Amid swirling transfer rumours connecting Neymar to Barcelona and Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has reportedly established a minimum price tag for the Brazilian superstar.
After a six-year tenure with PSG, Neymar is said to be seeking a departure from Paris.
Barcelona, the reigning Spanish champions, and Premier League heavyweights Chelsea have emerged as potential landing spots should Neymar decide to leave PSG.
According to Sky Sports, PSG is open to considering offers ranging from £50 million ($63.74 million) to £80 million ($102 million) for Neymar.
With the aim of embarking on a new chapter in their pursuit of success, PSG has witnessed Lionel Messi relocate to the United States, and both Kylian Mbappe and Neymar have been listed for potential transfers.
In line with their objective to assemble a youthful team, PSG has already secured the signature of Portuguese striker Goncalo Ramos from Benfica.
Furthermore, they are nearing the finalisation of a transfer deal with Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona and continue to express interest in securing the services of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani.
It appears that PSG envisions a revamped attacking lineup for the upcoming 2023–24 season. Nevertheless, the task of offloading Neymar might prove challenging due to the limited number of potential suitors.
Reportedly, Chelsea’s manager, Mauricio Pochettino, is not interested in bringing Neymar to Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Barcelona has reportedly declined the opportunity to take Neymar on loan, even with Ousmane Dembele being suggested as part of the exchange.
Adding to the complexity, Neymar’s father has dismissed claims that his son is inclined to depart from PSG during this summer transfer window.
Reports suggest that, Mauricio Pochettino is not inclined to reunite with Paris Saint-Germain’s forwardNeymar at Chelsea.
According to French outlet L’Equipe, the Brazilian superstar is seeking an exit from the Parc des Princes.
Following this, several top European clubs, including Chelsea, have been linked with Neymar.
However, as per the Evening Standard, the manager of Chelsea is uninterested in adding the 31-year-old player to his squad.
Pochettino had previously collaborated with Neymar during his one-year tenure at PSG in the 2021-22 season.
It appears that the Argentine manager is uncertain whether the forward aligns with the style of play he intends to establish at Chelsea, hence, he is not in favour of the club pursuing Neymar’s services.
Chelsea is presently undergoing a comprehensive squad transformation under Pochettino’s direction, shifting their focus to potential rising stars like Moises Caicedo instead of established names.
Sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley are in agreement with Pochettino’s vision and also concur that Neymar is not a viable option for Chelsea.
Neymar may continue with PSG for the immediate future, as his father, who is also his agent, has asserted that his son’s destiny lies in Paris, and has criticised reports of a transfer request.
Should he decide to stay at PSG, the winger is expected to return to action in theLigue 1 opener against Lorient on Saturday.
Inter Miami have decided to end the contract of goalkeeper Nick Marsman, a few weeks after his expression of doubt regarding Lionel Messi’s transfer to the club.
In June, Marsman voiced reservations about the adequacy of Inter Miami’s facilities to accommodate a player of Lionel Messi’s calibre, questioning the club’s infrastructure.
He told ESPN: “I personally think that this club is not ready for Messi’s arrival. We have a temporary stadium; people can just walk on the pitch; there are no gates. We also leave for the stadium without security. I think they aren’t ready. But I hope he comes.”
After expressing reservations about the club’s decision to acquire the Argentine superstar, Marsman had his contract terminated by Inter Miami in the weeks that followed.
Since his official arrival at the club last month, Messi has made a remarkable impact in the United States, tallying seven goals in four matches for the team thus far.
His double against FC Dallas in the League Cup round of 16 elevated him to the joint-fourth position on the club’s list of all-time highest goal scorers.
The 32-year-old Dutch goalkeeper joined the MLS team in 2021, amassing 29 appearances during his time with the club.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has delivered a strong caution to the Interim Management Committee of Asante Kotoko, emphasising that they should refrain from meddling in the responsibilities of head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum.
The Asantehene is insistent that the coach should have the authority to sign his preferred players and make independent selections, thereby enabling him to take full responsibility for his choices.
According to a report from Kumasi-based Akoma FM, the revered patron of the Porcupine Warriors has indicated that if the coach’s decisions lead to negative outcomes, he should be prepared to face the possibility of termination.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II installed an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee the operations of Asante Kotoko in preparation for the upcoming 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season.
This move follows the disbandment of the previous management team’s tenure upon its completion.
The IMC’s composition also includes former Ghana national team coach, James Akwasi Appiah, and Emmanuel Newton Dasoberi, who will assume the role of the club’s Administrative Manager, as well as Nana Apinkra Akwasi Awuah.
The primary objective of the Interim Management Committee is to fulfill the regulatory requirements for participation in thePremier League in anticipation of the approaching season.
West African Football Academy Sporting Club (WAFA SC) has formally announced its decision to withdraw from the Division One League, as stated in an official communication released by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Over the last two years, the club has encountered significant challenges, particularly after their relegation from the Ghana Premier League during the 2021/22 season, having secured a third-place position in the season prior.
In the provided statement, WAFA SC communicated its withdrawal intention to the GFA, outlining multiple reasons for this step.
A key focal point among these reasons is the club’s desire to redirect its energies towards nurturing and cultivating young football talents through its robust academy system.
The statement said, “West African Football Academy Sporting Club (WAFA SC) has officially sent a written notification to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to inform the Association of the club’s decision to withdraw from the Access Bank Division One League.
“The club, among other reasons, explained the current change of policy direction to fully focus on developing young football talents through the academy system in the Volta Region of Ghana.
“The Executive Council of GFA in the coming days will exercise its power under Article 78 of the GFA Statutes to find a replacement for WAFA in the Access Bank Division One League, Zone 2, in light of the established precedents.
“All stakeholders and clubs in the Division One League Zone 2 are to take note of the withdrawal of WAFA SC.
Over the years, WAFA has churned out numerous players plying their trade at some of the top football clubs in Africa and Europe.
Notable amongst these players are Harrison Afful, Christian Atsu (deceased), Majeed Ashimeru, Lassana Coulibaly, Mohammed Abubakari, Samuel Tetteh, and many others.
Ghanaian football sensation, Mohammed Kudus, is set to undergo a medical evaluation on Tuesday, August 8, in connection with his imminent transfer to the English Premier League outfit, Brighton & Hove Albion.
The highly promising young player has been the subject of numerous speculations linking him to various clubs ever since the summer transfer window opened.
Earlier on Monday, reports emerged that Ajax had given Mohammed Kudus a 48-hour window to make a decision about his future.
Recent sources have informed Footballghana that the prominent figure in Ghana’s national team has chosen Brighton & Hove Albion for the next phase of his career.
It is anticipated that he will make the journey to England tomorrow to undergo the obligatory medical examination.
Pending successful completion of the medical tests, the gifted forward will finalise the deal by signing a contract to officially join Brighton.
Upon investigation, it has been revealed that Brighton will pay Ajax a fee of £38 million for the transfer and also commit to a 15% share of any potential future transfer involving Mohammed Kudus.
England coach, Sarina Wiegman, revealed that Lauren James apologised after her red card incident against Nigeria, where she “lost her emotions,” causing her to receive a straight red card.
During the match, James made a reckless challenge on Michelle Alozie, stamping on her back as they both tried to get up from a tussle.
The incident initially resulted in a yellow card, but it was later upgraded to a red after a VAR review.
As a result, James will miss the quarterfinal against Colombia or Jamaica, and depending on England’s progress, her ban may extend further if FIFA decides to increase the punishment.
The red card incident evoked memories of David Beckham’s and Wayne Rooney’s red cards in the 1998 and 2006 World Cups, respectively.
Despite being England’s standout young star and player of the tournament so far, James was halted by a moment of madness.
Wiegman emphasised that although emotions got the better of the 21-year-old, James never intended for such an incident to occur.
“It was a moment of a split second, and it was later in the game, so players also get a little tired. She is an inexperienced player on this stage and has done really well,” she said. “And I think, in a split-second, she just lost her emotions. And, of course, she does not want to hurt anyone. She is the sweetest person I know.
“Yet then things happen like that, and you cannot change it any more. So it is a huge lesson for her to learn, but it is not something that she really did on purpose.
“It happens sometimes with human beings – that you are in such an intense game, such an emotional game, and, in a split-second, she lost her emotions. “She apologised, and she felt really, really bad, and she absolutely she does not want to hurt anyone.”
While James’ sending off was petulant at best, it would not have been the turning point if England had been knocked out. They toiled through the goalless last-16 fixture in Brisbane, and were lucky to reach a penalty shootout, ultimately won by Chloe Kelly’s deciding kick.
But Wiegman was still pleased with how England reacted after James’ sending off, adding: “I am really proud of the team. We have had many setbacks. I think this was a big one too. Lauren James’ red card was reminiscent of David Beckham’s sending off against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup “So, as soon as it looked like Lauren James was sent off, we straight away had to re-organise and do something else on the pitch.
“Then the conviction to keep [the score] to 0-0 and to try to get out of their press, that was just incredible. The players got really, really tired, but we really stuck together and showed a lot of resilience.
“When you are so tired and then go into a penalty shootout and do so well, I think that is really incredible how the team did.”
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Arsenal has turned down an initial offer from Monaco for their USMNT striker, Folarin Balogun, according to football.london.
During their encounter in the Emirates Cup last week, where Arsenal emerged victorious on penalties, Balogun was absent due to a thigh injury.
Following the game, Monaco formally made an offer for the American international, but it was rejected by Arsenal.
Balogun has already demonstrated his potential in French football, having scored 22 goals during his loan stint with Stade de Reims last season.
Monaco is eager to bolster its attacking options after Swiss forward Breel Embolo sustained an ACL injury in pre-season. They are just one of several teams showing interest in Balogun.
Inter Milan is also an admirer of the 22-year-old, though it remains uncertain whether they have the financial capacity to afford him, given competition from other clubs in Germany and the Premier League.
Despite Gabriel Jesus being sidelined for a few weeks due to knee surgery, Arsenal is reportedly open to letting Balogun go if the right price is offered.
“The plans with Flo don’t change at all, but unfortunately with Gabby, we’re not going to have him,” Mikel Arteta said after the win over Monaco last week. “We have other options to play with different qualities of players, and we will adapt.”
Neymar has expressed his desire to leavePSG and return to Barcelona. His family, along with Pini Zahavi, has made the decision to seek an exit from Paris.
PSG has been open to selling the Brazilian forward for the past two summers, and there have been ongoing rumours about his interest in returning to Barcelona.
Despite having five years remaining on his contract with PSG, Neymar has informed the club of his wish to leave.
However, the challenge lies in determining his destination. Potential options like Saudi Arabia and Chelsea have been mentioned, but there hasn’t been substantial evidence supporting these reports.
There has also been speculation about a potential swap deal involving Ousmane Dembele going to PSG and Neymar returning to Barcelona.
La Portera de Nunez suggests that such a deal could have been possible, likely as a loan, if not for Manager Xavi Hernandez’s objections.
While Barcelona’s board sees Neymar’s return as a positive move from a marketing perspective, Xavi Hernandez has been firm in his stance against bringingNeymar back to the club.
Morocco achieved a remarkable feat at the 9th Jeux de la Francophonie, held from July 28 to August 6 in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo), by securing a total of 58 medals.
This extraordinary performance allowed Morocco to top the rankings of the sporting and cultural event for the first time in its history.
On the final day of competition, Saturday, Morocco made waves by earning 23 gold, 16 silver, and 19 bronze medals.
The Kingdom’s impressive medal tally comprised 42 medals in athletics, 8 in judo, 5 in road cycling, 2 in wrestling, and 1 in ball juggling.
This achievement marks a new record for Morocco at the Jeux de la Francophonie, surpassing their previous best in Côte d’Ivoire in 2017, where they earned a total of 42 medals (13 gold, 14 silver, and 15 bronze).
A noteworthy aspect of Morocco’s participation was that a majority of the medals, 34 out of 58 (including 18 gold medals), were won by Moroccan athletes, highlighting the significant role of women in the country’s sporting landscape.
As a member of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, Morocco also holds the distinction of organising the first Jeux de la Francophonie in Casablanca in 1989, where they secured a commendable 3rd position with 21 medals.
The 9th edition of the Jeux de la Francophonie brought together around 2,500 young individuals aged 18 to 35, representing 88 countries, including Morocco, to participate in a wide range of sporting disciplines and cultural activities as part of this esteemed event.
The Jeux de la Francophonie concluded on Sunday, marking the successful culmination of the engaging and spirited gathering.
Paris Saint-Germain has reportedly reached an agreement with Benfica for the acquisition of striker Goncalo Ramos, according to The Athletic.
The two clubs have come to an understanding, and the 22-year-old striker will head to the French capital initially on a one-year loan deal. The agreement includes an obligatory option to buy for €65 million, with potential add-ons, to be exercised after 12 months.
While personal terms are yet to be finalised, it is not expected to be a stumbling block, and Ramos is likely to sign this week ahead of the new season.
In the previous season, Ramos showcased his goal-scoring prowess, netting 27 goals and providing 12 assists in 47 appearances for Benfica as they secured their 38th league title. His standout performances, including a hat trick for Portugal in the World Cup in Qatar, caught the attention of several top European clubs.
Should PSG successfully secure his services, Ramos will be their ninth signing of the summer, joining the ranks of Hugo Ekitike, Milan Skriniar, Marco Asensio, Manuel Ugarte, Lee Kang-In, Lucas Hernandez, Xavi Simons, and Arnau Tenas.
As PSG seeks a replacement forLionel Messi, Ramos’ versatility as a deep striker or an out-and-out forward would undoubtedly bolster the team’s attacking options.
Relevo reports that Atletico Madrid has turned down a loan bid for Joao Felix from Saudi club Al Hilal.
The unsettled Portugal forward is keen on leaving Atletico during this summer transfer window and has publicly expressed his interest in playing for LaLiga rivals Barcelona.
Coach Diego Simeone has left him out of the preseason games.
According to Relevo, Al Hilal made a substantial offer to secure Felix on a season-long loan, covering his wages entirely.
However, Atletico is more inclined towards a permanent deal.
They report that Felix prefers to stay in Europe, but he hasn’t ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia either. Negotiations are set to continue in the coming days.
Barcelona’s coach, Xavi Hernandez, is a strong admirer of Silva and aims to bring the Portugal international to Camp Nou during this summer transfer window.
Barcelona’s proposal included a season-long loan for Silva with a mandatory purchase option set at £50 million.
While the 28-year-old midfielder is open to a departure from Manchester City, the English club has made it clear to Barcelona that Silva is not available for transfer.
Silva has been an integral part of Manchester City since joining from Monaco in 2017 and is currently under contract with the club until June 2025.
Star player of theUSWNT, Alex Morgan, has openly acknowledged the need for improvement ahead of their last-16 clash against Sweden on Sunday.
Morgan’s team had a close call in the group stages, with a lacklustre 0-0 draw against Portugal and a 1-1 draw against group winners Netherlands, almost missing out on a spot in the knockout stages.
As they prepare for the crucial last 16 tie against Sweden, Morgan has emphasised the necessity for significant improvements if they are to progress to the quarterfinals.
“There’s no sugarcoating it, we had a bad game against Portugal,” Morgan said at a press conference. “We are lucky. We have moved on from that and are looking forward to this match. We’ve prepared every second we possibly could in creating the most chances, on limiting [Sweden] in chances, and I feel very motivated for the match.”
It will be a stern test against Sweden, who narrowly missed out on the 2019 World Cup final — in which USA beat Netherlands 2-0 — and who face USWNT having topped Group G with a maximum nine points.
Despite having 121 goals in 210 appearances for the USWNT, Morgan hasn’t yet scored in this tournament and will need to be on fine form if her side are to get a result.
Morgan and Co. were recently fired a warning shot by Sweden defender Nathalie Bjorn, who told reporters: “We’ll make sure weknock out the USWNT” in a fierce pre-match press conference.
Fighting talk from the Swedes, who come into tomorrow’s match full of confidence.
However, within Old Trafford, there’s an acknowledgment that the club has taken a high-stakes gamble on 20-year-old Denmark international Rasmus Højlund to fill that role.
According to sources at ESPN, it was a calculated risk that United felt they had to take. Højlund’s transfer fee from Atalanta amounted to £64 million and could rise to £72 million based on performance-related clauses in the deal. He is undoubtedly promising but relatively untested at the highest level, exuding confidence but yet to face the biggest challenges.
With his imposing stature and distinctive shock of blonde hair, Højlund will inevitably draw immediate comparisons to Manchester City’s prolific goal scorer, Erling Haaland, as he becomes the focal point of United’s attacking plans.
However, the reasoning behind United’s decision to sign Højlund, as per ESPN sources, was to hit the reset button on a flawed recruitment policy that led to a series of costly mistakes in the attacking department.
Ever since Robin van Persie’s successful arrival from Arsenal in 2012, helping United secure their most recentPremier League title with 26 goals in the 2012–13 season, the club has struggled with a string of poor signings in that position.
England forward Lauren James is facing an anxious wait to know the duration of her suspension after being sent off during the round-of-16 penalty shootout victory against Nigeria.
FIFA has informed ESPN that James’ punishment will be determined in due course, but she is confirmed to miss the Lionesses’ upcoming quarterfinal match against either Colombia or Jamaica on Saturday.
Manager Sarina Wiegman expressed that James will learn from her red card and commended the team’s mentality.
In the 87th minute of the match, James received a red card for deliberately stepping on Michelle Alozie, who was on the ground at the time.
Initially, a yellow card was shown, but after a VAR consultation, it was upgraded to a red card.
Despite playing the entire extra time with 10 players, England showed resilience and secured a 4-2 victory on penalties.
“It was a moment that was in a split second,” Wiegman said of James. “It was later in the game, so players get a little tired.
She is inexperienced on this stage and, in a split second, lost her emotions. She would never want to hurt someone, she is the sweetest person I know.”
Wiegman added: “Things happen, you can’t change it. It’s a huge lesson for her to learn, but isn’t something she did on purpose.”
Rachel Daly said James was “disappointed” and “upset.”
“She’s a young player people forget that, they put a lot of pressure on her on the outside, media, everyone puts a lot of pressure on the kid, she’s a young girl, she’s got a lot to learn and she knows that,” Daly said.
“But ultimately, it’s a team game, she’s been excellent for us and course, [we’ll] put an arm around her, help her through it and she’ll learn from it. She’s a fantastic player with a bright future ahead of her.”
Nigeria hit the bar twice but failed to find a breakthrough against an England side who had Keira Walsh starting just 10 days after she suffered the knee injury against Denmark. It’s been a turbulent tournament for England, with the Walsh injury and James’ red card, and Wiegman says it’s a case of looking for solutions when problems arise.
“I’ve never experienced so many problems,” Wiegman said. “[But] that’s my job, to think of things that can happen in a game, in a tournament. You try to turn every stone and think of a solution already if things happen. We got totally tested today.
“We have had many setbacks. I’m proud of the team. Lauren James was sent off, and we reorganised straightaway. We didn’t need more than a minute to do so. Players were tired, but we showed a lot of resilience, and then to go into a penalty shootout and do so well, it was incredible.”
West Ham and Ajax have reached an agreement on a £32 million deal for Mexico midfielder Edson Alvarez.
This transfer marks West Ham’s first signing of the summer, as they were the only Premier League club yet to make any acquisitions.
Alvarez, a defensive midfielder, is set to sign a five-year contract and is seen as a direct replacement for Declan Rice.
The 25-year-old is expected to undergo a medical examination in London shortly.
Under their new transfer committee led by Tim Steidten, an ex-Bayer Leverkusen executive serving as the technical director, West Ham is still interested in signing Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay.
Further signings are anticipated before the transfer window closes.
Despite Southampton’s strong stance on their asking price, West Ham is likely to make a new proposal for James Ward-Prowse.
The Hammers will kick off their Premier League campaign on August 12 with an away match against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Talented Ghanaian-Japanese goalkeeper, Zion Suzuki made a surprising decision to reject an offer fromManchester United and instead join Belgian club STVV.
Despite United reaching an agreement with his former team, Urawa Red Diamonds, the 20-year-old opted for a move to the Belgian Pro League side, STVV.
Manchester United believed that Suzuki needed more time and development before he could have a significant impact in the Premier League.
Following the recent arrival of Andre Onana as their new number-one goalkeeper, Manchester United is still actively seeking another goalkeeper in the transfer market this summer.
In contrast, Tom Heaton, the 37-year-old goalkeeper for Manchester United, will be staying at the club after positive discussions with manager Erik ten Hag.
Heaton was appointed captain for United’s recent 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao in Dublin and is encouraged by the increased playing time he has been receiving.
Zion Suzuki’s international eligibility adds an interesting dimension to his career, as he can represent Japan, Ghana, or the USA.
He has already shown promise with the Japanese youth teams, and his six appearances and four clean sheets in the2022 AFC U23 Asian Cup with the U21 squad showcase his potential as a multi-national goalkeeper.
Haaland’s meteoric rise to fame began when he scored a remarkable hat-trick on his Champions League debut while playing for RB Salzburg in 2019. Since then, he has become a well-known brand in the football world.
His prolific goal-scoring abilities were evident during his time at Borussia Dortmund, where he netted an impressive 86 goals in just two-and-a-half seasons.
This exceptional performance led to a blockbuster move to Manchester City under the guidance of Pep Guardiola last summer.
In his debut season with the Cityzens, Haaland not only broke the Premier League’s single-season goal-scoring record but also played a crucial role in helping Manchester City secure their maiden Champions League title.
It was a historic season for both Haaland and the team, as they achieved the treble.
Haaland’s earnings are truly staggering, as he commands a jaw-dropping salary of close to £900,000 or $1.15 million per week, amounting to around £45 million / $57.37 million per season. Such a lucrative contract positions him as one of Europe’s highest-earning players.
Thanks to his substantial income, the 22-year-old enjoys a lavish lifestyle that includes an impressive collection of high-end vehicles in his garage, showcasing his penchant for beautiful rides.
Let’s find out which vehicles ‘The Terminator’ drives.
Ferrari Monza SP2: £1.4 million or $1.8 million The most expensive car in Haaland’s collection is the roofless Ferrari Monza SP2, a stunning black-coloured two-seater that the former Dortmund prodigy was seen riding in Monaco in July.
There are only 500 models of the Ferrari Monza SP2 that have been built, which makes this stellar sports car a limited edition vehicle, with each one costing an outrageous £1.4 million / $1.8 million. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is an owner of this car, too.
Based on the classic open-top “barchetta” racing model of the 1940s and 1950s, including the 1948 166 MM and the 750 and 860 Monza, the ‘Prancing Horse’ has an 812 Superfast 6.5-liter V-12 engine that gives a total output of 798 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque.
This car can reach 100 kmph (62 mph) in just 2.9 seconds and can hit a top speed of 303 kmph (188 mph).
Rolls Royce Cullinan | £300,000 / $382,440 Rolls Royce Cullinan is another bombshell of a ride that Haaland owns, an extremely classy vehicle that superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Thibaut Courtois own, too.
Owning a white-coloured model,Haaland has been spotted driving one of his most lavish cars yet on his own. Despite weighing more than 2.7 tonnes, it has a 570bhp 5.7 V12 engine and can reach top speeds of 250 kmph / 155 mph, while hitting the 100 kmph / 62 mph mark in just five seconds.
Range Rover Sport P510e First Edition | £120,000 / $152,976 The most leased car by Premier League footballers back in 2018, Haaland is often seen driving the Range Rover Sport P510e First Edition in England. This car can reach speeds of 100 kmph (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 284 kmph (176 mph).
Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic Coupe | £90,000 / $114,732 Haaland used this premium Mercedes Benz car during his time as a Dortmund player. The 612 horsepower produced by the aluminum V8 engine paired with a 9-speed automated transmission allows the German SUV with the AMG label to reach a top speed of 280 kmph (174 mph).
Haaland in his range
Audi RS6 Avant | £120,000 / $152,976 The Audi RS6 Avant Performance quattro owned by Haaland is one of only two cars in his fantastic collection that isn’t an SUV. Back when he was plying his trade in Germany, he had a red Audi RS6 Avant.
However, he has now switched to a more trendy carbon black performance model in the UK. The Performance version boosts performance to 630 hp and 850 Nm of torque, enabling it to hit 280 kmph (174 mph) and accelerate to 100 kmph (62 mph) from zero in just 3.4 seconds.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou made it clear to Bayern Munich that there was only one deadline that mattered in their pursuit of Harry Kane (30).
Despite the England captain’s outstanding performance, scoring four goals in a 5-1 pre-season friendly win against Shakhtar Donetsk, Kane’s future at Spurs remains uncertain as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.
Bayern has been aggressively courting Kane, reportedly making their latest bid for the forward on Friday and setting a self-imposed deadline of midnight.
However, Spurs have stood firm during the pre-season transfer window, and Kane showed no signs of distraction, delivering an impressive hat-trick in just 55 minutes in what could be his last match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium under Postecoglou’s management.
Postecoglou emphasised that there was only one crucial date in the ongoing saga of Kane’s future, indicating that the situation remains far from settled.
“We know there’s one deadline, and that’s the end of the transfer window,” he said.
“Beyond that, I’m in open dialogue with Harry and with the club on a regular basis. I’ve said to them that if the status quo changes, then inform me…I’m building a team here. I can’t wait (around) for a decision either way to get going.”
Kane ‘invested’ in Spurs’ plans The former Celtic manager added: “You saw today (Sunday) that Harry certainly is invested in what we’re doing, and we’ll keep on doing that unless something changes.”
Bayern have made no secret about their pursuit of Kane, with Postecoglou insisting: “I certainly wouldn’t talk about contracted players at other football clubs, but I’m not at Bayern, mate, so they can go the way they want.”
Postecoglou was given a rousing reception by the Spurs faithful, and the noise increased when it was announced Kane would captain the north London side in the absence of Hugo Lloris.
Kane, Tottenham’s all-time record scorer, had two early shots saved, before opening his account with a 38th-minute penalty after James Maddison had been brought down in the area.
The Ukrainian visitors equalised on the brink of halftime through Kevin Kelsy’s close-range header.
But Kane was soon back on the goal trail when he headed in a cross from fellow England international Maddison in the 50th minute.
He completed his treble five minutes later when Son Heung-Min found Dejan Kulusevski, who slipped the ball between Mykola Matviyenko’s legs, with Kane shooting powerfully into the bottom corner.
Lifelong Spurs fan Kane had already heard several renditions of “he’s one of our own” before his hat-trick, but a section of the crowd chanted “we want you to stay” after his third goal”.
Kane completed his haul for the day when he followed up from close range in the 79th minute after substitute Manor Solomon’s curled shot was saved
Barcelona, under the guidance of coach Xavi Hernandez, reclaimed their 27th LaLiga title last season after a four-year gap. The team’s success was attributed to a blend of young talents and seasoned veterans, with striker Robert Lewandowski (34) leading the charge as the league’s top scorer.
To strengthen their squad, Barcelona brought in experienced midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who captained Manchester City to an impressive treble in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
Gundogan’s leadership will be valuable in mentoring the young players as Barcelona aims to defend their LaLiga crown and make a mark in the Champions League after years of European disappointments.
While their domestic campaign was remarkable, Barcelona faced challenges off the field, including financial issues and a refereeing scandal that may have prolonged implications.
However, UEFA has provisionally cleared the club to participate in this season’s Champions League despite ongoing investigations.
Despite selling club legend Lionel Messi due to financial constraints, Barcelona remains ambitious about their European ambitions.
With a renovated Camp Nou on the horizon and talented players like Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araujo, Luuk De Jong, and Jules Kounde, Xavi has reasons to be optimistic about the team’s future.
The arrival of Gundogan and the consistency of Lewandowski, along with the reliability of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, will be crucial for Barcelona to stay competitive within LaLiga’s Financial Fair Play rules and vie for success in both domestic and European competitions.
But he suffered a big blow last week with news of the imminent departure of French winger Ousmane Dembele who is joining Paris St Germain.
Barcelona begin their LaLiga defence on Sunday in the Spanish capital against Getafe and although the fans are still celebrating last season’s romp to the title, there is plenty for them to be concerned about.
In a thrilling encounter, 36-year-old Lionel Messi showcased his brilliance, scoring twice to helpInter Miami advance to the quarterfinals of the League Cup on penalties after a captivating 4-4 draw against FC Dallas.
Messi’s trademark curling free-kick in the 85th minute, his seventh goal in his fourth game for Miami, equalized the score and forced the match to be decided by a penalty shootout. Miami trailed 4-2 with just 10 minutes remaining before Messi’s late heroics.
The League Cup, a tournament featuring clubs from Major League Soccer and Mexico’s Liga MX, does not include extra time, and drawn games proceed directly to penalties.
Messi opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a clinical side-foot finish from a Jordi Alba assist.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but the decision was overturned after a referee review determined that Josef Martinez did not obstruct the goalkeeper’s view.
Dallas managed to level the score in the 37th minute when Argentine Facundo Quignon connected with a well-executed pull-back from overlapping full-back Marco Farfan.
Just before halftime, the home side took the lead through Bernard Kamungo, who showcased his skills by leaving two defenders behind before finding the back of the net.
In the 63rd minute, another Argentine player for Dallas, Alan Velasco, extended the lead to 3-1 with a free-kick from the left that went untouched through a crowded box and into the far corner.
Miami, however, narrowed the deficit with a goal from teenage substitute Benjamin Cremaschi, who calmly slotted in a low ball from Alba, a minute after coming off the bench.
Dallas seemed to regain control when Robert Taylor’s attempted interception of a Paul Arriola pass resulted in an own goal, restoring their two-goal lead at 4-2.
ButMessi and Miami refused to surrender. The Argentinian maestro chipped a free-kick into the box, and Farfan, unfortunately, headed it into his own goal, leveling the score and keeping Miami’s hopes alive.
The match ultimately went to penalties, where Inter Miami emerged victorious, securing their place in the quarterfinals.
Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration with the new stoppage time rules following Manchester City’s loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Arsenal eventually winning 4-1 on penalties at Wembley. City had taken the lead with a goal, but Leandro Trossard’s deflected strike in the 111th minute denied them the victory.
The game saw eight minutes of added time initially, but due to the new rules aimed at combating time-wasting, referee Stuart Atwell allowed 14 minutes of additional time.
“This was a result of Kyle Walker and Thomas Partey requiring treatment for a clash of heads during the match. The extended stoppage time seemed to have an impact on the outcome of the match, leaving Guardiola visibly dissatisfied with the situation.
After the game, Guardiola expressed his frustration with the new rules: “It is not annoying, we have to get used to it. I had the feeling, not because we were winning 1-0, but just because I had the feeling that much didn’t happen to extend by eight minutes.
“But it is a good question for the international board [rule-making body, the International Football Association Board] and all the people because they don’t consult the managers, they don’t consult the players.
“What is their opinion, we have to accept it. Now the games will be 100 minutes, that’s for sure. It never happened today, and it took eight minutes. Imagine if they extended for goals every time you scored a goal in a game [that is] 4-3. You put 30 or 45 seconds on for seven goals, tomorrow morning 9 a.m. I am here playing.”
Perhaps not surprisingly, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta saw the other side of the argument. “It’s about effective time,” he said. “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.”
City took the lead through Cole Palmer’s stunning effort in the 77th minute, and didn’t look threatened until Trossard’s stoppage-time strike took a huge deflection off Manuel Akanji.
Guardiola and his players would, of course, have liked to have won; City have now lost three consecutive Community Shields. However, they will take solace in the fact that in the seasons following the two previous defeats, they went on to be crowned Premier League champions.
Real Madrid is pinning their hopes on the arrival of 20-year-old England midfielder Jude Bellingham to reclaim the LaLiga title from Barcelona and mount a serious challenge for their 15th European Cup.
The Spanish giants made a significant investment of 103 million euros plus 30 million in add-ons to secure Bellingham’s signature from Borussia Dortmund, making him the second-most expensive signing in the club’s history.
Bellingham has quickly made an impact in the dressing room, impressing his coach and teammates with his performances during pre-season matches.
The departures of key attacking players, including Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema and Spain international Marco Asensio, have left Real Madrid lacking firepower, with only journeyman forward Joselu signed from relegated Espanyol.
While rumors persist about a possible move for France striker Kylian Mbappe, who has expressed his intention not to extend his contract with Paris St Germain, for now, Real Madrid is without a top-level striker to replace Benzema.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti is relying on the versatility of Bellingham, prompting him to change the system he used during his previous successful spells at Real Madrid, when they won the Champions League in 2014 and 2022.
Ancelotti has opted for a 4-4-2 formation in pre-season friendlies, deploying Bellingham as an attacking midfielder and fast-paced Brazilians Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo as centre forwards.
Bellingham’s performances have earned widespread praise in the Spanish media, and his connection with Vinicius has excited Ancelotti.
“Bellingham is a complete midfielder and different from the others we have,” the Italian told reporters during Real’s pre-season trip to the U.S.
“He is a fantastic player. The team has to get used to his quality, which is extraordinary. His arrival in the box is very important for the team.
“He is very important for us because he has a lot of pace and intensity in his game. He moves very well without the ball, he goes into free space and adds another quality to this fantastic squad.”
Real Madrid start their bid for a record-extending 36th Spanish title on Saturday at Athletic Bilbao.
Milena Bertolini has announced her departure as the head coach of Italy after their disappointing group stage exit from the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Italy’s journey began with a promising 1-0 victory over Argentina, but they suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against Sweden, leading to their elimination.
The team’s fate was sealed in a dramatic manner on Wednesday, as South Africa scored a stoppage-time winner to secure a 3-2 victory, leaving Italy in the third position in Group G.
Bertolini, who took charge in 2017, previously led Italy to an impressive run in the 2019 World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals.
However, their early exit in this year’s tournament adds to the disappointment following their performance in Euro 2022, where they finished at the bottom of their group with just one point.
“I leave the national team after so many beautiful and very intense years, which I will always carry with me,” Bertolini said on Sunday in a lengthy statement posted on her Instagram.
“It is not always possible to achieve positive results, but I have no doubts about everyone’s commitment and good intentions.”
A day after Italy’s exit, a statement on Instagram signed by “players of the national team” said the team were “not put in a condition” to succeed. The statement was shared by veteran forwards Cristiana Girelli and Barbara Bonansea, among others.
“Too naive and obvious is the search for a scapegoat,” Bertolini said. “I do not feel any resentment, and I have no reason to feel or look for a culprit.”
Bertolini had said earlier that Italy’s dented confidence after the 5-0 defeat to Sweden likely played a major part in their loss to South Africa. “We were never afraid. But we didn’t feel there was a lot of confidence in us either,” the players’ statement read.
“The national team is made up of a core of 16 Roma and Juventus players. We think it’s fair to ask how a national team made up of this group of players struggles a lot, first at the Euros and now a World Cup.
“The feeling of regret is still strong because we came to this World Cup wanting redemption … We’re sure we could have gotten different results if only we’d been put in the condition to do so.”
Varane voiced his concerns about the FA disregarding players’ input before the start of the new season.
The Frenchman firmly believes that longer games, caused by increased stoppage time, will have negative implications for him and his fellow athletes.
The FA’s intention is to reduce time-wasting and enhance the time the ball is in play, which means matches will more frequently reach at least 100 minutes.
Varane pointed out that during the World Cup in Qatar last year, a significant amount of stoppage time was added at both halftime and the end of the game.
The weekend’s opening round of EFL games marked the beginning of the English authorities adopting a similar strategy.
In a tweet, the Manchester United defender expressed his thoughts: “We had a meeting last week with the FA. They recommended new decisions and rules to the referees.”
From the managers and players perspective, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players physical and mental well-being.
“Despite our previous feedbacks, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players. We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?
“As a player I feel very privileged to do the job I love every day but I feel these changes are damaging our game. We want to be at our maximum level, the best we can be and put on amazing performances for fans to celebrate every week.
“I believe it is important that we, players and managers, highlight these important issues as we want to protect the game we love and give the fans our best.”
Following his Manchester City team conceding a 101st-minute equaliser against Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, Pep Guardiola also criticised the changes. In his post-game presser on Sunday, Guardiola emphasised his frustration.
“If the new regulations are continued,” he joked, “matches will go on till the next morning.” While concerns were raised about the issue, the FA will go on with their plans and if they decide to change the rules, they can only do so at the start of the 2024/25 season.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta commended his team’s resilience after an exhilarating 1-1 draw against Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley. The Gunners ultimately triumphed in the penalty shootout, with Fabio Vieira’s successful spot-kick clinching the coveted trophy.
During the match, Arsenal dominated the first 40 minutes, and despite new signing Kai Havertz’s attempts on target, City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega made crucial saves.
It was City’s Cole Palmer who broke the deadlock in the 77th minute with a stunning strike from just inside the box.
However, Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard equalised in the 101st minute with the help of a deflection off Manuel Akanji, leading to additional time being added for injury-related stoppages.
In the dramatic penalty shootout, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard netted the first goal, while Kevin De Bruyne missed City’s opening penalty.
The shootout continued with successful shots from Trossard and Bernardo Silva before Bukayo Saka secured the decisive victory for Arsenal, with the scoreline at 3-1.
City’s Rodri missed his penalty, and Fabio Vieira’s successful spot-kick sealed the win for the Gunners.
After the match, Arteta expressed his delight with the team’s performance against the “best team in the world.”
“He acknowledged a mistake in allowing City’s goal but praised the impact of strategic changes and substitutions, particularly Trossard and Vieira’s contributions.
The Community Shield victory provides a positive start to Arsenal’s campaign, as they prepare to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
On the other hand, Manchester City remains a strong contender for multiple trophies this season, including the quadruple, European Super Cup, and Club World Cup. Their campaign begins with a match against Burnley on Friday.
The manager of Manchester United, Erik ten Hag, openly admitted that his team conceded a ‘stupid’ goal against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
Maguire’s costly mistake placed the Red Devils on the defensive from the outset of the match against the Spanish side.
The 30-year-old’s careless pass played Nico Williams in behind the defence, and the teenager capitalised on the opportunity, scoring past Tom Heaton to give Athletic Bilbao an early lead in the match held in Dublin.
“We have shown that this weekend was a good weekend for us. Yesterday I thought it was a very good level, and today I have also seen very good spells. I think the start of the game was also very good, and we should have scored a goal to go up, because it was a great chance from Jadon Sancho,” he told reporters.
“We had some good moments after that as well, and it was stupid how we went down, but as I said, we had a result and we came back, so it was a good weekend for us.”
West Ham have shown interest in signing Maguire during this summer transfer window. However, the initial bid of £20 million made by West Ham was swiftly rejected by the Red Devils.
It remains to be seen whether Manchester United will reconsider their stance on the transfer after witnessing another error from their former captain.
The situation is certainly worth keeping an eye on as the transfer window progresses.
In 2023, we will see several top talents leaving European football for the Middle East, following the trend set by players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Riyad Mahrez.
Recent reports suggest that Salah has caught the attention of Saudi clubs, with Al-Riyadiah claiming that Al-Ittihad has presented him with a contract offer amounting to €180 million (£155 million or $198 million).
It’s important to note that Salah signed a new three-year contract with Liverpool at Anfield in 2022.
As a result, his representative, Ramy Abbas, has tweeted: “If we considered leaving Liverpool this year, we wouldn’t have renewed the contract at the club last summer. Mohamed remains committed to Liverpool”.
That will be music to the ears of those on the red half of Merseyside, with Salah having been a talismanic presence for Liverpool across his six years at the club.
Salah, who is a three-time Premier League Golden Boot winner, has registered 186 goals for Liverpool through 305 appearances, breaking countless records along the way and helpingJurgen Klopp’s side to seven trophy triumphs.
The national 100-meter record holder has acknowledged his inability to get fit in time for the renowned competition, which is slated to start in less than two weeks.
The 25-year-old has shown himself as one of Ghana and Africa’s finest athletes over the last several years by showcasing his talent.
In addition to breaking a national record that had stood for 22 years, he also frequently won praise.
Azamati twice surpassed Leo Myles Mills’ 9.98-second record, clocking 9.97 and 9.90 during the Texas Relays.
Originally slated to represent Ghana in the 4x100m relays after failing to qualify for the individual 100m event, Azamati will now be replaced by Edwin Gadayi.
“In light of a significant groin injury sustained during my outdoor season in Europe around a month and a half ago, I am regrettably withdrawing from the much-anticipated 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Furthermore, the strain of traveling between continents for securing a functional US visa in Barbados while simultaneously competing at a high level aggravated the injury,” a section of Azamati’s statement explained.
He added, “Unfortunately, the injury has not healed as anticipated, and medical advice advises me to take a break from running. Although I was eager to represent my country and compete on the global stage, my management team and I have collectively decided against participating in the championship to avoid worsening the injury and endangering my long-term potential.”
The death of the ISIL leader, Abu Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi, who was killed by Turkey in April, has been confirmed by the group.
The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) has announced Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi as his successor.
The group revealed on Thursday that their leader was eliminated during direct clashes with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham faction in Idlib province, located in the rebel-held northwestern region of Syria.
The announcement was delivered by an ISIL spokesperson through a recorded message on the Telegram messaging app, though the exact date of his demise was not provided.
In April, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had announced that Turkish intelligence had successfully targeted the leader in Syria.
After a swift ascent in 2014, during which it captured extensive territories in Iraq and Syria, ISIL faced a series of military campaigns that led to the collapse of its self-proclaimed “caliphate.”
The group’s rule was characterized by acts of brutality such as beheadings and mass shootings.
Its hold on Iraq was defeated in 2017 and in Syria two years later, although sleeper cells continue to carry out assaults in both countries.
Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi has become the fifth leader of the organization since its inception.
Chelsea summer arrival Christopher Nkunku suffered a knee injury as his side struck late to ensure a 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund at Soldier Field on Thursday in the final match of their U.S. preseason tour.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side dominated possession for much of the game in Chicago, but it was Dortmund right-back Marius Wolf who finally broke the deadlock with a volley on 80 minutes, although teenage Chelsea forward Mason Burstow nodded home shortly before stoppage-time to level the scores.
Pochettino admitted the pitch quality at at Soldier Field drew attention “wasn’t perfect,” with the stadium having hosted an Ed Sheeran concert at the weekend.
Soldier Field has a capacity of 61,500 but a record 73,000 turned up for the concert which had fans on the pitch surrounding the stage.
Nkunku went down clutching his leg after a challenge in the ninth minute, although Pochettino refused to blame the pitch.
“We took some risks because the pitch is not perfect. The facilities are used for a different sport and that is sometimes the risk of the tour,” Pochettino said.
“We won’t blame the pitch for the injury though. For me, it was bad luck.”
Nkunku came off midway through the first half in discomfort and was later seen with an ice-pack strapped to his knee.
“The doctors are checking him and I hope it is not a big issue. He fell in the action which was maybe a penalty and he feels something in his knee, but we hope it is nothing big,” Pochettino said.
Expressing his commitment to Arsenal, Edward Nketiah emphasized thatManager Mikel Arteta has faith in his capabilities and understands that he can deliver when given the opportunity.
Nketiah is determined to step up and address the scoring gap arising from Gabriel Jesus’ knee injury.
Jesus is expected to be sidelined for a number of weeks due to a minor knee surgery, a similar issue that necessitated his surgery in December last year, keeping him off the field for more than three months.
During Jesus’ previous absence, Nketiah emerged as a prominent figure, netting six goals in Arsenal’s initial six games after the World Cup in Qatar. Nonetheless, he hasn’t scored since January 2022, spanning across 14 matches.
In the recent preseason clash against Monaco in the Emirates Cup, Nketiah found the net, contributing to Arsenal’s 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. The confirmation of Jesus’ latest injury setback followed this match.
“I don’t think I’m here to fill in for anyone,” Nketiah said. “I’m here to play and contribute to the team.
“Obviously, I believe in my abilities and I know I can contribute. The manager has got a tough decision and whenever he calls me, he knows I can deliver and I can help the team, so it’s just about us all collectively playing our part to achieve our goals.”
Reflecting on his run on the team during Jesus’ absence last season, Nketiah continued: “I just really enjoyed it and was able to improve myself, test myself, I played some really big games and I was able to help and contribute.
“So that’s what it is about, obviously playing at the highest level, competing for trophies and that’s what I want to do. That’s what I want to contribute.
“I pride myself on always being ready and whatever role the manager needs me to fill I will always make sure I do my the best and to the best of my ability so I can help the team — that’s what it’s all about.”
Arteta has the option to deploy Nketiah in a central role, although he also possesses the alternative of United States international Folarin Balogun. Additionally, winger Gabriel Martinelli and the newly acquired Kai Havertz could be utilized as forwards if the situation demands.
Nketiah, however, has expressed his enthusiasm for embracing the responsibility of spearheading Arsenal’s efforts in a season where elevated expectations loom.
These anticipations arise following the team’s second-place finish last season and a substantial investment of over £200 million in new signings during the summer.
“Yeah, of course,” Nketiah said. “It’s what we play football for. We train hard every day to get the opportunity to play at the weekend. So not just myself, there’s many players that can obviously play in that position.
“So we’re all ready, we are all good players, we’re all able to contribute at different points in the season, everyone’s going to have different roles. It’s just about being ready and contribute and hopefully I can do that throughout the season.”
Continuing his remarkable performance forInter Miami CF, Lionel Messi showcased his prowess on Wednesday night, netting two goals in a 3-1 victory over host Orlando City SC in the Leagues Cup, propelling his team into the round of 16 in this inaugural competition.
Messi commenced the game with a bang, expertly controlling Robert Taylor’s lofted pass within the penalty area and unleashing a powerful volley past Orlando’s Pedro Gallese, securing an early advantage and marking his fourth goal in the Leagues Cup.
Orlando managed to level the score 10 minutes later, courtesy of a goal by César Araujo, during a progressively intense first half that witnessed Messi receiving a yellow card.
The tension escalated as Orlando’s Kyle Smith also earned a caution from the referee moments before halftime.
A heated exchange between the World Cup champion and Araujo persisted beyond the whistle, extending into the tunnel.
Messi’s visible agitation stemmed from the robust conclusion to the opening half.
Early in the second half, Inter Miami’s Josef Martínez was fouled by Orlando’s Antônio Carlos within the penalty area.
Messi opted to let his Miami teammate take the penalty kick, allowing the former Atlanta United striker to restore the home side’s lead.
A scare unfolded for Inter Miami when Orlando’s Mauricio Pereyra collided with Messi in the second half. Messi momentarily remained on the ground, nursing his jaw before eventually rising to his feet.
In the 63rd minute, Miami coach Gerardo Martino introduced new addition Jordi Alba, marking his MLS debut and reuniting the longtime Barcelona defender with former colleagues Messi and Sergio Busquets in South Beach.
Shortly thereafter,Messi added his fifth goal since joining Miami, executing a close-range volley to secure the victory. Martinez played a crucial role by elegantly chipping the ball back across the six-yard box.
The round of 32 match, originally scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, experienced a 90-minute delay due to severe thunderstorms in the area. Miami’s next challenge awaits against FC Dallas in Frisco, Texas, on August 6, marking Messi’s first away match since joining the team.
Tottenham is edging closer to finalizing a deal to acquire Wolfsburg’s defender Mickey van de Ven for a fee approximately amounting to £30 million ($32.8 million), sources revealed to ESPN.
New Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has singled out the 22-year-old as a top candidate to bolster the team’s defense, which conceded 63 goals in the Premier League last season.
Recent discussions have reportedly been productive, fostering growing optimism at Tottenham about reaching an agreement to bring the Dutch Under-21 international to their North London squad.
Although nothing has been definitively settled, sources suggest that the negotiation of personal terms is not anticipated to pose a challenge if the two clubs finalize the transfer terms.
Van de Ven is versatile, capable of performing as a center-back or left-back, and has accumulated 41 appearances over two seasons with Wolfsburg.
Seven-time Super Bowl champion ,Tom Brady, 46, has taken on a role as a minority owner in the English soccer clubBirmingham City.
The Championship team disclosed on Thursday that Brady will also serve as the chairman of their newly formed advisory board.
Birmingham City has outlined that Brady’s involvement will encompass collaborating with their sports science department, alongside the board and management team.
His contributions will span “global marketing efforts and the identification of new commercial partnership opportunities”.
The retired NFL quarterback has joined forces with Knighthead Capital Management in a partnership arrangement to acquire minority ownership within the club.
Birmingham City, which secured a 17th-place finish in England’s second-tier league last season, will benefit from this collaboration.
Brady described City, which last played in the top flight Premier League in 2011, as an “iconic club”.
“I’ve been part of some amazing teams in my day, and I’m looking forward to applying my perspective to create that same success here in Birmingham,” Brady said.
Brady has been busy off the pitch since his retirement. He was unveiled as the newest celebrity team owner in theE1 World Championship, the new electric race boat competition.
He also acquired an ownership stake in WNBA side Las Vegas Aces.
Mauricio Pochettino’s decisions during Chelsea’s final match of their US pre-season tour against Borussia Dortmund provided fans with insights ahead of the upcoming season.
Pochettino opted for a strong starting XI against the German club, resulting in a closely contested match where both teams held their ground.
The balance was eventually disrupted when Marius Wolf capitalized on a scramble within the 18-yard box, netting a goal after Kepa Arrizabalaga cleared a corner.
Young striker Mason Burstow made his mark by equalizing for Chelsea in the 89th minute, securing his first senior goal and concluding the Blues’ pre-season tour without a defeat for the first time since 2012.
Pochettino drops XI hint
Pochettino confirmed to the media that the starting 11 yesterday could be on the field when the team line up against Liverpool in the season’s opening game.
“This was about giving 90 minutes to the team in my head that I plan to play because the season is only 10 days away,” he said via Sun Sport.
Many factors could influence the XI’s choice, including new signings and injuries, as new winger Christopher Nkunku limped off injured in 20 minutes.
Evening Standard reported that Poch did not give full details and only hoped it was not serious.
The Athletic reported that the Blues have agreed to a £25m deal plus add-ons for Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, which could also influence the choice of the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Fans also got a hint that Reece James has possibly been named the next captain after wearing the armband while Thiago Silva was on the pitch.
Both players left the pitch in the 73rd minute for Bashir Humphreys and Malo Gusto.
James hints he’s next captain
Sports Brief reported that Reece James dropped a hint he is the next skipper after uploading a video on social media detailing his journey at the club from the academy days till the point he wore the armband in pre-season.
The academy star lifted the PL Summer Series trophy alongside Silva and yet again shared a message to fans in what could be described as his first as captain.
Vanessa Gold has been named the new co-chair of West Ham United, taking over her father’s role following his passing in January, as announced by the Premier League on Thursday.
David Gold, who had previously been involved with the club’s boys team and youth division before assuming the position of co-chairman in 2010, passed away at the age of 86 after a brief illness.
West Ham United is pleased to confirm the appointment of Vanessa Gold to the Club's Board of Directors.
“West Ham United is a Club that means so much to me and my family… It will be an honour and privilege to continue our family legacy by joining the West Ham United Board…,” she said in a statement. West Ham won the Europa Conference League and secured a 14th-place finish in the Premier League last season.
“It is very reassuring to see David’s legacy continued in his name. West Ham United is a club built on strong family values and principles, and it is important that we continue to cherish that,” joint-chair David Sullivan said.
Auston Trusty is convinced that he has found the perfect opportunity as he completes his permanent transfer from Arsenal to Sheffield United.
The USMNT defender has committed to a four-year contract with the Blades, having moved from the Gunners for an undisclosed fee.
He had previously spent the last season on loan at Birmingham City, where he was a consistent presence with 44 starts.
Trusty’s journey continues with a transition to Sheffield United, who have been promoted to the Premier League. He has signed a contract that ensures his stay at the club until 2027.
“I am more than excited. The opportunity to be here at this historic club, and an opportunity to play in the Premier League and show my ability, it is everything I could have ever dreamed of growing up as a kid.
In Pennsylvania, this was a dream – almost an impossible dream but I believed in myself and the opportunity has come around, it is everything that I dreamed for,” Trust told the club’s official website.
“It is crazy how quick things happen in football. I have just come back from a US tour with Arsenal and a couple of days later I am sitting here doing this interview. Things did happen very quick, but that’s how football works. I was really looking for an opportunity so as soon as it came about, things and details were ironed out. I am here, I wasn’t wasting any time.
Everything is coming to fruition for me. I am in the right place at the right time and in the right mindset. Everything has come together how I dreamed it,” he added.
Trusty might have the opportunity to showcase his skills in a Sheffield United jersey for the first time this Saturday, as they face VFB Stuttgart in a friendly match. Subsequently, the Blades kick off their Premier League journeyagainst Crystal Palace on August 12.
Barcelona’s long-standing desire to acquire Joao Cancelo could finally be realized, as the Manchester City defender has reportedly agreed to personal terms with the Catalan club for a potential summer transfer.
Earlier, in January, Barcelona missed out on signing the Portuguese defender, as he opted to join Bayern Munich on loan, despite Barcelona being the favored destination.
Reported by Goal, Barcelona intends to utilize a portion of the funds gained from the impending transfer of Ousmane Dembele to Paris Saint-Germain to facilitate the acquisition of Cancelo.
Despite making appearances in Manchester City’s pre-season matches, the future of the former Benfica and Juventus defender at the Etihad Stadium remains uncertain.
Barcelona’s manager, Xavi, holds a significant admiration for Cancelo and desires to bring him to the club for the upcoming season. Similarly, the defender is keen on making the move to Camp Nou, having experienced differences with Pep Guardiola during the previous season.
Arsenal plan late Cancelo swoop
In a surprising turn, Arsenal might consider a last-minute attempt to secure the services of Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo, valued at £60 million, if the Portuguese talent remains available for transfer this summer, as reported by The Boot Room.
Having already invested approximately £200 million during this transfer window, including signings such as Declan Rice from West Ham and Juriel Timber from Ajax, Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta remains eager for further acquisitions.
Arsenal is aiming to disrupt the deal for Cancelo before he finalizes his move to Barcelona, who are currently leading in the pursuit of the former Inter Milan and Juventus defender.
According to a previous report by Sports Brief, Bayern Munich seems to be leaning towards not utilizing their option to convert the loan move of prominent defender Joao Cancelo from Manchester City into a permanent transfer during the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Portuguese talent, who departed Etihad Stadium in January to join the Bundesliga team on a six-month loan agreement, appears unlikely to make a permanent transition to Germany. It is expected that Bayern will not activate the £62 million clause required to officially secure Cancelo.
The report also suggests that Chelsea and Real Madrid are the two primary contenders if the 28-year-old decides to leave Manchester City this summer. Alternatively, Cancelo might continue to be a part of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Close associates of the former Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kofi Dzamesi, have taken steps to secure a nomination form for him at the party’s local office situated in Dzodze, within the Ketu North constituency of the Volta Region.
Identifying themselves as concerned electoral coordinators and polling station executives, these individuals collected the nomination form on Tuesday, August 1. During this event, they also introduced the “Dzamesi for 2024 Campaign.”
Following the acquisition of the nomination form, Charles Agbezuke, the spokesperson for the Dzamesi for 2024 Campaign, explained that they have engaged extensively with various stakeholders within the party.
This includes community-based groups, market women, and community leaders, all of whom have expressed support for Kofi Dzamesi.
Based on this support, they are advocating for him to become the parliamentary candidate for the Ketu North constituency in the upcoming 2024 election.
After obtaining the form, these supporters issued an official press statement, which was signed by Charles Agbezuke.
In this statement, it was emphasized that the former Minister possesses the qualities to effectively represent the NPP in the Ketu North Constituency.
They pointed out that since his emergence in 2004, Kofi Dzamesi has succeeded in altering the voting pattern within the constituency, making him the ideal candidate.
“Since 2004 when Hon. Kofi Dzamesi contested the parliamentary election for the second time, his votes have seen a significant increase.
He polled 27% inthe 2004 general elections, 31% in 2008, 38% in 2016 and a whopping 45.7% during the 2020 elections”, a part of the statement read.
According to them, this development signifies a positive outcome for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the constituency, while it poses a setback for theNational Democratic Congress (NDC).
Additionally, supporters emphasized their preference for a candidate capable of securing the seat for the NPP, with Kofi Dzamesi being identified as the suitable individual.
“A strong parliamentary candidate has the potential to increase the presidential votes and for the Ketu North Constituency, Hon. Kofi Dzamesi has demonstrated on four occasions that he can help the party achieve its aim by not only increasing the presidential votes but to win the seat in 2024”, the statement read.
Charles Agbezuke, however called on the rank and file of the party to support Kofi Dzamesi in unity in order to maximise votes for the NPP and make the aspirant a Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu North.
The statement also called on the national leadership of the party not to only focus on the flagbearer but also focus on parliamentary candidates.
“To break the 8, the N.P.P must put its best foot forward not by only electing a flag bearer that resonate with the masses and possess the magical solution to Ghana’s problems, the party must also field strong parliamentary candidates across the country to increase the presidential votes”, he read.
Kofi Dzamesi has contested the Ketu North constituency on the ticket of the NPP four times, and 2024 will be the 5th time he will be contesting. . According to election history in the constituency, he has increased both parliamentary and presidential results for NPP since 2004.
He is currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ofBui Power Authority. Kofi Dzamesi is a commercial farmer too.
Labeling it as bold, audacious, or even outright insane might not be too far from the truth when considering the endeavor being undertaken, especially when it involves a team of more than a dozen individuals.
However, this seemingly wild idea is already in motion, as a group comprising 12 men and one woman has embarked on an extraordinary journey from Accra, Ghana’s capital, to London, the administrative hub of the United Kingdom.
The objective of this daring adventure? To drive a distance of 10,000 kilometers from Accra to London, all while enjoying the experience.
Their target is to reach London by Sunday, August 6, or Monday, August 7, 2023.
During an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi, a member of the team known as Saka, who was speaking from Spain, explained that their inspiration stemmed from hearing numerous tales of people traveling from foreign countries to Ghana and other African nations.
Additionally, he highlighted that they are undertaking this journey primarily as a lighthearted and enjoyable activity.
“We are explorers and we are doing this for fun. We read about people driving from Europe to Ghana all the time, and we also planned to do it and we are almost there,” one of the explorers told Kwami Sefa Kayi,” he said.
Fascinated by their adventure and their ability to navigate through several borders, Kwami Sefa Kayi asked the expeditioners whether they had visas and how they were able to go through the borders.
Saka then told him that their journey from Accra to Mauritania was purely with the use of their Ghana Car.
“We used our Ghana Card to travel all the way to Mauritania,” he explained.
Saka also told Kwami what their intention is after they make it to London as scheduled.
The expeditioner told the broadcaster that their idea is to sell their respective businesses to the Ghanaian communities in the city before they return him.
He also added that their plan is to attempt a journey from Accra to Cape Town, South Africa, in 202.
The Ghana Card, apart from its primary use as a national identification, is also certified by the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) as an international travel identity card.
Currently, the Ghana Card can be used to travel into Ghana from all countries and can also be used to travel to countries with no visa requirements with Ghana such as West African countries.
A specially designed cloth intended for the funeral of the late founder and General Overseer of the Resurrection Power New Generation Church, Reverend Anthony Kwadwo Boakye, is available for purchase at GH¢500 for a 12-yard piece.
This fabric has been crafted as a tribute to honor the memory of the deceased founder and leader.
According to a report from Graphic.com.gh, plans are being organized for the burial of the late clergyman, scheduled to occur on Saturday, August 5, 2023.
The report also reveals that, as of August 2, 2023, the 600-meter stretch of road from Kalabule junction to the residence of the clergyman in Mataheko, near Ngleshi Amanfro, was being repaired.
In addition, the house has been freshly painted and adorned with funeral posters, a billboard, and ribbons as decorations.
The late Rev. Kwadwo Boakye is expected to lie in state at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) arena from 9 am on Friday, August 4, until Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 4 am, according to the funeral poster advertisements on television by the family.
The burial service is set to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday, from 8 am to 12 noon.
Subsequently, the remains of the clergyman will be transported to the church premises at Ngleshi Amanfro, where the church has prepared a special tomb for his final resting place.
This will be a private burial, followed by a thanksgiving service on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at the auditorium of the Resurrection Power New Generation Church.
Despite these arrangements, the wife of the late Rev. Anthony Kwadwo Boakye has obtained an injunction to halt the scheduled funeral for this weekend. She seeks to stop the burial and final funeral rites due to a dispute with other members of the deceased’s extended family.
However, Yaa Boakye, one of the late clergyman’s children, asserted that her father’s funeral will proceed as planned.
Kotoka International Airport (KIA), Ghana’s primary airport, has achieved Level 1 status in the Airport Council International (ACI) Customer Experience Accreditation Programme.
The Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) released a statement stating that the ACI programme, tailored for the aviation sector, is intended to enhance airport operations and foster a direct enhancement of customer satisfaction to meet their demands.
Additionally, GACL clarified that the Accreditation Programme follows a five-level structure, guiding airports in their approach to Customer Experience Management.
“This enables airports to identify new practices that can be developed in the short and long-term progress through the levels Accreditation,” the statement read.
Managing Director of the GACL, Mrs Pamela Djamson-Tettey reacting to the development said she was delighted that the Kotoka International Airport has received the Level 1 Accreditation.
“GACL has over the years made deliberate investments in Customer Experiences initiatives with the view of creating memorable experiences for our passengers. This accreditation is yet another justification and indication of a commitment to customer satisfaction at our airports,” Djamson-Tettey said.
Nasra Abukar Ali, aged 20, finished last at the World University Games in Chengdu, China, on Tuesday.
Her performance contrasted significantly with the winner, Brazil’s Gabriela Mourão.
A video of the race gained widespread attention online as Nasra Abukar fell far behind and barely remained in the frame, eventually crossing the finish line with a skip.
Nasra Abukar’s display attracted mockery and disbelief on social media platforms, with some users using it to criticize the Somali government’s perceived corruption and ineffectiveness.
Her time of 21.81 seconds, over 10 seconds slower than the winning time of 11.58 seconds, has been labeled internationally as the “slowest-ever” in the history of the 100m sprint.
Sports Minister Mohamed Barre Mohamud stated on Wednesday that investigations revealed Nasra Abukar Ali had no prior involvement in sports or running.
In response, he suspended Khadijo Aden Dahir, the Chairwoman of the Somali Athletics Federation, for allegations of “abuse of power, nepotism, and defaming the name of the nation.” Legal action is also being pursued regarding the incident.
Furthermore, Mohamed Barre Mohamud noted the absence of a registered Somali University Sports Association, without elaborating on its connection to the competition.
The Association of Somalia Universities clarified in an earlier statement that they had not sent any runners to the event.
Prior to this, Minister of Youth and Sports Mohamed Barre Mohamud issued an apology for the incident and indicated that his ministry was unaware of Nasra Abukar Ali’s selection for the games.
Carlo Ancelotti has indicated that Real Madrid’s recent pre-season tour has highlighted a significant vulnerability for the club as they head into the 2023/24 season, particularly in their defense.
During their pre-season tour, Real Madrid allowed three goals across three matches. Their final pre-season game saw them suffer a 3-1 loss to the formidable Italian team Juventus.
Sportskeeda reports that Ancelotti openly acknowledged that his Real Madrid squad conceded an excessive number of goals during these matches. This followed their earlier match against rivals Barcelona, where they also let in three goals.
“Offensively, there are no problems, but we have to sort it out defensively. It’s an easy problem to solve. There are things we have to try in this period, and it has been quite clear what we need to fix things.”
After defeating AC Milan and Manchester United in their first two preseason games, Los Blancos have been thrashed in their last two games against Barcelona and Juventus.
Fans blast Real Madrid after defeat Fans have taken to social media to lambast Real Madrid after they lost 3-1 to Juventus in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday night in the United States, SB Media reports.
Some disappointed fans claimed Real Madrid would struggle against MLS Franchise Inter Miami, while some also labelled Carlo Ancelotti as ‘the worst manager in the world’ after the 3-1 defeat.
Real Madrid will kickstart their 2023/24 campaign against Athletic Club on August 12 as the Spanish giants try to reclaim the La Liga title they lost to Barcelona last season.
Ancelotti confident of new strikers Earlier, Sports Brief reported Carlo Ancelotti said Real Madrid are fine in their strikers’ department after the signings of Joseulu and Brahim Diaz following the departure of Karim Benzema.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is reportedly nearing an agreement to acquire Benfica’s center-forward Goncalo Ramos, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding thefuture of French forward Kylian Mbappe.
Ramos has garnered attention from both the French club and Manchester United, following his impressive performance for Portugal in the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar, where he netted three goals.
As reported by Goal, PSG is on the verge of finalizing a deal for the Portuguese forward, involving a transfer fee of €80 million. This figure marks their highest expenditure on a player during this summer transfer window.
Allegedly, Ramos has already come to terms on personal conditions with PSG, and his move to the reigning Ligue 1 champions is expected to be finalized before the week concludes.
During this transfer window, PSG had previously invested €60 million in acquiring Sporting Lisbon’s midfielder Manuel Ugarte. Additionally, notable signings for the club this summer have included Marco Asensio, Milan Skriniar, and Lucas Hernandes.
Man United miss out on Ramos Meanwhile, Manchester United looks set to miss out on Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos as the Portugal forward is set to finalise his switch to Paris Saint-Germain in the coming days, Daily Mirror reports.
The Red Devils are on the verge of signing a new striker in Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund, but they were prepared to launch a bid of roughly £69mil to get the Benfica front back in June.
Ramos scored a total of 27 goals last season for Benfica in all competitions, attracting the interest of Europe’s top clubs, including Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
Ramos stepping into Ronaldo’s shoes Earlier, Sports Brief reported Goncalo Ramos was thrown into the eye of the storm, but it was Portugal’s 21-year-old striker who brought the thunder, blasting his country into the World Cup quarter-finals.
On a shock first World Cup start in place of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Benfica forward scored a brilliant hat-trick in the 6-1 romp over Switzerland to set up a date with Morocco on Saturday.
Known as the “Pistoleiro” for his gun-toting celebration, Ramos shot his way into world football’s consciousness, having only made his Portugal debut in a late tune-up friendly against Nigeria.
Paris Saint-Germain’s pursuit ofOusmane Dembele from Barcelona might result in Neymar, the world’s most expensive footballer, moving in the opposite direction.
It’s anticipated that PSG will finalize the acquisition of Dembele by the end of the week, as they have reached an agreement on personal terms with the French winger and are prepared to pay Barcelona €50 million to secure his release.
Forbes reports that as part of negotiations aimed at convincing Barcelona to part ways with Dembele, PSG has proposed loaning their former player Neymar back to the Catalans.
PSG has been keen to offload Neymar and perceives this situation as an opportunity to unload the player for whom they set a world record transfer fee of €222 million to secure from Barcelona in 2017.
Neymar had a stint with Barcelona from 2013 to 2017, forming one of the most formidable attacking partnerships in global football alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. During his time at the Catalan club, they collectively scored 364 goals over three seasons.
Xavi sends Dembele Neymar warning Meanwhile, Xavi Hernandez sought to scare Ousmane Dembele away from a transfer to PSG by emphasising how Neymar has fared since leaving Barcelona for the French capital, SB Nation reports.
Neymar has struggled with injuries, been booed by supporters and failed to bring the Champions League to PSG since completing a world record move to the Parisians in 2017.
Xavi is incredibly disappointed by Dembele after being told by the Frenchman before the 3-0 Clasico win over Real Madrid that he wanted to leave.
Neymar scores stunning goal Earlier, Sports Brief reported Neymar Junior made a grand comeback, delivering a sensational goal against Jeonbuk during a pre-season match for Paris Saint-Germain. The 31-year-old had been absent from PSG’s pre-season games until the friendly encounter with the South Korean club on Thursday. His return to action had been shrouded in mystery amid rumours of a possible departure.
However, on August 3, Luis Enrique granted his star forward some game time,and Neymar seized the opportunity with an astonishing goal.
