Ajax manager Maurice Steijn remains optimistic that Ghanaian talent Mohammed Kudus will remain with the club for the upcoming 2023–24 football season.
Throughout the summer, Kudus, a prominent figure in Ghana’s national team, has been surrounded by transfer rumors.
In Ajax’s first match of the new Dutch Eredivisie season against Heracles on Saturday, Kudus was included in the starting lineup and contributed a goal in their impressive 4-1 comeback victory.
During a post-match interview, Maurice Steijn emphasised that, despite the various speculations, there is no concrete information regarding the potential transfer of the midfielder.
Steijn conveyed that Kudus is fully focused on delivering his best performance for Ajax.
“I have read a lot of reports about Kudus this week, but there is literally nothing right now that points to him leaving. I spoke to him this week, and he is fully focused on Ajax. He is a jewel for Ajax,” Maurice Steijn said.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Ajax are still working on a deal to sign Mohammed Kudus before the summer transfer window closes.
Manchester United is determined to pursue the acquisition of Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina, as reported by The Sun.
This pursuit of Amrabat comes as a response to Fred’s departure to Fenerbahce, with the Turkish club reaching an agreement in principle for €10 million plus an additional €5 million in potential add-ons.
Fred, 30, is set to undergo a medical examination in Istanbul on Saturday, contingent on finalising personal terms and securing international clearance.
Should the transfer be successful, Manchester United’s manager Erik Ten Hag will be eager to proceed with his strategy of bringing Amrabat to Old Trafford in order to bolster the team’s midfield.
Throughout the summer, Manchester United has engaged in discussions with Fiorentina regarding a potential deal for Amrabat, and they are committed to finalising the agreement.
A partial cause for the delay was linked to Fred’s departure from the club.
Additionally, Juventus has expressed interest in acquiring the 26-year-old Amrabat, who garnered attention during Morocco’s journey to the World Cup semifinals last year.
Italian Serie A team,Bologna, has put forth a revised offer for Cade Cowell, the American attacker from the San Jose Earthquakes, according to multiple sources familiar with the negotiations, as reported by ESPN.
The updated proposal entails a loan arrangement with a purchase option attached.
An insider familiar with the discussions revealed that if the purchase option is triggered, the initial transfer fee would amount to $3 million, potentially increasing to $5.5 million with specific performance-based incentives.
Additionally, San Jose would be entitled to a percentage of any prospective future transfers.
Negotiations are currently in progress, with Italy’s transfer window closing on September 1 and the MLS roster freeze date set for September 13.
This development corroborates reports from The Athletic that the Quakes had declined an offer from Ligue 1’s Stade de Reims last year, as well as Bologna’s initial bid.
Cade Cowell, aged 19, is currently in his fifth season with the San Jose Earthquakes, having signed a Homegrown contract with the team in January 2019. In the ongoing season, he has contributed three assists across 13 league matches.
Cowell also represented the United States at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, where he scored three goals, propelling the U.S. to the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champions Uruguay.
In total, Cowell has netted 11 goals for San Jose in a combined 102 appearances spanning league, cup, and playoff matches.
Cowell made his international debut for the U.S. in a friendly against Bosnia & Herzegovina in January 2021. Since then, he has earned eight caps, and earlier this year, he participated in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, scoring a goal in a resounding 6-0 victory over Trinidad & Tobago.
Ongoing discussions with the Premier League champions are underway regarding the 29-year-old Portuguese international. Manager Xavi Hernandez has expressed interest in acquiring a wingback who can contribute offensively.
Barcelona is restricted from proposing a complete transfer deal for Cancelo. However, there is optimism regarding the potential for a loan arrangement with a subsequent option to secure a permanent signing.
Cancelo is currently under contract at Etihad until the 2026–27 season.
As per Nicolo Schira, personal terms between Barca and Cancelo have been agreed upon.
Negotiations between the two clubs are set to persist, focused on finalising the structure of the proposed season-long loan agreement.
Despite being less favoured by Pep Guardiola last season, Cancelo secured two league title medals as he was loaned to Bayern Munich, who ultimately becameBundesliga champions, in January.
Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and Marco Verratti were conspicuously absent from the Paris Saint-Germain lineup during their season-opening match against Lorient on Saturday, resulting in a goalless draw at Parc des Princes.
The uncertainty surrounding the trio’s future with the club has prompted their omission.
The relationship between Mbappé and the Ligue 1 champions has been strained, particularly since the forward declared his intention not to extend his contract, which concludes at the close of the 2023–24 season.
Notably, the French international was also excluded from PSG’s preseason tour last month.
Kylian Mbappe
Mbappé is just one of several players who have been rumoured to be departing Parc des Princes during the ongoing transfer window, set to conclude on September 1.
Media reports in France have indicated that Neymar, the club’s record signing, and midfielder Verratti are also deemed surplus to requirements by the club.
Chelsea is poised to make another significant investment in the transfer market by potentially setting a new British transfer record for the second time this year.
The club has reportedly put forth a proposal of £115 million to secure the services of Brighton midfielder Moisés Caicedo, as revealed by sources speaking to ESPN’s James Olley.
While the precise details of the arrangement are still under discussion, Chelsea has signalled its intention to surpass the £111 million offer that Liverpool presented to Brighton for Caicedo on Friday.
It’s been confirmed by sources that the 21-year-old midfielder has expressed his desire to join Stamford Bridge, even after Liverpool reached an agreement with Brighton.
After undergoing protracted negotiations with Brighton throughout the summer—seeing a series of bids turned down, with the most recent being £80 million—Chelsea is now on the verge of finalising a deal that, with potential add-ons, will exceed the £106.8 million they spent on Enzo Fernández from Benfica in January.
In addition to their pursuit of Caicedo, Chelsea is aiming to outpace Liverpool in securing another midfielder, Romeo Lavia, by initiating discussions with Southampton.
Despite Liverpool’s multiple offers, Southampton has rejected them all for the 19-year-old Lavia,but Chelsea appears ready to exceed his £50 million valuation.
While Manchester United has accepted a £30 million (€34m/$38m) bid from West Ham for Maguire, the transfer has yet to be finalized.
With this deal nearing completion, Manchester United has reportedly shifted their focus towards Bayern Munich’s versatile defender, Pavard.
According to information from Fabrizio Romano, the Premier League team has engaged in discussions with the Bundesliga champions, although there has been no approval from Bayern Munich for the deal.
Pavard, who primarily plays as a right-back for Bayern, is reportedly keen on leaving the Bundesliga club as he has no intentions of extending his contract, which expires in 2024.
The 27-year-old Frenchman is seen as a suitable replacement for Maguire, with Manchester United aiming to offload Maguire and recoup a portion of the £80 million ($101.9 million) they paid to Leicester City in 2019 – a then-world record fee for a defender.
Notably, Pavard, who is also capable of performing as a centre-back, has reportedly garnered the admiration of Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United is scheduled to kick off their season on Monday, August 14, against Wolves, while Bayern Munich begins their Bundesliga campaign the subsequent Friday against Werder Bremen.
It remains uncertain whether Maguire and Pavard will still be part of their respective teams when these matches take place.
As Chelsea and Liverpool prepare to begin their Premier League campaignsss this Sunday, Chelsea’s head coach acknowledged a particular aspect in which his counterpart surpasses him.
Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea, addressed the press on Saturday evening in anticipation of their upcoming match against Liverpool.
Pochettino openly stated that he shares a positive rapport with Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp.
The Argentine manager went on to express admiration for Klopp’s adeptness at displaying his enthusiasm on the field, commending both his football philosophy and personality.
Pochettino said: “He is better than me at showing his personality! But yes, his passion is there. Yes, I love him. I love him in a good way. I want to beat him on Sunday, but I think it is going to be a good game, and for sure I am going to enjoy seeing him again.
He added: “I enjoy his philosophy for football, how he is, and his character. I like how he is a very warm person; he has his character, and I think his debut was against us at Tottenham.
“Yes, from there, we’ve had very good relations. We have some of the same friends who played for Southampton, like Adam Lallana, that creates a good link between us. A player that loves us and Jurgen. It is a good link, communication period between the coaching staff.”
“He is one of the best. He was so nice when I left Tottenham. One of the best messages. He’s doing a great job with Liverpool.
There are good and bad periods, but they really believe in him and give him the best tools to create a good team to fight for every title,” he said
Klopp has always been regarded as one of the best personalities in the game, with the German being lauded multiple times by Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola as well as a lot of his former players. Pochettino’s comments just further cement his status.
The duo will clash on Sunday at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea play host to Liverpool at 4:30 p.m. British Standard Time (BST).
Before the League Cup quarterfinal clash on Friday between Inter Miami and Charlotte FC, a notable occurrence took place as Argentine iconLionel Messi accompanied David Beckham’s daughter onto the pitch.
This event involved both teams’ starting lineups.
This followed Messi’s earlier engagement, when he walked out alongside Asahd, the son of DJ Khaled, before a match against Atlanta United.
In the context of the League Cup,Inter Miami was squaring off against Charlotte FC in the quarterfinal, with the victor progressing to potentially face the Philadelphia Union or Queretaro.
Reports suggest that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has accepted a substantial offer forNeymar from Al-Hilal, a team in the Saudi Pro League.
The Brazilian player has apparently expressed his desire to leave PSG this summer, although the French club might hold out for a minimum of €150 million (£130 million or $165 million).
According to Fabrizio Romano, renowned for transfer news, Al-Hilal made a sizable offer for the 31-year-old on Saturday, which has now been acknowledged by RMC Sport.
Despite ongoing advanced negotiations between Neymar’s representatives and the club, Neymar himself has not yet given his approval for the deal.
If Neymar departs PSG during this summer window, it would mark the conclusion of his six-year stint in Paris, where he has recorded 118 goals in 173 appearances.
This development coincides with a somewhat unsettled period for the Ligue 1 champions, as evidenced by Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Marco Verratti being excluded from the squad in the 0-0 draw against Lorient.
Interestingly, Al-Hilal had previously presented a €300 million (£259 million or $332 million) bid for Mbappe last month, which was declined as Mbappe displayed no interest in moving there.
PSG’s focus is on selling Mbappe this summer after he declined a contract extension.
Avoiding a free transfer next year is PSG’s goal, but if both Neymar and Mbappe depart, the team’s performance in Ligue 1 and the Champions League could potentially suffer.
Negotiations are ongoing, and it appears increasingly likely that Neymar will not participate in anymore matches for PSG.
Cristiano Ronaldo steered a 10-man Al-Nassr team to their inaugural Arab Club Champions Cup victory, netting twice in a 2-1 overtime triumph against fellow Saudi contenders Al-Hilal on Saturday.
Following his transfer to Al-Nassr, Ronaldo experienced a trophy-less season, with the team securing second place in the Saudi Pro League.
However, the 38-year-old impressively netted six goals in the tournament, clinching the tournament’s top scorer distinction on the path to securing the championship.
This competition involves elite Arab clubs from various regions, encompassing teams from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria.
The star-studded Al-Nassr lineup generated numerous scoring opportunities in the first half, as summer signings Sadio Mane, Seko Fofana, and Marcelo Brozovic were all thwarted by goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais.
The match at the King Fahd Sports City stadium stayed goalless until six minutes into the second half, when Al-Hilal’s Malcom delivered a cross that was met by his Brazilian counterpart Michael, who headed the ball in to give his team the lead.
Adding to the sting, the 27-year-old even mimicked Ronaldo’s iconic goal celebration, sprinting to the corner flag and launching into the air.
This turn of events seemed to ignite Ronaldo, and the Portuguese captain levelled the score in the 74th minute by capitalising on a low cross from right-back Sultan Al-Ghannam, thereby extending his scoring streak to five consecutive games.
Al-Nassr defender Abdulelah Al-Amri was sent off in the second half before Nawaf Boushal was given his marching orders while on the bench for arguing with an official, but they held on to take the game to extra time.
Ronaldo then doubled the lead in the first half of extra time when he pounced on a rebound off the crossbar and headed home with the goalkeeper off his line.
There were concerns, however, when Ronaldo was carted off the field with an apparent injury after a collision in the second period of extra time — just two days before their Saudi Pro League opener against Al-Ettifaq.
Former Acting General Secretary of the PNC, Atik Mohammed, has raised apprehensions regarding reported instances of financial misconduct attributed to the Bank of Ghana during Dr. Ernest Addison’s tenure as the bank’s Governor.
It has been alleged that the bank suffered a financial loss of GHC 60.8 billion in the previous year as a result of poor management.
“This is twice the amount we are to receive from our recent IMF bailout,” Minority Leader, Ato Forson told Journalists during a “Moment of Truth” event organised by the opposition National Democratic Congress on Tuesday, August 8.
He further stated, “the bank has also recorded a negative equity of over GHS55.1 billion. What this simply means is that the Bank of Ghana is insolvent” and blames the Akufo-Addo government, saying “the once prestigious Bank of Ghana, the mother of all banks in Ghana, has been bankrupted and collapsed by this NPP economic management team led by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia with the complicity of the Governor of the Central Bank”.
But the authorities of the Bank of Ghana have refuted the financial mismanagement claims.
BoG Response
“Bank of Ghana released its full-year 2022 audited financial statements on July 28, 2023. The financial statements reported a total loss of GHS 60 billion, which has since become a matter of unfortunate politicisation. It is noteworthy that $53.1 billion of those losses were a direct result of of the Government’s domestic debt restructuring exercise.
“It is important to put the Bank of Ghana’s 2022 financial results in proper context with a clear statement of the problem that Ghana faced and the chronology of events in Ghana since 2019.
There was a clear mismatch between revenue inflows and expenditure financed in 2020 by exceptional support from the IMF and World Bank resources, in addition to financing from the Bank of Ghana through the issuance of the GHS10 billion COVID-19 bond”, the bank’s website disclosed.
The bank report also said; “This triggered a liquidity crisis, spilling over into a balance of payments crisis. External and domestic payments needed to be made, the domestic auction was failing, and the Bank of Ghana had to step in to arrest a major economic and social crisis.
“A major plank of the corrective action required for the IMF programme was the Domestic Debt Exchange, where the stock of Government of Ghana debt was to be halved from 105% of GDP to 55% of GDP by 2028. The holders of Government debt had their debt instruments exchanged for new ones with lower interest payments and longer terms.
“Despite the losses inflicted on households and banks, the threshold of 55% of GDP was not met. The Bank of Ghana was used to close the gap to enable Ghana to meet the debt threshold that qualified Ghana for the IMF programme (Bank of Ghana therefore, acted as a loss absorber).”
It further established that “the Bank of Ghana had to abort a 50% haircut on its non- marketable holdings of Government debt instruments. This singular act led to significant impairment losses of GHS 32.3 billion to the Bank’s accounts. Impairments of marketable instruments also accounted for another GHS16.1 billion, bringing the total impairments of Government holdings to GHS48.4 billion” and continued that “as experienced by central banks globally, price and exchange rate movements led to a loss of GHS5.2 billion, while impairments of Cocobod loans amounted to GHS4.7 billion. This is the reason the Bank of Ghana reported a loss of GHS 60 billion in 2022″.
BoG revealed that the money covered their vehicle maintenance expenses, stating “fuel cost for all BoG operations, insurance of all BoG fleet of vehicles, car part replacements, and other maintenance costs. Historically, fuel costs have accounted for about 90 percent of this vehicle maintenance expense line. For 2022, the fuel cost increased by 123.3 percent compared to 28.9 percent in 2021”.
Atik Questions BoG
But Atik Mohammed has taken the Bank of Ghana’s statements with a pinch of salt.
Speaking on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” morning show, he found the bank’s explanations and expenses untenable.
“The question to ask is what is number of the Central Bank’s fleet of cars? How many cars do they have moving currency all over the country? The second question is on average, how many times do these vehicles carry or move currency from the Central Bank to these commercial banks and all other financial institutions? In a week, on average, how many times do they move?”, he asked for further clarifications.
“These are very critical questions that require answers because those answers will weather the expenditures they incurred are justifiable or not. But on the face of it and given the explanation they’ve given us, they are not tenable,” he told host Nana Yaw Kesseh.
Atik called for investigations into theBoG issue, stressing that “it greatly saddens me that a major player in Ghana’s economic policy could be this reckless as far as spending is concerned”.
The Foundation for Security Development in Africa (FOSDA) has emphasised the importance of prioritising the safety and security of citizens in Niger in any actions planned by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
This stance comes following ECOWAS decisions made during its meeting in Abuja, where it endorsed the deployment of a standby force to Niger as part of its measures.
However, Rhissa Ag Boula, a former Tuareg insurgent who has now become the tourism minister in Niger, mentioned that his newly established political party intends to work towards reinstating ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Theodora W. Anti, the Executive Director of FOSDA, commented on these developments, underscoring that maintaining peace and security for the people of Niger should be of the utmost importance.
“For FOSDA, the peace of the Country and the sub-region and the safety of citizens should be the guiding forces for all of ECOWAS’s intervention,” Madam Anti stated in a tweet.
The Extraordinary Summit was convened as a continuation of the recent one held on July 30, 2023, in response to what ECOWAS has termed the unlawful confinement of President Mohamed BAZOUM by the Presidential Guard members in the Republic of Niger on July 26, 2023.
Following the meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria, on August 10, 2023, a communiqué was issued by ECOWAS. In the communiqué, ECOWAS once again strongly condemns the attempted coup d’état and the ongoing unauthorised detention of President Mohammed Bazoam, his family, and his government members.
Furthermore, the Authority cautioned member states against taking any actions that could impede the ongoing process.
“Warn member states who, by their action, directly or indirectly, hindered the peaceful resolution of the crisis inNiger about the consequences of their action before the community.
“Uphold all measures and principles agreed upon by the extraordinary Summit held in Niger on July 30, 2023.”
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced its intention to cease the construction of cocoa roads after the current ongoing projects are concluded.
COCOBOD had launched the Cocoa Road Programme with the aim of addressing transportation challenges related to delivering agro-inputs to cocoa farmers and facilitating the evacuation of cocoa beans.
Joseph Boahen Aidoo, the CEO, revealed during the 50th Anniversary Celebration Symposium of the Cocoa Clinic that this change in policy is a result of discussions with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Both of these entities, he explained, had raised questions about COCOBOD’s involvement in road construction and suggested a focus on its core functions instead.
“The EU sent a team last year to do due diligence on sustainable production and when they came, they wanted to know why COCOBOD was involved in cocoa roads construction because it is not a core business of COCOBOD, and they insisted that we take that venture out of our equation; and, of course, the IMF is also saying the same thing”.
“They say that we can continue with what we are currently constructing and not start new ones”, Mr Boahen said.
In order to improve farmers’ access to healthcare, he also described plans for building healthcare facilities in cocoa-growing areas, noting instances of farmers having to travel far for care as motivation.
“I have had the experience where a woman, who was in labour and couldn’t deliver, had to be carried in a hammock and travelled over 28 kilometres and couldn’t survive.
“And, when we look at the countryside to see how our cocoa farmers struggle to access health delivery, you will be touched to do something; and that is why, as an institution, it is important to bring health services and facilities as close to these farmers as possible”.
Based on their investigations, the Coalition has found no evidence of validation being carried out by either Menzgold or Payboy.
The Coalition of Aggrieved Customers of Menzgold Ghana, a company that used to trade in gold, has urged its members to dismiss statements made by the CEO, Nana Appiah Mensah.
He had claimed that more than 60 percent of the claims submitted by customers, which were due for payment, did not meet the eligibility criteria.
This statement from the Coalition comes in response to the announcement made by the now-defunct gold-trading firm.
They had stated that after conducting a validation process, they were unable to validate over 60 percent of the claims submitted by individuals who purportedly were customers seeking compensation.
A statement issued by the defunct gold trading company on Wednesday, August 9 August said: “Unfortunately over 60 percent of the total claims received were sadly not eligible thus invalid as the purported claims are plagued by one or several” defects it listed, including: “fake (fraudulent) supporting documents, transactions not approved by an Authorised Menzgold official and illegitimate claimant” among others.
Reacting to this however, the Coalition of Aggrieved Customers of the defunct company in a statement issued on Friday, 11 August 2023, signed by its Public Relations Officer (PRO) Frederick Forson cautioned its members “not to buy access card from Menzgold or his agents to access the so called validation data.”
According to the Coalition, its “checks indicate neither Menzgold nor Payboy has done any validation. This is a well programmed scheme hatched by Nam1 and his associates to fraudulently extort money from unsuspecting customers.”
The Coalition also rejected the “so called validation” which was solely done by NAM1 and “his Menzgold without the involvement of any known state reputable agency because Menzgold and Brew Marketing company Ghana limited were shut down by a State agency and the CEO, currently facing criminal trial and so it cannot purport to be doing validation on its own volition.”
It stressed that “Payboy is a company that does not have any credibility and urged its members “to slow down not to make any commitment” as these are “fraudulent deals.”
Speaking on the Business News on 12Live, the PRO of the Coalition of Aggrieved Customers Christopher Atitso emphasised, the new excuse by the company is to “fraudulently extort money from unsuspecting impoverished customers.”
Meanwhile the coalition is calling for the arrest of the CEO of the defunct company.
“If they[authorities] fail to do that Monday we’re walking to the Military High Command and ask them to come and arrest NAM 1,” the PRO stated.
Guardiola was openly seen chastising Haaland as the first-half concluded at Turf Moor, vociferously addressing the player and expressing his displeasure as they proceeded down the tunnel.
Speaking at halftime during Sky’s coverage of the game, Neville said: “There’ll be some people who’ll love the intensity of that and say that that’s why he’s the best manager on the planet. Then there’ll be others who will say that you shouldn’t do that in a public forum, grabbing his arm in front of the cameras.
“I played for one of the most intense managers in the history of the game [Sir Alex Ferguson] – but he’d never have done that on the pitch in such a way.”
Guardiola then went on to explain why he was telling Haaland off at half-time, saying: “‘He wanted the ball in behind him, and that ball didn’t have to be behind him.
Sometimes you have to be patient to find the right moment. He was not frustrated, and I am not frustrated. In football, it happens. Don’t be dramatic.”
Notwithstanding the prominent reprimand from Guardiola, Haaland managed to net two goals as City cruised to a 3-0 victory. City’s upcoming fixture is in theUEFA Super Cup against Sevilla during the midweek.
Ousmane Dembele’s transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain has been officially confirmed by the French club, as they exercised his €50.4 million (£43 million/$55 million) release clause.
The completion of Dembele’s move was finalised by PSG following the successful completion of the France international’s medical examinations on Friday.
In the early days of August, PSG formally notified Barcelona of their intention to activate a “private” clause embedded within Dembele’s contract.
This clause ensured that his transfer fee would not exceed €50 million, even though the standard release clause was set at €100 million (£86 million or $108 million).
Dembele has committed to a five-year contract that ties him to the Parc des Princes until at least the summer of 2028.
Barcelona originally acquired Dembele from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, but persistent injuries limited his appearances to a mere 23 during the 2017-18 season.
✍️ Ousmane Dembélé has joined Paris Saint-Germain from FC Barcelona. The world champion, who will wear the number 23, has signed for 5 seasons. #WelcomeDembélé
He experienced a resurgence under the management of Xavi during the 2022 season, accumulating 11 goals and 21 assists across his final two seasons at Camp Nou.
Departing Barcelona after 185 matches and 62 goals, Dembele also boasts an impressive record of three league titles, two Copas del Rey, and two Spanish Super Cups.
“I’m delighted to be joining Paris Saint-Germain and can’t wait to play for my new club. I hope I can continue to grow here and make all the club’s fans proud,” he stated after signing his new PSG contract.
Dembele has been signed by PSG as they prepare for lifewithout Kylian Mbappe. The Parisians remain adamant about offloading the 2018 World Cup winner, but the player insists on spending the 2023–24 season in Paris before walking away as a free agent next summer.
Bayern Munich has officially announced the acquisition of renowned Tottenham striker and England’s national team captain, Harry Kane, in a transfer deal worth £100 million ($127 million).
The confirmation of Kane’s transfer comes after several weeks of negotiations and some contemplation on the player’s part in recent days.
Having made his decision, the 30-year-old striker has put pen to paper on a four-year contract that extends until the summer of 2027.
As part of this transition, Kane will inherit the No. 9 jersey previously worn by Robert Lewandowski, who departed for Barcelona a year ago.
While there is a possibility that the English striker might make his debut tonight against RB Leipzig in the DFL-Supercup, it remains uncertain whether he will be part of the starting lineup.
This uncertainty arises from the fact that the deal wasn’t officially confirmed until Saturday morning, and Kane has yet to train with his new teammates.
During the 75th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of theUniversity of Ghana, President Nana Akufo-Addo emphasized the pivotal role played by Joseph Boakye Danquah, a former presidential candidate in 1960, in the university’s establishment.
In his speech, President Akufo-Addo conveyed his strong belief that history will remember JB Danquah favourably for his dedicated efforts in advocating for the creation of the university.
The President highlighted how Joseph Boakye Danquah’s unwavering commitment to securing Ghana’s own university ultimately led to the founding of the University of Ghana.
Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo pointed out that Danquah’s visionary pursuits extended to challenging the British recommendation for a sole university in West Africa, which was intended for Nigeria.
Instead, he rallied Ghanaians to support the establishment of their own educational institution.
The President also remarked that, considering the historical importance of Danquah’s contributions, the legacy of Joseph Boakye Danquah might even merit consideration for naming the University of Ghana after him.
He mentioned, “Indeed, in many other jurisdictions where there is less heat in their politics and more attachment to the facts of historical record, it would not have been out of place to have this university named after him. Who knows, one day it may well happen.”
President Akufo-Addo commended the University of Ghana for reaching its diamond jubilee and lauded its role in shaping the nation’s development.
“It will be wholly appropriate and not at all far-fetched to describe Joseph Boakye Danquah as the founder of this university [the University of Ghana], a fact that, on the 75th anniversary of its existence, should be vividly recalled by all of us who are being and are the beneficiaries of his work,” he said.
The President’s sentiment mirrored his previous comments made five years ago when the university initiated an endowment fund during its70th-anniversary celebration.
Member of the communication team of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fred Agbenyo, has put forth the idea that traditional rulers should take on an active role in partisan politics.
He has raised the question of why these influential traditional leaders, who contribute significantly to the development of their communities, shouldn’t be allowed to actively participate in the political arena.
According to Article 276 Clause One of the 1992 Constitution, chiefs are currently prohibited from engaging in active party politics, and any chief aspiring to hold political office is required to relinquish their position as a chief.
Agbenyo emphasised that chiefs often serve as mediators when politicians clash or deviate from their intended course.
“We also removed the clauses that allow chiefs to participate in our type of politics, partisan politics. It is through partisan politics that government leaders are elected. So, if we allow the chiefs to participate, some of the chiefs may find themselves on the right side of the government in power, while others may find themselves on the wrong side of the government in power, Fred Agbenyo told Kwaku Owusu Adjei (Patoo) on Adwenekasa on Accra-based Original FM 91.9.
Fred Agbenyo has emphasised that the nation should now contemplate amending the law that prohibits chiefs and traditional leaders from actively participating in partisan politics.
He pointed out that the current circumstances have evolved, and similar to other citizens of Ghana, traditional rulers also hold the right to be involved in political activities.
Manchester City, the reigning champions of the English Premier League, are actively seeking to bolster their team by acquiring the promising Belgian forward Jeremy Doku.
The football club based in Manchester is said to be engaged in advanced negotiations with the French club Stade Rennais FC to secure the talents of this young attacker, who hails from Ghanaian heritage.
Aged 21, Jeremy Doku has been a part of the French Ligue 1 since 2020, when he made the transition from Belgian side RSC Anderlecht during his teenage years.
Despite contending with injuries, he has shown commendable growth in his skills and performance since joining Stade Rennais FC.
Doku is not only recognised as one of the swiftest players at his current club but also stands out in the entire French Ligue 1.
For Manchester City, Jeremy Doku has the potential to fill the void left by Riyad Mahrez, who has departed for Saudi Arabia.
The Manchester-based team is aiming to finalise this transfer swiftly, particularly with the English Premier League having commenced on August 11th.
The addition of Jeremy Doku to their roster will notably enhance Manchester City’s squad depth, a vital asset as they strive to uphold their English Premier League championship and contend for further honours throughout the season.
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Chelsea will commence theirPremier League season without a front-of-shirt sponsor for the upcoming clash against Liverpool on Sunday.
Infinite Athlete, a tech company, is nearing an agreement to become Chelsea’s new shirt sponsor.
However, the contracts are not expected to be finalised in time for the American company’s logo to adorn the iconic blue shirts for Sunday’s highly anticipated match against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s prolonged quest for a primary shirt sponsor has unfolded as one of the unexpected narratives of the summer.
The club initially faced challenges due to Premier League regulations, followed by a backlash from fans, resulting in them releasing a new kit without the presence of a sponsor’s emblem on the front.
The nostalgic 1990s-inspired Chelsea kit garnered positive feedback, with the absence of a sponsor contributing to its retro appeal.
Despite the failure to secure a deal in time, the minimalist design of the kit will see official use in at least one match.
As the Blues take the field without a sponsor, they will strive to put their challenges from the previous season behind them in the marquee fixture of the opening weekend as they welcomeLiverpool to west London on Sunday afternoon.
The2023 Ballon d’Or race has already evolved into a showdown between a seasoned superstar and one of his potential successors.
Despite being 35 years old, Lionel Messi remains a strong contender for the individual award, with the chance to secure an unprecedented eighth title.
Yet, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is poised to challenge Messi’s position in the October voting.
In 2021, L’Equipe, the magazine responsible for organizing the annual gala honoring outstanding individual performances, introduced modifications to the Ballon d’Or criteria shortly after Messi claimed his seventh accolade, as reported by Marca.
Past criticisms about the selection criteria prompted the French publication to address these issues by implementing new changes that became effective in 2022, when former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema emerged as the winner.
Sports Brief has previously covered some of the most contentious decisions in the history of the Ballon d’Or awards.
1.Based on season, not year
Prior to the 2022 vote, the Ballon d’Or recipient was consistently chosen based on their performances within a calendar year, spanning from January to December. However, under the revised regulations, the voting process shifted to revolve around a standard season, typically commencing from August to July of the subsequent year.
If the previous rule had remained in effect, the 2022 World Cup would not have been considered in determining the 2023 awardee. Consequently, Messi and Benzema would have contended for the 2022 accolade, leaving Haaland with a clear path to this year’s recognition.
Lesser votes for member countries Previously, nearly all the member countries of FIFA were allowed to vote. However, this was trimmed down to only the top 100 nations in the FIFA rankings and the top 50 nations in the women’s vote.
As it stands, 20 African countries will be eligible to vote for the 2023 winner.
L’Equipe reiterated that this will be in full swing going forward, with voters asked to look at how a player performed individually first before coming to what he/she achieved with his/her team. The other criteria will be the players’ ability and sense of fair play.
Going by this metric, Messi seems to have an edge over Haaland going into the 2023 vote. The Norwegian might have scored 52 goals in 53 competitions compared to Messi’s 38 goals, but the Argentine delivered in key games in the run to the World Cup victory.
The new Inter Miami star also won FIFA’s The Best award, compared to Haaland’s Premier League Player of the Season. When it comes to collective achievements, the Manchester City striker also won the treble, though one might argue the World Cup trophy trounces that.
Involvement of specialists for nominees Normally, it used to be the editorial staff of the magazine that compiled the list of nominees. 30 players often make the cut for the Ballon d’Or, with 20 others for the Kopa Trophy.
However, in 2022 and going forward, L’Équipe brought on board other specialists, like 2012 Champions League winner Didier Drogba. It is expected that they will have a variety of specialists to help in selecting the nominees and eventual winners.
Why Messi will beat Haaland Sports Brief has also given a breakdown of why Messi holds the Ballon d’Or advantage over Haaland in the 2023 vote despite the Manchester City star winning the cup treble.
Apart from the World Cup factor, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner starred in major games compared to the Norwegian’s outings in big games in the Champions League.
Brighton’s manager, Roberto De Zerbi, indicated that he had moved on from midfielder Moises Caicedo after Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, confirmed that an agreement had been reached for the Ecuadorian international.
Reportedly, the Seagulls have accepted a fee of £110 million ($140 million, 127 million euros), potentially setting a British record, for the 21-year-old player. Nevertheless, according to Sky Sports, Caicedo is yet to finalise his decision about his future, with Chelsea also displaying interest.
Brighton has followed a successful business model that involves signing lesser-known players and later selling them for substantial fees.
This approach has seen Argentina’s World Cup winner Alexis MacAllister move to Anfield earlier in this transfer window.
Additionally, players like Ben White and Leandro Trossard of Arsenal, Marc Cucurella of Chelsea, and Yves Bissouma of Tottenham have left Brighton for ‘larger’ Premier League clubs over the past two years.
But Seagulls boss De Zerbi, whose side start the new season at home to promoted Luton on Saturday in a campaign that will also include Europa League football, said Friday: “I’ve already forgotten Moises. I’m really proud of the players we have in the squad. We have to complete the squad.”
The Italian added: “We want to improve the squad because we lost Mac Allister, we lost (Levi) Colwill (on loan from Chelsea last season), and maybe we lose Caicedo.
“We have to be ready because when the players leave, it’s because they played well, but the credit is for the club, for the players, and for us, the coaches.
“The big clubs can buy the players, but they can’t buy our soul and our spirit. That’s not on the market, and this is more important than the players leaving.
After a meeting with new manager Luis Enrique prior to the start of the Ligue 1 season,PSG communicated to the 31-year-old forward that he does not feature in their plans for this season.
Neymar’s potential return to his former team, Barcelona, has gained significant attention, as the club has reached a comprehensive agreement to bring back their former player. The expected deal entails Neymar signing a 3-year contract with the La Liga club.
As reported by Football Transfers, Barcelona had been awaiting the completion of a German investment firm’s acquisition of a 16 percent buyout of Barca Studios for €60 million. This step is crucial to releasing funds to finalise the Brazilian’s transfer.
Neymar has demonstrated his commitment to facilitate the move by agreeing to a reduction in his salary. As a result, the 31-year-old is projected to receive an annual wage of €13 million at the Spanish club.
In line with reports from the Daily Star, Neymar seems poised to follow in Lionel Messi’s footsteps by leaving Paris Saint-Germain. This decision comes after Neymar was informed during crucial discussions with new manager Luis Enrique that he does not feature in the team’s future plans.
Manager Luis Enrique, along with sporting director Luis Campos, conveyed a similar message to five players, including Neymar. This group of players has been informed that they are not part of the club’s strategic vision for the long term.
In addition to Neymar, the players affected by this decision include Marco Verratti, Hugo Ekitike, Juan Bernat, and Renato Sanches.
During these talks, they were informed that their presence is not required as the Ligue 1 champions continue their efforts to restructure the team after failing to secure victory in the UEFA Champions League.
Barca’s hierarchy approves Neymar’s return
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Neymar appears to be on a quest to find an immediate solution for his future after PSG’s hierarchy informed the forward that he was not going to be a part of Luis Enrique’s plans this season.
The Brazilian forward has consistently remained a subject of controversy and was named among the list of potential replacements Barcelona could explore following the imminent departure of Ousmane Dembele.
Joan Laporta’s decision to shift attention to the former star, who departed the club in the most controversial of circumstances, has not gone down well with many at the club, with head coach Xavi Hernandez spearheading the group of those who are dissatisfied.
In addition to the cries and profound sorrow evident on the faces of mourners, numerous high-profile individuals were observed at the venue.
Political figures, celebrities from the entertainment industry, and well-known religious leaders from all over the country attended the occasion.
They came together to express solidarity, pay their final respects to the deceased, and offer condolences to the grieving family.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Chief of Staff Mrs. Frema Osei Opare, Rev. Isaac Obofour, founder of the Anointed Palace Chapel, gospel musician Isaiah Ampong, and many others made a prominent appearance.
Dressed in sombre black attire, they engaged with attendees and conveyed their respects to the departed.
The funeral service for the late founder of Resurrection Power New Generation Church, Reverend Anthony Boakye, took place at both the Accra Sports Stadium and the Accra International Conference Centre.
The congregation included members of the church, relatives, various security personnel, and a multitude of sympathisers from around the world.
The funeral ceremony of the late Rev. Anthony Kwadwo Boakye was characterised by a host of events and interesting scenes.
Aside from the wails, and immense grief captured on the faces of sympathisers, scores of high-profile personalities were also spotted at the event grounds.
Politicians, showbiz personalities, and popular men of God across the country graced the event.
They solidarized, paid their last respects to the deceased, and also commiserated with the family.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Chief of Staff Mrs. Frema Osei Opare, Anointed Palace Chapel founder, Rev. Isaac Obofour, gospel musician Isaiah Ampong, and many others showed up in grand style.
Clad in black apparel, they were seen interacting with patrons and paying their last respects to the deceased.
The funeral of the late Resurrection Power New Generation Church founder, Reverend Anthony Boakye, took place at the Accra Sports Stadium and the Accra International Conference Centre.
In attendance at the funeral are members of the church, family, various security personnel, and scores of sympathisers from across the world.
Leading contender in theNPP flagbearer race, Alan Kyerematen, has reconfirmed his candidature, asserting that his extensive experience, visionary insights, and contributions to the party since 1992 surpass those of the other nine contenders.
During an address to delegates from the Ahafo Ano South, South West, and South East constituencies on August 9, 2023, Kyerematen emphasised his leadership credentials within the party.
The former Minister of Trade and Industry highlighted his inclusion among 100 global leaders recognised by Time magazine in 1994, alongside figures like American President J.F. Kennedy and billionaire Bill Gates.
He underscored his vision to generate more employment opportunities and enhance the lives of Ghanaians, given the opportunity.
Referred to as ‘Alan Cash,’ Kyerematen cited the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative as a testament to his track record, pointing out the ongoing construction of around 300 factories at various stages of completion.
He also spotlighted the Presidential Special Initiatives (PSI) program, which facilitated integrated agricultural and industrial projects during both the administrations of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
Kyerematen’s unifying attributes were underscored, particularly his willingness to step down during the 2007 primaries to prevent a potentially divisive runoff, exemplifying his commitment to party cohesion.
Asserting that securing victory depends on votes, Kyerematen pledged to secure two million votes from the Ashanti Region if entrusted with the party’s leadership in the upcoming presidential primaries in November.
Urging the delegates to place their trust in his experience, vision, and contributions, Kyerematen appealed for their support in leading the party to triumph and securing a break from the two-term cycle, or “break the 8.”
During the same event, Saddique Boniface, Coordinator of the ‘Alan for President’ campaign and former Minister for Zongos and Inner-City Development, as well as a former MP for Madina, positioned Alan Kyerematen as the prospective third NPP president of the 4th Republic.
Boniface believed that Muslims from the northern regions and Zongo constituencies would greatly support Alan and encouraged attendees to follow suit.
Speaking at the same forum, Saddique Boniface, Coordinator of the ‘Alan for President’ campaign and a former Minister for Zongos and Inner-City Development, as well as a former MP for Madina, described Alan Kyerematen as the third NPP president of the 4th Republic.
Boniface believed Muslims from the northern regions, and theZongo constituencies, would vote massively for Alan, and urged the gathering to do the same.
Ajax coach Maurice Steijn has acknowledged the significant attention surrounding Mohammed Kudus and indicated that a potential transfer could materialise in the upcoming week.
As Ajax prepares to commence their Eredivisie campaign against Heracles on Saturday, Steijn has affirmed that Kudus remains eligible for selection.
“Mohammed Kudus can play tomorrow. There’s a lot happening around him, but nothing concrete has materialised yet. I’m pleased that he’ll be available for us tomorrow,” Steijn stated.
In the midst of escalating speculations, reports have suggested that Ajax and Brighton have reached an agreement on a transfer fee of 40 million euros for Kudus’ move to the Premier League club.
Despite attracting interest from English powerhouses Chelsea and Arsenal, this arrangement has progressed despite a hitch: negotiations on personal terms between Kudus and Brighton.
Allegedly, the 23-year-old midfielder seeks to incorporate a release clause in his contract before finalizing the move.
Although Kudus remains under contract until 2025, his decision in April to decline a one-year extension underscored his desire for new challenges beyond his tenure at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Kudus’ tenure at Ajax has been undeniably impressive, yielding a notable 16 goals across 63 Eredivisie appearances.
As the transfer saga unfolds, the football community eagerly awaits the outcome, marking a potential new chapter for the talented midfielder.
Mikel Arteta has emphasized that his Arsenal team isn’t burdened by the pressure of being anticipated to contend for the Premier League championship, expressing that “this is where we want to be.”
The Gunners came remarkably close to clinching their first Premier League title since the 2003/04 Invincibles season in the previous term.
Although they held the top position on the table for a significant portion of the season, a late stumble allowed Manchester City to surpass them and secure their third consecutive title.
With enhancements made to the squad through the acquisitions of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber and the potential addition of David Raya, Arsenal is anticipated to be in the mix once again.
Despite the potential pressure associated with such expectations, Arteta views them as more exhilarating than concerning, as he embraces this level of anticipation.
“I think it’s excitement. This is where we want to be. The competition for this year,, you see a lot of movements that they make,” he said via football.london.
New signings obviously swell the squad somewhat, giving Arteta more options, the lack of which hindered Arsenal down the stretch last season.
He highlighted the importance of making sure every player feels important no matter their role, along with the importance of having players that want the team to do well in any scenario.
“I think you have to treat everybody with the sense that they’re important, and to do that, you have to play matches,” he said.
“It tells you a lot about a human being what your contribution is when you’re not playing. I want players to have the feeling that they’re happy when the team wins regardless.”
Gabriel Jesus recently stated that due to surgery to address a knee issue, he would miss the start of the season.
He claims that his recuperation is progressing well and that he might return to play soon, but he will undoubtedly miss the first game.
“It’s a bit early still. He’s doing really well since his operation. Hopefully he can start to do some stuff next week,” Arteta added.
He has a number of forward options to choose from; Kai Havertz started up top in theCommunity Shield, and only Jesus and Mohamed Elneny are confirmed to be out of the picture this week.
The manager is raring to get off on the right foot and wants the fans to see a proper opening fixture in an Emirates opener.
“We love playing in front of our people. We have created an incredible atmosphere, and the boys and everybody, I think, can’t wait to be there tomorrow ready for the kick-off and to put on the performance that they deserve and that we want to do,” he said.
Sadio Mane has quickly acclimated to his new team, Al-Nassr, as demonstrated by his impressive performance in the semi-final of the Arab Club Champions Cup.
The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich winger played a significant role in his team’s victory, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, over the Iraqi champions, Al-Shorta, securing their place in the tournament’s final.
The 31-year-old Senegalese star’s contribution included winning a penalty for his Saudi Arabian team, which was successfully converted by Ronaldo to ensure their advancement to the final round on Saturday.
A video circulated on social media showcases Mane effortlessly outmanoeuvring Al-Shorta’s defenders, with a particularly notable instance where he skillfully evaded the right-back, ultimately leaving him on the ground.
Sadio Mane is a great and extraordinary player who did not enter any preparatory camp with them, then he gave this performance today. 🖋️🖤🖤 pic.twitter.com/JzvPlMWfYE
The Senegalese superstar was making just his third appearance for Al-Nassr since joining the Middle Eastern club from Bayern Munich last week.
He is expected to play a vital role in the final against Al-Hilal on Saturday as the Knights of Najd chase their first title since the arrival of Ronaldo.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Pro League season will commence after the conclusion of the Arab Club Champions Cup tournament, as reported by MSN.
Mane’s powerful Al-Nassr welcome speech Sports Brief also reported on Mane challenging his new Al-Nassr teammates to win all possible trophies after his move to the Saudi Pro League.
Ghanaian boxer Mohammed Aryeetey suffered a loss by majority decision against Mexican boxer Andy Dominguez Velasquez in their 6-round flyweight bout held at the Sony Hall in New York City, USA.
Aryeetey displayed a determined defence throughout the fight, as his Mexican opponent launched a vigorous assault right from the start of the match.
Despite his aspirations for a knockout victory, Aryeetey found Velasquez to be a skillful and elusive opponent in the ring.
Benefiting from the support of his home crowd, the Mexican boxer accrued more points during the bout, while Aryeetey tried to retaliate with significant punches.
After six rounds of intense exchanges, the judges rendered their decision in favour of the Mexican fighter.
Two judges scored the contest 58-56 in favour of the winner, while the third judge declared it a 57-57 draw.
This defeat ends Mohammed Aryeetey’s undefeated streak since turning professional. The 20-year-old Ghanaian, who still holds tremendous potential, boasts an impressive record of seven wins and one defeat in a total of nine fights.
Kylian Mbappe is poised to remain sidelined ahead of PSG’s Ligue 1 opener against Lorient, as Luis Enrique stressed the prioritisation of the “club above all else.”
The French striker has been forced to train separately from Enrique’s first-team group along with Julien Draxler, Gini Wijnaldum, and Leandro Paredes.
Now that the Spanish manager has all but confirmed that Mbappe will not be featuring in PSG’s Ligue 1 opener against Lorient, he hopes that the 2018 World Cup winner will find an amicable solution so that he gets to play again at Parc des Princes.
“I hope and wish that, just like in the past [last summer], the same thing will happen again, and that the club and the player can reach an agreement.
” That’s what I would like. The philosophy of this club is very clear: that the club is above everything, and I share it 100 percent,” he told reporters.
There are reports indicating that PSG has communicated to high-profile players such as Brazilian sensation Neymar, Marco Verratti, Hugo Ekitike, Juan Bernat, and Renato Sanches that they are considered surplus to the team’s needs and are welcome to explore new opportunities.
Nevertheless, Enrique refrained from divulging the details of his discussion with the players and emphasised that his actions should serve as a more significant communication.
“Conversations with players are private. I will not talk about what they have said and what I have said. My words say something, but my actions say more, and the actions that I take will show my ideas,” he said.
Mbappe remains adamant about running down his contract and has told the club he will not be leaving to join Real Madrid or anyone else this summer. It now remains to be seen if the impasse is resolved or if he makes the long-cherished move to Real Madrid in the final days of the transfer window.
Arsenal are satisfied with their early transfers ahead of the new Premier League season, but the club has not ruled out any more business before the window closes, manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday.
Arsenal signed Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber for a total of over 200 million pounds in the close season, which allowed them to play a part in pre-seas
The north London side, who finished runners-up in the league last season, are also linked with Brentford goalkeeper David Raya to compete with Aaron Ramsdale, but Arteta kept his cards close to his chest.
“We have no news on any incomings,” Arteta told reporters ahead of Saturday’s league opener at home against Nottingham Forest.
“At the moment we’re not planning to do anything but the window obviously is very unpredictable,” he added on any further transfer business.
“Things can happen, things we probably don’t wish. But we’re happy with what we’ve got.”
Arsenal has a bloated roster, with players expected to leave before the transfer window ends on September 1.
Nonetheless, Arteta emphasised the importance of strengthening the squad as the club prepares to compete in the Champions League this year.
“We’ve been trying to increase the depth of the squad and the quality as well, the ability to be more flexible and have more interactions with players that can make us better, that’s the whole point of it,” he said.
When asked if he could keep the whole squad happy with intense competition for places, Arteta said: “Football is a collective sport, and only 11 players play, and there are another 11 players, most of the time, are not happy with the situation.
“It’s how they deal with that, how they accept their role, because it’s going to change. Every three days, we’ll have a game.
“That tells you about their professionalism, when they play or not, what is your contribution to the team … I want players that feel happy when the team wins, regardless (of if they play or not).”
Arteta confirmed striker Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined after undergoing a knee procedure, but Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jorginho have recovered from muscle injuries to be available.
Tottenham Hotspur’s all-time leading goalscorer, Harry Kane (30), is on the verge of departing the club; however, his exit will not alter the team’s upcoming season strategy, stated manager Ange Postecoglou on Friday.
Kane was scheduled to travel to Germany to finalise a transfer to Bayern Munich for a reported 100 million euros ($109.78 million), which would set a Bundesliga record.
“I don’t have a blow-by-blow account of the whole thing, but my understanding is that it’s progressed to the point where it looks like it’s going to happen,” Postecoglou told reporters ahead of his side’s Premier League match at Brentford on Sunday.
“That’s all the information I kind of have at the moment, and from that perspective, it gives us some clarity that, barring something unforeseen, we move forward without Harry.”
Postecoglou said he understood the deal was imminent and that “certainly with training today and preparing for Brentford, we’re doing it without Harry.
“We’ve been planning for this, fair to say, for a while,” added the Australian, who arrived at Spurs in June after the North Londoners finished a disappointing eighth in the league.
“A lot of our business up until now is with that in mind, so this doesn’t change things dramatically from my perspective, in terms of what we’re trying to build,” he added.
“Our whole strategy has been around the fact that Harry wasn’t going to be around, more than likely. So it’s not like we’ve had a pow-wow this morning, and what do we do? We knew it was coming.”
Postecoglou said Tottenham still had a big squad and there would be some more movement.
“I think some players will seek opportunities elsewhere and there’s still three or so weeks to go in the transfer window… that’s not because Harry’s gone, that’s always been in the plan.
“I’m only new in the building, mate. I’m certainly not a spokesperson for this football club in the sense of proclaiming people’s status but I think it’s fairly evident Harry Kane will always be one of the greats.”
Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, stated on Friday that the club is not actively pursuing a new goalkeeper in the transfer market to replace the injured Thibaut Courtois as the new La Liga season approaches.
Courtois is facing an extended absence from a significant portion of the season due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, which occurred during a training session on Thursday.
However, Ancelotti expressed confidence in Ukrainian backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin’s ability to step in for Courtois. Courtois, who was honoured with the Yashin Trophy last year as the world’s top goalkeeper, will be temporarily replaced by Lunin.
“We have total confidence in Lunin, who is a great goalkeeper,” Ancelotti told a press conference ahead of Real’s La Liga opener at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
“He’s been very good during pre-season. He’s talented, and what he lacks is what all young players lack – experience, the experience he’s going to gain day by day.” Ancelotti said the club may still look to bolster its goalkeeping options.
“We still have time until August 31,” he added. “We’ll see in the next few days if we’re going to recruit another goalkeeper, to make up the numbers, because we count on Lunin.”
This season will mark the start of a new era at Madrid following the departure of Karim Benzema for Saudi Arabia after 14 years at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 14-time European champions have not signed an obvious replacement for their second-highest scorer of all-time, although they have brought in striker Joselu on loan from Espanyol, and winger Brahim Diaz has returned to the club following his three-year loan spell at AC Milan.
“Up front, we’re very good. We have different options,” said Ancelotti.
“Two players have arrived, and they bring positives. Joselu, thanks to his different characteristics. He is very good in the box… And Brahim can offer us more solutions between the lines.” Madrid have made an imprint on the transfer window, though, signing England midfielder Jude Bellingham for 103 million euros ($113 million) from Borussia Dortmund.
Ancelotti will be hoping Bellingham can freshen up his midfield, which was still largely reliant on veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos last season.
The Italian hinted that Bellingham could play in a more attacking role than previously seen for Dortmund and England.
“I think he has a greater impact on the opponents if he plays higher. He’s more dangerous if he plays like a centre-forward.”
Madrid are bidding to bounce back from a disappointing season last term, when they finished a distant second in La Liga, 10 points behind Barcelona, and were beaten in the Champions League semi-finals by Manchester City.
Elsewhere this weekend, champions Barca kick off their title defence at Getafe on Sunday, before Atletico Madrid host Granada on Monday.
Ghana’s important match against the Central African Republic (CAR) in the 2023Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers is set to be without Black Stars goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott due to an injury he suffered last week.
During his debut appearance for Hibernian in the UEFA Conference League qualification match against Andorran team Inter d’Escaldes, the 26-year-old goalkeeper was forced to be substituted off after just 18 minutes due to a thigh injury.
Although he had hoped to recover in time to defend his new club’s goal, Wollacott will need to remain sidelined for an extended period due to his injury.
“He’s had his scan but we’ve not had the surgeon’s review yet. More than likely, in a best-case scenario, it will be a muscle tear. In a worst-case scenario, it will involve a tendon as well. Minimum, from all the information I’ve got, he will be ruled out for six weeks, but it could be worse than that,” Lee James, the coach of Hibernian, said.
Black Stars coach Chris Hughton is anticipated to reveal the squad selection for Ghana’s last match in the AFCON qualifications against CAR, scheduled for September 7. The most recent update regarding Wollacott’s injury indicates that his return will be delayed, as he has already been absent from the 2022 World Cup and recent matches due to a finger injury.
To guarantee their qualification at the AFCON, which will be held in Ivory Coast next year, Ghana must avoid defeat against CAR.
A viral image of a billboard suggesting that the renowned Ghanaian footballer Asamoah Gyan intends to participate in the parliamentary primaries of the New Patriotic Party for the Bortianor Ngleshie-Amanfro constituency has been promptly refuted by Samuel Anim Addo.
Anim Addo, recognized as the agent of the football icon turned entrepreneur, dismissed the reports in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb, reiterating Gyan’s previous stance that he currently has no intentions of pursuing political office.
Sammy Anim responded with a clear “Not true” when contacted by GhanaWeb regarding the widely circulated photo gaining traction on various social media platforms.
Despite Asamoah Gyan’s repeated denials, his name continues to be associated with the Bortianor Ngleshie-Amanfro constituency seat due to his celebrity status, philanthropic endeavors, and purported connections to the ruling New Patriotic Party.
The current Member of Parliament for the region, Sylvester Tetteh, seemed to lend some weight to the speculations when he was quoted mentioning that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s team is allegedly aiming to replace him with Asamoah Gyan, possibly due to Gyan’s ties to NPP flagbearer hopeful Alan Kyeremanten.
Sylvester Tetteh
Sylvester Tetteh’s widely circulated quote across various social media platforms accuses the Bawumia team of trying to utilize Asamoah Gyan, the legendary Ghanaian footballer, to challenge his position.
‘Gideon Boako and his likes are in my constituency, supporting Asamoah Gyan to contest me in our upcoming primaries just because I support Alan Kyerematen. But they should know that I’m a son of the land, and I’m ready for their diabolical plans,” he is claimed to have said.
This comment infuriated a leading member of the Bawumia camp, Dr Gideon Boako, who fired back.
Dr. Boakoa denied the accusations, stating that he has not met Asamoah Gyan in person and that he is hurt by the allegations.
“So this is how the likes of Sylvester Tetteh and supporters of Alan Kyeremanten want to run their campaign. I have never spoken to or met Baby Jet in person before. I have no idea he even wants to contest for parliamentary elections, let alone go and support him. SMH,” he said in reply to Sylvester Tetteh’s accusations.
Despite significant investments in the summer transfer window, Newcastle United’s managerEddie Howe emphasised the need for one more addition to bolster squad depth.
This requirement arises as the team navigates dual challenges in the Premier League and Champions League.
In the recent close season, Newcastle made substantial expenditures, amounting to £128 million, to secure the services of players like Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, and Tino Livramento.
Given their qualification for the Champions League, a feat not accomplished in two decades, Howe expressed his intention to enhance the squad further.
“I’d love one more player personally, and I think then we’d have the ideal depth at this moment with the injuries that we currently have. Let’s wait and see,” Howe told reporters ahead of their Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday.
“Not 100% (sure of signing more players) because it depends on the deal, and I think we may have to be creative with this last player.
“But it’s difficult to make that a definite because, again, it depends on injuries between now and the window shutting.”
The manager confirmed Joe Willock, who missed the end of last season with a hamstring injury, remains sidelined at least until mid-September.
“He has just felt a little bit of discomfort in his hamstring, not necessarily another pull to the area,” the manager said.
“We will probably miss him for the first group of games before the first international break.”
Howe did receive a boost with defender Fabian Schar returning from injury, saying that he has been training well.
Newcastle moved early to bring in midfielder Tonali fromAC Milan, with the player signing in early July, and Howe said he is happy with how the Italian player settled in during pre-season.
“I think when you’re bringing players from abroad, you have to try and get them early. I have to compliment Sandro on how he has handled the move and how he is adapting to the changes,” Howe said.
“We’re pleased to get the majority of our business done early, and I think we’re in a good place.”
Eric Bailly’s departure from Manchester United appears imminent as he awaits the club’s approval for his move to Besiktas, having already reached an agreement with the Turkish side.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the center-back is on the brink of relocating to Turkey, following a challenging stint at Old Trafford that led to him spending the previous season on loan at Marseille in Ligue 1.
Having joined Manchester United in 2016 for a reported fee of £30 million ($38.17 million), Bailly has entered the final year of his contract, although the club retains the option to extend the agreement for an additional 12 months.
Despite the presence of a buy option in the Marseille contract tied to a specific number of appearances, Bailly was unable to meet the threshold due to a seven-game suspension resulting from a kung-fu kick challenge. Consequently, he made only 23 appearances for the French team.
Skipping pre-season training at Manchester United, Bailly was advised to seek new opportunities.
While reportedly receiving offers from two Saudi Arabian teams, including one supposedly from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, Bailly’s plans did not materialise in that direction, leading to his forthcoming move to Turkey.
Bailly’s aspiration to rejuvenate his career aligns with his upcoming journey to Besiktas, marking a fresh start following a relatively uneventful couple of years.
Bailly will look to revive his career with Besiktas after an uneventful last couple of years.
Aarons has joined the southern club for an undisclosed fee, initially estimated at £9 million ($11 million), with potential additional payments that could raise the total to £12 million ($15 million).
These additional payments are considered attainable targets, and Norwich is confident they will receive a substantial portion of the £3 million ($4 million).
Norwich, which had been constrained by a limited budget during the summer transfer window, had aimed to capitalise on Aarons’ situation with only one year left on his contract.
Prior to Bournemouth’s intervention, Aarons had already undergone a medical assessment with Daniel Farke’s Leeds team, and Southampton’s bid had also been accepted.
Bournemouth is set to commence their Premier League season with a home match against West Ham on Saturday.
However, Aarons is unlikely to participate in this fixture since he hasn’t yet trained with Andoni Iraola’s squad.
Liverpool has come to an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion for the transfer of Moises Caicedo (21), an Ecuadorian midfielder, as confirmed by manager Jurgen Klopp on Friday. This move is aimed at addressing Liverpool’s midfield depth issues.
Caicedo’s notable performances at Brighton have sparked speculation about his potential departure from the Amex Stadium.
He made 37 appearances for the club in the previous season, contributing significantly to their sixth-place finish and their qualification for European football for the first time.
Various clubs, including Chelsea, have shown interest in the Ecuadorean midfielder during the current transfer window. However, recent reports in the British media indicate that Liverpool has secured a deal with Brighton, amounting to £111 million.
“I can confirm theCaicedo deal with the club is agreed, whatever that means in the end. Of course, we want the player and not just the agreement,” Klopp told reporters ahead of Sunday’s season-opener at Chelsea.
“We don’t have endless resources. We didn’t expect a couple of things to happen over the summer, but when they did, we gave it a go. Let’s see what happens, and we go from there.”
Caicedo’s reported transfer fee would make him the most expensive player signed by a British club, surpassing the 107 million pounds Chelsea paid for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez earlier this year.
In 2016, when speaking about Manchester United’s then-world record signing of Paul Pogba for 89.3 million pounds, Klopp said he would approach transfer spending differently if he had the same resources at his disposal.
When asked how he felt about those words following the agreement for Caicedo, the German said, “Everything changed. Do I like it? No. Did I realise I was wrong? Yes.
“I’m not blaming anyone, but it’s just the market. In the end, we as a club have to make sure that, with our resources, we get the best possible player.
“We aren’t in a dreamland and can’t just point at a playerand get them to come in. Sometimes one door closes and another opens up.”
Australia’s coach, Tony Gustavsson, expressed his unwavering readiness to reintegrate Sam Kerr (29) into the starting lineup for the Women’s World Cup quarterfinal clash against France this Saturday, provided she receives clearance from the team’s medical staff.
Having been sidelined due to a calf injury, the esteemed captain of Australia made a brief appearance from the bench during the 2-0 victory over Denmark.
This cameo appearance has fueled optimism among home supporters for her increased involvement in the upcoming match against France at Brisbane’s Lang Park.
Australia has performed commendably in Kerr’s absence, with the exception of a surprising 3-2 loss to Nigeria.
They have managed to score six goals in their last two matches.
Gustavsson reassured fans that he harbours no concerns about disrupting the Matildas’ current momentum by opting to start Kerr in the lineup.
“I definitely would never ever see Sam as a disturbance to the team,” the Swede told a press conference on Friday.
“And I want to be very clear here and now to say that if Sam is fit to play 90 minutes, she is starting. That’s not even a question, and the team knows it.
“We’re talking about Sam Kerr. Whether she is ready to play 90 minutes plus extra time, that’s to be decided tonight.”
Gustavsson had all of his squad training at their last session, including striker Kyah Simon, who has carried a long-term knee injury into the tournament and not played a minute.
Simon’s availability will also be assessed by medical staff later on Friday, Gustavsson said.
Having never made the semi-finals at a World Cup, Australia will break new ground if they beat France.
France were knocked out of the quarterfinals as hosts of the 2019 tournament by a champion United States team that featured Gustavsson as an assistant to then-coach Jill Ellis.
France manager Herve Renard remarked this week that the pressure will be on Australia as co-hosts on Saturday.
The match will draw a capacity crowd to Lang Park and be broadcast live on free-to-air TV, coast-to-coast.
Thousands of fans will flock to live sites in Australia’s major cities, while crowds going to watch Australian Rules football matches in Sydney and Melbourne will be able to watch the Matildas on big screens at the stadiums.
Australia defender Ellie Carpenter said the nation’s support was a motivation for the Matildas than pressure.
France, however, would see their campaign as a failure if eliminated on Saturday, the Lyon fullback added.
“Their mentality is that if they’re out in a quarterfinal, that’s not good enough for them,” she said.
“They’re going to be confident tomorrow. Of course, they’re going to come out and show that they are confident. But that doesn’t bother us at all.”
Kylian Mbappe has made a decision to remain with PSG for the upcoming 2023–24 season, according to reports.
This development marks a new turn in the ongoing Mbappe saga. Despite previously indicating to PSG that he didn’t plan to extend his contract beyond 2024, he now seems set to stay for at least one more season.
The club had attempted to offload Mbappe to avoid losing him without compensation.
However, a recent report from Le Parisien states that the 24-year-old has communicated his intention to remain with PSG and not make a move to Real Madrid or any other club this summer.
This decision is likely to disappoint PSG, which was aiming to avoid losing him as a free agent next year. Initially left out of the squad for the Asian tour, Mbappe’s plans to leave seemed evident.
Nevertheless, he has now informed PSG’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, of his commitment to stay and fulfil the final year of his contract.
Mbappe’s choice to stay for another year means that he will potentially join Real Madrid as a free agent in the summer of 2024.
PSG had paid a substantial €180 million to acquire him from Monaco in 2017, so not securing a transfer fee for his departure raises concerns both in terms of prestige and financial implications.
It remains to be seen how PSG will react to this news.The question arises whether they will reintegrate him into the squad or keep him isolated, considering his potential contributions to the team.
There have been reports suggesting that Luis Enrique’s team might even be willing to bench him for the entire 2023–24 season. The impact of these latest revelations on the situation is yet to be determined.
Chelsea is contemplating the possibility of pursuing Verratti as an option, especially following their unsuccessful attempt to secure Moises Caicedo from Brighton, a deal that ultimately went to Liverpool, as reported by Footmercato.
Furthermore, Verratti has shifted his preference away from the Middle East and is now keen on remaining in Europe.
This change in stance has captured the interest of Chelsea, who are now displaying a keen desire to bring the seasoned midfielder on board to strengthen their midfield lineup.
An additional factor that makes Verratti an appealing prospect for the Blues is his familiarity with Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical strategies.
Pochettino is currently working on shaping a new-look midfield at Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Fernandez positioned as the central figure of this project.
Given this context, Verratti’s experience at the age of 30 could prove valuable, as it would provide valuable guidance for emerging talents like Connor Gallagher, Andre Santos, and Carney Chukwuemeka.
Having received information from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) that he does not figure into their plans for the upcoming season, Verratti is now free to explore new opportunities elsewhere.
This is evident from PSG’s decision to exclude him from open media day activities, alongside contract dispute-embroiled Kylian Mbappe and other players who are no longer part of their immediate plans.
Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that replicating Manchester City’s treble triumph will be “impossible” due to its status as a unique “once in a lifetime” accomplishment.
In the 2022–23 season, the Sky Blues achieved historic success by clinching the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles.
This feat marked the first time since Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson in 1999 that a team had secured the treble.
Although the Spanish manager has welcomed the arrivals of Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic, he maintains that achieving a similar feat will be an immensely challenging endeavour.
“It is once in a lifetime. It will not be possible to do what we did last season,” he told reporters.
“We climbed the highest mountain last season, but in the last two days we came down from it, and now we start again.
“Everyone has the same intention, and there will be a lot of difficulties to climb the mountain as high as possible. Our football, our level, and our mentality will dictate how the season will be,” he added.
Guardiola was surprised to learn that Tottenham have agreed to sell Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, for a figure of over €100 million (£86 million or $110 million), as the manager failed in his bid to bring the England international to the Etihad a few years ago despite leaving no stone unturned.
When asked about his opinion on the move, Guardiola did hide his astonishment: “Is that [correct]? Officially?”
After a brief pause, he added: “Everybody knows [what qualities he brings to the table]. Just take a look at him and how good he is. He has great attributes and is a top striker. Right, left, header, dropping, quality of play assists, scoring goals arriving.
“An exceptional striker who has shown it for many, many years. Just Alan Shearer is ahead of him as the Premier League’s top goalscorer and exceptional player.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Instagram following has now exceeded 600 million, marking him as the inaugural individual to achieve this remarkable count on the social media platform.
Renowned as one of the most prominent celebrities in the realm of social media, Ronaldo accomplished the milestone of 500 million Instagram followers in November 2022.
Astoundingly, he has surged to 600 million in less than a year, securing his position as the first to accomplish such a feat.
According to a report from Benzinga, his recent engagements on Instagram have attracted a staggering 150 million new followers since May alone.
In the ongoing social media rivalry between Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Ronaldo is undoubtedly in the lead.
Messi, the Argentine football icon, holds the second spot with 482 million Instagram followers, followed by Selena Gomez in third place with 427 million.
The esteemed Portuguese football legend aspires to lead Al-Nassr to victory, with the Saudi Pro League scheduled to commence on August 14.
Prior to that, his immediate focus is on the Arab Club Champions Cup, where he is set to compete in the final against Al-Hilal on August 12.
Harry Kane is on his wat to Germany to undergo a medical examination with Bayern Munich. This comes as Tottenham have accepted a substantial offer of over €100 million for the talented English striker.
After weeks of prolonged negotiations, Bayern and Tottenham have finally reached an agreement.
Initially, there were suggestions that Kane was leaning towards remaining in the Premier League.
However, a new development has arisen: the 30-year-old has now committed to joining the Bundesliga champions. The Athletic reports that Kane is prepared to sign a four-year contract with Bayern.
Kane is expected to undergo his medical assessment and could finalise his move to Bayern by the conclusion of Friday.
He is poised to take on the No.9 jersey, which became available after Robert Lewandowski’s transfer to Barcelona a year ago.
Consequently, Kane is highly unlikely to participate in Tottenham’s Premier League opener against Brentford on Sunday.
With Kane’s departure, Tottenham might now consider pursuing Romelu Lukaku, who is out of favour at Chelsea, as a replacement. The Belgian striker is seeking a new team.
The England captain is eager to leave a significant mark in the realm of Champions League competition.
Undoubtedly, his focus will be on clinching titles with his new club.
Throughout his career, Kane has yet to secure any silverware at either the club or international level, despite being the all-time leading goalscorer for both Tottenham and the English national team.
Opemsuo Radio, based in Kumasi, has stated that the experienced Ghanaian coach intends to participate in the upcoming Executive Council (ExCo) election of the GFA.
Reportedly, he enjoys the support of His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, the Life Patron of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, which implies that both the Asante Kotoko community and Asanteman as a whole will rally behind his candidature in the election.
Should he secure the position, Appiah, who previously played professionally for Asante Kotoko and represented the Black Stars, will advocate for the interests of Asante Kotoko and contribute to the advancement of football in the country.
Having served as both a player and coach for the Black Stars, Appiah’s potential venture into football administration would be an extension of his dedication to the sport.
Currently, he holds a position within the Interim Management Committee established by Otumfuo to supervise the operations ofAsante Kotoko.
Rodri of Manchester City has expressed his apprehension about the adverse effects of playing an excessive number of matches on his well-being.
He has sounded a warning about the challenging schedule of the intense Premier League calendar.
Notably, both Kevin De Bruyne and Raphael Varane from Manchester United have also voiced their concerns regarding the strain of participating in numerous matches throughout a season.
These concerns have arisen in the context of efforts to accurately account for time lost due to interruptions in various competitions this season, encompassing factors like goal celebrations and VAR reviews.
In the midst of these discussions, Rodri, a prominent figure at Manchester City, has shared his worries about the congested football itinerary.
Having played in 56 matches during City’s triumphant treble-winning campaign last season, he is wary of the potential detrimental impact on his physical well-being posed by such a packed football schedule.
When asked if he felt he got enough rest this summer, he said: “To be honest, I never get enough rest. I feel pretty well recovered after having about a month off. It was a good break, and we have a coach who understands and who gives us everything he can to recover.
“I think we are the last team in the Premier League to start pre-season because he understands that rest is important. So, yes, I’m very happy about last season and how it finished, and now we go into another season, and it’s going to be a long one.”
The Spaniard added: “I don’t remember exactly the games I played, but I had a talk with the club and the coach because starting 57 or 59 games and playing in 60 or something is not healthy.
“You can do it for one season, but when it’s two or three in a row, it can be worse for the team because your physicality can drop. So I have to watch out. We have already spoken that it cannot always be like this. But last year, on the other hand, I had the feeling that we were fighting for everything, and I had to push my body to the limit.
“That’s why I sometimes feel bad at the end of the season—but for me, it was great. The important thing for me is that they know the situation, and they know that for the next few seasons we will have to watch out.
“Now I am young, but maybe when I get to 30 or 31 I cannot do this kind of thing, so I have to watch the body because 60 games is not the best thing for a player. Also, the seasons get even longer every year. We have to adapt to this.”
More and more top players are speaking out about an overly congested fixture list. This could potentially shorten the careers of many footballers and have knock-on effects later in life.
This is not helped by theWorld Cup expanding to 48 teams from 32 and plans to increase the number of sides playing in European competitions, too. However, that brings in more revenue for tournament organisers, and that needs to be considered in this whole topic.
