Author: Silver Emmanuel

13Feb By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

West Ham new signing Ferguson set to make debut against Brentford

ROMFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Evan Ferguson of West Ham United poses after signing on loan for the club at London Stadium on February 03, 2025 in London, England. Evan Ferguson is set to make his West Ham debut when they host Brentford on Saturday. The 20-year-old Republic of Ireland striker arrived on loan from Brighton on transfer deadline day. Ferguson burst on to the scene as a teenager on the south coast, although injuries have slowed his progress this season. But West Ham manager Graham Potter, who gave Ferguson his debut when he was Brighton boss, says the player is ready to make his mark in claret and blue. "He's trained well," said Potter. "He hasn't played loads of football recently, so we have to be careful with that. "He's shown his quality, is ready to help the team and we...

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13Feb By Silver Emmanuel24 Comments

SERIE A

Inter reportedly make decision over Thuram extension

Marcus Thuram plays during the match between AC Milan and FC Inter in Serie A at Stadio San Siro in Milan, Italy, on February 2, 2025. Thursday’s reports claim that Inter have already made a decision in relation to a new contract extension for centre-forward Marcus Thuram, which means that the Nerazzurri could have an opportunity to remove the release clause included in the Frenchman’s current deal. According to reports on Thursday morning, Inter are ‘considering’ the possibility of handing a new contract extension to Thuram in an attempt to remove the release clause in his current contract, which reportedly stands at €85m. Thuram joined the Nerazzurri ahead of the 2023-24 season, joining on a free transfer after the expiry of his Borussia Monchengladbach contract, and has since establ...

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12Feb By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Kai Havertz set to miss rest of season with hamstring injury

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Arsenal's Kai Havertz warming up before the match during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Arsenal FC at Molineux on January 25, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. Arsenal’s worst fears have been realised with Kai Havertz set to miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side without a recognised centre forward in a major blow to their Premier League title hopes. The Germany striker, Arsenal’s top scorer this season with 15 goals in all competitions, sustained the injury during a warm-weather training camp in Dubai designed to give Arteta’s squad a much-needed break after an intensive run of games in January. Arsenal returned to London on Tuesday and had been assessing the injury. Scan resul...

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12Feb By Silver Emmanuel6 Comments

Champions League

Arsenal Champions League path becomes clearer as Mikel Arteta awaits draw

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Arsenal FC at Molineux on January 25, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. Arsenal can cautiously start to prepare for a potential Champions League last-16 meeting after Juventus and PSV Eindhoven were involved in the first play-off ties of the season. Mikel Arteta's side are taking their chance to rest and recover. Left without a game this week due to a premature FA Cup exit last month, Arsenal bypassed the need for a further two-legged knockout tie in Europe by finishing third in the group phase. They were behind only Barcelona and Liverpool at the summit of the 36-team league. The top eight sides secured safe passage into the last-16, which sta...

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12Feb By Silver Emmanuel5 Comments

TRANSFERS

Manchester United and Real Madrid Eye Juventus Regret

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Dean Huijsen of Bournemouth looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Everton and AFC Bournemouth at Goodison Park on February 08, 2025 in Liverpool, England. Former Juventus youngster Dean Huijsen is blossoming at Bournemouth and has drawn the attention of big clubs, for instance, Manchester United and Real Madrid. The Bianconeri pocketed €15.2M from his sale but could get more money in the future since they are entitled to 10 percent of a future sale, AS reports (via Tuttomercatoweb). The center-back spoke to Oggi Sport Notizie in late January. “I’ve improved physically and learned a lot during my six months here. I want to forge ahead. Director Tiago Pinto conveyed a lot of trust in me. It was important for me to find minutes a...

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12Feb By Silver Emmanuel37 Comments

Champions League

Real Madrid’s Bellingham strikes late in win over Man City

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid (R) on the ball challenged by Bernardo Silva of Manchester City (L) during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off first leg match between Manchester City and Real Madrid C.F. at Manchester City Stadium on February 11, 2025 in Manchester, England. Real Madrid’s Galacticos just don’t know when they are beaten. Manchester City just keep on making the same mistakes. Jude Bellingham’s stoppage-time goal sealed a stunning comeback for Madrid and a 3-2 lead in its Champions League playoff against City. In six frantic minutes at the end of a breathless first leg Tuesday, the Spanish giant scored twice to take a precious advantage into next week’s match at the Bernabeu. City led 2-1 after 80 minutes at the Etiha...

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12Feb By Silver Emmanuel6 Comments

Champions League

Juventus 2-1 PSV: Late goal gives Bianconeri the advantage in Champions League play-off

TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 11: Samuel Mbangula of Juventus celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off first leg match between Juventus and PSV at Allianz Stadium on February 11, 2025 in Turin, Italy. A late winner from substitute Samuel Mbangula ensured that Juventus will be taking a slender lead to the Philips Stadion after securing a narrow victory in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off against PSV Eindhoven. The Bianconeri got themselves in front thanks to a powerful volley from Weston McKennie and carried a deserved lead into the break, before Ivan Perišić scored a leveller just shy of the hour-mark. Thiago Motta’s men must now defend that lead in Eindhoven on February 19th if they are to qualify for the r...

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11Feb By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

SERIE A

Roma Aim to Secure Saelemaekers as Friedkins Set Sights on Permanent Deal

Alexis Saelemaekers of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A Enilive match between AS Roma and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on February 2, 2025 in Rome, Italy. Alexis Saelemaekers has taken Roma by storm. In just a few months, the talented Belgian winger has won the trust of everyone at the club, from his teammates to manager Claudio Ranieri, and from the passionate Giallorossi fans to the Friedkin ownership group. His excellent performances on the pitch are a direct result of the enthusiasm he has shown for a fanbase that already adores him and wishes to see him wearing the Roma colours for years to come. Calciomercato report how the 25-year-old right winger arrived in the Italian capital as part of a loan swap deal with English striker Tammy Abraham, with no option to buy included in t...

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11Feb By Silver Emmanuel4 Comments

LALIGA

Vitor Roque could be set for a permanent Barcelona departure this month

VIGO, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 08: Vitor Roque of Real Betis during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RC Celta de Vigo and Real Betis Balompie at Estadio Abanca Balaidos on February 08, 2025 in Vigo, Spain. La Liga giants Barcelona could rid themselves completely of on-loan youngster Vitor Roque before February is out. That’s according to Diario Sport, citing Brazilian outlet UOL, who have on Tuesday confirmed a fresh development in Roque’s future. The 19-year-old was of course farmed out on loan by Barcelona last summer, linking up with La Liga rivals Real Betis for the duration of the campaign. According to UOL, though, Brazilian heavyweights Palmeiras are keen for this agreement to be cut short, to lodge an offer of their own for Roque. The brass at Allianz Parque are on the lookout for rein...

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11Feb By Silver Emmanuel35 Comments

LALIGA

Real Betis CEO open to extending Antony loan spell

VIGO, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 08: Antony Matheus dos Santos of Real Betis looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RC Celta de Vigo and Real Betis Balompie at Estadio Abanca Balaidos on February 08, 2025 in Vigo, Spain. Real Betis CEO Ramón Alarcón has opened the door to extending Antony's loan spell at the club beyond the summer. The Brazilian forward joined the LaLiga outfit last month on loan from Manchester United for the remainder of the season. Antony, 24, has a contract with United until June 2027, with an option to extend it for a further year. Asked about the possibility that Antony could remain at Betis on loan for the 2025-26 season, Alarcón told Cadena Ser radio: "Yes, I think so. It is a possibility, why not?" Antony had featured in just 13 of United's 32 games in all com...

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11Feb By Silver Emmanuel9 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Trent Alexander-Arnold injury boost as Arne Slot confirms another Liverpool ‘concern’

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 1: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Vitality Stadium on February 1, 2025 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images) Liverpool have been boosted by the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold to training, but Reds boss Arne Slot admits he's still unsure as to whether the right-back will be ready for the trip to Goodison Park on Wednesday evening. Alexander-Arnold was injured during the 2-0 win at Bournemouth when he went down in the second half holding his thigh and asking to be substituted. Scans revealed that the injury wasn't serious but the 26-year-old missed the win over Tottenham in the League Cup semi-final as well as the defeat to Plymouth A...

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11Feb By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

SERIE A

Inzaghi hails Inter’s resilience in redemption win over Fiorentina

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 10: Simone Inzaghi of Internazionale celebrates at the end of the Serie A match between Inter and Fiorentina at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 10, 2025 in Milan, Italy. Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi commended his side for their maturity and impressive mental resilience after they avenged last week's defeat by Fiorentina with a 2-1 victory in the re-match on Monday. Inter managed to turn around their poor performance in last Thursday's 3-0 loss to secure an important win at home, with Inzaghi praising the players' ability to learn from past mistakes. "The players were excellent; we were supported by the fans, and together we won a decisive match for our journey. We approached both halves well, as a mature team," he said. "We faced Fiorentina as we did on T...

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10Feb By Silver Emmanuel13 Comments

LALIGA

Atletico Madrid’s Player of the Month nominees revealed

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 8: Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid in action during La Liga week 23 football match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain on February 8, 2025. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu via Getty Images) The shortlist of nominees for Player of the Month at La Liga giants Atlético Madrid has on Monday been unveiled online. And the list features players from across a variety of positions in Diego Simeone’s squad. Atlético, as a collective, enjoyed another solid month in January, racking up five wins and a draw from their seven outings across all competitions. A number of players shone bright over the course of this stretch, with the five standout performers having on Monday secured nominations for the Player of the Month prize ...

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10Feb By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal provide huge Bukayo Saka injury update – “Stepping up”

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 10: Bukayo Saka pf Arsenal training at NAS Sports Complex on February 10, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Arsenal fans can breathe a little easier as Bukayo Saka continues his recovery from a hamstring injury that has kept him out since December. The 23-year-old winger, who underwent surgery to repair a torn right hamstring, is currently in Dubai with the Arsenal squad, working diligently on his rehabilitation. Just a month ago, Saka was spotted at the Emirates Stadium on crutches, but his progress since then has been significant. Arsenal shared photos on Monday showing Saka smiling and working out in the gym, accompanied by the caption: “Stepping up that rehab.” This positive update sug...

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10Feb By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha is set to miss Celtic clash

Joao Palhinha of Bayern Muenchen controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between FC Bayern München and SK Slovan Bratislava at Allianz Arena on January 29, 2025 in Munich, Germany. Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha is set to miss Champions League knockout playoff clash with Celtic on Wednesday night due to an injury The two sides meet in two days time in Glasgow’s east end, and both had routine victories over the weekend. Bayern eased off Werder Bremen in Bavaria with a 3-0 victory to go eight clear of Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga table. Meanwhile, Celtic breezed past Scottish Championship opposition Raith Rovers to book their place in the Scottish Cup quarter-final. But, Bayern look likely to be without their £47.5m star P...

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10Feb By Silver Emmanuel35 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City injury latest as Nico Gonzalez clarity given

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Nico Gonzalez of Manchester City warms up prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Leyton Orient and Manchester City at Gaughan Group Stadium on February 08, 2025 in London, England. Nico Gonzalez trained on Monday afternoon ahead of Manchester City's game with Real Madrid after shrugging off a knock he picked up at Leyton Orient. Gonzalez was forced off 20 minutes into his debut after appearing to pick up an injury in the action where he was dispossessed for the opening goal at Brisbane Road. City were unhappy it was not given as a foul, but were more concerned with the state of their £50m signing who is expected to fill Rodri's position for the rest of the season. Initial indications gave Pep Guardiola hope that Gonzalez would be available ...

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10Feb By Silver Emmanuel4 Comments

SERIE A

Monza rehire Nesta less than 2 months after firing

Antonio Conte is present during the Serie A 2024-2025 match between Torino and Monza in Torino, Italy, on November 24, 2024. (Photo by Loris Roselli/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Monza have recalled Alessandro Nesta to take over as manager following the sacking of Salvatore Bocchetti, the Serie A club said on Monday, after a heavy defeat at the weekend kept the club rooted at the bottom of the standings. Bocchetti replaced Nesta in December, signing a contract until June 2027, but his side registered only one win in seven league games, and Sunday's 5-1 loss at Lazio was Monza's fourth consecutive defeat. Monza also exited the Coppa Italia, losing 4-0 to Bologna, during Bocchetti's time in charge. Nesta, a former Italy international and defender with Lazio and AC Milan, now returns to the ben...

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10Feb By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Barcelona receives Ronald Araujo injury update

Ronald Araujo centre-back of Barcelona and Uruguay during the Copa del Rey Quarter Final match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on February 6, 2025 in Valencia, Spain (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) FC Barcelona has received news on the fitness of its defender Ronald Araujo, as explained by various outlets including Jijantes and MARCA. With Pau Cubarsi given a rare taste of the bench, the Uruguayan started Sunday’s vital La Liga clash with Sevilla partnering Inigo Martinez in central defense. After just 22 minutes of play down on the clock, though, as the score was tied at 1-1, Araujo had to leave the pitch while being replaced by 18-year-old La Masia pearl Cubarsi. There were fears that Araujo had picked up a right ankle knock as a ...

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10Feb By Silver Emmanuel4 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou says calls for his dismissal are ‘agenda driven’

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou after the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match at Villa Park, Birmingham. Picture date: Sunday February 9, 2025. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images) Embattled Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou says people who are calling for him to be sacked are “agenda driven” and no other side would be able to cope with the amount of injuries his side have had. Postecoglou’s position was plunged into more uncertainty after Spurs were knocked out of their second cup competition in four days following a 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Aston Villa. Less than 72 hours after losing the Carabao Cup semi-final to Liverpool, a depleted Spurs went down to goals from Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers at Villa Park with Mathys Tel bagging a late consolation. Postecoglou is ha...

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9Feb By Silver Emmanuel26 Comments

Ligue 1

Ousmane Dembele named Ligue 1 Player of the Month

Ousmane Dembele right winger of PSG and France during the Trophee des Champions match between Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco at Stadium 974 on January 5, 2025 in Doha, Qatar. The French players’ union – Union Nationale des Footballeurs Professionnels – have announced that PSG striker Ousmane Dembele (27) has been named Ligue 1 Player of the Month for January. The former Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona winger is on fire at the moment. Dembélé scored 13 goals since the turn of the year, including eight in Ligue 1. Dembele rocked to the top of Ligue 1 goalscoring charts with 16 strikes. Dembélé notably clinched a hat-trick against Brest last week and was on target again twice against AS Monaco on Friday. Dembele has won the Ligue 1 Player of the Month award for the first time since Marc...

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