Alidu Seidu, a player for Ghana, might travel to Italy at the end of the summer transfer season.
This week, there were reports in France that an Italian Serie A team was attempting to hire the Clermont Foot defender.
In the previous two football seasons, the 23-year-old has shown to be a dependable defender.
Alidu Seidu has developed into a crucial player for the Ghanaian Black Stars over the past year as a result of his outstanding performances for Clermont Foot in French Ligue 1.
The full-back made 28 appearances for his team last season, contributing to the team’s 8th-place finish in the French Ligue 1 rankings.
Sources claim that an undisclosed Italian team has expressed interest in him as a result of his achievements.
The Serie A team allegedly made Clermont Foot a 12-million-euro bid and is vying for Alidu Seidu’s talents during the summer transfer window.
Soccer and golf have already been eliminated by the Public Investment Fund; might the NFL follow?
The golfing spat between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia-funded LIV Golf has received a lot of attention. LIV Golf, the PGA Tour, and the PGA European Tour announced a merger between the three that would combine their commercial rights into a for-profit enterprise sponsored by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund after over a year of off-course quarreling and indirect battling.
That was not the PIF’s first foray into disrupting the traditional sports leagues.
Saudi Arabia's PIF is valued at over $650 billion — and has invested in LIV Golf, Formula 1, WWE, and more.
Now, Saudi royalty wants to establish a multibillion-dollar fund specifically for future sports investments.
The firm acquired an 80% ownership in Premier League team Newcastle United in late 2021. High-profile players have been lured to the Saudi Pro League with unlimited sums of cash. N’Golo Kante, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo are just a few of the famous athletes that recently moved to Saudi Arabia.
With its toes firmly planted in golf and soccer, it seems just a matter of time before the sovereign wealth fund turns its attention to the big American sports leagues.
The nation is anticipated to “expand its sports interests” by establishing a different multibillion dollar investment business, according to the Financial Times. “Soccer, tennis, and other sports” will be targeted. According to the source, Newcastle and LIV Golf will not be a part of this new business and will instead be “focusing on new opportunities.”
This new investment firm would undoubtedly target the NFL if it wanted to get off to a fast start. With $18 billion in earnings last year, the NFL is the greatest cash cow among the top American sports leagues. And they have no intention of stopping anytime soon.
The question then becomes how Saudi Arabia would strategize their investment. Will they go after stakes in teams? Will they try to create their own league and sway players with much higher salaries?
The latter would be interesting for many reasons. The NFL doesn’t pay its non-quarterback players anywhere near as well as the Premier League, for instance. In fact, they don’t really get close to the NBA either. Particularly running backs and linebackers, whose values have steadily decreased over the past few years, could possibly be convinced to chase the money elsewhere.
Mason Mount has been informed by ERIK TEN HAG that he should play a “very important” role for Manchester United.
The £60 million contract Mason Mount signed with the Red Devils would pay him almost £250,000 each week.
Mount, 24, left Chelsea and has already signed a five-year contract with United. He will add to Ten Hag’s midfield options as he prepares for a new Premier League season and a Champions League challenge.
Along with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, Mount will probably face competition from Scott McTominay, Fred, and Christian Eriksen for a position in the starting eleven.
During their first meeting together since the trade was finalized, Ten Hag has now acknowledged that he has huge ambitions for the midfielder.
He told Mount: “I want you to be a very important player for this team.”
In response, Mount looked ready to go as he replied: “Cheers gaffer, thank you.
“I better go and get on the pitch now. Get my boots on.”
Mount will be able to add goals and assists to the Man United midfield, as he managed 58 goals and contributed 53 assists in 279 club appearances.
Emi Martinez asserted that Lionel Messi is a natural winner who has accomplished everything in football when asked to compare him to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Emi Martinez, the World Cup-winning goalkeeper for Argentina, met with his ardent supporters on Tuesday in Kolkata. The 29-year-old is the first reigning World Cup champion to visit the city and was crowned the Golden Glove winner at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Fans could not get enough of him and, at one point, leaped over obstacles to get a closer look at their idol.
Fortunately, Martinez was whisked away by security by then, but that was not before the Argentine said that he did find similarities between the city of joy and his home country.
“It is the passion for football that I find similar. I see that passion in young kids here,” he said during the “Tahader Kotha” chat show at Kolkata’s Milan Mela Ground.
Amidst the wild cheers of ‘Dibu’ ‘Dibu’ from the crowd, Martinez seemed at ease and enjoying the rapturous welcome.
Martinez seemed in a happy place and enjoying the break from the game in the off season. When asked about his future goals, the Argentine said there is only one.
“We won everything there was to win, Copa America, 2022 Finalissima against Italy and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. But it does not end there. We want to win the next Copa America and the next FIFA World Cup as well,” he said amidst massive cheers.
Recalling Argentina’s successful campaign at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which began with Saudi Arabia shocking the Latin American nation with two second-half goals in their opening Group C match, Martinez said, “It was my first defeat as an Argentine, and I was a bit sad.”
“But we had the best player in the world in our team – Lionel Messi,” he added.
But the win against the Netherlands, 4-3 on penalties in a dramatic, feisty quarterfinal, truly set the ball rolling for something special.
“When we beat the Netherlands in the quarterfinal, we knew something special was about to happen. The game went to a shootout, and I backed myself because I was accustomed to this,” Martinez revealed.
Martinez is renowned for his aggressive style of goalkeeping. The 30-year-old is fearless in coming off his line and having a word or two with strikers. He also never shies away from being very vocal and animated in his communication. His psychological mind games are his most effective weapon, which was quite effective in the finale.
“I practised my psychology the night before the final against France. I did this to generate chaos, and it worked. But FIFA changed the rules, but we won the World Cup (smiles),” he said.
Martinez also spoke about how Messi was among the first to appreciate his contributions after the shootout win.
“After the shootout, Messi came and hugged me and said – ‘I can’t believe you saved us again’. When the best player in the world says that, it is unbelievable,” he said, getting a tad bit emotional.
When asked who among Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo was the best, he said, “He (Messi) completed football. He is the best,” came the reply from Martinez, signifying Messi’s incredible trophy cabinet, which now boasts every trophy the Argentine could win in his career.
“Messi is a born winner, he was born to win, and he used to talk before every game in the World Cup. In the final, he said – ‘Thank you for everything you have done for me.’ And we ( other players in the team) all wanted to win it for him,” Martinez added.
Martinez was then asked who among the current generation of players could replace Messi and Ronaldo, to which the Villa goalkeeper said, “I have to say an Argentinian player.”
“But Messi is the best player ever, and there will be no Messi in the future. It will be hard to replace him. I hope to win the next Copa America with him,” he concluded. Jampacked for the day and a bit of chaos Martinez has a tight schedule as he returned to his hotel after pleasing his fans with several photo ops. In the evening, he will be heading to the Mohun Bagan football club, where he is slated to felicitate 10 Bengal goalkeepers, including Bhaskar Ganguly and Hemanta Dora. He will also be attending an exhibition match which will be held between Mohun Bagan All Stars and Kolkata Police All-Stars.
But earlier in the day, Martinez was supposed to sign jerseys for fans who had bought gold and platinum tickets. But no sooner did he leave the venue that supporters ( who bought gold tickets ) started protesting, claiming they were denied signed jerseys from the man himself.
Later on in the evening, supporters were handed jerseys signed by Martinez. However, one such fan who had come from Shantiniketan had to leave the venue since he had a train to catch. “I bought a gold ticket but did not get a signed jersey and had a train to catch. So I had to leave. I hope they will courier it to me,” he said.
Erling Haaland, a FOOTIE star who is relaxing on vacation after a season full of records, is riding a wave right now.
The 22-year-old Norwegian center striker for Manchester City appeared to be celebrating yet another goal as he climbed on a boat off the coast of Ibiza.
Haaland, who captured the Triple Crown last season, had a ride on a jetski in the Mediterranean.
While on the boat with a bunch of friends, some of whom were sporting the same jazzy beach shorts as him, he also pulled out his binoculars.
It follows a ground-breaking season in which he scored 36 goals in only his first season in the Premier League.
After ending their season with Champions League victory over Inter Milan, Haaland celebrated hard with his teammates.
As he partied the night away in Monaco, Haaland demonstrated his finest dancing moves, as we previously reported.
After having a formal lunch date with Prince Albert, that is.
The 6ft 3in hitman was captured on camera moving rhythmically to the music at a posh nightclub.
Haaland videotaped himself dancing with a group while donning a loose shirt and sunglasses.
Bayern Munich are not giving up on trying to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham
Harry Kane has reached the final year of his Spurs contract, and according to Sky in Germany, Bayern Munich is continuing to pursue him despite Tottenham’s insistence that the 29-year-old is not for sale and that the club would not welcome any proposals for the England captain.
According to our European colleagues, the 29-year-old is being actively pursued by Bayern board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as he enters the final year of his Spurs deal.
The German champions want to make another bid and are reportedly attempting to determine whether Tottenham would trade Kane this summer or not.
Kane is not for sale, according to Tottenham, and the club would not accept any offers for the England captain.
The club also maintains that despite rumours in Europe to the contrary, they have not received an initial offer for Kane.
If Kane is permitted to go this summer, Bayern feel he would rather join them than any other club, according to a report from Sky in Germany.
When Kane’s contract with Spurs expires in 2024, Bayern will be interested in acquiring him on a free transfer.
Nana Yaw Amponsah, a well-known Ghanaian football executive, has resigned from his position as Asante Kotoko’s CEO.
Following a high-level meeting on Monday, July 3, Manhyia decided to disband the Asante Kotoko board and management.
In August 2020, Nana Yaw Amponsah was chosen to oversee club management.
His off-the-pitch achievements led to the acquisition of a number of prestigious partnerships and sponsorships, which immediately had an impact.
He was able to lead Asante Kotoko to the Ghana Premier League championship in his second season as the team’s CEO.
Unfortunately, the just concluded football season did not go according to the CEO’s plans, as Asante Kotoko finished the season without any hardware.
While he is no longer CEO of Asante Kotoko, he is set to join the race to contest the Ghana FA Presidential seat according to information gathered from close sources.
He contested the last election but lost to Kurt Okraku.
Tafo, the reigning MTN Ashantifest Community Soccer Tournament winners, will start defending their championship this weekend when Zone C action gets off at the State Girls Kokoase Park in Abrepo on Friday, June 30, and Saturday, July 1.
Bantama, Suame, and the other former champions, as well as the Abrepo hosts, of course, will test Tafo in the preliminary stage for two spots available from this section to the last 8. Tafo defeated Asokwa 4-1 in the final last year to become the second winners of the competition, which started in 2021 with Abrepo as the first winners.
Zone C’s opening match pits the reigning champions against Bantama, while the second contest pits Suame against Abrepo.
Bantama plays Suame in their respective second games, Abrepo and Tafo square off, and then all four teams play their respective third games—Bantama vs. Abrepo and Tafo vs. Suame—to round out the preliminary round schedule.
In order to thank their devoted clients in the Ashanti Region, MTN launched the community football gala in 2021 with just 8 teams. This event also provides a platform for discovering and fostering potential.
It rose to 12 teams the next year, and this term it was further increased to a record-breaking 16 teams competing over a two-month period, including Ejisu, a team from outside Kumasi.
Ejisu and Amakom, as well as Dichemso and Ashtown, are already through to the last 8 after winning the top two spots in Zones A and B, respectively. The competition is divided into four zones, A, B, C, and D, each of which takes a turn each weekend in an all-play-all battle to determine two representatives for the next stage.
After Zone C this weekend, Zone D will take their turn July 7-8 when the final two tickets to the money zone are on offer for Adum, Santasi, Kwadaso and Atonsu at the Atonsu Astro Turf Park.
“Ashantifest is back. Ashantifest, as you all know, is our annual regional festival created by MTN, aimed at bringing the brand closer to Asanteman and showing appreciation to you, our cherished customers,” said Charles Osei Akoto, MTN Regional Sales & Distribution, Northern Ghana on behalf of the MTN General Manager during the launch in Kumasi on June 14.
Mr Akoto said the competition is getting bigger and better. “You are not just playing for yourselves. You are playing for the communities you represent, an embodiment of the hopes and aspirations of your fans and as such, I encourage you all to give it your best shot” he advised the players and team.
The Black Meteors of Ghana have arrived in the nation after an underwhelming performance at the current U23 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The entourage from Ghana, which was made up of players, coaches, and team officials, departed for Black Meteors from Morocco on Sunday evening and arrived in Accra early on Monday.
After their final Group A game last Friday ended in a 1-1 tie with Guinea, the Black Meteors’ hopes of competing in the Olympic Games were destroyed.
Ibrahim Tanko’s squad needed a victory to advance beyond the group stage, but instead settled for a tie, which resulted in an early elimination.
Emmanuel Yeboah’s first-half goal was cancelled out by Ibrahim Fofona of Guinea with a beautiful volley in the second half.
While Ghana was eliminated in the group stage of another event, the Guineans managed to hold on and go to the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, the technical team led by Ibrahim Tanko is expected to submit their report to the Ghana FA Executive Council for assessment.
The Black Meteors has failed to qualify for the Olympic Games since 2004, Athens.
The 24-year-old Chelsea player, Mason Mount is reportedly close to a £60 million deal.
And as he draws closer to joining the Red Devils, Mason Mount was seen on camera on Monday morning entering Man Utd’s Carrington facilities.
He will likely be Erik ten Hag’s first acquisition during the summer transfer window.
The agreement is thought to include a £55 million payment and $5 million in add-ons. He will sign a deal for almost £250,000 per week for five years, with the possibility of an additional year.
His 16-year stay at Chelsea, which he joined at the age of 8, comes to an end with the departure.
United’s initial THREE offers for Mount were turned down by the Blues, who demanded a hefty price even though his contract was set to expire in 2024. But at a meeting last week, the talks finally made progress.
And he is about to join a lengthy list of players who have left Chelsea.
Blues supporters will find it difficult to accept Mount’s move since they see him as the crowning achievement of their legendary generation of indigenous talent.
Last year, Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and Mount were unable to reach a new agreement, and negotiations came to an end when Mount turned down a one-year extension in February.
