Ghanaian international Kudus Mohammed has been included in West Ham United’s squad for their match against Luton Town on September 1, 2023, at Kenilworth Road.
Kudus, who signed a five-year deal with West Ham for €44.5 million after transferring from Ajax, is expected to play a significant role in Coach David Moyes’s team.
He has been training with his new teammates in preparation for the upcoming match and is vying for a spot in the starting lineup.
With this move, Kudus became the third Ghanaian player to join West Ham United, following in the footsteps of John Paintsil and Andre Ayew, who both had spells with the club.
Furthermore, Kudus is likely to be named in Ghana’s 23-man squad for the 2023 AFCON qualifier against the Central African Republic, scheduled for September 7, 2023, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
During the awards ceremony of the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent, a matter that Hermoso later clarified as non-consensual.
Despite the controversy, the Spanish FA President has chosen to remain in his prominent position and defended his actions during an intense press conference last Friday.
During this press conference, De La Fuente was in attendance and was seen applauding Rubiales, joined by women’s team head coach Jorge Vilda.
However, in retrospect, the manager has come to believe that his actions were a “mistake” and if given a chance, he would not “commit that act” again.
“Almost all of us RFEF (Spanish Football Federation) workers went in there thinking that we were going to see the dismissal of a president and we found something completely different,” he told reporters on Friday.
“It was not easy to digest. It was a situation that overwhelmed me. I have not felt betrayed by Luis Rubiales, but I arrived thinking that it was going to be a resignation meeting and we were shocked when we saw that it was not this way.
“I don’t have to resign; I have to ask for forgiveness. I made a mistake—an inexcusable human error. If I could go back, I wouldn’t commit that act again. I am on the side of equality and respect. We all have to improve in terms of equality and I am the first,” he added.
Former Ghanaian international Kenneth Sarpong has disclosed that Hearts of Oakpaid his signing-on fee along with a Man of the Match award following his debut for the team.
Sarpong initially joined Ebusua Dwarfs in 1994, transitioning from Hearts Babies, a colt’s side.
After just one season with Cape Coast’s Ebusua Dwarfs, he made the move to Hearts of Oak in 1995, where he played alongside notable players like Eben Dida, Ishmael Addo, Abladey Kumah, and others.
Sarpong was a part of Hearts of Oak’s renowned “64-battalion” squad that dominated domestic leagues and secured numerous titles, including the CAF Champions League and CAF Super Cup.
In an interview with Dan Kwaku Yeboah, Sarpong revealed that Hearts of Oak had expressed interest in him during his time with Dwarfs. However, he chose to join the Phobians because he was eager to prove his abilities, driven by his deep-rooted passion for the club.
“I signed for Hearts without taking any money and my first game was against Kotoko in Kumasi.
I penned down my contract on Wednesday and the game was on Sunday and they were not able to give me my signing-on fee but promised to settle me on Monday after the game but it finally came on Thursday”.
“We lost the game 2-1 in Kumasi and I was adjudged the Man of the Match after the game. The next day, on Monday, I failed to show you at training until Thursday, when they finally gave me my signing-on fee”, he added.
Kenneth Sarpong played for Ghana’s U17 team (the Black Starlets) at the1993 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Japan and also played for the Black Stars.
The proposal, which was reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, amounted to over £100 million, including additional clauses.
“Liverpool rejected a verbal bid worth more than £100m plus substantial add-ons from the Saudi Pro League to sign Mohamed Salah for Al Ittihad.
Proposal made on amicable call to Mike Gordon last night.”
According to a report from Sky Sports, the comprehensive offer stands at £150 million.
Jan Aage Fjørtoft, a former Norwegian international and sports pundit, had earlier in the week suggested that Mohamed Salah was ‘likely’ to make a move to the Saudi Pro League in the closing hours of the transfer window.
Al Ittihad is reported to have agreed on personal terms with the 30-year-old, who appears prepared to commit to a three-year contract with an annual salary of £65 million.
Despite earlier reports suggesting that Liverpool had turned down an informal offer, head coach Jurgen Klopp stated in his pre-match comments that the club had not received any offers for Salah.
“The position remains the same. Absolutely no doubt about that. Nothing else to say. No offer as far as I know.” he said.
This prestigious list includes well-known African artists like Burna Boy, Davido, Asake, and Rema, among others.
Black Sherif recently marked his return to the music scene with a captivating two-track release titled ‘Take Care of Yourself, Blacko.’
This project features the songs ‘Yaya’ and ‘Simmer Down,’ both co-produced by Joker Nharnah and Samsney.
These two singles offer introspective insights into the 21-year-old artist’s journey as he grapples with the challenges of fame while remaining true to his authentic self.
‘Yaya’ delves into the perspective of his alter ego, a rebel who took a chance on destiny and is on a quest for healing.
Meanwhile, ‘Simmer Down’ is a fusion of highlife, soul, and drill music, serving as an anthem that emphasises maintaining a winning mindset and practising patience in the face of opposition.
Premier League champions Manchester City have officially secured the signing of Portugal midfielder Matheus Nunes (25) from Wolverhampton Wanderers, committing to a five-year contract.
While specific financial terms were not disclosed, reports in British media indicate that City paid approximately £53 million to Wolves for the transfer.
“The opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola, one of the greatest managers ever, and alongside some of the best players in the world was something I couldn’t turn down,” Nunes said.
“I’ve learned so much during my season at Wolves and I’m excited to continue improving in the Premier League, a division that brings the best out of me.”
Nunes had been absent from training with the squad, Wolves manager Gary O’Neil said, after Wolves rejected City’s initial £47 million bid.
Wolves signed the Brazilian-born Nunes last August for a then club-record transfer fee of 45 million euros from Sporting on a five-year contract.
Nunes has played 11 times for Portugal, having turned down a call-up from his native Brazil. He scored one international goal in a World Cup qualifier against Turkey and was included in his country’s squad for last year’s Qatar World Cup.
The midfielder made 34 Premier League appearances for Wolves last season and started their first two league games this term. He was sent off in the 4-1 defeat byBrighton & Hove Albion.
Konate is dealing with a muscle problem that caused him to miss their previous game against Newcastle United, while Thiago underwent hip surgery before the season began and has faced setbacks in his recovery.
Furthermore, Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, will also be absent for the match against Villa at Anfield on Sunday.
Van Dijk received a red card for a foul on Alexander Isak during the Newcastle game.
Klopp, however, didn’t provide much information regarding Liverpool’s potential transfer activity on the upcoming Friday deadline day.
“Ibou (Konate) will not be ready for the game,” Klopp said.
“Curtis (Jones) is back in training fully. Thiago started training with the team and then had a little setback, so we have to slow down there a little bit.
“Thiago will use the international break for that then, obviously, to be up to speed, and I’m pretty sure that should hopefully be enough for him then.” tweet Klopp maintained forward Mohamed Salah was not for sale amid reported interest from Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad, saying there was “no offer as far as I know”.
Liverpool have been linked with a move forBayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch,with British media reporting that the Dutch midfielder was undergoing a medical at the club on Friday.
“We cannot talk about that because nothing has really happened yet,” he said, and remained noncommittal when asked if Liverpool would strengthen further after the possible arrival of Gravenberch.
“It’s deadline day, I don’t want to kill the excitement of the people. You never know. But I am busy today with other things.”
Liverpool are third in the league with seven points from three games, one point above Villa in seventh place.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham is one of the options being considered, according to sources informed by ESPN’s James Olley.
Fulham and Bayern have agreed on a transfer fee of around €65 million for Palhinha.
However, Palhinha’s move to Bayern hinges on whether Fulham can successfully acquire a suitable replacement before the transfer window closes on Friday night.
ESPN’s sources have revealed that Fulham initially turned down an offer earlier in the week, but Bayern returned with an improved bid that Fulham found acceptable, especially since Palhinha is eager to make the move to the Bundesliga champions.
Additionally, Fulham is nearing the completion of a £20 million deal to sign Everton winger Alex Iwobi, with the 27-year-old currently undergoing a medical examination.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Eintracht Frankfurt have reportedly come to an agreement worth €90 million for the transfer of French international striker Randal Kolo Muani, who is 24 years old.
This development follows reports from both RMC Sport and L’Equipe.
Randal Kolo Muani, who had expressed his desire to join PSG, took a significant step towards achieving his wish by skipping a training session with Frankfurt.
PSG had previously made two unsuccessful attempts to acquire the former Nantes forward earlier in the summer, with the latest bid totaling €65 million and including 21-year-old Hugo Ekitiké.
However, Frankfurt rejected this offer, insisting on €90 million for their prolific French striker.
Subsequently, negotiations resumed, and PSG substantially increased their bid to finalise the deal and bring Kolo Muani to the Parc des Princes.
According to L’Equipe, PSG has agreed to a €75 million fixed fee with an additional €15 million in performance-related add-ons, aligning with Eintracht’s valuation of Kolo Muani.
Nevertheless, certain details, including Frankfurt’s search for a replacement, still need to be resolved.
Carlo Ancelotti has affirmed his contentment with the Real Madrid squad as the transfer window draws to a close. This is despite the fact that the team is currently dealing with the absence of key players, namely Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and Vinicius Junior, due to injuries.
Vinicius is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks due to a thigh injury, which has left Rodrygo Goes and Joselu as the only two senior forwards available for Madrid.
Furthermore, the club addressed Courtois’s absence, caused by an ACL tear, by bringing in Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan.
“I’m very happy,” Ancelotti said in a news conference on Friday. “We did what we had to do early. When the season started, everything was done. The squad is competitive, with quality, energy and experience.
“We’ve had [injury] problems as you do during the season, but the squad is good and we can replace those players without any problems… We’ll replace [Vinicius] with a player with different characteristics, so we’ll try to adapt the way we attack.”
Madrid’s biggest signing was Jude Bellingham, who’s made an instant impact so far with four goals in three games, and will make his home debut at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday against Getafe.
“The fans will be happy to see him live in the stadium,”Ancelotti said. “He’s got such a big personality. He’ll be happy to play at the Bernabeu for the first time.”
Manchester United is in a race against the clock to secure a deal for Fiorentina midfielderSofyan Amrabat.
According to The Athletic, the club’s director of football negotiations, Matt Hargreaves, has travelled to Italy with the aim of finalising a loan agreement for the Moroccan international before the transfer deadline, which expires tonight.
Sofyan Amrabat, aged 27, has expressed his desire to make the move to Old Trafford.
However, negotiations between the two clubs have proven challenging. United’s initial €2 million loan offer was rejected, while Fiorentina is holding out for either a permanent transfer fee of €35 million or a loan deal with an obligation to make the transfer permanent.
Additionally, Manchester United has successfully completed a €5 million transfer for Turkish international goalkeeper Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce and is currently in discussions with Tottenham regarding a potential loan deal for left-back Sergio Reguilón.
Crystal Palace’s forward, Jordan Ayew, has been honoured with the title of Player of the Month for August, owing to his exceptional performance at the start of the season.
Jordan Ayew has made a remarkable impact this season, contributing three assists in four games, including two in the Premier League and one in the EFL Cup.
His assists played a pivotal role in Crystal Palace’s early-season successes.
On the opening day of the Premier League, Ayew provided the crucial assist for Palace’s winning goal against Sheffield United. He also played a significant part in securing a draw against Brentford by delivering an assist.
In the EFL Cup, Ayew came off the bench and inspired Palace to stage a comeback from a goal down to triumph 4-2 against Plymouth.
He assisted Odsonne Edouard in scoring the equalising goal.
While Jordan Ayew hasn’t found the back of the net himself so far, his outstanding form has been instrumental for Palace in the initial stages of the season.
It’s worth noting that Ayew, a formerCrystal Palace Player of the Season, is currently in his fifth season with the club, having initially joined on loan in 2018 before making a permanent transfer in 2019.
Prominent global online betting and gaming brand, Betway, has unveiled a new partnership deal to become the Official Global Betting Partner of Arsenal’s men’s team.
This multi-year agreement marks the latest addition to Betway’s football portfolio, which includes partnerships in the English Premier League as the Principal Partner of West Ham and the Official Global Partner of Brighton, in addition to collaborations with clubs in La Liga and the Bundesliga.
Under this new partnership, Betway aims to enhance the overall supporter experience by orchestrating global activations and producing exclusive content across various social media platforms.
Notably, Betway’s branding will be prominently displayed on advertising boards at the Emirates Stadium, which has a capacity of 60,000, during all domestic matches in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup, thereby increasing its visibility among Arsenal fans worldwide.
Arsenal has cultivated a strong connection with Africa over the years, captivating fans across the continent with their attractive brand of football and signing numerous African talents.
As part of this partnership, Betway will provide comprehensive Code of Conduct and Responsible Gaming training to all players and staff at the club.
This training will outline regulations and educate individuals about the potential harms of gambling, as well as the available tools and support.
This initiative complements Arsenal’s existing efforts, working in collaboration with the FA and PFA, to support players in this crucial area.
Anthony Werkman, CEO of Betway Group, said:
“Having built one of the most exciting and enviable global sport sponsorship portfolios of any industry, I am absolutely thrilled to announce our new partnership as the Official Global Betting Partner of English Premier League side, Arsenal.
“We’re excited to work together to deliver great content and experiences for Arsenal’s huge global supporter base and Betway will also be working with the club to ensure the partnership follows industry marketing protocols and important responsible gambling practises.
“We look forward to supporting them on their journey both domestically and in Europe this season and beyond.”
Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer at Arsenal, said:
“We are pleased to announce Betway as our official global betting partner. It is the latest of a number of global brands to join our family of partners in recent weeks, a further sign of our commercial strength as a club. We are excited to work with Betway to bring more experiences to our supporters across the world, and promote the importance of responsible gambling.”
Beyond Football, Betway has built an enviable portfolio of sponsorships in a wide array of sports that include Tennis, Cricket, Horse Racing, the NBA and the NHL.
President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), Bernard Quartey, has highlighted the positive impact of UK-based Ghanaian boxer Seth Gyimah, also known as Freezy Macbones, on the national amateur boxing team.
Freezy Macbones is one of the 13 amateur boxers representing Ghana, collectively known as the Black Bombers, aiming to secure spots at the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal.
Despite transitioning to professional boxing, Freezy Macbones was still eligible to join Ghana’s team, thanks to new regulations in the sport.
In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb, President Quartey emphasised how quickly Freezy Macbones adapted to Ghana’s traditional boxing style.
GBF president George Lamptey
He noted that the light-heavyweight boxer has significantly increased the team’s competitiveness, as none of the other boxers want to risk losing their place on the team.
“He has brought competition to the team. You, the local boxer, now know that it is not on the silver platter, because if you say you are the local champion, someone from outside will come and unseat you,” Bernard Quartey told GhanaWeb.
The GBF president noted that his federation has been monitoring the progress of the boxer for a while now and was excited to know that Freezy Macbones wanted to etch his name in history as an Olympic boxer.
“If you can recall, in his last fight, he made it clear to the world that he has a dream to become an Olympic medalist. So as a leader, we’ve been monitoring him. The Olympics allow professional boxers with minute fights to participate,” he stated.
Freezy Macbones arrives in Ghana
Adding, “So we spoke to him and did a lot of work to convince him and his management and we have him here to train with our local boxers. He has been in the UK for a very long time, and our style of boxing is different.
“Every local boxer wants to associate himself with the local boxers because we need to share ideas to uplift and grow in knowledge,” he said.
Defender Lucas Hernandez (27) has been brought back into the France squad for the upcomingEuro 2024 qualifier against Irelandand a friendly against Germany.
However, midfielders N’Golo Kante (32) and Paul Pogba (30) are not included.
Hernandez had experienced an extended absence last season due to a cruciate ligament injury suffered during the World Cup. Nevertheless, he has participated in three Ligue 1 matches for Paris St Germain this season, following his move to the French champions in July.
Arsenal defender William Saliba (22) is also making a return to the squad after recuperating from a back injury that sidelined him earlier this year.
Kante, who secured victory in the 2018 World Cup and joined Saudi Pro League’s Al Ittihad in June, has been omitted from the squad. The 32-year-old has confronted a series of injury setbacks over the past few years, leading to limited appearances for France since 2022.
“He’s played again, he’s played a few games in a row, not all of them full games, with a good level of league, even if the temperatures are high, which isn’t ideal,” France coach Didier Deschamps told reporters.
“He’s just come off a year out. I felt he needed to keep going and the players who were there during his absence lived up to my expectations.
“(Kante) is still eligible for selection, but at this gathering I took the option of confirming the younger players who had already responded well to the expectations of the very highest level.”
Pogba has made one substitute appearance for Juventus this season after knee surgery and muscle injuries restricted him to just 161 minutes last season, with Deschamps saying he believes in the midfielder’s ability to “get back to his best level”.
“He has the mental strength and the experience, but it’s not going to happen by snapping his fingers. And if he’s back to his best, he’ll be a major contender for the France team again,” Deschamps added.
France, who are top of Group B, host Ireland on September 7th at the Parc des Princes before travelling to face Germany on September 12th.
France squad Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola (West Ham United), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens)
Defenders: Axel Disasi (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (Paris St Germain), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Benjamin Pavard (Inter Milan), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
He clarified on Wednesday that these rules will not be adopted for UEFA competitions.
Inspired by FIFA’s implementation at the men’s and women’s World Cups, English referees decided in July to factor in the exact time lost due to goal celebrations, substitutions, and injuries.
The goal behind this change is to enhance the duration the ball remains in play, as matches now regularly extend beyond 100 minutes in total.
Notably, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester United’s Raphael Varane, and the global players’ union FIFPRO have criticised this new approach, expressing concerns that it will amplify player workload within an already congested schedule.
“It’s absolutely absurd,” former AC Milan and Croatia midfielder Boban told reporters in Monaco.
“Regarding player welfare, it’s some kind of small tragedy or big tragedy because we are adding almost 12, 13, and 14 minutes.
“When you play 60, 65 minutes—I can speak from my experience, especially as a midfielder—when you get tired, it’s the last 30 minutes of the game. And then somebody comes and adds another 15 minutes.
“How often have we spoken critically about the calendar and too many games. We are not listening to players and coaches … It’s crazy. It’s too much, so we will not do this. Our guidelines are different.”
UEFA’s chief refereeing officer, Roberto Rosetti, backed Boban and said the governing body had been working for five years to increase the time the ball was in play during its competitions.
“There is something more important than the accuracy of additional time,” Rosetti said. Why do people like the Champions League so much? Because it’s intensive, it’s fantastic, the players never stop.
“We tell our referees to speed up the restart of play instead of focusing on stoppage time.”
In a statement on Thursday, FIFPRO said it welcomed UEFA’s approach, adding that the European governing body was listening to “players and unions”.
“This is an excellent player-centric decision that will make a difference for footballers across Europe,” FIFPRO Europe President David Terrier said.
England’s Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) chief Maheta Molango, who previously criticised the regulations, said player workload was a key issue for players.
“It is totally unsustainable. It’s clear they are having to make really difficult decisions about how to protect their own health and fitness,” Molango added.
Paris St Germain’s journey for their inaugural Champions League title will commence in Group F, a competitive lineup featuring Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, and Newcastle United, as revealed in Thursday’s draw.
Defending champions Manchester City are pitted against RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, and Young Boys in Group G. Having secured their first European victory this year, Pep Guardiola’s team is expected to advance comfortably to the knockout stage, especially considering their commanding 7-0 win over Leipzig in the previous tournament.
The record-holding 14-time champions, Real Madrid, are slated to face Serie A winners Napoli, Braga, and Union Berlin in Group C. Meanwhile, German powerhouse Bayern Munich is set to take on Manchester United, FC Copenhagen, and Galatasaray in Group A.
Inter Milan, last season’s runners-up, will face challenges from Benfica, RB Salzburg, and Real Sociedad in Group D. Meanwhile, Group B features an intriguing matchup between Europa League winners Sevilla and Arsenal, joined by PSV Eindhoven and RC Lens.
LaLiga champions Barcelona is set to compete against Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Royal Antwerp in Group H. Group E consists of Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Lazio, and Celtic.
TheChampions League group stage is scheduled to kick off on September 19th and wrap up on December 13th. The knockout rounds are slated to begin in February, culminating in the final at London’s Wembley Stadium in June.
As Jorge Vilda, 42, declined to resign as the coach of Spain’s World Cup-winning women’s team, and the country’s football federation (RFEF) is getting ready to fire him, a federation source revealed on Thursday.
RFEF President Luis Rubiales (46) was suspended by FIFA for planting a kiss on a player’s lips, and a new board that was established as a result has decided to work on terminating coach Vilda’s contract, a source told Reuters.
The women’s team players who went on strike following the incident are also being bargained with by the board for their return.
Vilda, who has backed Rubiales, is a polemical figure himself in women’s football.
The board was now working on the legalities of his termination and determining a severance package equal to his 160,000-euro salary, he said.
The RFEF, which speaks for Vilda while he remains its women’s team coach, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. During the World Cup, he said the team’s success would not have been possible without the RFEF’s backing.
SALARY OFFER
During an address to members of the federation on Friday, Rubiales declined to step down amidst the controversy surrounding the kiss incident, attributing it to what he termed “false feminists.”
He commended Vilda for overseeing the World Cup victory and extended an offer for a fresh, four-year contract with an annual salary of 500,000 euros.
Among those who most fervently supported Rubiales’ decision not to resign was Vilda himself.
According to a source, the federation cannot be bound by Rubiales’ verbal salary proposition and believes it has a “strong argument” in case Vilda chooses to initiate legal proceedings.
Over the weekend, the leading 58 female players of Spain’s national team declared that, following the medal ceremony in Sydney, whereRubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without consent, they would not resume playing for the national team under the present leadership.
The RFEF source noted that discussions were ongoing with players to ascertain whether the removal of Vilda would alter their stance.
Furthermore, the RFEF has actively pursued the return of Rafael del Amo, the president of the national committee for women’s football, who resigned in protest against Rubiales’ decision not to step down.
Del Amo has been nominated to speak to players on the pledge that the RFEF will renew the team’s staff, the source said.
US Female Player of the Year award, Julie Ertz, a two-time recipient of the award at the age of 31, announced her retirement from professional soccer on Thursday, as confirmed by the federation.
This decision comes after the disappointing performance of the American women’s team in theWomen’s World Cup held in New Zealand and Australia.
Throughout her international career, Ertz played both as a defender and in midfield, playing a crucial role in the United States’ triumphant World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019.
Following an 18-month hiatus from the sport due to giving birth to her son Madden, she made her return to the field in Australia and New Zealand.
Regrettably, the four-time champions experienced an untimely elimination in the tournament, being knocked out in the round of 16.
“Over the past couple of months, my heart has been filled with gratitude as I’ve thought about the amazing experiences soccer has given me,” Ertz said in a statement. Tweet “I can walk away with no regrets because while I gave soccer every ounce of myself, soccer gave me even more, and for that I’ll always be thankful.”
Ertz, who joined Angel City FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) this year, overcame a serious knee injury to participate in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and helped the United States earn the bronze medal.
Wolves have finalized the acquisition of 18-year-old Enso González, a winger from Paraguayan club Libertad.
Valued at approximately £5 million, the versatile player, capable of performing on either wing or in a supporting striker role, has committed to a five-year deal at Molineux.
Sporting director Matt Hobbs said: “This is a transfer we’ve worked on for a while and we’re delighted to have Enso joining us. He’s an exciting, young player, who will fit in well with our dressing room and within the DNA we’re trying to create.
“We wanted a front player who could play across the line and give us something different, and Enso is the name our recruitment team pushed.
“His creativity stood out, playing forward, being aggressive in possession and doing his work out of possession, but for me it was more what he does offensively.
“Most players do the other side of the work if you’re getting the right sort of people, but with Enso, I’m excited to see what he gives us going forward.”
Since breaking into Libertad’s first-team almost a year ago, González has made 39 appearances, scoring three goalsand assisting two others.
The Guardian reports that a competition for Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher is emerging between Tottenham and Bayern Munich.
At 23 years old, Gallagher is currently contending for playing time in the central midfield, a challenge intensified by Chelsea’s recent acquisitions of Enzo Fernandez, Moisés Caicedo, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Roméo Lavia.
A potential offer of £50 million is anticipated to be sufficient to secure Gallagher’s services. Tottenham is in the hunt for a replacement for Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, who is linked with a move to Atletico Madrid.
On the other hand, Bayern Munich is seeking a new No. 6 midfielder. However, it’s noted that former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel would prefer a loan arrangement for Gallagher.
Bayern Munich is reportedly placing a €30 million price tag on midfielder Ryan Gravenberch as he expresses interest in leaving the club.
Although Liverpool is interested in the 21-year-old, no agreement has been reached with Gravenberch or Bayern regarding the transfer fee.
Meanwhile, Bayern is considering potential replacements such as Fulham’s João Palhinha, Manchester United’s Scott McTominay, and Tottenham’s Eric Dier.
Gravenberch, who moved from Ajax to Bayern for €18 million last year, has struggled to make a significant impact, managing only one goal and one assist in 33 appearances across all competitions last season.
He has been limited to just one substitute appearance in the current season.
In response to departures like Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita, Liverpool is actively looking to bolster its midfield.
The England player now has a Cullinan Blue Shadow, bringing the total value of his Rolls-Royce collection to £1.65 million.
The Cullinan Blue Shadow is a limited edition, with only 62 made.
According to the manufacturers, the car is inspired by a “unique Bespoke Private Collection inspired by the Kármán Line—the enigmatic boundary above Earth where outer space begins.”
Black Badge Wraith, worth £700,000, and the Black Badge Cullinan, costing $390,000, are two of Marcus Rashford’s other Rolls-Royce models.
Despite his fondness for Rolls-Royce, the 25-year-old also has other vehicles, including a Lamborghini Urus Performante worth £350,000 and a McLaren 765 Long Tail valued at £280,000.
When Rashford made his UEFA Europa League debut in 2016 and scored twice against Midtjylland, he quickly gained notoriety.
After graduating from the Manchester United academy, the player went on to become a significant player for the team. With a salary of £200,000 a week, he is the ninth-highest-paid player on the team.
The owner of Ashanti Gold SC, Kwaku Frimpong, has said that he has called the Ghana Football Association to appear in court about the suspension of his team from the organisation.
In order to be clear, Kwaku Frimpong said that the club has summoned GFA in two separate matters and is currently awaiting a decision in one of them.
He disclosed to Asempa FM that the club is now appealing the GFA’s decision to ban it for its infamous match-fixing event in 2021.
“…they said were betting and that we were playing fixed matches. It seems they did not follow the required rules, which feels like they want to cheat Champion and Ashgold.
“I demanded that they give us the laws they used for the ruling but they refused. We couldn’t meet CAS’s deadline to make a case after they failed to give us the laws, so I decided to go to court in Ghana, where we are all waiting for the final judgement,” he said.
He proceeded to explain that the second case is about the GFA’s decision to dismiss the club as a member of the association during voting at the 2023 congress.
“With the recent case, it’s about them not being truthful. They said some people, through hand balloting, have voted at the congress for the motion that Ashgold should be sidelined from the GFA.
“They said 25 people voted that Ashold should be dismissed…but (after the voting)they said 67 people raised their hands, which is not true.
“We are businessmen, so we are not stupid. I imported a machine from China to calculate the voters and we got 25 and not 67 as the GFA said. It seems they want to cheat and disgrace us, that is why I made a case in court.
He further lamented that he is not a coward as the FA has made other football administrators, hence, he will fight for justice in court.
“They have put fear in all the football people so no one wants to speak out. If you speak, they will dissolve your team, and they have done it to more than six teams. But for me, Kwaku Frimpong, I’ll make it a case so let’s meet in court.”
On Monday, July 10, 2023, in the Great Hall of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, the GFA’s 29th Ordinary Congress officially declared and confirmed Ashanti Gold SC’s expulsion.
Before King Faisal FC financier Alhaji Grusah asked the forum to vote for AshantiGold SC’s return, FA General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo raised the issue of AshantiGold SC being removed and not participating in the Premier League. Black Stars team manager Mohammed Ameenu Shardow seconded the motion.
64 members of Congress voted against Ashanti GoldSC’s return for the 2023–2024 league season, while 17 supported their readmission in the league the following year.
AshantiGold SC has been suspended, which results in the club losing all membership privileges and preventing it from participating in any football competition, including but not limited to the Division Two League of the Ashanti Regional Football Association.
Dumelo’s mother, Antoinette Ampomah Dumelo peacefully passed away on August 15, 2023, he announced in a facebook post.
“My heart is broken. My dear mother passed away peacefully yesterday… my number one supporter. Heaven has gained an angel,” he posted.
More support has been pouring in for the actor when a picture of the grief-stricken actor clad in black traditional attire was shared by media personality Akua Pokua aka Vimlady.
The picture caption read, “This photo breaks my heart????Dumelo, baba nao sia. May the LORD wrap his arms around you and your family.”
She joins a host of other notable names who have come forth to offer their sympathies for the renowned actor both on and off social media.
Antoinette Ampomah Dumelo is expected to be buried on October 7, 2023. This was revealed during a moving one-week memorial service held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabakra.
The service brought together a gathering of family members, friends, and well-wishers who had been influenced by the life and legacy of Antoinette Ampomah Dumelo.
The commemorative event saw the attendance of numerous personalities from the showbiz industry, along with friends and family. Public figures such as Yvonne Nelson, Bola Ray, and Soraya Mensah were among those present.
Asante Kotoko occupies a prominent position in the African football arena and enjoys widespread recognition as one of the continent’s premier professional clubs.
The club stands unrivalled as the most accomplished and dominant team, boasting a remarkable track record of success.
Having secured 24 league titles and celebrated 9 FA Cup victories, Asante Kotoko has consistently showcased their prowess on the domestic stage.
Their achievements, however, extend well beyond the borders of Ghana, as they have clinched the African Champions League title twice.
The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) has paid homage to Asante Kotoko’s excellence by designating them as the African club of the 20th century.
This esteemed recognition underscores the enduring impact and legacy the club has established within the realm of football.
Over the course of their 88-year journey, Asante Kotoko’s path has been illuminated by triumphs, unwavering dedication, and a resolute commitment to the sport.
Romelu Lukaku is making a comeback to Italy following Chelsea’s agreement with AS Roma for a season-long loan deal.
The Belgian captain and all-time leading scorer will once again feature in Serie A, marking his second consecutive season in the league after his loan tenure with Inter Milan in the previous term.
“Lukaku has completed a season-long loan move to Serie A club AS Roma,” read a statement from Chelsea.
“The Belgium international, who joined Chelsea in the summer of 2021, spent the previous campaign on loan at Inter Milan.
“Lukaku will link up in the Italian capital with former Chelsea head coach Jose Mourinho, who guided Roma to the Europa League final last season.”
Lukaku scored 14 goals in 37 appearances last season in Italy as he helped Inter reach the Champions League final, where they were narrowly defeated by Manchester City.
On his return to London, the Belgian was not included in new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, despite the long-term injury suffered by the Blues’ star attacking signing, Christopher Nkunku.
This marks the second time that Jose Mourinho has signed Lukaku, having previously done so with Manchester United in 2017.
Speaking to The Times last year, Mourinho explained that he knows how to get the best out of him. He said: “At Inter he became the top man.
“He became loved – a big love from the supporters, love from teammates, great relations with the coach. He’s a big guy, physically so strong, but there is also a kid inside who needs that love, needs that support, needs to feel important.”
Roma will mark Lukaku’s seventh club on his football journey. He initiated his career as a young player with Anderlecht before making the move to Chelsea.
Subsequently, he underwent loan periods at West Brom and Everton, with the latter transition eventually becoming a permanent transfer. Following this, he embarked on a significant £90 million transfer to Manchester United.
While he had an impressive initial season, Lukaku’s popularity waned, leading to his departure. In 2019, he was transferred to Inter Milan for €80 million (£74 million). In Italy, he thrived, but due to financial turmoil at Inter, he was once again sold, this time back to his former club Chelsea in 2021.
Lukaku’s career has seen him netting more than 350 goals, a notable feat that includes a record 75 goals for Belgium.
However, he has grappled with challenges related to fitness and form in recent times.
Ghanaian football legend and cult-hero ofOlympique Lyon, Michael Essien, extended a warm welcome to the young talent Ernest Nuamah, who has successfully joined the French giants.
In response to the official introduction of Ernest Nuamah as an Olympique Lyon player on August 30, 2023, Michael Essien utilized his social media platform to convey his best wishes and good luck to Nuamah as he embarks on his journey with the new club.
Essien tweeted “Finally he is from Lyon, Come on @Nana_Nuamah10. Good luck, my little one”.
The completion of the transfer has brought immense joy to Michael Essien, stemming from two significant factors. Firstly, he holds a special place in the hearts of Olympique Lyon fans due to the remarkable years he spent at the club, leaving a lasting legacy. Secondly, Essien currently serves as a development coach at Nordsjaelland.
During his time at Nordsjaelland, Essien had the privilege of witnessing Ernest Nuamah’s exceptional talent firsthand. It’s believed that Essien played a pivotal role in Nuamah’s decision to choose Lyon over several other clubs vying for his signature.
Having been a part of Olympique Lyon’s roster for two years, Essien established himself as a dominant midfielder in the competitive French League.
His success in France paved the way for a transformative move to Chelsea in 2005, where he achieved worldwide recognition and world-class status.
Ernest Nuamah’s addition to Lyon comes through an initial season-long loan deal, accompanied by a subsequent obligation to purchase for a total deal worth €30 million, comprising a €25 million fixed fee and €5 million in add-ons. Nuamah has already inked a four-year contract with Lyon, valid from July 1, 2024.
Nuamah joins the ranks of Abedi Pele, Michael Essien, and John Mensah as the fourth Ghanaian player to join Lyon. Furthermore, he is anticipated to secure a spot in Chris Hughton’s Ghana squad for the AFCON 2023 Qualifier against the Central African Republic.
President of the Spanish Football Association (FA), Luis Rubiales, has faced strong criticism from his own uncle, who has described him as a “cowardly man” with an “obsession” for power, luxury, money, and women.
He was captured on camera grabbing his crotch during Spain’s 1-0 victory over England.
Additionally, he was seen hugging players and kissing Barcelona striker Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the post-match medal ceremony.
Despite facing widespread backlash, Rubiales has chosen not to resign and continues to defend himself.
His mother has even resorted to a hunger strike to clear his name. However, the entire squad of 23 players from Spain’s World Cup-winning team has vowed not to represent the national team until he steps down from his position.
Furthermore, 11 members of Jorge Vilda’s coaching staff have resigned.
Rubiales has faced criticism from various notable figures in sports and government. Now, his own uncle has questioned the character of the 46-year-old FA chief.
Juan Rubiales, who served as his nephew’s chief of staff at the RFEF between 2018 and 2020 but now endures a strained relationship with a close family member, has told El Confidencial: “Dignity is to defend Jenni, understand her, and reproach the embarrassing behaviour of this president.
“He is a proud, arrogant person and his great enemy is himself. He is suffering because of his pride and arrogance. And now he does not have the slightest dignity to get out of this trance in an honourable way.
“He is a cowardly man. When he puts on the boss’ hat, of course, he feels that he is the best.
“He is a man obsessed with power, obsessed with luxury, obsessed with money, even with women. I believe that this boy needs a programme of social re-education and re-education in his relationship with women.”
UEFA has rejected calls from the RFEF for Spanish teams to be banned from European competition as a result of government interference in sporting matters, but a long-running saga appears set to drag on for some time yet.
Lionel Messi’s influence on Major League Soccer (MLS) has leftUSMNT manager Greg Berhalter thoroughly impressed. The Argentine sensation’s on-field brilliance for The Herons has captured the attention of the United States.
Messi’s contributions have been instrumental in guiding Miami to victory in the League Cup, and he has amassed an impressive record of 11 goals and three assists in just 10 appearances across various competitions, including the MLS.
Berhalter commended the owners of Inter Miami for successfully attracting the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to the USA. He expressed his pleasant surprise at witnessing the significant impact Messi has had on the top-tier soccer scene in America.
“It’s been amazing exposure. … Overall, it’s just blown me away by the impact that Lionel Messi can have. And not only him but when you bring (Sergio) Busquets and (Jordi) Alba into it, how it can translate onto the field,” he added.
After witnessing Inter Miami’s triumph in the Leagues Cup final, Greg Berhalter, the USMNT manager, made a significant decision.
Following Inter Miami’s victory over Nashville, Berhalter included both Drake Callender and midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi in the upcoming USMNT squad for friendly matches against Uzbekistan and Oman.
Cremaschi’s diligent work ethic has caught the coach’s attention, and the young midfielder’s evident progress throughout the current season has earned him a well-deserved call-up to the national team.
“It’s not only you know, post-Messi, I think even pre-Messi,” Berhalter said. “You see that he had some ability, he had a great assist in the game against D.C. United early in the year. Just a really dynamic player and a guy who gives everything on the pitch,” he said.
After drawing a blank against Nashville in the MLS, Messi would be eager to get back his scoring boots against LAFC on Sunday evening in the competition.
Inter Miami, now benefiting from the presence of Lionel Messi, holds the belief that they can secure a spot in the MLS playoffs.
Coach Tata Martino has expressed that “anything can happen” as they aim for postseason success.
Previously situated at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the Florida-based team has managed to improve its standing.
Yet, in their recent match against Nashville at DRV PNK Stadium, they settled for a 0-0 draw, relinquishing valuable points. Despite this setback, they still find themselves 10 points away from cementing their position in the playoffs.
Lionel Messi’s arrival in the United States has undoubtedly left a profound impact, marked by his impressive record of 11 goals across nine wins and a draw.
Given this remarkable performance, coach Martino remains committed to the pursuit of MLS Cup glory, refusing to give up on their aspirations.
Inter Miami have seven games to take in during a busy September – including a U.S. Open Cup final clash with the Houston Dynamo – and have 10 MLS fixtures in total left on their schedule.
A play-off spot is still up for grabs, but Martino was left frustrated against Nashville.
He added on posting a rare blank: “Nashville is a team that defends well, and today I think they were a little deeper than in the [Leagues Cup] final.
[Our] team had more rhythm in the second half than in the first half; paradoxically, the best situations were [Robert] Taylor’s two chances in the first half.
“In the first half, the ball was moving too slowly; in the second, I think we did a little better, but it was hard for us. These games usually happen, and I understand everyone’s frustration. We too felt it was a good night to continue gaining ground.”
Inter Miami will sneak into the play-offs if they can secure a ninth-place finish or higher, with there still being the potential for Messi to land three pieces of silverware in his debut campaign – with one already landed, taking him to 44 career trophies, and a final berth booked in another domestic competition.
Erling Haaland has unveiled his unconventional sleep habits that contribute to his goal-scoring prowess, as the Manchester City striker tapes his mouth shut during sleep!
The Norwegian star achieved an impressive tally of 52 goals for Treble-winning City in the previous season, a feat that earned him the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
Already having found the net three times in the ongoing 2023-24 season, the 23-year-old striker maintains his reputation as a relentless threat to opposing defences.
Haaland’s commitment to continuous improvement drives him to stay a step ahead of his competitors.
This dedication encompasses even his bedtime routine.
In pursuit of optimal performance on the field, the determined forward leaves no aspect unaddressed, seeking every possible advantage to enhance his game.
Haaland has told Logan Paul’s YouTube show ‘Impaulsive’ of his somewhat bizarre sleeping rituals: “Movement, training, biomechanics, I’m a bit into, to use your body and make it work and function in the best possible way – I’m really into that. And I think sleep is the most important thing in the world.
“So to sleep good, simple kind of things – blue blocking glasses, shutting out all the signals in the bedroom, I think is really important. [It’s about] small things. I think doing a lot of things is not good but doing small things every single day for a longer period really pays off.”
He added when Paul revealed that he uses tape on his nose in a bid to open up his airways: “You should try and tape your mouth then! Why not! [Or] when you train? It would be a bit difficult. I have it, I sleep with it.”
Haaland also said of using a sauna on a daily basis: “I have it at home so I try and do it not every single day but almost every day.
Sauna, steam room.” His methods may not be to everyone’s taste, but they are clearly working and there is the promise of many more goals to come from the current holder of the Premier League’s Golden Boot.
Manchester United’s midfielder, Donny van de Beek, is currently engaged in discussions with two clubs for a potential loan move as the transfer window approaches its closure.
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United is in talks with Galatasaray and Lorient regarding the possibility of loaning out the Dutch midfielder.
Van de Beek has faced challenges with injuries during his time at Old Trafford and has been informed that he is not a part of manager Erik ten Hag’s plans, indicating his likely departure from the club.
While there were previous reports linking the midfielder to a return to his former club, Ajax, interest in that direction seems to have diminished.
Nevertheless, the Turkish club Galatasaray appears to be leading the race to secure Van de Beek’s signature, although there has also been interest from an undisclosed club.
Having not been included inManchester United’s matchday squad for the initial three Premier League fixtures, Van de Beek is now faced with a decision about his future as the transfer window deadline on September 1 draws near.
After a transfer worth €22 million (£19 million or $24 million), the United States international bid farewell to Stamford Bridge and embraced a new chapter at San Siro.
Despite facing challenges related to form and fitness during his time in England, Pulisic has swiftly made his mark in Italy, notably scoring goals in consecutive Serie A appearances.
Former Italy international Zola holds the belief that Pulisic has the potential to flourish in his new environment.
Speaking to DAZN, he highlighted the key to the 24-year-old’s consistent excellence: “Christian Pulisic is a player who, if he avoids injuries, is very strong and very important; he has remarkable qualities.
While talking up Pulisic’s potential, Zola believes Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be the man to make the biggest impact for Milan in 2023/24.
He added: “Another new AC Milan signing who has never been considered for his value is Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
He can play in different positions… mezzala, midfielder… he has impressive technical and physical qualities, he can become the player of the season.
When he was at Chelsea with Maurizio Sarri, he was the player who made them change gears, because he’s someone who has so much physicality and quality that he’s the one who really allowed them to break up the games.
He received the ball, beat a man and created superiority: he was really decisive.”
Milan, with Pulisic and Loftus-Cheek looking to make it three wins in a row at the start of the new season, will be back in action on Friday when they take a trip to the Italian capital to face Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
Vice Chairperson of the Ghana Women’s Premier League, Madam Rosalind Amoh, has strongly criticised former Black Queens goalkeeper Memunatu Salemana for attributing her current situation to earning meagre wages during her football career.
In an interview with Original TV, Memunatu Sulemana disclosed that she is currently residing in a kiosk in Kaneshie, Accra, due to financial challenges stemming from her football career.
However, Rosalind Amoh contends that Sulemana’s current circumstances are a result of her own life choices and behavior.
Speaking to Rainbow Radio, Amoh stated that Sulemana has made false claims and insinuated that there are undisclosed truths she could unveil.
“I didn’t want to bring it up, but I believe Sulemana’s current situation is the result of some life decisions and choices.” This is what will happen if you decide to live your life in a certain way and do not listen to advice.
“I’d be lying if I said Sulemana couldn’t make money while playing; aside from the amount the government gave to the players during the 1999 World Cup, she also made a lot of money from donations as a result of her exploits in the national team.”
“She had the chance to live outside of Ghana, but her life choices, which I won’t discuss, have gotten her to that position.”
Sulemana was a member of the Black Queen’s FIFA World Cup teams in 1999, 2003, and 2003.
She shared the stage alongside footballers like Adjoa Bayor, Alerta Sackey, and Mercy Tagoe Quarcoo. She also played club football for Post Ladies in Ghana and Pelican Stars in Nigeria’s Women’s Premier League.
Ansu Fati is reportedly prepared to depart fromBarcelona before the imminent closure of the transfer window this week. Brighton is actively engaged in pursuing an ambitious loan agreement for the Spanish forward, according to sources confirmed by ESPN.
Meanwhile, Tottenham has engaged in discussions with Barcelona as well.
However, Tottenham is also focused on securing the signing of Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson.
At 20 years old, Fati is open to the idea of a season-long loan move to the Premier League, which would allow him to maintain his connection with Barcelona.
Despite this inclination, no definite arrangement has been reached as the transfer deadline approaches on Friday.
This development marks a significant change in Fati’s stance, as he had previously been hesitant to leave the Catalan club this summer, despite external pressures.
Notably, Barcelona, his agent Jorge Mendes, and his father Bori have all been advocating for Fati to spend a year playing elsewhere in order to gain regular playing time and experience.
While both Spurs and Chelsea were linked with Fati earlier in the week, Brighton, under the guidance of coach Roberto De Zerbi, have emerged as the leading contenders to finalise the deal as of Wednesday
Bayern Munich is reportedly placing a €30 million price tag on midfielder Ryan Gravenberch as potential suitors, including Liverpool, show interest.
According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland, the Netherlands midfielder has communicated his wish to leave Bayern, pending approval.
While Liverpool remains interested in the 21-year-old, they have yet to finalise terms with Gravenberch or agree on a fee with Bayern.
Amidst these developments, Bayern has been linked to a few options for a potential replacement, including Fulham’s João Palhinha, Manchester United’s Scott McTominay, and Tottenham’s Eric Dier.
Gravenberch originally joined Bayern from Ajax for €18 million last summer, but his impact has been limited, with just one goal and one assist across 33 appearances in all competitions last season. In the current season, he has only made a single appearance as a substitute.
Liverpool is actively seeking to bolster its midfield after the departure of several key players from Anfield.
Notably, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho moved to Saudi Arabia, while James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita also left the Premier League giants.
Olympique Lyonnais has completed the signing of Ghanaian forward Ernest Nuamah, who is a graduate of the Right to Dream academy.
The announcement was made on Wednesday night, confirming that Nuamah will sport the number 37 jersey during his time with the club.
Notably, this is the same jersey number he wore during his stint with FC Nordsjaelland in the Danish Superliga.
The talented player’s move to Lyon comes on the back of his transfer from RWD Molenbeek in Belgium.
Although Nuamah initially joined RWD Molenbeek on a permanent contract from the Danish club, he has now been loaned to Olympique Lyonnais until June 2024.
Notably, RWD Molenbeek is owned by Eagle Football, the same entity that owns Olympique Lyonnais.
Ernest Nuamah’s exceptional performance in the 2022–23 season did not go unnoticed, as he clinched multiple awards, including Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year in the 3F Superliga.
The new season kicked off in remarkable fashion for him as well, with a hat-trick and the prestigious Player of the Month accolade.
In making this move, Nuamah joins the ranks of Abedi Pele, John Mensah, and Michael Essien as the fourth Ghanaian player to don the Olympique Lyonnais jersey.
Ghanaian musician and rapper, Maradona Yeboah Adjei, known in entertainment circles asGuru NKZ, has cautioned footballers against having sex before stepping onto the field to play.
While most footballers believe it keeps them fit before games, others believe it brings down one’s performance and concentration before and during games.
According to Guru, it is only ‘unserious, aimless, and visionless’ footballers who indulge in such an act, adding that it is prudent to concentrate on relevant issues rather than worldly stuff.
Speaking to Kumasi-based Angel FM, Guru said “Every football player with aim and vision will never have sex with a woman before going onto the field to play. We do what is more important than what pleases the world”,
It will be recalled that former Black Stars defender, Muhammed Gargo, as quoted by Modern Ghana, debunked the widespread belief that sex weakens players.
Gargo said players should not abstain from sex for an extended period of time because it limits their flexibility.
Some sports fitness coaches are also of the view that sex is good for footballers, as they need it to balance themselves.
The announcement was shared by the Accra-based club through their official social media channels on Wednesday, August 30th.
Having showcased an impressive performance in the 2022 Division One League, Yahaya Mohammed garnered substantial interest from multiple clubs. His remarkable abilities and goal-scoring proficiency have earned him recognition as a potential standout in Ghanaian football, having remarkably netted 17 goals in just 22 matches.
The potential of the talented striker did not escape the notice of Accra Lions’ scouts, who were attracted to his profile. Having previously represented Tamale City FC, Yahaya’s capabilities were swiftly recognized by the club’s management. Consequently, they acted promptly to secure his services, aiming to enhance the team’s offensive capabilities.
During the previous season, the Accra Lions successfully navigated the relegation challenge and finished 15th with 45 points from 34 games. With the inclusion of Yahaya Mohammed, the Accra Lions aspire for his goal-scoring prowess to significantly contribute to their performance in the 2023–24Ghana Premier League season.
After a challenging period last year that saw the Phobians finishing 12th in the Ghana Premier League, Quaye, a former Ghana international, is urging the devoted fans of the Ghanaian giants to leave the past behind and offer their unwavering support to the team in the upcoming season.
In an interview with Kessben FM, which was reported by Footballghana.com, Dan Quaye conveyed his confidence that positive changes are on the horizon for his former team in the upcoming campaign.
“I will urge the fans to rally behind the team in good or bad times. We need to forget about the past and cheer the team on in the upcoming season to honour Togbe Afede for contributing immensely towards the development of the club”
“We need to commend him for embarking on a lot of infrastructural development at Pobiman. Previously, it was WAFA and Ashanti Gold who had good infrastructures but the narrative has changed because of the good work of Togbe Afede”
“The fans should consider the good work of Togbe Afede and support the team and I am 100 percent sure that things will change for Hearts of Oak next season. So the fans should fill the stadium in their numbers in the forthcoming season.”
Marca claims that Manchester United asked about Villarreal defender Alfonso Pedraza amid a hunt for a new left-back.
Pedraza, 27, played for Leeds United on loan in 2017 and made his way onto United’ radar after injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
However, Villarreal would not negotiate and the report claims that United quickly moved on.
Indeed, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella is now one of a number of short-term options identified by United, along with Marcos Alonso, Nicolás Tagliafico and Sergio Reguilón.
In the upcoming November, the initial phase of the qualifiers is set to commence, with the Accra Sports Stadium and Cape Coast Sports Stadium being the sole Ghanaian venues approved for these matches.
Ghana finds itself placed in Group I, alongside Mali, Madagascar, the Central African Republic, the Comoros, and Chad.
With a revised format featuring nine groups, as announced on May 19, 2023, the qualification dynamics have evolved. In this updated structure, five teams will now secure qualification instead of the previous four.
The teams have been allocated to nine groups, each comprising six teams. The victor of each group will earn a direct slot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, the four most outstanding group runners-up will engage in playoffs to determine which team will progress to the inter-confederation play-offs.
These nine groups will participate in a home-and-away round-robin contest. The group winners will secure their places in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Simultaneously, the four most impressive group runners-up will be selected for playoffs, to determine theCAF representative for the inter-confederation play-offs.
Ghana’s World Cup qualification journey will commence with a home match against Madagascar, followed by an away fixture against Comoros, scheduled between November 13-21, 2023.
A Ghanaian-born player hailing from Spain and affiliated with Atletico Club,Nico Williams, has been nominated for the prestigious 2023 LaLiga U-23 Player of the Year award.
This annual accolade, known as the Mejor Jugador Sub-23, is bestowed upon players under the age of 23 who have exhibited exceptional individual performances and contributions to their respective clubs.
At 21 years old, Nico Williams finds himself in competition with four other outstanding talents: Pablo Barriors from Atletico Madrid, Kubo representing Real Sociedad, Lamine Yamal of Barcelona, and Savinho from Girona FC, for the coveted title.
During the 2022/23 season, Nico, who is the younger sibling of Ghanaian forward Inaki Williams, delivered an impressive performance, scoring six goals in 36 matches for the Lions. However, in the ongoing 2023/24 season, he has yet to hit the back of the net after three games.
Nico Williams initially showcased his skills with Spain’s under-18 squad in 2020, where he netted two goals in four matches. He subsequently earned a call-up to the Spanish under-19 team in February 2021 and made his debut for the Under-21s in September of the same year.
In a notable milestone, Nico received his first senior squad call-up from Coach Luis Enrique for the UEFA Nations League in September 2022. During his international career, he scored his inaugural goal for the national team in a friendly match against Jordan. This achievement led to his inclusion in Spain’s squad for the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar.
Barcelona is considering the possibility of parting ways with defender Eric Garcia, as Girona expresses interest, as per Calciomercato’s report.
Despite manager Xavi’s desire to keep the 22-year-old player, Girona is reportedly making strong efforts to secure a deal for the Spanish international.
Should Barcelona aim to bring in new players before the transfer window closes, they may need to facilitate the departure of some of their own players, which might open the door for Garcia’s potential exit.
This season, the defender has been primarily used as a substitute, a situation that could enhance the likelihood of a transfer occurring. Garcia is in search of more consistent opportunities forfirst-team action.
Managing Director for Ghana Publishing Company Limited, has sent a passionate appeal to the presidential aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), with the exception of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to be careful of delegates seeking favours to cast their ballots for them.
The polling agent of Dr Bawumia made this appeal during an interview on Asempa FM on August 30, 2023, on the just-ended NPP Super Delegates Conference.
Speaking in disagreement with the popular narrative of a possible turn of events in the outcome of the just ended elections, where Dr. Bawumia secured about 68% of the votes, Mr Boateng believes that the 629 votes garnered by Dr Bawumia indicate that he has already won in the November 4 polls.
Hence, he advised the other aspirants to be “weary of political merchants” who tickle them about a possible flip-flop later this year.
“I would like to make a passionate appeal to the leadership of the party and the dignified men of integrity that is the presidential aspirants contesting with Dr Bawumia to be weary of political merchants and entrepreneurs.”
“If you contest in an election and in the stronghold of the party and the biggest region, that gives the party the best political support and endorsement; out of over 120 votes, you secure just 10 votes, really? If they have very close relatives around them, they should advise them. “Having people cheer you on about your victory doesn’t guarantee a win that is clearly not yours,” he said.
Additionally, he called on the aspirants to “think about the progress of the NPP’s progress for the 2024 election,” acknowledging that it would be a difficult for the NPP to win but that a win is definitely guaranteed.
On his part, the party’s victory in the 2024 elections is highly dependent on an “NPP with a unified front.”
The NPP’s Super Delegates Conference held on Saturday, ,August 26, 2023 was aimed at reducing the number of candidates in the party’s flagbearer contest from 10 to 5.
Kennedy Agyapong secured the second position with around 132 votes, trailing behindVice President Bawumia, who garnered 629 votes out of a total of over 900 votes while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen placed third with 95 votes, or 10.29%.
Following the tie by Boakye Agyarko and Francis Addai-Nimoh, a run-off election will be held for both of them on Saturday, September 2, 2023, to decide which of them will join the primaries.
However, manager Parkinson was extremely dissatisfied with the referees’ call to award the opposing team a penalty within the first three minutes of the match.
The decision was made after Aaron Hayden was deemed to have committed a foul against Jamie Walker, and the manager expressed his belief that the referee had made a “guess” in this situation.
“For an absolutely nothing incident, the ref has given a penalty. He’s got four players in between him and the incident and he’s told me it was him who gave it, but there is absolutely no way he can see it so he’s clearly guessed”.
“The linesman has got the best view of all and is mic’d up and is supposed to communicate and the officials are supposed to work as a team.
“I feel a little bit aggrieved by how that decision has come about, but we have to take it on the chin and we had to respond and I thought the lads responded really well.”
In the shootout, Wrexham experienced two missed penalty attempts, as both Luke Young and James Jones were unable to convert. This loss signifies that the team has managed to secure victory in only one out of their previous five matches.
Rigobert Song has provided insight into his choice toreinstate Andre Onana, the goalkeeper from Manchester United, to the Cameroon national team.
During the 2022 World Cup, the United goalkeeper returned home prematurely due to a purported disagreement with the Cameroon manager regarding tactics.
According to Song, Onana had requested not to be considered for the final two group stage matches against Serbia and Brazil.
This led to the goalkeeper leaving the team’s camp and announcing his unexpected retirement from international football, despite being only 26 years old.
Nevertheless, Onana has since reversed his retirement decision, and both Song and Onana have decided to set aside their differences.
Song told reporters after including Onana in his latest Cameroon squad: “It all depended on him.
He knew what he had to do. If he’s on the list, it’s because he did the right thing. He’s one of the best goalkeepers, and the door was always open. There was never a problem with André. Today, we are satisfied that he is reunited with the group.”
Since the World Cup, Onana’s reputation has significantly grown, highlighted by his participation in a Champions League final with Inter Milan. His impressive development has not escaped attention, prompting Manchester United to make a substantial investment in the goalkeeper during the summer transfer window.
The club paid a significant £48 million ($62 million) to Inter Milan as a transfer fee, securing Onana as a replacement for the former No.1, David de Gea.
Before departing for international duty, Onana is set to don theManchester United jersey and face Arsenal over the upcoming weekend. Upon fulfilling his club obligations, he will then shift his focus to representing Cameroon.
It is anticipated that Onana will reclaim his position as the goalkeeper for The Indomitable Lions during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi scheduled for September 12.
Embattled chief of the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation), Luis Rubiales, has been harshly criticised by La Liga president Javier Tebas in a shocking statement.
Rubiales has faced significant backlash following an incident where he was observed grabbing and kissing Jennifer Hermoso after Spain’s victory over England in the2023 World Cup final.
Numerous individuals from the football community have expressed condemnation for Rubiales’ actions, including the England Lionesses, who were the runners-up in the final match.
The Spanish government has initiated an investigation into Rubiales’ conduct, and La Liga’s president has now delivered a scathing critique of his counterpart at the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Aside from the “kiss-gate,” Rubiales was also seen making an offensive gesture during the match against England. Tebas has asserted that these actions have “undermined the dignity” of the entire nation.
In a post on X, formerly referred to as Twitter, Tebas wrote,”It is unworthy to coerce the players of the National Team and focus on them or on their reaction. They are not guilty of the image of Spain given by Rubiales.
“No opportunism or political hypocrisy justifies that the image of Spain has been represented by a madman touching his genitals, forcing kisses, carrying players like sacks, and touching (Hermoso) inappropriately at such an important moment.
“It is not a question of left or right, Rubiales not only undermined Jenni’s dignity with his attitude, but also that of Spain.”
Chelsea are prepared to challengeManchester City’s determination to retain Cole Palmer before the upcoming transfer deadline on Friday, sources have informed ESPN.
Although Chelsea has not yet formally submitted an offer for the 21-year-old forward, their head coach, Mauricio Pochettino reportedly favours the idea of pursuing Palmer. This move aligns with Chelsea’s intention to enhance their attacking options by adding another player to their roster.
At present, Palmer remains under contract with Manchester City until 2026. He commenced the season on a positive note, displaying his capabilities by scoring in both the Community Shield match against Arsenal and the UEFA Super Cup triumph against Sevilla.
The course of action that Manchester City would take in response to a potential Palmer departure remains uncertain. Nevertheless, Chelsea intends to explore the opportunity and bring the England Under-21 international to Stamford Bridge if they receive enough encouragement that a deal can be successfully negotiated.
While evaluating options, Chelsea has also considered alternative prospects, such as Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal and Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest. However, it’s worth noting that Tottenham Hotspur is now making progress in its pursuit of Brennan Johnson.
