by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Bayer Leverkusen are on the verge of sealing their latest summer signing, with Ernest Poku undergoing his medical ahead of a €10m move — plus €2m in bonuses — from AZ Alkmaar.
The 21-year-old Dutch-Ghanaian winger was spotted arriving at the German champions’ facilities, as reported by Bild, and is expected to put pen to paper on a four-year contract until 2029.
Poku will join a growing list of attacking recruits for Leverkusen this summer, following the arrivals of Malik Tillman (€35m), Ibrahim Maza (€12m), Christian Kofane (€5.25m), and Farid Alfa-Ruprecht (€1.3m).
Over the weekend, Poku played 77 minutes in Alkmaar’s 4-1 Eredivisie opening-day win over FC Groningen, assisting Denso Kasius. During his time at AZ, the Hamburg-born forward registered 6 goals and 14 assists in 79 appearances across all competitions — including 10 Europa League matches last season.
Leverkusen fans will be eager to see how Poku’s pace and creativity bolster Xabi Alonso’s attack as they prepare to defend their Bundesliga crown.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Daniel Afriyie Barnieh is on a red-hot streak in the Swiss Challenge League, scoring in his third consecutive match to inspire FC Aarau to a 2-0 home victory over Neuchâtel Xamax over the weekend.
The 24-year-old, handed another starting role, broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, giving Aarau an early lead they carried into halftime. Barnieh’s tireless display lasted until the 76th minute, when he was replaced by Henri Koide, who sealed the win in stoppage time.
Since joining Aarau this summer from FC Zurich on a two-year deal, the former Hearts of Oak star has been in scintillating form — scoring three goals in as many games to kick off the 2025/26 season.
Barnieh’s explosive start has quickly made him one of the standout performers in the league, giving Aarau fans plenty to cheer about as the campaign unfolds.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfield star Thomas Partey has expressed his joy after making his first appearance for Villarreal, coming off the bench in a pre-season clash against Aston Villa at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
The 31-year-old, who recently signed a two-year deal with the Spanish outfit after leaving Arsenal in June, featured in the second half as the Yellow Submarine fell 2-0 to their Premier League opponents.
Aston Villa struck early through Ollie Watkins in the 23rd minute, before Emiliano Buendia doubled the lead just four minutes into the second half.
Sharing his thoughts on Instagram, Partey posted:
> “First minutes in the tank, God is good.”
With Villarreal preparing for their UEFA Champions League campaign, Partey’s vast experience — including his previous La Liga stint with Atletico Madrid — is expected to be pivotal in the club’s 2025/26 season ambitions.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 11, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare has broken his silence on the swirling rumours surrounding his future at Belgian Pro League side KRC Genk, admitting the ongoing uncertainty has left him frustrated.
The 24-year-old has been linked with potential moves to the Premier League and Bundesliga, but so far, no club has tabled a concrete offer.
Despite starting all three of Genk’s opening matches on the bench, Arokodare made his mark on Sunday night, coming on to score in the Smurfs’ 2-1 defeat to Standard Liege.
Speaking to Voetbalkrant, the Super Eagles striker revealed the emotional toll of the situation:
> “It’s very frustrating, not knowing what’s going on. I’m trying to stay calm, even though my head is racing. My friends and loved ones keep me mentally stable.
I can’t say anything about it because I don’t know anything myself. You hear rumours, I hear rumours — but nothing concrete yet. I don’t know if I’ll leave this season or next.”
With the transfer window clock ticking, Arokodare’s next move remains one of the intriguing stories to watch.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Aug 10, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
The transfer battle for Soungoutou Magassa has taken a decisive turn as Nottingham Forest officially tabled a €13 million bid plus add-ons for the talented AS Monaco defender. However, Monaco remain resolute, insisting on €18 million plus add-ons before sanctioning his departure.
Magassa himself is reportedly eager to make the switch to the City Ground, drawn by the allure of Premier League action and the prospect of European football. Negotiations are ongoing as Forest push to close the gap and secure their target.
