Home Blog Page 176

Sunday’s Edition of Football Transfer Gossip around the world

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
Sunday’s Edition of Football Transfer Gossip around the world

08/08/2021

Tottenham are prepared to consider selling England striker Harry Kane, 28, if Manchester City offer £120m plus another £20m in add-ons. (Star Sunday)

City are relying on Kane convincing Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to allow him to leave for the Premier League champions. (Sunday Mirror)

Lionel Messi and Paris St-Germain have agreed a two-year deal, with the 34-year-old Argentina forward expected to officially end his 21-year association with Barcelona with “dignity” on Sunday with a Nou Camp news conference. (Le Parisien – in French)

If Messi does move to the French capital, he is set to receive a yearly pay packet of 40m euros (about £34m). (L’Equipe – in French)

Messi’s potential move to Parc des Princes could boost Manchester United’s hopes of signing Rennes’ 18-year-old French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who has previously been strongly linked with a move to PSG. (Star Sunday)

Sergio Aguero, 33, will remain at Barcelona, despite reports that he was looking to leave after news that his good friend and fellow Argentine forward Messi was not staying at the club. (Marca – in Spanish)

Arsenal are exploring the possibility of signing Manchester City’s 26-year-old Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva, who has previously told the Premier League champions he wants to leave the club. The Gunners see Silva as an alternative option to Leicester City and England midfielder James Maddison, 24. (Sunday Mirror)

Silva is preparing for talks with City boss Pep Guardiola and will be pushing to get a move to Barcelona. (Sunday Sun)

Italian champions Inter Milan are planning for the departure of Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea and want two additions up front, with Chelsea’s England striker Tammy Abraham, 23, Atalanta’s Colombia forward Duvan Zapata, 30, and Roma’s 35-year-old Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko all targets. (Sky Sport Italia – in Italian)

Lukaku will have a medical in Belgium on Sunday before completing his move and is set to arrive in London on Monday. (Athletic – subscription required)

Aston Villa explored the possibility of selling England midfielder Jack Grealish to Real Madrid or Manchester United before a British record £100m deal for the 25-year-old was reached with Manchester City. (Athletic – subscription required)

Tottenham have been linked with Barcelona’s Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho, but a move for the 29-year-old would hinge on Spurs selling England striker Kane. (Mundo Deportivo – in Spanish)

Barca have already offered Coutinho to Everton, but the Merseyside club are likely to turn down the chance to sign the former Liverpool playmaker. (Liverpool Echo)

Atletico Madrid are close to completing a deal to sign Wolves’ 24-year-old Spain striker Rafa Mir on a four-year deal. (Marca – in Spanish)

Burnley are struggling to get a deal for RB Leipzig’s 23-year-old English winger Ademola Lookman done, so may turn attention to trying to sign Ivory Coast defender Maxwel Cornet, 24, from Lyon. (Sunday Sun)

West Ham are continuing to negotiate personal terms with Fiorentina’s 23-year-old Serbia defender Nikola Milenkovic but are struggling to meet the demands set out by his representatives. (90min)

Newcastle United have enquired about signing 24-year-old English defender Nathaniel Phillips from Liverpool. (Athletic, subscription required)

Leeds United are tabling an improved offer for Huddersfield Town’s 22-year-old English midfielder Lewis O’Brien after an initial approach was rebuffed. (Football Insider)

Paris St-Germain are to offer France striker Kylian Mbappe, 22, a pay rise to convince him to sign a new deal with the club. (Le10Sport – in French)

Spanish club Granada are close to signing 34-year-old Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero, who is a free agent after leaving Manchester United at the end of his contract this summer. (Ideal – in Spanish)

Everton are expected to send Portuguese goalkeeper Joao Virginia out on loan after he was left out of the squad for Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Manchester United. There is interest in the 21-year-old from unnamed clubs in the Championship and abroad. (Liverpool Echo)

Liverpool have agreed to sign 16-year-old English midfielder Bobby Clark from Newcastle United after Tottenham turned down the chance to sign him this year. (Football Insider)

Breaking news: Brazil defeat Spain to win Gold in Men’s football at 2020 Olympic Games

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
Breaking news: Brazil defeat Spain to win Gold in Men’s football at 2020 Olympic Games

The Brazilians left it late to stun the Spaniards they ran away with the ultimate in a pulsating game on Saturday

Brazil defeated Spain 2-1 in the final of the 2020 Olympic  Games to win the gold medal of Men’s Olympic Football Tournament after a late goal from substitute Malcom in extra-time.

It took a goal deep in extra-time from super-sub Malcom to see Brazil beat Spain 2-1 and claim their second (and second-straight) gold medal in men’s Olympic football at the International Stadium Yokohama.

The deciding strike, scored from a tight angle, settled the heavyweight contest after regular time ended tangled at 1-1 thanks to earlier goals from Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal and Brazilian star Matheus Cunha.

The first quarter-hour of the game saw little by way of attack as both teams – the two best sides at these Olympic men’s football finals – looked to size each other up.

But in the 16th minute, Brazil’s Diego Carlos had to be alert to keep the ball out of his own goal when he slid to intervene after a bit of sharp interplay between Oyarzabal and Dani Olmo. The Brazilian’s goal-line clearance was a clever bit of improvisation that kept the scores level at nil-all.

Four minutes after that, Spain’s senior No1 goalkeeper Unai Simon had to dive low to his right to keep out a clever toe-poked shot from Matheus Cunha.
But it wasn’t until the 38th minute that the first clear chance of the game materialised. After a lengthy VAR review, Australian referee Chris Beath awarded Brazil a penalty kick for a foul by Simon, who raced off his line and tried for the ball, but caught Cunha on the chin instead.

The Spaniards, and their goalkeeper, breathed a big sigh of relief when Richarlison, the tournament’s top-scorer, blazed over the crossbar with his poor effort from the spot.

The Brazilian sadness didn’t last long though as the defending Olympic champions managed to find the back of the net before the half was over.

Cunha begins Brazil charge

Marc Cucurella switched off in defense, allowing 38-year-old Brazil captain Dani Alves to sneak in and lay in a low cross for Cunha, who worked himself away from his marker and buried a shot low inside Simon’s post to send the South Americans to the changing rooms with a slender lead.

When action resumed, Richarlison almost made amends for his penalty miss in the 52nd minute. But his effort from close range took a deflection off Simon and could only splatter against the crossbar.

The Spaniards, off the hook from nearly being down 2-0, found an equaliser just after the hour mark thanks to the outstanding Oyarzabal, who’s following up his break-out performance at the recent UEFA EURO with a smashing Olympic Games. Racing in from the left, he met a Carlos Soler cross from the right with a sliding left-footed volley past Santos that will go down in the annals of Olympic football finals’ best-ever goals.

And it was the Spaniards who finished strongest as the clock ticked toward the 90th minute, but substitute Bryan Gil’s sizzling volley from distance rattled the Brazilian crossbar as the second football final of these Olympic Games went to extra-time.

The first session was predictably cautious, as neither side looked willing to risk making the mistake that might cost them the Games’ top prize. But in the second, the injection of Zenit St. Petersburg man Malcom made all the difference for Brazil.

He chased down a long ball from midfield in the 108th minute, muscled past Jesus Vallejo and snuck the ball, from an acute angle, past Simon, who managed to get a hand to it.

Brazil (gold) and Spain (silver) were joined on the podium by Mexico, who beat hosts Japan 3-1 on 6 August to scoop bronze – a second Olympic medal for the North Americans after their shock gold in London in 2012

Bechem United sign goal poacher Avornyo for three years

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
Bechem United sign goal poacher Avornyo for three years

The lanky striker has completed his switch from the lower tier side to the Hunters

Bechem United have announced the signing of new striker Emmanuel Avornyo in a three year  contract.

The 20-year-old who was in the wishlist of many Ghana Premier League spent last season on loan at Division One side UniStar Academy.

Avornyo has become the second player to join Bechem after the club announced the arrival of defender Samuel Osei Kuffour who also joined from Young Vipers.

Bechem are busily strengthening their squad after they were tangled in relegation battle throughout last season.

The club had to defeat Asante Kotoko in their last home game of last season before they avoided relegation.

‘Kotoko need to develop its infrastructure’, Nana Yaw Amponsah hints Kotoko may not play in Africa

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
‘Kotoko need to develop its infrastructure’, Nana Yaw Amponsah hints Kotoko may not play in Africa

The Porcupine Warriors chief believes it will be better they develop their training facility rather than rushing to play in Caf inter-club competitions

Asante Kotoko chief executive officer Nana Yaw Amponsah has suggested that the club may opt not to play in Caf Confederation Cup next season despite being offered a golden opportunity to represent Ghana.

Although, Kotoko finished second in Ghana Premier League behind Hearts of Oak and got eliminated from the FA Cup in quarterfinals by Berekum Chelsea, Caf’s new licensing rule permits them to participate in the Confederation Cup since it was only Kotoko, Medeama and Hearts that fulfilled the regulations.

Already, Medeama have written to Ghana FA that they won’t participate in the inter-club competition leaving only Kotoko as the next option since Hearts will play in Caf Champions League.

However, Amponsah believes it will cost a lot in terms of finances for Kotoko who also need infrastructure to underline their supremacy as a great club in Ghana and Africa.

“The cost of going to Africa is not easy and if I am to tell you the cost involved in going to Africa last year, it can provide us with an astro turf at Adako Jachie and double of what we are doing now and many more,” Amponsah told Oyerepa TV.

“We must take advantage of that to develop and improve our squad and prepare them to win the league and FA cup next season if possible.

“We also need to develop our infrastructure so we can console ourselves with it,” he added.

Kotoko were eliminated last season from both Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup despite a bright start.

Exclusive: Highly rated Osei Kuffour joins Bechem United until 2024

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
Exclusive: Highly rated Osei Kuffour joins Bechem United until 2024

The young centre-back has completed his move to the Hunters ahead of the new season

Bechem United have signed young and highly rated centre back Samuel Osei Kuffour as their first new player for the 2021/22 season, AshesGyamera.com can exclusively reveal.

Osei Kuffour at the unveiling

Osei Kuffour, 19, joins the Hunters from Kumasi-based lower division side Young Vipers in a three-year deal after he was scouted by club’s scouting team in Ashanti region.

Kuffour with Bechem United coach

Kuffour is expected to solidifies Bechem defensive setup with his height, strength and ball intelligence when the new season kicks off.

Bechem are aiming to finish within the Top Four position next season and reach at least semifinals of the FA Cup after avoiding relegation last season by the skin of their teeth.

AshesGyamera.com can reveal that Bechem will unveil a lot of new signings before the end of August.

Asante Kotoko board member rates Nana Yaw Amponsah’s one year as CEO

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
Asante Kotoko board member rates Nana Yaw Amponsah’s one year as CEO

The chief executive officer has come under intense scrutiny recently following the club’s inability to win a title this season but he has been offered a backing

Asante Kotoko board member Evelyn Nsiah Asare has jumped to the defence of under fire chief executive officer Nana Yaw Amponsah despite going trophyless in his first season at the club.

The Porcupine Warriors failed to win Ghana Premier League after finishing second behind Hearts of Oak and were also bundled out of the FA Cup in the quarterfinals stage by Berekum Chelsea. This, together with other off the field issues have brought about a lot of concerns about Amponsah’s reign at the club.

However, the only female among the board of directors believes his performance leaves much to be desired and insists he will remain at post amid reports suggesting otherwise.

“Nobody knows the job description of our chief executive officer better than us and if we are not satisfied we would have said it or complained,” Nsiah Asare told Oyerepa TV in an interview.

“I will rate Nana Yaw Amponsah 90 per cent for the job done as of now. He has done a lot of things for Kotoko and I’m impressed with his output.

“Judging from what he has been able to do after one year, you should definitely know where the future lies for him and the club,” she added.

Since the coming of Amponsah, Kotoko have sealed several deals including Hisense, Ceek, Adonko Next Level Energy Drink, Star Assurance.

The club has also been able to seal a partnership deal with English Premier League side Southampton which includes training and development exchange programs for players and technical team members.

Also, there has been a major facelift of the club’s training facility at Adako Jachie. Washrooms and offices for players are coaches are currently undergoing and could be finished soon.

Hearts of Oak sign Kotoko’s former striker for Caf Champions League

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
Hearts of Oak sign Kotoko’s former striker for Caf Champions League

The Phobians have snapped the former Porcupine Warriors striker from Tarkwa as they strengthen their team to participate in the Champions League

Hearts of Oak have completed the signing of former Asante Kotoko striker Prince Agyenim Boateng as a free agent, AshesGyamera.com can confirm.

The 25-year-old signed a three-year deal on Friday with the Phobians after passing his medical at the club’s designated centre for various health related issues.

Although, Boateng was reportedly considering a move back to Kumasi to join Kotoko after mutually terminating his deal with Medeama some months ago, a call from Hearts coach Samuel Boadu changed everything.

It is believed that the gaffer promised Boateng of a regular starting role in his team and presented him with his game formation and tactics which will easily accommodate his style of play.

And since both Boateng and Boadu have had personal working experiences together in the past at Medeama, the striker opted to believe the words of his former boss and signed the dotted lines for Hearts of Oak.

Boateng will likely play along Kwame Obeng Junior upfront whenever Hearts opt to go into games with a 4-4-2 formation or 4-3-3 variation.

Hearts will officially unveil Boateng in the coming hours at the  club’s secretariat in Accra.

The Phobians have also closed in on WAFA player Prince Asubonteng and Great Olympics captain Gladson Awako. An official letter has been spotted being sent to WAFA and Olympics respectively for their players before the end of the month of August.

After winning the Ghana Premier League, Hearts are hoping to make it a double this season. They will take on Ashanti Gold in the final of the FA Cup on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium

Kwame Peprah jets out of Ghana to sign for Orlando Pirates

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
Kwame Peprah jets out of Ghana to sign for Orlando Pirates

The young striker is on his way to South Africa to seal a mega deal with the Pirates after an incredible season in Ghana

King Faisal striker Kwame Peprah has been spotted at the Kotoka International Airport Friday evening as he undergoes his check in with his agent ahead of a move to South African giants Orlando Pirates.

The 21-year-old has been a revelation in the just ended Ghana Premier League as his 12 goals helped King Faisal to eventually avoid relegation by a whisker.

Although, Peprah was linked with a move to Faisal’s city rivals Asante Kotoko as well as league champions Hearts of Oak, it was Pirates who seems to have won the race after meeting the asking price.

It is reported that he would sign a five year deal on Saturday if he successfully passes the mandatory medical he is scheduled to undergo at the club’s medical facility when he touches down.

Aside scoring goals, Peprah is also fond of providing assists for his teammates he he got ten assists in the Ghana Premier League to add up to the 12 goals he netted.

Breaking News: GFA explains why AshGold can’t represent Ghana in Caf Confederation Cup even if they win FA Cup

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
Breaking News: GFA explains why AshGold can’t represent Ghana in Caf Confederation Cup even if they win FA Cup

The country’s football governing body has released a statement detailing reasons why the Miners are ineligible to play in Caf Inter-club competitions next season

Ghana Football Association has cleared the air on why Ashanti Gold cannot represent the country in next season’s Caf Confederation Cup even if they defeat Hearts of Oak in the final of the FA Cup slated for Accra  Sports Stadium on Sunday.

According to the GFA, Ashanti Gold failed to apply for the licence that would’ve given them the opportunity to play in Africa should they qualify from Ghana’s Premier League or FA Cup.

“The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has formally written to AshantiGold SC notifying them of their inability to compete in the 2021/22 CAF Inter Club competitions – CAF Confederation Cup. The follows a late request from AshgantiGold for an extraordinary application to enable them acquire the required licence to participate in the 2021/22 CAF Confederation Cup,” a GFA statement read.

“The GFA had further correspondence with CAF on the subject and below are the key points in their reply. The deadline for GFA to submit the club licensing decisions and documents of the clubs for the CAF IC 21/22 was 15 July 2021.

“CAF informed the Federations that the 15 July 2021 deadline date was non-negotiable and non-extendable by any means.

“CAF informed the Federations that they should submit by 15 July 2021, all club licensing decisions and documents of all theclubs standing a chance to qualify to CAF Interclub competitions based on sporting merit, regardless of the status of completion of the domestic league or national cup competition.”

  
“Unfortunately, we regret to inform that at this point of time, by force of the CAF Circular no club licensing decision may be accepted, consequently Ashantigold SC will not be able to take part in the CAF IC 21/22 season.

“Consequently, Accra Hearts of Oak SC, Medeama SC and Asante Kotoko SC being the three clubs in the CAF list of LICENSED CLUBS are the only eligible clubs which can play in Africa in the 2021/22 season.

“Now, with Accra Hearts of Oak SC opting to play in the CAF Champions League as the winners of the Ghana Premier League, only Medeama SC or Asante Kotoko SC may play in the CAF Confederation Cup for Ghana and should both clubs decide not to play in Africa, no club from Ghana would represent us in the competition.

“Once again, the Association wishes to remind all clubs to be mindful of the import of deadlines and the strict compliance regimes in modern football and the consequences thereof, following the failure to adhere to them,” the statement added.

This release by Ghana FA may go along way to affect the motivation of Ashanti Gold players ahead of the Cup final.

 ‘Only four players deserve to stay at Asante Kotoko,’ says Johnson Smith

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
-
0
 ‘Only four players deserve to stay at Asante Kotoko,’ says Johnson Smith

The Porcupine Warriors deputy coach has insisted that only a handful of the current crop of players will remain part of his plans should he be given the mandate

Asante Kotoko assistant coach Johnson Smith has revealed that a lot of the players at the club currently don’t deserve to stay on ahead of the new season.

Kotoko, after a difficult campaign where four coaches were used, ended the season trophyless as they finished second behind Hearts of Oak and got eliminated in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup by Berekum Chelsea.

Although, a lot of the players’ contracts have run out including midfielder Augustine Okrah and defender Wahab Adams, reports suggest that captain Felix Annan has tendered in transfer request while Habib Mohammed and Ismail Abdul Ganiu’s contracts are coming to an end.

However, Smith believes this isn’t a course to worry since majority of the players would not be retained if he is given the opportunity to be in charge of recruitment for the new season.

“If I’m to be allowed to do my own recruitment and assessment with this current Kotoko team, only four (4) of the current players excluding the goalkeepers will stay,” Smith told West End Radio.

 
Kotoko is believed to be planning for the new season without head coach Mariano Barreto since his media war with the club’s management team and chief executive officer Nana Yaw Amponsah in particular.

1...175176177...272Page 176 of 272
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv