TREND SUN

Premier League champions, Liverpool, have signed Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth £79m (€91m).   Liverpool will pay an initial fee of £69m (€80m) plus £10m (€12.5m) in add-ons for the striker as their summer spending edges towards £300m.   The French striker is expected to join up with the squad in Hong Kong in the next 48 hours for training sessions ahead of Saturday's fixture against AC Milan. A club statement read: "Liverpool FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, subject to international clearance.   "The 23-year-old has successfully completed a medical and agreed personal terms with the Reds, allowing him to fly out to Hong Kong to join his new teammates on their pre-season tour of Asia later this week."   The deal for Ekitiké, which is subject to international clearance, takes Liverpool’s summer spending to almost £300m. The former Paris Saint-Germain player is t...

Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo has revealed that his move to Chinese club Changchun Yatai was driven purely by financial reasons.   Ighalo left Watford in 2017 for a £20 million switch to the Chinese Super League side, where he went on to score 36 goals over two seasons.   Speaking on the Echo Podcast, the ex-Manchester United forward admitted he didn’t think twice when the lucrative offer came in.   “I was 27 at the time. I’d already fulfilled my personal dream of playing in the English Premier League,” Ighalo said. “Growing up in Ajegunle, I never imagined reaching the level I did. All I wanted was to make some money to change my family’s life and make them proud — alongside a dream of playing in the Premier League, which we watched a lot. It’s the most viewed league in the world. “Back then, we’d pay to sit in viewing centers, squeezing together just to watch matches. That dream had already come true for me. So when the offer from China came, I s...

Chelsea became world champions for the second time with an impressive 3-0 win against PSG at MetLife Stadium Result — Chelsea 3-0 PSG Chelsea defeats Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to win the first edition of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Cole Palmer struck twice in the opening half before summer signing Joao Pedro scored his third goal of the tournament to stun PSG, the reigning European champions. Chelsea’s players received their medals from President Trump, who watched the game at the MetLife Stadium alongside FIFA’s Gianni Infantino. Chelsea are Club World Cup champions for the second time after they first won the tournament in 2021.

Former Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson has left Ajax after the Dutch club agreed to terminate his contract a year early.   The England midfielder, who joined the Dutch giants in January 2024, was under contract until June 2026 but is now free to join another club.   The 35-year-old captained and made more than 50 appearances for Ajax and is understood to have interest from clubs in England and across Europe.   He leaves Ajax after narrowly missing out on the Dutch league title as PSV Eindhoven were crowned champions on the final day of last season.   "I would like to express my immense gratitude to everyone associated with Ajax. To play for this club was an honour in itself," said Henderson.   "To have the privilege of captaining it was even more so. My only regret is that we didn't deliver more success for the amazing supporters."   Former Liverpool captain Henderson was back on Merseyside in recent days to mourn the death of former team-ma...

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has revealed he came close to suicide after being wrongly accused of making a racist remark toward Chelsea’s Mikel John Obi in 2012. Speaking on the High Performance podcast, Clattenburg, now 50, said the ordeal left him feeling trapped and desperate.    “The Obi Mikel situation affected me a lot and affected my family a lot,” he said. “That was the closest I’ve ever been to suicide. If I didn’t have a way out and I couldn’t referee anymore, what could I do? If I’m a racist, I’m not going to get a job in normal life. My life’s finished.” Clattenburg said he only found the strength to carry on because of his infant daughter. “My child didn’t deserve it. She was only little. If I was on my own, single, that was the easiest decision in the world. But when you’ve got responsibilities, it makes you fight more.” The referee recalled first learning of the allegation via a Sky Sports alert on his phone at Heathrow ...

Former Napoli sporting director, Pierpaolo Marino has said that Serie A clubs are unlikely to meet Victor Osimhen’s €75 million release clause, which is effectively set for foreign clubs.   Speaking to RAI 2, Marino explained that Napoli’s price tag on the Super Eagles striker reflects his global stature, but is realistically only within reach of clubs outside Italy.   “The clause is appropriate for Osimhen’s international value. He’s one of the few players in the world who can transform a team from not winning to winning,” Marino said.   He also cast doubt on Galatasaray’s reported interest, suggesting the Turkish club could be acting as a bridge for an eventual move to an Italian giant.   “My concern is this: Turkish teams have always offered players massive wages but rarely paid high fees for transfers. Now it’s claimed Galatasaray could activate Osimhen’s clause,” he said. “If that happens, is the plan to bypass the clause for Italy and bring him here...

Former Barcelona and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitić has announced his retirement from football at the age of 37.   Rakitić had last been playing for Hadjuk Split back in his homeland following a brief spell in the Saudi Pro League with Al Shabab.   "Football, you gave me more than I could ever imagine," he wrote in a post on social media confirming he was hanging up his boots.   "You gave me victories, defeats, lessons, and friends for life. You gave me a unique path and a thousand stories to tell. You gave me a beautiful family and moments that I will carry forever in my heart.   “Now it is time to enjoy you from another perspective, to live you with the same passion, with a always grateful heart, from the stands, from the offices, from home, or wherever life takes me.”   Born in Switzerland to Croatian parents, Rakitić came through at FC Basel before joining German side Schalke 04 in 2007.   After four years he moved to Sevilla in 2011, where...

Southampton have confirmed the permanent transfer of Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu to Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor. The club announced the deal in an official statement on Friday, June 27, saying: “Southampton Football Club can confirm that terms have been agreed with Trabzonspor for the transfer of striker Paul Onuachu.” The 31-year-old departs St Mary’s after a two-and-a-half-year spell during which he made 40 appearances and scored four goals. He spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Trabzonspor, where he found the net 15 times in 21 matches. “We thank Paul for his efforts during his time as a Saints player and wish him well,” the club added.   We have agreed terms with Trabzonspor for the transfer of Paul Onuachu: — Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC)  June 27, 2025 Southampton will compete in the English Championship next season after being relegated, along with Ipswich Town and Leicester City. Onuachu made his debut for Nigeria in 2019 and has ea...

Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has ruled out retiring anytime soon with the Nigerian national team, but he won't stay beyond his time.   Asked in a recent interview with Punch if there had ever been a point when he thought about retiring from the national team.   Troost-Ekong, who has been a pillar in the Super Eagles’ defense for years, reaffirmed his commitment to the Nigerian national team, stating that he still feels physically and mentally ready to compete at the highest level.   However, the 31-year-old was also quick to acknowledge the importance of knowing when to step aside.   No, not yet. I’m 31 now, and I still feel strong physically and mentally. When the time comes for me to step aside, I’ll know. I’ll be the first one to say, “I’m done.” I’ll never overstay my welcome. But right now, that’s not crucial to my mind. I still feel like I have something to offer the team.

Nico Williams has signed a new contract with Athletic Bilbao despite having been heavily linked with Barcelona.   The Spain international Williams, 22, renewed his contract with the Basque club until 2035.   Barcelona had reportedly agreed contractual terms with Williams but wanted to pay the transfer fee in installments, which the club declined.    Upon signing his new deal, Williams said: 'When decisions have to be made, for me, what weighs most is the heart. I'm where I want to be, with my people, this is my home. Aupa Athletic!'   Since breaking into Athletic's first team in 2021, he has made 167 appearances for the club, scoring 31 goals. He was also part of the team which won the Copa del Rey in 2024, ending a 40-year major trophy drought.   He won the Copa Del Rey with Athletic in the 2023-24 campaign and is now set to be involved with the club in the Champions League next season.   Williams' release clause has now increased by more ...

English striker of Nigerian descent, Tammy Abraham has joined Turkish Süper Lig giants Besiktas on loan from Roma.   The club said it had agreed a season-long loan for the 27-year-old, who passed a medical after arriving in Istanbul on Tuesday, which could become permanent for a 13-million-euro fee starting from the 2026-27 season.   “A loan fee of 2,000,000 euros will be paid to AS for the 2025-2026 season,” Besiktas said, adding that if contractual conditions were met, the move would be made permanent for “a transfer fee of 13,000,000 euros”. That fee would be paid in instalments until 2030.   The club had on Tuesday said it had entered talks with AS Roma and the player, who still has a year left of his contract with the Italian club and whose full name is Kevin Oghenetega Tamaraebi Bakumo-Abraham.   Abraham signed for Serie A club AS Roma in August 2021 on a five-year contract after a move from Premier League club Chelsea for a fee of 41 million euros ...

Nigerian international Semi Ajayi has signed a two-year deal with English Championship side Hull City, with the club holding an option for a further year.   The 31-year-old defender joins the Tigers after a six-year spell at West Bromwich Albion, where he made 177 appearances and scored 13 goals. Hull City confirmed the signing on their official website on Wednesday.   “Hull City are delighted to announce the signing of experienced defender Semi Ajayi on a two-year contract, with a club option of an additional year,” the club said in a statement.   Ajayi will officially join the team on July 1 and arrives with significant Championship experience, having played over 200 matches in the division. Known for his versatility, he can also operate as a holding midfielder.   He was a key figure during West Brom’s 2019/20 promotion campaign and featured 33 times in the Premier League the following season. He also helped the Baggies reach the Championship pl...

Rio Ferdinand has revealed he feels like he's experiencing fatherhood for the first time with his son Cree because he was away so much with his other kids. The former Manchester United star aged 42, welcomed his fourth child with wife Kate before Christmas.  He also has three children Lorenz, 14, Tate, 12, and Tia, nine, from his late wife, Rebecca, who passed away in 2015.    He has now come to admit that he sacrificed his family time to have a successful career. “We think as dads, we are doing a great job and we are there all the time but we're not. We're just dipping in and out because we are travelling so much," he explained. "I was probably not there 75 per cent of the time. I was on the road travelling around Europe and playing games. When I was there, was I really there mentally? I used that excuse, 'Oh I've got a game' - I probably left an hour early if I'm being honest."     Rio went on: "For all elite sportsmen, their families p...

 A former Italian football star, Luigi Sartor, who played for AS Roma, Parma, Juventus and Inter Milan, has been put under house arrest after police allegedly found him growing marijuana. Reports from Italian media say Sartor and Marco Mantovani, both aged 46, were found growing 106 marijuana plants at Sartor's mountain cottage. The police raid took place on Friday in Lesignano Palmia, south-west of Parma in northern Italy.    The plants when mature could have produced 2kg (4.4 pounds) of marijuana. According to police they grew suspicious when the cottage's power supply was doubled and its lights were seen to be on at night. They stopped Sartor's car which smelled the same distinctive marijuana odour that was detected outside his cottage.   It's not the first time Sartor has run into the strong arms of the law.   In 2011 Sartor was indicted for conspiracy to commit betting fraud, in a match-fixing scandal known as "Calcioscommesse". But in 2019 the investi...

Paris Saint-Germain striker, Neymar is facing a possible two-match Champions League ban for his outburst on social media after Barcelona were awarded a penalty against his side on Tuesday night.   The Brazilian, who was ruled out of the game through injury, wasn't happy with the referee's decision when he awarded a penalty to his former side when defender Layvin Kurzawa fouled Frenkie de Jong.   The 29-year-old wrote on Twitter 'this penalty is a joke' and then wrote 's*** goal' in fury as Lionel Messi scored the penalty to put Barca into the lead.      He quickly deleted the first tweet, but not quick enough for it to be picked up by eagle-eyed fans.   It was a reaction that could cost him if UEFA decides to sanction him for it. The UEFA disciplinary code prevents 'insults or other conduct that violates the basic rules of conduct.'    If punished, he could be banned for up to two games, meaning he would miss the second leg and PSG's potential qua...

Former Lille Osc and Super Eagles of Nigeria goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama has tipped Kylian Mbappe to win the Ballon d'or. Mbappe grabbed the plaudits following his performance for PSG against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League tie this week, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 away win at the Camp Nou.   Enyeama has now heaped praises on Mbappe’s influence and tipped him to take over the Ballon d'or award from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Enyeama wrote on Twitter;   "Mbappe is such a great player. Future ballon d’or. Players like him make goal keeping such a beautiful job. A match day dream."   Enyeama is Nigeria's most capped player of all time.    

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has failed to rule the possible return of ‘retired’ striker Odion Ighalo back to the squad after he joined Saudi Arabian side Al –Shabab.   31-year-old Ighalo retired from international football in 2019 after helping the Super Eagles to win bronze at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in that year.    He joined Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab FC on a permanent deal from Shanghai Shenhua after his loan spell at Manchester United.    When asked about the chances of Ighalo returning back to the Super Eagles, Rohr, 67, told NationSport.: “Playing regularly in Saudi is not a reason to eliminate a good player from Super Eagles.”    Rohr also expressed happiness over the impressive lineup of Nigerian strikers making a mark with their European clubs, adding that he was scouting on all fronts ahead of naming a squad for the forthcoming 2021 AFCON qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho.   “Terem Moffi (Lorient) is doing w...

La Liga League leaders, Atletico Madrid has announced that forward Joao Felix is now the third player in two weeks to test positive for Covid-19.   "Joao Felix has tested positive for Covid-19. The striker is isolating at home, in compliance with the health authorities' guidelines and La Liga protocols," Atletico said in a statement on Wednesday.   The 21-year-old Portuguese youngster joins teammates Yannick Carrasco and Mario Hermoso, who tested positive for coronavirus last week, on the sidelines.   Carrasco and Hermoso missed Atletico's 4-2 win at Cadiz on Sunday, but club record-signing Felix started and played 60 minutes yet will now be unavailable for Monday's clash at home to Celta Vigo.    Felix, who moved to Atletico from Benfica for a club-record £113m in the summer of 2019, has made 25 appearances for Diego Simeone's side in all competitions this season, scoring nine goals.

World football governing body, FIFA, has rejected a request seeking an investigation of  Nigeria Footbal Federation boss, Amaju Pinnick ahead of the FIFA Council elections. Pinnick has been cleared by the Fifa Review Committee to contest for a seat in the Fifa Council at the 43rd Ordinary General Assembly of Caf, scheduled for March 12 in Morocco. Former President of National Association of Nigerian Footballers, Harrison Jalla, wrote a petition to Fifa, alleging Pinnick lacks integrity, is corrupt and should not contest for a position on the Fifa council. Fifa has now responded, explaining the body is not obliged to open an investigation into Pinnick as requested by Harrison Jalla, and if they will, it would be at their discretion.   “We acknowledge receipt of your correspondence and have taken note of the information provided. We wish to express our appreciation for having filed a complaint in the context of art.58 par.1 of the Fifa Code of Ethics (FCE),” Fifa said, as p...