-sport of many national sports heroes. There was also a video of Jeremiah gasping, struggling to speak through obvious pain, inaudible mumbling through laboured breath. He was shown crying and appealing to the government and to Nigerians not to let him die, like that.
All that he needed at the time were about the equivalent of $2000:00 to pay for an essential life-saving surgery – amputation of his foot. This meagre amount was‘change-money’, even for any one of those in the corridors of sports at different levels of government, particularly. Obviously, the era of sports administrators that spent their personal funds to support sports and athletes is a long way back in the dungeons of history. These days, sport is a sector to be milked of any sweet harvests. That’s why there is a fight-to-the-finish in the scramble for positions of leadership in sports by those with the least stakes in sport.
Jeremiah Okorodudu, needed that paltry sum to save his life. His family could not raise it till he died despite appeals to the public. His painful death reminds me that there is a whole legion in Jerry’s shoes languishing around the country waiting for help that may not come quickly.
There are: Ngozika Ekwelum, African boxing champion, in his lonely bed in Anambra, suffering for over a decade with a case of urinary incontinence and other depression-related issues that have made his life miserable; Kenneth Abana, mercurial goal-poacher for Rangers International and the Green Eagles, with one foot already amputated, lying critically ill in a hospital in Enugu; Christopher Friday, ex- Shooting Stars and Super Eagles, completely blind and living in perpetual darkness; Dahiru Sadi, former national team football Captain, downed by Stroke and now confined to the four corners of his room; Siji Lagunju, former Shooting Stars, national football assistant coach and player, downed in the past two years by Stroke; Christian Chukwu, Emmanuel Okala and Charles Bassey who can no longer work or walk unaided for the rest of their lives; an innumerable number of other athletes all around us in 40 other sports, neglected, forgotten, living poorly and in pain, with nothing in place within the Nigerian sports architecture to take care of their welfare when their careers in sport end.
Jeremiah’s situation is not an isolated one. The Nigerian sports landscape is littered with similar stories of the abject poverty of former athletes, with most ending up victims of neglect and societal amnesia, forced to accept a life in abject poverty and of dying young.
This last aspect struck me when I checked Jeremiah’s age at death again – 64! He is of a common tribe in sport. One that deserves scientific interrogation and study – Do Nigerian athletes die young?
I am in the process of compiling a list of Nigerian athletes that went to represent the country some 47 years ago at the 1976 Olympics. The NIIA and Airpeace Airline are planning an uncommon re-union and celebration for the athletes outside sport. I was a young member of that contingent, a freshly minted graduate at the time.
Even as I look back now, it seems like yesterday. Most of the surviving athletes now in their late 60s and early 70s.
I am looking at the list of the 45 athletes whose action (or inaction) created a diplomatic tsunami that changed the course of history in the world, and I ask: where are they now?
There were 3 registered boxers in that contingent. All three are dead.
All must have died before they turned 60! They all died in Nigeria.
There were 20 football players in that contingent. 9 of them are dead. All died in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. One died in his 60s. Most died in Nigeria.
There were 20 Track and Field athletes. 5 of them died in their 40s and 50s. 3 of the 5 died in Nigeria. Now the observations and questions:
Most of the athletes in track and field that are still alive have lived in the USA.
Do high-performance athletes die so young? Is that really the case? If so, why? Is it the United States general (or sports) welfare system that has kept the Nigerian athletes alive? These should be a subject for intellectual interrogation.
Of those that stayed back in Nigeria, their stories have been pathetic, gory tales of neglect, poverty and early death, afar departure from the promise in the national Anthem that fires up their spirit before and after competitions:‘the labour of our heroes past, shall never be in vain’ -a promise hardly ever delivered!
It is hard to understand why establishing a simple welfare scheme for athletes should become rocket science.
Several welfare schemes that could serve as models exist everywhere on the planet, and, indeed, have been created in Nigeria in the past. They were misused, abused or unused for the purpose. One or two of the Welfare schemes still exist but as private estates of those in the original committees set up to manage them. They may still keep the huge financial contributions made by Nigerians in their vaults, never accounting to anybody for anything, remaining in ‘office’ in perpetuity, their silence like that of the graveyard, their ‘reward’ or ‘punishment reserved for the gates of heaven, or of hell, depending on what use they put the funds contributed by Nigerians for the amelioration of the painful conditions of suffering athletes in need of help. Through the decades, the shallowness of the instruments that set them up did not protect their sustainability and supervision. So, they went into convenient hibernation, resurrecting only occasionally to service personal, narrow interests and purposes.
Jeremiah fought many battles of neglect and injustice against the sports establishment in the past, always drawing attention to his suffering. He was punished several times for his effrontery to be his own one-man army when fighting his causes.
Those leading the sector, mostly drawn from the political class, with all their good intentions to do well for sports, do not understand enough about what needs to be done to arrest this ugly scourge.
Otherwise, there is no reason on earth why a Jeremiah Okorodudu should spend two whole years in pain and suffering and neglect, and now die needlessly. His corpse, it has been reported, is still held up in a morgue and will not be released to his family because they could not pay outstanding hospital bills of less than $1000 Dollars.
Jeremiah Okorodudu’s death could have been avoided with a little more care and concern. The sports sector failed him. His colleagues failed him. Government failed him. Those who could have helped but did not, failed him.
As Jeremiah takes his place amongst the saints, amongst resting heroes of Nigerian sports, I pray that the great pugilist who won a Bronze medal for Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games, who narrowly failed to win a medal for Nigeria at the 1984 Olympic games, who graced several rings around Nigeria during his prime, who trained and took several Nigerian boxers to international competitions, who served boxing passionately throughout his life, who died in misery, pain and penury, will find the divine peace of the Creator of us all, to forgive Nigeria.
Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku has been tipped to leave Stamford Bridge for a cut price, despite the club placing a €45m asking price on his head.
The Belgian forward is expected to leave this summer, although clubs from around Europe are reluctant to meet Chelsea’s asking price.
Inter Milan had toyed with the idea of signing Lukaku on loan again but with the obligation to buy included in the deal.
Chelsea rejected this bid and now the two clubs are back to the drawing board. Along with Inter, Juventus and Al-Hilal are also interested.
While Lukaku wasn’t keen on the idea of a move to Saudi to begin with, he is now said to be considering the move.
Gabby Agbonlahor has had his say on the situation and he believes that Chelsea and Inter will eventually come to an agreement.
“Negotiations could be tricky between Chelsea and Inter for Lukaku,” the pundit told Football Insider.
“Inter Milan knows they want to offload Lukaku, so they will not need to offer what the Blues are demanding.
“Both parties will offer their best deal and Inter could say either take or leave it, with Chelsea not wanting to be stuck with a player who won’t be used.
“When it gets closer to August and a deal still hasn’t been accepted, they are going to have to eventually accept Inter’s offer.”
The Belgian forward had his fair share of injury problems last season, but he still managed to score 14 goals across all competitions.
Chelsea aren’t likely to receive anywhere near the £97.5m they spent on Lukaku back in 2021, but they are keen to recoup some of their original investment.
With Juventus and Al-Hilal now in the race to sign Lukaku, time will tell if Chelsea do receive the €45m they are looking for.
He is contracted with the club until 2026, although Mauricio Pochettino will be keen to iron out his situation as soon as possible.
Along with Lukaku, Chelsea also hope to sell the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic in the next few weeks.
The summer rebuild is already well underway at Stamford Bridge, but there is still plenty of work to be done.
[football365]
Morocco/Egypt: Morocco Win Maiden TotalEnergies U-23 Africa Cup of Nations Title With Victory Over Egypt
AdminMorocco made history on Saturday night as they clinched their first TotalEnergies U-23 Africa Cup of Nations title with a thrilling 2-1 win against ten-man Egypt at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, requiring extra time to settle the match.
Egypt took an early lead when Mahmoud Saber unleashed a brilliant curler into the top corner, giving his team an advantage after just nine minutes of play.
However, Saber's night quickly turned sour as he received a red card eight minutes later for a reckless challenge on Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Egypt managed to hold their ground for the remaining minutes of regular time. However, their defence faltered in the 37th minute, allowing Yanis Begraoui to score the equalizer for the host nation.
The first and second halves concluded without any additional goals, leading the match into extra time. It was during the first half of extra time that Morocco seized the lead, putting Egypt behind for the first time in the competition.
Substitute Oussamna Targhalline capitalized on a free kick from Ezzalzouli, delivering a powerful strike that eluded the Egyptian goalkeeper, making it 2-1 in favor of Morocco.
Efforts from Egypt to secure a late equalizer proved fruitless, as Morocco held on to claim victory and secure their first TotalEnergies U-23 AFCON trophy.
Both Morocco and Egypt have earned their spots in next year's Olympic Games, set to take place in Paris, alongside Mali, who secured their qualification after defeating Guinea in the third-place playoff game on Saturday.
Guinea can stil secure a place as the fourth African side at the Olympic Games in Paris but they have to win a playoff against a yet-to-be-decided Asian opponent.
New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino underlined the challenges that engulfed Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling in the last season but said he will help the trio reach their full potential with the help of a customised training regime.
Chelsea hired the 51-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris St Germain boss in May after finishing 12th in the Premier League following a tumultuous campaign, which saw Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard take charge at Stamford Bridge.
"Different players arrived in different circumstances but of course now is an opportunity," Pochettino told Chelsea's website, outlining his plans for the team ahead of the pre-season.
Chelsea begin their preparations for the new campaign in the United States with a game against National League champions Wrexham on July 19th.
"I hope we can help them to achieve their best level, a higher level, and try to perform for Chelsea in the way that people expect," he said.
"Now is a new start, a fresh start, and I think they need to show their real quality. But we need to create this platform for them to feel comfortable and breathing space for them to perform and improve."
Pochettino said former Benfica midfielder Fernandez, who was named the best youngster at last year's World Cup after helping Argentina clinch the title, needed rest after a gruelling schedule.
"The Premier League is a really tough competition and he changes everything – culture, language, everything – and it is always difficult to adapt," Pochettino said.
Pochettino added that Mudryk's "mindset and everything is different" than Fernandez's, which is why he intends to spend more time with the 22-year-old Ukrainian winger.
The 28-year-old Sterling is one of the more experienced players in the squad but is yet to replicate the performances that made him a crucial part of Manchester City, with whom he won 10 major trophies, having scored just nine goals in 38 appearances for Chelsea.
"It's not always to blame the player... We need to see us and see what is going on and why they are not performing in the way that we expect and then, of course, when all is clear, we cannot give excuses to them to not perform." Pochettino added.
[reuters]
Football fans set aside their rivalries to come together to remember the victims of the recent attacks in Nottingham.
Ian Coates, Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber died after being stabbed during the early hours of 13 June.
Nottingham Forest and Derby County fans played in their honour at Mickleover FC's Don Amott Arena on Saturday.
Money raised by the match will go the the victims' families or charities they nominate.
Mr Coates was a school caretaker and avid Nottingham Forest fan, while Ms O'Malley-Kumar and Mr Webber were both University of Nottingham students and keen sportspeople who played for a number of teams.
Organiser and Rams supporter Adam Richardson said "bringing two cities together will deliver a powerful message".
In a tight and thrilling end-to-end contest, the Forest fans ran out 8-7 winners.
Forest fan Dave Berry travelled from Taunton, in Somerset, the hometown of Mr Webber - to play in the game.
"It is just such a sad situation where two rivals have come together and I just hope we've raised a lot of money today," he said.
"There's Forest and Derby fans all mixed in together everybody's had a good time - 15 goals, it is just brilliant, it's been a great day and biggest team in the East Midlands won."
Commonwealth gold medallist Ross Davenport - more used to powering past opponents in the pool rather than the pitch - played on the Derby County side.
The Belper-born Rams fan said despite his sporting success, he did feel a "fish-out-of-water" with a ball at his feet.
"It's something most Derby fans want to be a part of. It is such a good cause to come along to and show my support," he told the BBC.
"I'm definitely not a footballer... but everyone has come together in such horrendous circumstances and hopefully we can raise lots of money."
"I hope we can give a little bit of joy to what has been such an awful situation."
[BBC]
Arsenal has been dominating the headlines at the start of the summer transfer window.
Not content with finishing second to Manchester City last season, Mikel Arteta has reinforced his side with some of the biggest transfers of the summer. Kai Havertz is already through the door and Declan Rice and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber are expected to be announced in the coming days.
These signings, once confirmed mean that Arsenal now have eight of the twenty most valuable players in the Premier League.
This is based on CIES Football Observatory’s list of transfer values, adjusted to assume three or more years of a player’s contract remaining. The list is made by the International Centre for Sports Studies in Switzerland, and takes into account factors such as age, ability, nationality and the team they play for.
Manchester City has five players in the top twenty, including the most expensive player in the league. Erling Haaland. Liverpool has three players, Manchester United two, and Chelsea and Tottenham one each.
Only two of Arsenal’s players, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, are in the top ten, but the Gunners have six players in the 11-20 most valuable Premier League players including new signings Kai Havertz (11th) and Declan Rice (17th).
Declan Rice’s $135 million move from West Ham United will make him one of the most expensive British players ever, but CIES only values him at just over $85 million. He’s valued at less than Kai Havertz, who cost Arsenal up to $83 million from Chelsea.
Another recent list by CIES at the start of June took contract length into account. Arsenal currently has six of the twenty most valuable Premier League players based on that list, one ahead of Manchester City and Liverpool with five each.
But with players like RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, Internazionale’s Nicolo Barella and Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos linked to Arsenal’s Premier League rivals, other sides could soon have a larger representation of the Premier League’s most valuable players.
Arsenal’s new signings are part of a $750 million rebuild under Mikel Arteta. That spending includes five of those eight most valuable players, as well as Gabriel, who is the 23rd most valuable player in the league. This might fuel expectations that Arsenal can compete for the title with Manchester City this season, or even give ammunition to fans of rival sides.
But a large part of player value is based on age, and all the Arsenal players in the top 25 were born in 1997 or later so are likely to have not yet hit their peak.
Those three new signings will give Arsenal that depth in quality that is needed to compete with Manchester City though.
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus said last season’s title challenge fell apart when William Saliba got injured. Jurrien Timber, valued at more than $65 million by CIES, gives Arsenal another top level center-back, possibly at a cheaper price than expected due to Ajax failing to reach the Champions League.
Having a great first eleven isn’t enough to win the Premier League these days, as Manchester City can bring world class players off the bench, which is why City can go on unstoppable runs of wins toward the end of the season when other teams are feeling the impact of injuries and fatigue.
Mikel Arteta’s summer spending isn’t over yet, but Arsenal’s early signings suggest the north London club realizes what’s needed to build on last season’s title push.
[Forbes]
Romeo Lavia transfer latest: Major sticking point, Arsenal and Liverpool agreement, Chelsea move
AdminSouthampton star Romeo Lavia is being chased by a number of clubs during the summer transfer window, with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea all mooted as potential destinations.
Lavia enjoyed an impressive 2022/23 campaign, establishing himself as one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League - a hugely impressive feat considering he is still just
Barcelona twist
German transfer guru Florian Plettenberg has delivered an update on the Lavia situation, claiming that Barcelona are also interested in the 19-year-old, although the Catalan giants are unlikely to be able to afford him given Southampton's steep asking price.
Writing on Twitter, Plettenberg said: "Roméo #Lavia, there are still concrete talks with Chelsea, Arsenal, especially with Liverpool as Klopp is a big fan! #LFC Been told that his price tag is around £50m this summer!
"Confirmed: Barcelona was targeting the 19 y/o but his price is not affordable for Barca this summer."
Liverpool and Arsenal decision
Arsenal and Liverpool are both unwilling to match Southampton's £50million valuation set on midfield youngster Romeo Lavia this summer. That's according to Sky Sports, which reports that the Belgian wonderkid is valued at a high price by the Saints, but teams are standing off reaching such a figure at this stage.
Southampton stance
According to Sky Sports, Southampton are confident they will be able to receive close to £50million for Lavia this summer.
The report also claims that Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have all engaged the Belgian's representatives over a potential move. However, both the Gunners and the Reds are said to be unwilling to bid that high for the talented teenager.
Bid prepared
Arsenal are ready to make a move for Lavia once they have completed the signing of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, according to The Times.
It is claimed that Mikel Arteta's side want to bid for Lavia after a deal for Rice is finalised, although they will face stiff competition from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, with the Saints valuing the Belgian international at around £50million.
Liverpool and Chelsea lead race
It did seem that Liverpool led the race for the 19-year-old talent, along with Chelsea, with the Gunners falling behind in the race for Lavia's signature. A report from Football Transfers, via 90min, has stated that Arteta's side are behind their Premier League rivals as competition for the Belgian midfielder heats up.
Transfer boost
A whole host of clubs have been handed a potential boost for Romeo Lavia this summer as new Southampton boss Russell Martin has claimed that some players will leave the club this summer.
He told the press: "There will be people leaving, of course, it’s what happens when you have such a tough season last season and you move down from the Premier League. I’ve also been there and it’s not that easy, every player in the dressing room could think they’re going back to the Premier League but it’s not that easy.”
Liverpool open talks
Liverpool have made the decision to open talks with Southampton to sign Romeo Lavia this summer, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on YouTube, he said: "Romeo Lavia is in Arsenal's list and they have had some positive conversations on the club and player side, but no official bid as they are waiting to understand the future of Thomas Partey.
"But from what I understand, Liverpool have opened talks to sign Lavia. Man United have asked about the situation as have Chelsea, so both clubs are informed but they are not yet active on this deal, but for Liverpool, Lavia is one of the players they are considering."
£40m bid pending
Arsenal are ready to submit their first offer for Lavia in the coming days. That's according to the Daily Mirror, who claim the Gunners will put forward a £40million bid for the Belgian midfielder.
The report claims the bid will all-but-end the north Londoners' pursuit of Moises Caicedo.
Advancing talks
Arsenal are advancing in talks to sign Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia this summer, though there is yet to be an official bid made. That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that the Gunners are making progress, though the Saints are likely to ask for a fee above their record for a player under the age of 21 - which sits at £32million when Luke Shaw joined Manchester United in 2014.
Talks take place
Arsenal are not giving up on signing Romeo Lavia just because of their continued bid to bring in Declan Rice, according to Fabrizio Romano. "Arsenal have concrete and strong interest in Romeo Lavia," he tweeted.
"Relationship is excellent with his camp — talks already took place." The Gunners are desperate to add a new midfielder to their squad this summer.
"Timing will be crucial as Chelsea remain interested. Man United appreciate Lavia but still not advancing. City buy back clause only valid 2024," finished Romano.
Arsenal talks 'progressing'
The priority may well be on Declan Rice but reports claim the Gunners are progressing in talks to sign Lavia.
According to Miguel Delaney, the midfielder is on Arteta's radar after cooling their interest in Brighton's Moises Caicedo. They do, however, share interest with London rivals Chelsea.
Southampton price tag
Arsenal will have to cough up between £40million-£50million to sign Lavia this summer, according to the Daily Mail.
The high valuation of the Belgian is said to be down to three clauses inserted into his contract. The first is in regard to Man City, his former side, being able to match any bid that arrives with a buyback clause - around £40million. The final clause entitles City to 20% of any future sale.
Two midfielders to join?
As per transfer expert Ben Jacobs, Arsenal could look to sign two of Lavia, Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice this summer as Sporting Director Edu looks to get his business done early.
"Arsenal could still come back in for Moises Caicedo, even if the priority is Declan Rice. And they could go for Romeo Lavia as well", Jacobs told GiveMeSport. "They won’t get all three, but it could indicate that they might be looking for two in the centre of the park when these targets are concrete.
"They’re looking at such a high volume of players because not all these deals are easy, particularly the ones involving Brighton. Roberto De Zerbi will not want a mass exodus, and Brighton will only sell on their terms."
Summer shortlist
The Daily Mail named Lavia as one of the three midfielders that Arsenal have on their summer shortlist, alongside the aforementioned Rice and Brighton starlet Moises Caicedo.
The report claims that the Gunners are desperate to close the gap on league-leaders Manchester City, with not just one but potentially two central midfielders targeted as sporting director Edu looks to bolster Arteta's squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Manchester City advantage
Southampton's £12million deal to sign Lavia last summer has a clause that gives Manchester City a chance to buy him back for £40million, although this clause doesn't become active until 2024.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, this will likely mean the youngster should cost more than that if he is to leave St Mary's Stadium this summer. Writing for CaughtOffside, he said: “Nothing has changed for Romeo Lavia, at the moment. It’s normal to see big clubs linked because he’s a top talent but there’s nothing concrete at this stage.
“It’s fair to remember that Man City have £40m buy back clause for Lavia, so value has to be higher for sure.”
Kevin De Bruyne verdict
Lavia's rise to prominence in recent months is unlikely to surprise former Manchester City teammate Kevin De Bruyne, who has previously heaped praise on the 19-year-old when the pair were teammates. Speaking about his fellow Belgian international to Play Sports last year, De Bruyne said: "He is very good.
"He's been training with us since the end of last year. If he continues his development, I think he'll be a top player."
[Football.London]
Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit of a new right-back lately. With Jules Kounde unhappy with his role in the first team, coach Xavi Hernandez wants to sign a new option that can serve as the first-choice option next season.
One of the players Barça are targeting heading into the new season is Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese international has been a target for Barcelona for a while now and was in contention to join the club in the January transfer window.
Barcelona were not able to complete the deal due to financial constraints. But they have been in contention to sign Cancelo on a loan deal this summer. Manchester City want to offload the player on a permanent deal, but Barça are not in a position to do so.
However, according to Mundo Deportivo, the signing of Cancelo has been ruled out for Barcelona. The financial requirements for the deal are completely unviable for the club.
This comes shortly after a report which pointed out how Barça were expecting Cancelo to lower his salary demands. But with Arsenal also in the mix, the right-back is unlikely to lower his demands and may end up moving to the Emirates this summer.
This will force Blaugrana to look out for other alternatives in the market. The club’s pursuit of Ivan Fresneda has been well-documented in recent weeks. The youngster is already waiting for Barcelona’s offer and looks keen on making the move.
Barcelona’s technical staff are also yet to reach a consensus about Fresneda. Although they rate the player highly, many doubt whether he will be a good investment for the club, especially in the current scenario.
Therefore, Barcelona may end up failing to sign any right-back this summer, although the situation may drastically change if the club manage to get rid of their unwanted stars this summer.
[barcauniversal]
Newcastle are preparing a £25m bid for Leicester winger Harvey Barnes as they gear up for the Champions League - with the England star unlikely to stay at the relegated Foxes
AdminNewcastle United are ready to launch their bid to sign Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes this week.
Eddie Howe’s side are expected to offer around £25million initially for the England international.
They were initially put off after the 25-year-old was given a £60m price tag, but the Magpies are now confident of securing a considerably lower fee.
Barnes was a key player for the Foxes last season and managed a career-best tally of 13 Premier League goals.
He was unable to keep Leicester in the Premier League, though, and is unlikely to stay at the Championship side as they look to cash in on their most valuable assets.
Talismanic midfielder James Maddison has already left in a £45 million move to Tottenham, while Kelechi Iheanacho could also be on the move after interest from Nottingham Forest.
For Newcastle, Barnes could add vital depth to their squad as they prepare for their first Champions League campaign in 20 years.
They have already brought defensive midfielder Sandro Tonali in from AC Milan for £55 million, and Southampton full back Tino Livramento remains a target.
Reliable squad players will be vital for Eddie Howe as he looks to juggle the demands of European and domestic football.
[Dailymail]
Nigerian professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Spanish Liga F club FC Barcelona, Asisat Oshoala, has been enlisted for the 2023 Ballon d’Or Award.
Naija News reports that the organiser of the award, France Football confirmed this on its official Twitter handle on Friday.
Before now, the 28-year-old Super Falcons forward got nominated in the Socrates Award category, which recognises outstanding solidarity actions carried out by football champions.
Oshoala is one of five individuals shortlisted for the award, which was established last year and named after the legendary Brazilian footballer Socrates.
Joining Oshoala as nominees in the category are Vinicius Jnr (Brazil/Real Madrid), Antonio Rudiger (Germany/Real Madrid), Marcus Rashford (England/Manchester United), and Alex Morgan (USA/San Diego Wave).
The nomination acknowledges Oshoala’s remarkable contributions to her community through the creation of the Oshoala Academy. The academy aims to provide its beneficiaries with high-quality football training and life skills education. It also empowers young women through sports, transforming them into community role models and ambassadors for the skills they acquire.
The announcement further stated that the nominees in other categories, including men’s, women’s, Yachine Trophy, and Kopa Trophy, will be revealed on September 6.
Naija News reports that Oshoala is currently in Australia with the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s national women’s football team, as they train for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, which New Zealand and Australia will host.
The Super Falcons are placed in Group B and will face Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland during the group stages of the tournament.
More...
Former Chelsea captain John Terry announced his return to the academy of the Premier League club just less than a month after his stint with Leicester City, where he was the assistant manager.
The 42-year-old former England skipper returned to Chelsea in a coaching consultancy role in 2022 before joining Dean Smith's coaching staff at Leicester in April this year.
Terry's contract at Leicester was not renewed following the side's relegation from the English top flight.
"I'm delighted to be back Home working in the academy and continuing my role at the club," Terry, who started his coaching career in 2018 as an assistant manager at Aston Villa, said in an Instagram post.
The former defender and five-time Premier League champion won every major trophy during his 19-year stint at Stamford Bridge, making him Chelsea's most successful captain.
[Reuters]
Following the recent capture of Mason Mount, Manchester United's focus appears to have shifted toward the signing of a new striker and a new goalkeeper, with Erik ten Hag seemingly intent on strengthening the spine of his time this summer.
With a £50m bid for Atalanta marksman, Rasmus Hojlund believed to be in the works, United are also currently in negotiations with Inter Milan to try and strike a deal for Cameroonian stopper, Andre Onana, having seemingly made an offer of around €50m (£43m) for the 27-year-old.
With doubts remaining over the future of long-serving number one, David De Gea, it would appear that Onana is being lined up to replace the experienced Spaniard in the sticks, having previously worked under Ten Hag at Ajax.
Having been part of the Inter side that reached the Champions League final last season, the 6 foot 3 ace has particularly impressed due to his quality on the ball, having been branded "exceptional" in that regard by Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola ahead of that European showpiece.
That ball-playing brilliance is evidenced by the fact that the towering gem ranks in the top 11% among his European peers for touches made as a sign of just how comfortable he is in possession, with De Gea, by contrast, ranking in just the bottom 30% in that regard.
The introduction of the Serie A star to Ten Hag's side would then allow the Red Devils to begin to properly play out from the back next term, with club legend Paul Scholes previously stating that De Gea "makes the whole team nervous" when attempting to use his feet.
Onana will, however, need players ahead of him who are also comfortable in possession, hence why the signing of Monaco's Axel Disasi - who is a reported target for the Premier League outfit this summer - could prove to be a perfect fit at the heart of the defence.
How good is Axel Disasi?
The 6 foot 3 centre-back could represent a big upgrade on club captain, Harry Maguire in Ten Hag's defensive ranks, with the latter man having been branded "a walking disaster" by journalist Samuel Luckhurst in recent times, having also been restricted to just eight league starts last term.
The 30-year-old Englishman - who has been linked with a move away from the Theatre of Dreams - has looked rather uncomfortable when attempting to play out of late, notably turning into trouble in the grim Europa League defeat to Sevilla earlier this year.
Disasi, however, should have no such trouble in that regard, with the impressive "hidden gem" - as lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig - ranking in the top 4% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for both progressive passes and progressive carries, showcasing his willingness to initiate attacks from deep.
That is in stark contrast to Maguire's record across the last 365 days, as per FBref, with the former Leicester City man ranking in just the bottom 47% for progressive passes and only in the top 19% for progressive carries, having looked ill-suited at times to a more progressive style of play.
Disasi would also offer a benefit to both Onana and United as a whole due to his ability to sniff out danger, showcased by the fact that the Frenchman ranks in the top 14% for interceptions made, while Maguire ranks in just the top 38% for that same metric.
That would suggest that the signing of the 25-year-old - who has been valued at around €50m (£43m) - could be a perfect solution for Ten Hag ahead of next season, helping to hasten the transition towards a more free-flowing style of play.
[footballfancast]
Former Manchester United and Netherlands goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is in intensive care after suffering bleeding around his brain, Dutch club Ajax have announced.
Van der Sar, 52, won the Premier League four times during his time at United, as well as the Champions League in 2008, which he also lifted while at Ajax.
After retirement, Van der Sar, who also enjoyed a spell at Fulham before signing for United, returned to Ajax where he took up the role of chief executive in 2016, from which he decided to stand down at the end of last season.
“On Friday, Edwin van der Sar has had a bleeding around his brain. He’s currently in hospital in the intensive care unit and is in a stable condition,” Ajax said in a statement on Twitter.
“Once there is more concrete information, an update will follow. Everyone at Ajax wishes Edwin a speedy recovery. We’re thinking of you.”
Although no further details were given by Ajax, it has been reported Van der Sar was admitted to hospital while away in Croatia after suffering a cerebral haemorrhage.
Following a disappointing season for Ajax, the club finishing third in the Eredivisie and missing out on Champions League qualification, Van der Sar announced he would be stepping down from his role after almost 11 years on the club’s board.
“I feel the need to take some distance, to get some rest, and to do other things,” he said on Twitter at the end of May.
“It doesn’t feel good to take decisions about the future of this wonderful club in the coming period. That is why I have decided to resign.”
United offered Van der Sar the club’s best wishes.
“Sending all our love and strength to you, Edwin,” a post on the club’s Twitter feed read.
[telegraph]
Chelsea and AC Milan are set for another direct meeting to find an agreement for Christian Pulisic, with the USMNT star keen to join the Serie A giants.
According to Fabrizio Romano, AC Milan and Chelsea will have a final direct meeting to find an agreement for Christian Pulisic. The 24-year-old American remains keen to join the Rossoneri in this window, but the Serie A giants are yet to convince the Blues with a suitable offer.
Lyon were among teams who tabled a bid for the €64 million forward but could not find an agreement. Chelsea are open to selling Pulisic for the offer the French giants proposed, but his mind remains elsewhere. The 24-year-old asked the Blues for a new challenge and preferred a move to Milan.
Yet, the Rossoneri’s initial offer fell well short of Chelsea’s asking price. They were preparing an improved bid for the American but would like to discuss it at length before making it official. The Premier League giants may remain adamant over their reported €25 million asking price but could accept a slightly lower fee too.
The two clubs are set to hold direct conversations to reach an agreement. Milan feel optimistic about signing the American but will have to raise their offer to find a breakthrough. Chelsea will want a deal wrapped up quickly as they want to focus on their incomings.
If he leaves, the American will join a host of other stars out of the door. Chelsea have conducted massive sales in the early part of this window. Many notable stars like Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount, among many others.
They hope to generate enough cash to fund their transfers for essential players like Moises Caicedo and a new striker. There is plenty of optimism to get the Pulisic deal over the line as the two teams can find an agreement in the coming days.
[HardTackele]