Franck Kessie’sdeparture from Barcelona has been officially confirmed as he joins Al-Ahli, the Saudi Arabian club.
Despite having joined Barcelona merely a year ago, the Ivorian midfielder has transitioned to Al-Ahli due to his diminished role in the Barcelona squad following the acquisitions of Ilkay Gundogan and former Southampton player Oriol Romeu.
Both clubs have publicly disclosed that Kessie’s transfer carries a price tag of €12.5 million (£11 million or $14 million).
In the previous season, the midfielder participated in 43 matches, predominantly as a substitute.
Kessie is set to join forces with a lineup that includes Roberto Firmino, Allan Saint-Maximin, Riyad Mahrez, and Edouard Mendy, all of whom have left the Premier League this summer to join the Saudi Pro League side.
The Ivorian has already undergone a medical examination for Al-Ahli, which took place in Paris as arranged by the club and the player.
Manchester United has unveiled their squad numbers for the upcoming season, and the absence of Mason Greenwood’s name is conspicuous.
Mason Greenwood has not been assigned a squad number by Manchester United as the club contemplates decisions regarding his future.
United disclosed their preliminary squad numbers for the approaching Premier League season, a day before the 2023–24 campaign commences and four days before the Red Devils’ first match against Wolves at home.
The roster is subject to modification upon the closure of the transfer window. United clarified that their new £73 million ($93 million) signing, Rasmus Hojlund, has not yet been allocated a number due to his ongoing recovery from injury.
Greenwood, who has been under suspension by United since January 2022, is not listed and is unmentioned in the announcement. However, the number 11 jersey he previously wore remains vacant.
The striker has been excluded from training and playing with United since January 2022, when he was questioned by police following concerning images and audio that surfaced on social media.
In October 2022, he faced charges of attempted rape, assault, and coercive and controlling behaviour. Nevertheless, all charges against him were dismissed by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023, citing the withdrawal of key witnesses and new evidence.
United are expected to make a decision about Greenwood’s future ahead of their opening match on Monday.
To sustain his fitness levels, Greenwood has been working with a personal trainer and was captured training in a Manchester park earlier this week.
Following a retrial, the 29-year-old was acquitted of one count of rape and one count of attempted rape in July.
Subsequently, he joined Ligue 1 side Lorient in preparation for the 2023–24 season.
Reports from The Mirror indicate that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has initiated bankruptcy proceedings against the French player due to an outstanding tax bill of £800,000 ($1 million).
After his arrest in September 2021, Mendy was suspended by Manchester City, leading to his pay being withheld since then.
During a High Court hearing, Jacquille Jarrett, representing HMRC, mentioned that the debt proceedings had been postponed awaiting the verdict of the criminal trial.
It was anticipated that a resolution payment, sourced from the sale of his property or back pay from his former employer, would be arranged. However, these anticipated funds have yet to be received.
“There has been no contact from the debtor,” Ms Jarrett said, adding: “The agreement advises that an update would be given to HMRC, but no contact was made. We look to secure a bankruptcy order today.”
Mendy’s accountants provided details of his hopes to recuperate funds lost due to the charges brought against him. He is said to be in negotiations withformer club Manchester City over £9m–£10m in back pay following the not-guilty verdict, and he has put his £5m ($6.4m) house near Macclesfield on the market.
Mendy left the current Premier League champions upon the expiration of his contract back in June and was later cleared of the sexual offence charges following a retrial. In his first trial, lasting six months and ending in January 2023, he was cleared of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
“He himself has moved back to France, where he comes from,” the accountant said. “I would like to ask for a short extension because I am told very firmly by his agent that the pay issue will be resolved from Manchester City. He was very short of money indeed, the cost of the legal case were over £1m.”
The hearing was adjourned until October 4 to give Mendy time to sell the property in Cheshire.
President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has alleged that each independent director serving on the Bank of Ghana’s board receives a monthly payment of US$8,000, equivalent to GH89852.36 Ghanaian Cedi.
As stipulated in the Bank’s 2022 annual report, the board consists of thirteen directors, including the governor, his two deputies, and ten other directors.
The IMANI president continued that, comparatively, this compensation money is higher than that of other countries like Nigeria and Kenya, Mr Simons said in a Twitter post on August 9, 2023.
Simons made this statement amid the controversy and discussions surrounding the Bank’s leadership and the distressing loss it has caused the state.
“The Bank of Ghana has 10 independent Directors. It seems some people, especially in the Political Opposition, are not happy that they are paid $8,000 a month (86,000 GHS).
Given the calibre of people needed to helm a central bank board, what would folks be comfortable with?” he quizzed.
“One approach might be to compare the case in other similar economies. In Kenya, there are 6 independent directors, with each earning ~260,000 KES a month ($2,000). In Nigeria, there are 7, each earning 2.3 million Naira ($3,000). But there are private boards paying way more,” he added in another tweet.
The ten independent directors are as follows: Dr. Samuel Nii-Noi Ashong – Non-Executive Director Mr. Joseph B. Alhassan – Non-Executive Director Dr. Kwame Owusu-Nyantekyi – Non-Executive Director Mr. Andrew Boye-Doe – Non-Executive Director Mrs. Comfort F. Ocran – Non-Executive Director Mr. Jude Kofi Bucknor – Non-Executive Director Dr. Regina Ohene-Darko Adutwum – Non-Executive Director Mr. Charles Adu Boahen – Non-Executive Director (Till November 24, 2022) Ms. Angela Kyerematen Jimoh – Non-Executive Director Prof. Eric Osei-Assibey – Non-Executive Director
The Annual Report and Financial Statement of the Bank of Ghana reveal that the institution incurred a loss of GH60.8 billion from its audited financial statement for the 2022 fiscal year.
BoG’s loss comes after it saw a GHS GHS¢1.2 billion profit in 2021.
But BoG leadership attributes this loss to the decline in the Group’s net worth position due to the impact of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) and the impairment of some assets.
Meanwhile, the parliamentary Minority has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the bank’s leadership to step down due to this loss.
Bayern Munich is said to have achieved a breakthrough in their pursuit of Tottenham’s striker Harry Kane, securing an agreement for a transfer valued at over €100 million.
After facing unsuccessful outcomes with three previous bids for the England captain, Bayern Munich has ultimately managed to persuade Tottenham’s Daniel Levy to yield.
Noted journalist David Ornstein has confirmed that the German club has successfully negotiated with Tottenham to acquire their star player for a fee exceeding €100 million (£86 million or $110 million).
The ball is now in Kane’s court. Reports have indicated that the 30-year-old forward has reached the decision that this summer presents the opportune moment for him to depart from Spurs, a club where he holds an esteemed position as their all-time leading goal scorer.
A move to the Bundesliga champions appears alluring, yet the question remains whether Tottenham’s key player, who supposedly had preliminary terms agreed with Bayern earlier in the transfer window, will ultimately finalise the transfer.
Why the potential hesitation? Kane’s contract is set to expire in 2024, potentially granting him the option to choose from an array of elite European clubs interested in acquiring his services on a free transfer.
This dilemma raises the question: Should he embark on the move now, which offers the certainty of Champions League football and the likelihood of winning trophies, or should he wait until the following summer to make a decisive choice?
Decision time. Does he stay, or does he go? As Kane weighs up what to do next, Tottenham will be in preparation mode for their Premier League opener on Sunday, where they will face Brentford.
It’s unclear if the latest developments will now mean the 30-year-old is unavailable for selection; all eyes will be on Ange Postecoglou’s press conference later!
Tennis player Nick Kyrgios playfully noted his alignment with Piers Morgan after a video resurfaced in which USWNT icon Megan Rapinoe seemed to overlook a fan.
The clip, originally shared by Morgan, dates back to the 2019 ESPY Awards. It captures Rapinoe signing a soccer ball for a young admirer, yet there appears to be minimal engagement as she doesn’t establish eye contact with the young fan.
Morgan slammed Rapinoe on Twitter, claiming the USWNT star displayed “diabolical arrogance” for not looking at the child. He then received unlikely support from tennis star Nick Kyrgios, who tweeted in reply: Hahahahahaha, one thing me and Piers agree on.”
Rapinoe is set to retire from soccer, with her USWNT career ending in agony after they were dumped out of the Women’s World Cup at the last-16 stage by Sweden.
Indeed, the 38-year-old was one of three U.S. players to miss their spot-kicks in the penalty shootout loss, with the holders crashing out of the tournament to prompt a wave of criticism.
Rapinoe will retire from soccer completely in November, following the completion of the 2023 NWSL season, with the OL Reign winger having made the shock announcement just days before the start of the Women’s World Cup.
Ghanaian midfielder Majeed Ashimeru is currently grappling with a new injury setback that threatens to keep him out of action for several weeks.
While the precise nature of the injury remains unclear, indications suggest that it was sustained during Anderlecht’s initial match of the season against Union SG in the Belgian Pro League on July 28.
During that game, Ashimeru was on the field for 81 minutes. Regrettably, Anderlecht ended up on the losing side.
His absence from the team lineup in the subsequent match on the following Saturday confirmed the impact of the injury on his availability.
Having aspired to commence the new season on a positive note and evade the injury troubles he experienced in the previous season, it is disappointing that he has encountered this setback early in the campaign.
In the previous season, Ashimeru admirably navigated challenges posed by injuries, showcasing impressive performances on the field.
As he aims to maintain good health this time around, this new injury setback undoubtedly presents an unwelcome obstacle.
There is a possibility that he might not be available for Ghana’s upcoming final 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match againstCentral African Republic on September 7.
Amidst this current challenge, Ashimeru’s primary focus will be on his recovery and swift return to the game.
His determination and resilience will undoubtedly play a crucial role in his journey to overcome this injury and resume his valuable contributions to Anderlecht’s campaign.
Kylian Mbappe has received a stern warning from Paris Saint-Germain that he will be excluded from any participation during the upcoming season if he opts to remain at Parc des Princes this summer.
Currently, PSG and Mbappe are engaged in a contractual standoff, with the French star asserting that he would rather remain sidelined in Paris for an entire year than relocate to the Middle East this summer.
Although the club reportedly received a substantial €300 million (£259 million or $332 million) bid for Mbappe last month, the situation remains unresolved.
The French club appears resolute in its stance, as journalist Bruno Andrade revealed that PSG has communicated to Mbappe that he will not feature in the 2023–24 season if he decides to stay, having rejected overtures from Saudi Arabia and the Premier League.
As Mbappe’s current contract is set to expire in June 2024, this represents PSG’s final opportunity to avoid a significant financial setback regarding the superstar.
Under the leadership of newly appointed manager Luis Enrique, there seems to have been a notable impact during the early stages of his tenure.
He has already informed players such as Neymar, Hugo Ekitike, Renato Sanches, Gini Wijnaldum, and Juan Bernat that they are free to depart during the summer transfer window without facing any inquiries.
While the French champions are set to commence theirLigue 1 title defence against Lorient this weekend, uncertainty lingers regarding the composition of the playing squad for the upcoming season.
Renowned football manager Jose Mourinho has taken on the role of global brand ambassador for Football.com, a multifaceted platform encompassing football, gaming, betting, and media.
This collaboration signifies a noteworthy development in the realms of both football and igaming, as Mourinho’s association with Football.com aims to establish an innovative hub for football enthusiasts.
The platform’s primary objective is to seamlessly blend football, media content, and gaming experiences.
It has already introduced licensed real-money gaming options in specific countries with fervent football followings, and it envisions a worldwide reach, with plans to expand its geographic presence and diversify its offerings.
An integral component of this partnership involves Mourinho’s exclusive contributions in the form of monthly articles on the platform.
These articles will provide insights into some of the most remarkable moments from his illustrious managerial career and his personal experiences.
Furthermore, this collaboration will foster the creation of branded real games, combining Mourinho’s influence with the platform’s expertise to engage and captivate users.
On the partnership, the Roma boss said, “Football has been my passion and my life, and I am delighted to be associated with the category-defining platform Football.com as their Brand Ambassador.
Together, we aim to redefine football-themed online entertainment, offering fans an experience like no other.”
On getting the Portuguese manager on board, Elias Gallego, VP of Business Development for Football.com, said, “We are thrilled to welcomeJosé Mourinho to the Football.com family.
“His partnership with Football.com will undoubtedly elevate the entertainment, betting, and gaming experience for our users, providing them with unrivalled content and an immersive platform that celebrates the beautiful game of football.”
Mourinho’s Roma is scheduled to participate in their upcoming pre-season friendly match against Partizani on August 12.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), the governing body for football in Africa, has officially received a complaint from stakeholders within Cameroonian football regarding the behaviour of Samuel Eto’o, the President of FECAFOOT (Cameroonian Football Federation).
According to CAF, this group has formally requested the confederation look into the actions of the former Barcelona star.
During his tenure as head of the Cameroonian Football Federation, Eto’o has been associated with various controversies, prompting certain members of the association to demand his resignation.
“CAF has received written statements from several Cameroonian football stakeholders to look into and investigate certain alleged improper conduct by Mr. Samuel Eto’o, who is President of the Fédération Camerounaise de Football (“FECAFOOT”),” a statement from CAF read.
“CAF is looking into these requests based on and in accordance with the CAF Statutes and Regulations. While the allegations are prima facie serious, Mr. Samuel Eto’o is presumed innocent until an appropriate judicial body concludes otherwise.
“CAF will make no further announcement while the investigations are ongoing and will only make public statements when the proceedings have come to an end.”
There’s a chance thatNeymar might follow his former teammate Lionel Messi’s path to MLS this summer, as LAFC is reportedly gearing up for a stunning attempt to acquire the Brazilian sensation.
According to reports, Neymar has communicated his desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain during this summer’s transfer window, aiming for a return to his previous club, Barcelona.
As speculation swirls around Neymar’s potential departure from the French champions, Major League Soccer (MLS) teams have suddenly become interested in him.
According to insights from Fabrizio Romano, MLS clubs have taken notice of Neymar’s situation, and LAFC is even making preparations to secure his signature.
However, despite the newfound MLS interest, Romano maintains that Neymar’s primary focus remains on rejoining Barcelona.
While PSG is open to selling Neymar, they won’t part with him easily and have set a hefty price tag of €150 million (£129 million or $165 million) for the player.
Beyond the potential moves to LAFC and Barcelona, there are also rumours linking the 31-year-old to a transfer to Saudi Arabia.
The uncertainty surrounding Neymar’s future persists. Recent reports from Sport suggest that a Saudi Arabian club might sign Neymar in the current transfer window and then loan himimmediately to Barcelona.
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 GHS 53.1 billion of those losses were a direct result of the Government’s domestic debt restructuring exercise (phases 1 and II).
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.
As a result, sovereign spreads on Ghana bonds widened, signalling investor dissatisfaction with the stance of fiscal policy.
The Budget for 2022, which was read in 2021, failed to address fiscal concerns as it was even more expansionary by about 23% with a raft of revenue measures to raise financing.
As a result, the Credit Rating Agencies further downgraded Ghana’s sovereign debt rating, which blocked Ghana’s access to international capital market borrowing. 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. In 2 months, the Bank of Ghana lost US$500 million in reserves and built significant overdraft with the government as a result of the auction failures.
It became clear that Ghana was on a path that was unsustainable, and the Government had to approach the IMF for support in July 2022. The IMF process included putting into place a credible programme of reform, which included restructuring of the total government debt to sustainable levels.
Until Staff Level Agreement with the IMF was reached in December 2022, the Bank of Ghana had to continue to provide the necessary support to keep the economy running.
In line with the provisions of the Bank of Ghana Act, (Act 612), as amended, the Bank informed the Minister of the developments in its finances. The Minister reported this to Parliament as part of his briefing to Parliament on the IMF programme and the Domestic Debt Exchange.
A major plank of the corrective action required for the IMF programme was the Domestic Debt Exchange, where the stock ofGovernment 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). This means the Bank of Ghana had to absorb 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.
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.
Central banks are not commercial banks. This financial outcome has very little implication for the operations of the Bank of Ghana, as supported by evidence from other central banks. Technically, Central Banks cannot be insolvent or bankrupt.
Bank of Ghana assures key stakeholders and the general public that we are committed to the highest standards of prudent management, governance, and transparent accounting and audit practices.
In anticipation of the upcomingPremier League season, Everton has reignited their interest in Ghanaian forward Kamaldeen Sulemana, aiming to enhance their squad and avoid any setbacks.
Back in January, Sulemana secured a £22 million transfer to Southampton, choosing them over Everton, who had also expressed interest.
Despite a slow start at Southampton, the 21-year-old ended the season on a high note, scoring an impressive brace against Liverpool on the final day.
This outstanding performance garnered significant attention from various clubs.
Nonetheless, his contributions to Southampton weren’t sufficient to prevent their relegation from the English Premier League by the season’s end.
While Sulemana has expressed a desire to continue in the English Championship, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of leaving Southampton, suggesting a potential return to the Premier League.
Even though he only joined Southampton in January and remains under contract until the summer of 2027, the idea of a transfer away from the club before the current transfer window closes isn’t entirely dismissed.
Recent reports have linkedSulemana with Everton, leaving room for optimism that a transfer deal could still materialise this summer.
It’s quite evident that Juventus fans are far from pleased with their club’s efforts to secure the services ofRomelu Lukaku from Chelsea.
The frustration among Juve supporters reached a boiling point at the Allianz Stadium, where a training match involving the first team and the reserve side turned into utter chaos.
The supporters used this opportunity to express their strong opposition to the potential acquisition of the 30-year-old striker, passionately chanting, “We don’t want Lukaku!”
Reportedly, the Belgian national player has come to terms on personal conditions with the Serie A side. This sets the stage for a potential transfer from Chelsea during this summer’s transfer window.
As part of this potential deal, Dusan Vlahovic is being suggested as a player who might move in the opposite direction from Juventus to Chelsea.
Romelu Lukaku is no stranger to Serie A, having previously played for Inter, the archrivals of Juventus, on two separate occasions.
In fact, during the 2020–21 season, he clinched the top scorer title while propelling Antonio Conte’s Nerazzurri squad to the championship.
Intriguingly, Juve’s most passionate fans, the ultras, have previously cautioned the clubagainst acquiring Lukaku.
The verdict on whether the Juventus leadership will persist in their pursuit of the former Manchester United player remains uncertain.
However, reports indicate that Chelsea has no interest in securing Dusan Vlahovic as part of the deal.
With the potential for further unrest and the additional complication of the club’s ongoing exclusion from European competitions this season, Juventus finds itself in the midst of considerable turmoil.
For his exceptional displays over the course of July, the Danish club officially crowned the Ghanaian talent as the Player of the Month, a well-deserved recognition.
At just 19 years old, Nuamah also earned the distinction of securing the Young Player of the Month accolade.
In response to these remarkable accomplishments, the talented forward looked back on his journey growing up in Asafo, reminiscing about his determination to chase his dreams.
In a post on social media, the player wrote, “Back at it, craving new challenges. Asafo boy chasing growth, one challenge at a time. Growth never stops. There’s a world of challenges out there. Point me to the starting line. ” #NextChapter” Please.”
With an impressive kickstart to the 2023/24 Danish Superliga season, Ernest Nuamah has an impressive record of four goals and one assist in three games.
Lionel Messi’s debut in the MLS has been delayed due to his instrumental role in propelling Inter Miami to the quarterfinals of the League Cup.
In a thrilling match, the Argentine netted two goals during the exhilarating encounter between Inter Miami and FC Dallas in the round of 16 of the League Cup.
Following a triumphant penalty shootout in which Messi’s team emerged victorious with a 5-3 score, they have advanced to the quarterfinals. Their next opponent will be Charlotte FC, the very team they were originally set to face in their upcoming MLS match.
Considering their forthcoming clash in the League Cup’s quarterfinals, the scheduled MLS fixture between the two teams, slated for August 20, has now been officially postponed. The new date for this match will be communicated at a later point in time.
In a statement, Inter Miami wrote: “Our regular season MLS match on August 20th against Charlotte FC has been postponed to a later date to be announced due to progression within the League Cup.
“Tickets originally purchased for the Aug. 20 MLS match will be honoured for the new date on which the game will be played.”
TheWorld Cup-winning Argentina captain has already scored seven goals in four appearances for his new club and is now their all-time joint-fourth highest goalscorer.
Dutch media reports suggest that a potential transfer involving Ajax midfielder Kudus Mohammed and Premier League team Brighton and Hove Albion has hit a roadblock due to a release clause.
Allegedly, Kudus is requesting the inclusion of a release clause in the deal, a demand that Brighton has declined to accommodate.
This refusal by the club to agree to a release clause has caused delays in discussions over personal terms, leading to uncertainty about the transfer’s current feasibility.
As previously noted by Dutch journalist Tim van Duijn, Ajax has given the player a 48-hour timeframe to reach an agreement with Brighton and Hove Albion.
Brighton has already reached an arrangement with Ajax to secure Kudus for a transfer fee amounting to 40 million euros.
At present, both Ajax and Brighton are awaiting the player’s approval to proceed and finalize the transaction.
According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the two clubs reached an accord back in July, with the player’s decision now being the decisive factor.
Despite interest from notable clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Borussia Dortmund, no formal bids have been presented to Ajax for Mohammed Kudus.
USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner’s transfer to Nottingham Forest has been successfully finalized for a fee of £10 million.
In response, Arsenal is poised to secure David Raya as his replacement. Turner has committed to a four-year contract with Nottingham Forest, binding him to the club until 2027. Having spent just one year at Emirates Stadium, the 29-year-old departs Arsenal on a permanent basis, as he was unable to displace Aaron Ramsdale as the first-choice goalkeeper.
While Turner was present on the bench when the Gunners defeated Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, he only managed to make seven competitive appearances for Mikel Arteta’s squad during his time there. Now, however, he is set to assume the role of the primary goalkeeper at the City Ground.
Turner told Forest’s official website after his unveiling on Wednesday: “It feels great to be here. It’s something I’m really looking forward to. It’s a great challenge and a great step in my career. When I heard that there was interest to bring me here, it just felt right for my family. It felt right when my agent spoke to me about it and it feels like the right move for me right now.
“The manager and the backroom staff, everything about the club has a little sparkle to it. It’s felt right from the start, and I’m happy it’s got done. I’m looking forward to making a connection with my teammates, the fans, and the city. I’m grateful to be here and can’t wait to get things started.”
As Arsenal aims to secureBrentford’s goalkeeper David Raya, valued at £30 million ($38 million), Turner’s departure from the club coincides with this move.
Allegedly, Raya has already consented to a transfer to the Emirates.
In the upcoming season, Raya is anticipated to contend with Ramsdale for the primary goalkeeper position in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup, rendering Turner’s presence unnecessary.
Premier League club, Fulham, is nearing an agreement withChelsea FC regarding the transfer of forward Callum Hudson-Odoi.
As reported by Sky Sport, the agreement is anticipated to be finalized within the next 48 hours, and it appears that there are no concerns regarding the player’s personal terms.
In the final year of his Chelsea contract, Hudson-Odoi is not included in coach Mauricio Pochettino’s strategies for the upcoming 2023–24 season.
Experiencing reduced playing minutes, the English-born Ghanaian spent the latter part of the previous season on loan at the German team Bayer Leverkusen, featuring in just 14 matches for the Black and Reds.
Hudson-Odoi, 22, remains eligible to represent Ghana internationally despite playing for England at the youth level from U16 to U21 and also making three appearances at the senior level.
Moises Caicedo, the midfielder who has attracted interest from Chelsea and holds a valuation of 100 million Euros, might not be swiftly departing from his current club, Brighton and Hove Albion, according toformer manager Chris Hughton.
The 64-year-old Hughton commented that the Seagulls have been making impressive moves in the ongoing transfer market, even though they recently bid farewell to Alexis MacAllister for 42 million Euros and Robert Sanchez to Chelsea for 23 million Euros.
In contrast, Brighton has made significant acquisitions, including Jao Pedro for 32 million Euros, Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht for 20 million Euros, and Brazilian defender Igor from Fiorentina for 17 million Euros.
Hughton, speaking on TalkSport, expressed that in his tenure, the club might have allowed Moises Caicedo to depart, but under the current direction, Brighton is not eager to part ways with the Ecuadorian midfielder.
“Brighton as a club at this moment has done incredibly good business and I would imagine they are not desperate to sell”.
“I think the circumstances have changed because the Brighton I know a few years ago would have accepted this offer. But they are in a very good position and I think they will sell when the value is correct”, he added.
Caicedo had a standout 2022–23 season, helping Brighton and Hove qualify for the European Europa League for the first time after placing sixth the previous year. Brighton & Hove will be eager to keep him.
On Thursday, September 7, 2023, when the Black Stars host Central Africa Republic in the last Group E match at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Chris Hughton is predicted to secure Ghana’s spot in the 2023 AFCON.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, in response to receiving a booking for mimicking a yellow card gesture, has asserted that he “cannot change in three days” and has refrained from offering any apologies.
In the 2023–24 season, Arteta became the inaugural Premier League manager to be penalised under the new regulations that emphasise strict actions against those who vocally request cautions from referees and engage in confrontations with them.
Referees have been instructed to be vigilant in curbing such behaviours. Despite Arteta’s knowledge of these guidelines prior to a Community Shield encounter against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, his caution in the first half for gesturing a yellow card motion towards Stuart Attwell indicated that he may not have fully internalised these directives.
Arteta told reporters afterwards, when asked about the new rules that he has already broken: “I cannot change my behaviour in three days. It’s a very difficult thing to do, and next time we cannot ask him to say, Okay, tomorrow we play with no offsides’ and the linesman says, What is he doing?’.
“We try our best, and I try my best. I understand the rules, and I understand where they’re coming from. But we can get frustrated there because sometimes we don’t know what part of the technical area we are. But it’s fine, we will adapt.”
Following Arsenal’s penalty victory over City, Arteta appeared to be in high spirits. The Gunners capitalised on yet another new directive that involves extended stoppage time. In the 101st minute, Leandro Trossard’s deflected equaliser found the net.
The decision to prolong matches significantly beyond the traditional 90-minute mark has garnered a varied range of reactions.
Arteta is a fan, with the Spaniard saying: “At the end, it’s about effective time. I think it’s really good to do that because it was going too far I think and now teams are going to have to think twice. Now we have to be prepared to play 100 minutes because it’s going to happen every single week.”
Arsenal, with silverware already under their belt, are set to open their 2023–24 Premier League campaign at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Ross Barkley has joined newly promotedPremier League team Luton Town on a free transfer, after being released by Ligue 1 side Nice.
The Hatters have snapped up the former Chelsea man ahead of their Premier League opener against Brighton this weekend on a free transfer. The length of his contract hasn’t been disclosed.
On joining the club, Barkley said: “Why Luton? Going from the Conference to the Premier League is a great story, and for me personally, being back in the Premier League, is great motivation.
“I’m still relatively young, and over the last couple of years, I’ve not played as much as I’d have liked. But I’ve reserved a lot of energy and looked after myself, so it’s great to be here now as I’ve got a lot to show, but I’m ready and feeling motivated.”
Luton Town has secured the services of the former Chelsea player just in time for their Premier League debut against Brighton this upcoming weekend.
Ross Barkley has joined theteam on a free transfer, although the specific length of his contract has not been revealed.
The appointment comes shortly after Julen Lopetegui’s (56) sudden departure from the role. O’Neil has signed a three-year contract with the club.
Lopetegui, the Spanish manager, exited Wolves with less than a year in charge due to disagreements, just three days before the commencement of the new season.
O’Neil had previously assumed the role of caretaker manager at Bournemouth in August of the previous year, later being appointed as the full-time manager in November.
His tenure at the south-coast club led to their retention of top-flight status, but he was dismissed from the position in June.
“At 40 years of age, O’Neil becomes the Wolves’ youngest manager this millennium and is the first permanent British coach to lead the club in six years, bringing Premier League experience after playing and managing at this level,” Wolves said in a statement.
O’Neil’s first game in charge of Wolves will be away to Manchester United on Monday in their first Premier League game of the season.
The proposal by FIFA and IFAB for extended injury time has drawn criticism from Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne (32) and Manchester United’s Raphael Varane (30). “We will see how it goes, but it makes no sense whatsoever,” De Bruyne warned.
Modern football is an extreme sport
Covering approximately 11 kilometres per match, three times per week, and up to 60 times in a season—this is the demanding routine for a professional footballer at the highest level.
This places intense strain on joints, muscles, and kneecaps. The densely packed match schedules also present a considerable mental challenge. Balancing personal time with family? The Club World Cup and League Cup competitions significantly impact that aspect.
Training sessions within numerous elite European clubs have shifted their focus. The emphasis is now primarily on recovery and visits to physiotherapists and masseurs.
Football is an inherently demanding sport. The playing field is expansive, and each match lasts 90 minutes.
However, the ball is frequently not in play due to factors like throw-ins, set pieces, referee discussions, VAR reviews, and time-wasting tactics from goalkeepers.
Within Europe’s premier matches, only about 50 to 60 minutes of actual football action transpire. The remaining time serves as a crucial respite for these high-stress athletes.
Top professionals criticise harshly FIFA and IFAB are, however, thorny about the difference between net and gross playing time. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they tested so-called ‘monster playing times’ for the first time on the big stage.
One minute of injury time after the first half, three minutes after the second half. As long as nothing out of the ordinary happened, that’s how it’s been done all over the world in the past decades.
Six or seven minutes of injury time, though? The absolute measure.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addresses the 73rd FIFA Congress at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda March 16, 2023. REUTERS/Jean Bizimana
In Qatar, however, they were suddenly the rule.”We want to combat time-wasting. We want the fans to enjoy the game. (The new approach) is very much appreciated everywhere,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in March this year.
A very subjective perception – because neither the players’ union FIFPro, nor top professionals like Raphael Varane or Kevin de Bruyne are convinced by the new approach, on the contrary.
After the Community Shield match between Arsenal and Manchester City, De Bruyne summed it up: “We have talked about it with the Arsenal players and even with the referees – they don’t want to do it at all, but it is the new rule and that’s the way it is.
“In a game like today, there were even three minutes of injury time in the first half. You can only imagine what happens when you play against a weaker team that has to stall all the time. Today we played 12 to 13 minutes longer. I can imagine games that last 20 to 25 minutes extra.”
Kevin De Bruyne on the new rules for added time:
Kevin De Bryne
“Assuming we’re going to play about 15 minutes extra every game now, that says it all.
We spoke to the Arsenal players and even the referees. They don’t even want to do it, but it’s the new rule, and it is what it is.
You can only guess what’s going to happen if you play a lower team that keeps time-wasting all the time. I’m thinking if we play Sevilla on Wednesday and have 15 to 20 extra minutes, and then play on Saturday again (at home to Newcastle), it’s like two extra time.
We’ll see how it goes, but it doesn’t make any sense.”
More football – does that automatically mean more entertainment? Does this simple calculation add up? Not at all, as Varane assures us: “We managers and players have been talking for many years about our concerns that there are too many games, that the fixture list is overcrowded, and that the physical and psychological well-being of the players is in danger.
“Despite our earlier feedback, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotion for the players to show.”
Varane himself retired from the French national team at the age of 29 because the strain became too much for him. He likened the commute between club and national team to being in a “washing machine”.
Time’s running out For FIFA, the spectacle is in the foreground. They are trying to market football more outside Europe and South America; the Arab region, China, and the US determine what happens on the global stock market. Holding tournaments there and moving the masses—well, that would guarantee FIFA large additional revenues.
But football is a strange sport. For example, it is a ‘low-scoring game’. Goals are a relative rarity. And that is precisely why they move the masses. For a market that tends to want to produce and offer more and more, this is not a romantic quality, but a highly suspicious one.
Which is why there is also talk of adapting the offside rule, which would probably lead to more goals.
Sometimes virtually nothing happens on the pitch. Nevertheless, spectators are having the time of their lives. Football lives in the atmosphere in the stands, from missed opportunities, inexplicable mistakes, shattered dreams, and the glorious, rare moments when everything comes together—when a move or an individual action turns everything that had been seen up to that point on its head.
Undoubtedly, time-wasting is a significant concern.FIFA’s announcement that extended periods of added time should lead to a learning curve is logical. The intention is for players to grasp that time-wasting is futile since the lost time will eventually be compensated for. In theory, this is a commendable concept.
However, FIFA fails to address the valid apprehensions expressed by players and their unions. Consequently, a valuable opportunity is being overlooked. There are no measures being taken to regulate the match calendar or curtail the frequency of matches. Instead, there are plans for an expanded 32-team Club World Cup scheduled for December.
Does the global governing body genuinely prioritise the appeal of the game? Shouldn’t FIFA be focused on ensuring equitable financial prospects for clubs, supervising financial inflows from countries with problematic human rights records, and establishing equitable qualification pathways for international tournaments? If these developments are not curtailed, football’s very essence may be profoundly disrupted.
Manchester United are reportedly engaged in discussions to secure the services of Bayern Munich’s standout, Benjamin Pavard, who is being considered as a potential successor to Harry Maguire.
United’s central defender, Maguire, is on the verge of moving to West Ham, with reports indicating that the two clubs have reached a preliminary agreement for a transfer fee of £30 million ($38.2 million) to facilitate his move to the London Stadium.
Bayern’s right-back Pavard has expressed a desire to depart from the Bundesliga side, as he has no intention of renewing his contract, which expires in 2024.
According to information from Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, substantive discussions are taking place between Manchester United and the 27-year-old Pavard, who also possesses the ability to play in central defence.
Manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly eager to secure his inclusion.
United is purportedly aiming to offload Maguire and regain a portion of the £80 million ($101.9 million) they paid Leicester City in 2019—a world-record fee for a defender.
The addition of French World Cup champion Pavard would grant the Red Devils a versatile defensive alternative in the aftermath of Maguire’s potential departure.
With just a year remaining on his contract, United might have the opportunity to secure Pavard’s services at a reduced cost.
At Parc des Princes, PSG has seemingly removed posters of Kylian Mbappe, and his jerseys are no longer available for purchase in club shops across Paris.
The French footballer has been the subject of departure speculation from the Ligue 1 champions this summer due to his refusal to extend his contract, which is scheduled to expire in 2024.
In lieu of allowing him to depart on a free transfer, the Paris Saint-Germain management is aiming to secure a transfer fee for him. In addition to this, they have prevented him from participating in first-team training, and he was notably absent from the squad for the club’s pre-season tour.
In a further indication of their stance, PSG has heightened the pressure on Mbappe by seemingly taking down banners featuring him that adorned their home stadium.
Furthermore, his name appears to be absent from the selection of kits available for purchase in club shops across Paris, as reported by GFFN via Gol.
Kylian Mbappé shirts are not purchasable at PSG stores in Paris today & his likeness is being removed from the outside walls of the Parc des Princes, per @Gol. pic.twitter.com/DGFCvXxYVW
The 24-year-old, who is presently obligated to train alongside PSG’s ‘bomb squad’ composed of undesirable players, finds himself locked in a standoff with the club. Reports indicate that the World Cup champion has reached an agreement with Real Madrid for a contract commencing in 2024.
However, PSG aims to secure a substantial fee for the player, valuing him at €250 million (£215 million or $274 million).
The question of whether Mbappe, who previously labelled PSG as a “divisive” club, will play for them in the upcoming season remains uncertain, as the campaign is set to commence this weekend.
PSG is slated to kick off their season at home against Lorient on Saturday, August 12. The role Mbappe will assume in the team is yet to be determined.
Following Bayern’s disheartening defeat by Manchester City in the Champions League quarterfinals, a widely publicised altercation unfolded between Sane and the ex-Liverpool player within the team’s locker room.
According to reports, Mane allegedly confronted the former Manchester City winger, resulting in disciplinary action taken against him by the Bavarian powerhouse, including a suspension.
Cisse blamed the incident on Sane and the Bayern officials’ problem with ‘Mane’s skin colour. The player’s representative has also said Mane’s exit was not a footballing decision and that the club did not like “an African” being the club’s “top earner.” Bayern have now responded to his comments.
The press release read: “We cancelled Sadio Mané’s contract by mutual agreement. Accusations of racism, which are now being levelled by Sadio’s entourage, are unfounded and have been from the start. Our coach, Thomas Tuchel, has also never told Sadio that he can never use him.
FC Bayern liked Sadio Mané as a man and as a player. Unfortunately, the objectives that we set together when he signed weren’t achieved. That happens in football.We wish Sadio all the best and lots of success at his new club.”
Mane has teamed up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, aiming to move past his time at Bayern, which proved to be both unsuccessful and marked by controversy.
Mane is now a participant in the significant trend that involves prominent players transitioning from Europe to the Middle East. Expectations are high for further substantial deals during the ongoing transfer window, with more projected to occur in 2024.
Romelu Lukaku’s actions as he allegedly persists in seeking a move to Juventus have drawn criticism from Inter Milan vice president Javier Zanetti.
The association between Chelsea striker Lukaku and Inter Milan, where he spent the previous season on loan, reportedly deteriorated earlier in the summer as the Belgian player indicated his desire for a transfer to Juventus.
This came despite Inter Milan’s aspirations to secure his permanent signing.
Javier Zanetti, the esteemed former Inter midfielder, has strongly criticised the 30-year-old forward for his behaviour.
Lukaku had previously expressed affection for the club, stating that he loved it and praising its “best fans in the world.” However, Zanetti’s comments imply Lukaku’s actions have contradicted his earlier sentiments.
The Inter chief told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Given what Inter has done for him, we expected him to behave differently, as a professional and as a man. He has the right to go where he wants, of course, but he could have told us that beforehand. Nobody is bigger than the club, and when building a team, you always have to consider who you are bringing into the dressing room.”
Lukaku is likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, but his future is currently uncertain.
The former Manchester United attacker, whose contract at Chelsea expires in 2027, may have tarnished his reputation with the Serie A side as he reportedly stopped answering phone calls from the club.
At the same time, he opened talks with Juventus over a potential switch, and his actions have sparked outrage from fans of Inter and the Bianconeri.
Lukaku and Chelsea agreed he would not link up with the first-team squad earlier this summer, and the club have all but confirmed his exit after not giving him a squad number.
The Blues start their season against Liverpool on Sunday, August 13, whereas Inter’s campaign begins against Monza on Saturday, August 12.
PR manager of Sadio Mane, Bacary Cisse, has alleged that Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane used racial insults against Mane, sparking their heated confrontation in April 2023.
The clash between Mane and his former teammate Leroy Sane is believed to be a significant factor contributing to Bayern Munich’s decision to part ways with the latter.
Formally, the cause behind Mane’s altercation with Sane following Bayer’s 3-0 defeat against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League in April 2023 remains undisclosed.
However, various reports suggest that Sane, who was born in Germany and is of Senegalese descent, directed racial slurs at Mane, prompting the latter to react uncharacteristically by striking Sane in the dressing room.
During an interview with After Foot RMC, Cisse chose not to delve into the specifics of the incident. Nevertheless, when questioned about whether Sane racially abused Mane, he provided the following response:
“Yes, indeed. I can’t enter certain details. That’s why I said there was ingratitude from Bayern’s part. It’s crazy. Everyone with a knowledge of European football knows that Sane is a very condescending guy, whileSadio is very calm and has shown that everywhere he played.
“Sane has exceeded the limits. Many wrong things were said about what happened. Many dirty things came out of the German press. They sided with Sane against Sadio. They said Sadio was fined €500k, which is a lie,” he said, as quoted by the Daily Mail UK.
Cisse disclosed that Sane later apologised and pleaded for a response from Mane through some of the teammates.
‘Sane apologised to Sadio after the incident. Why? Because he knew it was him who f* up. He called some players and told them: “I sent a text to Sadio, tell him to respond”.
‘Sadio responded and accepted his apology, but told him that shouldn’t happen again.’
Sadio Mane has departed Bayern after completing a move to Al Nassr in a deal worth £34 million.
According to Cisse, Mane’s departure from Bayern was not for footballing reasons.
“It wasn’t a football decision (to sell him),’ he said. ‘Sadio’s salary bothered the Germans, they didn’t understand how an African joins the club and becomes the top earner ahead of everyone, so they wanted to get rid of him.”
“They never called the player’s representatives. They never told Sadio face-to-face that they wanted to get rid of him. They just sent (Thomas) Tuchel to tell him that he will be a third-choice left winger.”
“Sadio has nothing to prove to the Germans. He didn’t become what he’s become thanks to Bayern. It was thanks to Liverpool. Bayern were ungrateful. They were paying an African all this money, and that hurt them.”
“Leaving Bayern hurts me. I would have wished for a different ending. We had a long, big hug, and we both agreed that we don’t like what’s happening now, but we think it’s for the best in this situation,” He told Sky Germany.
“Sometimes things don’t work out as everybody wants it to work out. In person, I have always had a very good relationship with him, and this will stay. I can totally understand that he feels hurt and I also wouldn’t feel happy if things like this happened.
Obviously, it’s something that we didn’t bring to its full potential, which is my job and my responsibility, but in this particular situation, it was the best solution to untie the knot.
On another note, Sadio Mane’s transfer to Saudi Arabia has elevated him to the status of the highest-earning African footballer, receiving a weekly income of £661,000 and an annual tax-free salary of £34.37 million at Al Nassr.
Head coach of FC Zurich, Bo Henriksen, has openly acknowledged the challenge the club is encountering in locating a player of higher calibre thanDaniel Afriyie Barnieh.
Despite Daniel Afriyie Barnieh’s impressive performance in the initial three matches of the season, Bo Henriksen has affirmed that the club is actively in pursuit of a new striker.
The departure of Nigerian forward Tosin Aiyegun to French Ligue 1 side Lorient has prompted FC Zurich to intensify their efforts to find a suitable replacement.
Nonetheless, Afriyie’s consistent performance and contributions since the season’s commencement have rendered the task of identifying a superior player increasingly arduous for the team.
Bo Henriksen reiterated these sentiments following FC Zurich’s noteworthy 3-0 victory over Lugano, wherein Afriyie’s two goals were instrumental in securing the triumph.
However, he swiftly shifted to a more serious tone, acknowledging, “We will certainly continue to search for a striker. But now it has become more difficult to find someone better than Daniel.”
Previously, the Spanish goalkeeper was available for transfer, but the initial demands from his club were deemed unrealistic by potential suitors. However, as the transfer window edges towards closure, Brentford has adjusted their asking price to approximately £30 million, which is a reasonable offer, especially considering Raya’s contract concludes next summer.
Having garnered interest from various Premier League teams, the goalkeeper made the decision not to extend his contract with Brentford.
All things considered, Brentford seems content with profiting from the goalkeeper’s transfer.
Arsenal has secured the services of a goalkeeper who has a more prominent reputation in England compared to his home country. Nonetheless, Raya has recently earned a call-up to the Spanish national team.
While challenging Aaron Ramsdale for the established number-one position, the Spaniard presents manager Mikel Arteta with a welcome selection dilemma.
Celebrated Ghanaianfigure Yvonne Nelson, acclaimed for her publication “I am not Yvonne Nelson,” is poised to shine at the forthcoming Ghana International Book Fair 2023. This momentous literary affair, commemorating its 20th iteration, is slated to take place from August 10th to August 13th, 2023, aligning perfectly with UNESCO’s Accra World Book Capital festivities.
The festivities are enhanced with an exceptional touch due to this alignment, infusing added vibrancy into the customary activities. A captivating event on the horizon is an enthralling Book Signing session with Yvonne Nelson.
Set to take place on Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, this session offers an exclusive chance for fans who have obtained her memoir to receive her signature, capture memorable moments in photographs, and partake in delightful conversations.
This occasion follows the acknowledgment of HE Mr. Abdourahamanne Diallo, UNESCO Ghana’s Country Representative, as the Ghana International Book Fair Personality of the Year 2023.
The award ceremony will transpire on Friday evening, recognizing his significant contributions to fostering creative, cultural, and literary landscapes in Ghana.
These sessions are orchestrated by the Ghana Association of Writers in collaboration with theGhana International Book Fair secretariat and are supported by Read Ghana Read Consult. They exemplify the fair’s dedication to engaging with luminaries who have left an indelible mark on the realm of literature.
Additionally, there are sessions like “Deep Conversations with Oheneyere Gifty Anti” on August 10, 2023, and a concluding event with the legendary Adjetey Annang on August 13, 2023, titled “Celebrity-Author & Readers Connect with Adjetey Annang.”
The Ghana International Book Fair serves as an annual tribute to the rich Ghanaian culture through books and reading. It accentuates the importance of reading and literacy at all levels for individual and national progress.
The fair encompasses various engaging activities such as Reading with Champions, writing & publishing workshops, inter-schools debate competitions, Hi-Schools Poetry Contest, Read to Play (video games), and an exhibition and sale of books.
Commencing on August 10, 2023, with an Opening Ceremony at 9:00 am and concluding on August 13, each day’s sessions run from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The theme for this year, “Reading to connect minds for social transformation,” reflects the essence of the event. As always, participation is open and free for all.
Inter currently hold the leading position in the pursuit of theUSMNT forward, following Arsenal’s dismissal of a €30 million (£26 million/$33 million) bid from Monaco on Monday.
As the transfer deadline day draws nearer, Arsenal might consider reducing their initial asking price of €50 million (£43 million or $55 million) to €40 million (£34 million or $44 million).
Meanwhile, the Serie A champions are actively exploring alternative options for a striker, a statement confirmed by the club’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio.
However, it’s worth noting that Inter has ruled out the possibility of re-acquiring Romelu Lukaku.
Speaking to Sport Mediaset, Ausilio said: “We’re looking for someone who can score goals. Balogun? He is one of the possibilities, but we’re not just following him. Lukaku? I’m not interested.”
In case Inter miss out on Balogun, they have identified Udinese forward Beto, who is valued at €30 million, and Porto’s Mehdi Taremi, who is also wanted by Tottenham if Harry Kane leaves for Bayern Munich.
Alvaro Morata’s name was also on the club’s shortlist, but the Spaniard is close to extending his stay at Atletico Madrid.
Simone Inzaghi’s side will be next seen in action in an international friendly against Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday.
Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, has acknowledged the concerns surrounding the club’s limited transfer activity ahead of the upcoming season. He encouraged his teammates to rise to the occasion, especially in the wake of the significant departures of key players.
At 32 years old, Van Dijk took over the captaincy from Jordan Henderson, who concluded his 12-year tenure at Liverpool by moving to Saudi Arabia’s Pro League team Al Ettifaq last month.
Liverpool’s roster has seen the departure of six experienced players, including Henderson and Fabinho, who relocated to Saudi Arabian clubs. Furthermore, midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner, Naby Keita, and forward Roberto Firmino have all departed on free transfers.
With just three days remaining until the commencement of the new season, Liverpool’s incoming player count hasn’t kept pace with the number of departures. Notably, only midfielders Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai have been added to the squad during the transfer window.
“I can definitely understand it in some ways, but I’m not a very negative person,” Van Dijk said when asked about Liverpool fans’ worries.
“Obviously, when a lot of players are leaving, when your captain is leaving, your vice-captain is leaving, and at the moment, there are only two incomings.
“And the way we have been playing, in possession it’s really good, but defensively when you concede goals it’s not as good, so I can understand some people having doubts.”
After narrowly missing out on an unprecedented quadruple in the 2021–22 season—Liverpool ended with two domestic cups—the club will not feature in the Champions League for the first time since manager Jurgen Klopp’s first full season in 2016–17.
“Let’s see if more players are coming in, and then we have to be ready again for a long season. It will be very tough if we look at the teams around us, but we want to be up there again; we want to be challenging again,” Van Dijk said.
“We have to be confident; we should be confident, and we should still be learning each and every day.
“There have been characters leaving, players who have played a big part in the success, but others have to step up. That’s a nice challenge, in my opinion. We should be excited.”
Liverpool will begin their season with an away fixture against Chelsea on Sunday.
Manchester City is showing interest in acquiring West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta, sources have informed ESPN.
While City has not yet presented a formal offer for the Brazilian midfielder, he ranks high on their list of potential targets.
The pursuit of Paqueta is regarded by the club as an independent move, separate from any developments concerning Bernardo Silva’s future.
Silva has communicated his desire for a fresh challenge away from the Etihad Stadium.
Despite interest from Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Saudi Pro League, sources indicate that City is growing increasingly confident in retaining the 28-year-old.
City has not received a formal bid for Silva and is preparing to extend a new contract offer to the Portuguese international.
Valued at over £70 million ($89.4 million) by West Ham, Paqueta’s potential departure is met with reluctance by the club, particularly following the transfer of Declan Rice to Arsenal earlier this summer.
Paqueta contributed to West Ham’s victory in the Europa League during his debut season at the London Stadium after his £50 million move from Lyon in 2022.
He has also enjoyed stints at Milan and Flamengo, and he was part of Brazil’s squad at the Qatar World Cup.
Manchester City has already strengthened its midfield during this transfer window with the £30 million acquisition of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea.
Kovacic’s arrival coincided with Ilkay Gundogan’s transfer to Barcelona on a free deal. Additionally, City has received £30 million from Riyad Mahrez’s transfer to Al Ahli.
Furthermore, City is optimistic that Kyle Walker will decline interest from Bayern Munich and instead sign a new contract at the Etihad.
Although Walker’s current contract has one year remaining, City is considering a two-year extension.
Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui has departed from Wolverhampton Wanderers after less than a year at the helm due to disagreements, as confirmed by the Premier League club on Tuesday, just three days ahead of the new season kick-off.
While the specifics behind the separation were not extensively disclosed by either party, British media outlets indicated that the 56-year-old former coach of Real Madrid and Sevilla was dissatisfied with the team’s limited investments in player acquisitions.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have faced the departure of crucial players, including their former captain Ruben Neves to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Professional League, Nathan Collins to Brentford, Conor Coady to Leicester City, Raul Jimenez to Fulham, and Ryan Giles to Luton Town.
Lopetegui was appointed head coach in November on a three-year contract when the West Midlands club was confronting relegation concerns. Under his leadership, the team underwent a turnaround, ascending to the 13th position in the standings and securing their place in the top-flight league.
Lopetegui’s tenure began after caretaker manager Steve Davis took charge of the team following the dismissal of Bruno Lage in October.
“While our ambition had been to move into the new season together, it is public knowledge that there were differences of opinion on some key topics, and it was agreed by all parties that it would be best to part ways ahead of the new campaign, the Wolves said in a statement.
Lopetegui, who represented Barcelona and Madrid during his playing career, began coaching in Spain’s youth set-up before spells at Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish second division and Portuguese club Porto.
His most successful stint in club managementcame at Sevilla, where he spent three years in charge, leading the LaLiga outfit to the Europa League title in 2020.
“I wish Wolves and everybody at the club the very best of luck for the future, and thank them for the opportunity granted at the time to take charge of this wonderful club,” Lopetegui said in a statement.
Gary O’Neil, who helped Bournemouth to secure their top-flight survival last season, steering them to a 15th-placed finish in the league after taking over from Scott Parker, is reportedly set to replace Lopetegui at Molineux.
The Premier League season begins on Friday, and Wolves go to Manchester United for their first game on Monday.
Thomas Tuchel is reportedly interested in signing Kepa Arrizabalaga for Bayern Munich, as the team faces a shortage of goalkeeping options due to Manuel Neuer’s prolonged absence.
Bayern Munich, the reigning Bundesliga champions, find themselves in a predicament with their goalkeeping resources, as Sven Ulreich stands as their lone available keeper.
The departure of Yann Sommer to Inter Milan and the uncertainty surrounding Neuer, who is said to be out of action for several more weeks due to a leg injury sustained during a ski trip in December, have prompted the club to seek a new goalkeeper.
Reports from Sport1 indicate that Tuchel has communicated his desire to secure Kepa from Chelsea.
Talks have reportedly begun with both the player’s representatives and the Premier League club.
While Tuchel’s preference at Chelsea was Edouard Mendy, he believes that Kepa could provide healthy competition for Ulreich at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern’s intention is to initially bring in Kepa on a loan arrangement, coupled with an option to make the deal permanent.
Kepa, who still has two years left on his contract with Chelsea, appears open to the prospect of a change, especially considering the competition he faces from Robert Sanchez, who was acquired from Brighton in a £25 million ($32 million) deal.
While Kepa’s stint at Chelsea began with a then-club-record transfer fee of £71 million ($91 million) from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, his performance as a consistent goalkeeper has fallen short of expectations.
Barcelona’s coach, Xavi, admitted uncertainty regarding the possibility of signing Neymar before the transfer window closes.
Neymar reportedly expressed his desire to depart from Paris Saint-Germain on Monday, with Barcelona allegedly being his preferred destination once again.
However, the financial constraints faced by Barcelona could complicate the process, as acknowledged by Xavi on Tuesday.
“Neymar? I can’t say anything. Last year, I already mentioned the name of a player from another team, and they got angry.
“From here until the end of the market, we’ll see,” Xavi said following Barcelona’s 4-2 win over Tottenham in the Joan Gamper Trophy.
Barcelona is nearing the departure of Ousmane Dembele to PSG, as the French player is expected to finalise a transfer worth €50 million (£43 million/$55 million) to the French club in the upcoming days.
Ansu Fati’s departure is also a possibility, given that Financial Fair Play regulations might compel Barcelona to offload their talented young forward.
The financial constraints faced by Barcelona are evident this summer, leaving them with limited funds for expenditures. It remains uncertain if they can manage to bring back a player who departed from Camp Nou in 2017.
Starting August 15 of this year, theGhana Revenue Authority (GRA) will initiate a 10 percent withholding tax on the total winnings generated from betting, gaming, lotto, and various games of chance.
The rationale behind this decision, as explained by the Authority, stems from the recent approval of the Income Tax (Amendment No. 2, Act 2023 (Act 1094)), which introduces tax deductions on earnings from sports betting and gaming activities.
During an official press briefing held in Accra, Edward Gyambrah, the Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD), unveiled this development. The 10 percent tax deduction will be applicable across the spectrum, affecting private lotto operators, sports betting companies, casinos, route operators, remote interactive game operators, marketing promotions, and other similar games of chance.
Furthermore, as part of the changes, all participants in the lottery sector will be required to remit a 20 percent tax on their gross gaming revenue (GGR) when submitting their monthly returns.
It’s important to note that certain segments, like casinos, route operators, and marketing promotion enterprises, have already been adhering to this policy since June 1, 2023. The implementation of the tax policy for sports betting and private lotto operations is set to commence on August 15, 2023.
According to Mr. Gyambrah, the GRA is hoping to raise about GH1.2 billion in the first year of implementing this policy, and in incremental amounts during the ensuing years.
“We are widening the tax net to include everyone in this developmental agenda,” the Commissioner said, adding: “Failure of industry players to abide by these rules will lead to sanctions and the withdrawal of operational licences.”.
Notable initiatives encompass the introduction of Electronic VAT, Electronic Tax Clearance certificates, upfront payment protocols for imported goods, and the enforcement of excise tax stamps, among other strategies.
Additionally, the GRA is engaged in initiatives like the ongoing e-VAT monitoring initiative, along with activities such as test purchases and mystery shopping exercises, all designed to bolster and refine revenue mobilisation efforts.
In the current fiscal year, the GRA has established a revenue goal of GH106 billion. Among these targets, the Customs Division is tasked with gathering approximately GH28.5 billion.
The Ghana Football Association and the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF) have announced the venue for the upcoming friendly match between Ghana and Mexico.
Scheduled for October 2023, the Black Stars are set to engage in a friendly encounter against Mexico. The match is confirmed to take place on Saturday, October 14.
Following weeks of anticipation, both football associations have finalised the arrangements, designating the Charlotte Bank of America Stadium as the host venue for the MexTour International friendly clash on October 14.
This match will bring together Mexico, the reigning champions of the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, and Ghana, a prominent force in African football.
The fixture holds significance for Mexico, as it serves as part of their preparation leading up to the quarterfinal matches of the CONCACAF scheduled for November 2023.
Subsequently, the Black Stars will compete against the United States on October 17, merely three days later, in another friendly match. This match is set to take place at Geodis Park in Nashville.
These matches hold dual importance for the Black Stars, providing an opportunity to assess their readiness for the forthcoming 2023Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast in 2024.
Furthermore, these friendly encounters will play a crucial role in preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, commencing in November 2023.
Renowned Dutch club Ajax is actively searching for a successor toMohammed Kudus as he prepares to depart this summer, according to reports.
The Ghanaian striker has been the subject of various transfer speculations in recent months.
Despite significant interest from clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Borussia Dortmund, Kudus remains an integral part of Ajax.
Over the weekend, news emerged that Brighton & Hove Albion from the English Premier League have secured an agreement with Ajax to acquire Kudus.
While the possibility of losing the prominent Ghanaian player is acknowledged, Ajax is proactively scouting potential candidates to fill his shoes.
Among the prospects being considered is young Ghanaian talent Ernest Nuamah. Ajax perceives Nuamah as an ideal replacement for Kudus and is reportedly ready to present an offer to FC Nordsjaelland in the event of Kudus’s departure this summer.
Aged 20, Nuamah has already made a name for himself in theDanish Superliga since last season. Impressively, he has tallied four goals and contributed one assist in just three appearances this season.
Andres Iniesta has officially become a member of Emirates Club in the United Arab Emirates Pro League, signing a one-year contract.
The esteemed 39-year-old figure from Spain and Barcelona arrived in Dubai on Monday in preparation for finalising his agreement.
The experienced midfielder will retain the possibility of prolonging his tenure with the club until June 2025.
Iniesta, who spent the past five seasons competing in Japan for Vissel Kobe, now joins the Emirates Club as a free agent.
His primary motivation is to secure more opportunities on the field, especially after accumulating just 94 minutes of gameplay throughout his 18 appearances with Kobe during the previous season.
“There was difficulty in not being picked to play after putting my heart into training,” Iniesta said last month after playing his last game for Vissel Kobe. “I’ve experienced a lot of things over these five years, which is a long time.”
Iniesta scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup final.
He was also a key part of Spain’s two European Championship wins, in 2008 and 2012.
Iniesta began his career at Barcelona and won nine league titles and four Champions League among other trophies in his 16 seasons at the club.
Tottenham Hotspur announced on Tuesday that they have secured the signing of Dutch center-back Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg on a six-year deal.
The 22-year-old, who joined Wolfsburg in 2021, amassed 41 appearances for the Bundesliga team across various competitions. Additionally, he represented the Netherlands Under-21 squad in 11 matches.
During his time at Wolfsburg, Van de Ven played both in a three-man defense and a traditional four-man backline, contributing to the team’s eighth-place finish.
“We are delighted to announce the signing of Micky van de Ven from VfL Wolfsburg, subject to international clearance and work permit,” Spurs said in a statement.
“The defender has signed a contract with the club that will run until 2029, and will wear the number 37 shirt.”
Van de Ven follows the permanent signings of James Madison, Pedro Porro, Guglielmo Vicario, Manor Solomon, and Ashley Phillips.
Everton is keeping a close watch on the developments surrounding Harry Maguire, followingWest Ham’s unsuccessful attempt to secure the services of the center-back, which was turned down by Manchester United.
United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, is striving to make two additional signings to strengthen the team before the summer transfer window concludes.
However, the club’s ability to finalise new acquisitions is contingent upon making sales.
West Ham recently presented a dual offer of £60 million ($77 million) for Maguire and Scott McTominay, but this bid was rebuffed.
According to reports from the Independent, Everton has now entered the scene, closely observing Maguire’s situation following West Ham’s failed bid.
Maguire himself is eager to depart the club in pursuit of more playing time, a crucial factor leading up to Euro 2024.
While the Red Devils have a keen interest in adding midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and Nice center-back Jean-Clair Todibo to their roster, the feasibility of these signings hinges on the revenue generated from their sales.
Manchester United will kick off their 2023–24 Premier League season against Wolves on August 14.
There is a likelihood that Neymar might rejoin Barcelona in the current transfer window, as a Saudi Arabian club has shown interest in signing the Brazilian player and then loaning him to the Catalan team.
Reportedly, Neymar has expressed his desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer with the aim of returning to Camp Nou. However, Barcelona’s financial situation could pose a challenge to securing his services.
As per Sport, a Saudi Arabian club is considering a strategic role in facilitating Neymar’s move to Barcelona.
Their plan involves signing him from PSG this summer and promptly loaning him to the Camp Nou side.
The arrangement for Neymar’s salary involves a three-way structure: Barcelona contributing a certain percentage, PSG covering the remainder, and a potential commercial agreement that might include a friendly match involving Barcelona in Saudi Arabia.
While Neymar was also linked with a possible move to Chelsea after deciding to part ways with the Ligue 1 champions, Chelsea’s manager Mauricio Pochettino has purportedly turned down the idea.
PSG is likely to request a transfer fee ranging from £50 million ($64 million) to £80 million ($102 million) for Neymar.
With Lionel Messi having already relocated to the United States and Kylian Mbappe also being made available for transfer alongside Neymar, PSG aims to initiate a new chapter in their pursuit of success.
Harry Kane is believed to be inclined towards remaining at Tottenham following the decline of Bayern Munich’s third bid for his transfer, with his sentiments influenced by his positive impression of new head coach Ange Postecoglou’s philosophy.
Bayern Munich had made successive offers of £70 million ($90.2 million) and £80 million ($103.3 million) for the England captain, whose contract extends until 2024.
However, Tottenham rebuffed these attempts, including the latest bid of £86 million ($110 million) put forward by the Bundesliga team on Monday.
According to the Evening Standard, the 30-year-old is now gearing up to continue with Spurs for the upcoming season, drawn by his appreciation for the coaching approach of Ange Postecoglou, the newly appointed head coach, and his satisfaction with the training sessions conducted under the Australian’s guidance.
Although Bayern Munichis said to be contemplating an improved offer for Kane, their most recent proposal is reported to fall considerably short of Tottenham’s valuation for their top goal scorer.
Expressing his desire for a swift resolution to his future, Kane has indicated that he wishes to have clarity before the commencement of the season, set to start this weekend.
If no advancements are made, it is likely that he will feature in the match against Brentford on Sunday.
The question of whether Kane will commit to a new contract remains unanswered, particularly after earlier reports suggested he turned down contract extension offers from Tottenham earlier in the summer.
As the pre-season campaign comes to a close, Kane is not among the Spurs squad travelling to Spain for a friendly match against Barcelona on Tuesday, August 8.
Spanish journalist Toni Juanmarti has revealed that there’s a significant clause in Gundogan’s contract that could permit him to depart from the club for free if he isn’t registered in time for Barcelona’s initialLa Liga fixture against Getafe.
The midfielder made a free transfer to the Catalan club from Manchester City, even rejecting a contract extension from his previous team, the treble winners, in pursuit of his long-standing aspiration to join the Spanish giants.
However, the delay in his registration has sparked concerns, particularly due to Barcelona’s financial challenges.
Should he depart without a transfer fee, Barcelona would still be obligated to cover his annual salary of €10 million (£8.64 million or $11 million) for the first year of his three-year contract.
At present, Barcelona has only 13 players registered with La Liga. Nonetheless, the departures of Ousmane Dembele to PSG and Franck Kessie to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli are set to infuse much-needed funds into the club’s coffers.
Furthermore, President Joan Laporta is prepared to sell a 16% stake in Barca Studios, valued at €65 million (£56.15 million or $71.5 million), to a German investment firm, aiming to further bolster the financial standing of the club.
With the La Liga opener against Getafe merely days away, the pressure is mounting on Barcelona to swiftly conclude Gundogan’s registration process.
Laporta, the club’s president, is actively engaged in securing player sales and formulating financial strategies to ensure the team’s stability. Meanwhile, whether Gundogan will participate in the Joan Gamper Trophy against Tottenham on Tuesday remains to be seen.
Chelsea’s forward Christopher Nkunku is facing an extended period on the sidelines as he is reportedly preparing to undergo knee surgery due to meniscus damage.
During Chelsea’s final pre-season match against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago, the French international had to be substituted off in the 22nd minute following a challenge from Mat Hummels.
Initially, there were expectations that the £58 million ($73.9 million) summer signing from RB Leipzig would only be absent for a few weeks due to meniscus damage in his left knee.
However, recent reports from The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg suggest that Nkunku will require knee surgery, which will significantly delay his competitive debut for Chelsea in the new season.
While his absence is a setback for manager Mauricio Pochettino, the 25-year-old’s impressive start with Chelsea has been promising. His inability to participate raises concerns about the team’s attacking options.
Nkunku’s extended absence adds pressure on Todd Boehly’s team to strengthen their attacking midfield and second striker positions.
The club has been linked with Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, a winger who can also play in the attacking midfield role.
Additionally, there have been rumours of interest in Neymar, who reportedly expressed a desire to leave Paris Saint-Germain.
Given Chelsea’s modest goal tally of 38 in 38 matches last season, bolstering their attacking options is crucial to mounting a more successful campaign this time and contending for a top-four position.
Chelsea is set to commence their 2023–24 league season at home against Liverpool under theguidance of Jurgen Klopp.
The hope is that Nkunku’s return to the first team will be expedited as they aim to compete effectively.
A fatal stabbing incident occurred as a brawl erupted between supporters of AEK Athens and Dinamo Zagreb prior to their Champions League qualifier, resulting in the death of a 22-year-old man, as confirmed by the police.
Tragedy struck as Greek football enthusiasts clashed with fans of Dinamo Zagreb, leading to the demise of one individual and leaving six others injured.
The confrontation transpired ahead of the Champions League third-qualifying round game between the two clubs on Monday evening.
According to The Times of Malta, the 22-year-old victim was transported from the Nea Filadelfeia stadium, located on the outskirts of Athens, to a nearby hospital, where he ultimately passed away.
Disturbingly violent clashes unfolded among the rival factions of supporters in the build-up to the Champions League match, scheduled to commence on Tuesday evening. In light of the situation, law enforcement reported that 83 individuals were apprehended subsequent to the incident.
Greek police said: “A serious incident took place outside the Nea Filadelfeia stadium. A young Greek man was stabbed to death, and six other injured people are in the hospital.”
Dinamo Zagreb have added in an official statement: “GNK Dinamo strongly condemns the riots that took place last night in Athens, in which, according to the reports of the Greek police and Greek and Croatian media, rioters from Croatia were involved in an incident with fans of the Greek football club AEK.
“Such events are not in line with the values and ethics we promote as a club and community. We express our deep concern over this incident. Unfortunately, one person lost his life during the riots. GNK Dinamo would like to express its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
“Once again, we remind and invite all Dinamo fans not to travel to the match in Greece, considering that UEFA, in agreement with the police, decided that both matches will be played without visiting fans.
“GNK Dinamo remains committed to creating an environment in which love for sport is expressed in a positive way, through togetherness, respect, and cooperation.”
In 2022, the Greek authorities raised the upper limit for penalties related to fan violence from six months to five years, prompted by another fatal stabbing incident that occurred during a football match.
Alkis Kampanos, a 19-year-old, lost his life in February 2022 during a clash involving fans ofAris Thessaloniki and PAOK.
Recent events saw seven individuals convicted of his murder last month, receive life sentences. Additionally, five others were handed sentences exceeding 19 years due to their involvement.
Disturbingly, this marked the third fatality stemming from fan violence within a span of three years, all taking place in Thessaloniki.
