by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 26, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
Asante Kotoko have stepped up preparations for their crucial second-leg clash with Kwara United in the CAF Confederation Cup, with head coach Abdul Karim Zito placing special emphasis on tightening the defense.
The Porcupine Warriors claimed a narrow 4–3 victory in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium, leaving them with only a slender one-goal cushion heading into the decisive encounter in Ilorin, Nigeria.
Zito, who openly acknowledged defensive lapses after the first-leg thriller, has made it clear that improvement at the back is his top priority. “I’ve seen my mistakes and I have to do well and rectify them before we go there,” he said after the home win.
This week’s training sessions have reflected that commitment, with Kotoko drilling their backline and focusing on better organization to keep the Nigerian side at bay. The Ghanaian giants know that a disciplined defensive display will be key to advancing to the next stage of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Cameroonian goalkeeper André Onana could yet find his way back to Manchester United, but his future hinges on a major shake-up at Old Trafford.
Signed from Inter Milan for €50.2 million, Onana endured a turbulent debut season in England, marked by costly errors and heavy scrutiny. Manchester United responded by loaning him to Turkish side Trabzonspor, where he has already featured twice, conceding two goals.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports that Trabzonspor’s deal includes no option to buy, meaning the 28-year-old remains a United player. However, a return to the Premier League will likely depend on the fate of current United manager Ruben Amorim. Should the Portuguese coach depart, a new boss might offer Onana the clean slate he needs to revive his Red Devils career.
For now, Onana’s next move remains tied to Manchester United’s managerial merry-go-round—making him one to watch in the coming transfer window.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
When FC Barcelona’s head coach Hansi Flick handed 16-year-old Baba Kourouma an invitation to train with the first team, it wasn’t just a reward—it was a statement. The young Guinean defender has quietly built a reputation inside La Masia, and now the wider football world is starting to take notice.
Here’s the story behind the teenager everyone at Barça is buzzing about:
Baba Kourouma was born on 23 February 2009, and from the moment he first stepped onto a pitch, his natural reading of the game set him apart. A central defender by trade, he offers the kind of composure and ball-playing ability Barcelona have long sought at the back.
A true La Masia product, Kourouma impressed with the U18s during the 2024-25 season and has already moved up to the U19 squad, showing maturity beyond his years.
Football runs in the family. Baba is the younger brother of Ilaix Moriba, the former Barcelona midfielder now playing for Celta Vigo, and their shared passion for the game continues to inspire him.
Barcelona clearly believe in his potential: in May 2025, the teenager extended his contract until June 2028, signaling the club’s commitment to shaping his future.
Internationally, the defender keeps his options open. Holding both Spanish and Guinean nationality, he is yet to represent either country at any level—a decision that will surely draw attention as his career progresses.
For now, Baba Kourouma remains focused on his development in Catalonia, sharpening the skills that could soon make him a mainstay in Barça’s first team.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 26, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
French Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre have secured the services of rising Ivorian international Clément Akpa with a new contract that runs until June 2028, rewarding the defender for his steady rise and consistent performances.
The 23-year-old left-back, a cornerstone of Auxerre’s back line, featured in 31 league games last season, helping the club maintain its top-flight status and contributing an assist. His strong start to the current campaign convinced the club to extend his stay by another year.
“Clément Akpa’s Auxerre adventure continues,” the club announced. “He remains a player in constant progression and faithful to the values of AJA.”
Born in Meudon, France, to an Ivorian parent, Akpa chose to represent Ivory Coast at international level. He made his Elephants debut in March 2025 against Benin and has already earned three caps, signaling a bright future for both club and country.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 26, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
The transfer window may be closed, but opportunity is wide open. Across Europe and beyond, a select group of elite free agents—players whose contracts have expired or been terminated—are quietly reshaping the market. With no transfer fees attached, they represent a bargain hunter’s dream for clubs seeking experience and instant impact.
Leading the pack is Takehiro Tomiyasu, the Japanese defensive rock once of Arsenal, now valued at €18 million despite recovering from knee surgery. His name alone is enough to stir a bidding war among clubs craving a composed, versatile defender.
Hot on his heels is Renan Lodi. The Brazilian left-back, priced at €13 million, engineered an exit from Al-Hilal after a management dispute and now stands as one of the most coveted free players in world football.
The list is a rich mix of seasoned internationals and hungry talents. From Sergio Reguilón’s attacking thrust down the flank to Josh Dasilva’s midfield engine, and the mercurial creativity of Hakim Ziyech—there’s a profile for every squad.
African stars are well represented too. Emmanuel Dennis of Nigeria, Ghana’s defensive stalwart Daniel Amartey, and Morocco’s maestro Hakim Ziyech all seek fresh challenges as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations looms, adding continental intrigue to their next moves.
Here’s the full countdown of the most valuable free agents right now (market values via Transfermarkt):
1️⃣ Takehiro Tomiyasu (Japan) – €18.00m
2️⃣ Renan Lodi (Brazil) – €13.00m
3️⃣ Sergio Reguilón (Spain) – €6.00m
4️⃣ Josh Dasilva (England) – €5.00m
5️⃣ Hakim Ziyech (Morocco) – €4.50m
6️⃣ Sasa Zdjelar (Serbia) – €3.50m
7️⃣ Rick Karsdorp (Netherlands) – €3.00m
8️⃣ Paco Alcácer (Spain) – €3.00m
9️⃣ Emmanuel Dennis (Nigeria) – €2.50m
10️⃣ Jamal Lewis (Northern Ireland) – €2.50m
11️⃣ Paweł Dawidowicz (Poland) – €2.50m
12️⃣ Daniel Amartey (Ghana) – €2.50m
13️⃣ Zymer Bytyqi (Kosovo) – €2.50m
14️⃣ Joshua Brenet (Curaçao) – €2.50m
15️⃣ Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (England) – €2.10m
With proven talent sitting idle, the January window—or even a pre-deadline swoop in leagues still open—could turn these free agents into season-defining signings. For ambitious clubs, the market is whispering one message: move fast or miss out.
