SPORTS

After initial transfer negotiations with Everton failed, Newcastle are ready to make another attempt to sign 27-year-old English attacker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, according to Football Insider. Romelu Lukaku, a forward for Chelsea who is 31 years old and from Belgium, is still a transfer target for Napoli, Sky Sports reported. PlayUnmute Fullscreen Mario Balotelli, 33, a former attacker for Italy, Manchester City, and Liverpool, is reportedly in talks to join Brazilian club Corinthians on a free transfer, ESPN reported. La Liga head coach Javier Tebas claims that Barcelona is getting close to being in a position financially to pursue 22-year-old Spain winger, Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao, as reported by Sport. Riccardo Calafiori, a 22-year-old defender for Bologna and Italy, is on the verge of completing his transfer deal with Arsenal, according to Football Insider. Kepa Arrizabalaga, a 29-year-old Spanish goalkeeper for Chelsea, is in negotiations with Al-Ittihad for a move to Saudi Arabia, according to the Athletic. Laurent Blanc, the former manager of Paris Saint-Germain, will take over as Al-Ittihad’s manager until June 2026, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared. Troy Parrott, 22, a striker for Tottenham and the Republic of Ireland, will have a medical examination before joining AZ Alkmaar, according to Football Insider. Desire Doue, a 19-year-old French midfielder, will choose between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain if he decides to leave Rennes this summer, Sky Germany reported. Tottenham are eager to bring Doue to the northern part of London, according to London.Football. Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez, a 16-year-old attacker for the England age team, is close to joining Lyon from Southampton, the Athletic claimed. 29-year-old Spanish midfielder Saul Niguez has decided to join Sevilla and leave Atletico Madrid, according to transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano. Despite Jadon Sancho’s ceasefire with manager Erik ten Hag, Juventus are interested in signing the 24-year-old England forward from Manchester United, Tuttosport reported. Kieffer Moore, a striker for Bournemouth, will now play for Sheffield United after the 31-year-old Wales international had a last-minute change of heart about moving to Hull, Star reported.

Published

2 months ago

July 15, 2024

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will have to spend way beyond their means to maintain French tactician, Herve Renard as Super Eagles coach.

Herve Renard made a name for himself in the coaching world when he led two different African countries, Zambia and Ivory Coast to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2012 and 2015 respectively.

The 54-year-old France tactician is currently the head coach of France Women’s national team. He has announced that he would step down from the role after the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Hence, a series of national teams are lining up for his signature including the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Egypt and the United States of America.

A source from the NFF confirmed according to the Vanguard that the football federation has contacted Herve Renard. The source revealed that the Frenchman is demanding $180,000 which is equivalent to 253 million naira. He also demanded other unnamed conditions which were not revealed.

The source was quoted as saying: “Yes, the NFF has made contact with Renard for the Super Eagles job, but the biggest stumbling block is that he is demanding a salary of $180,000 (a month), which in Naira is almost close to 300 Million.

“This will be the highest ever paid to a coach and the NFF just cannot afford this.

“This may well be a wild goose chase.”

Note that the former Super Eagles of Nigeria head coach, Jose Peseiro was initially paid $80,000 per month on the job. This salary was later slashed to $50,000 per month and months of debt at a point.

Reports claimed that Finidi Geor who resigned from the job in June, barely two months after his appointment, earns just 5 million naira as the coach of the Super Eagles.

Recent reports claimed that the NFF has recommended Herve Renard and two other coaches to be considered for appointment. It is now left to be seen who the federation will settle for.

The Super Eagles’ head coach is expected to be named before August as the national team will begin their 2025 AFCON qualification campaign in September.

SPORTS

Mbappe Speaks On Winning Ballon d’Or After Joining Real Madrid

Published

2 months ago

July 16, 2024

Bamidele Damilare

France football star, Kylian Mbappe, who recently joined Real Madrid during the summer transfer window, has expressed his belief that the prestigious Ballon d’Or award will be within his reach if he secures trophies and seamlessly integrates into his new team.

World wide gist reports that Mbappe shared this thought during his formal introduction as a Real Madrid player on Tuesday in Madrid, Spain.

The French international athlete signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid following the conclusion of his current contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the end of the summer.

When queried about the potential impact of his move to Real Madrid on his aspirations of winning the UEFA Champions League and the Ballon d’Or, the 25-year-old responded: “There is no better place than Madrid to win titles. But the key is to adapt well. If I do that, the rest will come naturally.

“Winning everything is an objective, but in the long term. Now I want to get back to training and adapt to the team.”

World wide gist reports that Madrid had previously shared a photograph capturing the France superstar, alongside Perez, in front of the club’s 15 replica Champions League trophies.

The Spanish champions, who have long held a deep admiration for one of the most renowned talents in world football, had been actively pursuing his acquisition last summer.

This was in anticipation of Mbappe’s impending departure from PSG at the end of his contract.

SPORTS

‘Thomas Tuchel Open To Replacing Gareth Southgate As England Manager’

Published

2 months ago

July 16, 2024

Bamidele Damilare

The former manager of Bayern Munich, Thomas Tuchel is reportedly ready to replace Gareth Southgate as the manager of England.

Thomas Tuchel is not known to be a national team coach, but a UK publication, the Sun, claimed that the German tactician wants to start his international coaching career with England.

Recall that Tuchel resigned as Bayern Munich coach after one year and a half seasons at the German Bundesliga giants. He decided to part ways with the club on mutual grounds after he failed to win the league title for the perennial winners.

Before his not-too-impressive spell at Bayern Munich, Tuchel had coached Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint Germain, and Chelsea.

At Chelsea, the German coach had the best run of his career as he helped the London-based club to win the UEFA Champions League, the Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Since he is currently without a coaching job, he sees the Three Lions of England coaching role as his next stop after Southgate confirmed his resignation from the role earlier today, July 16.

Recall that Southgate reigned as England’s head coach for eight years in which he led them to the Euro 2021 final, which they lost to Italy, and the Euro 2024 final which they lost to Spain.

While Tuchel is said to be open to negotiate with the English FA, Newcastle United coach, Eddie Howe is said to be the favourite to replace Southgate.

Other coaches mentioned for the job are former English midfielders Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, alongside former Brighton coach, Graham Potter.

SPORTS

Yamal, Walker, Rodri Listed As UEFA Unveils Euro 2024 Team Of The Tournament

Published

2 months ago

July 16, 2024

Bamidele Damilare

UEFA has unveiled its official selection for the Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament, highlighting exceptional players in the just concluded competition in Germany.

World wide gist reports that the selected team, organized in a 4-3-3 configuration, includes players from a diverse array of countries, with Spain emerging as the dominant force.

In the goalkeeping position, France’s Mike Maignan is recognized for his outstanding performances.

The defensive line is anchored by England’s Kyle Walker, Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji, France’s William Saliba, and Spain’s Marc Cucurella.

The midfield trio is led by Spain’s Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, and Dani Olmo.

The forward line is particularly noteworthy, with Germany’s Jamal Musiala serving as the central striker, supported by Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.

It is worth noting that this youthful attacking trio has played a pivotal role in their teams’ success.

Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament

On the final day of the Euro 2024, Rodri was honoured as the top scorer of the tournament, having contributed significantly to La Roja’s victory over England with a score of 2-1, securing their fourth championship title in Berlin on Sunday.

World wide gist reports that Rodri’s performance was momentarily interrupted at the halftime of the final due to a knee injury, yet his exceptional contributions were recognized as Spain also managed to defeat Germany and France, securing their place in the final.

His sole goal of the tournament was scored in a 4-1 victory over Georgia in the last 16.

Despite this, coach Luis de la Fuente praised Rodri as a “perfect computer,” acknowledging his consistent passing and strategic understanding of the game, which were crucial in guiding a young team to victory against a particularly challenging schedule.