by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 8, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Galatasaray remain determined in their pursuit of Victor Osimhen and are preparing a fresh offer to Napoli after their initial €60 million bid was turned down.
While the Turkish giants have already agreed personal terms with the Nigerian striker on a deal until June 2028, Napoli are holding out for a higher fee and improved payment structure.
Negotiations between both clubs are ongoing as Galatasaray seek to land the marquee signing of the summer.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 8, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Despite a 2-0 defeat to defending champions South Africa in their opening match of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren is drawing confidence from his team’s performance.
The Swedish tactician believes Ghana showed promise against one of the toughest opponents in the competition and remains optimistic about progressing from Group C.
“We were playing against the previous champions, so maybe it’s the toughest game you can play at this tournament,” Bjorkegren said in his post-match comments. “We did many good things, and we will take the positives with us into the next two games. I’m pretty sure we are going to make the playoffs, which is important.”
The Black Queens will aim to bounce back when they face Mali on Friday, July 11, before concluding their group campaign with a crucial clash against Tanzania.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 8, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Swedish top-tier side Hammarby IF have officially tabled a €700,000 bid for Ghanaian winger Frank Junior Adjei, intensifying competition for the IFK Varnamo star, according to reports from Expressen and sources close to Sportsblog247.com.
The 21-year-old former Bibiani GoldStars attacker has emerged as one of the most promising talents in the Allsvenskan this season, notching two goals and an assist in 14 league games despite Varnamo’s fluctuating form.
Adjei’s explosive pace and flair on the flanks have made him a standout figure, earning admiration from fans and pundits alike. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with current league leaders Mjallby AIF also expressing strong interest, setting the stage for a potential bidding war.
Still under contract with Varnamo until 2026, the club holds a strong negotiating position but is reportedly open to further discussions.
A move to Stockholm-based Hammarby could represent a significant step up for Adjei, boosting his career trajectory and possibly enhancing his chances of breaking into the Black Stars setup.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 8, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Joseph Paintsil’s return to form couldn’t have come at a better time.
The Ghanaian forward has been named in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Team of the Week for Matchday 22 after a standout performance in LA Galaxy’s commanding 3-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps.
After going five weeks without a goal, Paintsil broke the drought in style — first calmly converting a penalty on the hour mark, then curling home a sublime finish with 13 minutes to play at Dignity Health Sports Park. His brace not only sealed the points for Galaxy but also served a timely reminder of his quality.
The 26-year-old Black Stars winger joins an illustrious lineup that includes Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi and goalkeeper John Pulskamp of Sporting Kansas City.
Also featured in the weekly XI are Carlos Harvey (Minnesota United), Ethan Bartlow (Houston Dynamo), Mitja Ilenič and Hannes Wolf (New York City FC), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Erik Thommy (Sporting KC), Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), and striker Ezequiel Ponce (Houston Dynamo).
Paintsil, who has now registered three goals and one assist in 15 league appearances this season, will be hoping to build on this momentum as Galaxy continue their playoff push.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 8, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In a statement that’s sure to spark fierce debate among fans, former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director, Ibrahim Sannie Daara, has boldly declared that Mohammed Kudus is “more talented than Bukayo Saka.”
Speaking to 3Sports, Sannie Daara argued that the Ghanaian playmaker would be a guaranteed starter at any club he joins:
> “There is no team that Mohammed Kudus will go to and be on the bench… Kudus is more talented than Bukayo Saka.”
Kudus, who made an explosive impact at West Ham United with 19 goals in 80 appearances, has become one of the hottest names in this summer’s transfer window. Though Tottenham Hotspur remain front-runners for his signature, Chelsea and clubs in the Saudi Pro League are circling.
Spurs’ opening £50 million bid has already been rejected, with West Ham holding out for £85 million from Premier League suitors, per a release clause valid during the first 10 days of July. European sides may pay around £80m, while Saudi clubs would have to shell out a massive £120m.
The 24-year-old Ghanaian is said to favour a move to Tottenham and is determined to continue playing in European competitions next season.
